It Takes a Village to Raise an Army

This year, The Salvation Army is celebrating 111 years of ministry in Sik-e-dakh, an Aboriginal reserve in northwestern British Columbia. The Salvation Army corps is at the centre of this community of 225 people, as it is in the three neighbouring Aboriginal villages of Gitsegukla, Gitwinksihlkw and Hazelton. An outpost was also recently opened in Kitselas by the Terrace Corps.

The Army was first introduced to the villages by Aboriginal people who were converted during their spring fishing expeditions further south in British Columbia. Years later, when Salvation Army officers were appointed to the villages, they found an already functioning Army. In recent years, Aboriginal people have been trained and commissioned specifically to work in the villages, and three of four corps have Aboriginal officers. In two of the villages, the corps officers are also part of a group of respected chiefs, with accompanying responsibilities in the community.

Although they use typical Salvation Army terminology and structure, corps life is quite different in the villages. Much of the activity revolves around events such as feasts and funerals, which require the participation of the entire community and involve meetings in local homes.

From the DC's Desk
My husband, Dirk, and I have returned to “beautiful British Columbia” after being away for 20 years. In the past five months, we have been amazed at the service The Salvation Army renders through corps ministries and social service programs.

Psalm 40:5 comes to mind, “Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”

We celebrate the joy, enthusiasm, imagination and beauty with the officers, soldiers, adherents, volunteers, employees and friends of The Salvation in this part of the territory. We count it a privilege to serve God and constantly look for the hidden possibilities.

—Major Susan L. van Duinen, Divisional Commander

“Community is the focal point for Aboriginal life, and when events like home league sales are held, the whole community participates,” explains Major Faith Cameron, programme co-ordinator, British Columbia North. Salvation Army officers are often involved in political discussions, such as being called upon to bless land-claims hearings.

There are many challenges in First Nations villages, from alcohol and drug dependency to depression and suicide. Some villages have 80-90 percent unemployment because of cutbacks in fishing, hunting and lumber. The Salvation Army provides food, clothing and community mental-health counselling to many residents.

“People are under a lot of stress because they are trying to find their place as a distinct people in Canadian culture,” explains Major Malcolm Cameron, area commander, British Columbia North. “The Salvation Army is walking beside these courageous people as they evolve and develop a sense of who they are.”

Photo above: March of Witness: Army makes its presence felt in Sik-e-dakh

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Spreading Hope in the Okanagan Valley

Three hours north of the United States border, Vernon is a place where vegetables, grapes and peaches abound, and where you can play golf and ski in the same day. With a sincere desire to serve the community's spiritual needs, the Army leadership team in Vernon took a bold step in 2005.

“We chose to take the church into the marketplace,” says David MacBain, community ministries director. “We realized it's not the building but the people who are the true church.” They converted the existing corps building into a versatile family services centre, housing the local food bank and community kitchens program. Then they moved the church to the Talkin' Donkey, a coffee house that allows the congregation to mix with the community.

The reference to Balaam's donkey, who talked to him about being on the right path, gives staff frequent opportunities to talk to customers about their journey along God's path. Sunday evenings are reserved for engaging discussions and instruction on spiritual matters.

“While the public are invited to attend on Sundays, they are more likely to be involved in Bible studies, which have been held in homes throughout the community over the past four years,” comments Major Philip Franco, corps officer. Salvationists in Vernon are passionate about social justice issues, such as poverty alleviation and human trafficking, and this comes through at the Talkin' Donkey. All coffee served is fair trade, and other fair-trade products are available alongside the local artwork, light meals and live bands.

They are not the only ones enjoying coffee. In Penticton, one third of corps members attend a Tuesday morning coffee and conversation time. Penticton is the friendliest corps in the territory according to its corps officer, Major Maurice Davis. “You can be greeted four or five times before reaching the sanctuary,” he explains. Salvationists in Penticton also share their love through community care ministries, visiting six nursing homes monthly to share music, cheer, love and a devotional message with shut-ins. Several corps members also volunteer with The Salvation Army's recycling program, food bank and men's shelter.

Kelowna is the hub of British Columbia's interior. In addition to a feeding van that operates five nights a week, the corps is working on converting an old bowling alley into a family life centre and thrift store, with the vision of teaching parenting and life skills. Under the direction of Gary Rich, Kelowna Community Church runs a ball-hockey league for 85 young people from the community, ages five-18, with devotions at “centre ice.” Rich also leads a fine-arts program where young people can take guitar and art lessons.

“Each year we give out 1,000 Christmas hampers, and include scholarships for the ball-hockey league and the fine arts program in the hampers,” explains Major Ron Cartmell, corps officer. “It's a way for us to reach kids in our community and it becomes an entry point to the gospel.” Eight people have received Christ as their Saviour at Kelowna in the past five months, including two 11-year-olds in Sunday school. “People are coming to know God because they are building relationships of trust with members of the corps,” says Major Cartmell.

Young people are also coming to know God at New Hope Community Church in Salmon Arm. Salmon Arm is on the Trans-Canada Highway, halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, surrounded by mountains. “We have a teen girl in our corps who recently invited four of her friends to come to church. She is our evangelist and wonders, 'Why wouldn't everyone want to worship?' ” explains Captain Glen Fraser, corps officer. He notes that people are also coming to church through the food bank. “We get to know who they are and befriend them, letting them know we are here for them. The Salvation Army is a place where hope is offered.”

Top photo: Coffee with a Conscience: Talkin' Donkey serves up Fair Trade products; above: Game On: Kids in Kelowna hone their hockey skills

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Princes, Paupers and The Salvation Army

Prince George is a forestry-based community of 80,000 people in northern British Columbia that currently faces high unemployment. The Army runs the only official food bank in the city and has seen a 40 percent increase in requests.

“Having so many families come to the Army for help is a privilege,” says Envoy Bruce Kirk, corps officer. “We offer to pray with them. Clients know this food and help is provided because Christ cares for them. We are respectful of all faiths and people appreciate the chance to share.”

In addition, The Salvation Army runs a “Success by Six” program where families can learn about proper nutrition and health care for their children. Alumni from the program get together for a coffee break and book studies.

Prince Rupert, a rainy coastal town of 12,000 in northern British Columbia, is a beautiful spot—especially when the sun is shining. In June, the corps in Prince Rupert will celebrate its 100th anniversary. “A grand weekend has been planned to look back with joy and thanksgiving on all that God has done, and to look forward with enthusiasm to what he will do,” says Captain Gary Sheils, corps officer.

For several years the town has been in an economic slump and the need for the Army's work has never been greater. In 2009, the food bank provided 2,500 food hampers, the soup kitchen served 36,000 meals and the emergency shelter operated at 90 percent capacity. Thanks to community support, the Army's work continues. Even on cloudy days, God's light shines in Prince Rupert.

Photo: Sharing in Prayer: Prince George food bank offers spiritual support

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FAST FACTS

• British Columbia has a population of 4,455,200, with 78 percent of the labour force in the service industry
• In 2004, British Columbia South and British Columbia North Divisions became one division, with each region reporting to their own area commander
• British Columbia Division has 47 corps and 45 family services units
• This year, the Army in British Columbia will provide one million meals for the hungry
• Camp Sunrise and Camp Mountain-view served 644 campers last year
• 200,750 shelter nights are provided for the homeless at 16 locations
• Grace Mansion is a new transitional housing facility in Vancouver that helps clients integrate back into the community
• 100 beds are provided for parolees at 20 correctional and justice services programs
• Three addiction rehabilitation centres offer 244 adult treatment beds, with six beds in Victoria for youth with crystal meth addiction
• Families suffering domestic abuse are sheltered through Kate Booth House
• Three assisted-living/long-term care centres for seniors operate in Vancouver, New Westminster and Victoria
• The Army partners with the Rotary Club to provide 10 hospice beds in Richmond
• 12 community crisis units (mobile kitchens) respond to emergencies
• At the War College, Salvationist youth are trained in mission in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

Click here to read other divisional profiles in this series.