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The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory

News and Views from the Midwest

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Founded in late 2014, theMilwaukee chapter ofEchelon is flourishing. TheSalvation Army Wisconsin

and Upper Michigan Division’syoung professionals group alreadyhas 50 members, has exceeded itsinitial fundraising goal of $10,000and is growing not only in size, butin talent, passion and enthusiasm for“Doing the Most Good.”“I was drawn to Echelon because it

provided an opportunity to mix vol-

unteer work and networking withlike-minded individuals to createchange. The fact that we can use ourcollective talent, experience and con-nections to help those in need istruly special,” said member BrandonAlberti.Echelon Milwaukee members

aren’t just impressive professionals,passionate about serving, they’rediverse in the talent and skills theybring to our Army. Their ranksinclude engineers, attorneys, and

real estate agents. There’seven an investigativereporter! Their commonalityis a positive association withand advocacy for TheSalvation Army. Some simplysee the Army as a vehicle forcommunity service whileothers, like small businessowner Nathan Harris whogrew up in severe povertynear Chicago, have been per-sonally touched by the orga-nization.“I was immediately drawn

to Echelon because if it weren’t forThe Salvation Army I wouldn’t bealive today,” said Nathan. “…we grewup living in shelters at some pointsand walking miles to The SalvationArmy to get vouchers for the foodbank. I will never forget where Icame from…”Echelon Milwaukee had a stunning

turnout at the 2016 NationalAdvisory Organizations Conferencein Phoenix, Ariz., with a delegationof 17 members. Marcy Stutzman,Wisconsin and Upper Michigan divi-

sional special events coordinatorand the Echelon staff liaison said,“Everyone walked away feeling partof the bigger picture of the Army.They were energized and ready todo more for the mission!”Echelon Milwaukee meets month-

ly and alternates between having aprofessional development focus andparticipating in service events likeringing bells at kettles, packinglunches for the Feed the Kids sum-mer program or delivering schoolsupplies to area elementary schools.

ARC alumni retreatproves family strong

Echelon shines bright in Milwaukee

by Major Arnel Ruppel

Heart strong, faith strong, weare family strong!” was thetheme for the 2016 AdultRehabilitation Centers

(ARC) Alumni Retreat which broughttogether 300 people from across the

Central Territory for a weekend offun, fellowship and restoration forboth body and soul. The retreat’sobjectives were to give people theopportunity for rest and relaxation,to learn something new, to connectagain to a body of people in recoveryand, most importantly, to praise and

worship the Lord ofour salvation.With guests Majors

Stephen and DianeHarper, we did justthat opening theretreat with a gamenight. “Stomp,” whereparticipants burst com-petitors’ balloonswhile protecting theirown banded aroundtheir ankles started outwith the youngest chil-dren coming to thestage to challenge oneanother. After theirsuccessful round, other

Some of the Milwaukee Echelon delegates to the National Advisory Organizations Conference

“

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

Volume 46, Number 8 August 2016

A new work-shop thisyear, “FamilyStrong: theImportanceof aCommittedDad,” wastaught by

Derrick White and Julie Scott ofMetropolitan Division FamilyServices. The course is a precursorof the new father’s initiative cohortprogram for which they recentlyreceived federal funding to teach.Beginning this fall ARCs in theChicago area will participate in thisprogram.The weekend was pervaded with

a strong sense of God’s presenceand peace as people reconnectedand met others attending for thefirst time. A powerful and unifyingaspect for meetings of individualsfrom the ARC is the sharing of theirtestimonies. So, once againSaturday evening presented an

age groups ascended the field of bat-tle until the final call for those over30 was given. Without hesitation,nearly 40 men and women advancedto the stage amid shouts of supportfrom family and friends. “I’m comingback next year, whether you inviteme or not,” declared Major Steve.The retreat, which started in 2012

with funding from a Thomas LyleWilliams grant and in collaborationwith the Metropolitan DivisionFamily Services to provide classes inhealthy relationships and families,now features 12 workshops on topicslike grief and loss, staying healthy inrecovery, marriage enrichment, men-tal and emotional health, and art andmusic therapy sessions for children.

2

Every time I visit my two-year-old granddaughter,Avery, I am blown away byhow quickly she learns and

adapts to her environment. Whetheron her tablet, my iPad, her mommy’siPhone or her daddy’s laptop, sheknows where Hippo Peppa, Bob theTrain, Bubble Guppies and all of herfavorite videos are located. Sheknows where videos of herself andher baby sister can be found andloves watching herself as a baby. Ican’t help but pray as she grows upshe won’t be conformed to thisworld but will be transformed by therenewing of her mind.Educator and best-selling author

Tony Wagner is a firm believer in

longing for love, forgiveness andthe power to change remains thesame. Jesus, the Great Innovator,offers all of these and invites us toexperience a new and different lifein Him. God takes us as we are butnever leaves us that way.As I watched new lieutenants

being commissioned and sent out totheir new appointments this sum-mer, I was reminded of the oppor-tunities that await them for seeingthe Great Innovator at work in thelives of others. How exciting!

“disruptive innovation” that changesthe way the world thinks and works.In his book, Creating Innovators:The Making of Young People WhoWill Change the World, he says,“Innovation occurs in every aspect ofhuman endeavor,” and “most peoplecan become more creative and innov-ative—given the right environmentand opportunities.”Paul was a first-century innovator

who traveled throughout Asia Minortelling people how they could betransformed by faith in Jesus Christ.To the Christians in Rome Paulwrote, “Don’t copy the behavior andcustoms of this world, but let Godtransform you into a new person bychanging the way you think.”

CentralConnectionTHE SALVATION ARMY5550 Prairie Stone Pkwy • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192847-294-2000WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTHFounder

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COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILERTerritorial CommanderDOUGLAS McDANIELExecutive Director of DevelopmentELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN BENTSONCommunications SpecialistBRITTANY CHINNCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production

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by Lt. Colonel Richard AmickSecretary for Business Administration

(Romans 12:2, NLT) He urged themto give themselves fully to God. In aself-centered, greedy and graspingworld, Paul mentored them in howto live a Christ-centered life.The world has changed dramatical-

ly since Paul’s time, but people’s

formed a lively rendition of “Jesusis mine” during an evening meet-ing.“The words and music reflected a

heartfelt connection with Jesusbeing the source of all comfort andpeace, which is important to Anita.Her relationship with Anthonyreflected a ‘God moment’ in herlife, bringing support, strength andresilience during a time of her ownpersonal struggle,” said Major Julie.“As they sang, Anita felt it, hergrandkids felt it and so did theaudience.”“God is in the details. For Anita

they were the ARC choir and aChristian gentleman working a pro-gram of recovery. When Anthonybecame sick, Anita supported himand frequently sang at his bedside.She continues to sing in the choir,finding strength among those work-ing programs of recovery just likeAnthony, the friend God gave tosupport her before calling himhome,” Major Julie concluded.

The Salvation Armyhas come to mean alot in Anita Tidwell’slife over the last sev-

eral years. Until she beganproviding afterschool andday care for 10 of her 11grandchildren, Anita workedfor seven years at theChicago, Ill., North SideAdult Rehabilitation Center(ARC) as a store employee.She continues to regularlyattend Sunday morning andWednesday evening worshipservices at the ARC, whereshe sings in the choir,attends women’s ministriesand brings her grandchildrenwho “love it and only wantto go to church there!” saidAnita.Two years ago Anita’s connection

with the ARC deepened even furtherwhen she began seeing AnthonyBennett, an alumnus of the center.“We actually met on the internet,”said Anita, who was thrilled toattend her first alumni retreat withAnthony last year. Sadly, it was alsothe last one they attended togetherbefore his recent passing.Major Julie Aren, Chicago North

Side ARC Administrator, invitedAnita to attend this year’s alumniretreat with her 10 grandchildren.Held at Camp Wonderland, theretreat’s focus was on ministering tofamilies. Anita said it was wonderfulto fellowship and relax knowing hergrandchildren, ages 3-12, were safeand happily involved in activities.To pay tribute to Anthony and

express their appreciation to theARC, Anita and the children per-

rows deep across the plat-form, merging into harmo-nious praise. In the ARC,we are heart, faith and fam-ily strong!

opportunity for people toshare their stories in bothnarrative and song. A beauti-ful mix of individuals,groups and especially fami-lies shared their sorrow,strength and praise throughsongs well-known and newlycomposed. It was a publicdeclaration of God’s work intheir lives.“From

the momentwe steppedon thecamp untilthe finalprayer onSundaymorning,this was ablessing”said PhillipBurgess, acounselorat theChicago NorthSide, Ill., ARC. Akey leader of themusic ministry, heinvited all whowanted to partici-pate in the ARCchoir to come tothe stage. Soon,they formed two

Jesus is theirs

ARC retreat

The power to change

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GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.salarmycentral.orgResources/LinksOfficer Candidates website

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Salvation Army Motorcyle Ministry website

Pathway of Hope website

Territorial Youth Department website

South Bend Kroc website

Continued from page 1

Jessica and Victoria Pavlinac, Haylee Needham, Jordan Warren and Daniel Schaal areenrolled as junior soldiers by Commissioner William Roberts.

Approximately 25 youth from theneighborhood attend the serviceweekly, and 98 percent of them areunchurched and new to the Army.“It’s a safe environment where

they can build relationships and hearother teens exploring faith,” saidMajor Louise Blessing, former KrocCenter officer for program and youthdevelopment.Midweek teens come together for a

program called Corps 180, represent-ing the about-face everyone can havein Christ. Approximately a dozenteens turn out regularly for this spiri-tual youth development emphasisinvolving teaching, games and lifeskills.According to Jon, although these

efforts might be perceived as a bitunconventional, they line up withwhat the Church—especially theArmy—should be doing: bridging thegap with those who don’t know the

Lord and helping them see what thegospel means for them.It’s something Jon understands

first-hand. He says that though hegrew up in a conservative, church-going family in South Bend, he nevercame to accept the Lord personallyand figured he’d never be goodenough for God. So, in high school itwas easy to replace church with foot-ball when he excelled at it. But dur-ing his freshman year of college, thebottom dropped out of his nicely tai-lored life. Becoming ill and needingtwo surgeries, he had to give up play-ing football. In addition, two of hisfriends were robbed and shot for justa small amount of money. These cir-cumstances propelled Jon to re-evalu-ate the gospel and figure out whatwas true. After six months of study-ing the Bible and church history, hereached his conclusion.“It was undeniable that Jesus was

the answer,” Jon said. This decision

altered everything. He evenswitched to a Christian college.That’s where he became re-acquainted with childhood friend,Betsy Best, daughter of Majors Timand Beverly Best, and was intro-duced to The Salvation Army.Jon concluded, “The Army is dif-

ferent than anything I’ve everknown, but it has so manyresources to serve Christ. It’s agreat opportunity for me to walkwhat God has for me.”

At the South Bend, Ind., Rayand Joan Kroc CorpsCommunity Center newtargeted outreaches are

bringing teens to the Army anddrawing them closer to God.On Sunday morning, the Zone

invites young people to hang out in arelaxed space, complete with videoand arcade games and free WiFi.This informal meeting place with awelcoming vibe creates a focus onbuilding relationships and friendshipevangelism. Believers are encouragedto invite their friends.According to youth outreach coor-

dinator Jon Blanchard, it’s also “on-ramping” to the corps and a veryinteractive teen-style worship thatincludes a video and a discussion-based lesson where they dig intoscripture and talk about applyingGod’s Word to their lives, followedby pizza and fellowship.

Centennial inspires future

ognized, and advisory board mem-bers honored. Tom DeGiulioreceived the Other’s award, Edward“Gene” Masterton was presentedthe Certificate of MembershipEmeritus and Paul Doherty, 93, wasawarded the Certificate of LifeMembership.“Being compassionate means

we’re friends of the marginalized. Ifwe are not serving, we are not TheSalvation Army,” said the commis-sioner, who noted the Army worksin 127 countries tailoring service tomeet local needs and customs. “Weseek attention not to ourselves butto the message of Christ. Service toothers is a privilege, a God-givenmandate to serve without discrimi-nation. We stand with our armswide open to the world.”

The Salvation Army of LakeCounty, Ind., celebrated itscentennial of service tonorthwestern Indiana com-

munities with guests CommissionersWilliam A. and Nancy L. Roberts,reported Major Jose Tamayo, LakeCounty coordinator.Highlights of the week-long cele-

bration included a county-wideevangelistic campaign conducted bythe Roberts, who before their retire-ment served as Chief of the Staffand World Secretary for Women’sMinistries at InternationalHeadquarters. CommissionerWilliam Roberts also spoke at theArmy’s annual civic luncheon forLake County held at the RadissonStar Plaza Hotel in Merrillville, Ind.,and conducted a Sunday-morning sol-dier enrollment at the Hammond-Munster, Ind., Corps.The civic luncheon themed “From

Help to Hope” featured a historicand contemporary review of theArmy’s work in the county by MajorTamayo and an inspirational messageon the Army’s motivation for itswork from Commissioner WilliamRoberts.“A century ago, The Salvation

Army brought its gospel-based mis-sion and ministry to Lake County.Today it devotes its energies to eradi-cating homelessness, hunger and suf-fering…no one is told there’s no hopefor you,” said the major.Outstanding volunteers were rec-

New programs connect with teens' hearts

Go fish!A new collaboration between

TSAO and the MissouriDepartment of Conservation willmake fishing more accessible.Incorporating the state’s materialsinto our program, Discover Natureand Fishing, focuses on youth hav-ing fun outdoors, learning aboutconservation and making memo-ries. The lessons cover equipment,casting and proper fish handling;tying knots and baiting hooks; fishanatomy, habitat and life cycle; andlures and regulations. Compact,well-researched and user-friendly,it makes it easy for leaders to taketheir kids out fishing!

Hit the mark!Thanks to the Easton

Foundations, park archery leaguesare being sponsored at the Kroccenters in the territory. Training isunderway already in Green Bay,Wis., Chicago, Ill., and GrandRapids, Mich., to introduce thisprogram. Kroc centers will partnerwith community-based parks tohold competitions.

TSAO updateIntroduced to the territory in 2011, The Salvation Army Outdoors(TSAO) program just keeps getting better and better. Two recentdevelopments include the popular sports of fishing and archery.

Major Jose Tamayo presents Advisory Boardmember Paul Doherty the Certificate of LifeMembership.

3

Participants in Corps 180

Jon Blanchard

4

Confidence builds hope

Seven years ago Christy wasliving her dream life: mar-ried, living in a house shehelped design and build

from the ground up, managing abusiness for more than a decadeand driving a new car. Suddenlyher world came crashing downwhen she discovered her husbandwas living a double life.Within a year, Christy lost the

house and her car and had to moveback in with her parents. She triedgiving love another chance; shemet a man, had a baby andthought her life was back on track.But soon she found herself fightingthe demons of her partner’s alco-holism, mental illness and abuse.Alone again, Christy was

shocked to then lose her job of 17years for taking time off to dealwith her one-year-old son’s medicalissues. She floundered for direc-tion, not knowing which way toturn or where to go next with herlife. Hoping to get a present for herchild that Christmas, Christy wentto a Toys for Tots distribution thathappened to be held at theMuskegon, Mich., Corps, whereshe received an informational pam-phlet on Pathway of Hope (POH).“Little did I know this would

become the largest blessing in mylife,” said Christy, who’s been par-ticipating in POH at the corps forjust over a year now. According toPeggy Ferris, case manager andPOH coordinator, during that time

Christy, who’s now 34, completedher primary goal of learning a skillin the medical profession to sup-port herself and her son, graduat-ing at the top of her class.Christy’s new goals are to find a

job (supported by sterling recom-mendations from the school) withina 50-mile radius and find stable,safe and affordable housing forherself and her son. When sherecently shared about her experi-ences with POH at a corps adviso-ry board meeting at the invitationof Muskegon Corps Officers Danieland Stephanie Sawka, severalmembers asked for her resume andcongratulated Christy on hercourage in sharing her story.

“The POH approachshowed me I’m not trashto be thrown away.Despite all the mentaland physical abuse I’veexperienced, I’m not theperson I was told I am.I’m learning to definemyself and not allow oth-ers to define me. Iwouldn’t be where I amtoday and wouldn’t havethe resources to be suc-cessful, if it weren’t forthe POH initiative.”Peggy added POH

gained another collabora-tive partner through themedical education pro-gram Christy attended.The school has held foodand toy drives for thecorps and organized stu-dent volunteers for bell-ringing.

After the tragic loss of herhusband, father and sis-ter within four months,Constance lost her job

and subsequently her home whenher bereavement leave wasexhausted and she needed moretime off of work.Thanks to the excellent partner-

ships established by Shida Brooks,then Kansas City Citadel, Kan.,Corps caseworker, Constance wasreferred to The Salvation Army bythe Kansas City, Kan., school dis-trict’s McKinney-Vento HomelessAssistance liaison.“When I came to The Salvation

Army I had a plate of issues,”Constance recalled. “We were liv-ing in a hotel, with no transporta-tion, and I had two children to takecare of [ages 12 and 13].”Enrolling in Pathway of Hope,

Constance and Shida set achievablegoals including finding safe andaffordable housing, securingemployment, obtaining public ben-efits and reinstating her driver’s

license.Constance felt the breakthrough

came when she proved she’d beenunfairly terminated and got her jobback. Subsequent goals, such assecuring housing and benefits, thenbecame the focus. Shida connectedConstance with My Father’s House,which provided her with home fur-nishings and the McKinney-VentoHomeless Assistance liaison helpedarrange for a bus to pick her chil-dren up for school.“When I first started to meet

with Constance she was veryquiet,” said Shida. “Now she isopen. She feels she is in a placewhere she can express herself.She’s more confident and even herchildren have noticed. I’ve heardthem say, ‘Mommy is just sohappy!’”Constance’s final goal is to

secure her driver’s license andtransportation to work. Havingachieved so much, she’s confidentshe’ll achieve this, too.

“I think it was putting every-thing into per-spective andhaving anotherperson to brain-storm with thatmade this asuccess,” saidConstance.“With Shida, Inever feltalone. Shemade me feellike there wassomeone on myteam. Weattacked ittogether. It’snot been easy,but Shida wasalways empa-thetic, patientand really, real-ly kind.”

Triumph from the rubble

Kansas City Citadel Corps Officer Major Beverly Best andShida Brooks.

Major Daniel Sawka, Muskegon, Mich., corps officer, thanks Christy for sharingher story with advisory board members.

Christy and Peggy Ferris, case manager at theMuskegon, Mich., Corps

Christy and son

Progress to dateLaunched in 2011, Pathway of Hope has made significantprogress in the Central Territory in the last five years.Here’s where we stand at a glance:

• 268 corps and social service sites with trained personnel

• 2,083 families have enrolled

• 4,827 children have been served

• 75% of clients have increased stability

• $4,000 = the average earned income increase for a family

• 568 organizations have partnered with us

• 1,689 clients have been referred to other communityresources

5

Accountability the key

Kelly’s story is an excellentexample of how thePathway to Hope (POH)approach to case manage-

ment effectively uses communityengagement and collaboration,reported Terra Blase, social servicesdirector at the Hastings, Neb.,Corps.Kelly was referred to The

Salvation Army from CatholicSocial Services. They learned aboutthe POH initiative from a presenta-tion Terra had made at a communi-ty meeting and thought Kelly andher family might be an excellentfit.Kelly faithfully attended weekly

sessions with Terra. She and herchildren benefited from a widerange of services offered by thecorps and outside resources.Through POH, Kelly succeeded inreaching many of her goals, includ-ing getting her first-ever job!For most of her life, Kelly had

struggled to exist solely on socialsecurity disability payments. Aftermany months of encouragementand support, Kelly felt she couldwork a part-time job. Terra referredher to a state vocational rehabilita-tion agency for employment train-ing and support services. Aftercompleting the 90-day program,

Kelly was placed by the agency ina couple of on-the-job training pro-grams.Throughout the process, Terra

coordinated meetings with theagency and training programs andcontinued to provide the reassur-ance and encouragement Kellyneeded to succeed. Her efforts paidoff. Earlier this year, Kelly washired as a dishwasher at a localgolf course. “She couldn’t havebeen more excited,” Terra added.Terra also was instrumental in

making references for many otherforms of assistance and services forKelly and her family from state andfederal agencies, charities and localchurches. Today Kelly and her fam-ily have assistance for a variety oftheir expenses—and they will evenhave new windows for their home

thanks to a localweatherization pro-gram!The Hastings Corps

has been participat-ing in POH sinceOctober 2014. Itscorps officers, MajorsDale and SandraBrandenburg, havebeen active support-ers of POH sincetheir appointment tothe corps last year.

Single momDanyale firstlearned aboutSalvation

Army services whilevolunteering withAmeriCorps after the2011 Joplin, Mo., tor-nado. Following somehard knocks in life,she found herselfseeking out the Armyfor help.“She came to us

needing financialassistance for rent andutilities, but what shereally needed was asupport system,” saidJoplin, Mo., CorpsCaseworker DebraGaskill. “She had thedesire to improve hersituation, but she saidshe did not alwayshave the will powerto stay on track.”Danyale was very interested in

participating in the Pathway ofHope (POH) initiative, but hesitat-ed. “I knew I needed help, but Ididn’t feel like I deserved it,” saidDanyale. “After talking with Debra,she told me I was worthy of helpand that I did need it.”Debra and Danyale set three

main goals for her: go back to col-lege, enroll her five-year-old daugh-ter in reliable daycare, and createand stick to a budget. After layingout action steps and being account-able to Debra each week, Danyaledeveloped the confidence she need-ed to complete all of her goals.“Once she had someone to be

accountable to, Danyale wasmotived,” said Debra. “It kept hergoing to have someone to lean on

and encourage her.”Within six months, Danyale was

able to get all of her bills and legalfines taken care of; had her daugh-ter enrolled in the Head Start EarlyChildhood Learning andKnowledge Center and started col-lege in January.Thanks to a good relationship

with Joplin Corps Officers MajorsDoug and Beckie Stearns, Danyalealso is volunteering as a communi-ty liaison on the corps’ social ser-vices advisory committee. She evenshared her story at the corps’ vol-unteer appreciation dinner.Danyale concluded, “Right now I

feel very, very good about mygoals. I feel like I’m on a good pathwith POH, and I see a goodfuture.”

Collaborating for success

Caseworker Debra Gaskill with Danyale and her daughterKhamil

A Primer on Pathway of Hope

Pathway to Hope (POH) is a case-work approach that provides target-ed services to families with a desireto take action to break the cycle ofcrises and set them on a path outof intergenerational poverty.

It’s built on the premise that thestrengths-based approach, com-bined with hope enhancementpractices, can help at-risk familiesovercome barriers and progressalong a “path” toward stabilityand sufficiency.

It employs a holistic team thatincludes the corps officer, staff,soldiers and volunteers who workalongside families to facilitatechange and to celebrate small vic-tories and significant achieve-ments.

Corps teams work to build astrong community support systemfor Pathway families that includesopportunities to connect toSalvation Army corps programs,as well as community resourcesthrough enhanced collaborations.

88%employment

83%financial stability

82%housing

78%education

71%transportation

Top 5 goals achieved

6

Newlyacceptedcandidates

by Major Keith J.Welch

Aharsh retort from a reveredlocal officer had me, just alieutenant, in the basementof our quarters packing up

my things. As I began hurriedlypacking my belongings, I was sloweddown as I started to look throughsome of the items. They puzzledtogether my past and reminded mewhy I became an officer.Suddenly, this exercise became

therapeutic as my fingers thumbedthrough the boxes and files of mypast experiences. The items remind-ed me of my call to officership andlater my time at the training college.Instead of leaving, I had rediscoveredthe reason I should stay.In preparation for training, some-

one told us we probably would notget much for our Chevy cargo vanwhich I had fixed up as a movingcamper. Yet, an Indianapolis policeofficer bought it the very next day.When he found out we were going tobecome ministers, he said, “I nowknow this is the van I want.” He,too, was a Christian. He was going touse the van for stakeouts and fishing.We had waited to pack until the

night before we left for trainingbecause of the uncertainty of sellingour home. However, the realtor saidhe had someone who wanted to buyit, and it looked good because theyhad a co-signer. But our first night at

the training college, the realtorcalled and said the sale had fallenthrough. I prayed, “God, do youreally want us to be here? If so, weneed our house sold.” The verynext day, the realtor called and saidwe now had a cash buyer. It con-firmed the call of God to our min-istry as officers in The SalvationArmy. We knew we were rightwhere God wanted us to be.I often think of the verse from

Deuteronomy 1:31 (NASB): “...yousaw how the Lord your God carriedyou, just as a man carries his son,in all the way which you havewalked until you came to thisplace.” God continues to carry meand confirms my calling to serveHim.I still go through the growing

memories of papers and pictures ona regular basis, and they continueto confirm my calling.

10,280 days and counting

Rachel ArenOakbrookTerrace, Ill., CorpsMetropolitan Division

I have wantedto be an officersince the tenderage of 8. God con-firmed this manytimes while I wasgrowing up, butwhen I was 21 ona summer missionteam (SMT) inChile my callingbecame tangible.That summer in

Chile I was over-whelmed by The

Salvation Army’s work, and my loveand passion for its mission grew. Godrevealed to me how necessary theArmy’s work is in the world and thatthere is a place for me in it. Thefollowing summer while in Malawion another SMT, God clearly con-firmed my place is as an officer. Icame home confident and excitedabout my future as an officer.Rachel’s corps officers are Majors

John and Johanna Pook.

Scott ParnellBloomington, Ind., CorpsIndiana Division

I was savedat age 16 whensome of my highschool friendsinvited me to aweek-long sum-mer youth confer-ence in Tennessee.This experiencechanged thecourse of my lifeas I accepted Jesusas my Savior. Butafter graduation I

turned away from the Lord and fellinto despair and self-destruction forsome years. However, God is faith-ful. He continued to love and pursueme and embraced me when Ireturned to Him.It was during my first Sunday

morning worship service at a corpsthat I felt the Lord wanted me to bea part of The Salvation Army. Later, Iheard my calling to officership whenI saw what God was doing throughThe Salvation Army and felt Himask, “Who will go?” (Isaiah 6:8) I’mstepping forward to go with com-plete trust in Him.Scott’s corps officer is Lt. Sharyn

Tennyson

Jack P. HuffmanFlint Citadel, Mich., CorpsEastern Michigan Division

Growing upin a brokenhome was apattern Ilearned earlyand repeatedinto my adult-hood. When Iwas in one ofmy deepestvalleys, Isought to makea change in mylife through alocal churchministry which

led me to the adult rehabilitation cen-ter. While there I worked eagerly tocorrect my wrongs.After some time at the center, I sur-

rendered my life fully to Christ. Theday I gave my life to the Lord was theclosest I ever felt to God. I had anoverwhelming peace. Shortly after-ward the Lord called me to officer-ship at a men’s ministry conference. Ihave since had my calling confirmed

in several ways. I enjoy sowing seedsthrough God’s Word and sharing aboutthe strength and hope Christ has givenmy life. I look forward to serving Godas an officer.Jack’s corps officers are Captains

Caleb and Stephanie Senn.

Daniel and Haley VossSault Ste. Marie, Mich., CorpsGrand Rapids Fulton HeightsCitadel, Mich., CorpsWestern Michigan/NorthernIndiana Division

As we enter training as a newlymarried couple, we’re excited tolearn and prepare to serve Godtogether as officers. Each of us hasserved in our corps in various min-istries and in different ways in thedivision, including camps.We have a passion for ministry

and a heart for the people God hascalled us to love and serve. We pos-sess a longing to minister especiallyto our generation and see peoplegrow in their faith and then service.We pray that individually andtogether we will be a blessing to

those we come in contactwith and show the loveof Christ wherever Hecalls us to serve.Dan’s corps officers

are Captains Dan andAmy Voss, and Haley’scorps officers are MajorsWilliam and HeatherHolman.

Blessing bikers

In an effort to show God’s love tothe local motorcycle community,the Des Plaines, Ill., Corps held a“Biker Blessing” in coordination

with an annual autism awarenessride. Hot dogs and beverages wereserved from a canteen to more than100 riders. Des Plaines Corps OfficerCaptain David Martinez and corpsmembers of The Salvation ArmyMotorcycle Ministry (TSAMM) min-

gled with attendees, many of whomrequested prayer. The crowd includ-ed several Illinois-chapter membersof the Punishers, a motorcycle clubcomprised of police officers, fire-fighters, emergency medical respon-ders and the military. Others repre-senting the corps included Karla,Terry and Zach Davis, DavidMeyers and John and SuzanneSharp.

September Prayer Calendar

Go to www.prayercentralusa.org for prayer updates.

If you follow the prayer calendar in the next year, you will haveread through the Bible!

Day

1 Thursday

2 Friday

3 Saturday

4 Sunday

5 Monday

6 Tuesday

7Wednesday

8 Thursday

9 Friday

10 Saturday

11 Sunday

12 Monday

13 Tuesday

14Wednesday

15 Thursday

16 Friday

17 Saturday

18 Sunday

19 Monday

20 Tuesday

21Wednesday

22 Thursday

23 Friday

24 Saturday

25 Sunday

26 Monday

27 Tuesday

28Wednesday

29 Thursday

30 Friday

Bible Reading

John 10-12

2 Timothy 1-2

Numbers 10-12

1 Chronicles 20-24

Psalms 105-107

Proverbs 22

Joel

John 13-15

2 Timothy 3-4

Numbers 13-15

1 Chronicles 25-29

Psalms 108-110

Proverbs 23-24

Amos 1-4

John 16-18

Titus

Numbers 16-18

2 Chronicles 1-5

Psalms 111-113

Proverbs 25

Amos 5-9

John 19-21

Philemon

Numbers 19-21

2 Chronicles 6-10

Psalms 114-116

Proverbs 26-27

Obadiah

Acts 1-2

Hebrews 1-4

Pray for The Salvation Army

Northwest Indiana ARC*

India South Eastern TerritoryPIM

Detroit ConnerCreek,Mich.,Corps

Davenport, Iowa, Corps

All who labor for the Lord

Fort Wayne, Ind., Corps

Independence, Mo., Corps

ChicagoMidwayCitadel,Ill.,Corps

Public welcome of cadets

Chillicothe, Mo., Corps

Sunday school teachersand students

Fargo, N.D., Corps

Fremont, Neb., Corps

Grand Haven, Mich., Corps

National Advisory Board

Men’s Ministries

Chicago Staff Band ministry

Ishpeming, Mich., Corps

Grand Rapids, Mich., ARC*

Detroit Temple, Mich., Corps

Decatur, Ill., Corps

The General andCommissioner Silvia Cox

Henry County, Ind., Corps

Kansas City Bellefontaine,Mo., Corps

Victims of human trafficking

Chicago Midwest, Ill., Corps

Columbia, Mo., Corps

Fergus Falls, Minn., Corps

Grand Island, Neb., Corps

Grand Rapids Kroc Center,Mich., Corps

* = Adult Rehabilitation CenterPIM = Partners in Mission

7

My Prayer List

enjoying traditional family gather-ings. “We’re looking forward tobeing in Chicago as a family,rather than as visiting grandpar-ents,” said Commissioner SueSwanson.Colonels F. Bradford and Heidi

Bailey presented retirement certifi-cates to the Swansons, recognizingtheir combined 76 years of ministryas officers. Commissioner WilliamCochrane, Commissioners Israel L.and Eva D. Gaither, CommissionersKen and Joy Baillie andCommissioner Nancy Moretz servedas flagbearers. Majors Andrew andCheryl Miller held the Swansons’session flag.In honor of the Swansons, the

New York Staff Band played apiece especially written for theoccasion by William Himes who

personallyintroduced it.This movingnumber,weavingtogether well-known tunesfor “He lead-eth me” and“I will followHim,” beauti-fully reflectedthe Swansons’life and min-istry.

byWarren L. MayeThe boundary lines have fallen forme in pleasant places…Psalm 16:6 (NIV)

Rarely, if ever, have two terri-tories met at the crossroadsof ministry in such a visual-ly dramatic way as the

retirement service for CommissionersBarry C. and E. Sue Swanson held atthe Hershey Lodge and ConferenceCenter in Pennsylvania.As many as 2,000 people in the

Great American Hall in Hershey, Pa.,reacted to a prerecorded video greet-ing from more than 1,000“Centralites”—raising handmadeplacards and shouting heartfelt senti-ments—as if they were in the sameroom, all standing on commonground. That evening, the lives andlegacy of the Swansons was what

everyone had in common.With the theme“Crossroads,” the combinedcelebration and appreciationfor the retiring territorialleaders was exuberant andgenuine.The Swansons’ immediate

family, in–laws and grand-children flew in fromChicago, Ill., to participatein the “salvation meeting.”Commissioner Israel L.

Gaither, who led the meet-ing, said to the Swansons,“We believe in you. During our timetogether at National Headquarters, wefell in love with you.” As he invitedthem to the stage, the Swansonsreceived a stirring ovation.Since 2013 Commissioners Barry

and Sue Swanson have served as ter-ritorial commander and president ofwomen’s ministries in the EasternTerritory. Their previous appoint-ments took them to five divisionsand territorial headquarters in theCentral Territory, NationalHeadquarters and InternationalHeadquarters.Since they traveled so much during

their officership, the Swansons areexcited about the prospects of finally

Commissioners Swanson retire

PhotosbyRyanLove,S

AC

onne

cts

Lincoln Corps resources women

The Lincoln, Neb., Corps host-ed its third annual freewomen’s fair with education-al information, resources and

a little pampering. The event hasgained such popularity, 100 womenwere waiting for doors to open andthe day ended with 275 in atten-dance!“The goal is to gather a wide group

of women who are diverse in age,ethnicity and circumstance and pro-vide them with information andresources they can use as they con-tinue to plan for the future of theirfamilies,” said Major AngiePennington, Lincoln corps officer.The fair consists of 32 booths, set

up throughout the corps building,which are hosted by local businessesand organizations. Booth topics range

from cooking on a budget and bookkeeping to helpful resources likejob and summer youth opportuni-ties. Other booths are available justfor pampering and fun on health,fashion and cosmetics.One woman from the community

was thrilled when she discoveredshe could apply to enroll her chil-dren in summer piano lessons at adeep discount. “I’m going to fill outan application and bring it back totoday!” she said.New to the event this year were

several guest speakers on topicsranging from health and beauty tothe social injustice of human traf-ficking.According to Major Angie the

goal is to empower women physi-cally, mentally and spiritually.

8

by Faithe Colasas told by MaureenPost

During myfirst year atTheSalvation

Army I was passingout lunches with theFeed the Kids sum-mer meal programone beautiful warmday on Milwaukee’sNorthwest Side.Children, some withparents, some with-out, were lined up.Some came withsmiles, others didn’t,but they all said,“Thank you.”On this day I got so

choked up that Icouldn’t reply withmy usual, “You’rewelcome,” but only anod and smile.Overwhelmed, Ithought I’d take pho-tographs for a while.As I began to takepictures, I noticed asmall boy running inmy direction. I fol-lowed him throughthe camera’s lens. He was shirtless, wearing tennis shoes and pants.

When he arrived at the Feed theKids van, I could hardly see himbecause my eyes were filled withtears. Here’s a child running at highspeed, not to play outside, not forthe ice cream or popcorn truck butfor a meal. He asked for lunch forhimself and his little brother. Whata huge responsibility this 5-year-oldhad coming to get a meal for him-self and his 3-year-old brother.Tears ran down my cheeks.Today, I’m still moved by the

level of hunger in many neighbor-hoods in our city, and I’m thankfulfor the people and businesses thatdonate, volunteer and support thisprogram because bright futuresneed full stomachs.The Feed the Kids van runs

three routes, makes 24 stops andserves more than 2,300 lunches aday for 10 weeks in the summer.

Adapted and reprinted fromMilwaukee magazine, June 2016.

Promoted to GloryMrs. Major Mary Sunderland

Mary EllenSunderland (neeDale) was bornJune 26, 1923,in Sterling,Colo., and waspromoted toGlory on April19, 2016. Shewas 92.Mary and

Earl Sunderland were married in1939 and commissioned as officersfour years later with the “Valiant”session.Together with their four children,

the Sunderlands served in corps inthe Kansas and Western Missouri,Eastern Michigan and Metropolitandivisions, as well as at adult rehabili-tation centers (ARCs) in Gary andIndianapolis, Ind., Des Moines, Iowaand St. Louis, Mo., the appointmentfrom which they retired in 1981.Remaining in St. Louis after retire-

ment, the Sunderlands continued towork part-time at the ARC for sever-al years and attended the St. LouisGateway Citadel, Mo., Corps.Mary was preceded in death by

her beloved husband, Earl; son,William and son-in-law Calvin Day.She is survived by children MaryAnnette Day, Timothy (Darcy) andJohn (Michelle); eight grandchildrenand eight great-grandchildren.

Captain Christine LaTourneau

CaptainChristineLaTourneau wasborn on May29, 1953, toWilliam andThelmaLaTourneau inMarquette,Mich. She waspromoted toGlory on May 12 at age 62.Even at a young age, Christine

knew God had called her to officer-ship, and she was commissioned in

1976 as a member of “TheOvercomers” session.During her officership Christine

served as an assistant corps officerin South Dakota, Michigan andWisconsin through 1979; as a corpsofficer in Beatrice, Neb., through1988 and as a service extension rep-resentative at the WesternDivisional Headquarters for thenext year. Afterward, she returnedto corps work serving as corps offi-cer in Bay City, Mich., and retiringfrom the Junction City, Kan., Corpsin 1994 due to health issues.Christine was known for her gen-

erosity, passion to encourage othersin their faith and strong desire tohelp those in need. She touchedmany lives and loved working withchildren.Christine was preceded in death

by her father, William, and brother,William, Jr. She is survived by hermother, Thelma; sisters DianeSicotte and Rose Ehlers, and broth-ers Robert and Joe.

Major Sonia Gonzalez

Major SoniaGonzalez waspromoted toGlory on June16, 2016, after abattle with pan-creatic cancer.She was only58.She was born

in Guatemalaon February 7, 1958, to Jorge andAnita Amirez. She came to TheSalvation Army as a studentteacher. From the beginning shewas captivated by the Army’s workand got fully involved. One of theministries that drew her was help-ing the less fortunate in her com-munity.In 1983 she became a soldier and

subsequently entered the TrainingSchool in Mexico. Upon commis-sioning, she served in Guatemala.In 1987 she immigrated to theUnited States where she met Jose

Gonzalez. They were married onFebruary 4, 1989, and had a daugh-ter, Cinthya.Sonia was reaccepted as an offi-

cer when her husband was commis-sioned in 1997. Together, theyserved at the Dodge City, Kan.,Kansas City Blue Valley, Mo., andthe Cicero Templo Laramie, Ill.,corps.Sonia was a “blood and fire”

Salvationist. She loved God and theArmy with all her heart. She lovedpeople and was interested in theirsalvation and was especially drawnto children’s ministries. She knewthe Bible well and was known forsaying, “The Word of God says so.”She is survived by her husband

and daughter.

Feeding the Kids

by Lt. Colonel Daniel SjögrenTerritorial Ambassador for Holiness

Our holyGod is notsatisfiedwith His

children having sin, oreven sinful affections,in their hearts. He isnot content to look atus and find qualitiesof the heart that areunlike Christ.If you and I want to

be good, if we want tobe a blessing, wemust see that ourhearts are pure and that we resemblethe Christ we serve. Christ said, “Andwhen I am lifted up from the earth, Iwill draw everyone to myself.” (John12:32, NLT) We are to lift up Christfor He is to save the world and notwe ourselves.There were two women who went

into the meat market on the same

day. They both bought thesame cut of meat. Oneprepared and served hersin an attractive manner soit would arouse theappetite. The other servedhers on a dirty table withsurroundings that woulddampen any appetite. It is

not enough to just serve food; itmust be properly served in anattractive way.It is the same with our faith and

lives. The way we live will makeChrist more or less acceptable toothers. To be like Jesus is to havethe mindset of Christ. When we do,Christ is lifted up.

Lifting up Christ