www.boundless2015.org /boundless2015 #boundless2015

Continued on page 3, column 2Continued on page 6, column 3

Continued on page 3, column 1

3 5 6Commissioner Nancy Roberts, Commissioner Silvia Cox and Commissioner Barbara Jeffrey pose

in front of the newly unveiled statue of Catherine Booth. | Photo by Brent Forrest

ISSUETHREE

FOUNDERS’ DAY EVENTHONOURS CATHERINE, ARMY MOTHER

Written by Christin DavisManaging Editor New Frontier Publications

HISTORICAL JOURNEY ‘OUR BOUNDLESS STORY’ INTERACTIVE

Written by Laura BoothEditorial Assistant Salvationist

A SERVING ARMYEVA BURROWS HONOURED

Written by Kevin SimsEditor All the World

RECENTLY uncovered photos, artefacts on loan from collectors and interactive videos are taking

Salvationists on a journey through the history of The Salvation Army in ‘Our Boundless Story’, an historical exhibition at Boundless 2015.

From a pair of Founder William Booth’s boots, to memorabilia from past congresses and relics from the Hadleigh Farm Colony, there are artefacts from all walks of life.

‘Some artefacts will be unique,’ said

THE message from the Founders’ Day evening session of Boundless 2015 was clear – William and

Catherine Booth began The Salvation Army exactly 150 years ago, but the call to win the world for Christ must be answered by today’s Salvationists.

Highlights of the evening included the posthumous admitting of former General Eva Burrows to the Order of the Founder, The Salvation Army’s highest honour, and the launching of the new song book.

LEADERS of The Salvation Army from across the world met on Mile End Road in the East End of London on

2 July to commemorate Founders’ Day and unveil a statue of the Army Mother, Catherine Booth, next to one of William Booth erected in 1979.

‘This is a special day as we recognize the remarkable contributions Catherine Booth had in shaping The Salvation Army to be what it is today,’ said General André Cox in welcoming attendees – Army offi cers, local religious leaders, city workers and Booth family members alike.

Known for her partnership in beginning the ministry that would become The Salvation Army 150 years ago, Catherine Booth is heralded today for advocating for women’s equal rights to preach.

The statue, a depiction of Catherine in bonnet, hand extended and clutching a Bible to her chest, was funded by women of The Salvation Army in the United States of America.

‘One of the things that attracted me to the Army at age 11 was that both of the [male and female] offi cers were ordained and spoke at the corps,’ said Commissioner Debora Bell, USA Southern Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. ‘I felt a calling to be a woman preacher. Because of what Catherine did, I can do what I do.’

Down the road, past the Blind Beggar public house where William held street meetings, a tent meeting at Vallance Gardens, a disused Quaker burial ground,

2 ISSUE THREE: FRIDAY 03 JULY 2015 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111Published daily byThe Boundless Communications TeamBased at The O2 arena, London, UK

www.boundless2015.org

IHQ COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARYMajor John Murray

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARYDeborah Condon

MANAGING EDITORSGeoff Moulton and Christin Davis

COPY EDITORS AND WRITERSPaul Mortlock, Kevin Sims and team

LAYOUT AND DESIGNJooles Tostevin and Berni Georges

PHOTOGRAPHYTim Schaal and team

ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIADavid Giles and team

PRINT MANAGEMENT BYHalcyon. The Brewery, Bells Yew Green,

Tunbridge Wells, TH3 9BD.

THE Salvation Army is known as a hands-on Army, a people who live their faith by action. However, we also need to constantly refl ect on

what we believe, reconnect with Scripture and express it in a language for our generation and culture.

Helping us do that was the Boundless seminar ‘Salvationist Theology Today’, hosted by the International Theological Council (ITC), an advisory council to the General, and moderated by its Chair, Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare.

The seminar started with a presentation on the theme ‘Boundless Grace’ by Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr, a UK offi cer and member of the ITC. He emphasised the broad and generous dimension of Salvationist teaching on salvation for all – ‘so that whosoever will may be saved’ (doctrine 6) – not only in terms of a personal conversion experience but for the whole of humankind and Creation.

Lieut-Colonel Barr encouraged a more communal approach to entire sanctifi cation, and a move away from the individualistic perspective of Western culture. ‘Salvationists preach a gospel that reaches into every society and announces that the saving power of Jesus is at work transforming every culture.’

He also urged Salvationists to listen more to voices from the Southern hemisphere – embracing Christ as healer and life giver, as do Africans, or Christ as liberator, as do South Americans. The enthusiastic public response during the open forum indicated Salvationists’ desire for a better understanding of our doctrines.

IN PROFILELIEUT-COLONEL Gracia Matondo – a

Congo native born into an Angolan refugee family – overcame seemingly

impossible odds for his faith: the early death of his father, being arrested, forced into military service in Cuba because of his religious beliefs, and fl eeing a near-death experience by fi ring squad at the Zambian border.

He is now in a leadership position with The Salvation Army serving as secretary for business administration the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Territory.

‘I was and still am a product of boundless grace,’ Matondo said. ‘While singing the Founder’s song, I review steps, events, obstacles, despondency, dying alive … and coming back to life and fi nally being a shaped tool for God’s purpose.’ Matondo’s story is one of many featured in Covenant, the Boundless musical.

Commissioners John and Véronique

Jude St-Aimé Playing Gracia Matondo in Covenant

Ludiazo, now leaders of the Army’s African International Ministry in Phoenix, Arizona, enrolled Gracia as a junior soldier at the age of 12 in the DRC.

‘I feel very humbled that God used our ministry for such an unknown but great future, full of unbeatable faith and courage – like a mustard seed, by divine transformation becoming a big tree,’ Commissioner John Ludiazo said. ‘As his own name Matondo means thanksgiving, let it be so in the presence of God.’

Southern Californian Salvationist Jude St-Aimé plays Matondo in Covenant and feels he has the responsibility of interpreting his story in the best way possible.

‘Initially, I felt overwhelmed. It’s a big story with lots of personality and a great message.

IN PROFILEIN PROFILEIN PROFILEIN PROFILEIN PROFILEI didn’t want to fail at communicating Gracia’s story or the message. I am privileged to be a part of a story of such strong spiritual endurance,’ St-Aimé said. ‘I like that although he had such a tumultuous life, something as simple as the junior soldier’s promise served as his reminder of God’s love and plan for his life.’

Playing Matondo has been a learning experience, he added. ‘I’ve been reminded to not overlook the simple things or what we consider at times to be simple in ministry,’ he said. ‘This role reminds me daily that God has a plan for my life and that his way is best.’

‘I hope audiences are reminded to give time, give love, and care for people. If you can help someone, help,’ he said. ‘Also, I hope people are reminded of God’s promise for each and everyone one of us. We may struggle at times and want to give up, but we should remember that joy comes in the morning. God is faithful and will always see us through, whatever obstacle we are facing.’

IN PROFILE

BOUNDLESS GRACETHEOLOGY FOR TODAY

Written by Major Martin GossauerEditor-in-Chief and Editor The Offi cer11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111MEET AUTHOR AND PRODUCER

Commissioner Robert Street at the OneArmy display in the Boundless exhibition area,

where you can obtain free samplebooks and DVDs that are available in a

number of languages.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS of this unifying teaching resource, or to obtain tickets for the OneArmy seminar at 9am on Saturday

4 July, visit at the OneArmy stand.

Written by Vivian GaticaEditor New Frontier Chronicle

3www.boundless2015.org /boundless2015 #boundless2015

HISTORICAL JOURNEYCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1...

FOUNDERS’ DAY EVENTCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1...

recreated the earliest form of Army ministry with songs, testimonies and a message by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William Roberts).

‘We can celebrate what is happening today in the East End,’ said Major Nick Coke, corps offi cer of the nearby Stepney Corps, which he and Major Kerry Coke started 12 years ago. ‘The Founder said he found his destiny in the East End and I’ve felt a little of that, too.’

Ashley Green, a cadet in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland from Stepney Corps, said the Cokes embody Booth’s vision for the Army’s mission, particularly for building relationships with the community that is largely Muslim today.

‘I want to be an offi cer who is intentional about getting to know people, too,’ Green said. ‘Here it’s a religious diff erence, but in some places it might be age or something else. I want to be willing to reinvent what needs to be done to reach people.’

For Colonel Ted Horwood, Territorial Commander, Tanzania, the commemorative event marked an opportunity to look forward.

‘The Salvation Army is well positioned today in what God is doing in society,’ he said. ‘For me, this is not so much about looking back but is a chance to look with great expectation at what God has in store in the next 150 years.’

Left and above: International leaders of The Salvation Army gather on Mile End Road in the East End July 2 to unveil a statue of Catherine Booth. Left below: A tent meeting at Vallance Gardens included songs, testimonies and a message where William Booth first held a tent meeting

Congress Coordinator Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood, who has helped to curate the exhibition. ‘I consider myself a bit of an Army historian, but I’d never even seen or heard of one of the artefacts on display. I was really excited to get my hands on it!’

To have a refi ned, open experience that isn’t cluttered with display cases, Lieut-Colonel Hobgood said the Congress team decided to make the exhibition a portrait gallery. Getty Images uncovered a number of rare photographs that are believed to be more than 100 years old.

Ala Lloyd, an architect and production designer from Corporate Magic, the congress production company, helped craft the experience.

‘My job was to make sure the theatricalness comes across,’ Ala said. ‘It is a positive, progressive experience rather than just a bunch of old photographs. It’s an emotional journey. I’ve been really touched by some of the imagery.’

Lieut-Colonel Hobgood noted that the photos move from black and white, to sepia and then colour as a visitor progresses through the exhibit, a symbolic walk through the Army’s history and into the future.

A self-led experience, Army historians are on hand to provide additional information, along with the fi lm William Booth – A Passion For The Poor, produced by the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, which contains rare footage of William Booth’s funeral.

To highlight the Doughnut Girls and the Army’s wartime ministry, a canteen is situated inside the exhibition. The Salvation Army partnered with Krispy Kreme, which donated 20,000 doughnuts that are being given out from the canteen.

‘You have to pass through the exhibition to get a doughnut, and must exit by passing through the rest of the display,’ Eddie said. ‘Even if your only intention is to get a doughnut, you’ll still be impacted by what you see. It’s a great way for people that don’t know us to get a glimpse of who we are.’

Located in the Boundless Experience, a public quarter of The O2, the exhibition is accessible by delegates and non-delegates alike.

‘That’s one of the great things about The O2. There’ll be 15,000 to 16,000 Salvationists, but there will also be thousands of people that come in and out of the facility every day,’ Lieut-Colonel Hobgood said. ‘We felt like this would be a really good opportunity for us to raise non-Salvationists’ awareness of what The Salvation Army is and why we’re here at this specifi c moment.’

The exhibition is an experience for the whole family. As Eddie said, ‘Regardless of your age you’ll see something that will interest you.’

Photos by John Docter and Brent Forrest

MARKING150 YEARS

Written by Major Pamela Shiridzinodya Editorial AssistantInternational Headquarters

ON 2 July 1865 William Booth participated in his fi rst open-air meeting

in Whitechapel, London, preaching in a tent. It was on this day that he declared to his wife, Catherine, ‘I have found my destiny’, and The Salvation Army was born.

At that time the organisation was known as The Christian Revival Society, and in 1878 it was renamed The Salvation Army. As military terminology was adopted within the organisation, William Booth became known as the fi rst ‘General’.

To mark this important founding event, each year on 2

July Salvationists everywhere celebrate Founders’ Day and this year marks 150 years since the commencement of The Salvation Army.

Now at work in 126 countries, the Army continues its Founders’ commitment to God to serve suff ering humanity and meet human needs throughout the world without discrimination.

meeting

MARKING

Read the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory’s War Cry onlinesalvationarmy.org.nz/warcry

Catch a GlimpseOF THE SALVATION ARMY

in theSouth Pacific

4 ISSUE THREE: FRIDAY 03 JULY 2015

Photos: Tim Schaal, Bruce Redman, Brent Forrest, John Docter, Major Mark Brown

See more photos at: www.boundless2015.org/photos

Clockwise from top left: Kenya West Territory shake it up on stage;a delegate takes fl ag to a whole new level; General André Cox pauses for a selfi e with a delegate; Bandmaster William Himes conducts his fi nal concert with the Chicago Staff Band; Salvationists take in the Boundless Film Festival; Boundless World Cup kicks off .

5www.boundless2015.org /boundless2015 #boundless2015

PICTORIALREVIEW03 JULY 2015

Clockwise from top left: Making new friends at Boundless; a quiet devotional moment at Offi cers Councils; Boundless is a multi-generational event;a delegate from the South Asia Zone; Christopher Ward, soprano cornet of the New York Staff Band.

6 ISSUE THREE: FRIDAY 03 JULY 2015

A SERVING ARMYCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1...

The programme began with a drama showing a group of missioners outside the Blind Beggar public house in east London on 2 July 1865. When they asked a young William Booth to ‘have a word’, his reply was clear and loud: SALVATION!

General André Cox strode onto the stage and asked: ‘What better day than today to renew our commitment to salvation and the fi ght?’

Tribute was paid to Catherine Booth, who was recognised as equal partner in her husband’s work. Never commissioned, the congregation heard, she never held a rank – except for Mother of The Salvation Army.

The recognition of one remarkable woman led to the honouring of another, with the admittance to the Order of the Founder of former General Eva Burrows, who was promoted to Glory earlier this year.

A video from General Eva’s thanksgiving service showed her at her passionate best, declaring: ‘I never wanted to live my way, I always wanted to live [God’s] way.’

Presenting the award to Australia Southern Territorial Commander Commissioner Floyd Tidd, on behalf of General Eva’s family, the General said that the life and service of Eva Burrows ‘would have recommended itself to our Founder. She inspired countless people around the world.’

A medley of old-time Salvation Army songs led by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William A. Roberts) and a slick presentation by London Citadel Timbrels led to thoughts on music by the General.

‘Music is something that touches the soul,’ he said, launching the new Song Book of the Salvation Army. ‘Music can lift and inspire.’

He paid tribute to the work that had gone into the new tune and song books, saying: ‘We are and always have been a singing Army. William Booth instructed his Army to sing so as to make the whole world hear.’

Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus took the General’s words to heart with the gospel-style ‘Right Time, Right Place’.

While Ayoung Lee sang ‘Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb?’ the image of a stained-glass window appeared at back of stage, showing Salvationists counselling a seeker around a drum.

As the song ended the window came to life, with each of the characters stepping forward to read a Scripture passage referring to blood or fi re.

A united call to ‘Send this Fire on Me’ was taken up in the congregational

GENERALWritten by Kersten RiederEditorial Assistant Salvationist

GENERAL SETS SPEED-SERMON BENCHMARK LATE NIGHT ALIVE OFFERS FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT song ‘This Fire’, led by transMission.

Giant screens at the front and more around the side fi lled the auditorium with bright, fl ickering fl ames until it seemed as if fi re really had descended on every person present!

After the Bible reading by Commissioner Nancy Roberts (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries), Pasadena Songsters presented its own tribute to William Booth, ‘Boundless’, a lively new arrangement of the Founder’s Song, ‘O Boundless Salvation!’

Commissioner William Cochrane (International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff ) gave a thoughtful and personal Bible message.

He spoke of being moved at the unveiling of a new statue of Catherine Booth in east London earlier in the day, suggesting that her addition alongside her husband gave a message that ‘your gender is of no consequence’.

He added: ‘Gender, race, intellectual capacity, your physical strength doesn’t matter. Nothing but the grace of God in your life.’

He challenged the congregation members to give their all to God for him to use.

‘The world needs to see us,’ he said. ‘We need to stop being invisible. By wearing a uniform of some kind – but most of all by the extent in which people see Jesus Christ in our words, deeds and actions.’

Four soldiers read the Lord’s Prayer, the fi rst in English, then joined by one speaking in Korean, then one in Spanish, and one in French Creole until a cacophony of prayer fi lled the auditorium. The four languages were also used to add emphasis to a reading of the Founder’s ‘I’ll Fight!’ speech.

The giant screens then showed people from many nations declaring: ‘I am The Salvation Army’ before the General reappeared onstage to add his voice: ‘I am The Salvation Army – and I’ll fi ght to the very end.’ Pointing to the crowd, he added the challenge: ‘And you? And you? Will you fi ght to the end?’

With the backdrop of a giant ‘blood-and-fi re’-emblem star, Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries) closed the session by off ering praise through prayer in passionate French, thanking God again and again for all he is doing.

EXPRESSIONS of the culturally diverse nature of worldwide Salvation Army worship were

features of the much-anticipated fi rst evening of Late Night Alive at Boundless 2015.

A full house in The O2’s Building Six enthusiastically greeted the hosts before the chat show-style event introduced the all-age crowd to performance guests for the night.

First on, the Amsterdam Staff Songsters coolly swayed while engaging the audience with a medley of familiar tunes. Their unassuming manner hit a note with the crowd, many of them singing along and tapping their feet while others reached for their timbrels. Later the Indonesian Bamboo Orchestra intrigued with their unique sound as they played traditional instruments of varying sizes. To add to the atmosphere the orchestra accompanied a soloist as her beautiful voice fi lled the room.

In an interactive part of the show, the Hawai’i Hula Hālau group captivated everyone, not only with their colourful outfi ts but also with their elegant and expressive hand movements while dancing. After rousing applause, the four hosts joined in the hula fun before the dancers scored their eff orts, crowing Kelly Zvobgo the winner.

An interview with Congress Coordinator Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood revealed his hopes for congress. An enthusiastic Eddie admitted that although dealing with diff erent countries, languages and time zones had been challenging, he is convinced that God will have his way. ‘People will come to know Jesus, and God will allow us to be his witnesses,’ he said. Eddie hopes that Boundless will be the catalyst for revival in many parts of the Army world.

In a segment named ‘Mejee, My-selfi e and I’, a humorous video was shown featuring full-time Boundless

volunteer Mejee Lutcher. Mejee has been making his way around The O2 with the aim of taking a selfi e with a delegate from each of the countries in which The Salvation Army is at work. The audience was encouraged to seek him out to help him complete this daunting task.

At the heart of the evening, General André Cox was challenged to distil his message from the earlier main arena session down to 150 seconds. The General gloriously completed his sermon with 65 seconds to spare, remarking, tongue-in-cheek, that he had to learn to be brief as he lived in a female-dominated household.

In the fi nal moments of the show, the entertained crowd showed their appreciation by singing the Army classic ‘We are an Army Fighting for a Glorious King’ with a twist – in country and western style – drawing the successful fi rst Late Night Alive to a close.

The General gloriously completed his sermon with 65 seconds to spare, remarking, tongue-in-cheek, that he had to learn to be brief.

‘The world needs to see us. We need to stop being invisible ... most of all by the extent in which people see Jesus Christ in our words, deeds and actions.’

‘General Eva Burrows inspired countless people around the world.’

7www.boundless2015.org /boundless2015 #boundless2015

IF THOSE who attended the fi rst international congress held in 1886 could come back today they would be amazed

by the very diff erent sights and sounds of Boundless 2015.

In 1886 the Army was celebrating its 21st birthday, but had been working outside Britain for only six years. In that time it had already reached 12 countries. But it took holy daring to announce an international congress in London and invite Salvationists from these lands to come. But come they did – and they lifted the roof with their praise to God for what he had done.

How amazingly diff erent is Boundless 2015! Delegates have come not from 12 countries, but from 126! Attendances are far in excess of those of the fi rst congress. Traditional sounds of music mix with the exotic. The latest in modern technology helps to communicate the message.

But also, how amazingly the same is Boundless 2015. What would strike any visitors from 1886 the most is that on its 150th birthday the Army is as young as it ever was. Its spirit has not changed, and the energy and vitality of the Holy Spirit still courses as powerfully through its veins as it ever did.

We praise God as we commemorate the Army’s past and celebrate its work in the present. And for the future, may the congress inspire us to be even more open to the Spirit – an Army prepared to innovate, adapt and forge ahead to meet the challenges of the 21st century.General John Larsson (Rtd)

BOOK

To read Commissioner Keith Banks’s review of this book,visit sar.my/larssonbookreviewTo read Commissioner Keith Banks’s review of this book,

VISIT THE SP&S SHOP TODAYBETWEEN 3-4.30PM General Larsson (Rtd)will be signing copies ofThose Incredible Booths.

CONGRESS REFLECTION LIFT THE ROOF WITH PRAISE BY JOHN LARSSON

MEETING and greeting some of the youngest delegates at Boundless 2015 was part of Founders’ Day activities for General André Cox

and Commissioner Silvia Cox. Away from the main arena’s hubbub, in a cool oasis

of soft play areas, toys, books and even two bouncy castles, the international leaders – supported by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner William A. Roberts) and Commissioner Nancy Roberts – met children aged fi ve and under who had come for their own congress experience, run by childcare specialists Nipperbout.

That morning, toddlers and older children took part in their daily ‘mini-worship session’. A Bible-based story, songs and prayers engaged even the shyest child, while hands-on activities helped them show they are as loud and as musical as any of the visiting sections! Sensory baby play – with colourful textured materials to grasp, bubbles to watch and music to hear – kept smallest ‘Salvationists’ delighted.

KIDDING AROUNDLEADERS VISIT CRÈCHE

Written by Claire AndersonWriter Salvationist

RAISED as the son of Salvation Army offi cers in the USA, Phil Laeger knew a home where faith and music were closely intertwined. It comes

as no surprise then that at an early age he learned to play the piano and started writing poems for Jesus. In his testimony he admits that he strayed from Jesus during his teenage years, but one day in January 1996, after hitting rock bottom, he decided to return to God. Years on and several albums later, Phil is a singer, songwriter, father of three, husband and active Salvationist living in Australia, north of Sydney.

His arrangements of traditional Army tunes started when corps offi cer friends contacted Phil to help arrange ‘Send the Fire’, but he really received recognition when Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood asked him to specifi cally look at old Army songs and use them to lead worship at a territorial youth institute in Oklahoma in 2004. An overwhelming response encouraged Phil to keep going down this route. However, he has also composed and written several original songs, as well as released a number of piano albums.

When asked what makes a good worship song,

Phil enthuses, ‘I think music has the ability to suspend reality for a second. It has the ability to make people stop. Music done well lets people appreciate beauty and connect on an emotional level that words alone cannot do. When you couple music with God’s truth, amazing things can happen.’

At Boundless, Phil is participating in the main sessions as well as the concert with transMission on Friday 3 July.

WHEN MUSIC MEETS GOD’S TRUTHSINGER/SONGWRITER PHIL LAEGER SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON WORSHIP SONGS

Written by Kersten RiederEditorial Assistant Salvationist

Photo by Tim Schaal

Music done well lets people appreciate beauty and connect on an emotional level.

8 ISSUE THREE: FRIDAY 03 JULY 2015

EVENTSNOT TO MISS

FRIDAY03 JULY 201510.00amGeneral Session – A Caring ArmyVenue: The O2 arena

1.30pm SeminarFaith and Social Justice in the 21st CenturyIncluding panel discussion with General André CoxVenue: Cineworld Sky Superscreen

2:30pmWomen’s Gathering – ‘Bound-Less’Venue: Boundless Theatre

3.00pmBook signing General John Larsson (Rtd)Venue: SP&S Shop

4.00pmConcertOntario Central East Youth ChorusVenue: Cineworld, screen 2ConcertWorld ConcertVenue: Cineworld Sky Superscreen

7.00pmGeneral Session – An All-Embracing ArmyVenue: The O2 arena

9.30pmConcerttransMission and Phil LaegerVenue: Boundless TheatreConcertPasadena Tabernacle Youth ChorusVenue: indigo at The O2

FOR FULL LISTINGS...

VISIT www.boundless2015.org/boundless/schedule

OR SCANon your smartphone

UNITED IN LOVESALVATIONISTS URGED TO BUILD BRIDGES

Written by Major Christina TysonCommunications SecretaryNew Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory

THURSDAY morning’s second session of Boundless 2015, ‘A Unifi ed Army’, was a moving reminder that the Army expresses God’s love in

practical ways – such as through emergency response, a hospital, a children’s home, by the digging of a village well, in the ministry of a rehabilitation centre.

The Amsterdam Staff Songsters set the scene for worship and refl ection with ‘Love Can Build a Bridge’. They later combined with Phil Laeger and transMission for ‘Be a Hero’, calling Salvationists to live for others in a hurting world.

‘I have seen fi rst-hand the results of bridges of love being built across the world,’ said session leader Captain Anne Westmoreland. She thanked those who gave time, treasure and talents to serve in partnership with God. ‘You are building bridges of love in your communities. Our ultimate mission is to win people to Jesus Christ – and this is often done through practical service.’

The colourful Paduan Suara Korps Palu singers from Indonesia proved serving God isn’t gloomy, with a contagiously joyful presentation of ‘O, Sifuni Mungo’ [‘All Men, All Creatures, Everybody, Praise the Lord!’]. The Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dancers refl ected this same spirit, as did the talented Hallelujah Quartet from Russia, which sang about defeating doubts with the power of faith.

Bill Booth Theater Group explored the concept of bridge-building, noting the strength that comes from partnership.

Throughout the session, The Salvation Army’s work in communities with deep needs was highlighted in video reports and testimonials.

The O2 audience heard about the Sand Dam Project in Kenya where, in 2013, The Salvation Army worked in partnership with the community to build a dam that provides enough safe water for 1,000 people who previously travelled a long and dangerous path to collect often unhealthy water. Even children walked these long distances, instead of going to school.

Captain Moses Njagi said the local corps wanted to show their community ‘in a practical way, that God loves them and cares about the things that they care about – even water’. The Sand Dam Project has strengthened the local Tawa Corps, which has grown by more than 30 senior soldiers and 50 junior soldiers.

The Tekokatu Clinic in Paraguay, which began in 1998, educates young women about healthy

pregnancies and the importance of childhood vaccinations. This has led to signifi cantly higher maternal survival rates for mothers and fewer childbirth complications for babies. The clinic is now also providing education to combat domestic violence. Outcomes include women choosing to further their education, starting their own businesses and growing in self-esteem.

Major Gladys Barrios reported: ‘God has raised Clinic Tekokatu as a bridge of hope and love that off ers physical and spiritual health to the community in the name of Jesus.’

Other stories of changed communities took the audience to a street hospital for drug users in Norway, where people were assured they were worthy of love

even if others turned from them in fear or disgust; to a Salvation Army children’s home in Kandhamal, India, where – in 2008 – children were hidden in the jungle to escape anti-Christian violence before fi nding safety in a refugee camp; and to Qingquan Village in China’s Sichuan Province where, after a devastating magnitude eight earthquake in 2008, The Salvation Army partnered with residents to build two reservoirs to collect water in an area with dry soil.

Captain Diana MacDonald, Territorial Secretary for Personnel in Pakistan and with wide Salvation Army healthcare experience, refl ected on Jesus’ contact with the Samaritan woman at the well, noting he treated her with respect and built a bridge across a cultural divide.

‘Building a bridge can be diffi cult, but not impossible,’ she said.

She recalled her own patience in reaching out to a grieving woman whose fi ve-year-old son was killed in an earthquake on his fi rst day in school. ‘I started building a bridge of loving care with her. After fi ve months, I saw a smile on her face and I prayed with her.’

The captain challenged the congregation: ‘Are we building bridges of peace, love, care and reconciliation – without discrimination – wherever we are? The world has a deep spiritual need, so let’s show the compassionate face of Jesus Christ wherever we go.’

READ THE TESTIMONY OFDIANA MACDONALDSecretary for PersonnelPakistan Territorial HeadquartersAT sar.my/macdonald

Are we building bridges of peace, love, care and reconciliation?

Captain Anne Westmoreland welcomes attendees following a song by the Amsterdam Staff Songsters. Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dancers.Photos by Bruce Redman