A publication of

The Salvation Army

USA Southern

Territory

Volume 27, No. 6

April 19, 2010

PAGE THREE:Bright future for Memphis

INSERT:VBS gets creative

PAGE SEVEN:Cumberland, Md., draws kids to Club 316

IN THEIN THESPIRIT:

Prayer is the tie that bindscongregation together

at Bradenton, Fla., Corps

By Major Frank DuracherSOUTHERN SPIRIT STAFF

oldiers of the Bradenton, Fla., Corps have realized the importance of keeping up with the computer age by incorporating two programs designed to help make Effective Prayer a priority in the growth of their congregation.

The first is a computer software program called “Phone Tree,” that once purchased is used exclusively to communicate with all families and individuals of the corps – something like the bulletins on Lotus Notes sent out by headquarters to all units and officers in the Southern Territory.

Renamed the “Prayer Tree” in order to make clear the program’s purpose, soldiers and friends of the corps are kept updated on prayer requests (detailed or unspoken). Answers to prayer are also sent out, and all entries are announced from the pulpit during worship on Sunday morning.

“The software stores up to 75 names and phone numbers,” A/Captain Elsie Metcalf said. Metcalf faithfully reloads information and with the click of her mouse the entire corps family finds the updated messages on their home or cell phones. The program has the capacity to leave the message on your answering machine if a call is not answered. Messages are not left after 11 p.m. or before 8 a.m.

“Our Prayer Tree is also handy to spread emergency news, such as when someone passes away or if there is a major crisis everyone needs to know and pray about,” Metcalf said.

Captain Metcalf found the software online a few years ago from a website out of Kentucky. The purchase cost for the program was borne by several corps families as memorials. There is no monthly expense – only a nominal annual fee for hotline helps from the manufacturer.

The 4 Priorities• EFFECTIVE PRAYER • DISCIPLESHIP • VISITATION • DYNAMIC WORSHIP

Connectedin prayer

The first is a computer software program called S

The other program is more personal in nature. Lt. Colonel Mary Smith oversees the “Bradenton Shepherds” ministry, which matches eight “sheep” (congregation members) with a “shepherd.” Some shepherds are even assigned “little lambs” (children of the corps). Each of the 14 shepherds are charged with keeping in touch with their sheep, sending birthday and “missed you” cards and following up with phone calls and home visits. Shepherds also gather prayer requests and, if necessary, have those posted on the Prayer Tree. The shepherds meet together regularly to

(Above) Lt.Colonel Mary Smith is flanked by two of her ‘little lambs,’ Cheyenne Lawrence and Elizabeth Smith. Colonel Smith heads the Shepherd Program that has proven very successful in the Bradenton Corps. (Right) CSM Lt. Colonel William Bamford leads a rousing chorus to welcome Sunday morning worshippers to the Bradenton Corps.

corporately pray and explore how they may help their sheep prosper spiritually. Each shepherd wears a small shepherd’s crock on the lapel of their uniform.

“The Shepherding program blends two of our priorities: discipleship and prayer,” Colonel Smith said. “It keeps our corps unified and has encouraged many families to join us.”

One such family is Eric and April Gates, with their children (see related story). The Gates family came to the Army through the homeless shelter, and they have been faithful in volunteering at the corps. Now living in their own home, the family leads a Christian rap youth group and teaches a children’s Bible study. April is a cosmetologist and gives free haircuts to folks staying in the shelter.

“We feel the Holy Spirit’s presence in this corps

Major Frank Duracher

Please see BRADENTON, page 6

April 19, 20102

M A J O R F R A N K D U R A C H E R

Rays ofHopeRays ofMAJORMAJOR David AtkinsThe problematic peanut parable

The story is a familiar one. A monkey is clutching a fistful of peanuts inside a coconut shell, but to get his paw back out, he would be compelled to release the peanuts. He has a dilemma. He wants his freedom and he wants the peanuts, but he cannot have both.

This ambivalence conflicts us too: We have a desire for the things of heaven but are drawn by the pull of the things of earth. One writer said, “It’s not that God renounces having stuff, but poverty of spirit is our great need.” That’s because taking the right measure of who we are keeps our ego in check. Ego is said to be an acronym for “edging God out.”

Calvin Miller sums it up in his book “A Hunger for the Holy”: “Ego is a junk buyer. He hoards trinkets and shops garage sales. He ladens us with matchbooks and ticket stubs. He reminisces about our most cherished moments and greatest exhilarations and tells us that this kind of trivia is what matters. ... Ego sifts the trash heap of Gehenna daily for such baubles as will amuse us.” Contrast this to the great scientist and believer George Washington Carver, who held a peanut in his hand and said, on an empirical inquiry level, “Now, God, what’s in that peanut?” Contrast Carver’s question to the one Miller tacitly asks: “Now, what god is in that peanut?”

In Matthew 20, Jesus called his disciples together for a teachable moment. He said, “You know that the rulers of gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” Great! Everything was going swimmingly until he had to bring up that servant leader conversation!

There’s been a movement for about 20 years now that identifies itself as living by voluntary simplicity. They’ve tossed aside unneeded things because they are wasteful and indulgent. While that is laudable, the motivation is not necessarily Christ-centered. But, it is a step in the right direction. The ascetic monks chose to renounce wealth and power to draw apart for meditation, yet even that is probably not what Christ had in mind when he spoke of living as a servant.

Gordon McDonald is an author who says there are two kinds of people: driven and called.

“Driven people think they own everything. They own their relationships. They own their possessions. They own their position. As a result, they spend most of their time protecting what they own. Everything they do is determined by self-interest. And so if they praise or encourage you, they’re really doing it for their own good. They’re ego driven.

“Called people, on the other hand, think everything in life is on loan. Their relationships are on loan, their possessions are on loan. Their position is on loan. As a result, they are not defensive or protective about their position as a leader. They exhibit traits of servant leadership. For the servant leader, the main reason for leading is to help other people win.” They’re servanthood driven. But, it still sounds so pejorative, doesn’t it? Our knee jerk response is “Me? I ain’t servin’ nobody.” Does it help to say that we are called to serve up grace, the same kind that was extended to us?

Here must be the heart of Christ’s call to servanthood, a misunderstood idea, to selflessly love people into relationship with him, very hard to do without a right spirit. We can’t see it, and we surely can’t be it, if we spend our time sifting for baubles.

Anyway, it’s really hard to do anything of much value and grace with our hand in a coconut shell.

Lord, make me Cross-eyed!Another Easter has come and gone, and with it

I’ve seen a lot of crosses: big ones, little ones, ornate, rugged – you name it. There’s something special for the born-again Christian when you gaze at a cross. Any cross. Just looking at it floods your mind with images of Calvary and all Jesus did for you and me.

Now I know our Savior is no longer on that Cross. As Salvationists we prefer to think of him stepping out of that tomb, and well we should. But to get to the tomb he had to go on the Cross; and for us to get to God we must go through what that Cross represents.

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8). Everything we believe as Christians hinges on that sacred truth.

When I was a kid my little brother and I often made faces at each other. I guess when you’re bored you’ll do anything. Eventually the old cross-eyed gag would surely pop up. It would also be about that moment when our Grandma Duracher would catch us looking cross-eyed at each other and shout

her warning: “Don’t ever do that – your eyes might become stuck!” I can’t tell you how many times I heard that.

So we’d stop, but it wouldn’t be too long before we’d do it again. I don’t know, maybe it’s true – but even now the warning is so seared in my brain that I’m afraid to test it.

Now that I’m grown up, I find myself praying that the Lord makes me Cross-eyed. Not the kind that Grandma hounded me about. Rather the one Isaac Watts wrote about surveying in order to keep his spiritual walk in perspective.

Never lose sight of that!

Lt. Colonel Loy Frierson

Lt. Colonel Loy Frierson was promoted to Glory March 24, 2010, from Atlanta. The funeral service was held at the Atlanta Temple Corps with Major Ron Busroe presiding and Commissioner John Busby

speaking. The burial was at Westview Cemetery.Alvin Loy Frierson was born July 10, 1929, in

Toombs County, Ga., to Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Frierson. He graduated from Richmond Academy in Augusta and studied accounting at Southern Methodist University and Georgia State University. He and his twin brother, Roy, were commissioned as officers in 1949 as members of the Peacemakers session. They followed brothers Curtis and Emery and sisters, Helen and Hazel, in officership. Loy served in corps appointments in the old Gulf Division and in finance work at divisional headquarters in New Orleans, Dallas and Atlanta.

On Nov. 26, 1959, he married Elsbeth (Beth) Busby, whom he had met while she was attending college and who was commissioned in June 1959. They served together as corps officers at the

Colonel Henry Gariepy, known throughout Christian publishing and Salvation Army editorial circles as a pre-eminent author, was promoted to Glory after a brief illness.

Colonel Gariepy is the author of 29 books and recipient of the Order of the Founder. He served as USA national editor-in-chief and literary secretary, following

speaking. The burial was at Westview Cemetery.

Promoted to GloryBirmingham, Ala., Citadel and in Columbus, Miss. In 1964, Loy returned to finance work in Texas and later served as divisional financial secretary for Virginia-Southern West Virginia.

When Loy and Beth retired July 31, 1994, he was the territorial audit secretary and had served in finance and audit appointments for 36 years. His contribution to the finance and audit fields includes the development of the manual of double entry accounting system for area commands and the Southern Territory audit manual, both of which were used for many years. The Commissioners’ Conference appointed him to rewrite the procedures section of the Standard of Accounting and Financial Reporting – Policy and Procedures Manual for the entire United States.

Loy attended the International College for Officers in London in 1980, was a delegate to the International Congress in 1978 and attended the Brengle Memorial Institute in Chicago.

He was held in high regard by his friends and associates. He was a man of humble spirit, and his faithful ministry will long be remembered by those who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beth; son Mark (Sandra) and granddaughter Holly Nicole; brother Major Emery Frierson; sister Hazel Johns; and many nieces and nephews.

Renowned author Gariepy promoted to Gloryappointments in corps, youth and divisional work. Since retirement in 1995, in addition to writing he taught at Bible and Christian writing conferences, and was an adjunct faculty member of the USA Eastern Territory’s College for Officer Training. He also taught Salvation Army history and Bible via distant education.

He earned his Master of

Science degree from Cleveland State University. He was honored by his alma mater with its 1994 Alumni Lifetime Leadership Award. He is listed in Who’s Who In U.S. Writers.

Gariepy’s latest book, “Christianity In Action,” released earlier this year, is a one-volume history of The Salvation Army.

Get the Spirit

For subscription information contact:

Katie Tate 404.728.13191424 Northeast ExpresswayAtlanta, GA 30329

April 19, 2010 3

Terry Griffi n

COLONELA boy named Grace

Monday was a good day in Lilburn, Ga. It was the day my grandson played a baseball game. Cade is 6 and plays for the San Diego Padres, a team consisting of a variety of talent and sizes. One of the boys caught my attention because, though he is old enough to qualify for the team, he is considerably smaller than his teammates. When it was his turn to bat, I read his last name emblazoned across the back of his jersey: GRACE.

As I watched this young boy stand proudly at home plate and swing at the pitches that came his way, he hit the ball – not far – but he hit the ball and ran as fast as his small legs would take him to first base. He watched for his opportunity and eventually worked his way around the bases to score a run for his team. He did it in the humorous fashion of a young player, but with a semblance of grace. He did nothing to draw attention to himself, but we cheered him on because he was playing with all his heart, and that is what mattered most.

My mind immediately took me back to my days in San Francisco, where I played on a Little League team,

whose name I must confess, I can’t even remember. I’m sure we weren’t named after a major league team like the one my grandson plays on. Like little Mr. Grace, I played my best with all the heart and bravado of a youngster.

Baseball is America’s game, and as with all sports, it often parallels the way we live our lives. Some of the players are flamboyant. They are the popular ones, the talented ones, the highest paid and the ones that have the biggest followings. They are the ones who demand attention and get quite vocal when they don’t get what they want. Then there are those who simply play as they live their lives … with grace. They don’t fuss and fume when things don’t go their way, and they are the positive role models that we like to see.

I must say, I most admire those who live simply by grace. They go out of their way to help others, to serve those in need and to use their success to make the world a better place. They don’t focus completely on themselves and they remember that their talent will not last a lifetime, but graceful living will.

This is the time of year we consider grace in its many facets as we acknowledge the grace demonstrated by Jesus when he went to the cross. He

didn’t fuss and fume. He didn’t yell that he was being treated unfairly. He understood the price he would pay for our sin, and he simply prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 ESV) And with costly grace, he accepted the unfairness of bearing our sin alone on his journey to the cross.

Simple grace … well, it may be simple for a young baseball player named Grace, but for you and me it is a daily commitment to live grace in an ungraceful world.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 ESV)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:18 ESV)

Late January and early February brought freezing temperatures to southwest Florida. Thousands of acres of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and citrus fruit were killed by the freezing temperatures. But that was not all the damage that occurred. Hundreds of workers lost their jobs, leaving many migrant families without food or money. The call went out from local churches and charities around Immokalee and LeHigh Acres for aid to help these hungry families.

Along with other agencies, The Salvation Army of Collier County went into action. Captain Alejandro Castillo, the corps officer, formulated a plan to help workers’ families. Christmas donations had been strong and he was able to designate $25,000 for food distribution to needy people in Immokalee.

Robert Juster and Walt Burdick, who own the building where the Immokalee service unit is located, approved the use of the attached warehouse for the food distribution. Maria Ramos, the corps administrator, designed voucher books so that each family, once registered, could collect a box of food for their family once a week for six weeks.

The press was notified and on the first day of registration, only 140 families showed up. The word spread very quickly, and by 2 a.m. the next day over 200 workers were lined up around the building

waiting for the office to open. The Collier Sheriff’s Office had to assist in crowd control. Over the next four days, 850 families signed up and were then assured of food boxes for the following six weeks.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank, Collier Harvest,

Feeding effort staves offstarvation in frigid Florida

FEMA and the Salvation Army Florida Division all supplied food for this relief effort. Four days after the original $25,000 was designated for food aid for Immokalee, the Army received a check from a foundation for $25,000 to be spent on food aid.

“For almost eight weeks committed volunteers and staff in Collier County sorted, packed, distributed and then

resorted and packed food again,” said Christopher Nind, director of development and community relations. “To the team of volunteers, Joanne and Glenn Ricketts and Joanne Brown and staff Jennifer Romero and Ramon Zaldivar, we owe a debt of gratitude.”

Glenn Ricketts and Joanne Brown (left), along with Jennifer Romero and Ramon Zaldivar (right) joined Majors Alejandro and Nelinda Castillo in the effort to distribute food to workers in need after extreme cold wiped out southwest Florida’s fruit and vegetable crop this past winter.

Bright day in MemphisAfter four years of active fund-raising, Memphis Area Command broke ground on The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Despite cold and rainy weather, Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton, Jr., said,“This is a bright and beautiful day for our city.” The 100,000-square-foot building will be built in the center of the city in a location that represents the crossroads of neighborhoods that help define the character of the city and will engage Memphians and nearby communities. Major Mark Woodcock, Memphis area commander, said the center will draw people from all economical statuses and races to come and sense the presence of God. The programs of the center are being intentionally developed to emphasize evangelism and discipleship. The highlight of the morning was when a group of students from across the city tossed dirt and roses into the air, marking the start of what will be an 18-month construction project.

Workers wait in line to sign up for food boxes.

April 19, 20104

Mission, values and visionOUR MISSIONAssisting spiritually motivated leaders to grow in character, compassion and competencies to achieve the mission of The Salvation Army.

OUR VALUESGod’s calling and compassion to love and lead people to transformation in Christ

Mentoring and coaching Salvationist leaders to be all God intends them to be

Diversity of backgrounds, personalities and gifts for the advance of the Army’s mission

Accessibility and variety of leadership training for all who desire to increase their leadership capacity and skill

Partnerships that increase our capacity to enable leaders to reach their full potential

Prayer, theological study, refl ection and dialogue to deepen the biblical insights and practical skills of Army leaders

Exceptional outcomes for the sake of the Kingdom

PARTNERSHIPSThree major partnerships enable the SLD to provide high-quality resources.

ARROW LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES(www.arrowleadership.org)As the offi cial consultant for the SLD, Arrow provides expertise for developing our curriculum. This includes the creation of specialized, regional three-day events for offi cers in three parts of the territory. Following one of these events an offi cer remarked, “After the fi rst session, I realized more than ever that I was in the right place.”

Arrow partners with the territory for cohort-based training. Each year, 10 offi cers participate in two residential weeks of intensive training, along with mentoring and written assignments. This two-level Arrow

JACK McDOWELL SCHOOL FORLEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT

and all those we serve and with whom we serve.

VISIONLeaders fully equipped with distinctive gifts and skills for missional leadership in the USA Southern Territory.

WE ENVISION:Leaders leading with a clear sense of divine calling, a deep compassion for individuals and a compelling desire for personal holiness

Leaders growing in character and competencies through a full range of training in strategic locations throughout the territory

Leaders mentored and coached through regional networks of peers and supporters

Leaders multiplying leaders to advance the mission of every corps and social services center

Leaders advancing Kingdom partnerships as agents of personal and social transformation

Leaders pioneering new ministries and planting new corps for the glory of God and the growth of The Salvation Army.

Ministries training equips offi cers to lead more like Jesus, be led more by Jesus and lead more to Jesus.

EQUIP (www.iequip.org)A partnership with EQUIP, a ministry founded by Dr. John Maxwell, enables the SLD to place edited lessons from the Million Leader Mandate curriculum, along with audio podcasts, on the SLD website (MissionMover.org). Using this complete resource package, Army leaders everywhere in the world can download lessons to use in their local setting.

HEADQUARTERSThe school is a strategic partner with DHQ and THQ, promoting leadership development among their own personnel and accessing their resources to benefi t the fi eld.

April 19, 2010 5

The Jack McDowell School for Leadership Development at Evangeline Booth College was launched in 2006 following extensive consultation and planning. Following a territory-wide survey, a three-part curriculum was created to address key leadership needs identifi ed in the survey. The mission, values and vision of the school are foundational for each resource provided to leaders throughout the Southern Territory.

SLD resources focus on practical application in the everyday world of Salvation Army leaders. Delivery of SLD services minimizes the time leaders spend away from their regular commitments. Programs may be accessed on the basis of felt needs and goals.

To schedule an SLD event in your area, contact us by phone or e-mail.

The Salvation ArmyJack McDowell School for Leadership Development

Major Clarence Bradbury, Director

1032 Metropolitan Parkway SWAtlanta, GA 30310

Phone: (404) 753-4166Fax: (404) 753-3709

E-mail: EBC_SLD@uss.salvationarmy.orgwww.MissionMover.org

CURRICULUMThe School for Leadership Development serves all leaders in the Army. The Yellow Circle depicts workshops and training that the SLD staff delivers in the fi eld, at corps or divisionally-hosted events. These resources are most accessible and affordable. Army leaders can locate and register for these opportunities on the website. Other resources can be found at the website including podcasts and downloadable tools for individual or team use. Discover links to many other leadership development sites. www.MissionMover.org

The Red Circle represents yearly regional-based training that provides a higher lever of intensity and requires deeper personal commitment and fi nancial investment. Participants spend three transformational days focused on content themed around core leadership development issues outlined in the Territorial Leadership Survey.

The Blue Circle requires the most participant commitment and fi nancial investment while providing the highest level of intensity and impact. These programs presently include the Emerging and Executive Arrow Leadership streams. Other options are in the development stage.

and all those we serve and with whom we serve.

VISIONLeaders fully equipped with distinctive gifts and skills for missional leadership in the USA Southern Territory.

WE ENVISION:Leaders leading with a clear sense of divine calling, a deep compassion for individuals and a compelling desire for personal holiness

Leaders growing in character and competencies through a full range of training in strategic locations throughout the territory

Leaders mentored and coached through regional networks of peers and supporters

Leaders multiplying leaders to advance the mission of every corps and social services center

Leaders advancing Kingdom partnerships as agents of personal and social transformation

Leaders pioneering new ministries and planting new corps for the glory of God and the growth of The Salvation Army.

April 19, 20106

Continued from page 1and love the fact that everyone prays for each other,” April Gates said.

Joanell Greubel is the manager of the Family Transitional Housing program and is a prospective soldier. “We’re witnessing families come into the shelter, like the Gates, and because of the worship and prayer emphases that bridge what we’re doing at the shelter to here at the corps, the Bradenton Corps is growing. Praise God!” Greubel said.

The corps sergeant-major, Lt. Colonel William Bamford, agrees, adding that the corps spends much of its time “on our knees” and is one reason why Bradenton is a strong Army presence on the west coast of Florida.

“We have wonderful prayer warriors here,” Major Robert Parker, Bradenton corps officer, said.

Parker cited one answer to prayer that happened recently in the Bradenton Corps. One soldier had gone to her doctor for a routine physical and was called back to her physician’s office for further testing because they “had found something suspicious.” In a massive display of love and support, the Prayer Tree went into action and literally hundreds of Bradenton soldiers and friends began praying. The tests all came back negative, and glory was given to God that Sunday for his touch in their comrade’s life.

“We’ve seen that sort of thing over and over,” Parker emphatically said. “I’ll tell you, if I ever need someone praying for me, I’d want it to be the Bradenton soldiers!”

Rapping for Jesus is a family affair By Major Frank DuracherSOUTHERN SPIRIT STAFF

Their backgrounds were similar, even before they met as teens. It’s little wonder, then, once Eric and April Gates met and fell in love that God would reveal a common talent they could offer in service to him.

“I was 19 and April was 15, but by the time our paths crossed, we were both on the streets, heavily involved in drugs, and headed for jail time,” Eric Gates said. “And we did not have Christ in our lives.”

But they do now. April gave her heart to Christ while serving time on a drug charge and Eric was led to the Lord by a friend a few years after his release. By the time they met, the couple found promising careers in the rap music industry. The only difference was that Eric’s music had a Christian message, and that was very appealing to April.

“I didn’t even know that Christians could do hip-hop,” April admitted. “But this was wonderful: I can share my faith using music that I love. It filled me with hope.”

Eric and April fell in love and got married. They’ve been making beautiful music ever since. Along the way children came along and they are sharing in the ministry too.

Now they are living in Bradenton, Fla. (see related story), and the family attends the corps and volunteers with the youth group – teaching a

Hip-hop artists Eric and April Gates have a Christian rap music ministry among youth in the Bradenton, Fla., Corps. The couple writes their own material, and leads the corps youth group in performances at divisional and local events.Christian rap music class they call “Christyard” to the corps youth, and leading a Bible study class on Fridays with children and teens whose families are staying at the Army’s shelter.

“We feel a special bond with young people who are on the streets, because that’s where we’ve come from. We can connect with them,” she said.

Bradenton soldiersare linked by prayer

Most kids like to belong to clubs, and the Cumberland, Md., Corps has one that is popular and growing. Club 3:16 combines Adventure Corps, Sunbeams and Girl Guards to address issues like shortage of leaders, spotty attendance and boredom.

Club 3:16 brings all the kids and leaders together in one room. Each group sits at a different table with a table leader, usually a corps cadet, who helps with roll, activity guidance and behavior control. Sunbeams, Girl Guards and the Adventure Corps boys all work toward the same badges. James, formerly the Ranger leader, likes the arrangement because it encourages the boys to want to work harder.

The new program design has also helped in adult participation. Adults are involved in all aspects of Club 3:16, including administrative work, planning Bible lessons and interacting with kids in an effort to really begin to know them. The atmosphere is relaxed and the adults can enjoy just being with the kids and working with them in their activities.

Enthusiasm and attendance are a part of the character-building program, and the Cumberland youngsters are learning about Jesus, the Bible and the Christian way of life. Youth leaders report that the kids’ interest level is high and that they are having fun. They look forward to earning badges and are showing a new pride in the badges

as they are sewn onto their sashes. Major Sue Dewan is both happy

and relieved to have found a youth activity program that is successful. Over the seven years that she and her husband, Major David Dewan, have commanded the Cumberland Corps, they have had to revamp the youth program several times as the young people of the corps matured and moved through the various program levels. She said that the corps is gifted with a strong group of local officers that enjoy working as a team. Their ability and eagerness to work together is a key in making the Club 3:16 concept work, she said. And the concept enhances their enjoyment of working with the kids.

“It gives them a chance to spend more time with each other and more time with the kids,” she

said. “They end up building better relationships with the kids, and that’s always good.”

Major Dewan and Melody Merrill, community center director, attended last year’s Territorial Youth Workers Conference, which is also being offered this year in Orlando, Fla., May 3-6, which introduced her to Club 3:16. Merrill applied what she learned at the conference and shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for the concept with corps leaders. Club 3:16 was begun last September and is still growing. The kids are learning and having fun, badge work is being done, Jesus is the center of everything, and the adults are enjoying themselves too. Yes, not only do kids enjoy being in a club – so do grownups.

Roberta Browne

Club 3:16 concept a hit for youth,leaders at Cumberland, Md., Corps

Kids, program leaders at the Cumberland, Md., Corps are enjoying the Club 3:16 concept.

Territorial Youth Workers

ConferenceSalvation Army youth leaders are encouraged to attend the Territorial Youth Workers Conference May 3-6, 2010, in Orlando, Fla.

The mission of TYWC is to encourage, train and inspire Salvation Army youth leaders to helpfully serve their corps, communities, families and God. The conference is designed to equip youth leaders to disciple effectively in their ministries and through relationships with others and to love inclusively, promoting wholeness, Christian maturity, service to others and recognizing the hand of God in all we do. What are some benefits of attending TYWC? •Networking - TYWC is a chance to connect with others, share ideas and ask questions. •Gain valuable information – TYWC covers a wide range of topics and practical information from credible speakers and teachers from within and outside of The Salvation Army. Sessions are all designed to train and equip youth leaders for excellence in youth work within their corps, communities and clubs. •Fun and fellowship - TYWC offers plenty of opportunities for fun and fellowship. Come and build strong relationship with each other through worshipful experiences, encouraging conversations and just plain fun! •Be inspired and encouraged – TYWC believes that we honor God when we dream big. In an atmosphere that promotes imagination, dreams and visions, we want to encourage you to dream big and be inspired! •Certification and continuing education credit– Attendance of TYWC does qualify for 1.4 CEU credits for those to whom it applies. Register today at www.youthdownsouth.net.

April 19, 2010 7

JUDE GOTRICHJUDE GOTRICH

24/7Prayer

Praise prayers not for PollyannasChrist says that we are no longer strangers but

are fellow citizens in the heavenly realm – we are friends with God. The conversation between friends is genuine and natural, but we are struck with the vast differences of our natures: we are sinful to his sinlessness; we are imperfect to his perfection – a relationship both profound and humbling.

Describing prayer as a dialogue is accurate but puzzling. On the one hand, it is two-way communication built on an intimate relationship. But we are speaking to the Almighty God, and prayer as a dialogue suggests that the Creator and his creatures are equals. Surely prayer is far more than dialogue.

So as to elevate this unique prayer dialogue, “praise” is embedded as a conduit or common denominator in our prayers. Additionally, the blood of Christ covers our imperfection and we have confidence in our bold approach to the listening ears of heaven. But the “praise element” is what marks a great difference in our prayers.

When our prayers incorporate praise language, that praise frames our communion with God. But there is more to it than just the posturing of our words: It is the tone and intent of praise that can transform us when we use it to its depths.

When I heard my mother pray she would spend a lot of time in praise, and as a teenager I thought this was an exercise of words not based in reality. It almost seemed that she didn’t know what was happening outside her world and the “disconnect” of her Pollyanna perspective was out of step with the real problems surrounding her. But my mother’s prayers were powerful, and they got results. Why?

Now I know that it wasn’t a “disconnect” at all. If anything, it was based in a God reality that, in my immaturity, I did not comprehend. My view was, “if it’s a good day, then praise makes sense and let’s acknowledge the maker of all good things.” But what about when it’s hard, even impossible, to give praise?

In the Psalms, the Hebrew word for the title of this book is sayfer tehilleam which means, “book of praises.” There are two kinds of Psalms – psalms of praise and psalms of lament (sadness), and there are far more laments than there are praise psalms. So why is this ancient book of poems called a book of praises? One reason is that the word is not just an exclamation but it is also a command to “praise the LORD.” In the command we acknowledge who God is and what God has done, and this is declared in the midst of heartache. Through these laments the Spirit invites us to pray with honesty to a praiseworthy God.

Articulating our sorrows often gives us relief. Holding on to the pain, confusion and pretending we have it all together when we don’t does not bring relief. The praise releases the power to give you hope when you have despaired, to bring you faith where your doubts have reigned and replacing the cursing with blessing from the God who hears your cries.

Naturally, it doesn’t make sense to form words of praise while we are disappointed and disillusioned. But praise works through the stages of our “stuff” and lifts us to a level higher than our circumstances. It is in distress that we draw close to the God who alone knows us fully. Then when we praise God in the midst of trouble, he handles the full spectrum of our hardships and we erupt with heartfelt, genuine praise.

Our praise language elicits a celestial chemistry, fusing his Spirit with our spirit, and we are filled with the fullness of God as he inhabits our praises!

Boys & Girls Club unit directorMuskogee, Okla.

The Salvation Army in Muskogee, Okla., is seeking an energetic and dynamic Boys and Girls Club unit director to supervise and monitor the day-to-day operations of the club including operation hours, facility maintenance and security, program development and promotion and recreational activities. Bachelor’s degree and two years’ experience in related field desired. Interested parties should contact Sgt. Jay Spalding at 918-682-3384.

Area command accounting supervisor Sarasota, Fla.

Plans, implements and administers the day-to-day operations of the Accounting and Finance departments for an area command by using a functionalized double-entry accounting package. Maintains and provides supervision and review of accounting records, ledgers and statements. Serves as liaison and technical support between the area command and divisional headquarters. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business administration or a related field, and two years’ progressively responsible experience performing double-entry computerized accounting work with Great Plains accounting experience preferred, plus experience supervising subordinate accounting staff. Please forward resume to Mary Neverette via e-mail: mary_neverette@uss.salvationarmy.org or via fax: 813-962-0858.

JobBoard

Executive director Community and Professional Services

Dallas/Fort Worth, TexasThis position was established seven years ago to address three key functions: resource development, program services and management services – thus providing centralized administrative support for all operations in the five-county region of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Command. Applicant should be a highly accomplished executive from the business or non-profit arena who will provide leadership for an extensive range of programs by the Army, manage a group of 65 employees through a team of three direct reports, develop business solutions to meet a variety of needs and act as a voice of the organization in the Metroplex.Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or applicable Master’s degree preferred; and minimum 10 years experience in senior management positions of increasing responsibility. A complete description is available at our website: www.brighamhill.com. Qualified candidates please email cover letter and resume to: puls@brighamhill.com.

Sanctification vs. consecration

A state senator’s wife attended a series of our holiness meetings and apparently became quite interested. One day she came to me and said, “Mr. Brengle, I wish you would call it ‘consecration’ instead of ‘sanctification.’ We could all agree on that.”

“But I don’t mean consecration, sister; I mean sanctification; and there is a big difference between the two,” I replied.

This woman’s mistake is a very common one. She wanted to rob religion of its supernatural element and rest in her own works. She could consecrate herself to God – she had control over that. But it is God who must sanctify us – that is, make us Christ-like.

The preceding excerpt is from Samuel Logan Brengle: Heart for God by Peter Farthing, published by Carpenter Media and The Salvation Army’s International Center for Spiritual Life Development.

The Salvation Army observes this year the 150th anniversary of the birth of Commissioner Samuel L. Brengle, who was born June 1, 1860, and became a voice for the impor-tance of sanctification in the life of the believer.

In the words of

BrengleBrengleBrengle

Clay County welcomes 31 new soldiersThe Clay County Corps in the Northeast Florida Area Command recently celebrated as 31 new soldiers were enrolled. The group of 18 junior and 13 senior soldiers are a diverse group and include Anglo, African-American, Haitian, Hispanic and Iraqi cultural backgrounds. The enrollment ceremony was conducted by Majors Jim and Linda Arrowood, area commander and women’s ministries coordinator. Captains Angel and Valerie Calderon command the Clay County Corps.

The Salvation Army1424 Northeast ExpresswayAtlanta, GA 30329www.uss.salvationarmy.org

EDITORIALCommissioner Maxwell Feener, Territorial Commander

Colonel Terry Griffin, Chief SecretaryLt. Colonel Edward Hobgood, Publisher

Dan Childs, EditorMajor Frank Duracher, Assistant Editor

Brooke Turbyfill, Publications Editorial CoordinatorKatie Tate, Circulation Manager

Published by The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory1424 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30329

Phone: (404) 728-1300 Fax: (404) 728-6734e-mail: Dan_Childs@uss.salvationarmy.org

All materials are copyright of The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and cannot be reproduced without

permission.

For further information, or to donate, please visit:www.uss.salvationarmy.org

8

PRSRT First ClassUS POSTAGE

PAIDPermit 1037ST MTN GA

A publication of

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Territory

Volume 27, No. 6April 19, 2010

A youngster at the Sleepy Valley, N.C., VBS gets his face painted. The corps is adding to its junior rolls by joining other churches for children’s outreach. Story, see insert.

Friday, June 4Evangeline Booth College4:30 pm-6:30 pm - Historical Center Tours4:45 pm - Silver Star Banquet (by invitation only)7 p.m. - Commencement of the Prayer Warriors

Saturday, June 5Cobb Energy Center9 a.m. - Session One - Speaker: Commissioner Hezekial Anzeze, Kenya East11 a.m. - Session Two - Speaker: Commissioner Hope Mungate, Democratic Republic of Congo12:30 p.m. - Long Service Recog-nition Luncheon2:30 p.m. - The World’s Fair - a Celebration of our Partners in Mission relationships around the world/Sally Ann /Child Sponsor-ship/Salvationist Service Corps/Missions6:30 p.m. - Session Three - Speaker: Colonel Oscar Sanchez, Latin America North

Sunday, June 6Cobb Energy Center9 a.m. -

Prayer WarriorsCommissioning &

Ordination Service

NO REGISTRATION FEE!!!Make hotel arrangements with: Embassy Suites 2815 Akers Mill Rd. Atlanta, GA

30339 (770) 955-4183

2010 COMMISSIONING

WEEKEND

Shepherding ChildrenShaping lives through Vacation Bible School

By Brooke Turbyfi llSOUTHERN SPIRIT STAFF

The idea of vacation Bible school started in the late 1800s when Sunday school teacher D.T. Miles, who was also a public school teacher in Hopedale, Ill., decided to expand what she could teach in a Sunday lesson by starting a series of summer Bible classes. The fi rst Bible school had 40 children enrolled, and it took place over four weeks in a local school. A nearby playground was used for recess.

A few years later, just before the turn of the century, Eliza Hawes – director of the children’s department at Epiphany Baptist Church in New York City – started an “Everyday Bible School” for slum children. The school was run

from a rented beer parlor in New York’s East Side. After several years of the school’s existence, Dr. Robert Boville of the Baptist Mission Society heard about it. He encouraged other

churches to start similar schools, and the idea took off – in 1922, he established the World Association of Daily Vacation Bible School.

The VBS of the early- to mid-1900s has changed vastly from what it once was, according to Sheila Livingston, Christian education director for the Southern Territory.

“There’s been a massive shift from what used to be done in the daytime when most mothers were still in the home,” she said. VBS programs could draw on the mothers to volunteer for a summer daytime schedule because their time was more fl exible. Kids were also at home more during the summer with less outside activities available.There was no technology that was keeping them inside the house. Most people didn’t have jungle gyms in their back yard.”

So the mothers and children came for a week during the summer to participate in VBS.

Today, with many households being dual-income families, parents are busier than ever. They can’t afford to take a week off work to volunteer at the daytime VBS, and they need reliable, consistent childcare for their children while they’re out of school. So they’re already paying for daycare on a year-round basis. “Parents need continuity,”

said Livingston. “So to expect them to give us their kids for four hours a day just isn’t going to work. So it limits when we can do VBS now.”

Many VBS programs are moving to nighttime schedules or grouping the programs with other already-existing activities that the kids participate in. Livingston said kids are already overscheduled with sporting activities and outside interests, so making the VBS work with their schedule – even if it has to be a long weekend – is the key to satisfying busy families’ needs.

Another key factor to the success of VBS today? Great music. “I’ve found what will make or break your VBS is the music,” said Livingston. She recommends corps purchase a VBS kit with a high-production quality DVD. It draws the kids in because there’s something to watch on the big screen, and if the music is good, it pays off.

The VBS volunteers don’t have to work as hard to get kids involved becasue the DVD captures their attention. “The kids are immediately immersed in VBS. The DVDs with the most production value are the most effective, and they have the longest life. So buying one good kit will serve your corps in lots of ways. The music really does cover a multitude of misses and gives you a big hit,” she said.

VBS evolves to meet societal needs

1961

c. 1952

19931989

2009Left, counter-clockwise: Group portrait of the Greenville, S.C., Corps Vacation Bible School. Corps offi cers, S/Captain and Mrs. Robert Bur-chett, c.1952; Mary Ann Dial puts the fi nishing touches on a shell letter holder that she made during the daily VBS at the Abilene, Texas, Corps in 1961; Atlanta Peachcrest Corps VBS graduation in 1989 with (center) Lt. Pamala Morris, corps offi cer; Sergeant John Dancer of Tulsa, Okla., Metro Area Command gives a Bible to a homeless mother in 1993; and children from the Tampa, Fla., Corps enjoy last year’s Crocodile Dock-themed VBS.

Some of her tips include:1) Plan ahead. Last-minute VBS

preparation doesn’t leave much time to be creative and thoughtful. So start thinking about VBS now if you haven’t already.

2) Shop clearance sales. If you’re on a limited budget, Livingston suggests looking throughout the year for deals on stickers and other accessories that you can use for VBS.

3) Re-purpose materials you already have. Livingston showed an example of a VBS invitation she made for a sports-themed VBS; it was constructed out of old greeting cards that had been delivered by Hallmark.

4) Get corps members to help in ways that cost them little but afford much. Inviting the Home League to bake cookies that will serve as snacks at VBS is something relatively inexpensive, but could be fun for them to do together.

5) Share curriculum materials with other churches. If the local Baptist church hosts their VBS in July and your corps hosts it in August, why not ask if you can borrow the materials? Committing a few hours to volunteer at their VBS also shows community partnership.

When it came time to do a vacation Bible school last year, the Aiken, S.C., Corps knew how to utilize their best resource – creativity. By recruiting volunteers of all ages, coming up with an innovative theme and designing outreach activities, the corps was able to reach out and into the hearts of children in the community.

Tents, plants, sleeping bags and picnic tables set the stage to teach kids that it’s not just about corps life. It’s about reaching out into God’s Big Back Yard.Each day the kids went to Back Yard Bible Club, Community Corner, Backyard Fun and Clothesline Creation. Themes of each activity included how to serve friends, family, neighbors, their community and Jesus.

One means of outreach was the VBS decorations. Some of the corps young adults made them and invited friends who don’t attend the corps to help out. The VBS was manned by volunteers of all ages – some local offi cers, helpers from the corps senior citizens program and young adults.

The Aiken Corps is just one example of the many VBS success stories throughout the Southern Territory, all because a corps offi cer or local offi cer had an idea that sprung to life.

Ideas are everywhere, according to Sheila Livingston, territorial Christian education director. In a recent class she taught for cadets at Evangeline Booth College, Livingston said to keep an open mind all year long because a successful VBS idea can come at any time.

Creativity defi nes a successful VBS

Above: Boys enjoy back yard fun at the Aiken, S.C., Corps; left, the last day of VBS was a water party to go along with the theme, “God’s Big Back Yard.”

By Brooke Turbyfi llSOUTHERN SPIRIT STAFF

Captain Natalie Sayre, corps offi cer of the Richmond Citadel Corps in Richmond, Va., calls Carolyn Gregory “the queen of VBS.”

Gregory has been volunteering to coordinate vacation Bible school for years at the corps, and her infl uence has had lasting impact. While new volunteers are recruited annually among corps cadets (Gregory trains the youth and prepares them for VBS leadership), the same volunteers keep coming back each year because of how well coordinated the VBS is.

“Year after year it’s a whole new thing,” said Captain Sayre. “She can tell me – even before VBS is over – the theme for next year’s VBS. We use the same curriculum each year, from Group Publishing, and she will have already been online to see what next year’s theme is before this year’s VBS is through.”

Gregory coordinates everything from who is volunteering to the staging and decorations. Her leadership is so strong that when Captain Sayre had to have medical testing done during a VBS week one year, she knew she didn’t have to worry about VBS. Even though she couldn’t make it to the whole week, she was confi dent that Gregory’s coordination would mean a successful VBS – and it was.

Sayre said Gregory’s exterior seems no-nonsense and straight forward; in fact, that was the fi rst impression the corps had of Gregory when they fi rst met.

Gregory’s sons were involved in corps programs and one Sunday they came home to inform their mother they were becoming junior soldiers. Gregory, unaware of what Salvation Army soldiership meant, came up to the corps and asked, “What have you done with my sons?”

Queen of VBS makes an impact in Richmond

Parents and children get to know each other through crafts at the Sleepy Valley, N.C., Vacation Bible School.

By Brooke Turbyfi llSOUTHERN SPIRIT STAFF

Captain Natalie Sayre, corps offi cer of the Richmond Citadel Corps in Richmond, Va., calls Carolyn Gregory “the queen of VBS.”

Gregory has been volunteering to coordinate vacation Bible school for years at the corps, and her infl uence has had lasting impact. While new volunteers are recruited annually among corps cadets (Gregory trains the youth and prepares them for VBS leadership), the same volunteers keep coming back each year because of how well coordinated the VBS is.

“Year after year it’s a whole new thing,” said Captain Sayre. “She can tell me – even before VBS is over – the theme for next year’s VBS. We use the same curriculum each year, from Group Publishing, and she will have already been online to see what next year’s theme is before this year’s VBS is through.”

Gregory coordinates everything from who is volunteering to the staging and decorations. Her leadership is so strong that when Captain Sayre had to have medical testing done during a VBS week one year, she knew she didn’t have to worry about VBS. Even though she couldn’t make it to the whole week, she was confi dent that Gregory’s coordination would mean a successful VBS – and it was.

Sayre said Gregory’s exterior seems no-nonsense and straight forward; in fact, that was the fi rst impression the corps had of Gregory when they fi rst met.

Gregory’s sons were involved in corps programs and one Sunday they came home to inform their mother they were becoming junior soldiers. Gregory, unaware of what Salvation Army soldiership meant, came up to the corps and asked, “What have you done with my sons?”

Queen of VBS makes an impact in Richmond

However, when she found out about The Salvation Army’s ministry, she got involved at the corps and became a soldier herself.

Even though she is very straight forward and jokes that she plans to quit every year, Gregory – who works full-time – also has a soft side. “She’s a wonderful woman and she’s very compassionate. She has opened her home to a young lady in the corps who needed a place to stay, and she even takes vacation days to help

with VBS,” said Sayre.Her VBS decorations are almost always entirely her

design, and they’re very elaborate. Last year’s theme – Crocodile Dock – meant that rolls of carpet were used to construct a life-size dock that went through the hallway from room to room.

Sayre is excited to see what Gregory has planned for this year’s theme, High Seas Expedition, which leads participants through the journeys of Paul.

The Richmond Citadel Corps has a secret weapon when it comes to VBS – volunteer coordinator Carolyn Gregory, shown helping a student with a craft.

When Captains Kenny and Deborah Clewis, corps offi cers at the Sleepy Valley, N.C., Corps, decided to do a community revival in conjunction with vacation Bible school involving a couple of churches in the area, they knew they would need a larger building. “We were fortunate to fi nd another church that had a vision for kids although they did not have many kids coming to their church. My wife Debbie was asked to plan and coordinate the event, and she introduced to the kids our theme for the week – Praise Him, Trust Him, Follow Him: The One True God,” said Captain Kenny Clewis.

In planning meetings the corps anticipated 45-55 children during the week-long evening event, but there was an average of 67 kids nightly and 24 adults. On commencement night there were 91 kids and 51 adults, and during the week 23 seekers came, 11 of which were fi rst-time seekers. With VBS as a catalyst, the month following brought an increase in enrollment: seven senior soldiers, two adherents, eight junior soldiers and seven cradle roll. Twenty-four

Sleepy Valley, N.C., Corps partners with churches for community VBS, sees strong corps growth

new soldiers, mostly young families who had not attended church regularly before the VBS, started coming to the corps on a regular basis. Six months later the families are still active in the corps.

Captain Clewis credits God with all the excitement from last year’s VBS and the expectation for this year’s program. “God is really moving in the mountains of North Carolina and throughout this division, and we give him all the praise and glory and look for even greater things this summer from our VBS programming. Because of the tremendous success from the combined VBS, a women’s Tuesday morning Bible study has materialized with an average of 28 women in attendance weekly. Some of the women are from other churches and several who had never been active in church before.

“There has been inquiries about this year’s VBS in the community, and last year’s participating churches having already placed the event on their calendar,” he said.

Parents and children get to know each other through crafts at the Sleepy Valley, N.C., Vacation Bible School.

Meeting a needCorps all over the South are tailoring VBS to meet the needs of

their communities:Atlanta, Ga.

The Atlanta Temple Corps runs its vacation Bible school in the summer, but this year the corps also hosted a Spring Break VBS to meet needs of local Salvation Army employees. Children of employees from territorial headquarters, divisional headquarters, Atlanta Area Command and Red Shield Lodge participated in High Seas Expedition, which focused on the travels of the apostle Paul.

The Spring Break VBS is a forerunner to the full-fl edged summer program that will use the same curriculum, according to ministry associate Emma Edelman. The one-week VBS was aimed at helping people who are already familiar with The Salvation Army – its employees – relate more to the corps as a ministry to their own families. Lieutenant Jimmy Taylor, assistant corps offi cer, said he hopes employees will bring their families after work to activities such as F.E.A.S.T. (Families Eating and Studying Together) on Wednesday nights. He said the work that is put into VBS is important because it impacts kids and corps members when programs are run well.

Last year’s VBS drew new volunteers from the corps congregation because of a simple, inexpensive mural that Taylor and Edelman painted as a prop. “It doesn’t take a lot of money to put something quality together. If you do it well, the kids remember it and it makes an impact,” he said.Jackson, Miss.

VBS has stepped into the 21st century – it’s going mobile. Communities are changing, and so are the lives of its young people. So the Jackson, Miss., Corps has decided to take VBS to the kids where they are.

The VBS team will take a trailer and a catering truck (which is smaller than a canteen) to “places where children gather,” said Captain Ken Chapman, including local neighborhoods, city parks and apartment complexes.

The mobile VBS will include a Bible story, craft and snack time. Captain Chapman anticipates the ministry will reach

about 1,500 children. The mobile mission’s ultimate purpose is evangelistic. “We want to bring children hope through a relationship with Jesus Christ,” he said, “and second, we want to invite them into our corps and give them a place to worship.”

He hopes the program will lay a good foundation for adding to the rolls of the new corps community center being planned for the Jackson community. It should be complete in about a year and a half.Nashville, Tenn., Hispanic Corps

Sergeant Alves Gonzalez was driving to pick up a group of children from the community last year when she noticed two women and several children gardening outside their home. She had an idea to turn around and invite the children to VBS. After

sharing with the women and children, the two ladies not only gave Gonzalez permission to pick up their kids for VBS; but they also started coming to the corps. They now attend Home League, and 14 children have been added to corps activities.Tampa, Fla.

Three years ago, when the corps started running a summer day camp, VBS started being held during Spring Break week for the public school system. That year Dan Flagg, a man who had been attending the corps for a few years, volunteered to be a crew leader – or mentor for the week – to one of the children known as “Man-Man.” He was full of energy and needed extra attention; he and Flagg bonded.

The Sunday following VBS, Flagg picked up Man-Man for church and continues to pick him up every week.

“Man-Man has now become a junior soldier, attends Adventure Corps and is a member of our new karate program, the Red Shield Warriors of Tampa. A whole new world has opened up for this young man. He is still very active but continues to grow and has become more focused under Dan’s guidance and mentorship,” said Kathy Tedford, corps ministries director.Wilmington, N.C.

A new VBS director, Major Dorothy Zander, saw the need to recruit additional volunteers at the Wilmington, N.C., Corps Vacation Bible School last year. “She did a wonderful job fi nding new teachers with new ideas,” said corps offi cer Major Carolyn Mallard.

Zander recruited parent volunteers who attended the corps, but weren’t serving in any capacity. Many had been raised in the corps, left and returned after having children. As a result of the parents’ leadership during the 2009 VBS, the corps now has a new Sunbeam leader, Moonbeam leader, SAAC leader and Sunday school teacher.

Army Fundamentals is a course at Evangeline Booth College geared to teaching fi rst-year cadets the basics of Salvation Army programming. Sheila Livingston, Christian education director for the USA South, visited the class recently to teach cadets about planning vacation Bible school.

During the class, Livingston created a fi ctitious VBS where she went through the steps of how to plan a successful VBS. By the 10:30 a.m. break, cadets knew the fi ve Ps of VBS: Purpose, Person, Place, Pennies and Prize. Cadets divided into groups to develop a mock VBS. Livingston emphasized the importance of starting out with your purpose to know who will be participating in the VBS. She said not all VBS programs need to be geared at children and stressed that a VBS does not have to incorporate everyone. “You can target VBS just like you would SQUADS. Choose an age group – family, toddlers, teens, elementary aged kids,

adults or a combined age approach.”Knowing who will be attending

is important, said Livingston, because it will determine what kind of curriculum you should use and where the VBS will be held. Choosing a place and time that will work within the constraints of your VBS audience is crucial.

The fourth P – Pennies – signifi es setting a budget. Requiring participants to pre-register means you will have a more accurate idea of how many supplies you need to purchase. The fi fth P that Livingston discussed is the prize or reward. The ultimate reward, she said, is the relationships that a corps develops among soldiers and the community.

Cadet Leo Gagné said, “I believe VBS brings the community together.”

Sheila Livingston, territorial Christian education director, talks to fi rst-year cadets about how to plan a VBS with purpose.

Christian ed. director speaks to cadets about targeting VBS to match corps goals

Right: Emma Edelman, ministry associate at Atlanta Temple Corps, helps 4-year-old Adri-ana Dilworth with a Bible craft.Lower right: A VBS student, fi fth from left, was enrolled as a ju-nior soldier at the Tampa, Fla., Corps because of one VBS volunteer’s infl uence.