/ 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)

Volume 51, Number 2 February 2021 Springfield ministries flourish despite pandemic h t Harbor House staff deliver sack lunches to i

espite the ongoing chal - “The dedication and pas - m the homeless. S y

lenges presented by the sion of the staff is really e r f f e

coronavirus pandemic, Sal - why the Army here has J

D During the early days of the pan - y vation Army ministries in been able to flourish in this b s

demic Springfield community lead - o t

Springfield, Mo., are remarkably pandemic,” he said. “It’s a o ers asked the corps to expand their h healthy. From their two homeless well-running Army that un - afterschool program into a day P shelters and noonday feeding pro - derstands and is living the camp for the children of essential gram to corps programs and social mission. It’s truly a bless - workers as schools and daycare cen - services, Major Jon Augenstein, ing.” ters closed down. In response the corps officer, reports excellent staff, Maintaining a full range of community center staff created a hard work and a willingness to be services requires ongoing full day program with time and flexible and adaptable ensures the adjustments, but the staff re - space set aside for online learning. mission continues to move forward mains passionate and com - When schools resumed using a hy - and meet critical needs. mitted to their purpose of brid model in the fall, they used being a beacon of hope for Volunteers load groceries in drive-thru pantry. grant money to hire college students those they serve. to provide educational support and “What’s really motivated me is which provide homeless individuals tutoring, which has led to strong re - knowing the difference it makes to being discharged from the hospital a lationships with schools and teach - have someone reach out and say safe and sanitary place to fully re - ers as children thrive despite not we’re here for you, we care about cover, at which point they can move being physically in the classroom you,” said Jamie Millikin, case man - forward in the program with the every day. Although the program ager at the Harbor House men’s help of a case man - shelter. “It brings hope to people. If ager. we don’t care, no one else is going to Front Line Feeding, care, no one is going to reach out a daily lunch pro - and give them dignity and hope. We gram which serves are here to be a place of safety and meals to the Harbor shelter.” House residents and Family Haven also has continued other homeless in the to offer a safe place for families and area, now distributes individuals to stay while they work boxed meals outside toward finding a stable income and the facility since they A young student plays an educational game housing. Unique to these facilities can no longer safely during day camp. are grant-funded “respite beds” accommodate every - one in the dining room. “If people need help, we’re going to Ferguson Community figure out how to help them, virus or Major Vicki Buttrey accepts a food donation from Convoy of Hope. Empowerment Center: not,” said Bryon Brown, Harbor House director. “We has had a couple of short breaks in a place for resources and hope See pages 6-7 might not be able to get people out service when staff members tested of the weather to eat lunch, but at positive for the virus, thanks to least we can still give them a meal early and continued use of safety and ask how they’re doing.” protocols they have not experienced Emergency social services assis - any outbreaks and have been able tance, the corps food pantry and a to reopen. weekday seniors’ luncheon have car - In addition to their ongoing serv - ried on with the use of social dis - ices to the community, the corps has tancing and masks. Corps staff have remained open for worship in per - adjusted several times to meet the son and online, with Sunday school, need in the safest and most practical Bible studies and youth programs ways possible. resuming last fall. Corps members For example, the food pantry tran - happily welcome visitors from the sitioned to a drive-thru with shelters who often choose to attend prepacked food boxes in the initial when they learn of the many oppor - stages of the pandemic but has re - tunities for worship, growth and turned to an indoor grocery store community offered by the corps. model, requiring health checks, Major Jon concluded, “We are masks and social distancing, to allow grateful for the incredible support of clients to choose food items their this community that allows us to

families will most enjoy.

Youth Development Specialist Landon King with a child at the center run a breadth of programs.”

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Y M R A N O I T A V L A S E H T 2 Treating every day like and chocolate, but the most impor - tantly, love? We love “love.” But Valentine’s what exactly is it? The Bible tells us “Love is patient, by Lt. Colonel Vicki Amick love is kind. It does not envy, it Territorial Secretary for Retired Officers does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not hat plans do you have self-seeking, it is not easily angered, to celebrate Valen - ture a meal out with your sweet - it keeps no record of wrongs. Love tine’s Day? It might heart and possibly flowers, choco - does not delight in evil but rejoices W with the truth. It always protects, look different this year lates and a love note from your due to the lingering pandemic, but valentine. always trusts, always hopes, always the answer also depends on your for your classmates. If you’re a Whenever I think about Valen - perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 age. If you’re a child, it probably teenager… well, I have no idea. If tine’s Day, I find myself smiling. Corinthians 13: 4-8a, NIV) will involve making Valentine cards you’re an adult, it might usually fea - Who doesn’t enjoy cards, flowers That is quite a list. When I read it, I find myself sometimes lacking these attributes. I can’t say that I am always patient, never angered or that I keep no record of wrongs. To love well, I believe we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us— Choosing God’s path every day! I enjoy a song called, “Love God, tanding tion meeting in the summer of love people.” Its refrain goes: “We alone out - 1975 Major Herb Luhn preached have to love God to love people.” To Sside a cabin on John 3:16, and a lightbulb came love others is not easy, and although on Lake on. I went home that night and we’re well-meaning we fall short if Huron and gazing asked Jesus to be my Savior.” we don’t love others through the up at the universe At 20, Keith was the oldest per - power of the Holy Spirit. However, of stars, Major Keith son in the recruits class, but he if we call on God to share His love Bailey felt a stirring was proud to become a soldier. with others through us then it is in his heart. He will “I absolutely fell in love with possible because we don’t do it in never forget it. It our own strength. was the summer of The Salvation Army,” he said. “I 1979. read everything about its history I What if we decided to show love could find in the corps library.” not just one day of the year but “I felt God ask every day? We can by: me, ‘Do you want to The Baileys entered officer train - build cars, or do ing in 1983 and began a life of • Mending a quarrel you want to build ministry and service, raising three • Writing a note or sending a card children, leading corps and invest - people?’” Keith • Forgiving someone knew the answer, ing in people along the way. After 35 years of service, they are thank - but it would be a few years before volved in corps programs, Keith was • Keeping our promises ful they chose the path God laid God brought this calling to fruition. raised going to a Catholic church • Listening intently out for them. Keith’s wife, Colette, needed to be and had a somewhat troubled youth. • Apologizing on board. He attended mass and served as an “I would absolutely do it all • Encouraging others “I was sure Keith had lost his altar boy, but it wasn’t until he met again,” concluded Major Colette. mind,” Major Colette laughed. “He Colette in college and started attend - “Is it hard? Yes, sometimes it is. Think about how you can show didn’t understand what it really ing the corps that he took a hard But when the Lord calls you to do God’s love. The list is seemingly means to be an officer.” look at spiritual matters. something, you do it, and He will endless. help you persevere.” Colette, a lifelong Salvationist “I would go to mass on Sunday Let’s make Valentine’s Day last whose parents served in local officer morning and the corps in the Editor’s note: The Baileys will retire all year long by loving God and lov - positions at the Flint Citadel, Mich., evening,” he said. “During a salva - this July. ing others. Corps, was content being a soldier and lay leader. She simply didn’t feel called to fulltime ministry. For the next few years, the Baileys continued to be involved at the corps while Keith worked for Gen - Windows on Easter eral Motors and Colette taught pre - school. Then, on Candidates’ Sunday in 1980, Colette, too, became con - vinced of her calling. 2021 Lenten Resources Though they’d both grown up in Flint, they had very different up - The “Windows on Easter” Lenten worship bringings. While Colette had ac - cepted Christ at her mother’s knee series provides a fresh perspective on as a young child and grew up in - the Easter story by looking through the “windows” of people who were there. The seven-week series includes sermons Central written by Captain Karen Holness for Connection the five Lenten Sundays, Palm Sunday, THE SALVATION ARMY Good Friday and Easter services. 5550 Prairie Stone Pkwy • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 847-294-2000 Available in English and Spanish, the WILLIAM AND Founder series includes music options, dramas, General readings, videos and other resources.

COMMISSIONER BRAD BAILEY Territorial Commander ELIZABETH KINZIE Editorial Director Online: samusiccentral.org/lent-2021 TWYLA STEINSLAND Video components at: wsvr.viscomapps.com Communications Specialist KENNETH ROMIN See your corps officer for more details. Graphic Design and Production

VISIT OUR WEBSITE— www.salarmycentral.org 1-800-SALARMY 3 E-learning centers buoy youth and families

by Captain Denesia Polusca say it’s been helpful, enjoyable and better than being at home. Just as t was the best of times, it was the impressive, their grades have im - worst of times.” This iconic proved! “Iphrase from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities resonates “We knew that we needed to use deeply. As the beginning of a new camp to meet the needs of our com - decade, 2020 especially began with munity. We began looking for ways promise. Here in the Kansas and that we could fulfill our mission out - Western Missouri (KWM) Division, side the summer camp box,” Carrie we had great hopes to revitalize explained. “Thrive Camp came from youth ministry and increase summer that intentional decision to find camp attendance which has declined ways to meet the physical, emo - in the last five years. tional and spiritual needs of our community kids. We are so blessed to come alongside middle and high school students to take away the stress of virtual learning. We are watching them thrive!” A Time to Collaborate learn, grow and engage in commu - gap for parents who have been able The Kansas City Eastside, Mo., nity. Eastside Corps soldiers also to find desperately needed employ - Corps, led by Major Janice Love, has have embraced the opportunity to ment. Site monitors help youth stay developed a wonderful partnership support the E-learning center, and engaged in virtual learning and fo - with Global FC, a non-profit which some volunteer daily like Barbara cused on their schoolwork. The focuses on helping immigrant fami - Zumwalt, who says she wants to command is planning to expand the lies transition to American life. The demonstrate the love of Christ. service at corps into summer day organization’s three major goals are camps, in conjunction with Hi - English as a second language, men - A Time for Expansion awatha which features extensive toring and soccer which acts like a Subsequently, the Kansas City outdoor space, recreation equip - glue to hold the three together. ment and venues, which then could Many immigrant families they work Westport Temple Corps and North - However, our well-laid plans were land Corps began working with their roll back into learning and other disrupted by COVID-19. Instead of with are first-generation refugees programs at the corps. which often means families come school districts to summer camp at Three Trails Camp offer E-learning we hosted a shelter for homeless in - from situations where education was interrupted or non-existent. When centers to fami - dividuals exposed to COVID-19. lies. Each loca - Youth ministry was confined to in-person education wasn’t possible at public schools, the organization tion can serve up screens, drive-by visits and new ef - to 20 children. forts coined “_ in a box.” The inno - had no where to provide afterschool vation and resilience demonstrated tutoring even though it was needed According to by officers and staff has been amaz - more than ever. Major Jim ing. Mungai, North - land corps offi - Here in KWM, we hold to the cer, their focus is promise of Ephesians 3:17, believing on serving mid - God can and will do more! As last dle school stu - summer ended, we recognized dents who meet school would look different; families in the large fel - began to utilize terms like hybrid, lowship hall virtual and in-person modes. The which has a dedi - A Time to Believe challenges working parents faced cated WiFi network to better enable spurred us to find solutions, result - virtual learning and homework. In KWM, we believe God can and ing in a ministry of E-learning cen - Each student has a designated area will do more and are witnessing ters that have been supporting which they are free to decorate. this truth. Ministry last year cer - approximately 300 children and Throughout the day learning alter - tainly did not unfold the way we their families. nates with lunch and breaks where had imagined or planned, but God A Time to Thrive tabletop and other games like foos - never stops working on our behalf. ball—all sanitized—are available. Our goals of increasing youth min - Carrie Dixon, Three Trails market - They plan to extend recreation op - istry in corps and awareness and ing and guest relations director, tions to the large gymnasium and utilization of Three Trails Camp knew camp could offer assistance to even offer indoor archery. Families were fulfilled in unexpected ways its Independence, Mo., community. The Eastside Corps’ partnership have heard of this opportunity with new opportunities, ministries A desire to help middle and high with them means this vital service through fliers distributed by the and collaborations that have ex - school students flourish gave birth to has continued. Global FC now tutors school district, and the E-learning tended our reach. As a Sunday Thrive Camp. On the week they are 90 children at the corps. Ciella center is underwritten by the school chorus simply puts it, “My in virtual learning mode, 50 youth Mupda, a Van Horn High School CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and God is so big, so strong and so come to Three Trails Camp and re - sophomore and volunteer, said she’s Economic Security) Act. mighty, there’s nothing my God ceive assistance from Thrive staffers gained valuable experience as she’s The Wichita, Kan., Command also cannot do.” in a safe space conducive to learn - observed children flourishing from began collaborating ing; the camp can scale up to host the provision of a safe space to in November with up to 100 as needed. Thrive campers schools to provide a safe place for E- learning for up to 120 children at the Citadel and West Or - chard Corps and Hi - awatha Camp and Retreat Center. Ac - cording to Major Jim Curl, Wichita area commander, the SAL- Centers (Salvation Army Learning Cen - ters) are patterned after those in Kansas City and serve mid - dle school students doing hybrid learn - ing. After tremen - dous job losses in the county, this new service is filling a 4 Newly accepted candidate

2,055 days and counting

by Lt. Abraham Marin ometimes it can be compli - cated to see something posi - Stive when everything seems stressful and filled with darkness and uncertainty. Even so, as corps officers of the East Chicago, Ind., Corps for the last five years, my wife and I believe 2020 was one of the most fruitful years in our min - istry, spiritually speaking. Yes, you didn’t read me wrong. I Jimmy Prichard am talking about 2020. Yes, I am talized in the middle of this crisis. talking about the year we faced one The connections and bonds we First-generation Salvationist of the worst pandemics in history. N have created with our corps and Lansing Citadel, Mich., Corps Western Michigan/ Yes, the year when our imagination community have grown exponen - Northern Indiana Division and creativity levels were, and still tially during the pandemic. Our in- Majors Jim and Pat Irvine, corps officers pretty much are, gone. But this is person worship service has three the interesting and beautiful way new people coming faithfully, and Spiritual Gifts God works in our lives and our offi - we are in direct communication Administration N Leadership N Serving cership. with more than 80 people who Ministry Passion or Experience I am optimistic because in the come for a plate of food in our daily midst of all the negativity that sur - lunch program. Children/Youth N Worship rounds us, I read in Romans 12:11- Even though there will be times Spiritual mentors 12 (NIV): “Never be lacking in zeal, in our ministry as officers when but keep your spiritual fervor, serv - Major Bill Spyker N Major Alan Hellstrom everything seems dark and full of ing the Lord. Be joyful in hope, pa - uncertainty, with many responsibili - tient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ties in different areas of our lives, This is the way to confront our pres - we have to keep in mind that God ent ministry in the middle of crisis. never makes a mistake in our call - Last summer during a class I was ing. God is there with us. And we taking, a teacher said, “Every crisis must remember always to “be joy - A ministry of presence is an opportunity.” He was right. ful in hope, patient in affliction, Our pastoral ministry has been revi - faithful in prayer.” by Michelle DeRusha he Salvation Army is often Joan Kroc Corps Community Center associated with emergency A/Captain John Gantner, who also Tdisaster relief. Distributing serves as volunteer chaplain for the food, water and supplies to Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, pro - first responders and survivors in the vided emotional and spiritual care to wake of disasters is an important those impacted by the shooting. part of the Army’s mission. We don’t “It’s a ministry of presence,” said always see behind the scenes where A/Captain John. “We pray, if that’s Salvation Army officers, and others something that’s requested, but we who are certified, often serve in a are also just there to be with them quieter but no less important role of and offer comfort in those hard mo - providing emotional and spiritual ments.” care (ESC). A/Captain John sat in the waiting Such was the case following the room at the University of Nebraska tragic shooting at the Sonic Drive-In Medical Center with two families in Bellevue, Neb., on November 21, while their loved ones who were 2020. In addition to dispatching a

shot in the incident were in surgery. r e n canteen unit to provide food and hy - t

The following evening at a commu - n a dration to first responders overnight nity vigil, he offered prayers to the G y n

at the scene, Omaha, Neb., Ray and n

crowd of approximately a r G

100 mourners who gath - y b s

ered to remember the o t o

two Sonic employees who h lost their lives and to P pray for the two sur - vivors still recovering in those who knew and loved Nathan walk alongside people in their pain, the hospital. to gather together to talk, to cry, to and in doing that, we share the laugh and to find comfort among presence and love of Christ. That’s “It’s heartbreaking,” he one another,” said A/Captain John. always at the heart of what we do.” said. “But the families are strong, and as we saw The Kroc Cen - during the flooding in ter’s officers and 2019, the Bellevue com - staff will be munity is strong. We are available as the here to stand alongside community con - them as they walk tinues to grieve. through this tragedy.” “The Salvation The Kroc Center also Army’s purpose held a remembrance is to meet service for shooting vic - human needs in tim Nathan Pastrana. Ap - Jesus’ name, and proximately 100 that very much mourners, including includes emo - friends, coworkers and tional and spiri - Nathan’s mother and tual needs,” the stepfather, attended the captain con - service. “It was a time for cluded. “We 5 Revolutionizing youth ministry by Captain Chrissy Cooper youth councils that was attended by more outh ministry is challenging than 250 delegates. In at the best of times. Main - the week leading up to Ytaining relevance in the it, each student re - lives of young people who ceived a box in the are inundated with secular world - mail with everything views and information coming from they needed to partici - all sides (or should I say screens?) is pate: a t-shirt, person - a constant battle. Throw in a world - alized notebook, gum, wide pandemic that limits in-person fidget spinner, pen and contact, and you have a recipe for devotional book. disaster. Delegates from the Royal Oak, Mich., Corps take a break Corps held socially between youth councils sessions. In Eastern Michigan, we have ded - distanced watch par - icated ourselves to finding revolu - ties for live meetings, and videos Specialties, to equip and encourage tionary ways of reaching youth for were uploaded to the Eastern Michi - Christ. The world might be in tur - officers, employees and lay leaders gan Youth Department YouTube in their ministry. moil, but our mission to preach the Captains Jonathan and Chrissy Cooper get page for later viewing. Good News has not changed. It has messy during their virtual youth councils. “The theme ‘Revolution’ ad - taken creativity, flexibility and a Officers were creative in making dressed how youth leaders can whole lot of faith to move forward, Each camp was limited to 20 stu - our virtual youth councils feel like adapt to the rapidly changing cli - but God has blessed our efforts and dents and 10 staff members, but we the real thing. For example, Major mate of the pandemic to keep we are encouraged by what we’ve were thrilled to hold senior and jun - Heidi Reed, Wyandotte Downriver, reaching young people,” said Cap - been able to accomplish in the face ior music conservatories followed by Mich., corps officer, posted videos tain Jonathan Cooper. and pictures of her teens enjoying of ongoing change and uncertainty. a youth evangelism and discipleship While 2020 was different than camp called “Lead the Cause.” video games and basketball on our When the pandemic struck, our Facebook page with the caption any other year and 2021 won’t be first challenge was summer camps. “I love that students were able to “Youth councils is not really youth the norm, we are so thankful for While the regular camping season still come together, learning, pray - councils without an afterglow!” technology and new ways to reach was canceled, we were able to hold ing, playing and sharing with each people for Christ. As we press on three residential camps following other,” said Mike Mowers, young With no end to the pandemic in through these challenging months, strict safety protocols including re - adult and youth specialist. sight, in January we held a virtual we are confident God will continue quiring a negative coronavirus test youth leader weekend for 100 dele - to bless us with opportunities, ideas With the pandemic in full swing, gates with guest speaker Tom She - result from every camper and leader. in late October we held a virtual and methods for spreading His fchunas, executive director of Youth Word in a world that needs Him.

College changes n ights o everything your s larship Set r Scho hristion Johnson, a soph - ade omore majoring in busi - the R Cness intelligence and analytics at Concordia University Chicago, has ambitions of opening his own marketing firm someday. He’s grateful for the Rader Scholarship which has made it possible for him to focus more time and energy on his studies. “I didn’t have to worry about working,” he said. “I was able to spend my time doing class work.” Christion doesn’t remember a Christion Johnson with his parents time when The Salvation Army wasn’t a part of his life. Even as a unteered to help with Christmas young boy he was involved in corps fundraising and assistance efforts worship services, programs and ac - such as organizing, sorting and tivities. First attending the Macomb, packaging toys for Angel Tree. Ill., Corps and then others as his par - Although the pandemic has ents served as envoys, Christion’s changed a lot of things, it hasn’t faith was shaped by character-build - stopped Christion from attending ing programs, junior soldier classes the Peoria Citadel, Ill., Corps and corps cadet lessons. He accepted through online worship services or Christ as his Savior while attending in person when he can in order to music camp. continue growing in his faith. Going to college? As a young adult Christion began “I’m working on my improv and to create and present the audio-vi - problem-solving skills. Nothing has Need financial aid? sual elements of Sunday services, been going to plan this [past] year,” running the sound board and slide he concluded. “God is teaching me shows during worship. He also vol - to trust Him.” Qualified Salvationist minority students attending accredited Christian colleges may be eligible for scholarships of up to $5,000 per year. Latest Rader Scholarship Recipients If you are or know a Central Territory college student who Each year five outstanding minority Salvationists are awarded a Paul and Kay Rader Scholarship. These young adults have shown leadership in may benefit, contact your divisional youth secretary. their corps and communities. We congratulate the most recent recipients. Endorsements must be obtained by your corps then Dakota Williams Fulton Heights Citadel, Mich., Corps divisional youth secretary for territorial review and AshLee Grant St. Louis Maplewood, Mo., Corps approval, so don’t delay for the 2021/22 school year! Alberto Rapley Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps Application deadline: May 15, 2021. Alexia Brown Emporia, Kan., Corps

Christion Johnson Peoria Citadel, Ill., Corps For more information contact [email protected] or visit salarmycentral.org/ord/student-aid 6 Ferguson Community Empowerment Center: a place for resources

by Sara Johnson oving into Ferguson, Mo., The Sal - vation Army has had the privilege Mto come alongside the community to work with and through partners for healing and restoration. Partnering with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in re - sponse to the racial inequity and distress, The Salvation Army built the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center (FCEC) on the site of the QuikTrip that was burned down after the death of Michael Brown six years ago. The approach to this new ministry has been intentionally paced, leaning heavily on findings from a needs assessment study and collabora - tion with residents, leaders and agencies. Three n o s

years after the opening of the FCEC, the bene - n h o fits of thoughtful program design and staff re - J a r a

cruitment are being experienced as the center S y b o

has evolved into an important community asset. t o h Before programs were established, Major P Gail Aho, then Midland divisional urban min - A Spark Academy visit to Temple Gardens to learn about gardening. istries secretary, and Jason Acklin, FCEC direc - Since the FCEC opened in 2017, tor of operations, worked to develop a credible caseworkers have been onsite to assist presence for The Salvation Army in Ferguson with social services and Pathway of by hosting a variety of engagement events, mo - Hope (POH). They quickly exceeded bilizing staff for door-to-door visits, and attend - the goal of enrolling 20 families. As of ing community events and meetings. In making October 2020, 143 families had en - these connections, they built an advisory coun - rolled in POH to work toward improv - cil that has grown to 13 members representing ing their lives and breaking the cycle 10 community entities. of generational poverty, giving their n o

children a more hopeful future. In ad - s n h o

dition, the center has used a similar J a r

approach with 531 individuals to pro - a S y mote not only stability but sustained b o t o

life change. The outcomes are not only h P due to their efforts but intentional A Spark Mate with Youth Development Specialist Melva Paden-Moore community engagement and a gifted casework team. revolutionary for the community. They discov - “We’ve cultivated a space dedicated to holis - ered many people who used the emergency tic care where families receive resources and room for primary care also sought financial as - n o s n hope,” said Jason. sistance from The Salvation Army. As a result, h o J the FCEC received a $1 million grant from the a r

a An impromptu meeting between LaKeysha

S Missouri Foundation for Health to launch Path - y

b Fields, assistant divisional social services direc - o t way to Health, an innovative partnership be - o

h tor, and Rick Stevens, president of Christian

P tween community health workers from Hospital, generated an idea which has been Director of Operations Jason Acklin Christian Hospital and case managers from The Salvation Army. They work together with clients on health needs and the social determi - nants of health. “We know that health disparities already ex - isted in high-risk zip codes,” said Dana Ballinger, Christian Hospital director of care co - n o s n n o h s o n J h a o r J a a S r a y b S y o t b o o h t P o h P Sherman, one of the first Spark Mates 7 n a c i r e m A s i u o L t S , e c i r P y e l i W y b o

and hope t o h P

Food distribution by a volunteer

of the new space featuring a mural by local artist Billy Bill, over 1,000 books written by di - verse authors, new tablets for educational use, and a cozy reading space furnished by Ikea.

n As a result of COVID-19, Believe Project a c i r

e founders had to move in a new direction to m A meet their goals, which led to the filming of a s i u o

L literacy-based children’s TV show to elevate t S

, Black authors and Black children’s literature. e c i r

P The pilot episode was filmed in the FCEC read - y e l i ing room and features Veronica Edwards. The W y

b series aired on YouTube and on the Missouri o t o

h History Museum website before being selected P Believe Project partners

ordination, “but COVID-19, it really shed light fourth graders which gives them the opportu - on the health disparities that exist. So, we have nity to discover their gifts and talents as a foun - been able to impact housing, transportation, fi - dation for growth. Since opening, 90 children nancial resources strength, food insecurity, ac - have participated. At the end of each session, a cess to physicians and medicine, just to name a celebration is held where children are given few, and there has been a wonderful outpour - small Salvation Army pins which they wear, ing of appreciation from the community.” considering themselves ambassadors of the pro - “The impact of the program in my life has gram at their school. These Spark Mates also been a tremendous help with finding a good ca - show up for community events at FCEC to help reer path, helping me budget finances and mo - promote and register other third and fourth tivating me to be a better individual,” said graders. In response to their desire to continue as they moved to fifth grade, the FCEC began a

client Jennifer Waters. n o s

program called Ignite! where they hang out to - n h o In addition to offering holistic health manage - gether and learn more about God, their neigh - J a r

ment to 392 clients, Pathway to Health opened a borhood and other sparks. Ignite! includes the S y new collaborations with the community, in - b Believe Project and will expand this year to in - o t o cluding two health fairs with 30 participating h clude junior soldiers and character-building P organizations that reached over 500 residents programs. Spark Director Veronica Edwards in the Reading Room and provided prostate and breast cancer screen - ings for more than 100 individuals in partner - “I count it an honor to be able to ship with Siteman Cancer Center. pour into the young people who come through the doors of Spark Academy,” “Pathway to Health is a game-changer for this said Veronica Edwards, Spark Acad - community,” said Lt. Colonel Robert Webster, emy program manager. “It brings me Midland divisional commander. “It’s a dynamic so much joy to be able to watch the program that has empowered this neighbor - transformation of the young people hood to be able to be transformed.” right before my eyes…Having them ex - The innovative program has generated na - press how much they love coming to tionwide interest, and they hope to expand it to Spark warms my heart. I am grateful include behavioral health. to God for allowing me the opportu - nity to serve in this capacity.” In 2018 with funds from the Lutheran Foun - dation and the Thomas Lyle Williams Trust, the The Believe Project is a unique part - center piloted and then launched Spark Acad - nership between The Salvation Army emy, an afterschool program for third and and St. Louis Black Authors of Chil - dren’s Literature that inspires kids

Jason Acklin and Sara Johnson give Midland Divisional Commander n a

to read by using c i

Lt. Colonel Robert Webster a tour upon his first visit to FCEC r e

culturally respon - m A s i

sive books, art and by the Fred Rogers Foundation to represent St. u o L technology in a space Louis as part of the “2020 Be My Neighbor Cel - t S , e c where kids are free to ebration.” All four episodes are on PBS stations i r P

relax, explore, and—with y nationwide! e l i

confidence—be fiercely and W y

We knew from the very beginning that suc - b o fully themselves. With sup - t n o a cess in Ferguson would require support and h c i P r port from the Nine Net - e collaboration from the community, which is m

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h September 2019. Spark

P and restoration in a community that carries im - Mates were designated as Believe Project Ribbon Cutting: Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, then Midland divisional mense burdens. commander, and Major Gail Aho, then divisional urban mission secretary, with the official ribbon cutters children in the program 8 African American Salvationist changemakers

A new online exhibit by the Central Territory Museum features more than three dozen African American Salvationists who have been changemakers. While it includes many amazing people from the Central Territory, as well as icons like Commissioner Israel L. Gaither (the first African American to be Chief of the Staff and National Commander), it also includes many others you may not know who’ve made significant contributions like those featured here.

Delilah Collier, O.F. Educator and Mentor Envoy Kenneth Burton, O.F. Delilah Collier proved more than a Influencer and Motivator capable teacher, mother and Salva - tionist. In 1977, she helped launch A third generation Salvationist, Envoy Kenneth Burton’s love of music the Eastern Territory Black Min - began at an early age encouraged by the excellence of the Harlem istries Committee to discuss issues and advise goals for inclusion of Temple Corps Band. In 1976 his brother, Brett, and Lewanne Dudley Black officers. She and fellow committee members advocated for further cofounded a contemporary gospel group, New Sounds for Christ, to in - training and curriculum to prepare Black officers for leadership posi - spire, attract and retain African American youth in The Salvation Army. tions. They spoke for and legitimized the Black community within The When they entered the School for Officers’ Training (now College for Salvation Army. In addition, she served on the curriculum committee at Officer Training) two years later, Kenneth took over the leadership. Wit - the School for Officers’ Training (now College for Officer Training) as a nessing to Christ’s love for 44 years, it’s the Army’s longest standing voice for the unique challenges Black cadets would face once they be - contemporary gospel group. came officers. In 1977, Kenneth served as the first chairman of the Eastern Terri - For more than 50 years, Delilah was a faithful and dedicated soldier of tory’s Black Ministries Committee, which made recommendations to the the Hartford Citadel, Conn., Corps unwavering in the support of her Territorial Commission on Planning and Goals regarding officers. She was a fierce prayer warrior and had the spiritual gift ministries within the Black community. They developed a wide range of of hospitality. projects including inner-city and candidate seminars, tools to optimize She raised seven children and her three very young brothers after her Salvationism in the Black community and an inspiring curriculum for mother died. Though living in public housing and receiving welfare, the School for Officers Training. He remains active as an ex-officio Delilah opened her home to others. She never turned anyone away or member of the group now known as the Territorial Committee for Salva - gave indication of limited resources. One year, her son who was a cadet tionists of African Descent. invited 10 other cadets for Thanksgiving dinner; without blinking she He was named Musician of the Year in 1988 in the Greater New York said, “Of course, tell them to bring sleeping bags, and we’ll figure it out.” Division and territorial Man of the Year in 1992 with an award pre - Cadets featured daily in her prayers and she would often send them sented by General Eva Burrows. In 2004 he received the Army’s highest cards of encouragement, tucking in money which, quite often, was ex - honor when as a corps sergeant-major he was inducted into the Order of actly what they needed. the Founder for outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty. Delilah was admitted into the Order of the Founder (O.F.), the Army’s After retiring from corporate America in 2011, he became an envoy highest honor, in 2002 for her multicultural work, local officer training and was appointed to the Harlem Temple Corps. Envoy Kenneth’s deep and evangelism. Receiving the award, she said, “We don’t know the full spiritual commitment to God and people, evidenced through the ministry joy of the Lord until we can fully surrender all to Him. If we can just be of music and the desire to work for God’s Kingdom, continues to drive faithful, if we can just be willing, if we can go in the power of the Spirit, him to be a leading voice for African Americans in the Eastern Territory. God will take care of everything for us.”

An online exhibit opening February 1, 2021

Featuring more than three dozen Salvationists across the U.S. who have championed change    ,- to build a more inclusive Army and communities and improve 6DOYDWLRQLVWV%XLOGLQJ,QFOXVLYH&RPPXQLWLHV the quality of people’s lives.

Visit sacentralmuseum.org/exhibits 9 you should know

Major Maurice Smith Idealist and Renovator The son of pioneering officers, Major Maurice Smith became the first Black officer commissioned in 1968 from the Southern Territory School for Officers’ Training (now College) in Atlanta, Ga. During his 40 years as Major Norma T. Roberts an officer, he would serve in all four U.S. territories. Some of his flagship work was done as a captain when he was transferred to Innovator and Liberator the Western Territory in 1973 to reestablish the Compton, Calif., Corps which had closed around the time of the race riots in 1965. By the 1970s the city was Known for her work in the Southern Territory during the era of plagued by high unemployment, poverty, gangs and crime. Despite racial dispar - racial segregation, Major Norma T. Roberts can be described as an ity, he successfully created trust, and, like so many Black officers, built a bridge innovator and liberator. In 1944, after being denied entrance to the between The Salvation Army and the Black community. He also was the first School for Officers’ Training in Atlanta, Ga., she changed direction Black officer to manage an advisory board. and was welcomed into the Eastern Territory’s training college where she embraced new opportunities to make an impact. Using an anonymous donation, then-Captain Maurice successfully supervised the construction and opening of a 1,900-sq.-ft. building. The Compton Corps en - Always feeling her calling would return her to the beloved South, rolled in the War on Poverty campaign by President Lyndon Johnson and be - Major Norma was appointed to the Southern Territory in 1949 with came a site for the Neighborhood Youth Corps. This strategy brought many hope and fortitude. When a Little Rock, Ark., reporter wrote an article youth into the corps where the captain offered them counseling and support. about her ministry, the struggles faced by the local Black community were uncovered, and Major Norma and the Army went into action. After retiring in 2011, he taught at the South’s Evangeline Booth College for six years. In 2018 the major published his autobiography, My Song of Songs, re - At an advisory board meeting to plan a new community center to flecting on his life through songs, a unique technique but not surprising given serve the neighborhood, she said, “The Salvation Army strives to his keen vocal and brass musical abilities. promote the spiritual and material welfare of people all over the world—regardless of race or color. In that spirit, it seeks to bring its service to my people in the Southland.” In 1952, the community center opened, and the community had a place to congregate, enjoy recreation and share in God’s love. It served 5,000 annually. Through hard work, Major Norma helped to liberate the Army from antiquated thought patterns through innovative ap - proaches linking Black communities and Salvation Army ministry.

Major Gwendolyn Jones Reformer and Advocate Recognized as the first Black offi - e cer to be commissioned from the l c i Lt. Colonel B. Barton McIntyre n o Western Territory School for Offi - r h C

r Leader and Visionary

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t Bedford, N.Y., Corps. Following his marriage to o

lenged those espousing racial dis - h P Lt. Mildred Ernestine Bowen in 1939, they were appointed to Cleveland, Ohio, parities, was successful in breaking where they continued to serve the Black community. There, they led the “col - down barriers in areas that experienced racial strife and believed ored corps” for 16 years when, in 1949, Colonel Barton began his journey as a that effective ministry came through “bridging.” visionary. His request to change the name of the “colored corps” to the Central In a New Frontier Chronicle article, she said, “You need to be able to Area Corps was accepted immediately and sent waves of change throughout the represent whatever community you are working for and help Salvation Army. He knew it was a small but important step toward an equitable future. Army leaders understand what’s going on in that community so we can Being reappointed to the Harlem Temple Corps in 1955, Colonel Barton better serve it. In the very beginning of my ministry, what attracted me demonstrated leadership with the theme “Watch Us Grow,” and the corps grew to the ministry of The Salvation Army was the love that Salvation Army enormously during his three-year tenure. officers showed me and The Salvation Army programs. I could see how this love and the programs could benefit African American communi - However, it was his work with other Black officers regarding race relations in ties…and other communities that were in need.” the Army that made a lasting impact. He led the Eastern Territory Black Min - istries Committee which gathered in 1969 to address issues concerning the in - Major Gwendolyn strove to connect those communities with the clusion of Black officers and the Black community within the Army. This Army’s life-changing gospel message, programs and resources. She meeting resulted in formation of the Multicultural Department (now Mission proved a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to others. and Culture Department) in the Eastern Territory and the 12-point plan of inclu - One of the highlights of her officership was serving on an African sion for Black officers. American Multicultural Committee for the Western Territory where In 1969, he received the rank of lt. colonel, the highest rank of a Black officer Major Gwendolyn “gave a voice to the minorities of The Salvation Army.” at that time. we P do , OH P am az OH . is S im pl t who o in g wor t y h thi ngs we e pu t k ent i d to ar i , n war we e ato ret s ca n ou m y rs. ha d ore r al o the ced ha pp en. ve They f way a t ha n fo un d ful and co K s T ell rp l are has h wha t Co int y e s s’ uppo wh champi Co char lo egr dep f mi i ed nel lli en nis ati ended rt ed ns. ged n thr Evi on er t ry ons s ough p to . r e of and r egio T hip ov Di on s his p uppor i az er the ded nal wel o cult haps f and s t erv leader l c hi by t -r oor ural t s e now io ices t - oth appr he - n em s an Arm er hip s t Maj erv i hro oac c brac inter communi i us st of y ugh or h ce ry ed c canno e ado ha ll eng es, nal ” woul w on a (as h as pti t min benchmar av eam rel atio nshi p t t opp t y d o e ai n y ver n is par be pi i it m . zi o osed t s T - ry ng ing f o in itia l bet t p to o t he ut - t wn l he if mi ea ch pr re ” k. P s i to er ed uppor wou OH nds t ov un iq ue has erm If ef fo rts T s an d o when o i h ap po intm f Th de f et ci i wa ld f is c been , t al er “ r f e pa r s gra amps. o not f s s oci r Sal res i s age co nstel and om wer so co er tne r s Di a al sr be v ar vi mbin complet e ght a t w vis ion t e o cas en t o e ce) mi - The he - ot an hol mor fo c eno l a la t to n W s o e - di as ed nd was - ming opt ion. es ap W wor inv it ation io n he dev elop vi ning ugh, J in u al w ednesday i pr s n n s e sur ion i that h 2012, ke t of oac t POH t s thr .” ” h el as he h r we e al ps Recog unw ip h f i o we “opt to n u h a ugh was bui nct ear us leader shi wan came to the p pat h a aimed l aft er noon ing emen - get i - t embr ldi ons our am di of ted wher ng wi vi to kids ever - f kind t s tho t a ace t ron at s the hat io p o n t e, o other n. tel had the to y int ut t i her is int o t n Hear mes of of door h l camp vestme egr at ed access ible e ever hyp - t like vehi home he progr ams t roof a - e tl s r “ , er and y f Sunday s a cle and “ u w tor you nt, per and nct l . language ere approach. ocal p for m, l r t s a e i I oach. to urns on ons caused arned n due. t measurable and b a h relations hip, l anyo evel th uy e l arge as e Pa wi c a . i Then ng a H . It t a t ne, r t It hree hw serious eartland hout e was guiding j tree a u fit s of s com ay f during t oreclosed t c wor une years . ed, wa effo i branch any of r It cum a - damage w s g n is xpected and Hope miss philo Divi rt - r not hen i as the of t a a st and ty a g heavy a at ances, bout fel i propert io . sion, enough ng home so she perfect I badge (POH nal t times p l ’s phy , cos a r life Al on T opert s t was a POH he m he wi though , r and ts. place ) eal y b she became a ent of we ap incom re n att Heartland back taxes s hit So a y - i w ho - as bove she gni has s, les taxes. may on a alk where hard f nor a nd dro the she a f t Ar e a icant h c found home always after re i overwhel ed a at th Ci . t s built my go p o trouble. t L Not was path whe o with e hard t gives t ord’ tak ma me ade g Div o “rag H c w debt e has g ome in hing t nera ope community aterline. o, e t jor here em r di been l, he h fil s isio e unus t fought, ” t disrepair at o ate us tag” sust y h found Mich., The led ming r ( pl and barriers corps’ o os Jos (POH) s back. s t i n hav to ion i u t s o the ly des” rug so e f ual r yed, ainin guida t t wi hua i rom hat rem Yukialo ve Salvation jo s legal Go st s e methi R for Here aid gling cour a t in but ories. and Corps, h been i B Heartland p POH with ’s bbons d in home man ble 1 os and e g im ho in just Path nce. the :9 yes i to set s and s hope tindustrial 2018 age r ng he tr po , pe eads: life communities wi o w pro vide Enrolled - N gentrified ong back . tl factory The Steadfast, ca a r 10 T b S b way rsel . veri W Yukia he S Y aiting e of AS th to y y gui be Winston se - s he Yukia u u at is hen uch Mi Ma j ad highw ay kia’s and fi yo B) s s f “ shed di di man o Have of m the was nd without f t ch ae . ybe i Pathway u o ng in s T smay el or e has D a It u as J for Hop h u not co America. h mbe w o in and ds rger co Lansi ivi our POH e ager c hand rd e is “south ans poor Pa re b her urag c I l has scri Pat uld He rac he e sion. of ed, an the B ady give e not t r f ss y lead ow n loo , ev ing; . meet Irv r sh hway su corn ar ng elet ptur her comp Sw invited o eous Lo not st fo 1 h er ne co t e d to p r, in strong 7-yea up ories eater land Ambe t r tt, amaged po they hr an so n s l im yo mmanded e Yuki do ives. e t p o and ! als he to and l in let e o r f the os ver st ems. u Do - g t f r-ol o sel are ea c an sib an L i need e r r go a el ro on t se the Heartland oo or nco not to o dily eb d l decided d l d als ly his F d l wor t f, l pr c gen r o fo s o and e or s up a er urage p ed. tep co . ok igh s o te i hel r r y L to idi nt paw t n ou ins th s tly t. ou? ifi H ntin e h h t f suc ed ven ng s p elped De or er u d c st re uc tance, t used m ate successful pay p o owner ce a nn eps fro on ue - an so sle ro cess ll a t ss make n is hough o lut d m per ev Y ity ws w h w for b Jol refriger po u er when fuly it ac io h a e ty kia h ly o in s o yo r ns t nai k w , f he ch. a and has taxes . Bu a lif o o u PO J Th to It’ t or rd l rk a o ne r e to Yuki ato She c i J li H s e p n ac dan er r l hie wo may ng to w i esil ay t p fe’ S s cl ob t r. hat he h alv t to ush i water qualify is ve o rk a’ en ; e a s n, des iency a repair s now t ation ass pr large t. w nd hr he I dog for owa, cr i ob l ow umed Des r l , ibes i war - ngness fo t Ar po h her c ir L yo o r at a a rt my rps d e n Habitat Y u and ion sin qual Ke one uki o wo l ff g l ey o a ic Ci it st f r er, as ta ked y St t ep he de r t a o hat s n l ucc per wit g, co e rps Lansi h ss s on ful o f ng fi co ce c m r api ; pl M Jo e tal e rdan ti mb Ed on area er uc Dow of be Lo New s a o di Path A t en f te t, rec the n Lansi 2 yo l wa y t rel 7 o o is Us La r ad - ur Da p o e not e ng n Pa o f a s a co ta f fro soc w i ge n Ci sed Ho ith g, rp a tadel i onl m al thway pe n c M s . d olo par servic i ce n pr a ch Y y O n c ou’ ogram . ase w utc i r d , tner T tr alu nte C es. ech co re api ll omes orker; po r mmuni . age tal fi e Pi n s s nd a. salv ology r Fe of c tin g Area t tured nc Yukia ab o • this Us at ies, ty H Succes Co at ion b ( l • ut ut m • and e ur ope t o in-d e busi Fun m s In r) Pa thwa can and ar e : her corp M s dr ness s my. o ajor pth St cel son ais a Ann ori orat ebrate ssi P es ing r l at g/u y e o st s e o a o Irvine, sc/ p nd k f int i Y • ual n ukialo Ho at T o chur mi rai at fun pe the hw nistr ning ve R ches drai has W a i e y ni inst -o f-h y. sing po tia ti j o ust n’ o s rt p v p lans e e

Photo by Major Jim Irvine 11

March Prayer Calendar

My Prayer List Day Bible Reading Pray for The Salvation Army

Members of the POH team (l to r): Nan Pahl, social services director; Lt. Jessica Turner, corps 1 Monday Isaiah 58:10-14 Albert Lea, Minn., Corps officer; Elizabeth Clark, lead case manager; Deb Weaver, case manager; Becky Darrow, transitional housing case manager; and Major Matt O’Neil, Brown County area coordinator. 2 Tuesday Exodus 5 Benton Harbor, Mich., Corps Green Bay excels at Pathway of Hope, expands use 3 Wednesday Genesis 3 Cape Girardeau, Mo., Corps 4 Thursday Exodus 7:15-24 Chicago Midwest, Ill., Corps by Nan Pahl 5 Friday Exodus 8 Sri Lanka Territory he Salvation Army of progress happens based on the fam - Greater Green Bay, Wis., ilies setting goals with case man - 6 Saturday Exodus 9 Retired officers was honored to be chosen in agers and their hard work in the T 7 Sunday Exodus 10 Dubuque, Iowa, Corps 2011 as one of three pilot areas of employment, education, sites for Pathway of Hope (POH). It budgeting and financial counseling, 8 Monday Psalm 23 Farmington Hills, Mich., Corps was a tremendous experience, and parenting, personal counseling and the staff enjoyed working with this spiritual care. Key to promoting suc - 9 Tuesday Proverbs 12:15-18 Green Bay, Wis., Kroc Center new strengths-based approach to cess are the Army’s long-standing case management with families. The community partnerships with Uni - 10 Wednesday Exodus 12:1-28 Hong Kong and Macau social services department continued versity of Wisconsin-Madison for to work with POH to identify fami - nutrition classes which are individ - 11 Thursday Exodus 12:29-36 Divisional youth events lies who could benefit from it, meet - ualized and conducted in homes, ing enrollment goals several times Catholic Charities for budget and fi - 12 Friday Exodus 12:37-42 Independence, Mo., Corps and seeing several families complete nancial counseling and debt man - the initiative. agement programming, and with 13 Saturday Psalm 25 Candidates In early 2019 we began to explore EPH for the provision of housing at 14 Sunday Proverbs 13:1-12 Kokomo, Ind., Corps with divisional headquarters the ex - no cost to the families while they pansion of POH with our housing are working hard in the initiative. 15 Monday Exodus 13:17-22 Livingston County, Mich., Corps program. We already worked on The pandemic has not dampened long-term case management with the spirits of our staff or families. 16 Tuesday Exodus 14:5-14 Mattoon, Ill., Corps our transitional housing families, so Families adjusted to working from 17 Wednesday Exodus 14:15-29 Malawi Territory including POH seemed logical. An - home and to teaching their children other significant factor was the tran - in virtual schooling. Several families 18 Thursday Exodus 15:1-21 Mitchell, S.D., Corps sitional housing program’s exited POH positively during the collaboration for more than 30 years first several months of the pan - 19 Friday Exodus 15:22-27 Music ministries with the Ecumenical Partnership for demic. Staff and Lt. Jessica worked Housing (EPH), a network of more to support families during this chal - 20 Saturday Exodus 16 Ottawa, Ill., Corps than 20 churches which provides lenging time by providing services and maintain the housing units. So, and making 245 spiritual/emotional 21 Sunday Psalm 27 Quincy, Ill., Kroc Center POH’s spiritual component seemed care contacts virtually or by phone. a perfect fit. They also got creative by delivering 22 Monday Proverbs 13:13-25 Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Corps We hired a new transitional hous - Easter baskets, summer fun care 23 Tuesday Exodus 20:1-20 Sturgis, Mich., Corps ing team in fall 2019 to lead this ini - kits, learning sheets and food tiative. They worked with Lt. Jessica pantry via porch visits even while 24 Wednesday Numbers 13:1-24 Denmark and Greenland Turner, Green Bay corps officer, to Wisconsin had a safer at home identify ways for the spiritual com - order, and Christmas cards and ac - 25 Thursday Numbers 13:25-32 St. Paul Eastside, Minn., Corps ponent to be incorporated in the tivities during the holiday season. work with families. Lt. Jessica is the We were excited to be a POH 26 Friday Joshua 1 Waukegan, Ill., ARC first point of contact for families pilot and now are equally excited 27 Saturday Psalm 29 Sunday school teachers who want pastoral care. If they don’t about fully incorporating this ap - already have a church home and proach into our housing program, 28 Sunday Proverbs 14:1-12 Kalamazoo, Mich., Corps they are interested, she offers to knowing it will help families make connect them with the corps or one significant, lasting change. 29 Monday Joshua 3 Davenport, Iowa, Corps of the EPH churches. Editor’s note: The Salvation Army in 30 Tuesday Joshua 6 Norridge, Ill., Corps “The families are open for me to Greater Green Bay, Wis., was recog - pray with them and offer support,” nized in 2020 with the Achievement 31 Wednesday Judges 6:11-23 Social justice said the lieutenant. “It’s encouraging Award for excellence in Pathway of to me that people are open to hear - Hope. Go to www.salarmycentral.org *ARC = Adult Rehabilitation Center ing the gospel and letting me be part If you follow the prayer calendar during the year, of their lives.” you will have read through the Bible! By December 2019, the transi - tional housing team was enrolling its first families into the new and im - proved POH housing program. Uti - lizing the URICA (the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale), the Herth Hope Index assess - ment and the Self-Sufficiency Ma - trix, in addition to regular intake materials, helped the team identify the families best suited for this new approach and the opportunity to re - side in our transitional housing units. In its first year, the team enrolled 25 families in POH. Several families have completed the initiative and moved into long-term safe and stable housing in the community. This 12 A safe harbor in life’s storms

by Kelly Carver n the beginning, I felt very ashamed and guilty “Ifor relapsing after being in recovery for five years. I felt like I let myself down, that I let God down,” said Steve Grube about his jour - ney to the Indianapolis, Ind., Harbor Light Center more than a decade ago. “I made the choice to come to Harbor Light because I knew people who completed treatment there,” he explained. “I wanted to succeed with my recovery program, too.” When he arrived, staff greeted him with open arms, encour - pates in the Harbor Light’s Cele - agement that he was doing the right brate Recovery where he shares his thing and he could overcome his ad - story and how God is the source diction to alcohol and strengthen his and power in his recovery. relationship with God. For instance, “Steve is a great encourager, al - Major Joyce Smelser a few days after starting inpatient adult rehabilitation centers (ARC) ways remembering others’ special Major Joyce during their 40-year tenure as offi - treatment, he seemed depressed but days and occasions,” said Envoy a Harbor Light employee and friend, Smelser, nee cers. They retired in 2000 from the Charlotte Coffer, who leads the cen - Benner, 84, was Kansas City, Mo., ARC where Lou - Ricky, noticed. “Ricky encouraged ter. “He is faithful in pouring into me and told me I was doing the right promoted to Etta was director of special services. others what God has poured into Glory on No - things. He told me that I should feel him.” Throughout their lives, LouEtta good about myself for making the vember 5, and John loved to travel and made choice to come to rehab for my alco - “Being part of The Salvation 2020. Passion - it to all 50 of the United States. hol addiction.” Army means a lot to me because I ate about her They also enjoyed several trips can love others the same way I was calling to serve overseas. At the Harbor Light Center, there loved. We don’t judge here,” shared the Lord, she are two sides to the recovery pro - Steve. “Harbor Light is so much dedicated her LouEtta was preceded in death by gram. The first is medical treatment more than a recovery center for me. life to minister - her husband and brothers. She is and emotional support to learn to I don’t go to NA [Narcotics Anony - ing through His Word and loving survived by two sons, Daniel and live a life without drugs or alcohol, mous] meetings anymore. I come people in His name. Marc; two daughters Deborah the second is spiritual healing. Drumm and Judith Harrington; here for spiritual food and my re - Joyce was born and raised in Sagi - “When you come into the treat - covery continues because of my re - niece and “daughter-at-heart” Cindy naw, Mich., where she accepted Milligan; nine grandchildren, sev - ment center, you walk in and go to lationship with God, the church Christ at a vacation Bible school as a the left side for medical treat - services and support found here.” eral great grandchildren and one child. While attending Michigan great-great grandson. She is also ment. To the right, you’ll find the Shortly after concluding treat - State University she met George chapel,” Steve explained. “Harbor survived by sisters Shirley Mounce ment, Steve also began working in Smelser. They married in 1956 and and Brenda Luchauer. Light offers support from a medical the Harbor Light kitchen. Since started a family. The Smelsers first standpoint, but if you’re looking for then, he has held several positions encountered The Salvation Army in Major Alma Thompson a relationship with God and to find and today works as a security guard 1965 and immediately knew it was happiness and peace within your - for the center, but it’s not just a job where God wanted them. In 1966 Major Alma self, they can help you with that, to Steve. He wants to give back by they entered officer training and Thompson, too.” showing others the same kindness were commissioned in 1968 as part nee Darling, Once he completed the treatment he experienced. “I want people to of the “Messengers of the Faith” ses - was promoted program in 2015, Steve became an know that they are welcome here sion. to Glory on November 22, adherent of the Indianapolis, Ind., and will have love and support The Smelsers began and ended Harbor Light Corps, where he has while they are going through treat - 2020. Alma their years of service in adult reha - lived with pur - worshipped and served faithfully ment. I want them to know they are bilitation centers (ARC), formerly wherever he’s needed. He partici - not alone.” pose and was men’s social services. In between, generous with they served as corps officers, at her time, re - Western Divisional Headquarters sources and talents. She loved peo - and at Territorial Headquarters. ple and was always ready to share a They retired in 1995 from the Rock - word of encouragement along with ford, Ill., ARC where Joyce served as her homemade jam and cookies. Kitted up for the Cold director of special services. Alma first entered officership as a despite COVID-19 Joyce is survived by her husband; single woman. While leading the children, Christine (Nelson) Mc - Omaha North Side, Neb., Corps she Crady, Brian (Mary) and Bradley met and fell in love with Paul (Chantel); and many grandchildren Thompson. She resigned her com - and great-grandchildren. mission in 1956 and they married. Major LouEtta Sullivan After starting a family while sol - diering at the Omaha Citadel Corps, Major Lou - Paul entered officer training in Etta Sullivan, 1969, and Alma was reaccepted as nee Milligan, an officer. was promoted For 33 years Alma and Paul to Glory on Oc - served as corps officers throughout tober 29, 2020. the Midwest. Alma’s passion for LouEtta was sharing the Gospel and gift of hospi - born on Febru - tality served her well throughout ary 13, 1937, in her officership and into retirement, Mitchell, Ind. when she remained a faithful sol - She married dier and leader at the Omaha John G. Sullivan at age 18. Called to Citadel Corps. officership, the young couple en - Alma was preceded in death by tered training in 1959 and were her husband. She is survived by her commissioned on June 6, 1960. children, Major Greg (Lee Ann) Their career took them across the Thompson and Major Patricia (Eric) Central Territory with appointments Johnson; grandchildren, Colin and The 34th Annual Coats for Kids distribution in Indianapolis, Ind., continued with a new as corps officers at New Castle and Shelby; great-grandchildren Tessa drive-thru model that ensured both families and volunteers stayed safe. The program distributed 4,600 coats to families, churches and schools to help children stay warm this Elwood, Ind., and Springfield, Mo. and Bruce; and brother, Darrell winter. Pictured are volunteers with the Indy Fuel Hockey Team mascot. However, they served primarily in Darling.