Sonny Sandoval (Photo: Dan Fields Photography)

With more than 10 million albums sold, movie soundtracks to their credit and having had the honour of playing New York City’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve, heavy metal band P.O.D. has done it all. But behind P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval’s success is the story of a mother’s love.

“You should really get down here … your mom doesn’t look too good,” said the voice on the other end of the line.

As then-19-year-old Sonny Sandoval headed to the hospital, the words of his mother echoed in his mind: “When I die, I want to make sure that you’ll be in heaven with me.”

Growing Up
Raised in San Diego, Sonny grew up in a loving yet broken home. His uncle was a drug dealer and by the time he began high school, Sonny was into drugs.

But changes were already in the offing. Unexpectedly, Sonny’s uncle quit the drug trade after becoming a Christian.

“Little by little, God began to change my uncle’s heart and he became a new person,” says Sonny. “His example began to affect the family one by one. It was like a chain reaction.”

Sonny was still not ready to accept what many in his family were quickly embracing. He was just trying to live what seemed to him like a normal life of attending community college and getting high. It took something closer to home to finally make him see clearly.

Death in the Family
In 1991, Sonny’s mother was diagnosed with leukemia. Over the next year, Sonny watched the cancer ravage her body. But that wasn’t the only thing he witnessed.

“I watched her the whole time. She had this joy about her,” reflects Sonny. “I was amazed by her faith, her love for God and her trust in Him. She was right where she needed to be and praising God throughout the entire time.”

One evening, a call from his aunt informed Sonny that he needed to head to the hospital. A frantic Sonny dropped what he was doing and rushed over, staying by his mother’s bedside for a week until family members convinced him to go home for a while.

On his way out to the car, he knelt in the hospital parking lot and asked God into his life. Upon returning to the hospital, Sonny whispered into his mother’s ear that he had decided to serve God. Later that same day, he and his cousin, Wuv Bernardo, went to get some food. When they returned, the faces of their relatives said everything—Sonny’s mother had passed away.

His life changing before his eyes, Sonny drew closer to God and walked away from drugs.

Slow Climb
To keep Sonny from dwelling on his mother’s death, Wuv, a drummer, invited him to join him and guitarist Marcos Curiel in their new band. Shortly after Sonny’s arrival, bass player Traa Daniels joined the group as well.

Having never dreamt of singing professionally but recognizing an opportunity to share his newfound faith, Sonny accepted and the band, now renamed Payable on Death (P.O.D.), was formed. Its name is based on a banking term, but was also chosen as a reflection of how Jesus died on the cross to pay the debts of all humankind.

It was still a slow climb to the top.

“We never played Christian concerts; we didn’t even know they existed. We were that green!” laughs Sonny. “We played underground warehouses and clubs alongside white-power bands. But we were being P.O.D.: ‘Yeah, dude. I represent Jesus, so what’s up?’ ”

Labour’s Reward
In 1998, after years of touring independently, P.O.D. was finally signed to major label Atlantic Records to release their first mainstream album. With the signing came the success of playing in large music festivals such as Ozzfest, being featured on soundtracks such as The Matrix Reloaded and performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

A reputation was developing on the street of P.O.D.’s stand for Christianity. Yet despite all their achievements and their openness to share their faith, they still struggled to win over favour from some Christian circles.

“We were never embraced by the actual Christian scene,” says Sonny. “It wasn’t until we signed to a major label that people began saying, ‘Yeah, P.O.D. Them’s our boys. They come from us.’

“And yet we still had other people picketing us at concerts. It was very confusing.”

It was partly for this reason that the band decided to take a lengthy hiatus in 2008, after the release of their seventh album.

“You can blame me,” says Sonny. “I needed to get away. ‘You know what, God?’ I prayed. ‘I’m done. I don’t see You anymore—too many people get in the way. I need to know You, to see You again.’

“And we all wanted to get back to our personal lives and families,” he continues. “We want to enjoy what we’re doing, not to do it to pay the bills or tour just to tour.”

The Return
After taking a three-year sabbatical to get away from the spotlight, the members of P.O.D. returned to the music scene in 2012. Joined by their former producer, Howard Benson, they released Murdered Love in July and supported the album with an extensive North American tour.

“This is the best record we’ve ever done,” says Sonny. “And that can only come from what we’ve put into this. We’re the same four down-to-earth guys we were when we were putting out indie records. There’s an honesty and an underdog vibe to everything we do that you can definitely hear in our music.”

When asked how he remains pure in an industry that is so impure, Sonny replies, “First of all, I’m the furthest thing from pure. It’s Jesus and His mercy that gives me a fresh start every day. And that’s the thing: through all these years of my Christianity, I find myself more wanting to be close to God.”

In his opening remarks, board chair Andrew Lennox thanked Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd for their commitment to the work of the NAB, noting that this was their last meeting before taking up new appointments in Australia Southern Territory as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, respectively. The board made a generous donation to Booth University College’s Business Learning Centre project in the Tidd’s name.

Colonel Floyd Tidd with board chair Andrew Lennox. Above: From left, Major Brian Venables, divisional commander, Quebec Division, Major Keith Pike and board member Stephen Bodley

In a presentation on the Army’s camping ministries, Major Keith Pike, territorial youth secretary, noted that “every child that goes to camp is given dignity and self-worth. There is a spiritual emphasis, and campers leave knowing that they are children of God.”

The first Army camp began in Winnipeg in 1900. Today, the territory runs 10 Canadian camps as well as day camps in Bermuda. The programming is divided into Adventure Camps (formerly known as “fresh-air camps”), Instructional Camps (such as music and sports camps) and Leader in Training Programs.

Over an eight-week period in the summer, more than 4,500 young people attend Army camps, many of whom come from financially disadvantaged homes. Major Pike noted that camping “provides an opportunity for kids to be kids … to explore the outdoors, discover who they are and learn new skills, such as canoeing, music, crafts and rock climbing.”

Board member Robert McFarlane with Commissioner Brian Peddle

Major Pike indicated that the Army is pursuing a national training strategy for every camp in the territory so that counsellors have common credentials that apply to all camps.

The NAB met the following day to explore topics as diverse as National Recycling Operations, homelessness in Canada and a new and innovative performance management system being developed in partnership with the NAB and the THQ personnel department for officers and employees throughout the territory.

Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/plherrer

In the March issue of Salvationist, I wrote about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, that occurred last December. The article made a case that the massacre was not retribution from a deity who felt neglected and ignored. But the feedback I received on the article raised another issue. Should the Bible be taught in the public school system? Is this something that Christians should push for?

Most Canadians realize that Christians have already lost this battle. When the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms received royal assent in 1982, it paved the way for provincial courts to rule against mandated Christian prayer or Scripture reading in public institutions. A tolerant and inclusive Canada would provide children with a place of learning that was free from discrimination or coercion. As a citizen of this country and a Christian who is called to love his neighbour, I support that principle. Besides, do we really want a superficial Christianity that is just legislated on people? I’m pretty sure that’s not what Jesus had in mind when he commissioned his disciples. Yet this desire to bring the Bible back into our schools isn’t going away.

The latest people to bring this issue to the forefront are Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. They are the celebrity husband-and-wife team who produced a five-week, 10-episode miniseries featuring some of the most well-known stories of the Bible. Not only did they feel “called” to produce this miniseries and bring the Word of God to the masses, but they also feel that the Bible should be taught in schools. “It’s time to encourage, perhaps even mandate, the teaching of the Bible in public schools as a primary document of Western civilization,” they wrote in an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal, adding that it should be done “for the sake of the nation’s children.”

Burnett and Downey are Christians, but this appeal for Christian education for all is couched in the argument that the Bible is a great piece of literature. While I don’t disagree, I must ask: Is this a bandwagon the church should jump on? From a purely evangelical perspective, do we want the Bible taught or read in our schools? For that matter, do we want the Bible communicated through Burnett’s miniseries? A large number of Christians see the advancement of the Bible in secular forums (e.g. education, entertainment, media, etc.) as a positive thing. I am not so sure.

First, the Bible is not exclusively a great piece of literature. It is a collection of writings that includes poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, stories that are meant to be taken literally and others to be taken allegorically. For those reasons alone, it makes for interesting literature. But more importantly, the Bible is a compendium of writings intended to transmit the faith of an ancient people. Beneath all of the words is a Living Word that cannot be appreciated simply by viewing it as literature.

Second, the Bible is not exclusively a piece of history. One of the dangers of Burnett’s attempt to turn the biblical narratives to a five-part television series on the History Channel is that it reduces the Bible to entertainment. What do skeptics think when they watch these episodes? Are they able to reconcile the apparent contradictions of a God who orders all of the Egyptian first-born children to be slaughtered with the incarnate God who bids all the little children come to him? Will a non-Christian reject faith because of a literalist approach that insists on 950-year-old people, talking animals and a sun that stands still? If it wasn’t in the Bible, wouldn’t you just laugh it off?

Perhaps it is time that we stop abdicating our Christian responsibility and relying on Hollywood and our education system for our biblical knowledge. We need to take the message of the Bible seriously and grapple with the texts in our churches and our homes. Only as God’s people come to terms with the words of the Bible will the living Word of God be heard in our society.

Major Juan Burry is the executive director of Victoria’s Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre.

“Many people ask me why I spend my free time travelling to Third World countries,” says Peddle. “My answer is simple: love. I’ve learned more from people I’ve met living on less than a dollar a day than they could have learned from me. They are full of hope in desperate circumstances, faithful and willing to give what little they have to help others. This type of self-sacrificing love is my motivation to help those in need.”

Born in Newfoundland and Labrador, Peddle was drawn to The Salvation Army through an Army music camp and the fellowship she enjoyed.

An active soldier at St. John’s Temple, Peddle served as bandsperson, songster, band instructor and youth band deputy bandmaster, while she completed a combined bachelor of music and music education at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

“Music may have attracted me to The Salvation Army, but once I got there, I was drawn to the mission work we do,” she explains. “My parents have always been involved with volunteer work, and they instilled in me a compassion for others.”

Jillian Peddle (left) at the United Nations

Peddle’s first trip overseas was to the Dominican Republic when she was 16. “It was a little bit of everything,” she smiles. “We visited orphanages, we helped with construction work and food distribution, and I taught music.”

That first experience in missions work only motivated her to do more. “I can’t sit around,” she laughs. “I’m not cut out for relaxing trips. I have to do something!”

This led her to an internship in New York City and The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) at the United Nations, under the leadership of Commissioner Christine MacMillan. There, she represented the Army on different U.N. committees and completed a major research project on human trafficking.

“I came away with a greater appreciation of the global reach of The Salvation Army, and how much good we are doing around the world,” Peddle says.

Last November, she was presented with the Young Humanitarian Award by the Canadian Red Cross, which recognized her commitment to helping others. Now pursuing a joint masters in law and international affairs at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, Peddle hopes to use her expertise with The Salvation Army. “I need to get out into the world and make a difference.

“Mother Teresa once said, ‘In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.’ That’s exactly what I try to do every day. I believe that it is our privilege to share the blessings we have to impact the lives of people around the world, and that is the kind of change that I want to see.”

Photo: “God meant me to use my compassion beyond my four walls,” says Jillian Peddle, here in Malawi

Cyndi Desjardins is currently learning to use myoelectric arms, which were paid for through fundraisers and donations from people who heard her story. “The arms cost $50,000. All I can say is the Lord provides”

“We’re going to have to amputate your wife’s hands and feet,” the doctors said. “If we don’t, she’ll die.” Marc Wilkens thought of his vibrant, energetic wife, Cyndi Desjardins. After a failed in vitro fertilization attempt, they’d adopted their daughter in 2005. From the time little Cienna could speak, she’d asked for a little brother. Marc and Cyndi tried adopting several more times, but something always fell through. Then, in 2010, they decided to attempt in vitro once again. This time, they were successful and their son, Liam, was born that October.

That was just a few months ago, Marc thought. Now his wife lay in a hospital bed, about to lose her limbs. He could hardly believe what had brought them to this.

“Don’t Pull the Plug”
Four weeks earlier, in February 2011, 42-year-old Cyndi had gone into the hospital with severe flu-like symptoms and a strange pain in her right leg. In septic shock with her kidneys failing, she was given just hours to live.

The doctors put Cyndi into a medically induced coma and placed her on a respirator in hopes that her body would be better able to fight the infection if she didn’t have to breathe on her own.

They soon determined that she had something far more serious than the flu. Cyndi had necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as flesh-eating disease, a rare, often fatal, infection in the deeper layers of the skin.

For more than five weeks, Cyndi remained in the coma, fighting for her life. The doctors were unsure if she would survive.

At one point, it was suggested Marc take her off life support and let Cyndi go. “God, show me that I’m doing the right thing by holding on,” he prayed.

The next day, Cyndi’s mom called Marc. They had not spoken of his inner turmoil.

“You might think I’m crazy,” she began, “but a voice has been telling me that Cyndi wants to fight this. Don’t pull the plug, Marc.”

Marc knew her words were from God, and he never questioned his actions again, not even when the doctors came to him with the fearful news of the quadruple amputations.

Restoring Relationships
When Cyndi woke up from the coma, Marc told her as gently as he could that the doctors had amputated her arms just below the elbows and her legs just below the knees.

“Marc knew I wanted to live no matter what,” says Cyndi, “so he consented to the surgeries. But when he told me what happened, I remember wondering how God could do this to my children.”

Cyndi’s son was just an infant and her daughter was five. “My kids had already been without me for five weeks and then the doctors told me that my rehabilitation would take a year. Being away from them for that long was completely unacceptable to me.”

So Cyndi began to set goals for her recovery. “I just wanted to get back to my children,” she says. Through determination and lots of prayer, Cyndi surprised her doctors and was able to return home in less than six months.

Over the next two years, Cyndi had to relearn everything. “I didn’t know what kind of life I would have,” she admits now, “and my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to hold my children again.”

Because of the extensive amount of time she spent in the hospital, little Liam didn’t recognize her when she returned home.

“That was so hard,” she says, fighting back tears. “I just started praying and asking God to show my son who I was. It took nearly a year and a half, but one day, the way he looked at me changed and I knew my prayers had been answered.”

Cyndi’s relationship with her daughter was rebuilt much more quickly. “The first time Cienna saw me, she was afraid of my arms, but by the next visit, she was fine again.”

Full Circle

“I wanted to live no matter what,” says Cyndi

Since returning home, Cyndi has adapted amazingly. “The Lord has shown me ways to do everything I want to do,” she believes. Cyndi walks using prosthetic legs, which she says feel as if God is carrying her. She is able to drive a car, swim and even crack an egg.

While her accomplishments have been incredible, the most amazing thing about Cyndi is her attitude. She is grateful that her amputations occurred below her knee and elbow joints. “I have just enough arms left to be able to do so many things.

“Someone asked me recently if I ever have days when I just don’t want to get out of bed,” Cyndi smiles. “But the honest answer is no, I don’t. My illness has caused my world to slow down, and that helps me depend on God for everything.”

Cyndi has begun a public-speaking ministry where she shares her story at churches and civic events. She prays that God can use her experiences to help and encourage others. “Hands and feet are just that—hands and feet. What truly matters is our souls. I pray that my story can bring hope to others in their own times of darkness.

“We have truly come full circle and recaptured our lives,” Cyndi says. “And I’ve never felt more blessed.”

Winnipeg’s Booth University College welcomed 39 new graduates at its 31st annual convocation ceremony in April.

At the baccalaureate service, Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander and chancellor of Booth University College, reminded graduates of The Salvation Army’s beginnings and of William Booth’s tireless commitment to helping those in need.

Commissioner Brian Peddle presents the Chancellor’s Medal to graduate Rebecca Peters

“Booth noted how many people were living on the streets and sleeping under the bridges of east London. He simply said to his son, ‘Go and do something. We must do something.’ Today we have an opportunity to affirm again that we wish to join the ranks of the ‘do something’ champions,” said Commissioner Peddle.

He encouraged graduates to embrace their future, but to do so knowing that “it comes with a measure of life’s uncertainties, a dash of trial and a sprinkling of the consequence of wrong decision and failure, for that is life. The counterbalance is the promise of the Almighty to make the sufficiency of his Grace and strength available every day.”

During the convocation ceremony, Commissioner Peddle conferred bachelor of arts degrees upon 14 students—including the first graduate of Booth’s behavioural sciences program—bachelor of social work degrees upon 21 students and awarded four certificates to students who had completed programs in chaplaincy and spiritual care. He also awarded bachelor of social work graduate Rebecca Peters with the Chancellor’s Medal for achieving a high academic standing and contributing significantly to the life of the university college and the wider community.

Valedictorian Scott Penner addresses graduates at the convocation ceremony

Convocation speaker, Dr. David Rightmire, professor of Bible and theology at Asbury University, noted that while the graduates’ time at Booth was a time of growth—both spiritually and intellectually—it was just one significant step in the process of lifelong learning.

Graduate Major Robert Reid echoed this theme, saying, “One thing is true of life: we never stop learning and, if we do, we do a disservice to ourselves, to others and especially to God.

“Thank you to Booth for providing a place where learning is encouraged and hopes are inspired,” he continued. “Today I truly believe that I am a better equipped Salvation Army officer and a better equipped Christian servant because I have had this learning experience.”

Photo: From left, Dr. Donald Burke, president, Booth University College; Dr. R. David Rightmire; Commissioner Brian Peddle; Colonel Glen Shepherd, chair of the board of trustees; Major Ian Swan, vice-president academic and dean, with Booth University College’s 2013 graduating class

Musician Andrew Scott is raising money for The Salvation Army’s world missions (Story and photo: Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune)

What began as a simple conversation has become a source of inspiration for musician Andrew Scott and The Salvation Army. Originally from Grande Prairie, Alta., Scott lives in Edmonton and recently released a CD of public domain tunes as a fundraiser for world missions.

“The whole thing came from an idea that my mom, Eva Scott, and I had,” he says. “We asked what we could do that’s fun and gives donors something that they can listen to.”

The Scott family has long been involved with the Army in Grande Prairie.

“My sister-in-law, Deanna, her parents and grandparents spent years in Africa as missionaries, and The Salvation Army has a long history of helping people in other countries. I’ve always been interested in it,” he explains.

The idea for the album was to take traditional hymns and songs and record them in a simple style. Scott chose nine tunes, including This Little Light of Mine, All to Jesus and Amazing Grace. With Scott on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, mandolin and percussion, James Oldenburg on electric guitar and percussion, and Anna McBryan Vanderheide adding her vocal talent, the songs were recorded and mixed in just two days.

“It’s done well so far,” Scott says. “And 100 percent of the money goes to The Salvation Army’s world missions.”

With the response much higher than anticipated, Scott says there is a plan for another album. “As an artist you don’t always have the opportunity to be involved in charity. You feel good being a part of something that will make a difference. You can’t help but smile when people are enjoying this and the money is going to a good cause.”

The album, entitled Shine Your Little Light, is available for download online at such outlets as iTunes, Amazon and Morpheous, with physical copies available through CDbaby.com.

Below is a sampling of reports from corps officers and staff who hosted cadets during their visit to the Maritime Division for Holy Week. Reports have been edited for brevity.

Fredericton Community Church, N.B.

By Major Judy Goudie

It was great having the cadets here at our corps for the Easter campaign. They did an amazing job and were very confident and talented.

The highlight of the weekend for the corps was the five young people who were enrolled as senior soldiers.

Another highlight was the Saturday, when we had a candidates’ brunch but invited other youth as well. It was a good time of questions and answers for the candidates and young people who are considering officership. That evening, we had a youth group numbering 21 people and they had lots of fun mingling with the cadets.

Sunday was also an electrifying experience with 150 at our Sunday morning service—a record for the time we were there. To God be the glory! We walked into the church with the band prelude, Up From the Grave He Arose and from the first moment, the presence of the Lord was so real. People are still talking about the wonderful time they had.

The sermon by Cadet Shawna Goulding was inspiring. She challenged us to receive the gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ, his Son. She invited us to come and receive a gift tag with a scripture verse on it and many came and picked up the tag, thankful for God’s amazing gift of salvation.

The word from our people was that the cadets were dynamic and this was a great weekend. They had the opportunity to see how The Salvation Army is training our cadets by sending them out into the field and it was beneficial for our young people—especially those who are contemplating officership.

Fairview Citadel, Halifax

By Captain Jamie Rands

We were blessed by the company and ministry of the cadets throughout Holy Week. For Fairview Citadel, we had over 235 out to the united Good Friday service which was led by Major Jamie Braund, principal at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg, and several cadets. Major Braund led us to the throne of grace with a powerful message titled “The Sacrificial Lamb of God.”

The other major service at Fairview (Easter Sunday) was also well attended (between 150 and 200). An Easter message titled “Jesus Conquers the Power of Death” was delivered by Cadet Indira Albert. Cadet Juan Chirinos played guitar and sang for both the special music and the reflection time. We were blessed to have them share with us during this crucial time of the year.

Spryfield Community Church, N.S.

By Andrew Wilson

From the corps perspective, this was a wonderful weekend. The presence of the cadets was not only a spiritual blessing, but also a positive morale booster. It was encouraging to get a glimpse of what CFOT is doing to develop our future leaders and what we have to look forward to in this territory.

Spryfield had two primary responsibilities. Looking after the kid’s praise event on Saturday afternoon and hosting Cadet Justin Gleadall for the Easter Sunday service. Along with these primary responsibilities, we had several logistical support functions.

Total attendance at the kid’s praise event was 65. Cadet Colleen Gleadall led the afternoon’s activities. Parental feedback was positive and all children were engaged and involved. The event was a success in terms of reaching the children with the Easter message.

Total attendance for Easter Sunday was 50 with eight seekers. I believe God used our efforts and the Holy Spirit spoke through Cadet Justin’s message on transformation.

Charlottetown Community Church, P.E.I.

By Captain Jamie Locke

Cadets from the CFOT arrived on Thursday evening where they helped with the children’s event that we had planned called “Easter Egg Extravaganza.” We had approximately 60 children in attendance. Cadet Crystal Porter presented a devotional message which captivated the children’s attention. It was a fun-filled evening for everyone involved.

Friday morning, the corps officers, brigading officers, cadets and some volunteers from the corps came together to provide a pancake breakfast for our Friendship Room, which is our daily community outreach program. Our clients truly appreciated the gesture and the conversations. Friday evening we had our Good Friday service when we invited the corps from Summerside, P.E.I., to join us. Cadet Norman Porter shared insight from God’s word on the theme, “Finding our Identity in Christ.” The response was heartfelt and a woman accepted Jesus into her life that night. Praise God! Following the service, a time of food and fellowship encouraged and supported conversations and friendship building.

Saturday afternoon, we headed to the community of Montague, P.E.I., to Riverview Manor, a seniors’ home. This was a great opportunity for The Salvation Army as the cadets interacted with and led a time of singing and devotion with the people of the home. Saturday evening the cadets planned a fun night for our youth group along with Summerside youth. They enjoyed a time of devotion, playing games and pizza.

Our Easter Sunday morning service was one of celebration! God spoke though Cadet Dusty Sauder and a man recommitted himself to God.

Sussex Community Church, N.B.

By Major Judy Folkins

The cadets led a Good Friday service in the morning. Cadet Dae-Gun Kim spoke in the morning service about the last words of Christ. He walked the congregation through a moving description of the final moments of Christ’s sacrifice for man as seen and experienced through the eyes of the criminal that hung on the cross next to Jesus. The congregation was moved to a time at the mercy seat with music from the worship team.

On Friday night, the youth group gathered to hear Cadet Sarah Braye, who energetically presented the gospel. The youth absorbed every word and entered into a time of worship as led by the youth worship team. The youth leader, Shondra McLean, was blessed as two youth walked in off the street to hear the cadet speak. The youth are primarily those whose families are client of family services.

On Saturday afternoon, the cadets hosted a community Easter program at the corps. It was a great success as there were more than 50 children who participated, along with their parents and family members. Those in attendance participated in a variety of games, crafts and music with the cadets. It was truly an event for the whole family. As a close to the program, the cadets hid candy-filled eggs in the corps sanctuary. Children and their parents were delighted to participate in a grand hunt!

The cadets’ visit concluded with an Easter Sunday service that had more than 100 in attendance. The morning started as the cadets prepared breakfast and spoke to a dozen community children in Sunday school about Jesus and the sacrifice he made for them. The children were mesmerized as the cadets had them help with an experiment and craft. During this time, the corps was blessed as Cadet Aejin Jeong had the opportunity to lead five children to the Lord.

Soon after, people filed in the doors of the small community corps and were blessed with the magical sounds of the cadets and corps worship band singing the praises of the risen Saviour.

At least 1,000 children live within 1.5 kilometres of Cedarbrae, many in the 12 high-rise apartment buildings just 500 metres from the church. For Major Louise Wareham, corps officer, that’s at least 1,000 opportunities for the Army to share the love of Christ and be a transforming influence in the community. And with the help of Lieutenants Keesom and Tina Phanthaamath, assistant corps officers, and a dedicated staff, this vision is becoming a reality.

“In the last few years, the corps has gone through a major shift in that there’s no longer a divide between the Sunday worship service and our family services,” Major Wareham says. “We take an integrated ministry approach so that a person who accesses one service at the corps is now more likely to access another.”

In the fall of 2010, the corps conducted a community assessment, consulting the Toronto Police Service, community groups, social agencies, the Toronto District School Board and other churches. It found that many of the families in the area were living on the margins and that poverty was on the rise. With that in mind, the church began to focus on providing more programs for children and families.

Children gather at Cedarbrae Community Church on Wednesday afternoons for snacks, games and crafts. Above: The Joyful Noise community choir has 28 enthusiastic members.

“There is a well-documented need for after-school activities in high-needs and high-risk neighbourhoods where kids have little to do and limited access to extracurricular programming,” explains Kerry Brown, children’s outreach co-ordinator. Cedarbrae’s programming includes an after-school program on Wednesdays, a youth drop-in night and school breakfast programs.

One of the most popular activities is a monthly “big event” for families such as a family movie day at a local theatre and a trip to the Ontario Science Centre.

Another popular program at the corps is Joyful Noise, a community choir for children aged four to 12. Launched in September 2011, the choir has grown to 28 participants, meets weekly and performs at Cedarbrae and other churches throughout the year.

“It’s such a great group of kids,” says Brown. “They all enjoy what they’re doing and they get along really well.

“Our programs are about relationship building and strengthening families,” she continues, “and when those families have questions about God or something difficult happens, they have someone to turn to.”

This approach is key in the corps’ family services department, which has contact with 300-500 households each month through the food bank.

“Many families come in month after month and we get to know them,” says Joan Harry, family services co-ordinator.

“It’s taking the conversation deeper and really demonstrating to people that we care,” agrees Major Wareham.

Lisa Blake, family services worker, and Harry encourage the families to connect with the church in other ways as well, whether it’s the Sunday service, programs for children, cooking classes or life-skills development.

“Our vision is that Cedarbrae would be a place to call home, where people are loved and accepted,” says Major Wareham. “We want them to know that God’s love is for all.”

A Sign from God

Robin Browett with Joan Harry and Lisa Blake

Robin Browett knows what it means to have a second chance at life.

In December 2011, while in jail for stealing a mountain bike, Browett was stabbed in the head by his cell partner, sending him into a coma for four months. The doctors told his father that there was a good chance he wouldn’t make it, but he asked them to try anyway.

“When I woke up, my father said, ‘When you were on that table and they were trying to fix you up, you died. I asked God to save your life and you came back,’ ” Browett remembers. “And from that day on, I knew I had to go somewhere, I had to do something, because what I was doing wasn’t working.”

Since he dropped out of school in Grade 10, Browett has struggled with drug addiction and crime. He has spent more of his life in jail than out, including 10 years for injuring two pedestrians during a high-speed police chase. At the height of his criminal career, he was stealing five cars a day. But those days are far behind him now.

Browett first came to Cedarbrae last July after walking past the church and seeing its sign out front.

“It said ‘A place to call home,’ ” he recalls. “So I came here and they took me in with open arms.”

He started volunteering at the food bank and now comes in three or four times a week to stock shelves and help clients.

“I love coming to work here,” he says. “Every morning, Lisa Blake and I have a prayer together. It picks my spirits right up if I’m sad, or if I’m dealing with cravings I ask God to give me the strength to stay sober.”

Browett became a Christian last November after a long conversation with Lieutenant Keesom Phanthaamath.

“He told me, ‘There’s a lot more for you than you know, and you’ve got to get that devil off your shoulder,’ ” Robin shares. “So I asked God to come into my life and, from that day on, I felt relief.

“It’s like God has just filled me with life,” he continues. “Without him and The Salvation Army, I don’t know where I would be.”

Faith Restored

Lola Burton with children Justin, Jaya, Nathan and Jacob

Lola Burton was raised in a Christian home and attended church for much of her life. But when her mother passed away in 2008, she found herself unable to go anymore.

“I was so depressed,” she remembers. “I didn’t want to go because my mother was a godly person and when I came to church it reminded me of her.”

Burton’s journey back to church—and to The Salvation Army—began with floor hockey. She signed her children up for an after-school program at Cedarbrae after receiving a flyer advertising the program at a community skate.

Since then, her children—Nathan, 16, Justin, 13, Jaya, 10, and Jacob, 10—have been involved with many programs at the church, including Bible study, camp, Joyful Noise, Saturday family events and more.
When it came to actually attending a Sunday service, though, Burton was nervous, sitting in the back pew with her children, hoping to escape notice.

“But as soon as Major Louise saw us, she said, ‘Hi, Lola!’ ” she laughs. “I felt like hiding, but it was nice that she remembered us—we just came to floor hockey—and we started to build a close-knit relationship.

“When I first started coming, I prayed, ‘God, tell me if this is the right place for me,’ ” she adds, “and I know this is where I want to be. There are so many people here and they’re all friendly—it’s not you alone—and that’s what church is supposed to be.”

Having the support of the church has been essential for Burton who, as a single mother, often struggles to make ends meet.

“One Sunday, I came to church and I didn’t know how I was going to give my children lunch or snacks the next day—I had nothing in my fridge,” she remembers. “But I came in and Major Louise handed me a voucher. It was like she just knew. I hugged her and I don’t think she realized just how much, at that moment, I needed it.

“Even though I’m working, it’s been very difficult,” she continues. “But every time I’m down to my last dollar, God always sends something or someone. It never fails.”

More Than Outreach

Deslene Bastien with children Sean, Eandre and Adriana

When a Salvation Army breakfast program came to Mason Road Junior Public School in September 2010, Deslene Bastien signed her children up right away. A single mother, she was not working at the time and the chance to ensure that her children had a nutritious meal in the morning was a welcome help.

She went with the children a few times to accompany her daughter, Adriana, then in kindergarten, and found out that the Army was looking for parents who were willing to volunteer. From that point on, Bastien was at the school every morning, wiping tables, making toast, tidying up—rarely missing a day.

The breakfast program co-ordinator, Charlotte Garcia, became a mentor and friend to her, and so when she left to take another position, Bastien was disappointed.

“But when she suggested I apply for the position, I thought, ‘Oh, I’d love to!’ ” she smiles.

Bastien became the program co-ordinator in September 2011, a job she loves.

“There are a lot of low-income families in the area where the school is, so having this program there is very good,” she says. “It gives me joy that The Salvation Army would reach out to the community in this way.”

The family first attended Cedarbrae Community Church in February 2012 after an invitation from Major Louise Wareham.

“I had never been to a Salvation Army church before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but we really enjoyed it,” she says. “We were welcomed into the church and it felt like home.”

Soon after, Bastien’s children were attending many of the church’s programs—Adriana, 7, loves coming to Sunday school, while Sean, 16, and Eandre, 14, enjoy youth events such as floor hockey.

But, for Bastien, being connected to Cedarbrae is more than just attending programs and Sunday services—it’s being part of a community.

“Being a single mom, sometimes you feel closed off to other things,” she says. “So being exposed to people who actually care and show love toward you means a lot.”

Yes, we should help everyone we can and remain flexible to meet needs as they arise.

BY MAJOR MIKE HOEFT

Every day, people walk through the doors of their local Salvation Army looking for help. From small towns to big cities the same story plays out—someone has a need and The Salvation Army figures out how to meet that need. We purchase bus tickets, arrange for accommodation, buy gas, distribute food from our pantry and provide services too numerous to mention. If you ask any Salvation Army officer or worker, they will recall many times when someone phoned or dropped in and said, “I don’t know if you can help me, but I don’t know where else to go.”

I am reminded of a phone call I received many years ago from the courthouse. A man had been arrested and was to appear in court but had no shoes. Normally this would not be a challenge, but the man had size-15 feet! I immediately thought of a very tall police officer I knew and wondered if he might have an extra pair of shoes. It turned out that he was a size 15 and was happy to give over a pair of his flippers.

One of the strengths of The Salvation Army is that we have flexibility in our structure and rules that allow us to think outside the box and help people in situations where other organizations may be stymied. It is this kind of pioneer, can-do thinking that led our Founder, William Booth, to look at the problems of 19th-century England and try everything from farm colonies to match factories to rescuing drunks on the streets of London (read In Darkest England and the Way Out). While other groups and governments might have been tempted to wring their hands and wonder, “What are we to do?”, William Booth and his fledgling Army decided they would try something—anything—to help anyone who was in need.

Since its inception, The Salvation Army has avoided being a “one-trick pony” and has stretched its limits and pushed the boundaries in pursuit of helping people who walk through our doors to the best of our ability. That stretching has brought us into health care, prison work, micro banks, emergency services, children’s villages and much more. I believe that in the future with God’s guidance, we will continue to diversify and respond as needs arise and as people present themselves.

At the risk of sounding too pious, God does this with each of us. He realizes that our path to him is fraught with perils and pitfalls and he tailors a plan just for us. The way he draws me to him is different than the way he draws someone else. In the same way, no two clients’ needs are the same and neither is the solution. We should begin every conversation with the mindset of finding out who each person is and how we can cater to his or her particular need.

This approach is more difficult than focusing on a few key areas and it may be more difficult to brand. It takes more time, creativity and personal investment to arrive at a solution. But when people sit in our office or when we meet them on the street, they need to know that they are more than just a number. The Army has a plan that fits their unique needs—and so does God.

Major Mike Hoeft is the corps officer in a three-point charge in Northeast Saskatchewan and territorial rural ministry consultant.

No, we can’t be experts in everything. But we can do a few things well.

BY CAPTAIN MARK STANLEY

“If you’re going to do something, do it well.” This tenet was often repeated by my parents when I was growing up. Working in The Salvation Army for more than 20 years as an employee and officer, I have often encountered similar exhortations from past and present leaders. Today we are hearing these same high expectations from the public, donors, government and those the Army serves. “Doing it well” is an approach that is part of our Army DNA. This sound approach to service should motivate us to consistently and constantly adjust, improve and refine our methods.

From an operational and organizational perspective, the Army has been engaged in specialized ministries from its beginnings—whether it has been by intention or default. We are often the first and only organization to respond to a need in the community if for no other reason than because no one else is doing the work. The Army has always been drawn to areas of service and ministry where no one else is responding—working with new immigrants to Canada in the early 1900s, caring for expectant mothers through maternity homes, being Canada’s first “recyclers” by starting thrift stores in 1908 or, in recent years, ministering to those trapped by human trafficking. Our study and application of Scripture, particularly the use of spiritual gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12:27-30), speaks very clearly to the notion of specialization for the benefit and edification of the church.

Today, the Army is facing new challenges in service provision. Social services in Canada are in the midst of a paradigm shift where serving the homeless, marginalized and addicted involves not only meeting an urgent need, but also working to eliminate the need entirely. Corps and social services units must meet increasing requirements for health and safety, employment standards, licensing and funder expectations. These requirements are specific and significant, and it is unrealistic to think that a generalist approach will suffice.

In Leadership Secrets of The Salvation Army, Commissioner Robert Watson writes, “When tradition-bound enterprises … are challenged by new conditions, their first tactic is often to put pressure on the old business model to be more productive. What the situation requires is an approach that’s responsive and flexible enough to improvise on an individual level, yet deliberate and comprehensive enough to be broadly effective.” We need a new model.

The generalist approach can encourage unrealistic expectations from the organization and enable unhealthy behaviour in the individual. We have all experienced situations where a new officer or leader makes a final decision without seeking input from others or humbly acknowledging his or her limitations. Being responsible for specialized ministries and services does not make one an expert by default. We do not do well when we confuse authority with expertise.

The Army can respond to specific challenges and opportunities by ensuring its officers and employees receive the training they need when they need it. This includes working with all officers to identify vocational career paths, engaging in targeted recruiting for positions that require specific expertise and offering flexible officership training. The alternative is not something we can afford—less effective services and ministries, a frustrated workforce, the loss of credibility and emotionally distressed and burnt-out officers and employees.

The move out of some services may seem prudent and necessary. There was a time when the Army was the only provider of food to the hungry. Now, Food Banks Canada has taken over this service in most communities. Although the Army still plays an important role in the provision of emergency and disaster services, today it is another agency that has elevated its profile and presence in recent years so that the Army is not the “go-to” agency in times of crisis. If we withdraw services, we may reduce our exposure to risk and spread our resources less thinly, but there will be a cost—reduced community presence, diminished public awareness and decreased support, and fewer entry points into the community where Christ’s love and his message can be shared. Is that a price we’re willing to pay?

Captain Mark Stanley is the executive director of the Addictions and Residential Centre in Edmonton. In addition to 15 years of social services experience in Canada, he has also served in Bangladesh and Jamaica.

(Photo: © iStockphoto.com/retrorocket)