The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years

December 12, 2011Vol. 29, No. 20

Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4The World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 From the Board Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Inside:

www.newfrontierpublications.orgFacebook: tsanewfrontier

For such a time as this

GENERAL LINDA BOND’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2011

HOW RELEVANT is the Christmas story for the 21st century? It is celebrated every year with carols, trees, glitter, lights and gifts, but is the coming of Jesus into the world of any significance for such a time as this? More than two thousand years separate us. Where are the points of connection? The answer becomes clear when we look at two groups that played a central role in the first Christmas—the wise men and the shepherds. The two groups have often been contrasted, emphasizing the differences of occupation, religious background and learning. However, what they have in common may be what relates to us now.

Both groups were men of reflection, the wise men studying the heavens, looking for signs; the shepherds with their long evening hours think-ing of their occupied homeland and wondering

when the promised Mes-siah would come. Surely there was an expectation that something would happen, must hap-pen, to bring peace to the world. Would such reflection give birth to hope? I think so.

Both groups experi-enced a divine interven-tion—a revelation. The

shepherds were visited by an angelic host announc-ing the birth of the Savior of the world. The wise men saw a star which became their guiding light to lead them to the Christ child. These two groups of very different men responded to the supernatural

GENERAL’S MESSAGE, page 8

And if we do leave our comfort zone to seek the God who seeks us, we will discover that he is real, just as the shepherds and the wise men did.

Alaskan philanthropist wins contestn National online Red Kettle Contest winner gives his prize to friends.

Displaying the true spirit of Christmas, this year’s winner of The Salvation Army’s Online Red Kettle Contest gave his prize—an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day football game—to his friends.

To win the contest, Nick Pepperworth of Anchorage, Alaska, collected donations from the highest number of individual donors. With a total of 39 contributors to his kettle, he has raised $18,355 and continues receiving donations.

Along with the trip to Dallas to see the Cowboys play the Miami Dolphins, the prize included field-level passes for Enrique Iglesias’ performance during The Salvation

General Linda Bond

Nick Pepperworth

PEPPERWORTH, page 9

The Christmas Miraclen Portland Tabernacle corps officer had an unexpected encounter last Christmas Eve.

BY RAYMOND DIHLE, LT.It happened last Christmas Eve.I had just dispatched the drivers

to pick up the kettles and stands. It was the final day of the kettle campaign and there was a light at the end of the tunnel—kettles were almost done! With the last driver sent out, I dragged myself to my office and sat down at my desk to catch up on my email while I waited for the drivers to return.

Christmas planning started months ago and I had been going non-stop since the beginning of October. Every corps officer works hard this time of year; I was tired. I felt like I had missed Christmas. Not the lights and the bells and the music—they were everywhere and impossible to miss. I felt I had passed right by the reason for the season, the joy of Jesus’ birth and the truth that it brings. In their place were Ring-Bells.org, counting kettles, hiring bell ringers, bank deposits,

MIRACLE, page 8

BOOT CAMP 4 YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING

SAYNETWORK.COM/BC4JUNE 4-7, 2012PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER

BOLDBOOT CAMP:

BOLD

Visiting “Terrible’s Town”n Las Vegas outreach team finds “homesteaders” in Pahrump, Nev.

Volunteers from the Las Vegas Salvation Army’s PATH—Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness—ventured to Pahrump, Nev., for outreach and discovered “Terrible’s Town.”

While team members Melina Castro and Kevin Whalen served coffee from the Army canteen (mobile kitchen), a few homeless indi-viduals told them about the two encampments—Terrible’s Town—behind Smith’s Grocery and the Nugget Casino.

In the first camp, Castro and Whalen served coffee and water, and filled water jugs for the residents, who refer to themselves as “homestead-ers.”

“I’ve been here for seven years,” said Mary, one inhabit-ant. “I’ve never seen anything like this [canteen] before. I’m so thankful.”

The second camp included trailers spread out across the desert with many individuals and a few dogs. Homesteaders told the team that the land is private property, but the owner doesn’t mind their presence.

A pastor from Helping Hands for Jesus donated most of the campers.

The team connected with a number of the camp’s residents. The husband of one is currently a beneficiary in the Reno (Nev.) Adult Rehabilitation Center; the woman asked for help contact-ing him. Following conversa-tions with the team, a young

TJ, a resident of “Terrible’s Town,” stands outside his home in the desert near Pahrump, Nev. Photo by Kevin Whalen

TERRIBLE’S TOWN, page 9

BY JIM SPARKSYouth leaders and corps officers

from across the Western Territory will gather June 4, 2012, for the fourth Boot Camp. This Boot Camp will take place at the Pasadena Convention Center three days prior to The Gathering.

The guest speaker list for Boot Camp has turned into one of our best yet, with a diversity and range of topics to appeal to all. Main ses-sion speakers include General Linda Bond, Jonathan Acuff (jonacuff.com), Dawn O’Brien (morning show radio host at The Fish 95.5 in Hawaii), Doug Fields (dougfields.com), Dr. Kara Powell (Fuller Youth Institute), Eugene Cho (eugenecho.com), and Captain Roy Wild (territorial youth secretary).

For the first time, this Boot Camp will run on a track system, where delegates can attend learn-ing tracks specific to their area of interest, including a “Sticky Faith” track on the transition from high school to college with Fuller Youth Institute, a parenting/relationship in ministry track with Dr. Jim Burns, and a practical youth ministry track with Amy Jacober. The guest speak-ers will trade off each day and share their expertise.

Boot Camp 2012 will also feature our own workshop teachers from around the Western Territory in the afternoon, offering up to 60 work-shops on various topics that will equip, resource, and encourage.

In addition to great teaching and speaking, the event offers ample opportunity to network with other youth and corps leaders—a perfect time to “borrow” ideas and make

BOOT CAMP, page 9

The Word became human and lived among us (John 1:14 GW).

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.—The Automobile Club (AAA) of Northern California, Nevada and Utah donated more than 2,000 pounds of frozen turkeys to the Golden State Division. They made two deliveries, dropping off 53 turkeys to the Harbor Light Center and 40 to The Salvation Army Salinas Corps.

Envoy Jack Clitheroe, San Francisco Harbor Light Center executive director, thanked AAA, saying, “They are a major reason The Salvation Army is able feed thousands of individuals every Thanksgiving.”

HUNTINGTON PARK, CALIF.—Maria Ramirez from the Southeast Communities Corps reports that on Nov. 9, the Starbucks’ headquarters manager conducted three sessions—with 80-90 people attending each—promoting Christmas and partnership with The Salvation Army. Last year Starbucks sponsored 12 Angel Giving Tree sites and helped distribute toys to 900 families. Impressed with the way The Salvation Army helps people, this year Starbucks hopes to do even more.

LAKE HAVASU, ARIZ.—Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, The Salvation Army provides a sack lunch at the corps for anyone who is hungry. Word is getting around, and the distribution has grown from 20 meals a week to over 60; in the last two months, the corps gave out over 350 meals per month.

Corps Officers Major Larry and Captain Julie Feist thank the volunteers who help make and distribute the lunches: Diane Nelson, Virginia Harp, Amanda Freeman, Brittany Brewer, Maureen Smith and Joyce Harris.

CHULA VISTA, CALIF.—The Hispanic home league recently enrolled eight new members. Between May and November 2011 it has enrolled 26 new members, with an average meeting attendance of 19-24 women, an increase of 60 percent from last year.

Majors Carlos and Rosa Rodriguez are corps officers.

RENO, NEV.—The corps, led by Majors Michael and Janene Zielinski, enrolled 10 adherents on Nov. 13—five men and five women. Two are long time ARP graduates and at least five have prison records. All are new creations in Christ. They have attended the 10 weeks of preparation classes and have a service ministry within the corps. Several are looking forward to senior soldiership in the future.

SITKA, ALASKA—Despite taking place during one of the worst rain and windstorms in recent memory, a food drive sponsored by the local radio station raised $10,000 and resulted in 9,650 pounds of donated food for The Salvation Army.

Captain Terrance and Major Evadne Wright are corps officers.

December 12, 2011New Frontier2

KarenGleason

Editor

N E W S B R I E F S O F T H E W E S T

Doing theMost Good

Totally tubular—”Surf the Kettle”

Railton Place turns 3n San Francisco’s transitional housing program reflects and looks forward.

The Salvation Army’s Railton Place in San Francisco—nestled in a high-crime neighborhood in a city with one of the country’s highest homelessness rates—celebrated its third anniversary in 2011.

With 110 transitional and perma-nent housing units, the facility supports some of the city’s most vulnerable people: the chronically homeless, recov-ering addicts and alcoholics, veterans in recovery and aged-out foster youth.

“Railton Place is unlike any program in The Salvation Army—possibly unlike any program in the country,” said Captain Lisa Smith, program administrator.

Contributing to the success of Railton Place are its caring staff, case managers and administrators, who cre-ate a family-like environment for the clients—some of whom no longer have families of their own. Staff personnel know each resident by name. Dorm floors are co-ed and mix ages from 18-85, allowing older residents to share life experiences with the youth.

The curriculum offers job readiness classes, resume and job application assistance, educational support and counseling, a music class and a weekly food market trip.

Physical fitness and other class opportunities are available at the nearby Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, which is within walking dis-tance of Railton Place. Every client receives a free membership.

In honor of its three-year existence, a new education lab opened, containing five computers, two printers and access to GED and job readiness software to assist residents with their educational and vocational needs. The center also commemorates the many lives already impacted.

“We just see lives changing for the better,” Smith said. “There may be a few that seemingly don’t make progress, but for every one of those, there are two or three that shine.”

David Kitka, from the Sitka Corps, was out at the kettle on “White Friday” despite a big snow storm. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will deter volunteers from doing their part to help The Salvation Army keep the bells ringing this Christmas season! Photo courtesy of the Daily Sitka Sentinel, James Poulson

n Phoenix South Mountain Corps takes Thanksgiving into the community.

The Phoenix South Mountain Corps faced a challenge this Thanksgiving—where would it hold its annual holiday dinner?

The neighborhood Safeway market saved the day, providing its parking lot for the occasion.

The Thanksgiving dinner—a tradition for 11 years—has always been indoors. This year, however, the corps did not have an appropriate facility, due to the ongoing construction of the new Kroc Center, so the dinner moved outside.

“For the first time we took this dinner into our community instead of having our community come to us to get it,” said Corps Officer Major Guy Hawk.

Under the direction of advisory board member, community leader and owner of Spee-D-Tees BBQ, Ted McClure, Phoenix South Mountain served a Thanksgiving barbecue to over 1,000 people in the parking lot of a Safeway store in the heart of South Phoenix.

About 25 Rosa Linda Elementary School students helped with setup. Arizona State University (ASU) students interacted with the kids—face painting, coloring and games. RJ Kroc, the crocodile mascot for the Kroc Center, took pictures. A group of classic car owners displayed their vehicles. Corps members mingled with the crowd, while Kroc staff handed out information about the new center. Representatives from CVS/Caremark seated and served

Phoenix feast in Safeway parking lot

n Giant red kettle is unveiled at a San Diego surfing competition.

BY ASHLEE GONCALVES-HELLINSKI and SUZI WOODRUFF LACEY

The Salvation Army Sierra del Mar Division unveiled its new 5-ft. tall red kettle at a major surfing competition Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego.

Divisional headquarters needed a new red kettle for local events, and they also wanted to inform a younger demographic about the Army’s work. Brainstorming ideas that were relevant and creative, Army team members came up with the “Surf the Kettle” idea. They partnered with George Gall, a master shaper at Plus One Surfboards, who con-structed a giant kettle from surfboard mate-rials. They then contacted a local surf club to help with the kettle’s unveiling.

The 5 ft. x 5 ft. red kettle is made from foam specially cut, shaped and encased in Fiberglas. Walter N. Coffman—of WNC Foam Shapes—donated all the foam for the kettle and lid. As a child during the Great Depression, he had received help from The Salvation Army and wanted to give back.

During the event, surfers from WindanSea Surf Club walked around car-rying shields with a QR (Quick Response) bar code, offering a quick and easy way to donate. “Stoked” surfers stopped by for a photo with the kettle and children were hoisted up to drop their gifts in. Many adults had to stand on their toes to insert their offerings.

“The red kettle was a great draw for the surfing community and provided a center-piece and pulpit for us to share the mission of The Salvation Army with others,” said Captain Kenneth Perine, divisional secre-tary for business and programs. “Many who heard the message and saw us were person-ally thankful for our work and presence. We are a trusted organization with a clear mission. The sunny day and good surf just added to the event.”

Making its holiday rounds, the kettle can be seen at the El Cajon Corps’ holiday party at Viejas Casino, several fundraising break-fasts, the ABC 10/Westfield Mission Valley Winter Fest and on the field at the San Diego Chargers/CBS 8’s Red Kettle Event Dec. 11.

“WHITE FRIDAY” IN ALASKA

PHOENIX, page 3A boy enjoys a Thanksgiving meal in a grocery store parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. Photo by Chris Mitchell

December 12, 2011New Frontier 3Doing the

Most Good

Read

TCSPEAKwith Territorial CommanderCommissioner James Knaggs

online at tcspeak.com

n Kettle Kickoff in Modesto exceeds last year’s total.

Seven minutes produced $192,487 for The Salvation Army in Modesto, Calif., thanks to community support at the 19th annual Kettle Kickoff on Nov. 17.

Over 1,200 people attended the kickoff luncheon at the Modesto Centre Plaza, where 29 teams of local celebrity bell ringers—business leaders and service club members—dashed around the room for seven minutes with red kettles, collecting money from guests. Last year’s event raised $184,000.

Before the seven-minute sprint, bell-ringing teams also collected money, attempting to win the team competition. The “Christmas Angels” team—Kenni Friedman, Stacey Filippi, Lynn Dickerson and Jean Smith—came in first, collecting $36,656. The second place team, “The Samaritans 1”—Tracey Kerr and Denise Ganji—raised $30,753, and the third place “Do Gooders” team—Jeanne Abbott and Patty Stone—brought in $11,551.

Each year, dollar bills—this time, 5,000—float down “from heaven” to be collected and placed in kettles. This money, given by an anonymous donor, drops from the rafters into the auditorium.

“This was a magnificent event, like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” said Captain Michael Paugh, Stanislaus County coordinator. “Looking up and seeing it snow money is incredible. We thank God for being a part of this generous community.”

Guests enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving buffet meal prepared by the Modesto Citadel staff. Lt. Colonel Judy Smith, territorial program secretary, spoke to the assembly and Lt. Colonel Stephen Smith, Golden State divisional commander, presented the Others Award to Friedman.

Majors John and Kathy Reed also attended; they began this tradition 19 years ago when they were short $7,000 before a planned homeless feeding.

A few days after the kettle kickoff, the Modesto Salvation Army

along with several hundred volunteers again met at the Plaza for the Thanks-for-giving meal—a 26-year tradition—and served over 1,200 meals. Advisory Board member Denise Costa and her husband, Dan, led the event. Each year the Costases send out letters for support, typically this brings in $10-15,000. They tried something different this year, stating that they would match the money donated, dollar for dollar, and raised over $43,000. They will be presenting a check to The Salvation Army for $87,000.

7 Minutes = $192,487

Left to right: Dan Costa and Denise Costa (owners of 5.11 Tactical Gear and event sponsors); Kenni Friedman, recipient of the Others Award; Major Beth Paugh and Captain Michael Paugh

Photo by Matt Fredrick

Amber Sullins: Sunny skies in Phoenixn Lifelong Salvationist and Emmy winner is chief meteorologist at ABC15.

Amber Sullins, chief meteorologist for ABC15 News in Phoenix, Ariz., is a Salvationist and soldier at the Phoenix Citadel Corps.

Sullins, who joined the ABC15 team in September 2009, anchors the weather news nightly on air and updates the forecast hour-by-hour on ABC15.com and ABC15 Mobile.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in atmospheric science with a double minor in math and journalism at the University of Arizona (UA) in Tucson. While at UA she worked at the National Weather Service.

Sullins started her career at KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas, where she received Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Awards for Best Weathercasts in 2007 and 2008. In May 2009, the Texas Legislature recognized her for these awards, passing a house resolution in her honor.

In addition, Sullins volunteered with the El Paso Extreme Weather Task Force, taught introductory meteorol-ogy classes at the University of Texas El Paso Center for Lifelong Learning and authored a children’s book about severe weather safety.

She earned the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation, the highest seal attainable for a televi-sion meteorologist, and was the 2010

SULLINS, page 9

n The Salvation Army in Honolulu entertains, provides dinner and kicks off its Red Kettle Campaign.

BY DANIEL de CASTROThe Salvation Army in Honolulu turned

no one away Nov. 24 from its 41st annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

The entertainment included popular local duo Hapa, the Honolulu Boy Choir, Joe and Shirley Recca, Halua Hula’o Namakahulali and The Salvation Army Island Brass Band.

Since 1970, the Army has welcomed anyone in the community, especially those alone, homeless, elderly and needy. Tickets are free.

More than 800 volunteers helped pre-

pare and serve a meal for 2,000 guests. McKenzie, 17, said volunteering “makes you feel good.”

“It’s very gratifying to be able provide this service to people. A lot of people come to us who are hungry, who are homeless—and some people who are just lonely,” said Major Edward Hill, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional commander.

A few days earlier, on Nov. 21, The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle presented the first ceremonial donation then spent time bell ringing.

Partnering with Central Pacific Bank, the Army launched its Angel Giving Tree pro-gram. Bank CEO and President John Dean announced that every bank branch would be accepting toys and gifts.

n Partnerships help The Salvation Army make sure every child receives a Christmas gift.

BY MELISSA MCKEWENIn Metro Denver, Colorado’s Own

Channel 2 and Fox 31 teamed up with PepsiCo and Sam’s Club to help The Salvation Army make sure every child within its reach receives a Christmas gift.

Last year, the Army assisted over 20,000 people in the Metro area, and more requests have come in this year.

“We are expecting an increase of around 10 to 12 percent more this year, with more last minute families than ever,” said Intermountain Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Daniel Starrett.

To meet the need, The Salvation Army and its partners hosted the Hope for Holidays Toy Drive on Dec. 10, when people could donate new, unwrapped toys at The Salvation

Army facility or at eight participating Sam’s Club locations.

“All of our Sam’s Club locations are currently accepting toys,” said Tracy Carter from Sam’s Club. “We encourage our associates and members of the community to donate as many toys as they can during this event.”

Sam’s Club employees volunteered to help with loading the toys on the day of the event. PepsiCo worked with Sam’s Club to promote the event, and also brought in volunteers and trucks for the toy collection.

Colorado’s Own Channel and Fox 31 opened their station for drop offs. Both stations also had a presence at the various Sam’s Club locations.

“This isn’t about us or our part-ners, it’s about serving children,” Starrett said. “The goal is to collect as many toys as we can to try and make Christmas merry for every child.”

Denver has ‘Hope for the Holidays’

Children receive Christmas presents thanks to The Salvation Army and its partners in Denver. Photo by Gary Ward

Holidays in Hawaii

Honolulu Mayor Pete Carlisle makes a credit card donation at a Savlation Army kettle.

Photo by Daniel de Castro

guests while local police officers provided security.

“This was a pure community event from beginning to end. It was such a great success because of the strong volunteer base which has developed through the years,” said Captain Chris Mitchell, associate corps officer. “It was a great expression of Salvationism in the way that it brought people together to serve and share with one another.”

PHOENIX from page 2

December 12, 2011New Frontier4 Doing the

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Actor remakes song for charityn Robert Davi records Christmas classic in support of Red Kettle

World-renowned actor and record-ing artist Robert Davi released his re-imagined version of the Christmas classic song, “Mistletoe and Holly” to help The Salvation Army provide emergency assis-tance to the millions of families in need this Christmas season.

Available Dec. 13 for purchase on both iTunes and Amazon.com, 100 percent of Davi’s proceeds from the sale of his new single will be donated to the Army’s 120th annual Red Kettle Campaign.

“‘Mistletoe and Holly” is a Christmas classic, and I’m excited to release it in demanding support of this classic charity during the Christmas season,” Davi said. “This is a great opportunity to help make more Christmas dreams come true for children, teens and seniors in need.”

Davi recorded the Christmas single in honor of the great Frank Sinatra, who originally released the song on his 1957 Christmas album, A Jol l y C hristm as from F rank Si natra.

“Music has always been a big part of The Salvation Army, especially at Christmas, so partnering with a singer like Robert Davi is a great and natural fit,” said Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. “Every dollar donated from Davi’s proceeds of the single will help us provide assistance to nearly four million people in need this Christmas season.”

n Support comes just in time for those who need help.

Walmart’s $1 million donation to the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign in late November will help provide hunger relief at Salvation Army programs across the country, which have witnessed a sig-nificant increase in need since 2007. The company is the largest supporter of the Red Kettle Campaign—having raised more than $42 million in 2010 through thousands of red kettles stationed outside Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations.

“We are grateful for Walmart’s support in helping The Salvation Army provide critical services, not only during the holi-day season but throughout the year,” said Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander for The Salvation Army. “Walmart is a valued partner, and their generosity enables us to continue our work and help those in need.”

In its “Feeding the Need 2011” report released earlier this year, The Salvation Army found that 94 percent of its food service programs witnessed increases in requests for food assistance in 2010.

With the lingering effects of the eco-nomic recession impacting families nationwide, Salvation Army food pro-grams are continuing to use donations to maintain services and keep their shelves stocked.

“The prevalence of hunger in America has made it more important than ever to support food programs,” Roberts said. “With the help of donors and corporate partners such as Walmart, The Salvation Army can address the rising need and provide food and service programs where it’s needed most.”

Walmart donates $1 million to The Salvation Army

Kettle flash mob hits Birmingham

The first-ever flash mob for The Salvation Army helped kick off the Red Kettle season Nov. 18 in Birmingham, Ala., with more than 50 dancers.

Holiday music at the Colonial Brookwood Village Mall unexpectedly shifted to a dance version of “Silver Bells” while members of the mob threw off their jackets and began dancing and ringing silver bells.

“We had six practices of 40 to 50 peo-ple since the 1st of November, and we had different people every time,” Brian Wallace, spokesman for Birmingham Salvation Army, told T he B irm ingham N ew s. “We really had no idea how many people would come. Red Kettle is the largest fundraiser we have every year, and we were looking for a way to kick it off boldly.”

The dancers—volunteers ranging in age from 5 to 80—spent several weeks practicing the dance under the direction of choreographer Carl Dean.

Watch the video at http://youtu.be/k0VGQWkaG7I and visit birmingham-salvationarmy.org.

Approximately 40 million viewers tuned in for the Dallas Cowboys game and The Salvation Army’s 15th annual Red Kettle Kickoff halftime performance on Thanksgiving Day, featuring Enrique Iglesias.The Army’s partnership with the Cowboys began in 1997 and since that time, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.4 billion with the support of the Dallas Cowboys and the Jones Family: team owner Jerry Jones, his wife and Salvation Army National Advisory Board member Gene Jones, and his daughter and Salvation Army National Advisory Board Chairperson Charlotte Jones Anderson.

Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

National Kettle Kicko� seen by millionsCaring’s first image contest open for submissions

In anticipation of the spring 2012 issue on generations, Caring is holding its first-ever image contest. Submissions should cap-ture generational changes in The Salvation Army throughout the last century and will be accepted in three formats: photography, altered images and mixed media. The winning image will receive a spread in the spring issue; second and third place images will also be printed in the issue.

Please send image submissions to caring@usw.salvationarmy.org or by mail to 180 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802. The deadline for all submissions is Jan. 7, 2012.

Connect with Caring regularly at facebook.com/CaringMagazine.

Stearns & Foster helps the Army give the gift of sleepn For every mattress sold, the company will donate $100 toward new mattresses for residential shelters.

Stearns & Foster, a luxury brand of Sealy®, announced a renewed commitment to The Salvation Army through the 2011 Gift of Sleep program.

“We feel it is imperative for all Americans to consider giving back, especially during the holi-days,” said Jodi Allen, chief marketing officer, Sealy. “Through our renewed partnership with The Salvation Army, we hope to remind others of the importance of holiday giving and inspire them to help those less fortunate.”

As part of the 2011 Gift of Sleep program, for every Stearns & Foster mattress sold between Nov. 23, 2011, and Jan. 8, 2012, by participat-ing retailers, Stearns & Foster will donate $100 toward new mattresses for The Salvation Army’s residential shelters, with a total value of up to $1 million. In its second year, the program calls attention to the nearly 3.5 million Americans experiencing homelessness, while emphasizing the Army’s continued need for mattress dona-tions. Participating Stearns & Foster retailers can also support The Salvation Army local resi-dential shelters by participating in a retailer gift-matching opportunity.

For more information on the Stearns & Foster Gift of Sleep program, visit stearnsand-foster.com.

National Commander rings the bellCommissioner William A. Roberts, National Commander of The Salvation

Army in the United States, represented the Army at a red kettle location outside of Starbucks in Old Town Alexandria, Va., Dec. 2.

Standing in the cold with a bell in one hand, a coffee occasionally in the other and always a grateful smile on his face, Roberts wished passersby a Merry Christmas and offered a boisterous “thank you” to all who donated to the kettle.

When his shift ended, Commissioner Nancy Roberts, National President of Women’s Ministries, took over the bell ringing with Salvation Army Lt. Col. Sandra Defibaugh. National Headquarters staff manned the kettle for a number of days in support of the Red Kettle Campaign.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

Commissioner William A. Roberts, national commander and bell ringer extraordinairePhoto courtesy of National Headquarters

December 12, 2011New Frontier 5Doing the

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Elsewhere in theworld

AUSTRALIA—As the first anniversary of the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi approaches, The Salvation Army will launch and distribute more than 30,000 free DVDs to remind those affected that they have not been forgotten. The DVD, “Still Standing,” tells the stories of three Australians who lived through major natural disasters, experienced great loss, and walked the slow road to recovery. Watch the film at stillstanding.org.au, or read the media release at salvos.org.au.

The stillstanding website will provide resources plus a forum where people can share their experiences.

From salvos.org.au

HAITI—The Salvation Army hopes to partner with Visual Compassion to supply jobs and glasses to vulnerable populations in Port-au-Prince and southern Haiti.

Visual Compassion founder and CEO Joey Dollack believes the Army’s greatest asset is its infrastruc-ture and he wants to tap into it to deliver prescription glasses to com-munities the Army serves. With this comes the need for trained techni-cians and screening stations, address-ing the need for affordable eye care and jobs.

From salvationarmyhaiti.org

U.K.—The Horsham Corps was honored as Charity of the Year at an awards ceremony sponsored by the Horsham District Council and the West Sussex County Times. More than 400 people attended the event.

Corps Officer Captain Susan Woodgate accepted the award on behalf of the corps members who had given feet to their faith by working in the community.

From Salvationist/uk, Nov. 5, 2011

TOGO—To support The Salvation Army’s growing ministry in Togo, Divisional Envoy Stuart Gay (U.K. Territory) recently traveled there, leading meetings at 10 of 12 Salvation Army societies.

At a joint meeting of the Ountivou, Tohoun and Gkpekpe societies, 198 people attended; 194 approached the mercy seat. At Atakpame, the congregation worked all night to roof the building where their meeting would take place. Six people later came forward for salvation. At Notse, a man pledged to return to his village to try to establish a Salvation Army work there.

From Salvationist/uk, Nov. 5, 2011

CENTRAL AMERICA—The Salvation Army assisted people affected by severe flooding. More than 90 fatalities occurred due to the heavy rains, which began in October, with the worst problems in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Over half a million individuals were affected with at least 100,000 forced to leave their homes.

The Latin America North Territory reported massive damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

Donations to the Latin America Fund can be made online at www.salvationarmy.org.

From salvationarmy.org/ihq

n The Salvation Army in Canada holds Christmas run/walks across the country.

On Dec. 3, 39 cities across Canada par-ticipated in The Salvation Army “Santa Shuffle” to raise funds to help the Army meet the needs of the poor in local neigh-borhoods.

The 5k/1k walk/run event serves two purposes: to bring families and friends together and to generate enough money to assist people in need during not only the Christmas season, but throughout the year.

In Sudbury, Ontario, the shuffle raised more than $20,000, which will be used to build a playground at Cedar Place, the Army’s new shelter.

“Cedar Place is a homeless shelter for women and families. We take people in who are homeless, and give them shelter until they can find a place to live on their own,” said Major Barbara Carey, adminis-trator.

The facility officially opened its doors in October 2011. Proceeds from last year’s Santa Shuffle helped renovate the Cedar Street home purchased for the shelter. Prior to this acquisition, The Salvation Army housed families in motel rooms.

“People need to give back to the com-munity. It’s all about the responsibility to take care of each other. That’s what the community is. It just makes people feel

good to do it,” Carey said.The Santa Shuffle was made possible

thanks to national partners All Weather Windows and The Running Room.

Shuffling with Santa tohelp families in need

Some of the younger Salvation Army Santa Shuffle participants pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo by Laura Stricker/The Sudbury Star

SpainGeneral Linda

Bond’s wel-come to Spain in late November included music by a united brass band and BASICO, a group combin-ing timbrels, brass instruments and a worship band. A women’s min-istries group sang “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”

Basing her mes-sage on Acts 2, Bond challenged listeners to not be ashamed of preaching the gos-pel. At her conclusion, many people responded to receive salvation and some accepted a call to officership.

While in Spain, she spoke at officers’ councils and hosted a pri-vate meeting with officers’ families.

Finland and EstoniaIn early December, General Linda Bond’s message to Helsinki—

during her trip to Finland and Estonia—urged Salvationists to pre-pare for revival and to go forward with joy and praise.

At the afternoon meeting, she spoke about the existence of evil and the importance of God’s people donning full armor in the battle against it.

The commissioning and ordination of cadets was the agenda for the evening service. Her message affirmed Jesus’ call to radical discipleship.

In her Sunday morning meeting, Bond emphasized that Christians are holy not only because they’re in Christ, but also because Christ is in them.

France and BelgiumThe General’s trip to France and Belgium—her first to those

countries—began with a meeting of officers and directors from the Army’s headquarters, followed by a public assembly.

After testimonies of two Salvationists, the General spoke of expectations put on Christians by people in their communities.

She urged all listeners to be sure of their calling and challenged them to forge ahead with love to present a transforming message of liberty and hope.

She further shared that today’s methods of evangelism may need to change from those used in past generations because con-temporary people are less sensitive to logical arguments and more sensitive to a witness based on actual experience. She encouraged Salvationists to walk their talk—let people see that their lives are in accord with their convictions.

In closing, the General reminded everyone of The Salvation Army’s International Vision: One army that has one mission, to go to people who are suffering, have broken lives and have been excluded from society with one message: the infinite love of Jesus.

KenyaIn late

November, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson and Commissioner Sue Swanson visited Kenya to celebrate the 90th anniversa-ry of The Salvation Army’s work in eastern Africa.

“Looking Back with Gratitude” was the focus at Saturday morning’s meeting, in contrast to the afternoon

message, “Looking Forward with Confidence.” More than 100 people knelt at the mercy seat in each session.

Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka praised the Army’s work in Kenya’s early childhood centers, primary and second-ary schools and vocational training centers. He told the crowd of more than 6,000, “Nothing liberates the mind and whole societies as much as education. Add Christian values to that and you have the best recipe for wholesome education. I can declare unreserv-edly that you have done good work in your 90 years…and that you deserve recognition for it.”

Compiled from international news reports

ON THE MOVEInternational leaders encourage Salvationists around the world.

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • ece ber 12 2011

FOR UNTO US A CHILD

IS BORN

ece ber 12 2011 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

God calls out to the city If you know what’s good for you, you’ll listen. So listen all of you. This is serious business! (Micah 6:9 MSG)

For unto us a child is born, a son is given. He will be named an Amazing Counselor, a Mighty God, an Eternal Father, a Prince of Peace, of Integrity, of Wholeness. He will rule with honesty and justice; his authority will grow, and there will be no limits to the wholeness he brings.

(Isaiah 9:6, MSG)

Isaiah’s magnificent prophecy still rings through the ages and echoes in the hearts of mankind throughout the world. He speaks of the coming of Messiah, Christ, Son of God— the Savior of humanity—available to each of us if we but believe.

This is how it happened.Seven centuries prior to the birth of the Christ child,

a prophecy had been given to the prophet, Micah. It identified the heritage, roles, and place of birth of the long- awaited Messiah. He wrote:

But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the runt of the litter—from you will come the leader who will shepherd- rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished. Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes until the birth pangs are over and the child is born, and scattered brothers come back home to the family of Israel. He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength, centered in the majesty of God- Revealed. And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect—Peacemaker of the world! (Micah 5:2-5, MSG)

Centuries later, God determined that it was time. He sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a young virgin named Mary who was engaged to be married to a local carpenter named Joseph, a descendent of David. Needless to say, Mary was startled, shaken and afraid.Gabriel reassured her: But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary: you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be?” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called The Son of God.” (Luke 1:30-35, NIV)

In those days, Rome ruled the known world, including the tribes of Israel. Augustus Caesar issued a decree that a census should be taken and the Roman tax collected everywhere in the Roman world. Each person was to go to his own town—the place of his heritage. So, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem.

It had been a strenuous and torturous trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem for Joseph and Mary, his betrothed and great with child. However, it was in Bethlehem where he was required to pay the Roman tax, for Bethlehem was David’s place of birth, and Joseph was from his line. Mary, his pregnant wife, accompanied him even though her time to give birth was upon them.

Joseph knew he was not the child’s natural father, and early in her pregnancy he had been of a mind to send her away. However, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream and said:

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”

(Matt. 1:20-21, NIV)

Joseph awoke and did exactly as the angel had commanded. Knowest thou, Bethlehem of Judea, that within your gates Has come deliverance for the world? The house of David arrived from throughout the land by Ox-cart and carriage, by camelback and heavy footsteps To lay Caesar’s tributes before agents of the king. And they came by stumbling, staggering hoof-beats of a heavily laden burro. Knowest thou, Bethlehem, that those clattering hoof-beats Pound out the rhythm of your liberation. Yes, by stumbling ass upon whose back is borne the maid For whom the star shines bright, And a girl returns home to mother a Messiah.

Rome had ruled the region the past 60 years. Bethlehem, six miles south of Jerusalem, surrounded in those days by pine forests and fertile soil, had a population of around 300. This figure swelled into the thousands during the period of tax collection when David’s descendents returned to “render unto Caesar what was Caesar’s.”

What do you see, bright star of eastern heavens? What do you see in the slumbering village of Bethlehem? No white hospital cot with sterile linen, No starched, trim nurses, No surgeons scrubbing up, No trays of silver instruments, No sterile gauze nor clean cotton, No willing hands trained to the task! These you do not see, star of the east over Bethlehem! These good things came because of him To ease the pain and travail of millions yet unborn While she who bore him trembles in the night!

On nearby hillsides, shepherds watched their flocks and marveled at the heavens. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared surrounded with the brilliance and glory of the Lord. They were greatly afraid. But the angel told them there was nothing to fear for he brought good news of great joy for all people. He said that a Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born. He urged them to go and find the babe lying in a manger.

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

(Luke 2:14, NIV)

Thou Bethlehem, the ills of all the world lie at thy doors And the heart of him to bear them beats within thy portals. Thou, Bethlehem! Time stops tonight For with that first, faint, feeble cry of infancy Your days are numbered new! Tear down your calendars, past remnants of a forgotten age! Start new tonight, O Bethlehem. For this is Christmas eve and everything the world records Henceforth dates from this minute.

And so, on Christmas Day Jesus of Nazareth was born —the sweetest, kindest Christmas gift this world has yet received. Peace can be ours and in the nations of the world. Grace is showered upon us with never-ending love. It is a gift, and gifts are to be opened.

The sins, the fears, the suffering and tears Of all mankind are solaced with a baby’s feeble cry!

POETRY BY LLOYD DOCTERNARRATIVE BY ROBERT DOCTER

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December 12, 20118 Doing the Most Good

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food boxes, meetings and kettle reports. As I sat at my desk, bothered by how

slowly my computer was starting up, I looked out the window into the gathering darkness and noticed a lone figure standing in our nearly empty parking lot. A woman, about 45 years old, was standing there. The corps, family services, and senior center were all closed. With nothing else going on in the neighborhood, she seemed out of place. She had her hand on her chin and was looking around with a worried expression on her face. I had never seen her before; she wasn’t one of the “regulars,” so I went outside to see what she had to say.

“I don’t know,” she said when I asked her if she was OK. “I guess I need a Christmas miracle,” she said and then fell silent. I waited a few moments before I asked her what she meant. “Well, I’ve been driving around, not knowing what to do or where to go. I’ve got a 15-year-old son, my husband doesn’t work, and I’ve got no money and no food. It’s Christmas and I have nothing. I need a Christmas miracle.”

We had just completed Christmas distribution, Adopt-a-Family, and Silvercrest distribution. Did we have anything left? I didn’t think so. I thought, “Great, just great. It’s Christmas Eve and the shelves are bare for her and for us.”

I said a quick prayer and told her that I don’t think we had anything left but if she would bring her car around, I would go in and check to see if anything remained in our pantry. As I walked through the now quiet hallways of the corps, I was pretty sure I would only be able to dig up a loaf of bread and maybe a can of green beans.

I unlocked the door to the pantry and flicked on the light. Looking around the room, I noticed one food box sitting on the conveyor. That’s odd—they are not

usually put there unless they are ready to go. I opened it up and to my surprise I found it to be a full food box! I threw it in the cart and felt a small bit of hope rising within me. Walking over to the freezer, I opened it up and found it empty except for one small turkey! Now I was starting to feel like something special was happening here. I grabbed the turkey and as I turned back toward the cart I noticed the potato bin held one five-pound sack. A Scripture verse started coming to me…how did that one go? I loaded it all in the cart and started heading back to the parking lot. As I passed my office I grabbed one of the giveaway Bibles I keep there and headed out the door.

She had just stepped out of her little beat-up hatchback when she spotted me heading her way. She saw the cart and

what was in it. She began to quietly cry. I loaded the food into the back of her car and handed her the Bible. She handed it back and I thought she did not want it, but she said, “Write something in it.”

I thought for a moment and wrote, “Always remember your Christmas Miracle of 2010.” She read what I had written, looked at the food, then at me and said, “My Christmas Miracle.” She smiled, got in her car and drove away.

As I got back into my office, the Scripture I had been trying to remember finally came to me: The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40 NIV).

I will never forget Christmas Eve 2010. It was the night I met Jesus in our parking lot.

MIRACLE from page 1

events and moved out of their comfort zones. Both shepherds and wise men took the divine signs seriously. An action of faith was needed and they took it.

God never disappoints. For both groups, the realization was all that God had promised. The Savior King was born. And whether it was kneeling at a manger or giving gifts to the child, shepherds and wise men all saw the face of God, the face of love in Jesus, Savior of the world!

This past year has been a time of unparalleled natural disasters, economic troubles and political upheavals. For such a time as this, reflecting on this world and perhaps even our own needs, there could be cause for despair. Yet Christmas is about hope, as it was two thousand years ago. Jesus not only came, he lived and died for the world. And he lives today! That gives us hope.

We may not see a host of angels this Christmas or a guiding star, but God will come to each one of us in a dis-cernible way, as he did to the shepherds and the wise men. We may choose to conclude that it is just the annual spirit of Christmas but it is God making himself known to us. How we react to it will be a matter of faith, a case of rising from our watch in the fields or following the star, so to speak. And if we do leave our comfort zone to seek the God who seeks us, we will discover that he is real, just as the shepherds and the wise men did.

He is love. We are loved. The Savior of the world came to earth many years ago but he also comes today to us, to you, to me.

—General Linda Bond

GENERAL’S MESSAGE from page 1

Majors Douglas and Leslie Peacock

Majors Douglas and Leslie Peacock recently entered honored retirement, each with over 42 years of service as a Salvation Army officer. Commissioner James Knaggs conducted their retirement at a territorial headquarters chapel ser-vice on Nov. 4. On Nov. 6, the Torrance Corps, where they have been faithful soldiers for over 18 years, held a reception for them.

Douglas Peacock graduated from 29 Palms High School and earned a B.A. in music from Azusa Pacific University before entering The Salvation Army training school. Leslie Peacock grew up in Denver, Colo., and graduated from West Denver High School. The two met at training school in San Francisco and were commissioned in 1970 as part of the Undaunted Session. They wed in 1971.

The Peacocks held various appointments through-out the West and in the Central Territory. They served as corps officers in Clovis, N.M.; Baker, Klamath Falls and Salem, Ore.; at adult rehabilitation centers in Seattle, Wash., Tucson, Ariz., San Francisco, Denver, Colo., Kansas City, Miss., and Fort Wayne, Ind. They also served in adult rehabilitation programs in Boise, Idaho, and Anchorage, Alaska, and as social service coordinators in Spokane, Wash.

For the past 18 years they served at territorial headquarters in various appointments. Their last assignments were as Missing Persons director and Retired Officers Services director, respectively. Douglas Peacock was also transportation officer, and logistics officer for the Western Territorial Band.

The Peacocks have three children—Lori (Rob) Ottaviano, Shari (Fred) Khudanyan, and Kevin. They have four grandchildren: Fred, Nikolai and Natalie Khudanyan and Trevin Peacock.

They will make their retirement home in Southern California.

December 12, 2011 9Doing the Most Good

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Army Kettle Kickoff halftime show. Pepperworth gave his prize package to two of his friends who are huge Cowboys fans.

Pepperworth raised this money in conjunction with The Salvation Army Alaska Division’s “Season of Giving” luncheon on Nov. 15. For the fifth year in a row, he was the top fundraiser, bringing in a total of $31,715 (including the online red kettle).

A member of the Anchorage Advisory Board since 2006, Pepperworth is a leader in philanthropic giving. In everything he does, he said his motivation is to acknowledge his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “Be generous and give often,” he said, “like your heavenly Father.”

Pepperworth also helped facilitate support from Udelhoven for several recent Salvation Army construction projects; in addition, the company provided in-kind supplies to help bring down costs. Udelhoven purchases and fills a table at every local Salvation Army fundraiser.

Pepperworth’s wife, Lauretta, and daughters often join him at Army fundraisers and as volunteers at special events.

The donations collected online at virtual kettles and outside at actual red kettles serve millions of Americans in need throughout the year.

To become a virtual bell ringer, visit onlineredkettle.org. Contact your local Salvation Army for more volunteer opportunities.

PEPPERWORTH from page 1

Rocky Mountain Emmy winner for best weathercast. During sum-mer 2011, she spent a few week-ends filling in on “Good Morning America.”

When she’s not working, Sullins spends time with her husband, Stephen Choe, and 9-month-old son, Stephen Joshua (SJ). A seventh-generation Salvationist, she was a Commissioner’s Sunbeam, Girl Guard, corps cadet at the Mesa (Ariz.) Corps, and a Stillwell Award winner at the Western Music Institute. At 16 she moved to Phoenix

to soldier with her future husband, an officers’ son. Currently, she par-ticipates in band and songsters at the Phoenix Citadel Corps and plays solo horn in the Southwest Divisional Band and the Western Territorial Band.

“All the glory goes to God,” says Sullins. “He provided for me when I had absolutely nothing. He com-forted me when I was experiencing horrible pain and sadness. He hears and answers the prayers of his faith-ful followers, and I am witness to this over and over again.”

SULLINS from page 3

Margaret Keys, 100, and her cousin Dorothy Woodward helped kick off Yakima’s Red Kettle Campaign at Wray’s Grocery Store in Washington. Dorothy has helped ring the bell for 50 years; this is Margaret’s second year volunteering at the kettle.

Photo by Chris Morrow

TERRIBLE’S TOWN from page 1

them your own. Late night entertainment options may even include ice-skating.

If you’re a youth worker or officer look-ing to sharpen skills, engage with like minds, and recharge batteries to win young souls for the kingdom, visit saynetwork.com/bc4 for schedules, speaker information and registra-tion forms.

BOOT CAMP from page 1

man is now utilizing a Salvation Army pro-gram to gain stability and end his cycle of homelessness. An expectant mother, due in early December, shared with the team about her pregnancy and that the baby’s father had just started full-time employment.

The homesteaders most requested blankets, propane, transportation and dog food.

“Outreach to Pahrump has the potential to grow a relationship with these desperate people in need,” Castro said. “The outreach team is looking forward to giving hope to the homeless people of Pahrump in any way we can.”

PATH began in 1992 with federal funding to provide outreach, intervention, assessment and supportive case management services for homeless people with a serious mental illness. In 1999, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development chose the Las Vegas PATH as one of seven “exemplary programs” from 360 programs operated nationwide.

Tension between officers and advisory board members can be a real hindrance to the effective work and image of our Salvation Army work on the local level. Too often we see officers resisting assistance and input from board members, and board members

that mistrust the power and authority of their officer staff.

While some of this tension may be natural, it need not fester and interfere with the relationships and work of the local team. And, indeed it is a team. Our effectiveness will be directly measured by our ability to work seamlessly together, without letting egos or emotions hinder our work.

It all starts with communication. Effective board members make regular phone calls, emails and visits to the officer. Not just “checking up” on programs, but simply staying in touch, making sure that the officer’s needs are being met. These needs may be related to the work of the Army, or they may be of a personal nature. The board needs to be ready and willing to help on both fronts.

Officers generally greatly appreciate frequent, brief visits to the corps by board members. These need not be formal. I often stop by and take a moment just to chat. If the captain has time then we delve into greater issues, if not then a quick greeting and I’m on my way.

Communication is critical when it comes to any and all community program issues. The same applies to any unusual fundraising strategies. Capital acquisitions and program commitments must be addressed early on.

If the board has no prior knowledge of newly acquired properties, it will find it difficult to generate enthusiasm to find funding for such new assets. Likewise, potential programs must be fully explored as to need, effectiveness and funding sources by the officer and board, planning together. We utilize a program committee that regularly meets with the officer, focuses on one of our existing programs and fully evaluates its real cost and its actual impact upon the community. This has been an invaluable tool for efficient operation.

Meeting agendas must be prepared together, not simply by the officer or staff. This meeting actually belongs to the board, but mutual input is critical. In the same manner, the officer cannot dominate the meeting (nor should the chairman). The board meeting is an opportunity for all to be heard and involved. Inevitably, an agenda created by staff will omit some important item that needs consideration.

Advisory Board Sunday at the corps is a wonderful way for both sides to bond and jointly celebrate the faith ministry of the Army. Board, council and auxiliary should be encouraged to attend this annual event. These members may be called upon to read Scripture, lead prayer or even lead a congregational song. While it would be tempting to ask a board member to deliver the sermon, this is the perfect opportunity for the board to experience the ministry of the officer. In cases where the officer will be absent on a regular Sunday, it is highly appropriate to ask a qualified board member to preach.

Here is the goal we all need to work toward: a seamless and effective partnership, working together to “Do the Most Good.”

Contact rghagerty@aol.com for a complete copy of “The First 30 Days” or to discuss community or advisory board topics, including items to address in this column.

December 12, 2011New Frontier10 Doing the

Most Good

‘A thrill of hope—the weary world rejoices’

Christmas is definitely a season for joy, peace and hope. Yet for many, Christmas loses its significance against the general despair, fear and stresses of the world that haunts our hearts as we navigate life’s journey. Now, more than ever, the world seems out of control and life seems joyless. It only takes a quick look on the Internet news or a few seconds of television news to realize that we live in a small, fragile, weary world that is divided by war, destroyed by hate, disquieted by dishonest leaders, and increasingly devastated by tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes and unpredictable bad weather.

Many of us gauge our lives based on our circumstances. We writhe in a world where we daily experience anxiety and pain as everything around us is literally being shaken. Like Fats Domino we go looking for thrills on “Blueberry Hill” but often end up singing the blues like B.B. King— “The thrill is gone; the thrill is gone away from me, although I still live on, the thrill is gone.” It does not have to be that way! The thrill of life and hope is available to you, through Christ, no matter what you see, hear, or feel. It’s above your circumstances of great stress, uncertainty and economic difficulty. The all-caring God offers hope and health to the oppressed and downtrodden. Through the beauty of the incarnate Son, the all-loving God offers to the disillusioned and distraught, a beautiful contrast—“a thrill of hope” so that “the weary world rejoices.”

A thrill of hope brings the assurance that, in the light of the continuing evidence of violence against mankind, the birth of Christ brings opportunity to truly provide good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight

for the blind, and liberty to the oppressed. A thrill of hope that even when it looks like it’s all over—it’s not all over yet. To the torn and troubled, the hopeless and heartbroken, the thrill of hope is found in discovering that in Christ, there is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Prov. 23:18). To the lost, confused people right here in our neighborhood, the exhilarating thrill of hope that the mercy of God makes us whole and the forgiveness of sins brings us abundant life.

A thrill of hope makes a weary world rejoice, because the birth of Jesus brought God’s kingdom to our world and things changed radically. The Bible tells us that the way things are in our world is not the way they are supposed to be. God created a good creation, a joyful world that declared the glory of God and skies that proclaimed the work of his hands (Psalm 19:1). But this joy was decimated as God’s good creation was infected with sin and the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth, until now (Rom. 8:22). Now—a weary world rejoices because the birth of Jesus is much more than the beginning of hope, it is the end of a long period of waiting for comfort to come to a hurting world.

In these days when the economy is wilting and the world seems increasingly unstable; in these times when millions of people will see the Christmas season as nothing more than parties, gifts and time off work, I trust many will move their context for hope and joy off of “Blueberry Hill,” and into the reality of life as it is found in Christ. May we all find our thrill in the joy and hope that Jesus brings. In this weary world, there is no better time than now, this Christmas season, to zoom in on the message of renewal, faith and the thrill of hope found in Jesus Christ.

VictorLeslieLt. Colonel

Dick HagertyAdvisory boardmember

Working together—as a team

One of the great blessings of my life is that my officer parents loved the Christ of Christmas. As long as I can remember, I was included in the preparation and declaration of the Christmas season. My dad used to count his officership years in Christmases he had participated in. They loved the kettle season, the raising of monies to help individuals and families in the community. They considered it a privilege to serve others in the name of Christ.

I helped pack bushel baskets of food—turkey, corn, bread, cranberry sauce. It seemed that whatever our family was going to enjoy on Christmas Day was the menu that went into those boxes of Christmas dinners. While it was always fun to be on the packing crew, it was also meaningful to learn that there were those in our neighborhood who would not have a special meal if The Salvation Army did not fill those baskets with wholesome food.

One Christmas Eve in a central Pennsylvania town, there was a knock at our door. We lived next door to the corps building and most people in town knew that this was where the “Major” lived. My father stepped out into the frigid cold and had a conversation with a gentleman who quickly departed. A few minutes later, our whole family went next door to the corps to see if there were any provisions or toys—anything that could fit into a basket. Amazingly, we were able to gather enough food for a family to have a Christmas dinner.

Finding a few toys that had been tucked into the closet, we wrapped them. When we finished putting together this parcel, dad announced that the whole family would be taking a tree, Christmas tree lights and the food to a family down the street from our home. In fact, I had walked past this house for years, going to and from school. I never noticed it. I did not understand the poverty that existed just two blocks from our home. I had no idea that people in our town had so little and were almost invisible.

We walked up to this house and knocked on the door. When my father explained that we were from The Salvation

Army, the family invited us in. They asked us to sit down as they set up the Christmas tree and added the lights. After they took the food to the kitchen, we gathered in a circle to say a prayer. We wished the family “Merry Christmas” and returned to the Army wagon. I remember reflecting on the gratefulness of the family. I do not know if that man at our front door was the father of this family or if he was someone who knew that the family needed assistance. Either way, his coming to ask for help was a beautiful catalyst for my own spiritual formation.

What I learned that evening is that the coming of Christ to this world was needed more than ever. I read again the Christmas account to be reminded that Christ came into this world to bring salvation, peace and hope. I also learned that the Salvation Army officers I lived with were people of extraordinary character, people of compassion, who longed to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

T hank s be to G od for his inde sc ribabl e gi ft!(2 Cor. 9:15)

The meaning of Christmas

Carolyn KnaggsCommissioner

a view from the Board Side

Apart from a slight “dusting” of snow once every decade or so, it has never really snowed where I live. There are no snow shovels in the garage, no chains for the car, no big snow boots or ear muffs. The external temperature goes below freezing once a decade for about 45 minutes in the middle of the night. Yet, I see lighted glistening icicles hanging from snowless eaves, brilliant and beautiful imitations of weather systems where uncovered skin brings pain and breathing is harsh and visible.

Tall evergreens spring from hardwood floors, bedecked with garlands of green amidst baubles and inedible berries.

A cutting from a parasitic shrub with thick, plastic, green leaves and small white flowers hangs beneath the rafters and door jambs to legitimize an ancient custom of stealing kisses from unsuspecting yet inviting maidens.

And around the hearth, no smell of burning pine or birch or walnut fills the room; the gas log—all but ignored—sputters its heatless “warmth” as fake fires burn clay logs and shed their own unmistakable odor. Loud voices indicate that people seem bent on celebration but are often twisted in their effort to remember the reason why.

We seem surrounded by that which is ungenuine, false, unreal. I wonder, do my surroundings cause me to be less than authentic in my relationship with God? I doubt it because I don’t let it. There are many items on many lists that demand my attention. If God wants to be involved as I address them, he will be. Otherwise, I use what he has given me to meet the demands of my daily existence.

Are there some aspects of my worship that might be termed hypocritical? Hmm. No, I don’t believe so. My worship—even in community—is personal not perfect. What my worship community provides me is a collection of others with whom I can relate and communicate caring.

Have I grown accustomed to believing that the minor sacrifices I make actually please God? Probably. I guess the biggest sacrifice is time. I’m not even sure it’s a sacrifice. It’s a choice and it feels good to me.

Have we ignored too long the reality that the sacrifice God truly wants is a broken and contrite heart?

I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I do know I need to ask them of myself and resist the temptation to impose them on others. I need to say with David that I know:

Going through the motions doesn’t

please you, a flawless performance is

nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was

shattered. Heart-shattered lives

ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice

(Psalm 51:16–17, MSG).

I know what is required of me in my personal relationship with God. There is always the implication that the word “others” is somehow involved—that my relationship with him is genuine as I reach out to other humans who walk beside me in the affairs of life. It demands that I am fair and just with those around me, that I have compassion for those who are troubled and that I avoid keeping score about how much I’ve done.

Additionally, relationships require connection. God wants me to stay in touch with him—to assure him of my faith, and that I am choosing his path through life—to seek his never-ending grace—to talk with him about daily concerns —to thank him for standing beside me in daily challenges—to ask him to help me and those I love to achieve what he has placed before us. I think his suggestion that we “pray without ceasing” simply means that we have many quiet conversations with him through the day.

As I finish my formal two-way conversation, I feel at peace.

Outside, on the street, Christmas carols sung by youthful voices and played on instruments of brass with distinctive sounds can mean only a Salvation Army group. People in the room smile at one another and file together quickly toward the door—now open as songs of hope and peace and joy and love radiate through the house. And with the music, the mood changes and spirits sense a new spirit. Christ is there.

His goodwill permeates our hearts and minds as we open ourselves to the true spirit of Christmas. Listen—the carol presents its message of an inn’s closed doors and offers a personal promise of room in our hearts for him who came to save the world.

Even the icicles seem brighter—the tree more beautiful—the mistletoe more ceremonial—the gas log more attractive.

Yes, Virginia, the Army has an important role at Christmas. We’re the people who remind all why we celebrate.

It’s about the only time all year long that we send messages to people from a street corner.

December 12, 2011New Frontier 11

The gifts that onlyGod could give

A flock of robins filled the yard—I couldn’t count how many. It’s a large yard, and the birds hopped and flitted about as they feasted on bugs and worms and whatever else robins feast on. I couldn’t begin to get a reasonably accurate number. Their sing-ing made the world sound more like March than December.

Their arrival and subsequent behavior is a familiar adjunct to the holiday season along the Pacific Flyway, but no less welcome—and no less charming—for all that. Our hearts are thrilled with the sight; we thank God for bringing to our yard the gift of robins.

The sights and sounds of Christmas in our area are not limited to the carols and Christmas lights and holi-day shopping that are the product of human celebration of the season. Here in Willows (Calif.), the whole of nature joins in to remind us of the passing of time and of the fast-approaching annual celebration of the coming of our Lord. Canada geese, snow geese, white-fronted geese, tun-dra swans and an incredible variety of ducks pass overhead by the thou-sands, their raucous trumpeting draw-ing our gaze to the heavens minutes before we can begin to discern the wave upon wave of V-shaped flocks appear in the distance. We watch, awed by the sheer numbers, and the volume of the sounds that accom-pany their passing as they call back and forth to one another. Our hearts are thrilled as we watch the grace-ful (noisy) flights; we thank God for sharing with us the gift of seeing the migrating flocks.

Tiny Lesser Goldfinch flock to the sock filled with thistle seed, some-times one or two at a time, sometimes 15 or 20, vying for the best spot on the wind-tossed feeder outside my window. They too are a seasonal gift. In the summer the larger American Goldfinches, sparrows and house finches outnumber them. Now, with the advent of colder weather, the American Goldfinches have moved further south, and their smaller cous-ins will share our winter with us. We thank God for sharing with us the gift of a window from which we can look out every day and see the ever-chang-ing wonders of his creation.

We are delighted with his abundant gifts, and grateful that he has made

us aware of his wonders, from the intricate spider web glistening in the sunlight to the sight of the mountains looming blue in the distance. We thank God for sharing them with us.

The fire burns in the fireplace. Yes, we have central heating, but there is something special about watching the flames and feeling their warmth—something more personal, as though this is designed just for us as we gather ‘round and are embraced by the growing warmth and the sights and sounds of a room made ready for the Christmas season. Fragrant swags of greenery tied with bright red rib-bon send the lovely scent of the forest drifting though our midst; lights and tinsel adorn the Christmas tree, while colorful packages nestle beneath its boughs, awaiting that special moment to come; candles flicker in an unno-ticed draft, and bayberry mingles with the scent of pine; our thoughts are of family, near and far, some of whom are now with the Lord, but remain with us in the treasury of our memo-ries. Spicy smells from the kitchen blend with other sweet scents, and that too is a gift from God, and we are grateful to him for the pleasures of life and the awareness of his presence…and the awareness that all of these delights are mere trappings, designed to focus hearts and minds on the greatest gift of all.

JESUS I don’t know who said it first,

but it was God’s intent from the very beginning: Jesus is the reason for the season! Everything else pales in the light of his coming. The trappings of the season are nice; his coming criti-cal, essential. Our survival as indi-viduals and the survival of the human race as a whole are dependent upon this single event:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (John 3:16-17, NIV).

Our hearts are humbled as we think of God’s incredible gift, and we thank him. Oh, how we do thank him!

Doing theMost Good

RobertDocterEditor-In-Chief

Being genuine

SharonRobertsonLt. Colonel

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General Orsborn The New Frontier is often forwarded to us

and in the copy in hand your column regard-ing General Orsborn (New Frontier vol. 29, no. 18) was heartwarming and brought back a flood of memories. Both David’s parents and mine were stationed in New York during his time in office. My husband is the third son of Sam and Rose Hepburn.

How well we remember his deep love for the Lord, the Army, the Word of God and music. I wish I had kept the small red volume of his poetry, The Beauty of Jesus.

Thank you again for your faithfulness in ministry.

Cordially in Christ,Daisy Hepburn