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Music andArts Festival slated for June

This summer the CentralTerritory will celebrate theLive Music in Worship inEvery Corps by 2020

(LM2020) initiative with a Music andArts Festival, June 12-14, 2020. Theevent will showcase success storiesfrom each division, feature many ofthe territory’s best music and artsgroups, honor those engaged in pro-viding worship in their corps andadult rehabilitation centers, andencourage a commitment to expand

The Music and Arts Festival will befilled with opportunities for worship,fellowship and learning. You won’twant to miss interactive gatheringslike The Gospel Experience, a form ofJesus Theater ministry engaging theentire audience, or Worship Circles,an uninterrupted time of praise andprayer open to instrumentalists andworshippers. Other concurrent pro-grams will feature corps musicians,artists and dancers and an opportuni-ty to see and hear the winners of theonline Territorial Solo Competition.Among the amazing vocal groups

featured during the weekend will bethe newly formed Central TerritorialSongsters. In addition, a UnitedChorus composed of Salvationistsfrom across the territory will take cen-ter stage. The chorus is open to any-one in the territory; look for threeopportunities to rehearse its itemswith the International Staff Songstersas they tour the territory in April. Thefestival itinerary also will include aUnited Kroc Youth Choir.Both the keynote Friday evening

and the Saturday evening sessions

will celebrate LM2020 success sto-ries and ensembles from across theMidwest. The Saturday morningsession will feature youthful musicand artists, including the TerritorialYouth Band, Territorial YouthChorus and the Territorial WorshipCollective.The Chicago Staff Band, the Bill

Booth Theater Company and theSinging Company will contributethroughout the weekend. There alsowill be a few surprise “flash” eventsmingled around the five united meet-ings that you won’t want to miss!The weekend will culminate with

a Sunday morning family worshipexperience which will include theCommissioning and Ordination ofthe Messengers of the Kingdom ses-sion of cadets. The festival will con-clude that afternoon with a SendingOut meeting that will includecharges to music and arts localleaders and the territory’s SummerMission Teams and the appoint-ments of the new lieutenants.

Register at centralcommissioning.org

the training of local leaders to sustainlive music in worship.Since 2011 the territory has

engaged members of our worshippingcommunities in music and arts,emphasizing the quality of Sundaymorning worship matters in everycorps, adult rehabilitation center andRay and Joan Kroc Corps CommunityCenter, recognizing not only the dif-ference it makes for individuals butentire congregations.

Volume 50, Number 1 January 2020

The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory

News and Views from the Midwest

“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT)

General Tillsley promotedtoGlory

Territory to celebrate Live Music 2020 success

The Rev. Michelle Williams, Captains Nesan and Cheryl Kistan withAlfredo Martinez at the One Conference supporting the Interculturalpriority of the territory's Mission Imperative.

General Bramwell H. Tillsley(Ret.), The Salvation Army’s14th international leader,was promoted to Glory on

November 2, 2019, from his home atthe Army’s Meighen RetirementResidence in Toronto, Canada.Bramwell was born in Kitchener,

Ontario, Canada, on August 18, 1931,to Salvationists Harold and DorisTillsley, who had immigrated fromEngland to Canada just a few yearsbefore. He accepted Christ at a youngage and became actively involved atKitchener Citadel, including as ajunior soldier, corps cadet, bandsmanand cornet soloist.In 1953, Bramwell married his

beloved Maude Pitcher, and togetherthey entered the Toronto College forOfficer Training in 1955 as cadets inthe Sword Bearers Session. Upontheir commissioning in 1956, theywere appointed as corps officers inWindsor, Nova Scotia, followed byOakville, Ontario. They served for thenext six years at the training collegein Toronto before their appointmentsas divisional youth officers inSaskatchewan and corps officers atNorth Toronto Citadel in 1966. In1969, the Tillsleys returned to thetraining college in Toronto, whereBramwell took up the position of edu-cation officer. He went on to becometraining principal, first at the trainingcollege in St John’s, Newfoundland,and then in the USA EasternTerritory.

In 1977, the Tillsleys returned toNewfoundland, with Bramwell asthe provincial commander. Theposition of divisional commanderin the Metro Toronto Division fol-lowed, bringing the Tillsleys tohome ground. Bramwell becameprincipal of the InternationalTraining College in London, UnitedKingdom, in 1981, chief secretaryof the USA Southern Territory in1985 and territorial commander inthe Australia Southern Territory in1989, taking the rank of commis-sioner. In 1991, CommissionerTillsley was appointed as Chief ofthe Staff at InternationalHeadquarters in London.In 1993, he was elected as the

14th General of The SalvationArmy, an office he held until May1994. With his wife, Mrs. General

United in Christ

2

CentralConnectionTHE SALVATION ARMY5550 Prairie Stone Pkwy • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

847-294-2000

WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTHFounder

BRIAN PEDDLEGeneral

COMMISSIONER BRAD BAILEYTerritorial Commander

ELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial Director

TWYLA STEINSLANDCommunications Specialist

KENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production

VISIT OUR WEBSITE—

www.salarmycentral.org1-800-SALARMY

Words that underpinourmission

Just over a century agoEvangeline Booth, then a com-missioner and national com-mander of The Salvation Army

in the United States, wrote immortalwords that underpin our mission tothis day.In the wake of World War I,

Commissioner Booth enlisted the ser-vices of the romance novelist GraceLivingston Hill to capture both thehistoric details and the motivationbehind The Salvation Army’s involve-ment in the “war to end all wars.” Inthe prologue to this epic manuscript,The War Romance of the SalvationArmy, she penned:When moved to activity by the

apparent need, there was never athought that our humble serviceswould awaken the widespread admi-ration that has developed. In fact,we did not expect anything further

around us. Even with our very bestefforts, we fall short of our intention.Another Booth—William, our

Founder—compelled his generation,“While there remains one dark soulwithout the light of God, I’ll fight, I’llfight to the very end!” Against thebackdrop of need that surrounds us,there is a warning not to grow com-placent or to rest on our reputation.The term “Salvation Army” provokestwo distinct appreciations: one hope;the other, engagement. We have amessage that offers hope to a frac-tured world, and a conviction andcalling to engage with it.Doing the most good provides the

drive for our mission.

Doing the most good is not astatement of accomplishment but ofaspiration.It is the measure we seek to attain.

Embedded within the SalvationArmy’s DNA is the capacity to lookpast the situation of those who comethrough our doors and see the poten-tial God has placed within them. It isthe willingness to walk with them, to

let loose the chains that hold themback and to unlock their God-ordained potential.Doing the most good gives the

definition to our ministry.

Ultimately, doing the most good isnot a program but our passion.General John Gowans captured

the heart of the Army with thesewords found in our Salvation ArmySongbook:I believe in transformation,God can change the hearts of

men.And refine the evil natureTill it glows with grace again.Others may reject the weakling,I believe he can be strong.To the family of JesusAll God’s children may belong.These statements define our ser-

vice and reflect our heart—a heartthat believes in transformation, thatseeks to make grace real, that holdsto wholeness only found in Christ.It is this desire that compels us to

do the most good.Though a century may have

passed, may we live up to thewords of Evangeline Booth for“there is no reward equal to that ofdoing the most good to the mostpeople in the most need.”

than appreciative recognition fromthose immediately benefited, and theknowledge that our people haveproved so useful is an abundantcompensation for all toil and sacri-fice, for service is our watchword,and there is no reward equal to thatof doing the most good to the mostpeople in the most need.With the precision of a surgeon,

Commissioner Booth cut to the veryessence of the Army’s existence:doing the most good to the most peo-ple in the most need.“Doing the most good” is not so

much a successful marketing cam-paign (branding) by a public relationsfirm as it is the hallmark of SalvationArmy ministry.

Doing the most good is a journey,not a destination.Despite a century of refinement and

development, we as an Army have notmade it yet. We are still on a journey.We live in a world marred by its ownhumanity. There are broken lives all

by Lt. Colonel Philip MaxwellSecretary for Program

Legislative aides for Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Joshua Thomas and Viviana Gonzalez(third from left) with Elyse Dobney and Joan Kurtz

Celebrating 125 years

Elyse Dobney, MetropolitanDivision STOP-IT programmanager, and Joan Kurtz, ter-ritorial program consultant,

represented the Central Territory atthe most recent meeting of TheSalvation Army’s North AmericanAnti-Human Trafficking Committee atNational Headquarters (NHQ) inAlexandria, Va.The committee brings together rep-

resentatives from all four U.S. territo-ries, along with Mexico and Canada,to discuss how to equip Salvationistsand their communities to respond tothe serious impact of human traffick-ing and exploitation. Through thecommittee’s work, corps and commu-nities have been given tools andresources to join in the fight for free-dom while offering hope and healingto survivors.Committee members also engaged

in advocacy on Capitol Hill. Elyse,Joan and Hope Wilson, senior policyanalyst for vulnerable populations at

NHQ, met with staff members ofCongress representatives from theMidwest to highlight The SalvationArmy’s work. They shared informa-tion about Salvation Army pro-grams across the Central Territoryand encouraged lawmakers to joinThe Salvation Army in the cam-paign to end human trafficking.“The Central Territory looks for-

ward to continued collaboration withthe North American Anti-HumanTrafficking Committee and willshare resources designed to equipcorps and communities with thetools they need to support survivorswhile intentionally demonstratingthe love of Jesus,” concluded Joan.

For more information and resources,visit sajustice.us

To request help or report suspectedhuman trafficking call the NationalHuman Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “help” to BEFREE(233733).

Fighting for Freedom

PhotobyCarolShoults

by Cathleen Himes

The Oakbrook Terrace Corps,Ill., Corps (OBT) is known inthe western suburbs ofChicago for its ongoing com-

mitment to the community throughsocial services, youth and adult pro-grams, worship and service opportu-nities, pastoral services, neighbor-hood outreach and vast holiday assis-tance efforts.

However, the corps’ tenure inDuPage County is but a portion ofits long history. With its genesis inthe Austin neighborhood onChicago’s far west side, OBTmoved further west following a firein the corps building in the earlymorning hours after a New Year’sEve service in the mid-1970s.At its new location—a church

that was purchased and laterexpanded on in 1994—OBT contin-ued to grow its congregation andstayed in sync with the needs of itscommunity for the decades that fol-lowed.Currently led by Captains Caleb

and Stephanie Senn, the OakbrookTerrace Corps celebrated its 125thanniversary in 2019. Colonel EvieDiaz, chief secretary atInternational Headquarters inLondon, England, served as theguest during an anniversary serviceand luncheon. “I know I livehalfway around the world fromhere, but OBT is home for me. Isoldiered here many years, andOBT is and will always be family,”said Colonel Diaz.As OBT looks to the future,

“More people, more like Jesus” willremain at the center of its ministry.

of the corps buildingand went to wherethe people were—likecity parks—to meetfamilies and invitethem to the corps.Wanting to offersomething profession-al and appealing, thecorps introduced aSchool of Music, andby the end of thatsummer, 28 childrenwere participating.According to the lieu-

tenants, the music schoolhas been the biggest game-

changer for corps growth. Today, 45children participate, 95 percent ofwhom are at the corps everyWednesday evening for dinner, choirrehearsal, a Bible story and instru-ment classes (guitar, keyboard andbrass) which are divided into begin-

ners and second-year students foroptimal learning and progress. Thestudents have been encouraged byvisits from the Chicago Staff Bandand Bill Booth Theater Company,and the corps hopes to send its first

delegates to Central Music Institutethis summer.Nearly half of the music school

children participate in other corpsyouth programs and attend Sundayworship with their families! Whilemost of the children speak English,they love the concept of being bilin-

gual. “The little ones invite their par-ents to church. We are finding thatbilingual worship services are goodfor families. Whether the grandmoth-er speaks Spanish and children speakEnglish, they can worship togetheras a family,” said Lt. Alex.Today the corps’ intercultural con-

gregation joins together for Sundayworship that is simultaneouslytranslated and presented on-screen;even the verses of songs alternatebetween English and Spanish. Inone accord, each person may chooseto worship in whichever languagespeaks most to his or her heart.Adult Bible studies are offered bilin-gually, and the corps gives Englishas a Second Language classes andplans to provide Spanish lessons inresponse to requests by local busi-ness professionals.A blended approach also is seen

in the corps’ signage and social ser-vices where the staff and even allof the volunteers speak bothEnglish and Spanish. A concertedeffort has been made to connectwith people, to understand andmeet their needs and to welcomethem to participate in corps life.This, too, has been a significant fac-tor in corps growth.Lt. Alex concluded, “Entering our

fourth year, the corps is beautifullydifferent with a congregation that’s30 percent Anglo, two percentAfrican-American and 68 percentLatino—a picture of the Kingdom ofHeaven.”

It’s a glimpse of heaven,” saidLts. Alex and Carolina Yanez,corps officers, of the beautifulintercultural fellowship at the

Milwaukee, Wis., Cold SpringCorps. The vibrant, diverse con-gregation, which is highlyinvolved in its community, is ananswer to their and soldiers’ per-sistent prayers and intentionalefforts over the last couple ofyears.When the Yanezes were

appointed in June 2017 to leadthe corps, which had moved frominner-city Milwaukee to nearbyGreenfield, Wis., the year before,they discovered two issues impedingmission and growth. Worship wasconducted only in Spanish, and therewere no children’s programs—andtherefore hardly any children.“English speakers

would visit thecorps, but theywouldn’t stay ifthey didn’tunderstandSpanish,” said Lt.Alex. Learning that the communitywas more than 60 percent Anglo, thelieutenants proposed to their congre-

gation that worship should be bilin-gual. After a time of prayer in June

2017, corps membersunanimously agreed.To address chil-dren’s program-ming, in 2018 aministry teambegan to saturate

the community withoutreach initiatives such

as vacation Bible school, day campsand family movie nights. They got out

Music andbilingual servicesprove game-changers for corps

Intercultural

“

3

Esther Beyer and Jan Kelley

Lts. Alex and Carolina Yanez

PhotobyPatRobinson

149 W. BRUSH HILL RD., ELMHURST, IL 60126

Committed toChrist and their calling

They were young universitystudents at the time, part ofa “lost generation” living in anew world order and trying

to make sense of it. In the wake ofthe collapse of the Soviet Union,Moldovan natives Victor and TinaStasiuc found Christ and each other.Victor, studying chemistry, was

searching for fulfillment sciencecouldn’t provide. He began attendinga Buddhist club near his home, butdidn’t find what he was looking for.Finally, he gave in to his grandmoth-er’s urging and went to an“American” church: The SalvationArmy.

People came to the churchesbecause they had lost every-thing after the collapse. Theyneeded somewhere to belong.

“As soon as I sat in the hall rentedfrom the scientific academy, I felt athome,” he said. Victor soon acceptedChrist and was enrolled as a soldierthe next year.Tina, née Foksha, studying English

and graphic design, was invited toanother evangelical church by afriend. After accepting Christ, she

became involved in Bible study andoutreach with the Student ChristianFellowship at her university.“Evangelical Christianity was new

to us,” said Tina. “People came to thechurches because they had losteverything after the collapse. Theyneeded somewhere to belong.”

Working and serving indifferent and unique culturescan be challenging, but theStasiucs believe in God’scalling and provision.

While the Orthodox Church wasestablished, other Christian denomi-nations had not been permitted toofficially exist in Moldova or manyof the surrounding countries. Whenthe borders were opened, churchespopped up everywhere and begangrowing at an astonishing rate.Victor and Tina met when their min-istries started coming together forworship and fellowship, and theyslowly began to build a relationship.The Stasiucs’ journey with The

Salvation Army began in earnestwhile they were still pursuingcareers. Victor remained a scientist,completing a master’s degree in

chemistry and teaching.Tina completed degrees inEnglish and graphicdesign, and later pursuedeconomics and law. Godhad plans for them, how-ever, and gave themopportunities to serveHim through TheSalvation Army.

Victor became theregional youth director forMoldova in 1998 and heldleadership positions at theChisinau Central Corps.Meanwhile, Tina beganattending the corps andbecame an administrativeassistant for the regionalcommander. Married in1999, the Stasiucs felt Godcalling them to fulltime ministry asofficers.

Since their commissioning in 2002,the Stasiucs have served in 10appointments in five countries, andhave ministered in Moldovan,Russian, Romanian, Czech andEnglish. With more than 20 years ofexperience they now lead the DesPlaines, Ill., Corps. Currently, theyare working on learning Spanish toassist in ministry there. They also

have held divisional appointments,but cherish the frontline ministryof corps.Continually adapting to living,

working and serving in differentand unique cultures can be chal-lenging, but the Stasiucs believe inGod’s calling and provision.“We discovered that there is

nothing which you cannot learn,”said Major Tina. “If God has calledyou, He will use you.”

by Commissioner Dawn Heatwole

When I was commis-sioned at 21, I nevercould have dreamedwhere God would lead

me. Being from a small Nebraskatown, when I signed my covenantand told God I would go whereverHe needed me, I thought I’d spendmy whole officership in a corps set-ting in the Central Territory.However, I’ve not only been blessedto serve as a corps officer in theMidwest but as a divisional officer,territorial, national, and now aninternational, officer.God has stretched my horizons and

allowed me to see His ministry inmany places. Along the way, I’ve metmany people who have touched mylife through their ministry.Today as I serve at International

Headquarters in London, England, Ihave the privilege of traveling tomany parts of the world and seeingministry given by Salvation Armyofficers, soldiers, adherents, employ-ees and volunteers. Whether teachingchildren a trade to help keep themoff the streets; or providing a chil-dren’s home in Kenya where chil-dren who are physically challengedcan attend school; or helping chil-dren at the blind school in Jamaicalearn to thrive in an environmentdesigned especially for them, serviceis given in the name of Jesus. I’veseen officers living in difficult placeswho serve with a joy that springs

from deep within, and I’ve seen sol-diers make enormous financial sac-rifices to support the worldwidework of The Salvation Army theylove. Every time I see their ministryand hear their stories, I am proudto be an officer.As I look back over more than 35

years of ministry, I can see howGod prepared me for where I amtoday. I’ve served in appointmentsI’ve loved, and I’ve served inappointments that stretched mebeyond what I felt possible. But inevery single one of them, God hastaught me something and allowedme the privilege of serving Himand His people. Would I do it allagain? Absolutely! But I would dothings a little differently. I’d lovepeople more and worry less aboutwhether my programs were perfect,and I’d learn to balance ministryand family earlier. But overall, Iwouldn’t change where God hassent me or what He’s given me todo. I love being a Salvation Armyofficer!

Smiths’ legacy of faith saluted

by Lt. Heidi Strand

With this verse inmind, theMetropolitanDivision met to

salute their outgoing divisionalleaders Lt. Colonels Charlesand Sharon Smith, who beganlong-term medical leave.Faithfully serving for morethan 40 years at corps, divi-sional and territorial headquar-ters, the Smiths have beenknown as problem solvers,dreamers, builders, pastorsand, above all, followers ofChrist. They have shown acommitment to excellence withthe goal of creating spaces forpeople to feel welcomed andwanted so they could tangiblyexperience the love of God.Most recently, in their appoint-

ments as Metropolitan divisionalleaders, the Smiths launched theHope-Strong initiative with the goalof changing how the Army servesand shares the gospel, fundamentallytying together all corps and socialservices into a collaborative entity tobuild God’s Kingdom and “serve suf-fering humanity.”Throughout their officership, the

Smiths have led by love and a per-sonal touch. For instance, prior toeach women’s camp, Colonel Sharoncould be found in her office with thelist of delegates, praying for each byname. At the end of each event, shewould stand at the exit and hugevery woman and celebrate theirchanged lives and renewed commit-ments. She absolutely loved minister-ing this way. Colonel Charles has

been known for his patience, listen-ing ear and passion for prayer.When he had both knees replaced,his main goal was to be able onceagain to kneel with people at thealtar.My parents’ legacy of faith and

the hope they carry for the futureencourages and challenges me asan officer. I am encouraged by thefruit of faithfulness through theprograms created, funding acquiredand initiatives set during theiractive years of service. I also amchallenged to see past all of that torecognize everything they havedone has been to further God’sKingdom. It always has been abouttheir personal touch—reaching oneperson at a time and walking withthem to the feet of Jesus to findnew, abundant and everlasting life.This is their legacy of faith.

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think ofall the good that has come from their lives, and follow the exampleof their faith.—Hebrews 13:7, NLT

12,979 days and counting

Majors Victor and Tina Stasiuc from Eastern Europe now minister in the Central Territory

4

Strong andgrowing

Recently 22 auxiliary captains,envoys and corps administra-tors gathered at the Collegefor Officer Training (CFOT)

to study doctrine and the Gospels aspart of the Distance LearningProgram (DLP) led by CFOT PrincipalMajor Brian Davis. The programassists and trains non-commissionedindividuals who are serving in min-istry positions across the territory.Classes were taught by Majors JimGarrington and Beth Petrie.Twice a year, students spend a

week at the CFOT in Chicagoimmersed in studies and communitylife. They worship alongside cadets inmorning prayers and fellowship withthem at meal times. However, theirclass time is more intensive. Distancelearners meet for 26 class hours dur-ing their week on campus—the equiv-alent of a wholeacademic quar-ter!At a midweek

ice cream studybreak, studentsgot to know eachother by sharinghow God broughtthem to their pre-sent ministries.Later in the weekAuxiliaryCaptains PedroPagan, MillyLopez-Pagan,Linda Faye Jones,and Kim and

Doug Winters, who were in theirfinal on-campus course, were hon-ored with a small reception.In addition to the two on-campus

courses, distance learners takeonline classes ranging from Bibleand theology to business and practi-cal ministry.DLP is part of the process for

auxiliary captains to become fully-commissioned officers. It meets theneeds of second or third careerindividuals who bring their ownexpertise and enthusiasm toSalvation Army ministry but for avariety of reasons do not attend theCFOT. Currently, there are moreparticipants in the DLP than ever.If you’re interested in learning

more, see your corps officer.

5

John and Kristi DalbergMultigenerational Salvationist � First-generation Salvationist

Kansas City Northland,Mo., Corps � Kansas/Western Missouri DivisionMajors Jim and Penny Mungai, corps officers

Spiritual GiftsJohn: Administration � Leadership � Serving

Kristi: Discernment � Leadership

Ministry Passion or ExperienceJohn: Children/Youth � Worship

Kristi: Missions � Women’s Ministries � Children/Youth

Spiritual mentorsLts. Kory and Heidi Strand

Newlyacceptedcandidates

by Major Jenny Ortmanand Lt. Natalie Austin

More and more, the Collegefor Officer Training(CFOT) is reflecting theworld as corps embrace

the diversity of their neighborhoods,local leaders are developed and thencome to the CFOT, following God’scalling on their lives to becomeSalvation Army officers. As an Armywe are celebrating the diversity of allpeople made in the image of God.Currently 28 percent of cadets

were born and raised outside of thecontiguous UnitedStates with 10 dif-ferent languagesspoken. Cadetsand staff native toPuerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica andBelize are interacting with cadetsfrom Australia, Ethiopia, the Congo—and even Nebraska.On any given weekend night, you

will find cadets and staff informallysharing their cultures through good

food and fellowship.Formal opportunitieson campus supportan active awarenessof interculturalismwhile fostering amutual openness tothe viewpoints ofothers.To learn more

about culturebeyond food and lan-guage, cadets partici-pate in an intercul-tural class and mid-

weekpracticumsin their first year. Theclass includes time forsacred conversations and

discussing perspectives of oth-ers who are not from the same

culture. Representatives from theTerritorial Intercultural Departmentand other professionals in the fieldshare their knowledge on topics suchas cultural intelligence, discrimina-tion, immigration and creating a mul-

tiethnic church. Practicumstake cadets off campus andpurposefully expose themto how ministry is workingin places where they maynot have much experiencesuch as at the Red ShieldCenter in Englewood, Ill.,the Chicago Central AdultRehabilitation Center andmore traditional midweekprograms at the Norridge,Ill., Corps, where manyattendees have an EasternEuropean heritage.Attending the ONE

Conferencethemed“Undivided: Onein the Body ofChrist” proved agreat opportunityfor 10 cadets toshare, learn andacquire ideas andresources to utilizein their futureministries.The cadets’ expe-

riences at the con-ference, in theintercultural classand during practicums

help them form a base from which tooffer unconditional love and consis-tent grace to those they will meetthroughout their ministry. Helpingmore people become more like Jesus,in this context, is listening to under-stand and speaking to be understood.Often this means making sure thingsare translation friendly between thosewho do not share the same first lan-guage. “What’s the word for …?” is a

frequent question on campus; com-municating through gestures is alsocommon. The intent to connectwith others easily translates withmany strong cross-cultural campusfriendships formed and the lan-guage of love and the gospel need-ing no interpretation.Cadets’ and staff’s children are

part of the unification process atthe CFOT. Whether showing up atthe door of another family to playor sitting together in the dininghall, the intercultural experienceschildren have help inform theirview of themselves.What does the Kingdom of

Heaven look like on earth? Forthose at the CFOT, we have aglimpse, being different but unifiedin Christ, looking forward to theday as Revelation 7:9 foretells:“After this I looked, and therebefore me was a great multitudethat no one could count, from everynation, tribe, people and language,standing before the throne andbefore the lamb.”

Intercultural

CFOT reflects intercultural reality

Cadets enjoy fellowship and traditional Cuban food atthe home of one of their fellow cadets.

Cadet Yami Ramos Pinio, who is from Venezeulaand speaks Spanish as her first language, learns toread rhythm music with Cadet Cherie Woodardwho grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

Cadets’ children are good friends, oftenacting like siblings.

From left: Auxiliary captains concluding the program include: PedroPagan, Milly Lopez-Pagan, Linda Faye Jones, and Kim and Doug Winters.

Cadets Macy Theriot and ShannonCabrera enjoy opportunities tointeract with many cultures at theCollege for Officer Training.

“

6

by KarenYoung

I’m excited!” We heard these twowords frequently from delegatesand presenters in anticipation ofthe ONE Conference.What was fueling the excitement?

Perhaps it was the venue with itsopen design, bright lighting andpleasant, green landscape. Maybe itwas the smiles and the friendlinessof those welcoming delegates at reg-istration. Whatever the reason, “I’mexcited!” was a wonderful way tobegin the conference. It suggestedwe were open to listening and learn-ing, to meeting and interacting withnew people, and open to the Spirit ofGod and to what He would do.

Dr. Michael Emerson, provost andprofessor at North Park University inChicago, opened the conference withthe message “God’s PeopleUndivided: An Urgent Call forHumility, Justice and Courage.” Heshared sobering data from recentresearch: “We live in a deeply polar-ized society…The less human contactwe have, the less humane we are.This results in stereotypes, marginal-ized people and vilifying those whodon’t think like us.” He challengeddelegates to pursue the path ofhumility, justice and courage.What is it like to enter into a cul-

ture other than one’s own and makeit home? Soldier Jan Kelley sharedher sojourn to the Cold Spring, Wis.,Corps, a multilingual and multicul-tural corps. Speaking about theimpact of language and cultural dif-ferences, she said, “Language doesn’tneed to be a barrier; communication

is bigger than the words we speak.Our worship of Jesus Christ is thebinder, transforming everything.” Janshared her experience with encoun-tering differences as a child, thevalue of having children makefriends with those who are different,and how these relationships have thepotential to eliminate the fear of dif-ferences.What a great start to our time

together.Pastor Alexis Twito and Inspector

Jutiki Jackson shared how TheSalvation Army and the MilwaukeePolice Department collaborated torespond to crisis which resulted inthe chaplaincy program and mercyministries in communities assaultedby violence and death. The programcurrently has more than 60 trainedvolunteer chaplains from more than19 denominations and representsdiversity of age, race, language andbackground.Dr. Rolando Cuellar and the Rev.

Alexia Salvatierra followed with bib-lical reflection and stories thathelped to facilitate an understandingof the current state and the complex-ity of the immigration system.“We need to develop a theology of

immigration, reading the Bible withthose who live on the margins, whoexperience adversity and oppres-sion,” said Dr. Cuellar.“One of my biggest take-aways

from the conference was the presen-tation by Reverend AlexiaSalvatierra,” said Captain KetsiaDiaz, territorial intercultural min-istries secretary. “She gave a beauti-ful example of how we can becomeinsensitive to others’ pain….Asbelievers, we cannot allow ourselvesto be insensitive to those who come

from different backgrounds and havedifferent ways of life. We have torely on the Holy Spirit to constantlyremind us to love and support eachother.”A timely Q&A provided an oppor-

tunity for further discussion and

interaction with the audience.Throughout the presentations,guests showed their passion anddeep compassion for hurting indi-viduals, families and communities.Each suggested a practical ministryapproach. Reverend Alexia chal-lenged delegates to have Jesus astheir “first lens” and to feel, accom-pany and advocate as a biblicalresponse.Following the morning sessions,delegates attended workshops on sixfocus areas including cultural intelli-gence, community outreach, biblicalfoundations, cross-cultural leader-ship, sacred conversations, andSpanish.

“Having diverse speakers fromother traditions sharing their viewson what it means to be interculturalbrought a different perspective onthese issues and yet showed how weall still face the same challenges,”said Scott Holmlund, humanresource manager and volunteercoordinator for the South Bend, Ind.,Ray and Joan Kroc CorpsCommunity Center. “In our work-shop Captain Nesan Kistan shared a

powerful story on apartheid in SouthAfrica and the effects of unconsciousbias. His story and our discussion insmall groups demonstrated howpowerful these thoughts can affecteven our hiring practices…I am chal-lenged not to make assumptions onthe basis of a resume but to allowmyself to be open and listen to theirstories without judgment.”Joy Caro, soldier at the Aurora,

Ill., Corps, added, “The One

One: UndividedCommunity of Christ

7

Conference was a great opportunityto learn from people that were differ-ent from myself. It was a chance geta different perspective on how evensmall actions can make a big differ-ence in how someone will perceiveme.”On Saturday evening, through the

story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel9:1-10), the Rev. Dr. Oliver Phillipstestified that God’sgrace is powerfuland personal:#Grace. Highlightsof that meeting’sworship included adance presentation,solos by singingartist Nikki Lerner,a steel drum band,the Bill BoothTheater Companyand the territorialpraise band, theSinging Company,which also ledworship through-out the weekendand taught the conference themesong, “Undivided,” written byCaptain Patrick Holness.

“I especially liked participatingin the combined steel drum orches-tra because the mixture of instru-

ments, musicians and music which Ithink is symbolic of beauty that canbe created by interculturalism,” saidKristen Holness, the captain’s daugh-ter and soldier at the St. LouisEuclid, Mo., Corps. “All of the mainspeakers mentioned they were‘preaching to the choir,’ but even agreat choir sometimes needs the helpof a pitch pipe. To me, that is whatthe One Conference was.”Imagine worship opening to scenes

of chaos and destruction set to acacophony of languages. These com-bined to be a powerful reflection onthe conference scripture theme: “If ahouse is divided against itself, thathouse cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25,NIV)

In a powerful pre-sentation, TitoRapley spoke of divi-sions outside of our-selves and thoseinflicted upon usthat become a partof our identity.Prayers of confes-sion followed for therole the church hasplayed in maintain-ing the divisions.Then came thewords of Ephesians4:4-6 in differentlanguages: “There isone body and one

Spirit, just as you were called to onehope when you were called; oneLord, one faith, one baptism; oneGod and Father of all, who is overall and through all and in all.”“You get it!” exclaimed

Commissioner Heidi Bailey as sheencouraged delegates to live withintentionality to bring unity,acknowledging we are all imperfectpeople but love guides us. She con-tinued, “There is so much more thatunites us than divides us.”Territorial Commander

Commissioner Brad Bailey’s mes-sage, “A Journey into Undivided”based on Acts 10 focused on thechallenges of becoming an inclusivebody as demonstrated by Peter’sstruggle in sharing the gospel withCornelius and, by extension, to theGentiles. He cited the account of theearly Church’s historical awakeningto the gospel’s absolute inclusion and

said if we fully understood what thisportion initiated within the church,we would applaud and scream just asmuch as when watching the video ofKenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchogewho recently ran the 26.2-mile dis-tance in under two hours.Shouldn’t the advance of God’s

inclusive Kingdom work result ingreater acclamations of praise? TheIntercultural priority of the territory’sMission Imperative encourages us tobe fully engaged within our commu-nities; celebrating the uniqueness and

reflecting the diversity of our localneighborhoods—a visible testimonythat all are “created in the image ofGod.” We are to be an Army markedby: active awareness, mutual open-ness, consistent grace, unconditionallove, and practical equity.At the ONE Conference

Salvationists in the Central Territorylived this out, and their enthusiasmwill echo across the territory as wepursue together, with hearts andhands, a ministry that fully reflectsthe Body of Christ.

PhotosbyAndrewGrey

by Captain Ketsia DiazTerritorial Intercultural MinistriesSecretary

Our Scripture verse for theOne Conference wasfrom Mark 3:25: “If ahouse is divided against

itself, that house cannot stand.”As the Body of Christ, we are

called to unity; whatever our differ-ences might be in Christ Jesus theycomplement each other and fullyreflect who God is. The shift frommulticultural to intercultural is aninvitation for us as believers notonly to acknowledge the differentethnic groups in our corps or com-munities but to create intentionalinteraction with one another. Wecan take time to focus on convers-ing with each other in mutualexchanges of meaningful conversa-tions that will enrich and promotedeeper relationships.As stated in the territory’s

Mission Imperative, “We seek to bea Salvation Army fully engagedwithin our communities; celebrat-ing the uniqueness and reflectingthe diversity of our local neighbor-hoods.” This diversi-ty can be reflect-ed by race, lan-guage, socioeco-nomics, ethnicityand gender. Theway we interact with each other inthe Church is what is going tomake the difference in the way theworld sees God in us. The fivepoints of the intercultural priorityof the Mission Imperative includeactive awareness, mutual openness,consistent grace, unconditional loveand practical equity—goals we canreflect on and strive for asSalvationists.Are we aware of the gaps in the

connections that keep us from trulyengaging with one another andbeing more inclusive? Are we opento making a shift from merely

acknowledging to including others?Genuine unity does not just hap-

pen; it requires persistence andendurance, and sometimes givingup our own preferences. We needto make a conscious decision to cre-

ate space where peoplecan feel theiruniqueness mat-ters.We recognize thatforming deep rela-

tionships with peoplewith different back-

grounds can be challenging andeven uncomfortable. Thank GodHe did not leave us to figure outeverything on our own; we haveJesus’ promise that the Spirit willguide, counsel and remind us ofHis teaching.Let’s rely on God’s Spirit as we

seek to grow in unity with eachother. Our hope in the InterculturalDepartment is that all of us canwork alongside each other in theCentral Territory to create spacewhere individuals can feel accept-ed, included and loved.

Called to unity

Intercultural

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The Peoria Women’s Auxiliarytook a new approach to theirlatest annual fundraiser andhosted a dinner with silent

and live auctions and a “fund aneed” paddle raise. Leigh AnneTuohy, the mother depicted in themovie “The Blind Side,” was thespeaker for the well-attended event.“This was a change for the auxil-

iary after 66 years of our fashionshow, but we are so happy with thecrowd that joined in the evening’sactivities,” said Rachel Braker, auxil-iary president. “The ladies did a fan-tastic job with the new technologyand new theme and we can’t wait tosee the final results.”Leigh Anne Tuohy shared stories

from her family as well as her phi-losophy on giving back, being kindand “turning around” to those wemeet in life who just need someoneto lend a helping hand. Her mes-sage resonated with the 400 inattendance, who responded mighti-ly to the “fund a need” paddle raiseand the live auction.Proceeds from the event support

Peoria’s Tree of Lights campaign aswell as area programs.The women’s auxiliary has been

supporting the work of TheSalvation Army in Peoria for morethan 75 years.“The auxiliary is always there,

whether volunteering their time orhelping raise fundsthrough events like this,”said Major KrisAugenstein, Heartlanddivisional women’s min-istries secretary.In the past 12 years,

their annual events haveproduced over $1 millionin support, and they arewonderful ambassadorsfor the work being doneby The Salvation Army inthe area. In addition totheir two annual fundrais-ers, the auxiliary providesvolunteer power for pro-grams such as Angel Treeand does a spring plantingat Eagle Crest Camp.

Rachel Braker, Peoria Women’s Auxiliary president,Leigh Anne Tuohy and event co-chairs Becky Adams andTami Shawgo

by Anne Urban

The Wichita City CommandAdvisory Board is phenome-nal. It’s one of the best I’veever worked with,” said Major

Jim Curl, Wichita, Kan., city com-mander. “Members have a huge senseof ownership and believe in theArmy’s mission, not just its programs,to support their community.”The commitment of the command’s

35 advisory board (AB) members,some with decades of experience andgreat influence in Wichita, plus thedozen young professionals they men-tor, shines year-round.“Their broad backgrounds bring a

variety of perspectives, as well as bestpractices, negotiating and promotionalskills. They have the contacts andabilities to knock on and have doorsopened for them to garner support forthe Army’s mission and initiatives,”Major Jim added.Well organized into a variety of

committees and sub-committees, theAB has a great succession plan to fillthe chairman of the board position,which is a three-year term. Futureboard chairs first hold the positionsof assistant development chair, thendevelopment chair.Known for aerospace research and

manufacturing, Wichita is home tobusinesses which are highly commit-ted to the community. AB membershave been crucial in channelingthese companies’ generosity ofresources and extensive volunteerismto support The Salvation Army’sefforts, reported Craig Davis, directorof community engagement, who saidthere are more than 1,400 non-profitsin Wichita competing for funding.“Even in bad economic times,

many of these corporations and theiremployees have continued to be justas generous and selfless to theArmy,” said Major Jim. That generos-ity doesn’t stop at corporations; ABmembers also perform individualacts of philanthropy, such as JeriHinkle who had two swimmingpools built at Camp Hiawatha.Board members’ efforts shine

brightest during the Christmas sea-son. They not only ring bells at ket-tles, they’re key to recruitment andin collecting toys and the hundredsof corporate volunteers necessary toprovide a merrier Christmas forthose in need. Volunteers are deeplyinvolved in the seasonal process,from compiling Angel Tree requeststo wrapping and bagging gifts beforemeeting and distributing them to4,000 families last year.Wichita’s temperate weather bene-

fits the young professionals’ annual

Kettle Run fundraiser, which waslaunched to expose a younger demo-graphic to the Army. The group alsosponsors an annual party for theArmy’s shelter residents, completewith a festive dinner, costumed char-acters and gifts for all.

The weather also favors motorcy-clists. An annual toy ride of up to3,000 motorcyclists brings in thou-sands of toys, and each year a hugeaeronautics plant has its motorcy-cle-owning employees drivethrough its numerous buildings and

warehouses to collect toysand funds from otheremployees.A similar back-to-school

ride at the plant raised$55,000 last year to purchase“Tools for School,” which areannually distributed directlyto teachers; some weep withgratitude as they walk outwith grocery carts full of sup-plies for their classrooms.

88

Peoria auxiliary raises the bar

Advisory Board Member Jeri Hinkle (l)receives the Others award from ChiefSecretary Colonel Steven Howard (r) andformer Wichita City Commander MajorJoseph Wheeler.

Major Jim Curl, Wichita city commander, and currentWichita Advisory Board Chairman Bill Gardner

Wichita’s temperate weather benefits the young professionals’ annual Kettle Run fundraiser,which was launched to expose a younger demographic to the Army.

“

by Eric R. Dina

The 99th installment of theChicago Staff Band (CSB)Sounds of the SeasonsConcert may just have

exceeded its previous benchmarksof appealing to a wide audiencewith a cornucopia of styles andmusical expressions.The concert opener, In

Awesome Wonder by MarcusVenables, evoked the music ofJohn Williams with its thunderouspercussion beginning, and waspaired with a beautifully orches-trated meditation Radiance byAndrew Garcia. Principal CornetistBeth Malovance shared a new cor-net solo, Faith Pursuit, written forher by MajorMartinCordner. Theeight-minutesolo utilizeddigital echo-effects, per-haps a first forSalvation Armyaudiences, andhad as its cen-tral theme SaraGroves’ “He’salways beenfaithful.”Beth’s perfor-mance wassuperlativewith her rich,dark sound, attention to detail andmusical phrasing on full display. Anexciting transcription ofKhachaturian’sSabre Dancerounded out theCSB’s first set.A moving

moment for manypeople was theCSB’s vocal, “OLove” by ElaineHagenberg. Thisband sings verywell and isextremely respon-sive to the sensitiveleadership of Dr.Harold Burgmayer.

The choral line neverseemed rushed, withthe text appropriatelyemphasized.Principal trombonistBrett Tolcher provid-ed nuance, support-ing the singing withan obbligato original-ly composed forcello. Lt. ColonelPhilip Maxwell, CSBexecutive offi-cer, effectivelywove threadsof the lyricsof “O Love”into his

thought-provoking devotional.Both major offerings by the

CSB are recent pieces basedon time-honored musical

forms. The award-winning composi-tion, Fearless, byCSB alumnusAndrewWainwright, is amodern take on the tonepoem genre, featuring twosongs from the SalvationArmy worship bandtransMission: “I’m in HisHands” and “Soldier’sHymn.” Fearless is a well-crafted, technicallydemanding work, requir-ing the full attention of

the band andcarries a strongmessage for TheSalvation Armytoday. King ofHeaven, basedon the hymn“Praise my soul,the King ofHeaven,” isKennethDownie’s brassband homage toBenjaminBritten’s Young

Person’sGuide to theOrchestra.Every sectionof the bandsuccessivelyis featured,displayingbrilliance and sensitivity, concludingwith the fanfare and flare expectedfrom a Downie opus. Both numbersfully displayed the band’s magnifi-cent core sound and balance.Guest multi-

talented singer-songwriter andjazz trombonistAubrey Loganwon over theaudience fromthe outset withher confidentyet humble,demeanor andbubbly person-ality. The mix ofpop culturesongs and herown composi-tions andarrangements,including

“Impossible,”“Pity Party” andthe spiritual“Go tell it onthe mountain”held broadappeal. Aubreyeffortlesslyswitchedbetween singingand playing thetrombonethroughout her two sets. Kudos topercussionist Bernie Dake and bassguitarist Tom Hanton for providinglively rhythm support. While thebackup musicians were especiallytight given their limited rehearsaltime together, the musical chemistrybetween Aubrey and her pianistLogan Thomas was obvious.Aubrey joined the CSB on several

numbers including “One ThreeNine,” which she composed and is a

paraphrase of Psalm 139 interwo-ven with the chorus “O, how I loveJesus,” and Georges Bizet’sHabanera from the opera Carmenwhich exhibited her amazing fullthree-octave range. Her ability to

navigate easily betweenmultiple styles—jazz,southern gospel, operaand pop—gave membersof the audience some-thing to appreciate nomatter their preference.Aubrey joined the CSBtrombonists to bring thecrowd back from inter-mission with an arrange-

ment of Donny Hathaway’s “ThisChristmas,” and to finish theevening she took a few choruses (12measures of blues improvisation) onher trombone in Big Little Lightthat would have made the late com-poser, William Broughton, proud.From top to bottom, this concert

had all the trademarks of the CSB’sspirit-led authenticity and was awell-paced, enjoyable expression ofwitness and praise.

Acornucopia of praise9

PhotosbyRickVogeney

10

Welcoming theworld attheir doorstepby Anne Urban

United in Christ” aptlydescribes the RockfordTabernacle, Ill., Corps’members several of whom

are from Asian, African, Caribbeanand European countries who’vefound their home in The SalvationArmy.“The enrollment of 10 senior sol-

diers and 27 adherents in the lastyear has encouraged everyone,” saidMajor Steve Kounthapanya, corpsofficer with his wife, MajorLatdavanhKounthapanya. “Theywanted to set anexample for others,have a greater sense ofbelonging and do more for the Lord.”Major Steve continued, “People

enjoy and keep coming back for ourcontemporary worship, abundantlove and consistent fellowship whichoften occurs over a meal!”

He believes participation in volun-teer and service opportunities at thecorps reflects a growing faith inChrist and deeper sense of inclusion,as evidenced in consistent interest insoldiership classes.Participation in programs and

activities for all ages at the corps,such as Bible studies and men’s andwomen’s ministries, also is on therise. Youth ministries include charac-ter-building, music and dance class-es, in addition to an afterschool pro-

gram and teen recre-ation center.Since the corpswas planted in2003 to serve amostly Laotian

immigrant population,membership has grown consistentlylargely due to assistance rendered tothe refugee populations coming intothe area.Federal, non-profit and faith-based

agencies continue to relocate refugees

to Rockford,which was select-ed as one of sever-al U.S. cities thatcan best absorbimmigrant popula-tions, but they canonly provide limit-ed financial assis-tance, orientationand English-lan-guage classes,reported MajorSteve.That’s when the

practical assis-tance, love and compassion of TheSalvation Army comes into play.Although some refugees are able tolive independently after sixmonths, many need continuedassistance with job-training, lan-guage and life skills.One of the latest refugee pop-

ulations coming into Rockfordare more than 3,000 Burmese.Desperate to escape civil warviolence, poverty and persecu-tion, these newcomers hail fromthree different mountain tribes,each with its own language.Belly Htoo, a father of five

children (ages 7 to 17) with hiswife, Khtee Paw, said, “We arethankful from deep in ourhearts to have The Salvation

“We want everyoneto feel united as onecorps,” said MajorTina. “It doesn’t mat-ter which worshipservice they attend;everyone should feellike they belong andare part of one con-gregation.”As part of the

anniversary celebra-tion, a block partybrought corps members, friends and

neighbors together.Children weregiven backpacksto fill withschool suppliesby visiting booths

and carnival games,and many received free haircuts froma local barber. Families signed up foryouth programs and music lessons, vis-

ited with corps leaders, discoveredsocial services such as the foodpantry and learned about programslike Breakfast with Baby, a monthlyministry to families who are expect-ing or have a child under one yearold.A display from the Territorial

Historical Museum featuring anoverview of Salvation Army history

and services brought peo-ple inside, where theywere given a tour of thebuilding and had theopportunity to ask ques-tions.“The anniversary was

the perfect opportunity togrow The SalvationArmy’s presence in thecommunity,” concludedMajor Tina. “We are opento God’s plan.”

Voices of more than 150 men,women and children liftedin worship as the DesPlaines, Ill., Corps celebrat-

ed 25 years of ministry and service toChicago’s northwest suburbs.Shoulder-to-shoulder in the packedsanctuary, the diverse congregationsang “How great is our God,” unitingas one though each sang in his or herpreferred language, whether English,Spanish or Russian. It was beautifuland moving intercultural worship.“We thank God for everything He

has done,” said Envoy AlbertoGiraldo, who with his wife, Florinelvi(Ody), leads the corps’ Hispanic min-istry. “If we are faithful, we will cele-brate 50 years.”Originally an English-speaking

corps, Des Plaines has continuallyadapted to meet the needs of the com-munities it serves. For example, alarge Spanish-speaking population ledto the formation of the Hispanic min-istry which has continued to develop

for 18 years and now makes up amajority of the soldiers. Sixteen yearsago, a ministry to Russian-speakingindividuals began, furtherextending the reach of thecorps’ ministries with aSaturday service forMessianic Jews, currentlyled by Glen Tagansky.Though the corps meets in separate

language groups for many activities,youth and character-building pro-grams, music instruc-tion and a bi-monthlyunited service bringeveryone together.Majors Victor andTina Stasiuc, corpsofficers, are intent oncreating even moreunity in the corpsthrough additionalopportunities for inter-cultural worship andservice.

DesPlainesCorps open toGod’s plan

Intercultural

Major Latdavanh Kounthapanya (r) and members of the Rockford Tabernacle, Ill., Corps’praise team

Rockford Tabernacle, Ill., Corps Officers Majors Steve and LatdavanhKounthapanya offer encouragement to all who enter the building.

Major Latdavanh Kounthapanya (l) with Khtee Pawand her husband Belly Htoo

Among the new soldiers at the Rockford Tabernacle, Ill., Corps are Burmese Karen youngpeople, including (l-r) Toe Toe Thien, Bablur Doh, Kya Poe, Saw Eh, Ngein Chan, Aye Chanand Win Shwe.

Intercultural

“

Army give us a warm welcome onour first day in the U.S. We’ve beenloved unconditionally…their actionsare appreciated more than words.”

February Prayer Calendar

Go to www.salarmycentral.orgIf you follow the prayer calendar during the year, you will have readthrough the Bible!

Day

1 Saturday

2 Sunday

3 Monday

4 Tuesday

5Wednesday

6 Thursday

7 Friday

8 Saturday

9 Sunday

10 Monday

11 Tuesday

12Wednesday

13 Thursday

14 Friday

15 Saturday

16 Sunday

17 Monday

18 Tuesday

19Wednesday

20 Thursday

21 Friday

22 Saturday

23 Sunday

24 Monday

25 Tuesday

26Wednesday

27 Thursday

28 Friday

29 Saturday

Bible Reading

Job 9-10

Isaiah 23-28

Matthew 11-13

Romans 9-10

Genesis 20-23

Judges 1-6

Psalms 15-17

Job 11-12

Isaiah 29-33

Matthew 14-16

Romans 11-12

Genesis 24-27

Judges 7-11

Psalms 18-20

Job 13-14

Isaiah 34-39

Matthew 17-19

Romans 13-14

Genesis 28-31

Judges 12-16

Psalms 21-23

Job 15-16

Isaiah 40-44

Matthew 20-22

Romans 15-16

Genesis 32-35

Judges 17-21

Psalms 24-26

Job 17-18

Pray for The Salvation Army

Norfolk, Neb., Corps

Milwaukee Cold Spring, Wis., Corps

Burlington, Iowa, Corps

Candidates for Officership andCorps Cadets

Sri Lanka

Ottawa, Ill., Corps

Marion, Ind., Corps

Peoria, Ill., Women’s Auxiliary

Pittsburg, Kan., Corps

Des Plaines, Ill., Corps

Quincy Kroc Center, Ill., Corps

Denmark and Greenland

North Platte, Neb., Corps

Michigan City, Ind., Corps

Rockford Citadel, Ill., Corps

Milwaukee West, Wis., Corps

The General’s Rally in April

Congo (Brazzaville) Territory

Omaha Kroc Center, Neb., Corps

Pekin, Ill., Corps

Muncie, Ind., Corps

Salina, Kan., Corps

Men’s Ministries Sunday

Italy and Greece

St. Charles, Mo., Corps

Minot, N. D., Corps

Music and Arts Festival /Commissioning Weekend in June

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps

Wichita, Kan., Advisory Board

* = Adult Rehabilitation Center** = Divisional HeadquartersPIM = Partner in Mission

My Prayer List

11

by Captain Shannon Martinez

There are many reasons—excuses—we give for notengaging in interculturalministry. We falsely believe

we must have the right background,language skills or talents, but thetruth is we are all called to sharethe Gospel and meet human needsindiscriminately.While I don’t know everything

about intercultural ministry, I havelearned from my experiences andhave found my excuses to be mootin light of God’s calling. Manythings I thought I needed to be suc-cessful in intercultural ministry sim-ply aren’t essential.Here’s what I think you don’t

need for intercultural ministry:• An intercultural ministrydegree: Degrees in theology, divini-ty or other areas of ministry areabsolutely worth obtaining. Thereare many wonderful pastors withhealthy intercultural min-istries who havedegrees.However, therealso are great,thriving, anointedministries with lead-ers who have zero fancy diplomas.

• To be bilingual: Intercultural min-istry is about much more than lan-guage. While speaking a secondlanguage is helpful, it does notguarantee greater success. Tobridge the gap, I make bilingual ormultilingual friends who help bytranslating, and I let my actionsspeak more than words.

• To be a minority: There’s not an“image” we need to fit in order tobe used by God or to serve others.I could never fully comprehend thechallenges and injustices from sim-ply being born with a darker skintone. However, I believe God willuse anyone for intercultural min-istry who is open to His leadingand willing to learn.

• Intercultural experience: Theonly way to gain experience is by

diving in. You’ll make mistakes,but that’s part of the learningprocess.

• All the answers: Just when Ibegin to think I know

what I’m doing, Irealize I need tomake adjust-ments, learnsomething newor let go of things.

It’s impossible tohave all the answers,

so I stick to the basics: love, lis-ten, learn.Self-awareness, humility and

patience go a long way. Having ateachable spirit, being open tochange and letting go of personalpreferences in favor of advancingGod’s Kingdom are essential. Mostimportantly, a core leadership teamthat reflects the diversity of thecongregation and gives everyone avoice facilitates ongoing intercultur-al ministry.Approach intercultural ministry

with grace. Rely on God to bridgethe gaps left by our imperfections,and resolve to work toward unitywith Christ at the center. I can’tpromise it will be easy, but I cansay confidently that God will workin your heart and in your ministryif you seek Him first.

What youdon’t need forinterculturalministry

Intercultural

General Tillsley Continued from page 1

Maude Tillsley (world president ofwomen’s organizations), GeneralTillsley traveled the world, nurturingSalvationists in their faith and high-lighting the work of The SalvationArmy.General Tillsley received a bache-

lor of arts degree in philosophy fromthe University of Western Ontarioand furthered his studies at WycliffeCollege in Toronto. He was a giftedwriter and communicator whoauthored many books on biblicalstudies and holiness, including Lifein the Spirit, This Mind inYou and Manpower for theMaster.General Tillsley was predeceased

by his wife who was promoted toGlory in 2014. Loving prayers areextended to the General’s sister, Lt.Colonel Audrey Wilder, and to hischildren and their families: the Rev.Dr. Barbara Robinson, CommissionerMark Tillsley, John Tillsley.General Brian Peddle, wrote: “As a

Canadian officer, I have experienced

the impact of General Tillsley’sleadership for more than fourdecades. I have valued his writingsand enjoyed his preaching andteaching, while noting his Christiancharacter. Servant of God, welldone!”

12

Promoted toGloryCongratulations!

great partner for The SalvationArmy with our deep evangelicalroots and mission to share thegospel of Jesus Christ and to meethuman needs in His name withoutdiscrimination.Sessions were packed with praise

and worship led locally, simulcastdramas by The Skit Guysand messages by nationalspeakers from Denver,Colo., inspiration andtraining by their localemcee, EMI’s youth spe-cialist Mike Mowers, aswell as time spent infocused prayer with theirlocal youth groups. Theday was built around thetheme #Fight2Win andspiritual warfare found inEphesians 6:10-20.Students were trained in

a simple yet deep under-

standing of the gospel and how toshare it including using “The Life in6 Words” app in conversations withtheir peers. Students spent theafternoon at various outreach activi-ties where they were encouraged toengage in gospel conversations asthey collected items for the localfood pantry. Other groups spenttheir outreach time walking aroundlocal schools picking up trash andpraying for the students, school andtheir peers.At the Dearborn Heights Citadel

site, more than 12 students made afirst-time decision to put their trustin Christ. About 50 students indi-cated to their leaders that they were“all in” for following Jesus. It wasan exciting day of teaching andpractical application. We are prais-ing God students left equipped toengage others with the Good News!Look for this event October 10,

2020, in your city or check outwhat it takes to host it at your corpsby visiting www.dare2sharelive.org

by Melanie Mowers

When high schooland middle schoolstudents gathertogether for a com-

mon goal, united in the gospel,it’s going to be a great experi-ence! Over 125 churches ofvarying denominations acrossthe nation opened their doors ona Saturday this past fall to hoststudents for Dare 2 Share LIVE,a one-day simulcast studentevangelism training event.The Eastern Michigan

Divisional Youth Departmentpartnered to bring Dare 2 ShareLIVE to the Dearborn HeightsCitadel, Mich., Corps where morethan 150 students attended. Eightcorps and four churches united toinspire, encourage and train studentsto share the gospel. Dare 2 ShareMinistries, which seeks to mobilizeyouth to share the gospel, makes a

throughout the Central Territorywhere Alis was divisional corpscadet counselor and later league ofmercy and nurses’ fellowship secre-tary in several divisions. She andher husband led the EasternMichigan Division. They alsoserved at InternationalHeadquarters and at Canada andBermuda Territorial Headquarters(THQ). She retired as league ofmercy secretary at Central THQ in2003.Alis is survived by her husband,

Colonel Bill Speck; daughtersDeborah Brady and Diane; andthree grandsons.

Mrs. Brigadier Alta Forney

Mrs. BrigadierAlta Forney waspromoted toGlory onOctober 26,2019. Known forplanning andattention todetail, Alta wasalso an encour-ager and soughtto bring out the best in others.Alta was commissioned in 1955

with the “Soul-Winners” session.She served in corps and at theSchool for Officer Training, then asdivisional youth secretary in theNorthern Illinois Division, directorof the Eventide Residence inSaginaw, Mich., and administratorof the Emergency Lodge inChicago.On October 8, 1983, Alta married

Brigadier Lewis Forney. She servedas director of the Emergency Lodgein Wichita, Kan., then director ofspecial services at MidlandDivisional Headquarters.Alta and Lewis settled in Wichita,

Kan., in 2000 and soldiered at theCitadel Corps.Alta was preceded in death by

her husband and step-son MajorRichard Forney. She is survived bystep-sons Hal (Sharon), Major Jerold(Carol) and daughter-in-law MajorJudy; and eight grandchildren.

Mrs. Major EllenTompkins

Mrs. MajorEllen Tompkins,92, was promot-ed to Glorypeacefully onOctober 10,2019. Ellen lovedthe Lord andgave freely ofthe grace Jesushad given her.She was a blessing to those aroundher and befriended everyone shemet.Commissioned with “The King’s

Messengers” session in 1948, Ellenmarried sessionmate Lt. RoyTompkins later that year. Togetherthey served in corps throughout theMidwest and at the UnifiedCommand in Chicago, Ill. Theyretired from their final appoint-ments at Metropolitan DivisionalHeadquarters, where Ellen servedas assistant league of mercy secre-tary, in 1990.Ellen was preceded in death by

her husband and two of her six sib-lings. She is survived by her chil-dren, Michael, PatriciaMontgomery, Major Cheryl(Andrew) Miller and Timothy; and12 grandchildren.

Major Pearl Palomaki

Major PearlPalomaki, 87, waspromoted toGlory on October9, 2019. Kind,thoughtful andcreative, Pearl’squiet demeanorbrought comfortto others, particu-larly during diffi-cult times.Commissioned in 1952 with the

“Intercessors” session, she marriedsessionmate Lt. Howard Palomaki in1955. Together they served in corpsthroughout the Midwest and atEastern Michigan DivisionalHeadquarters.They retired from the Sturgis,

Mich., Corps in 1997 after 45 years ofservice and moved to Marinette, Wis.Pearl was active in Salvation Armyactivities until her health declined,but she continued to pray for thecorps ministries.Pearl is survived by her husband,

Major Howard Palomaki; childrenJoel, Randall, Joy and Steven; andother family and friends.

Colonel Alis Speck

A gentle andquiet spirit whoexemplifiedChrist, ColonelAlis Speck, 81,was promoted toGlory on October17, 2019. Shewas a “daughterof the regiment”who faithfully fol-lowed God’s call on her life.Born to then-Captains Carl and

Hannah Cone, Alis was nurtured bythe many ministries of The SalvationArmy. After graduating from AsburyCollege she taught music at an ele-mentary school and attended theChicago, Ill., Temple Corps, whereshe met Cadet Bill Speck. They mar-ried in 1968 and embarked on 35years of service.The Specks held appointments

Going all in for Jesus

We congratulate officers who achieved certificates and degreesin the past year, enriching their lives and ministries.

Captain Luis Acosta Bachelor of Business Administration

Captain Ronnie Amick M.A. Pastoral Leadership

Captain Taylor Brutto Certificate in Kroc Center Leadership

Captain Chrissy Cooper B.A. Ministry (Leaderships & Ethics)

Captain Nikki Hughes B.A.S. Practical Ministry

Major Trevor McClintock B.A. Ministry (Leaderships & Ethics)

Captain Javier Moreno B.A.S. Business Management

Captain Kelsie Moreno B.A.S. Practical Ministry

Major Malinda O’Neil Certificate in Kroc Center LeadershipB.A. Ministry (Leaderships & Ethics)

Major Jason Poff M.A. Pastoral Leadership

Captain Gabriela Rangel Certificate in Kroc Center Leadership

Captain Jennifer Velasquez Master of SocialWork

Captain Bersabe Vera M.A.Theological Studies

Captain AmyVoss B.A.S. Practical Ministry