/ 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 45, Number 12 December 2015 Roberts retire, return to Central Territory s n e

by Christina Holman g d

The General expressed deep grati - Colonels Lonneal and Patty u H

Richardson, while Lt. Colonels e fter 45 years of service, tude to the Roberts for their example v a

and service, and commended them to Mickey and June McLaren repre - D

Chief of the Staff y b

the crowd as true servants of our sented friends. Representing the s

Commissioner William o t

A o Roberts and World Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “When family were the Roberts’ daughters, h P Secretary for Women’s Ministries they said yes to the Lord, they meant Becky Hurula and Barbara Steffes, Commissioner Nancy Roberts it. And when they signed a covenant who cleverly wove together lessons retired. This joyful occasion celebrat - that said we will go wherever we are from their parents’ ministry ing their worldwide service was needed, whenever we are needed, through song with the help of the attended by family, friends and col - they’ve proved it. They proved that Roberts’ grandchildren. The musi - leagues who came from across the what they signed all those 45 years cal presentation was full of memo - country—with many others joining ago means something. And we want ries and laughter and concluded to salute two outstanding leaders of National leaders Commissioners David with the entire family singing, “The the live stream—and was conducted and Barbara Jeffrey by General . The Salvation Army.” Family of God.” The service was held at the In response, Commissioners Dearborn Heights, Mich., Corps, in William and Nancy Roberts shared their home division, Eastern experiences and insights from their Michigan. Led by Commissioner journey. “We could not have written Harold Hinson, it began with a a better story for our lives,” said parade of flags representing the Commissioner Nancy. Commission- countries where the Roberts have er William added, “We have learned served including the United States, that there is value and fulfillment Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Kenya found in serving—leading by serv - and the United Kingdom. ing.” Tributes highlighted the Roberts’ Dr. Joseph Baunoch, the Roberts’ authenticity, compassion, generosity, nephew, shared a beautiful vocal dedication, joy and unequivocal trust solo, “His Grace Still Amazes Me.” General André Cox thanks Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts for their selfless service. in God to direct their lives and min - On the left is Commissioner Silvia Cox. The Roberts’ son, Bill, and grandson, Noah, are flagbearers. istry. Representing officers were Lt. Continued on page 8

A New Perspective

by General André Cox Despite it all, God still went ahead Christmas story small, the humble with his plan of salvation for the which never ceases and the seemingly t is with hearts filled with thanks - world! That is why Christmas is such to amaze me is to insignificant. We giving and praise to God that we a special time. The extraordinary rev - think that God is need to examine our Ishould enter this Christmas sea - elation is that God sees things differ - such a great and hearts as we prepare son. I hope we will all take time ently from us. powerful being, yet for Christmas so we to reflect and contemplate the ever - One of the first things Mary says he still is interested can eliminate all lasting love and eternal plan of salva - in her song of thanksgiving to God in us. That is why thoughts of pride and tion that God has prepared since the is: “My soul glorifies the Lord and Mary rejoices and any spirit of material - beginning of time for all mankind. my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, why we should ism because, in reali - We certainly have had ample for he has been mindful of the hum - rejoice as we look ty, whether we are opportunity to reflect on the bound - ble state of his servant” (Luke 1:46- forward to celebrat - princes or paupers— less love of God to The Salvation 48). ing the coming of or the General of Army throughout this milestone year Christ that changed the course of The Salvation Army—we are pretty We see here a clear distinction of the 150th anniversary celebra - human history. God is ready to stoop insignificant! between the values of God and those tions. Once again, now, we think of down and even to use imperfect men of mankind. God is ready to give his Christmas is about the fact that the extravagant love of God who and women to accomplish his plan. all to save men and women like you God came specifically to establish a gave us the greatest gift of all, know - and me. God is the God of eternity, Despite his power, God is happy to relationship with us, and his glory ing full well that most of us would he is the Almighty and yet he shows show mercy to the small, insignifi - is manifested in the lives of ordi - not realize the value. his love and concern for weak, cant and imperfect people that we nary humble people. Christmas is a Isaiah wrote: “He had no beauty or imperfect human beings. are. People give honor and glory to time of great joy and peace for all majesty to attract us to him, nothing what appears to be powerful and mankind. The subject of great joy expressed in his appearance that we should wealthy in this world. God does by Mary is a subject of great joy for I pray that we will experience the desire him. He was despised and exactly the opposite. God looks at us all. Yet she continues with anoth - wonder of that reality in our lives rejected by mankind, a man of suf - humanity with love and mercy, er outpouring of thanksgiving and this Christmas time and that we fering, and familiar with pain. Like which is what the story of Christmas joy: “For the Mighty One has done will show it wherever we are! one from whom people hide their is all about. great things for me …” (Luke 1:49). faces he was despised, and we held God turns the value scales upside (Scripture quotations from the New

him in low esteem” (Isaiah 53:2-3). One of the elements of the down and shows his love for the International Version. )

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Y M R A N O I T A V L A S E H T 2 On the fringes of faith undoubtedly busy, people on the fringes of faith, who are ready to by Lt. Colonel Renea Smith hear about God’s love, are right in Assistant Territorial Secretary for Personnel front of us. Many meet us at our front door. love this time of year! Oh, I know more open to hearing about God? Are you ready? There’s someone the pace can be frenetic or even Early in my officership I realized who needs to hear about Jesus, Ichaotic. There are baskets to fill, occasions like the birth of a child or someone who needs to know God gifts to buy, kettles to put out and death of a loved one presented I think Christmas is also a time loves them. Are your eyes wide pick up, money to count, programs moments when people on the fringes when people on the fringes of faith open? There’s someone waiting to plan—the list goes on! Still, there’s of faith seemed most open to hearing crack open the doors of their hearts around the corner. Seize the oppor - excitement in the air, and I can’t about God’s love. These were non- to the message of God’s love. tunity to share Christ! keep joy from bubbling up! negotiable ministry moments for me. Just thinking about past “Let me tell you why you are Have you ever noticed there are They were sacred, holy opportunities Christmases and the opportunities not to be missed. here. You’re here to be salt-season - distinct moments when people are I’ve had to share my faith fills me ing that brings out the God-flavors with joy. Every Christmas season of this earth…You’re here to be God has put people in my path who light, bringing out the God-colors in have been ready to hear about His the world. God is not a secret to be love. They have been in nursing kept. We’re going public with this, homes and hospitals, at a table regis - as public as a city on a hill. If I tering for Christmas assistance, at a make you light-bearers, you don’t Christmas in the Motor City civic party, volunteering, picking up think I’m going to hide you under a food baskets, counting money at the bucket, do you? I’m putting you on corps or running the coin machine at a light stand. Now that I’ve put you he overwhelming generosity the bank, checking out my groceries, of people in the Detroit metro - there on a hilltop, on a light stand— wrapping gifts during a women’s shine! Keep open house; be gener - Tpolitan area shines through at auxiliary meeting or praying at the Christmastime. ous with your lives. By opening up altar on an Advent Sunday. to others, you’ll prompt people to Responding to the jingling of volun - We Salvationists are blessed. God open up with God, this generous teers’ bells at hundreds of storefronts has provided us unique opportunities Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 throughout the region, thousands of to connect with people. While we are (The Message) people generously drop change and more into kettles to support critical services. With the support of the Army’s corporate partners in the region, each year ad promo - Upcoming Youth Events Detroiters tion by the not only company’s meet but CEO pro - exceed the vides a Refuel: Army’s powerful annual red hike in a gathering for youth leaders kettle goal, donations setting a during the record of final days February 9-12, 2016 Cost: $100 nearly $9 of red ket - million last Christmas. tles. Wonderland Camp and Conference Center Among local corporations providing Another corporate partner, the both monetary and volunteer support upscale Royal Park Hotel in subur - Featuring – Dr. Richard Swenson is Quicken Loans. The company not ban Detroit, raises funds by selling only sponsors “the world’s tallest ket - commemorative “bricks” for its Register online www.centralyouthnetwork.com tle” in downtown Detroit’s bustling giant gingerbread house displayed Cadillac annually in its lobby. In addition, Square, it par - the hotel donates one dollar for ticipates in a every dessert sold in its restaurants Regeneration 2016 noontime bell - during the season! ringing compe - The Detroit Red Wings hockey The territory’s conference for young adults, ages 18-29 tition called team, another long-time corporate “Metal in the partner, stages a stiff bellringing Kettle,” which competition between its head coach February 12-14, 2016 Cost: $50 generated and general manager supported by more than Red Wings players who exchange Wonderland Camp and Conference Center $75,000 in one autographs for kettle donations at hour last year! locations throughout the Detroit www.saregeneration.com In addition, a area. The team also hosts red ket - matching-gift tles at four home games to encour - radio and TV age fan support! Central Get Connection Connected! Check out our complementary material on the web. THE SALVATION ARMY salarmycentral.org 5550 Prairie Stone Pkwy • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 847-294-2000 Resources/Links WILLIAM AND Registration for Refuel and Regeneration Founder For late breaking news, ANDRÉ COX Officer Candidates’ website General World Missions website COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILER Territorial Commander visit our website! Volunteer webpage DOUGLAS M cDANIEL General’s website Executive Director of Development ELIZABETH KINZIE Youth Department website Editorial Director Boundless Bible Challenge ANNE URBAN Editor/Writer Log on to salarmycentral.org Media JACQUELYN BENTSON Communications Specialist Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts’ BRITTANY CHINN retirement service by General Circulation Manager KENNETH ROMIN Angel Tree video Graphic Design and Production VISIT OUR WEBSITE— Web exclusives www.salarmycentral.org Christmas greetings to international Centralites 1-800-SALARMY Red Kettle Rundown of Race Day by Kristin Pike 3 50 years of caroling!

his month the Port Huron, Twenty years Mich., Corps is celebrating later, Bandmaster Tthe 50th anniversary of its Ray Everitt annual community carol revived his par - sing, an event with even deeper ents’ idea and roots. asked his wife, At the start of World War II, Dorothy, to host a Adjutant and Mrs. Cyril Everitt real - refreshment period afterward. The singers and musicians to local church sentations, prayer and Christian ized the community’s need to join carol sing was a hit and introduced or school choirs or other music songs and carols, as well as some together and celebrate the Christmas the community to the corps’ newly groups. Volunteers assist with deco - secular carols,” Major Kirk contin - season. They staged a carol sing dedicated building. rating, band and corps members ued. emceed by Corps Sergeant-Major Today the carol sing attracts an donate cookies, and advisory board He concluded, “We expect this Frank Staiger (who also was Port average 350 people, according to and women’s auxiliary members year’s event to be particularly mem - Huron’s mayor) in a school gymnasi - Majors Kirk and Carolyn Schuetz, help serve. orable as we recognize Ray and um each year until the war ended in corps officers. Special guests are fea - “The entire event is an evangelical Dorothy Everitt for their outstand - 1945. tured each year, ranging from Army outreach with a devotional message, ing service and contributions to the scripture reading, dramatic Bible pre - community over the years.”

A bridge to Blue Island

or the second year at the Cross Generations Corps Fin Blue Island, Ill., sol - diers, trained in evange - lism and ready to share their faith, are helping at the toy shop. It’s a result of a STEPs (Strategic Tool to Engage Potential) goal of having 10 soldiers trained in evangelism and ready to share their testimony with families at the Christmas toy shop. “It was the first time many of our corps people participated in any efforts of Christmas distribution,” said Captain Bersabe Vera, who reported her soldiers were able to talk and pray with every family. “We want to reach people for

God and bring them to The t i k l

Salvation Army,” said the captain. o family came into the corps, they o T d l e

In an effort to build her soldiers’ were ushered into the chapel for a i h confidence in evangelizing, Captain welcome, prayer, devotional and S d e

Bersabe asked Major Joseph Wheeler, short Christmas performance. After R e h then-territorial evangelist and spiritu - the performance, families were t m o r

al formation secretary, to teach on given the opportunity to pray with f o t

evangelism one Sunday after the soldiers who were standing ready o h worship service. The training was a in the chapel, thanks to their train - P success and soldiers reported they ing. More than 25 families sought were more ready to reach out and prayer, and four families have since pray with others. attended a worship service. Last year the Cross Generations Captain Bersabe plans on contin - toy shop served close to 400 families, uing this more family-oriented 100 at a time in hour-long incre - approach with outreach and prayer Invite others to come celebrate ments. The focus was on family, during the Christmas toy shop community and prayer. As soon as a every year. by Major David Gorton ers. After all, we are celebrating the s we celebrate the birth of birth of the Christ child and repre - the Christ child, let us turn senting Him to the world, whether Aour thoughts to others, at a community carol sing, remembering the reason Christmas toy and food distribu - He came: to redeem the world and tion, manning a kettle or Angel reconcile it unto Himself. With more tree, participating in community people coming through our doors care visits or throwing parties for during this season than any other children. Let’s be ready to share the time of the year, why wouldn’t we hope that is within us—our reason invite them to celebrate Christ’s to celebrate. And let’s be intention - New birth with us? Let’s not keep to our - al in welcoming others to be part of selves the Good News that is joy giv - our community of faith. Members ing and life transforming. The territorial evangelism and Rather, let us be outward looking, corps growth and the music and inviting family, friends, neighbors gospel arts departments have joined and community members to join us together to produce excellent in worship and the many corps pro - resource materials to enhance the July - September 2015 grams, activities and events that can worship experiences at your corps enrich their holidays and give them during Advent. They are designed an opportunity for involvement and not only to help Salvationists cele - 81 Senior Soldiers belonging, not only now but in the brate in meaningful ways but to new year. clearly share the gospel. Sure, our schedules are bursting at So, invite others to come cele - 4 Adherents the seams, and it’s easy to get caught brate Christ’s birth this season. It up in planning programs and serving can change a life. It can infuse new 42 Junior Soldiers others. But let’s make the season momentum into your corps. And it count even more with thoughtful just might make this your most ministry and connections with oth - meaningful Christmas yet. 4 Helping others: a Christmas

Each holiday season Salvationists spend thousands of hours helping make a happier Christmas for others by sharing the Good News of the birth of Christ and providing practical assistance. Many people in our communities join with us, some making it a lifelong tradition, even one that’s passed down generations. Here are just a few we thought you should meet.

Generations of generosity

by Samantha Hyde of the Kiwanis Club with unmatched he Murphy family’s history enthusiasm. His bright pink bellring - of volunteering with The ing hat and way with kids made an TSalvation Army reaches back impression on thousands of shoppers at least six generations. at Indianapolis’ Castleton Square Porter Murphy became a living leg - Mall. end among central Indiana bell - “Dad taught us to be involved,” ringers, manning his kettle on behalf explained his son Bill. “And if you couldn’t put your money there, you put your Brothers David and Bill Murphy on air during 2014 WIBC Radiothon heart.” After Porter’s passing, Bill and his brother they could but David decided to “tithe just needed a back to the community.” boost, something They started with an to push them hourly sponsorship of along in a more the WIBC Radiothon successful life.” benefitting The Salvation The extended Army Bed & Bread Club Murphy family in Indianapolis, but it signed up to vol - wasn’t long before they unteer at Coats were ready to tackle for Kids at the more hands-on work Indiana State that would pass along Fairgrounds, an the lesson of giving to event coordinated the next generation. by The Salvation “Our parents learned Army that helps things that, fortunately, thousands of kids David and Jane Murphy with Majors Bob and Collette Webster our children never had stay warm each to learn the hard way,” winter. hats. Now four generations of said David of the values When the family learned that Murphys help kids choose the per - he and his brother wit - gloves and hats often run out fect hats and gloves each year. nessed first-hand. “They before the end of the day, they “It’s one of those rare opportuni - didn’t hesitate to try to decided to start a new tradition of ties where you do something, and help people who really David Murphy and Annie Yelverton assemble Christmas giving with an annual donation of you get an immediate positive stockings for deployed troops. needed a hand, people 3,000 pairs of gloves and 3,000 response,” recalled David. “A child’s who were doing the best face literally lights up when they put on that hat that you gave them.” In 2014 David Murphy connected The Salvation Army with a U.S. Army Reserve unit based out of Indianapolis. During the live broad - cast of the WIBC Radiothon, the Murphy family helped stuff hun - dreds of Christmas stockings for Indiana soldiers overseas in Africa and the Middle East. The care pack - ages were such a success that the Murphys have made a donation to help package more stockings this Christmas. They’ll be back during the 2015 radiothon this month to help assemble the new care pack - ages. The Murphys continue to find cre - ative ways to give time, talent and treasure to help The Salvation Army in central Indiana. “The Salvation Army struck a tone and a chord with me,” said Bill. “Because of not only the great work they do in the community, but their efficiencies in putting the money right where the need is. Obviously there’s a lot more need than we can possibly fulfill, but they’re always standing in the breach.” Three generations of Murphy family at the 2014 Coats for Kids distribution 5 tradition

Ringing half a century

his Christmas season marks form. Bud and his brother also expe - 55 years of ringing bells at rienced firsthand the same dedica - Tkettles for 90-year-old Bud tion and care when they served in Schmitt, who is known WWII. throughout the Peoria community as As for Bud’s support during the one of The Salvation Army’s biggest kettle campaigns, he simply said, proponents. “Somebody has to do it, and it might “Our kettle campaign would not be as well be me!” the same without the help and lead - Thanks to Bud’s efforts the 45- ership from Bud Schmitt,” said Chris member East Peoria Rotary Club is Kennedy, Heartland divisional devel - the top fundraising organization in the opment director. “He has organized community. In its years of volunteer - the effort of the East Peoria Rotary ing, the club has raised over $300,000, Club for over 35 years and has a which far exceeds amounts raised by handwritten log for each location any other service organization. and the amount raised by the mem - bers and their families.” In recent years Bud has taken on additional responsibilities working Bud attributes his dedication to with the area kettle coordinators to volunteering for The Salvation Army orchestrate delivery of kettles at to the influence of his father, who check-out counters, restaurants and served in WWI and returned with a gas stations. Bud’s unyielding loyalty fondness for The Salvation Army to the Army even meant once sched - because of the care and commitment uling his kettle routes and collections the Army showed to men in uni - around major surgery.

Bud said what he likes best is knows his dad would approve of engaging with those who come by his efforts and is happy to serve his kettle. From a simple nod to a his community and The Salvation Paying it forward hearty “Merry Christmas,” Bud Army at Christmas.

his month Cindy Traylor completes Toy time! T23 consecutive years serving at The Salvation Army Toy Shop ary Jo distribution in Grand Williams’ Rapids, Mich. Not only Mmatter-of- that, but in the last five she fact atti - has recruited her daughter, tude about serving Jamie, 23, to join. is refreshing, if not Jamie, who has watched a little unusual. Not Cindy volunteer for years— only is she in her not just with The Salvation 35th year of volun - Army but for other organi - teering at The zations and philanthropic Salvation Army Toy events—didn’t require Shop in much convincing to get in Minneapolis, Minn., on the action. It’s some - where she manages, thing she’s seen bring joy organizes and sorts not only to others but to the warehouses’ toy Cindy as well. “Serving just donations, but every makes you feel good,” year she gives up a Cindy said. week of vacation to s e

do it! k r Both Cindy and Jamie i D g love their yearly task of “I’ve never seen i a r table host leader, where what the big deal is C y b

about it,” said Mary o

they ensure clients have the t o Jo, who has worked h best possible selection of P age appropriate gifts. at a social services They’re motivated by seeing the organization for the she was the youngest person on the happy looks on parents’ faces when Christmastime all the other kids last 37 years. “I’m just doing what team and enjoyed it from the begin - they find the perfect toy. were so happy, but it wasn’t a joyful I’m doing because I enjoy it, and if ning. Her avenue to volunteering at “When you see a parent get the time for me. I was worried, ‘Would nothing else, you do it because you the toy shop was just about as unas - perfect gift, and it makes their day, it there be any presents for me?’” can.” suming as her attitude about serving makes you feel great,” Jamie said. recalled Cindy. She felt the pressure Mary Jo was born and raised in there—she found a help wanted Cindy added she loves to think of all and anxiety of going back to school, Minnesota, and her parents always advertisement in the local paper. the children she is making happy on having someone ask what she’d encouraged giving back. Now in It clicked with her work schedule Christmas morning. received and not being able to their 80s, they still volunteer for at the time, and given her back - answer. Aside from this, Cindy has an even community groups to this day. Mary ground in social services, she was more personal motivation she “I don’t know if people are really Jo’s daughter volunteers regularly as happy to serve people in need and believes brings her back to this par - aware of what this ministry means well. work behind the scenes. ticular ministry year after year. for a child,” said Cindy. “I know “Sometimes I hear folks say they “It’s a hard situation to have to what it means. To give a child a gift “Growing up my family was real can’t find the time, but you have to depend on the community for your and know that it will make them make time for what’s important. kids’ Christmas. I enjoy making this poor. My parents didn’t have any smile and feel special is really money, and I remember at That’s real life,” she said. easier on everyone—especially the important to me.” When Mary Jo started 35 years ago parents,” she said. 6 730 and Beyond and who are open to prompts possibilities the possibility God is calling them to officership. It’s a by Captain Rachel Stouder down a path outside His will. safe environment for asking questions and he 730 and Beyond Saturday morning workshops, addressing their Conference provided an ranging from personal leadership individual concerns Texcellent opportunity for development to the daily life of a in community with both the convergence and corps officer, challenged delegates in others seeking direc - divergence of paths leading to the the Explore and Discover tracks, as tion for their lives.” acceptance of God’s invitation to full - did a workshop Fellowship opportunities abounded. time ministry. While the weekend’s designed specifically for emphasis was clearly on officership, potential candidates delegates could choose one of three from adult rehabilita - different tracks to future leadership. tion centers. In the “Experience” track, candi - On Saturday after - dates for the 2016 session tasted life noon the Explore track at the College for Officer Training for received practical infor - most of the weekend while the mation on candidate “Discover” track exposed prospective finances, preparing for candidates to the array of Army min - student life and emo - istry opportunities and the “Explore” tional health and well - track encouraged and informed those ness, followed by a who believe they’ve been called to question and answer officership in the near future. session, while the Major Tricia The conference began on a Friday Discover track split into three groups Taube, evening with united worship and a to visit the Chicago North Side Adult territorial message from Lt. Colonel Ralph Rehabilitation Center, the Chicago candidates’ Bukiewicz. During Saturday morning Englewood Corps Red Shield Center secretary devotions, Major Tricia Taube, terri - and the Metropolitan Division’s s n e Emergency Disaster Services ware - g torial candidates’ secretary, urged d Delegates enter into worship. u house. Many delegates reported how

H delegates to yearn for contentment i k c amazed they were by the scope of i with God but to pay attention to the N d stirring nature of discontentment. ministries they observed and some n a

p gained new perspectives on how God i She suggested it could be a nudging l A

h could use them in the Army.

t from the Holy Spirit to go in a new e n n direction. But our examination of dis - Major Taube concluded, e K t contentment must be done in part - Christmas in the trenches e “Candidates’ weekends are for peo - d a nership with God or our interpreta -

C ple who are asking themselves hard y b tion and response could lead us questions about ministry and service s This year with the 40th anniversary of the end of Viet Nam War, o t o h we share a Christmas reflection by Major Herb Fuqua. P

he 115 degree heat had melt - using?” ed into the high 90’s by “I have no idea,” the soldier shot TChristmas Eve 1968. It was back while flipping to the familiar my fifth night in Viet Nam. green book cover of The Salvation Jungles and rice paddies would be Army’s Caroler’s Favorites. my home for the next 360 days. My new companion? An M-60 machine “Hey, I know that book inside gun. I had been assigned as a out! God bless you guys and have a “ground pounder” in the 25th Merry Christmas!” I hollered as Infantry Division. they rolled down the path. A small band of us “new guys” As I walked back to my “holding were given green cots and ordered to pen” with a grin and a warm heart, stay in the confines of a small out - God put His hand on my shoulder door barbed wire holding pen. and whispered “It’s going to be OK , Herb. I am with you—and so is As a lifelong Salvationist I would your beloved Salvation Army.” normally be found on Christmas Eve playing my horn at a red kettle Only the Lord knows how stand. My mind drifted back to 1966 Salvation Army band books ended Members of the Discover track visited the Chicago North Side Adult Rehabilitation Center. in downtown Minneapolis where our up in Viet Nam. All I know is brass ensemble, comprised of Steve sleeping on a green Army cot in 95- Fjellman, Major Harold Hulteen and degree mosquito-infested heat on Bill Roberts (son), filled the 10-degree Christmas Eve wasn’t so bad after night air with notes of hope pointing all. Sneak peek at college life to the Christ of Christmas. A famished mosquito eat - ing supper on my sweaty 20- by Makayla Broer the weekend would be about turn - year-old neck snapped me ing questions into exclamations, he back to the present and my riday night worship at the added. incredible aloneness. The 730 and Beyond Conference haunting question resur - Fwas great, but the really We learned about life at the faced, “What would happen exciting part for me came at CFOT from classes, spiritual forma - to my beautiful young wife, the evening’s end when those of us tion and community to childcare, expecting our first child in registered in the conference’s food service and uniforms. It was eight weeks, if I didn’t make “Experience” (candidates) track great to get insights from cadets, it back?” departed to stay at the College for making me even more excited to be part of it! Suddenly, “Joy to the Officer Training (CFOT) for the rest World” pierced my thoughts of the weekend. After a whirlwind tour of and the sticky darkness. It On Saturday morning Major Steve Chicago, that evening Lt. Kelly was being played by a brass Yoder led prayers and spoke on the Hanton, Elgin, Ill., corps officer, quartet on the back of a U.S. difference between a calling from challenged us to live with convic - Army truck going by. The God and a good idea of your own. “If tions of steel. arrangement sounded so it’s hard, beyond your wildest I left the conference feeling full familiar. In Viet Nam? Could dreams and outside of your comfort of joy, peace and excitement about it be? zone, then it’s God’s idea. He’ll my calling. I was blown away by Begging the sergeant never call you to what you can han - the intentionality of every person guarding us for permission to dle because then you won’t need involved in the event, which was run after the truck, I yelled Him.” He then asked us to chew on filled with glorifying God and lis - up to the first cornet player, three words, “Who am I?” The rest of tening to the Holy Spirit. “What music books are you 7 Words of Life January – April, 2016 The Power of Prayer Prayer is the theme for this year’s Words of Life. This edition zeroes in on the power of prayer as seen at work in three Old January Prayer Calendar Testament books: Genesis, Deuteronomy and Leviticus. In the New Testament we focus on the beauty of the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer’s power is also seen in the Psalms and Proverbs, as well as in various songs and hymns. Guest writer Colonel Henrik Andersen takes us into the Easter season. May the Holy Spirit continue to remind us of My Prayer List Day Bible Reading Pray for The Salvation Army the power of prayer in our everyday lives! 1 Friday Genesis 1-3 Mankato, Minn., Corps Words of Life, The Salvation Army’s international devotional by Major Beverly Ivany, is available from Resource Connection (shop.salvationarmy.org 2 Saturday Joshua 1-5 Mitchell, S.D., Corps or 1-800-937-8896) or digitally from Amazon.com 3 Sunday Psalms 1-2 LaPorte, Ind., Corps

4 Monday Job 1-2 Menasha Fox Cities, Wis., Corps Captains Sergii & 5 Tuesday Isaiah 1-6 Tatiana Kachanov (Canada) Send season’s greetings 6 Wednesday Matthew 1-2 Southeast Michigan ARC*

It’s easier than ever to send Christmas greetings to Centralites serving internationally. 7 Thursday Romans 1-2 Mt. Clemens, Mich., Corps

Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole Captains Jonathan and Catherine Fitzgerald 8 Friday Genesis 4-7 Molin e Heritag e Temple ,Ill. ,Corps Serving at International Headquarters Serving in Jamaica Majors Philip and Sheila Davisson Captains Sergii and Tatiana Kachanov 9 Saturday Joshua 6-10 Logansport, Ind., Corps Serving in Canada Serving in Canada 10 Sunday Psalms 3-5 Northern DHQ** Majors Robert and Rae Doliber Captain Christopher Marques Serving in Haiti Serving in Japan 11 Monday Job 3-4 Manhattan, Kan., Corps Major Violet and Captain Dr. Felix Ezeh Major Cynthia Shellenberger Serving in Jamaica Serving in Australia 12 Tuesday Isaiah 7-11 Elgin, Ill., Corps Major Wes Green Captains Andrew and Melissa Shiels Serving at International Headquarters Serving in Latvia 13 Wednesday Matthew 3-4 Mattoon, Ill., Corps Visit our “Get Connected” website for email and postal addresses. 14 Thursday Romans 3-4 Minneapoli s Central , Minn. ,Corps

15 Friday Genesis 8-11 Territoria l Yout h Ban d an d Chorus

16 Saturday Joshua 11-15 Newton, Iowa, Corps

It’s been a priviledge 17 Sunday Psalms 6-8 Cultural Awareness Sunday

18 Monday Job 5-6 Ludington, Mich., Corps

19 Tuesday Isaiah 12-17 Milwaukee Citadel, Wis., Corps

20 Wednesday Matthew 5-7 Gran d Rapids , Mich. ,Kro c Center National Advisory Board 21 Thursday Romans 5-6 meeting, Tulsa, Ok. 22 Friday Genesis 12-15 St. Louis, Mo., ARC*

23 Saturday Joshua 16-20 Owosso Citadel, Mich., Corps

24 Sunday Psalms 9-11 Muscatine, Iowa, Corps

25 Monday Job 7-8 Madison, Ind., Corps

26 Tuesday Isaiah 18-22 India South Eastern Territor y PIM

27 Wednesday Matthew 8-10 Olathe, Kan., Corps t’s not about me. It’s about serv - ments with increasing levels of ing a very faithful God. What a responsibility in the Western 28 Thursday Romans 7-8 Evanston, Ill., Corps “Iprivilege it has been,” said Major Michigan and Northern Indiana, Barbara MacLean of her retire - Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, 29 Friday Genesis 16-19 O’Fallon, Mo., Corps ment, the ceremony for which was Western, Midland and Indiana divi - conducted by Lt. Colonels John and sions. 30 Saturday Joshua 21-24 Minneapoli sParkview ,Minn. ,Corps Theresa Turner, Eastern Michigan Major Barbara’s most recent 31 Sunday Psalms 12-14 New souls for Christ this divisional leaders, during Sunday appointment was as Indiana divi - Decision Sunday worship at the Indianapolis Eagle sional secretary, followed by four Go to www.prayercentralusa.org for prayer updates. * = Adult Rehabilitation Center Creek, Ind., Corps. ** = Divisional Headquarters months of pro tem service as a divi - If you follow the prayer calendar in the next year, you will have PIM = Partners in Mission Major Flora O’Dell and Major sional pastoral care officer. read through the Bible! Linda Mitchell held the flags, and Shayna Stubblefield, Major Barbara’s step-daughter, sang “Find us faith - ful.” Also present were step-daughter Jamie Curry, step-son John Brandon MacLean and sons-in-law Tarey Stubblefield and James Curry, along with the major’s five grandchildren. Commissioned in 1971 with the “Victorious” session, Barbara served as an assistant corps officer in the Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Division, then as a corps officer in the Indiana Division until she was appointed to the College for Officer Training as a training officer in 1975. She then served as a corps officer in the Heartland Division until 1978 brought her a series of divisional and territorial appoint - 8

Roberts retire Continued from page 1 Commissioners William and Nancy preparing you to step up to the plate were then presented their Certificates and to take that responsibility.” of Retirement by General André and He continued, citing his health Commissioner Silvia Cox. The issues a year ago, “When we didn’t he 63 people at the General recounted, “The events of know what the future held with my Vincennes, Ind., Corps the 2013 High Council led us to work lung cancer diagnosis, with little Twho signed up for the together in a much closer way…I sud - notice you were thrust into addition - Boundless Bible-reading chal - denly realized, ‘Lord I need a Chief al responsibilities and you did so lenge have been reaping the benefits of the Staff,’ and with the turmoil seamlessly, and the work carried on.” of consistent Bible study, reported Lt. growing in my own heart and mind In commenting on their close-knit Curtis and Captain Laura Lunnam, at that time it seemed a ‘big ask.’ I corps officers. Facebook and text believe in all of that soul searching relationship, Commissioner Silvia Cox said to Commissioner Nancy, messages encourage participants to during that time God led me to the read their five chapters during the right people, and I am so grateful to “Thank you for who you are and for being who God wanted you to week in time for discussion in you both because when I asked the Sunday school. Sermons also cover at Breanna James and Alissa Bell read their question, knowing I’d be the third be and for the privilege to work Bibles at the Lansing South Corps. with you.” least one portion of that week’s General to ask you to carry on, the scripture. answer was yes. I believe God chose The celebration’s theme, Participants are getting a deeper you both for a very specific reason. I “Destination Providence,” was “We go over any questions that understanding of the Bible and believe the Army needed experience affirmed time and again showing the may have come up from the readings have become much more comfort - and a steady hand, and God in that Roberts’ lives were appointed every and answer the study guide ques - able discussing scripture.” 45 years of officership had been step of the way, giving glory to God. tions. Many Sundays we struggle to get through all five chapters because of the wonderful discussions we’ve had!” said Lt. Curtis. Captain Laura added, “People call or text us throughout the week with questions, which shows us they’re reading their Bibles.” At the Lansing South, Mich., Corps , 29 participants meet weekly for discussion in separate study groups for men and women. Corps Officer Lt. Dalvius King said, “We use the study guide as an inductive Bible study. We have discussions Caitlin, Cooper and Nathaniel of the about Jesus Christ and make practi - Vincennes Corps love having their own cal applications to our lives. Bibles.

Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts join with their daughters, grandchildren and his father to sing, “Family of God.”

Major Merritt “Mick” Hartley sons, Merritt R. (Florina), Major Racing for the red kettle Curtiss (Sandy) and Gregory Major Merritt (Angie); a daughter-in-law, Vicky; “Mick” Hartley 10 grandchildren and three great- or the last four years, several was promoted to grandchildren. hundred citizens of Des Glory on FMoines, Iowa, have braved September 22, Major Mrs. Barbara McClure the cold for The Salvation 2015. He was 79. On August 15, Army’s Red Kettle 5K. In addition to As a child and 2015, Major supporting the food pantry, the event early teen, Mick Mrs. Barbara also helps to kick off the Red Kettle ran with a rough McClure was Campaign and bring awareness to The crowd. At age 17 promoted to Salvation Army in that community. he left school to Glory. Hosted at beautiful Raccoon River join the U.S. Air Force. While serv - Lake Park, the race brings out volun - ing in Wichita, Kan., a pretty blonde Barbara was teers as early at 6:30 a.m. in general - named Barbara Fellers caught his born in March ly 30 degree temperatures to prepare. eye, and he asked her out. 1932 in Spartanburg, With the backdrop of a misty lake, a Mick and Barbara were married S.C. Starting at a red kettle bounce house is set up for ed by generous sponsors. and settled when Wichita West corps young age she attended the church kids, hot chocolate is prepared in the officers, Captains Ray and Pauline According to Kristin Pike, Des of Christ, and when she was 16 canteen, and a local radio station Wert, paid them a visit, since Moines director of development years old a Salvation Army officer provides music. Officers share with Barbara had once attended the corps. and communications, as a result of led her to Christ at a crusader’s attendees about Salvation Army pro - Although Mick initially resisted, he the race more people have signed meeting in Union, S.C. grams and volunteer opportunities. up to ring bells at kettles, including and Barbara, along with their four With a clang of the bell, the race some new schools and members of boys, eventually started attending the While attending youth councils, starts at 9:00 a.m. Children and adults the local hockey team. The corps, where Mick gave his life to she felt her call to officership. After take off. The top three runners receive Salvation Army also has garnered the Lord. a short time of falling away in her faith, she returned to the corps medals, and all the runners have a more coverage on the news, radio The Hartleys entered training in with even more determination. chance to win one of the prizes donat - and social media. 1964. After being commissioned in Before entering training she served 1966 they served in corps appoint - in youth ministry, as a member of ments in the Kansas and Western the band and often led Sunday wor - Missouri, Heartland, Western and ship songs and testimonies. Indiana divisions. In addition to min - istering, Mick Hartley loved music, Commissioned in the Southern and their family band performed for Territory in 1953, Barbara served in many corps and divisional events. Texas, North Carolina and Oklahoma before she married Mick later served in the territorial Walter McClure in 1956. Their mar - property department, at the St. riage was blessed with one daugh - Louis, Mo., Harbor Light Center and ter and three sons, and together retired in 2000 as the Grand Rapids, they served in corps in Oklahoma Mich., Adult Rehabilitation Center until 1970 when they transferred to director. After retirement he contin - the men’s social services ministry ued to work as a counselor and chap - (now adult rehabilitation centers). lain in substance abuse programs. In 1974 the majors transferred to Major Hartley was preceded in the Central Territory, where they death by Barbara and their youngest continued in men’s social services, son, Anthony. He is survived by his retiring in 1986.