I'm told that more people fear public speaking than snakes. Which is a little bit odd. I mean, when was the last time you saw someone walking through the jungle just stop and yell, “Look out! A microphone!”?

A few months after I returned to Canada and Bermuda as territorial commander, I came across an item in the “pending” section of the agenda of one of our territorial headquarters (THQ) boards: “Local Officers Forum.” What was that? Who was on it? When did it meet? I decided to inquire.

Last February, a unique ceremony took place at The Salvation Army’s Cascade Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C., when eight soldiers were enrolled. What made the event extra special was that four of the soldiers were from one family representing three generations.

The Salvation Army needs more music. That simple truth was brought home to me some years ago through the inspired insight of a young Salvationist.

One Saturday morning, my son brought Squibby to my home and an unexpected friendship formed.

Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, and the Canadian Staff Band (CSB), accompanied by a team of officers from the Quebec Division, travelled to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, in July, where they encouraged Salvationists at camp meetings.

I’ve noticed an alarming trend in The Salvation Army, and the church in general. When young people in our corps reach a certain age—usually around 16 to 18—more and more are simply vanishing from our doors. They might reappear from time to time, but they never stay. Why are we losing this generation? A generation that will one day run our Army? 

Are Christians today still people of the good news? Or have we reduced the gospel message to include only those who look and think like us? These are questions the church needs to wrestle with, and in doing so, we can find a helpful guide in Bruxy Cavey’s new book, Reunion: The Good News of Jesus for Seekers, Saints and Sinners.

Every summer, thousands of children and youth from across the territory board buses to go to Salvation Army holiday camps for a week of fun, friends and food, along with a strong spiritual component. Some are anxious, but most are filled with excitement as they look forward to activities such as swimming, sports, hiking, drama, and arts and crafts. For many, canoeing, archery and rock climbing are first-time experiences

My brain is freezing up! My brain isn’t wired right.” A cry of frustration from a man who has always been able to express himself and his thoughts with clarity. Many people sometimes have trouble recalling names, dates and places as they age, but this was much worse, with whole blocks of knowledge seemingly erased from memory.