Filling a Void
Wrestling had always been in Ted’s blood. The son of pro wrestler “Iron” Mike DiBiase, Ted grew up watching matches first-hand. But the tragic death of his father in the ring due to a heart attack changed the 15-year-old’s life forever. Overnight, Ted’s mother tumbled into depression and turned to alcohol. The family relocated to the small town of Wilcox, Arizona, where his grandparents lived. His dreams of becoming a professional wrestler seemed destined to be constrained by small-town life.

Ted, however, was undaunted. The talented teenager soon obtained a full scholarship to play college football at West Texas State. “My life began to be filled with pride and ego,” Ted says, and eventually he dropped out of school to try his hand at a career in professional wrestling. He never looked back.

As a brash newcomer to the world of professional wrestling, Ted’s Million Dollar Man persona was thought up by none other than WWF owner Vince McMahon himself. Wearing a custom-made, diamond-encrusted belt and sporting a gold-studded suit emblazoned with dollar bills, with a “bodyguard” in tow, Ted’s outlandish stunts became notorious in the World Wrestling Federation. Soon, Ted was battling other superstars such as Hulk Hogan and Brett “The Hitman” Hart in stadiums and arenas around the world.

“God had allowed me to climb to the top—my life was made into action figures; I wrestled in front of 80,000 people—yet I still wasn’t satisfied,” says Ted. “I was trying to fill a void in my life, like so many others have done in the entertainment world.” What Ted didn’t know was that God, too, had a price for The Million Dollar Man, as he would soon find out.

“Who Are You?”
It was the morning following WrestleMania VIII in 1992. Ted telephoned his wife from the hotel lobby to check in after spending yet another night partying. On the other end of the line was Ted’s wife, Melanie, with the news that made his world grind to a halt. Ted’s lifestyle of adultery, drugs and alcohol had caught up with him: Melanie had found out and Ted could not buy his way out of it.

“I cried out to God, praying that He would forgive me and save my life,” Ted remembers.

He sought the counsel of a friend who was also a pastor. Hal Santos advised the wrestler to come clean. Ted confessed everything to his wife, not just to one fling but to multiple affairs. With tears streaming down her face, Melanie managed to get out the words, “Who are you, Ted?”

Down But Not Out
As a Christian, Melanie decided to give Ted one last chance to be the man that she thought she’d married. Their marriage was restored because of Melanie’s patience, love and
forgiveness.

With Melanie and Hal’s help, God brought Ted to a relationship with God for the first time in his life.
Ted retired in 1999 and, since then, has taken on new roles outside of professional wrestling. He is a spokesperson for the Sunshine Foundation, an organization that grants wishes for critically ill children, and has founded Heart of David Ministries. “I’ve come to wrestle with your hearts today,” he tells the people who come to hear him speak. He now speaks about God and his newfound faith in the same places that he once wrestled in.

“A lot of people remember my last match, they can remember what I wore, what moves I made and who won,” Ted reflects. “They know everything about me, but they don’t know me. In many ways, that is how we as Christians are—we know everything about God … but we don’t know Him.”

Ted makes appearances at autograph signings and wrestling events, and speaks at churches and schools about his faith in Christ, challenging students to stay away from drugs and pursue their dreams.

“The thing that’s almost unbelievable about God is His grace and mercy,” he says. “We fail all the time, but there’s no shame in failing—only in not getting up and keeping on.”

Top photo: Ted DiBiase in his wrestling prime, his “Million Dollar Belt” draped over a shoulder; Second photo: Wrestling for Hearts: Ted delivering his message of love and redemption

For more information on Ted DiBiase or to arrange a personal appearance, please contact Willowcreek Marketing at (905) 984-3168 or www.willowcreekmarketing.com

That’s the premise of the ABC hit FlashForward. Based loosely on Canadian science-fiction novelist Robert J. Sawyer’s 1999 novel of the same title, the series tackles an intriguing scenario where everyone on the planet blacks out for exactly two minutes and 17 seconds. During this time, people around the world are able to see six months into their personal futures.

In the ensuing chaos and confusion—jets falling from the sky, mass terror on the freeways, surgeries gone horribly wrong—an estimated 20 million people die worldwide. But the bigger questions are, How did this happen? and Will it happen again?

At the forefront of those pressing issues is a team of FBI field agents led by Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes), who uses his flash forward (in which he was investigating the blackout) to collect clues. He is joined by Agent Demetri Noh (John Cho), one of the few people who didn’t have a flash forward. The reason? A mysterious stranger confirms he will be murdered in five months.

The show also introduces Mark’s wife, Dr. Olivia Benford (Sonya Walger), whose future suggests infidelity and estrangement from her husband, and Dr. Bryce Varley (Zachary Knighton), who, suffering from terminal cancer, was on the verge of committing suicide just before the blackout but has a change of heart after his flash forward reveals the prospect of romance with a beautiful Japanese girl.

Dreams Do Come True
Science fiction aside, the Bible gives plenty of examples where God’s people were shown glimpses of their future. God revealed each of the 10 plagues to Moses, including the final plague that claimed the lives of every firstborn Egyptian. This allowed the Israelites an opportunity to protect their children by marking their doorposts with blood (see Exodus 12).

Many Old Testament prophets received stark warnings from God through visions and dreams. The people were then given the choice to change their ways or suffer the consequences.

Among those prophets, Isaiah was blessed with an amazing look into the unknown when God shared with him the first coming of the Messiah through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Isaiah 7:14; 35:4-6; 50:6; 53:1-6).

But Joseph provides the most compelling example of God showing someone the future in order to give them an opportunity to change things for the good. Joseph was the youngest son of Jacob, and also his favourite. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph eventually found himself in the good graces of the Pharaoh. He was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and see the famine that was on the horizon (see Genesis 41). Joseph’s foresight not only saved Egypt but also allowed him to reconcile with his family and spare them from starvation, too.

What the Future Holds
Like these great men of faith, today’s generation also has access to the future. We may not know the specifics like the characters in FlashForward, but there are numerous promises in the Bible that foretell what the believer’s life will look like.

For instance, in Jeremiah 29:11 God says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

While the characters in FlashForward have collectively seen a small part of their futures, we have been blessed with the opportunity to see two alternate futures: one with God and one without God. There is an existence beyond this life on earth and that eternal future is entirely up to the choice of each individual.

“I saw a glimpse of my future,” Dr. Varley explains to his boss, Dr. Benford, in the pilot episode, “and everything’s changed for me now.”

Likewise, all of us have a chance to change the future—if we will put our faith in God and embrace the future He has meticulously crafted for us.

The poet Kabir states: “The fish in the water that is thirsty needs professional counselling.” Though we search everywhere for God, the good news is that he has already revealed himself to us—in Jesus, through his written Word, in nature and by his Spirit. The fact that God is ever-present often causes us to overlook him.

It is incumbent upon us to respond to these revelations if we are to live healthy, holy lives. Human beings are made to worship. They are made with a capacity to know God, and to enjoy him forever. For the Christian, worship is a vital connection.

Revelation and Response
In Scripture we read of responses to God’s activity—Noah builds an altar, Abraham bows down, Moses takes off his shoes, the Three Wise Men worship and give gifts.

In response to a wise and knowing Creator, the Apostle Paul instructs: “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out” (Romans 12:1-2 The Message).

Made for Worship
The Church is rediscovering that worship is not restricted to place or time. We do not disparage corporate worship on a Sunday in a building or in a small house group. Rather, in the tradition of Brother Lawrence—who experienced God as intimately while washing pots in the kitchen as he did in the sanctuary—we aspire to: “Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

The following practices can guide and change us in personal worship:

1. Breathe. Make a practice of taking long, deep breaths, especially when stressed or disconcerted. We can’t live without breathing. It’s a gift. We ourselves are “God-breathed.” Acknowledge God’s presence in your breath. Breathe out short, repetitive prayers that connect your deep desires with God’s Spirit.

2. Be thankful. List 10 things for which you are grateful. You can journal or list in your mind wherever you may be. Then make a list of another 10, and then another 10. Theologian David Steindl-Rast says, “Happiness does not make us thankful, but thankfulness brings us happiness.” Your list will reflect your uniqueness.

3. Talk to God. You can even do it out loud. We remember things we say out loud (good news for this Baby Boomer). It may feel silly, but let God into your daily decisions and activities. Stop and say, “God, help me,” “God, I give you this challenge,” or “God, let me see you in this person, this situation.”

4. Connect with nature and beauty. Go for a walk, buy some flowers or go to an art gallery. Sense the Creator, his creation and the creative abilities of others.

5. Listen to music. This may be an obvious one, but be creative—God is not restricted to specific genres. He is not bound by style.

In worshipping we position ourselves to better perceive God’s revelation. As we yearn for him, may he open the eyes of our hearts. May our spirit’s connection to him continue to transform us in spirit and truth.

Major David Ivany is a spiritual director and THQ pastoral services officer.

Church Planting Canada has held a national congress in different parts of the country every two years since 1997. This network of leaders desires to “see every neighbourhood transformed through the presence of multiplying, missional communities.”

The Salvation Army has been an influential partner in this network at both the national and regional levels. While the 2009 congress attracted a total of 724 registrants, the real work of Church Planting Canada happens in the regional networks where denominational and congregational leaders work together to provide ministry training and resources out of a common partnership in the gospel.

This congress was designated a “mission critical” event as The Salvation Army has always been a movement that has sought to do whatever it takes to reach the “whosoever”—church planting is part of our mission.

Themes included joining in God’s mission and taking seriously the cultural, social and spiritual issues present in the neighbourhoods around us. Speakers from Australia (Michael Frost), England (Juliet Kilpin and Stuart Murray) and Montreal (Glenn Smith) acknowledged the challenges of ministering in societies that are increasingly secular. They also expressed a common hope, that congregations humbly serving their communities can effectively develop relationships, initiate conversations about Jesus and contribute to transformation.

One speaker who provoked a standing ovation was Wagdi Iskander, a one-time Sudanese refugee and former Muslim who now pastors an Edmonton church. His conversion was a dramatic one that, in many ways, mirrored the story of Saul in the Book of Acts. He challenged all participants to consider that loving sacrifice is necessary to effective mission.

We asked Army leaders who attended Renov8 about their hopes, plans and challenges. They have shared their hearts in the write-ups below. Some are experienced church planters, others are passionate about revitalizing congregations, and still others are just at the dreaming stage. As you read their stories, think about your own context. God may be calling you to build the Kingdom in your own unique way.

James Watson is the consultant for church planting and congregational revitalization in the Corps Ministries Department. Visit churchplantingcanada.ca and thecongress.ca to learn more about Renov8.

The Planters

Major Mark Wagner
Westsong Community Church, Victoria

In the 1880s, Commissioner Elijah Cadman went to York in the north of England. There, over the course of the decade, he planted eight new corps and several other “smaller places.” I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between that fact and the reality that in 1992 the Canada and Bermuda Territory had 404 corps but today has only 311. What is going on? Has our sense of mission evaporated?

It has not. The mission of the Army pulsates incessantly below the surface. It keeps rhythm with the heart of God. It finds its echo in the hearts of church planters. These Kingdom harvesters see the need for new expressions of the Army to crop up in every city and neighbourhood in Canada. And they are doing something about it.

The recent church planting congress in Calgary brought together hundreds of Christians who are passionate about starting new worshipping communities. They see opportunities to start outposts of the Kingdom in houses, abandoned church buildings, movie theatres and malls.

At Westsong Community Church in Victoria, we meet in the theatre of a local middle school. When planting Richmond Hill Community Church in Ontario, we met in the cafeteria of a high school. In both cases, we started with a small but fantastic group of people whose commitment to mission forged them into lean, mean fighting teams. Today Westsong has gathered another group of people who have a passion to plant in the rural town of Metchosin, B.C., made up of 5,000 people living just west of Victoria.

How will we do it? One time Jesus asked his followers to feed 5,000 people. They didn’t have many resources, just five loaves and two fish. But they gave what they had to him. He then blessed it and gave it back to them. We’re going to get the job done in the same way: giving God what we have and letting him multiply it in our hands for his own glory. We have the bread of life. We should really share it.

What is a fledgling church like Westsong doing starting another church? We are following the missio Dei—the mission of God. It doesn’t take many people to form a plant team: perhaps 10 or 12. But it does take a lot of passion for mission and a vision for what God can do in a new neighbourhood.

It may take a re-alignment of your core values. Where do you spend most of your time at church? Where do you think God wants you to spend your time? Maybe God is calling you to join a plant team and reach out to a new neighbourhood with his good news.

I believe we can turn around the Army’s decreasing numbers. I believe we can grow as quickly in the 21st century as we did in the 19th―if our hearts beat in time with the missional heart of God.

***

Captain Danny Pinksen
Pathway Community Church, Paradise, N.L.

If Shakespeare were a church leader today, he would probably ask, “Church plants or no church plants? That is the question.” It’s a topic of debate in many denominations, including The Salvation Army. But no one can argue with the fact that church and secular culture have become increasingly polarized. Today’s unchurched demographic views the established church with growing cynicism.

It sounds much like the context in which Apostle Paul and the Booths commenced their respective ministries. The New Testament depicts Paul travelling from town to town, establishing various expressions of the local church. The Booths sought to provide relevant and meaningful opportunities for people to experience God and the church in a radical, transformative way.

Given The Salvation Army’s decline in church attendance over the past decade, church planting is a viable and necessary opportunity to grow God’s Kingdom. Church plants are well positioned to meet the needs of a community because they are both contextually and culturally relevant. Renov8 plenary speaker Michael Frost asserts that effective churches can look different, feel different and be different while being divinely-anointed, transformational influences in today’s world.

In our context, Pathway Community Church serves the suburban, middle-class community of Paradise, N.L. For the past four and a half years, my wife, Lori, and I have witnessed God raise up Pathway, a congregation of people from all walks of life who desire to connect with God and community. We have experienced God’s hand of blessing and guidance on all aspects of church life, from community involvement to atheists being saved. We desire that people will experience how great our God is and how effective his Church can be.

The Apostle Paul stated: “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). This is our daily goal at Pathway.

The Revitalizers

Captain Gerald Reilly
Westminster Park, London, Ont.

One of the questions asked at Renov8 was, “If your church were to close tomorrow, would your community grieve?” Westminster Park just celebrated 25 years in southeast London, but at present only a small portion of those who attend the corps are from the immediate community. The corps is predominately inward focused, ministering to the members. Sadly, few in the community would grieve if our doors closed tomorrow.

Last summer I read through the Minor Prophets. God impressed upon me the need to return to him, to once again make him the passion of our lives. This vision is shared by others in the corps who are thirsting for the same thing. Like Israel of old, we need reviving. We have fallen into a predictable pattern of comfortable Christianity. Only a renewed people can daily pick up their cross and follow.

Westminster is comprised of subsidized housing, condominiums, rentals and single family dwellings. Although multicultural, it is still predominately British/European. The London housing complex alone is home to over 160 families of varying sizes and forms, and over 125 children aged five to 12. We are also adjacent to a large high school and near to three public elementary schools.

Each Wednesday, 60-75 high school students come to the corps for lunch. We have growing cradle roll and Pioneer Club numbers. There are many single mothers and fathers, as well as a large senior population. We are located near two nursing homes and Victoria Hospital.

A small nucleus has come together with a vision for renewal and revival, meeting each week for prayer and Bible study. We called the church to a day of prayer and fasting early in January, and will screen videos from Renvo8.

The confirmation I received at Renov8 was an answer to prayer—we are moving in the right direction. We have seen spiritual growth in individuals, with some stepping forward to take on new ministries.

This conference has invigorated my Salvationism—a passion for the lost. Although we may go into the community with different methods than those employed by our forebears, the mission remains the same.

***

Major Erin Verhey-Johnson
Woodroffe Community Ministry Centre, Ottawa

When my name was put forward to attend the church planting congress, I felt daunted. I didn’t feel I fit the profile of a “church planter.” Last year I was appointed as chaplain for the Bethany Hope Community Centre, which does not yet exist. At the same time, I was asked to pastor a group of Salvationists who would form the nucleus of the faith community within the centre. I wondered what my new appointment had in common with a church planting conference. Yet, when I arrived for the first session it was clear that I was in the right place at the right time.

The theme of the congress was discovering God’s mission, whether in a new plant or an existing church’s revitalization. The congress did not focus on programs, methods or formulas. What was the consistent message? God is at work in our communities and he is inviting us to join him in what he is doing. This is a message I understand. In fact, this is the message that we, the church at The Salvation Army Bethany Hope Faith Community, have been exploring since our first service in May 2009.

Our faith community meets for worship on the former site of the Woodroffe Community Church, which has been transplanted to a community in the south of Ottawa. Woodroffe is committed to continuing three of their community outreach programs on the old site. Within months, we will pull up stakes while the building is refitted to become a community centre. When the renovations are completed we will move back in along with Bethany Hope Centre, a ministry for young parents and their children. There will be Salvation Army community and family services for the first time in the west end of Ottawa. Public relations and development and the office of the area commander will also be on site. As a faith community we are excited to be a part of this new beginning.

Change is never easy. It is so much more comforting to look back than it is to look forward, to continue doing what we have always done. Yet, we are learning that, as we obey him, God will accomplish his work through us.

The Dreamers

Captain Jason Sabourin
The Salvation Army Red Deer Church and Community and
Family Services, Red Deer, Alta.

The vision that God has laid upon our hearts is not new. It is to live Kingdom lives in a hurting world, serving others without restriction. God’s mission is to redeem his whole creation and he has chosen to partner with people to do this. Our efforts are concentrated in finding the expression of this where we are in Red Deer.

My wife, Tammy, and I have a burden on our hearts to re-ignite the passion in people’s hearts. There is a growing apathy in the Church, which has prevented us from going into the world to make disciples. There is a passivity that has encroached upon our souls that has left us dry and useless for mission.

It’s obvious that the Church in Canada is in drastic decline, regardless of denomination. Revitalization and church planting are the only options. Of course there are no easy answers as to what revitalization means. Starting points may include understanding cultural mindsets, targeting different generations, and encouraging freedom and creativity.

At the conference, however, one thing became very clear: God is still working and redeeming people regardless of what the Church is doing. He is not bound by human expectation, traditions or structures.

Jesus has said that the gates of Hell will not prevail against his Church and I believe it. Whether we are part of his mission depends on whether we will choose to follow him, even if it leads us into some uncomfortable places.

***

Major Ron Cartmell
Kelowna Community Church, Kelowna, B.C.

In years past, church planting in most denominations fit nicely into a few particular “boxes.” From what I heard at the Renov8 congress, I think it is fair to say that the boxes are now broken! There is such variety in the way that churches are being planted and the places that church is happening.

The common theme was how “mission focused” new churches are becoming. The mission is so much bigger than we have previously expressed. It is clear that our paradigm is starting to shift. God’s desire to reconcile the world is greater than having someone pray the “sinner’s prayer.” As Christians, God is calling us to so much more. It is exciting to see how this is beginning to happen across our nation.

What surprised me most at this gathering was the number of bi-vocational pastors I met that are planting churches. My initial thought was that this group of men and women that have part-time employment to subsidize their planting ministry would be primarily of the younger generation. I was taken aback to realize that there are as many pastors over 40 that are invested in bi-vocational ministry as there are of the younger generation. As Alberta’s regional co-ordinator for Church Planting Canada, it was heartwarming to listen to some of their stories and learn how God is using them in Kingdom work.

I was encouraged by the role that The Salvation Army is taking in Church Planting Canada and the focus that we gave to this event. God has given us a unique position in his Kingdom work.

On our trip to the Holy Land, I couldn’t wait to get to Bethlehem, located just 10 KM from Jerusalem. I had anticipated that traveling to the birth place of Christ would be overwhelming. I didn’t realize that to get to Bethlehem, which is now controlled by the Palestinian authority, we would have to pass through the border of armed guards coming on to our bus to ensure there were no Israelis with us. It was overwhelming, but with sadness, not joy.

When we arrived at the Church of the Nativity, the oldest standing church in the holy land, we were told that it is believed that this is the actual place where Jesus was born. We walked through a large courtyard to get to the church entrance. There were thousands of people everywhere—priests, pilgrims and tourists and lots of vendors. Commercialism in Bethlehem! This is not the “little town of Bethlehem” that we sing about.

Inside, the ornate church is filled with monolithic columns, mosaic floors, lamps, figures of saints, sacred ornaments and candles. This is a very different sanctuary than I am used to. Everyone wants to see the “star” that marks the spot where Jesus was born. Because the crowds were great, we were herded down to the grotto area to see “the spot.” It was difficult to feel anything sacred in these moments. This was not the Bethlehem I had envisioned.

As a group we found a corner to just sit and find silence. We had to seek out this quiet spot in the midst of the throngs of people. Once we were in this quiet place together, we said the Lord’s Prayer and sang a few carols. This became our Bethlehem moment. We needed to seek out that quiet place. In the midst of chaos, conflict, commercialism and even contempt for the sacred, we again were reminded that there is hope for the world in what took place 2,000 years ago. O little town of Bethlehem, all the longings of the world are met in thee tonight!

This Bethlehem moment really began the moment I entered the Church of the Nativity. Each pilgrim must enter the church through the “humble door,” aptly named because the door is so small, one must bend over to enter this sacred place. Stooping to enter through the humble door, I was reminded that it is only in humility that we find those “Bethlehem moments” in the midst of a busy Christmas season. It is in humility that the birth of Christ must be accepted within our hearts.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today

Now that Christmas is over, Easter is on the horizon. Once again, I must walk through the humble door toward Easter. Jesus himself walked through the humble door in surrender to give his life on the cross. He beckons me to walk through this same door and to live a surrendered life. The door is open to all. The question is, are we willing to stoop so that we can walk through that humble door?

Nancy Turley is the territorial abuse advisor for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. She and her husband, Joel, attend the Bracebridge Corps with their three children: Ethan, Aidan and Jordan. Nancy enjoys hiking in Algonquin Park with her family. Her column will feature reflections from her journey to the Holy Land.

The World Religion Leaders’ Summit, with international representatives from all of the world’s major religions, is scheduled for June 21-23 at the University of Winnipeg. The Canadian delegation includes representatives from the Anglican Church of Canada, The Salvation Army, the United Church of Canada, Eastern and Roman Catholic, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, Jewish community, Muslim community, Baha’í Community of Canada, Hindu community, Buddhist community, and Aboriginal communities.

In preparation for this summit, Salvationists are invited to support an online petition addressed to the political leaders of the G8 and G20 nations, which has been prepared by members of the global faith communities.

“We urge our government representatives to set aside short-term agendas and work together for a future that allows all citizens of this planet to thrive.

“At the G8 and G20 summits in 2010, we expect leaders to put first the needs and values of the majority of the world’s population, of future generations and of Earth itself. From our shared values we call on leaders to take courageous and concrete actions to address poverty, care for our Earth, and invest in peace. We urge you to:

• address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable while simultaneously making structural changes to close the growing gap between rich and poor;
• prioritize long-term environmental sustainability and implement concrete plans to ensure global average temperatures do not exceed a 2° Centigrade increase from pre-industrial levels, while addressing the impact of climate change on the poor;
• invest in peace and remove factors that feed cycles of violent conflict and costly militarism; and
• commit to bold new efforts to put the Millennium Development Goals back on track, in order to halve poverty by 2015.

“As people from religious and spiritual communities, we commit to doing our part to reduce poverty, protect the environment, and promote peace, both in our own communities and globally.”

Click here to support this online petition (will open in a  new window).

A press conference at Olympic Palace Hotel was attended by many reporters. Questions focused on the mission of The Salvation Army, the assistance it is providing in Haiti and on the message given to the Congolese Salvationists.

The next day, Friday, the General went to territorial headquarters, where he was shown around the various departments. Later, at Moukoundji-Ngouaka Clinic, the General visited the ophthalmology unit and prayed for the patients.

At Nzoko Corps the General was welcomed by soldiers who were excited to witness the dedication to God of their new hall. The General told the crowd that was gathered: ‘May this building become a great light which will attract children and adults of this area. Those who see it will think of Jesus Christ’s message.’

On Saturday the General opened and dedicated to God the extension of the Moungali Corps guest house, consisting of 14 rooms, a reception area and conference hall. In her prayer, Commissioner Clifton thanked God for the vision he has put in the hearts of the corps members.

More than 750 men attended the men’s fellowship rally at Ouenze Corps. In the congregation were government representatives including Mr Kouba Raymond (Mayor of Bacongo), Mr Hatabatou Samuel (Member of the Supreme Court of Brazzaville) and Mr Diatoulou Prosper and Mr Mouyecket Rodrigues, deputies to the National Assembly.

In his Bible address the General urged his listeners to have holy courage, given by the Holy Spirit. ‘God is looking for courageous men,’ he concluded. Around half the men present went to the mercy seat to rededicate their lives to Christ.

Among the 3,500 attendees at the women’s ministries rally at Moungali Corps were two deputies to the National Assembly (Mrs Charlotte Emilienne Lekoundzou and Mrs Nathalie Kolelas) and Mrs Laurentine Milongo, the widow of former Prime Minister André Ntsatouabantou Milongo.

Highlights of the rally included the crowning of the territorial women’s ministries queen, music items and a drama presented by women officers about human trafficking.

Commissioner Clifton urged the women to imitate the example of the biblical figures Priscilla and Aquila. More than 500 people went to the mercy seat in response to the commissioner’s appeal.

Later in the day more than 2,000 young people attended a youth rally where the General enrolled 190 junior soldiers. The rally’s special guest was Mr Kamba André (Cabinet Director of Ministry in charge of Commerce). A former student of the Salvation Army school for the blind used a Braille Bible to bring the Scripture reading.

Around 400 young people knelt at the mercy seat following the General’s Bible address, in which he encouraged his young listeners to have a practical faith.

A march-past on Sunday morning saw The Salvation Army’s world leaders take the salute from thousands of Congolese Salvationists.

The march was followed by a holiness meeting at Moungali Corps attended by more than 7,000 people.

The special guests from the men’s rally were again present, joined by Mr Kolelas Guy Brice Parfait (Minister of Public and the Reformation of the State), Archbishop Anatole Milandou (President of the Ecumenical Council in Congo), Mr Mauna Pedro Fernando (Ambassador of Angola in Congo) and Mr Malanda Pierre (Mayor of Moungali).

A highlight of the meeting was the enrolment of 185 senior soldiers by the General.

After the General’s Bible message, the mercy seat was crowded with Salvationists and non-Salvationists seeking a deeper relationship with God.

The visit concluded with a music festival attended by more than 4,000 people. The event was fully committed to God’s praises through songs and instrumental items.

Photos: Timbrellists on the march in Brazzaville; Commissioner Helen Clifton greets the new Territorial Home League Queen; The General cuts the ribbon to the new extension of the Hotel Auberge

The emergency disaster headquarters for the southern region has been established at the Salvation Army corps (church) in Hualpencillo, which is located between Concepcion and the coast. The corps has a kitchen where meals can be prepared. There are tents set up at the corps, some occupied by Salvation Army soldiers (members) from Hualpencillo whose homes were washed away by the tsunami caused by the earthquake.

An emergency disaster team arrived on Monday 1 March from Valdivia with goods and resources that could be distributed in the most affected areas. Vans and other Salvation Army emergency vehicles are delivering meals and other essentials. Local Salvationists are being supported by an emergency disaster services team of officers and soldiers from Osorno, 250 kilometres south of Hualpencillo.

More than five years ago Major Juan Gutierrez, then corps officer (Salvation Army minister) at Hualpencillo, dug a well with which to water the lawns and gardens around the Salvation Army property. He never used it but God has honoured his plans by making the well an important component of The Salvation Army’s response to the earthquake.

The current corps officer, Major Abraham Marin, installed a pump on Wednesday (3 March) and, using a generator supplied by Major Roberto Moya, corps officer at Osorno, there is now a source of clean water which can be used by the people being helped by The Salvation Army in Hualpencillo.

Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Chile South Division, says: ‘I spoke with Major Gutierrez by telephone to advise him that members of his family who live in the [earthquake] zone are safe. At the same time, I thanked him for drilling the well, which is now helping hundreds of families. In Hualpencillo, we are not only providing food, but fresh spring water as well.’

On Tuesday the corps officers from Concepcion and Hualpencillo, Majors Carlos and Elizabeth Aguilar and Majors Abraham and Norma Marin, met with corps members to decide the type of help they should give to people affected by the earthquake. Representatives from the regional government, army, navy and other religious and non-government organisations (NGOs) attended the meeting.

The two corps have been officially recognised and lines of communication have been established to help provide immediate assistance and support during the eventual reconstruction.

The Chilean capital, Santiago, was not affected as badly as the southern cities but the earthquake still caused damage there. In the Brazil neighbourhood, 1,500-2,000 people are being served with food every day. Hot meals and substantial breakfasts are now being offered, along with supplies of water, first aid essentials, blankets and candles.

Major Nancy Alarcon, officially on sick leave while recovering from surgery, has taken charge of the many missing persons enquiries arriving at The Salvation Army’s Chile South Divisional Headquarters through the Internet, by telephone, in letters and on handwritten notes. On Wednesday Nancy and her team were able to respond to Europe regarding a person who was found to be safe in a rural village. This means of assistance will continue to be expanded.

‘Let’s Help Hualpen’ is the slogan that Captain Marcos Gutierrez, corps officer in Ancud on the island of Chiloe in southern Chile, is promoting in his area on radio and television. He has received 60 bags of merchandise, clothing, 200 litres of water, 50 boxes of milk, pasta, rice, sacks of potatoes, disposable adult diapers, crockery, blankets, bedspreads and sheets – all donated by the neighbours around the corps.

A municipal truck has been put at his disposal to take the items from Ancud to Hualpencillo, and he will be accompanied on the journey by a local radio personality and reporter from Ancud.

Major Juan Carlos Alarcon concludes: ‘We are glad to report that our officers have freedom of movement during the curfews. Caravans are being coordinated to bring supplies in safely. We are part of the group of recognised agencies for the administration of assistance from the Government in the assigned zones.’

This is the third in a series of Point Counterpoint debates in which a variety of Salvationists will explore two sides of an issue that is critical to Army mission.

No, don’t intervene. Let’s welcome everyone, even if it makes us uncomfortable. Salvation Army worship has always been a bit chaotic.

BY MAJOR KAREN HOEFT

I have been invited to comment on a hypothetical situation that I have dubbed “The Sunday Morning Worship Blues.” We have a new family who doesn’t understand the unwritten, unspoken rules that govern the congregation so that everyone can have a pleasant worship experience. These rules seem simple enough: children should not run in the aisles and cellphones should remain off. At least those are the rules we will tell you for now. When you break another one, don’t worry … we’ll let you know.

Sunday morning, all across our territory, Christians gather to celebrate the good news of Jesus. We gather as communities of believers with many styles, forms and distinctions. Historically, The Salvation Army’s distinct characteristics were not just our uniforms and brass bands but our ability to “sacralize the secular” (Diane Winston, Red-Hot and Righteous). Much to the dismay of other denominations, the Army was able to provide an atmosphere that was both welcoming and familiar to those who didn’t fit in to more traditional worship services. We took what was common in the world and used it to promote the gospel message. Usually this came with lots of noise, movement, music and theatrics, both from the leaders and from the congregation.

The sounds of Salvation Army worship were a cacophony of music, shouts of joy, dynamic preaching, loud hallelujahs, shocking testimonials, halls filled with laughter and mercy seats lined with weeping sinners. Silence was rarely, if ever, found in a Salvation Army meeting. This was not an accident, but intentional. The mission was to bring the gospel message to the people in a way they could understand it. If they never came in the doors then they might never hear the message and be transformed by it. Early Salvationists believed that it was the gospel message, not the meeting, that would transform people.

Has The Salvation Army changed since then? Have we adopted the unwritten rules that we once avoided? Have we scripted the sounds, so that only “acceptable” ones are allowed? Who decides what sounds enhance worship and which detract from worship? Is a child’s laughter and tendency to be rambunctious good or bad? Cellphones, texting, reading e-mails on a Blackberry—or the use of any electronic device for that matter—what gets the thumbs up or thumbs down?

The Sunday Morning Worship Blues has been sung before and we’ll sing it again. Who writes the rules, who changes the rules, and why? Many say those who have been there the longest, since it is “their” congregation. Others say the leader or tradition or whoever has the most power.

As a corps officer I have heard the Sunday Morning Worship Blues many times: at corps council meetings, at visioning meetings, at one-on-one chats. My own journey has been one of intentionally leading to create an environment where anyone could feel welcome, familiar and comfortable. This is done first by example. I have to be OK with sounds and movement and maybe people not giving me their full attention. (Maybe that text message or phone call really was more important than what I had to say!) I’d rather invite attention than command it. Children are easily engaged, but are tough critics. They get easily distracted because they’re kids. They love music, they love to move and they love noise. A congregation full of children teaches us all about sound and life and joy. I think Jesus understood this.

We need the children; they are our lifeblood. Babies, crying and all, are a gift of new life. Toddlers, learning to walk and run, show growth. Youth asking questions, challenging the status quo, keep us thinking. Strangers coming in teach us about hospitality and help us not to get too set in our ways. Lives being transformed breathe the spirit of life back into our communities of faith.

I believe we need to work together to create environments where a mother doesn’t have to cringe every two minutes from the “looks” hurled her way when her baby cries out, where kids can be free to make a little noise and move around, where a family who comes in to hear how the gospel message is relevant to their lives will stay long enough to not just hear the message but be transformed by it.

What would I do in this situation? I would invite everyone to participate in the community of faith—from the youngest to the oldest, from the seekers to the stalwarts of the faith. We all need each other! We can truly see transformation of the heart—all hearts—and not just outward conformation to a set of unwritten rules about worship.

Major Karen Hoeft is assistant executive director and community relations at Winnipeg Booth Centre.

Yes, but there are more subtle ways to let them know. Ultimately, respect for the Word of God and the whole congregation must take precedence.

BY CAPTAIN ROB KERR

Life in community always brings with it a tension between the needs of the individual and what is best for the group. The challenge is finding the right balance between the two. In society this balance is regulated with laws, but in the life of a Christian congregation, the balance is governed by love. This is where it gets tricky, because when we deal with each other in love we don’t want to hurt or offend anyone. It gets even more complicated when we are dealing with a new individual or family. We want them to feel loved, we want to encourage them and help them grow spiritually. The issue at hand is: Do the needs of the individual (in this case a family) supersede the needs of the group as a whole?

Obviously, if this type of disruption happens once, or even once in a while, we should be able to accept the disruption and encourage and support this new family. But when the disruption becomes chronic it is the responsibility of the corps officer to consider the needs of the group as well as the individual. Taking action to curtail such disruptions does not necessarily mean direct confrontation with the family. In fact, I would suggest that be the last resort. There needs to be opportunity for the family to adjust their own behaviour first.

The first step a corps officer needs to take is to look at the situation, determine what kind of support this family needs and then ask: How can we support this family, address the disruptions and allow them to maintain their dignity? In the case of noisy children, are we providing nursery resources? Do parents know about them? Do they know they are available for their children, too, and not just for the “members”? Perhaps the person who is in charge of the nursery could introduce herself, explain what happens in the nursery or children’s program and encourage them to attend.

Cellphones can also be addressed in a proactive way. It is easy for anyone to forget to turn off their cellphone on any given Sunday. Rather than get annoyed that they forgot, make every effort to help them remember. Put a reminder in the bulletin or on the announcement slides before the service. Since some people don’t arrive in time to see the announcements or read the bulletin (if they are rushing in at the last minute they are likely flustered and more likely to forget to turn off their phone), remind them again before the message. Helping the family to learn what is disruptive to the group allows them to make their own adjustments.

If these types of efforts don’t work, then what? Do we let the family disrupt the service in the name of love and compassion? If so, what message does that convey?

Some would argue it demonstrates unconditional love and selfless giving by the congregation—and it does—but if the corps officer allows it to become the norm, the officer is also conveying the message that the service is not really that important. Movie theatres don’t tolerate cellphones or crying babies during the show. Is the Word of God less important than a movie? If we believe that the message preached is the Word of God and the preacher is the ordained messenger of God, then we must give it our full attention and we need to make sure everyone understands that.

I believe that Satan would like nothing better than for our worship services to be disorganized and full of disruptions because then nobody would hear the Word of God and certainly wouldn’t take it seriously. We must take worship and preaching seriously. If the officer knows and believes that, I don’t see how he or she could possibly allow a continual disruption of the service.

Should the officer risk losing this family by dealing directly with the disruptive behaviour? If every other means of addressing the situation has been exhausted, then yes. A corps officer’s responsibility is to ensure that the Word of God is preached in such a way as to be received and understood. This takes more than just diligent sermon preparation. It requires worship that points people to our Lord and requires an environment that is without distraction or disruption (to the best of our ability). We have this responsibility to the entire congregation. To do anything less would be negligent to the Word of God, our calling and our people.

Captain Rob Kerr is the corps officer at Scarborough Citadel in Toronto.

When the waitress asked us if we wanted drinks, my reverend Anglican friend said, “White wine.” My doctored United Church colleague said, “Red wine.” They both looked at me as I paused and said rather dryly, “Black Coke.”

The table erupted with laughter. Even the waitress joined in, even though I’m not sure that she understood the full impact of my statement. But my two colleagues certainly did. They knew I was a Salvation Army officer and they knew the Army’s stand on alcohol. As leaders in their own denominations, they not only understood my position, they respected it.

Why then are there among us Salvationists who want to introduce social drinking to the Army? Could it be that they are not as learned as my Anglican and United Church friends? Could it be that they have less respect and appreciation for the Army’s stand than do members of other denominations?

It has been proposed, even by some Salvationists, that the words “I will abstain from alcoholic drink” be removed from the Soldier’s Covenant. After all, they say, you can still be a good Christian and take a social drink. They sarcastically argue that if Jesus were here even he would not qualify to be a Salvationist because he was known on occasion to drink wine. Perhaps people who argue this way have a carnal fascination for the forbidden. Perhaps they are just plain ignorant.

Since the opposite of ignorance is knowledge, let us remind ourselves that alcohol is a drug.

It can affect every organ in the human body—brain, liver, stomach and heart. Behaviour that occurs “under the influence” of alcohol can also lead to serious threats to life and health. Although not an illegal substance, it carries all the risks of addiction and illness that street drugs do.

With all due respect to C.S. Lewis and other imbibing Christians, I believe that because alcohol is such a powerful drug, abstinence is more prudent than indulgence.

Secondly, removing the words “alcoholic drink” from the Soldier’s Covenant would force us to remove a whole lot more as well. If I cannot say “I will abstain from alcoholic drink,” neither can I say “I will abstain from the non-medical use of addictive drugs” because alcohol, by definition, is a drug. Similarly, neither can I say “I will abstain from all else that could enslave the body or spirit” because alcohol is an addictive substance that enslaves tens of thousands daily.

But most important is the fact that if I cannot promise “I will abstain from alcoholic drink,” neither can I promise “I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army.” William Booth found his calling outside the Blind Beggar, a tavern in the infamous East End of London, England. The special task that God gave the Army was to minister to the victims of alcohol who, because of their dependency, were reduced to poverty, bringing their spouses and children down with them. As Salvationists, part of our calling is to stand in solidarity with those who are addicted to alcohol. And the only way to do this is through abstinence.

As to whether Jesus would qualify to be a Salvationist, I would point out that the only instance of Jesus “drinking” is at the Passover Feast, which we call the Last Supper. And that one cup was shared among 13 men—hardly a social drink. He’d definitely qualify. Besides, since God raised up the Army, I think his Son would be proud to march in our ranks.

Soda, anyone?

Major Fred Ash is the corps officer at Burlington Community Church, Ont.