/ 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 50, Number 11 December 2020

Salvation Army sets out Envoy Theo Coleman greets passersby to the pandemic. It’s hoped the ex - COVID-19. Parents are making difficult to rescue Christmas tended fundraising season will help choices between paying bills and buy - offset these challenges. ing Christmas presents for their chil - by Camerin Mattson or below the federal poverty line. Un - “Our hopes are to build awareness dren,” Captain Rich Forney said. “Now fortunately, the elevated need comes in the community about so many fam - more than ever, we need partners to orking people and at a time when the Army expects to ilies who will not be able to have a join with us in taking care of the least tourists in downtown have fewer red kettles out, as well as Christmas celebration,” said Major of these in our community.” Chicago were likely W less foot traffic than in the past, due Victor Stasiuc, Des Plaines, Ill., corps The spotlight at the Aurora, Ill., checking their cal - officer, who rang bells on Michigan Corps helped acquaint the community endars on September 14 when Avenue. His wife, Major Christina, with their new location and brought they came upon an unexpected added that a passerby told them, “If it curious neighbors to their parking lot, sight: red kettles and bell - snows tomorrow, I blame The Salva - including one woman who wants to ringers. As part of The Salva - tion Army.” They all laughed. volunteer and another seeking Christ - tion Army’s early launch of the mas assistance. national Christmas campaign, Though the red kettles didn’t hit the Rescue Christmas, the Metro - streets fulltime until November 9, offi - At the Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps, politan Division posted 75 red cers, soldiers and staff were pleased to staff and volunteers met those seeking kettles along Michigan Avenue raise funds during the launch but the source of the spotlight with Christ - for a one-day event to ring out even more grateful for the local media mas candy and a red kettle. “One cou - the news the fundraising sea - which covered the event, encouraging ple drove from Lombard, saw the red son had begun. viewers and readers to donate online. kettle, realized they didn’t have money on them, drove back home to get cash, For the first time The Salva - Two days later a spotlight shone then came back to make a donation,” tion Army launched the into the night sky from each of the di - said Cathleen Himes, Oakbrook Ter - Christmas campaign two vision’s 28 corps, announcing the race resource development director. months early, a change moti - early launch of the Christmas cam - vated by the ongoing financial paign and signifying the hope that “Even in the darkest times The Sal - hardship brought on by shines from each of these locations. vation Army continues to be a shining COVID-19. In the Metropoli - At the Elgin, Ill., Corps, the spotlight light,” said Major Caleb Senn, Oak - tan Division, some corps have was accompanied by a 10-piece brass brook Terrace corps officer. “This seen up to a 500 percent in - ensemble playing Christmas carols, a event helped to remind our commu - crease in requests for help; in red carpet, a giant inflatable red kettle nity that our light still shines as we work together to rescue Christmas.” Chicago it was recently an - Des Plaines, Ill., Corps Officers Majors Christina and a canteen from which staff passed nounced that nearly 20 per - and Victor Stasiuc man one of 75 kettles on out boxed meals of hotdogs, chips and Ask your corps officer how you can help cent of residents now live at Michigan Avenue in Chicago. cookies. “Elgin has been hit hard by rescue Christmas this year.

Territory looks at possible A People of Peace reorganization by General Brian Peddle

he Central Territory has many locations into lockdown. His he year 2020 has been undergoing a process preliminary report to the Territorial been unique, in - Tof evaluation over the last Cabinet indicated there is indeed an Tteresting and year to determine if reorgan - “appetite for reorganization” and challenging. We have lived through a cal regimes, institu - ization of divisions would better en - what the next steps might be to - tionalized religion able the Army’s mission to be ward the goal of making the terri - global pandemic, the ramifications of which and suffering. So, al - carried out in the Midwest with tory leaner, more efficient and more though the man maximum stewardship of resources. effective. continue to impact our lives. We have witnessed Jesus lived 2,000 “In The Salvation Army, mission is This spring a task force was the best of humanity as years ago, his words what we are all about. Whatever we formed which includes Territorial communities came to - still have relevance do, it not only needs to support the Headquarters representation and a gether and helped to care for the because he, as the mission but to enhance and enable cross-section of divisional leaders, vulnerable and those who needed to Son of God, has an eternal perspec - the missional work and activity,” other officers, soldiers and employ - shield. We have seen the worst of tive. said Commissioner William A. ees from across the territory. The humanity as racism cost lives and So, what did Jesus teach us about Roberts, who was engaged in July task force has met virtually every led to violent protests by demonstra - peace? In the Sermon on the 2019 to lead this endeavor. month, with individual working tors from varying viewpoints. All of Mount, as he began his teaching In order to ascertain if there was groups also meeting virtually each this has combined to both exhilarate ministry, Jesus said: “Blessed are support for such a momentous week. During this process, the task and exhaust us throughout this year. the peacemakers, for they will be force not only has looked at data change and to get input, he began in It is into our messed-up, complex, called children of God.” (Matthew September 2019 to visit all 10 divi - such as finances and programs but 5:9) Then, in preparing his disciples also has consulted both the South - ever-changing, uncertain and per - sions to survey divisional leaders plexing world that Jesus comes as for his departure and the arrival of and their staff, wrapping up his trav - ern and Western territories, which the promised Holy Spirit, Jesus have undergone reorganizations in the Prince of Peace. Jesus was famil - els providentially in February just iar with prejudice, oppressive politi - says: “Peace I leave with you; my before the pandemic hit and sent

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Y M R A N O I T A V L A S E H T 2 h t i d

An Interview with Lt. Colonels e r e M e c i r u Lonneal and Patty Richardson a M y b o t o h

Lt. Colonels Lonneal and Patty Richardson were recently given the additional P appointment of Territorial Racial Diversity and Inclusion Secretaries. Here we get Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, Commissioner Brad Bailey and Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings at the dedication of the to know them a little better and get a glimpse of this new responsibility. Ferguson Empowerment Center in 2017.

How did you meet or come to and expertise to assist us in our re - The Salvation Army? demptive mission. Lonneal: My mother worked at a How has your officership, and Salvation Army battered women’s any appointments in particular, shelter in Memphis near the South - prepared you to take on this side Corps. She shared with the offi - cer, Mrs. Brigadier Gertrude Purdue, new responsibility? her difficulty finding childcare for Both: We feel tremendously my youngest brother. Mrs. Brigadier blessed that all our corps appoint - Purdue told my mom the corps had a ments were in urban areas. childcare center, took her there and Through those experiences we dis - together they enrolled my brother. covered Christ at work reconciling After that my other two brothers and His people unto Himself for the I started attending character-building work of The Salvation Army. God programs. We had our own church; led us to work with individuals who my mother always made sure we at - The Richardsons with the Minneapolis Chapter of Echelon founded in 2018 had similar callings to minister in tended, but we often struggled to the heart of the city. We saw and find transportation or had to use could be an officer. Confirmation of tory realize its potential is excit - experienced first-hand the effects of public transportation. Mrs. Brigadier that calling came a few years later ing. We’re humbled and excited to broken systems that discriminated Purdue and my mother developed a at youth councils. work toward our territorial leaders’ against people based on their race deep friendship which led her to say, forward-thinking vision. and socioeconomic status. These “Maggie, I wouldn’t want you and Lonneal: Growing up I’d never systems not only your boys to miss church, but I see seen an African-American officer so broke our you rushing to try and make church I never considered officership. My hearts, we knew services, and the corps has church family and I became increasingly in - they broke the s

e volved in corps life, and one of the

k services.” Once again, she accompa -

r heart of God i

D nied my family to the corps for Sun - soldiers, Bill Sharp, a Boy Scout g and often were i a r day service. We were the first black leader, saw leadership potential in

C impediments to y me. He kept me focused on my rela - b family to attend the Memphis South - people experi - s o t tionship with Christ. Today we o side Corps. encing the full - h P would say he became my spiritual ness of His mentor. While attending youth coun - mercy and cils, at age 16, I responded to the grace. Through - call to officership. I didn’t know out our ministry what it would mean for me, an God has African-American teen who had only seen people who looked like himself in . What have you found most fulfilling about your ministry and service? Patty: The opportunity to share Cultivating connections and partner - Christ and disciple individuals in ships, Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richard - son with former Minnesota Twins ways that resonate with them is the baseball player Joe Mauer (above) pinnacle of an officer’s service. We and (to right) Lt. Colonel Patty have enjoyed seeing young people in Richardson talks with William afterschool programs improve in Booth Society members. Patty: My mother worked with basic academic skills, aspire to col - the woman who was the Sunday lege and other employment opportu - Lonneal: Because of The Sal - equipped us to assist the Army in school sergeant at the Omaha South nities. Seeing adults make vation Army’s uniqueness, we can greater mission effectiveness Corps. Vacation Bible School was the substantial progress in various areas address many of the problems that through the ministry of reconcilia - first time we went to the corps. I of their lives and find a place they plague our communities and coun - tion. was 9 or 10. were glad to call their church home try. God has often situated the Army was humbling. Helping to position in communities which allow us the Could you talk briefly about When and how were you called the Army in a community as a vi - opportunity to address the needs of why bringing the Ferguson to be an officer? able resource for human service and broken people and the systems that Empowerment Center to Patty: I was about 13 when I first impact. often cause their brokenness. We saw an African-American officer. It Lonneal: How God has used me have this great opportunity to speak fruition was so crucial? was the first time I thought I to help redeem broken people but life into what are often seen as life - Lonneal: Again, God is not only also to serve as a catalyst to redeem less communities. But we must able to redeem broken people but broken systems. It’s exciting to see never mistakenly think we can do it desires to redeem broken systems how God uses His children to re - alone; we need to partner with men which was never more evident than and women who have the means Central deem broken human systems that Continued on next page blind people from experiencing Connection His love and mercy. God has al -

THE SALVATION ARMY lowed The Salvation Army to be able 5550 Prairie Stone Pkwy • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 to speak into the lives of people 847-294-2000 across socioeconomic and racial WILLIAM AND boundaries with a message of hope Founder and love. BRIAN PEDDLE General What excites you about this

COMMISSIONER BRAD BAILEY new opportunity? Territorial Commander ELIZABETH KINZIE Patty: The Salvation Army does Editorial Director not exist and operate outside of soci - TWYLA STEINSLAND ety. Our Army can be a greater rep - Communications Specialist resentation of the communities KENNETH ROMIN where we exist and demonstrate Graphic Design and Production God’s heart for all. We are called to VISIT OUR WEBSITE— serve all people without discrimina - www.salarmycentral.org tion, not only as recipients of serv - 1-800-SALARMY ices but equal partners in ministry. Lt. Colonel Lonneal displays a plaque for a new Guinness World Record when 664 handbell The opportunity to help this terri - musicians gathered at the Mall of America to kick off red kettle fundraising in 2018. 3 We can do better Summit calls Salvationists to be at forefront of combatting racial injustice by KarenYoung ter, but there is no Army trained to Led by the Spirit, we will move deal with a Ferguson’s hurt and forward together toward a diverse, pain,” said Lt. Colonel Lonneal inclusive and anti-racist Army in the Richardson. “Are we equipped to re - Central Territory.—Racial Justice spond to the outcry against racial in - Summit Aspirational Goal justice, to soothe the hurt and pain early 1,000 delegates as - of a Minneapolis? Today our disas - sembled virtually for the ters are communities without hope.” Nterritory’s Racial Justice Compelling presentations were Summit to wrestle with the given by each of the united session A small group watches the live stream from territorial headquarters. topic of racism and seek concrete speakers, Major Dr. Marion Platt, III, ways to promote racial justice. With Dr. Christena Cleveland and Rev. Dr. the delegates’ return to their re - the theme “We can do better,” the Soong-Chan Rah. A talk back session spective divisions/commands. powerful two-day event was designed on the second day allowed them to • Provide a safe and structured way to stir up Salvationists and spur them answer questions submitted by par - to examine systems and structures on to be the diverse, inclusive and ticipants and interact with one an - of the Army that are keeping eth - anti-racist Army God intended. other. Rev. Rah acknowledged much nic minorities from full participa - “deconstructing” had occurred dur - tion and advancement in the ing the presentations but encouraged Central Territory. delegates to build things up and put things together in the right way, • Create policies and practices echoing one of the summit’s scrip - where the Army can stand to - tures: “…you will be called repairer gether, work together and struggle of broken walls, restorer of streets together for racial justice. with dwellings.” (Isaiah 58:12b, NIV) • Promote the Kingdom value of “It [diversity, equity and inclusion] ethnic diversity and inclusiveness Major Katherine Clausell is not the work of man but of the in all expressions of Salvation Holy Spirit,” explained Major Dr. to sit around the table and have hard Army life. Platt. “It requires intentionality. It can - conversations. “In all my years of being an offi - not simply be a program but an ongo - “There is no vaccine for racism,” cer, I can’t think of a more timely, ing process.” At one point he crucial event than the Racial Justice Commissioner Brad Bailey said Commissioner Heidi Bailey, ter - encouraged delegates that if the state - ritorial leader for leader develop - Summit,” concluded Major Lesa “It’s unfortunate that it took a se - ment “black lives matter” is trouble - ment. “We must do the hard work.” Davis, territorial spiritual life devel - ries of events, one being the death of some for some reason then they opment secretary. “It was a time to George Floyd in Minneapolis, for us should ask the Holy Spirit to assign a Following the summit, each divi - listen, learn, and lament—a sacred

sion has been asked to develop y e

to take this topic seriously. But we better way to express that truth. space for the territory to come to - r strategies unique to their command G must address this critical issue in gether and envision a way forward w The integral component of lament e r

which align with the summit’s out - together. We can do better!” d order to have solutions so that all featured prominently in the summit n comes: A y

might flourish,” said Major Katherine with a chapel featuring the Rev. Rah b

To view sessions, log onto s o Clausell, territorial social justice and • Renew organizational commitment t and a service led by Colonel Janet salvationarmymedia.org o h urban mission secretary, reflecting the Munn that helped delegates im - to fight against systemic racism. P summit’s urgency in her welcome. merse themselves in 2 Corinthians • Increase the capacity of Sal - During the keynote, Territorial 5:16-20 and prayer. Throughout the vationists in the Central Ter - Commander Commissioner Brad summit, there were beautiful, cre - ritory to address racist Bailey spoke of racism’s incompati - ative expressions of worship in spo - systems and structures, both bility with and then ken word, music and sacred dance. within the Army and in soci - commended Lt. Colonels Lonneal Breakout sessions given by ety, with a view toward and Patty Richardson, territorial Colonel Richard Munn, Courtney greater unity in the body racial diversity and inclusion secre - Rose and Angela Weekley in addi - and mission effectiveness. taries, to the delegation. tion to the main speakers provided • Create space for new ideas “The Army is accustomed to pro - relevant information which was and fresh approaches to in - viding food and shelter, trained to challenging and thoughtful, along creasing greater diversity offer spiritual care during times of with question and answer periods. and inclusion to surface dur - community crisis and natural disas - In essence, they gave opportunities ing the summit and upon Majors Will and Cassie DeJesús

Richardson Lonneal: The Ferguson Empower - How might our ment Center is a perfect example of territory more Continued from page 2 what can happen when we allow the effectively in Ferguson, Mo. The death of Holy Spirit to prick our hearts when we see systems that not only destroy prepare and Michael Brown revealed what many promote minority people in Ferguson already knew, the hearts but souls. God has allowed system was broken. As Salvation The Salvation Army to be in the officers for Army officers, Patty and I realized unique position to address many of leadership? human efforts alone could not re - our country’s social ills; we must de - termine if we are willing to allow Lonneal: First deem the brokenness exposed in Fer - and foremost, by guson. We prayed God would use Him to use us in new ways to truly be a pathway of hope and healing. listening to both The Salvation Army as an instrument the internal and ex - of healing in this community that In recent years cadet sessions ternal struggles desperately needed to know God had many minority offi - not abandoned them. We believe seem more culturally diverse. How will this benefit the Army? cers face. Realizing God cultivated our friendship with it is hard to provide Mike McMillan [president and CEO Patty: We need more officers who hope to others Lt. Colonel Patty Richardson addresses a crowd at the prayer gath - of the Urban League of Metropolitan reflect the communities we serve. when you have lost ering and walk in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd. St. Louis] and brought us together to Communities need to see we want to hope of things build the Ferguson Empowerment be a part of them, and they can be a changing. Second, our white broth - being “color blind” has not helped Center as a beacon of hope. part of our mission as equals. It’s ers and sisters must be willing to us to appreciate the diverse commu - Part of your role will be to difficult to measure the importance come alongside our minority officers nities The Salvation Army exists leverage best practices of our young people seeing someone in solidarity. in. Acknowledging our ethnic who looks like them leading, preach - and cultural uniqueness helps us to regarding racial diversity and Patty: Along with that willingness ing, teaching, caring and making a to walk alongside in solidarity must find common ground from which inclusion for the territory. Do difference. That’s how I first be - come the realization that attempting we worship and work in common some come to mind already? lieved officership was a possibility. to operate from the standpoint of purpose. 4 Emmanuel, God with Us “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23, KJV) Especially this year as we celebrate Christmas, may the good news of God incarnate bring us joy and remind us that no matter our circumstances He is near. Singing in the night Passing through grief by Jose Sanchez arrangement I composed 10 years ago. As I played, I sang the words in ast December, I had a long my head. It was then I felt God’s list of new year’s resolutions presence right there with me saying, Lto improve my life. I was de - “I am so glad you asked.” termined to make 2020 “my year.” You’re probably laughing. You see, I do not think there is any - That’s okay. Nobody knew what was thing wrong with questioning God, going to happen this year. but I think it’s rude to ask and not being willing to hear the answer. When COVID-19 hit, I felt I just needed to keep it together, to get “I thought you wanted to make hold of myself and get through it. 2020 ‘your year’,” God continued. Truth be told, I naively thought it “I am doing a new thing! Now it would be simple. “Just follow CDC springs up; do you not perceive it? guidelines, and you will be fine,” I I am making a way in the wilderness told myself. However, I started to and streams in the wasteland.” lose it when in a matter of days this (Isaiah 43:19, NIV) tiny virus caused an avalanche of Handing control to someone else uncertainty, fear, unemployment can be a shaky process. It’s not easy and thousands of people died to let go. It’s not easy to trust, partic - Major Nancy Mowers with her late husband, Major John, surrounded by their family around world. ularly when we don’t know where I wish I could be documented as we’re going. More than ever, this by Major Nancy Mowers But as I look closer, I see more. year has proved that. Through the hole I see the storm the hero of the story, but 2020 is not When you’re in over your head, a story about me. I realized the peo - “I’m still with you,” God comforted clouds and dark sky. And though I’m I’ll be there with you. experiencing dark times, it helps me ple we serve needed to hear a mes - me. “I just needed to take back the When you’re in rough waters, sage of peace and hope; ironically, driver’s seat. I’m still in control, and recall the amazing ways God works you will not go down. after the storm. I can see in my though I’m the music director for the I definitely know where to go and When you’re between a rock and Northern Division I felt over - how to get there. Trust Me.” mind’s eye—through the hole—how a hard place,it won’t be a dead the clouds turn fluffy white, the sky whelmed get - end—… ting that a clear sunny blue. message across. Be alert, be present. I’m about to And I know that God is doing a do something brand-new. One night I new thing in my life. Through my It’s bursting out! Don’t you see grief I can see it. His grace is shining couldn’t help it? —Isaiah 43:2,19, The Message but shout the through. It doesn’t make the hole, question I’d have been going through some my grief, less but it gives me hope. been trying des - rough waters this year. On June My life verse has been and contin - perately not to I4, my ministry partner and hus - ues to be 2 Corinthians 5:17 “There - ask because it band of 49 ½ years died. My fore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a seemed like ad - heart has a gigantic—no ginor - new creation; old things have passed mitting defeat: mous—gaping hole in it. away; behold, all things have be - “God, what are A picture posted on Facebook by come new.” you doing?” I my friend Gail Olley, who is grieving Pray that I will see and discern went to my key - her grandson, captures how I feel. It God’s will during this time of change board and is a sculpture in Geneva, Switzerland, and growth. My prayer is that you played an old called Melancholy by Albert György and others will be able to see God’s hymn to an that depicts the void that is left. hope and love through me.

Battling cancer by Chris Shay But the greatest blessing was the t’s been nearly one year since my increased intimacy I felt with Jesus. doctor called to tell me I had A friend of ours who has battled Ibreast cancer. Being generally cancer for many years let me know healthy all my life, the diagnosis this had been his experience as he came as a shock, especially since I lay in bed unable to move, rested had retired just one month prior. Yet, during chemo treatments and faced immediately I felt the Lord’s pres - the feelings of sorrow that came un - ence and peace. bidden, and so it was for me. I announced the news on social Philippians 4:5b says “The Lord is media to gain prayer support, and the near.” And He is! God made it plain Lord held me close through the to me that battling cancer was my prayers of many. People from all over assignment for the year. With that y a the world held me up in prayer, many assignment He gave me the gifts of h S of them having walked a similar can - n peace and faith, strengthened by His e e l h cer journey themselves, and I felt the presence. In a very small way, I have t a C

strength and encouragement of the entered into “the fellowship of His y b o Body of Christ when I needed it most. sufferings” the apostle Paul speaks t o h My husband, Mick, has been an about in Philippians 3:10, which he P incredible partner, walking through rightly understood to be part of truly Mick and Chris Shay the roughest times with me: three knowing Christ. surgeries, sickness from chemo, ex - Today my relationship with the however many days have been or - courage, strengthen and comfort me. tended vertigo episodes, tests, ap - Lord is more precious than ever. I dained for me and through whatever He is Emmanuel, God with us. I pointments and hair loss. Family and know His Word is true and offers us life may hold. Not only is this a great pray, despite all this year has held, friends were there for me as well, peace in the darkest of times. My de - privilege, I have the joy of having you can join me in praising Him this and I was blessed in so many ways. sire is to glorify Him with my life Jesus with me every moment to en - Christmas. 5

Preparing for officership Serving on the frontlines

by Cadets Johnny and Marsha Miller by Morgan Marinelli ike most people, our lives rapidly changing times so He will be became a nurse at the start of a have been turned upside glorified. We’re thankful we get to global pandemic. It was a time of Ldown. Through adapting to be a part of that. Ipeople sheltering in place and online learning, juggling We cling to the truth that while panic-buying toilet paper. Spring family and coursework, living in a everything around us is changing break trips were being cancelled and socially distanced community and and the world is falling apart, we working from home became the even a few weeks in quarantine, this serve a sovereign God who never norm if you were not deemed “essen - year’s challenges have stretched and changes. We take hold of His prom - tial.” As a new-grad nurse who basi - strengthened our faith. ises and hope. That’s where we see cally had just passed a written test Life at the College for Officer God’s presence with us. He is al - with not much real hands-on experi - Training (CFOT) has changed dra - ways here regardless of what’s going ence, I felt anything but essential. matically since we arrived in fall on in the world. Even if things don’t For me, nursing is a calling. How - 2019 but witnessing the flexibility look the way we want, we still act, ever, feelings of inadequacy and self- and adaptability of CFOT adminis - we still respond, we still walk for - doubt creep into my mind on a tration and our summer assignment ward in faith. Life always changes; regular basis during a shift. Combat - corps has been valuable preparation things are never perfect. The ques - ting these feelings has proven an op - for our future life as officers. We tion is how we choose to respond. portunity for growth in my nursing Morgan,” after I perform a success - have seen flexibility in ministry, cre - We can fold or we can trust God to career. When these feelings invade, I ful blood draw. God is with us, ativity in serving and boldness in the get us through. We’re choosing to remind myself to bring them to the sometimes high-fiving us, even if we fight for racial justice. trust Him. Lord. Emmanuel. God, with us. don’t always feel Him there. What a promise! Having that visual, For us, the Becoming a nurse in this COVID greater need that image, of God being with me, next to me, next to my patients—it’s era has surely brought many chal - presented lenges and uncertainties into my life. this year an honor. It’s humbling. Who am I to doubt myself? To think God didn’t But I often find myself thinking of gives us a the words in Esther 4:14: “Perhaps greater desire bring me here to this exact place for this exact purpose? you were made [a nurse] for such a to witness time as this.” I had a non-traditional and to serve. I see reminders of God’s presence journey to becoming a nurse, and fi - We knew fol - at my hospital every day. A patient nally, now more than ever, I feel that lowing Christ who takes a moment to thank me. I am right where God needs me. But wasn’t easy, My amazing team of coworkers and it can’t stop there. I pray the Lord but believe their constant willingness to lend a continues to call me, continues to God put us hand. Another nurse high-fiving me challenge me and continues to re - here at this and saying, “Never doubt yourself, veal Himself to me daily. moment and in this place. He’s prepar - ing the Army and us to be adaptable in Cadets Johnny and Marsha Miller with daughters Liya and Iyana Changing direction

by Major Valerie Carr our family would take up new ap - pointments in Buenos Aires, Ar - atthew records how gentina, in the South America East Joseph almost left Mary Territory (SAE). Then there was Mover her unexpected preg - COVID. We watched as borders Becoming parents nancy. He didn’t under - closed across the globe and began to stand what had happened but knew wonder how God would work out by Captain Grant Holloway was with us. We celebrated His it wasn’t how things were supposed the call we had felt on our family. to go. All the planning for their fu - t’s hard to look at this past year faithfulness while waiting for two By mid-April our appointments to days to become their legal guardians ture was upended by a claim she SAE were rescinded. Much like and not see how God has been was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. I with us, specifically when it and take them home. And when the Joseph, we were taken aback as I adoption was finalized on August 26, can imagine Joseph’s pain and frus - plans suddenly ground to a halt. comes to the adoption of our tration. So, he made a plan to dis - twins, Avery and Eleanor. we were reminded again that God God continued to work behind the had been with us all along. creetly leave Mary. “But after he had The journey of considered this, an angel of the Lord scenes as we worked through the adoption is all appeared to him in a dream” impact COVID took on what we about waiting, but (Matthew 1:20) and he learned of thought was meant for our family. In during that time God’s greater plan to save the world early May, we received appoint - God prepared our through this change in direction. ments to Eastern Jamaica Divisional Headquarters in the Caribbean Terri - hearts and lives Like Joseph, many of us have felt for His plan. Even tory. God moved in miraculous ways disappointed in our plans for 2020. to make a clear path through open - in the journey to Everything we thought would hap - make the decision ing borders, rapid visa approvals and pen has been upended, but I’m en - necessary preparations for our fam - to adopt, God was couraged that we have a God who with us through ily to move to Kingston, Jamaica, by has promised to always be with us. the end of August. valleys cloaked in (Matt. 28:20) darkness and mo - This year has offered a chance for ments filled with In January 2020 it was announced us to “pivot.” We are learning to joy. We sensed His trust God truly is presence when we with us and will be agreed to allow with us through it our profile to be all, particularly seen by the birth when there is a mother and when change we didn’t we got the unex - Captains Jaclyn and Grant Holloway with Avery and Eleanor see coming. As we pected phone call saying we were adjust to a new chosen. Though we were nervous to He has been with us in the small culture and com - meet the birth mother, God was and big moments. He has sent peo - munity as a family with us, and we had a great first ple to encourage and uplift us, to in mission, we are meeting. When we heard the twins’ celebrate with us, to pray for us and grateful for the ex - heartbeats for the first time and saw to support us. Even now as we con - perience and truth them through a sonogram, God tinue to acclimate to the rhythm and that no matter calmed our hearts and reminded us responsibilities of parenting these where we might be His hand was guiding us. precious children entrusted to us, in the world or we know we are not alone in provid - what we might be Receiving the phone call at 5:00 ing for Avery and Eleanor or making a.m. on January 22 saying the twins experiencing, God decisions for their good. God re - is always there were going to be born and we mains faithful and is with us needed to get to the hospital, God Majors Jeff and Valerie Carr are serving in the Jamaica Division “holding us fast.” through it all. with their three sons Ethan, Bram and Jonas. (Psalm 139:1-12) 6 The worship experience we all need this Christmas

hough the Chicago Staff Band’s (CSB) TSounds of the Sea - sons concert had to be cancelled this year due to COVID-19, there is a silver lining in their production of a professional caliber Christ - mas project with the Central Territorial Staff Songsters (CTSS) called Windows of Hope. Replete with the glo - rious music of Christmas in - terwoven with scripture telling the wondrous story of our Sav - gather this year as ior come to earth, the one-hour video we would tradition - extends the reach of these musical ally to enjoy the groups to hundreds—potentially carols and story of thousands—more people and pro - Christmas.” vides a quality resource for corps to To produce Win - use in worship just in time for the dows of Hope, CSB holiday season. members met by sec - Major Osei Stewart Sara Groves Joining the CSB and CTSS for Win - tions for weekly dows of Hope are two dynamic co- recording sessions, with no more Well” by Michael W. Smith (arr. by hosts. Many Centralites will know than 10 socially distanced at a sit - Harold Burgmayer), this Christmas contemporary Christian singer/song - ting, and the CTSS sang with head - program is the worship experience writer Sara Groves, whose heartfelt phones into their cell phones. “It is we all need this season, renewing words and beautiful melodies have not easy. The commitment to per - our joy and encouraging us to live in wooed us to authentic worship for sonal time and practice is costly. The the hope Christ came to bring. more than two decades. Alongside lonely process of recording by one - “Jesus was born in a time when her will be Major Osei Stewart, a been our privilege to remind our - self requires multiple takes to get a darkness, uncertainty and fear were Western Territory officer whose tal - selves and our listeners of the love satisfactory recording,” said Harold. felt in the life of His people, such as ent is far more familiar on the coast of God. We hope you will enjoy this “But even in isolation, and while it is today, but to those who re - but a perfect fit for this project. Pur - joint Christmas effort by the CSB many miles apart, the cadences of ceived Him He brightened their sit - suing a career in music and stage and CTSS,” offered soprano Major the guide tracks in our headphones uation and gave them joy, peace and performance before becoming an of - Heather Holman. brought the CSB and the CTSS to - everlasting hope,” concluded Abra - ficer, the major has used his gifts of Dr. Harold Burgmayer, territorial gether in a rich, collaborative part - ham Leka, baritone in the CSB. “Are oration and singing in ministry to music and creative arts ministries nership.” you ready to be a partaker of His bless and bring people to Jesus. He is secretary, concurred, “The message From the exciting opening “A blessings? Remember, He is the a first tenor in the Western Territo - of hope found in the Christmas story Christmas Festival” by Leroy Ander - same yesterday, today, and forever. rial Staff Songsters. Both Major Osei is so needed in these trying son (arr. by William Gordon) featur - Merry Christmas!” and Sara Groves share vocal solos as days…We believe viewers all over ing seven well-known carols to the well as narration. Visit samusiccentral.org for more in - the world will be looking for this ex - perennial jazz favorite “Three Kings formation or to connect to watch. “With so much of this year being perience, even if for just an hour, es - Swing” by William Himes to the Windows of Hope premieres Saturday, negative and just plain hard it has pecially since we will not be able to charming and reassuring finale “All is November 28, at 7:00 p.m. (CST).

A tradition of giving by Roger Snider nity is what we do and being able to support west Michigan families to he year was 1990, and the provide hope and happiness around Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle the holidays has been a privilege. The Taction figure was the toy of Salvation Army has been a wonderful choice to find under the partner, and we are grateful to be a Christmas tree for children across voice to spread awareness of this America. Unfortunately, for some long-standing tradition in west Michi - children finding anything at all gan,” said Julie Brinks, WOOD TV8 under the tree was no more than a vice president and general manager. dream. That same year The Salva - tion Army in Grand Rapids, Mich., On any given year, the toy drive and local NBC affiliate WOOD TV8 provides nearly 6,500 children with uine desire to support west Michi - WOOD TV8 through the Angel Tree formed a partnership that has lasted toys in Kent County and toys for gan’s children. program has allowed The Salvation three decades and provided toys for over 25,000 children in the WOOD The community impact the toy Army in western Michigan to come over a half-million children in west TV8 viewing area. The Salvation drive has created is certainly not lost alongside thousands of families Michigan. Army provides logistical support, on Major Glen Caddy, Western each year and provide happiness to and WOOD TV8 provides on-air Michigan and Northern Indiana divi - tens of thousands of children. We “WOOD TV8 has been proud to mentions, interviews and stories are extremely grateful for our part - partner in this tradition for the past sional commander, who said, “Hav - from the field. Aired throughout De - ing a 30-year relationship with nership with WOOD TV8 as we ful - three decades. Serving the commu - cember, these stories are tied to mes - fill our promise of saging that cross-promotes the ‘Doing the Most Angel Tree with the Red Kettle Good.’ Our com - Christmas campaigns. We’ve heard munities are better from a bellringer in Muskegon, a because of them.” single parent in transitional housing It’s difficult to in Grand Haven and a client turned know what the toy employee at the Grand Rapids Adult of choice will be in Rehabilitation Center, to name a another 30 years. few. This year features two retired More likely than sisters, Sue Nelmes and Kay Perry, not, The Salvation who have logged 22 years of service Army and WOOD in support of the Angel Tree Toy TV8 will still be Drive. Other aspects of the toy drive meeting the needs look different this year due to of children and COVID-19, but people are uniting in adults as they’ve creativity, perseverance and a gen - done for decades. 7

January Prayer Calendar

My Prayer List Day Bible Reading Pray for The Salvation Army

1 Friday Philippians 1-2 Ministry opportunities with thanks

he Eastern Michigan Divi - • Wisteria, classic and modern rock 2 Saturday Leviticus 10-12 Aberdeen, SD sion launched a Rock the group dabbling in Motown, coun - TRed Kettle virtual concert try, pop and original music 3 Sunday 2 Kings 1-5 Beatrice, NE series to help Rescue • Fritts and Chips, an energetic duo 4 Monday Psalms 78-80 Cadillac, MI Christmas for struggling families in offering an eclectic selection of the Detroit area. hits 5 Tuesday Proverbs 8-9 Papua New Guinea/Solomon Islands The Facebook fundraiser has • The Eastern Michigan Divisional 6 Wednesday Ezekiel 19-24 Chicago Mayfair, IL hosted local musicians as they’ve Band Ensemble taken to the stage on Tuesday 7 Thursday Luke 17-18 Danville, IL evenings from October through Rock the Red Kettle is presented by 94.7 WCSX and 101.1 WRIF. mid-December. Each event has fea - 8 Friday Philippians 3-4 Detroit Temple, MI tured one musical act performing a “The ongoing COVID-19 pan - prerecorded or live concert to raise demic has cancelled annual events, 9 Saturday Leviticus 13-15 Emergency Disaster Services funds for The Salvation Army shifted fundraising efforts and dev - through a virtual red kettle asted so many of our neighbors,” 10 Sunday 2 Kings 6-10 Fairmont, ND fundraising page. said Major Timothy Meyer, Eastern 11 Monday Psalms 81-83 Freeport, IL The lineup has incorporated a va - Michigan general secretary and metro Detroit area commander. riety of artists from different genres 12 Tuesday Proverbs 10 Grandview, MO including: “Rock the Red Kettle’s virtual struc - ture allows The Salvation Army to 13 Wednesday Ezekiel 25-30 Huron, SD • Pivotal Awakening, a Michigan- continue holding events and raising based contemporary Christian al - funds to support our neighbors in 14 Thursday Luke 19-20 France and Belgium Territory ternative rock/pop band need. Despite a lack of red kettles, • Jukebox Paradox, a classic rock the community can still get in - 15 Friday Colossians 1-2 Joliet, IL group specializing in live band volved from the comfort and safety karaoke of their own home.” 16 Saturday Leviticus 16-18 Keokuk, IA

• Birds of Prey, a bluegrass-influ - The Salvation Army’s 2020 Red 17 Sunday 2 Kings 11-15 Ludington, MI enced band Kettle Campaign fundraising goal in • The Corduroy Job, a progressive Detroit is $8 million. In addition to 18 Monday Psalms 84-86 Local Officers band blending elements of funk, donating to a band’s virtual red ket - rock, hip hop and blues tle, the organization’s supporters 19 Tuesday Proverbs 11-12 Marshalltown, IA have donated through text, by • Drew de Four, a singer-song - phone and check, and online at the 20 Wednesday Ezekiel 31-36 Minneapolis, MN, ARC writer, dueling pianist and hu - division’s website. manist pop musician 21 Thursday Luke 21-22 Noble Worship Center, MN

22 Friday Colossians 3-4 Latin America North

23 Saturday Leviticus 19-21 Omaha, NE ARC

24 Sunday 2 Kings 16-20 Character-building Programs Reorganization Continued from page 1 25 Monday Psalms 87-89 Porter County, IN the last two years, each merging “We’d ask people in the territory 26 Tuesday Proverbs 13 Saginaw, MI divisions. to pray that we will make wise deci - 27 Wednesday Ezekiel 37-42 Springfield, MO If reorganization is pursued, it sions,” concluded Assistant Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Paul Smith, will not be a first for the Central 28 Thursday Luke 23-24 College for Officer Training Territory. There have been numer - who has spearheaded the effort ous divisional border and name from Territorial Headquarters. “We 29 Friday 1 Thessalonians 1-3 St. Louis, MO ARC changes throughout the years. For want the decision to reflect the instance, what we now know as Army’s values and to advance the 30 Saturday Leviticus 22-24 Waterloo - Cedar Falls, IA Heartland was once the Central mission. The goal is for the territory Illinois and Eastern Iowa Divi - to be organized and resourced in a 31 Sunday 2 Kings 21-25 Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory sion. And when the Midwest had way that enables us to fulfill the Go to www.salarmycentral.org ARC = Adult Rehabilitation Center a large population of non-English Mission Imperative of ‘More People speaking immigrants, another iter - More Like Jesus.’” If you follow the prayer calendar during the year, ation of the territory included a you will have read through the Bible! Scandinavian Division composed primarily of Swedish-speaking corps throughout the territory until it was no longer needed but whose influence is still felt today. According to Commissioner Roberts, a proposal is anticipated to land on the desk of Territorial Commander Commissioner Brad Bailey in January and be pre - sented to the Territorial Cabinet. Additional work and adjustments might be required, but if a reorga - nizational plan goes forward the endorsement of National Head - quarters and approval of Interna - tional Headquarters are required, so a definitive timeline for any an - nouncement cannot be made. 8 Simply Christmas by Kevin Boesiger to reach the growing Omaha Kroc Church online audience and invite hristmas at the Omaha, new viewers. Some elements will Neb., Ray and Joan Kroc combine live performers in sync CCorps Community Center with virtual performers like a vocal looks a little different this soloist being accompanied by a vir - year, but “Simply Christmas” is tual choir. The Kroc Center family 4,184 days and counting bringing into focus the reason for and employees will read scripture the season—Jesus. The program live and virtually. The socially dis - by Captain Jonathan Cooper combines pre-recorded and live per - tanced live audience will engage in formances in front of a socially dis - ’ll pass on the stew. Don’t get me singing carols. The program ends wrong, it still has its alure. It still tanced live audience and those with “Silent Night” as it debuted on joining online. Ihas its place in the back of my Christmas Eve 1818 with a solo mind, but I have come too far and “It will offer us a time to cut voice and guitar, then the audience seen too much for that temptation to through all the glamour of the sea - encouraged to join. The Kroc Cen - take root in my heart. When my wife, son and remind us of the beauty of ter hopes to give families a sense of Chrissy, and I entered the College for the One who is the reason for this normalcy by including many stan - Officer Training on a sunny, hot after - season; ‘Simply Christmas’ cele - dard Christmas program compo - noon in August 2007, our lives brates simply Jesus,” said Captain nents but believes this new changed forever, as well as my taste Tracy Gantner, Kroc Center officer presentation can give the familiar for stew. for program development. story a fresh perspective. There were many occasions lead - The program presents the busy - “So many things in our lives have ing up to that day in which I moved ness we often are wrapped up in at changed over the past several forward with some trepidation. After Christmas and guides us to the con - months, but the one constant is all, I had plans. I’ve always been fas - I recall when this concept be - clusion of simply worshipping baby Jesus. ‘Simply Christmas’ is meant cinated by science. When I was came real again to me. It was in Jesus in the manger. It includes tra - to bring us out of the chaos and fill young, I thought perhaps I might do our second appointment, on a ditions like singing carols, reading our hearts with a peace that re - something in the field of meteorol - cold, rainy Sunday morning. My the Christmas story and sharing minds us of the reason for the sea - ogy. Then as a young adult, I was a sermon was running through my what Christmas means to different son,” said Captain Tracy. member of the musicians’ union in mind as I got ready and headed people. The difference is in how the out to the corps. We were begin - Attend “Simply Christmas” on Satur - St. Louis, Mo., where I was booked story is told. to play in orchestras and musicals. ning a new series, and the first day, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. or message was on being a welcom - “Simply Christmas” is another way watch on the center’s Facebook page. Perhaps that was going to be my life’s work. There were many other ing church. As I pulled into the paths that seemed worth considering corps parking lot, it was dark and as well until the Lord called me to gloomy. Then I saw someone fulltime ministry as an officer. After huddled by the door, trying to that, they all became stew. pull every inch of his body under the one-foot overhang. God gave Genesis 25 tells a familiar story of me the opportunity to exercise two brothers, Jacob and Esau. As the words that had been rattling Esau comes in from the open coun - around in my heart. After we got try his appetite has complete con - inside the building, my new trol. In that moment Esau trades the friend and I dried off as much as most valuable thing he has, his possible and sat with coffee and birthright, for a bowl of stew. ministered to each other. Hunger is natural, but Esau let in - stant gratification and immediate I’m not sure where life could comfort rob him of his future. We, have taken my wife and me. I am too, can choose what we want or sure of this, though, we are right need at the expense of what God has where God wants us. for us, but His plans are always so Everything else is just a bowl of much better. stew.

A People of Peace Continued from page 1 A Christmas miracle in Jamaica peace I give you. I do not give to you keeps our hearts and minds secure in by Colonel Dennis Phillips as the world gives. Do not let your Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). It is hearts be troubled and do not be from this position of peace, of keep - t was the last days of the 20th afraid.” (John 14:27) ing our focus upon God (Isaiah 26:3), Century when God chose to This is the same Jesus who spoke that we are able to experience the Iperform a Christmas miracle to the wind and waves, saying, peace of God in the storms of life and in the mountains of Jamaica. “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39, KJV) To share that peace with others. We are My wife, Noella, and I were the woman who anointed his feet at called children of God when we are serving as leaders of the Simon’s house, Jesus said, “Your peacemakers, peace-bringers and Caribbean Territory when Cap - faith has saved you; go in peace.” peacebuilders because we share the tain Jennifer Brown, matron of (Luke 7:50) After explaining many very essence and nature of God with the Children’s Home in Mandev - things to his disciples, Jesus said, “I others. ille, invited us to join their annual have told you these things, so that in So, in this Advent season and be - Christmas celebration and to ded - me you may have peace. In this yond, let us be people of peace. icate a baby girl named Samantha world you will have trouble. But May our very presence bring peace who had been placed there in the take heart! I have overcome the into rooms, situations and lives be - last two weeks. Samantha was a world.” (John 16:33) cause we are indwelt by the Holy “failure to thrive” baby who never cried, never smiled, never looked Colonels Noella and Dennis Phillips at the Peace distinguishes the earthly ex - Spirit. May our words be words of College for Officer Training in 2019 istence of Jesus. In announcing his peace because we share the words at anyone and who needed to be birth, the angels declared, “Glory to of God. Wherever you are and carefully force-fed. ing up the receiver, we heard a mix - God in the highest heaven, and on whatever situation you find yourself Arriving at the home, we met ture of laughter and crying. earth peace to those on whom his in, may you experience the peace of Samantha, beautifully dressed in pris - God today. Captain Brown struggled to con - favour rests.” (Luke 2:14) As Jesus tine white for her dedication. She did - trol her emotions. “Mama Colonel, appeared to his followers after the Except where mentioned otherwise, n’t cry or show any reaction when Mama Colonel. We’ve had a Christ - resurrection he would declare: Scripture quotations are from the lovingly placed in the arms of my mas miracle! Listen,” she said, and “Peace be with you!” (John 20:21) New International Version wife, a perfect stranger. Noella prayed we could hear Samantha laughing If Jesus was so intent on sharing the a deeply moving prayer, thanking uncontrollably. “Do you hear her? God for this precious child and asked peace of God with others, we must do Follow the General on social media: Can you hear her giggling? I wish the same, but we cannot share with Him to give her the joy of the Lord. you could see her as she is looking others what we do not first have for FaceBook: General Brian Peddle After an evening of Jamaican food around at the other children who ourselves. Consequently, we need to Twitter: @GeneralBPeddle and a joyful program by the older chil - are laughing, too. Oh, Mama ensure we are living in relationship dren, we began the two-hour drive Colonel, we have experienced a with God and receive his peace that is Instagram: @GeneralBPeddle back to Kingston. The phone was ring - Christmas miracle. Samantha has beyond our understanding, yet which ing when we walked in the door; pick - received the joy of the Lord.”