Antagonism is the law of life! Nowhere is this struggle more of a reality than in our relationship with our triune Holy God. It is not called the fight of faith for nothing. The minute we are “born of the spirit,” the battle is joined. Flesh and spirit begin that fight to the death and the final outcome has far-reaching implications. So much that Paul says if by the Spirit, you kill your sinful actions, you will live (Romans 8:13).

We read in the Old Testament that, for Jacob, his great antagonist was not his brother Esau, but the sly Jacob within. That was why, in his great wrestling match with the angel, he was asked, “What is your name?” In essence, the heavenly messenger was saying, “What is your character?” Jacob had finally come face to face with himself and it was not a pretty sight. Although he was industrious and had other praiseworthy characteristics, he had tricked and lied to get what he wanted. God showed him that his quest for the blessing and dew of heaven had been tarnished by the slime of the flesh.

What is so wonderful about this story is that it is so true for all of us. And even though not everyone shares the same struggles as Jacob, we realize that we are just as corrupt. “What is your name?” Like Jacob, if we hold on and confess our sinfulness, he will not go until he blesses us and makes us one of the, Israel of God, great wrestlers and soldiers of the Lord’s army, holy and majestic. Hallelujah!

Major Bill Kean is the corps officer in beautiful Triton, NL. His weekly coffee doodles complement his passion for preaching and teaching.

The following are a list of the awards along with descriptions and a sampling of the judges’ comments. Click on the title to access the full pdf version of the article.

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/bowie15

For the last three years, Colonel Floyd Tidd has served as chief secretary of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. As he prepares to take up an appointment as territorial commander of the Australia Southern Territory, Salvationist speaks with him about the leadership principles that have guided him throughout his officership.

Tell us about your journey as an officer. What inspired you?

Leadership has been a lifelong journey. I think back to when I was nine years old and my corps officer ran a Sunday afternoon junior soldiers’ club. When she cancelled it in its third year, I drew up a petition for all the other junior soldiers to sign so she could keep the program going. She took me to her office and said, “I can do this if you help me.” That’s where I first had a sense that my actions could make an impact.

Later, I went to university to pursue a bachelor of science degree with the intention of heading to medical school. But during university, my wife, Tracey, and I felt God’s call to be Salvation Army officers. In our first appointment, we worked with Mississauga Temple, Ont., to daughter a new church. We went from there to Jackson’s Point, Ont., which showed us the joys of small-town ministry. Divisional and territorial youth work broadened our perspectives and allowed us to interact with diverse expressions of the Army. Those experiences made it easier when I took on my current role as chief secretary.

What are your guiding principles?

A number of years ago, I completed the Arrow Program, a Christian executive leadership development course that helped deepen my walk with God and gave me important tools for leadership. I try to live by the Arrow motto: Being led more by Jesus to lead more like Jesus so that others may be led to Jesus.

When I was at the International College for Officers in 2003, I also did a 20-minute “Your Life Journey” reflection. Looking in the rearview mirror of ministry, I began to see the theme of the privilege of being “partners in the gospel,” building on Philippians 1:3-5. My wife and I have adopted this as a model for our ministry, a leadership engaging with partners in the gospel in our diverse appointments.

What’s the toughest thing about being a leader in the Army?

The biggest challenge is organizational change. There has been a significant postmodern shift in culture, and the Army needs to respond. The first step is to create the urgent sense that change is needed without making people feel as though the sky is falling. For example, 40 percent of active officers in our territory will retire within a decade. How are we attracting and keeping the new generation of leaders?

We must be honest and transparent about our challenges. There is the impression that we are always an Army “on the march” or an Army that’s “got it all together.” I think that is a legacy of our hierarchical, militaristic structure. But it’s an increasingly dated style of leadership. What my grandfather or my father needed to hear from leadership is far different from what my son needs to hear from leadership.

How do you make difficult decisions?

Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd

I ask myself two questions. First, how will this decision impact the mission outcome of The Salvation Army on a short-term and long-term basis? What are we trying to achieve? For hockey fans, I use the Wayne Gretzky analogy: Does this decision move us to where the puck is going or is it where the puck is right now? Will this decision position us for the future or is it a short-sighted, knee-jerk reaction?

Second, who is affected by the decision both positively and negatively and how should that affect the way I respond? I need to own the repercussions of my decisions. Army leaders must regularly evaluate our decisions in light of our core values, both personal and organizational.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

I’ve been reminded in my own leadership journey that most things aren’t as critical as they first appear. I’ll give you two extensions of that thought. William Booth wrote to his daughter Evangeline when she was first sent as a national commander to the United States. His advice? “Don’t watch the waves; watch the tide.” In essence, don’t worry about the small things, but ask: Is there a bigger trend here that I need to be aware of?

The second example comes from my hermeneutics professor at Tyndale University College and Seminary. She said, “Learn to live with tension.” In musical terms, the chord does not always have to resolve at the end of the piece. As my professor pointed out, the Western mindset desperately tries to solve everything, but some things we must leave with God. A leader’s job is to help other people live in the tension.

How do you stay spiritually grounded?

In his book Too Busy Not to Pray, church growth guru Bill Hybels writes, “Beware the barrenness of the busyness in leadership.” The busyness can consume everything, and sometimes the barrenness doesn’t become apparent until it’s too late. It’s important to stay in relationship. Leadership can be very task-oriented, so I try to build connections with people.

Mentoring was a great support as I moved into a leadership role where I had to make tough decisions. Promise Keepers describes three relationships that I think every leader needs. First is a “Paul,” someone who can mentor and coach me along, just as Paul did with Timothy. Second, I need to look for the “Timothy” that God has placed in my sphere of influence, someone I can mentor. Lastly, I need a “Barnabas,” someone who is at the same point in the journey, someone that I can just be myself with.

How has your leadership style changed?

My approach to leading has become much more listening-focused. Even if I have the right answer, nobody wants to hear it until they’ve been heard. My answer doesn’t matter if people don’t feel as though I really understand their viewpoint.

As a leader, I’ve also realized that I’m not going to get it right all the time. I’m not going to meet everybody’s expectations, but I have to be true to myself. In the end, it comes back to integrity. Being true to who I am will help me lead God’s people to where he intends them to go.

When you first took office as chief secretary, you emphasized discipleship. Have we made progress in this area?

This must continue to be a priority, although measuring progress is not a simple exercise. It is encouraging to see a growing number of small groups and persons involved in Bible studies. A fresh resource for soldiership preparation is in development and will be released in the near future.

Where have you seen growth?

I see a greater involvement of Salvationists in service and community engagement in the neighbourhoods in which they live and worship. It is a natural response to deepening discipleship. I urge every Salvationist to embrace opportunities to advance the mission of The Salvation Army. Find your place of ministry and continue to serve God joyfully.

“My God is More Than Able … ”

Colonel Tracey Tidd will assume a new appointment as territorial president of women’s ministries in the Australia Southern Territory. She shares some parting thoughts with Salvationist.

How have you seen women’s ministry evolve?

The territory has chosen seven priorities in line with the General’s international vision. The women’s ministries department is focusing on spiritual renewal, leadership development and integrated mission ministry. Our first project on women’s lay leadership development is scheduled for the fall of 2013 and will be webcast across the territory. It will be followed by leadership development for women corps officers in 2014-2015.

We’re ministering with women of diverse backgrounds in terms of their family situation, work, education and income level. Many women are trying to balance work and family and want to spend the little free time they have doing something of value. They want something that meets their needs before they commit. There is no one-size-fits-all category.

Ministry with women will look different in each setting. It’s about building relationships with women inside the corps as well as in the community. It’s about looking at women’s individual gifts and how they can be used, including what they bring from their professional lives. Programming has increasingly become short-term and flexible to accommodate busy schedules.

What will you miss most about Canada and Bermuda?

I’ll miss connecting with people around the territory. I’ll miss my two children, daughter-in-law and elderly parents. I will miss those with whom I have shared as “partners in the gospel” in my role as territorial secretary for women’s ministries. My husband and I have journeyed with so many through our various appointments in corps, youth and administrative work. I have treasured listening to people’s stories, sharing in their journeys and praying with them through life’s ups and downs.

What unique opportunities are you anticipating in Australia?

I look forward to seeing new expressions of The Salvation Army and responding to local needs and opportunities. I anticipate the joys of working alongside territorial headquarters staff, divisional directors of women’s ministries and women of the Australia Southern Territory. Over these last 27 years as an officer, I have built friendships and connected with women who have prayed for me, encouraged me and challenged me. Through it all, God has always provided everything I have needed and more. I am reminded of the song, “He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today.” As I make this transition, I go in confidence, claiming Philippians 1:6 that he who began a good work in me will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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.