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The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory

News and Views from the Midwest

New incentive, new curriculum

ing. To learn more about the scholar-ship and how to apply visit theCentral Youth Network website(http://centralyouthnetwork.com) orcontact your corps officer.

Also the new national corps cadetcurriculum, BOLD, is rolling out.BOLD stands for the four main ele-

ments of the program: Bible study,Our heritage, Leadership andDiscipleship. Instead of coveringonly one of the four elements permonth, this new eight-month modelcovers one aspect of BOLD eachweek on a monthly theme, such asmercy.

Corps cadets and counselorswill be thrilled to learn of anew incentive being intro-duced across the territory

and a new national curriculumcalled BOLD.

Graduate corps cadets interestedin pursuing higher education willbe eligible for the Graduate CorpsCadet Post High School EducationScholarship, which can be appliedtoward a four-year college, juniorcollege, technical school, tradeschool, etc. Each graduate canreceive $1,000 per year for a maxi-mum of $4,000 over a four yearperiod.

“This scholarship is designed to bean incentive for students to engagein and complete the corps cadet pro-gram, as well as an encouragementfor students to remain active seniorsoldiers,” said Barb Higgins, territori-al youth development specialist.“Leaders will have additional timefor discipling and equipping ouryoung people for leadership.”

To be eligible for the scholarship,a corps cadet must be a graduate ofthe program in the Central Territoryand a senior soldier in good stand-

The student booklet has beenrevamped with more contemporarygraphics and relevant presentation,while the corresponding leader’smanual will be available onlineonly as a PDF and downloadable toa tablet or computer.

“We want to equip our young peo-ple to be confident and courageous,unafraid of difficult situations,” saidCarolyn Bailey, national curriculumdevelopment director. “We wantthem to have the audacity to betransformed by God’s Holy Spirit.”

Salvationists also will want tonote a change in the minimum agefor corps cadets. A young personnow must be at least in the 6thgrade. According to Carolyn, theprimary motivation for this changeis to give graduate corps cadets ayear or two to practice whatthey’ve learned before graduatingfrom high school.

See your corps officer for moreinformation.

Public School System’s JoeBonansinga Summer Music Program.You would have a pretty good idea ofwhat summer weekdays looked likeat the Quincy, Ill., Ray and Joan KrocCorps Community Center.

Camp Kroc Day Camp was orga-nized this year by Timothy Southers,

youth developmentand outreach spe-cialist, and BrittanyDaly, day campcoordinator. It wasmarketed to theregion by television,newspaper andradio, as well associal media and theKroc Center’s web-site. With a maxi-mum capacity of 125kids (kindergartenthrough sixth grade)each week, the pro-

gram has been filled with 90 to 100youth.

Quincy’s Camp Kroc is in its thirdsummer of operation and hasexpanded from four weeks to eight!Each day participants are treated toan exciting array of activities includ-ing swimming and climbing, Biblestudy, organized gymnasium games,and a literacy component taught bythree teachers who are Illinois state-certified. Campers are challenged tostay active both physically and men-tally, which helps keep them fromlosing ground while they are on sum-mer break from school.

Breakfast and lunch are provided.Breakfast is served at the center,while the campers take a “field trip”each day to a local grade school totake part in a free lunch programthere. Since the Quincy Kroc Centerdoes not have “green space,” campersget some outdoor time at recess atthe school after lunch and occasion-ally go to historic downtown

by Kent Embree

Imagine almost 100 kids marchingthrough the middle of a KrocCenter on their way to swim inthe pool or play in the gym.

Combine that vision with the addedtraffic of 100 more student musiciansparticipating in the Quincy, Ill.,

Washington Park, site of the sixthLincoln-Douglas debate, which isonly a block away.

As an added incentive for parentsto register for multiple weeks ofcamp, some weeks feature specialevents like a field trip to the St.Louis Science Center, and a musicalis put on at the end of the program.

“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)

Warren, Mich., Corps cadets love The Salvation Army.

Double the summer fun

Volume 44, Number 9 September 2014

Bold changes for corps cadets

NewMembers

April - June 2014

206 Senior Soldiers41 Adherents189 Junior Soldiers

2

As you read this article, myhusband and I will bepreparing to move toNational Headquarters in

Alexandria, Va. As I have been pack-ing, I’ve been praying through theterritory as I recall people who I’veserved with for the past 30 years. I

strong work ethic. We know whatit’s like to work hard, to comealongside others and provide ahelping hand. We are willing to getdirty in the process of helping oth-ers. We live across a vast amount ofland, yet we are united in workinghard for the Kingdom.

The people of this territory wantto be loved and appreciated. Weneed to consistently remember weare in the battle together. This isn’ta time for friendly fire or secondguessing, but for loving one anotherand serving together to move theArmy forward.

I am a better person for havingserved with you for 30 years and forbeing a soldier in this Army for morethan 40 years. I am blessed to callthis territory home and will alwaysbe a USA Central Territory officer.As we leave, be assured of ourprayers for you. And if you’re ever inthe Washington, D.C. area be sure tolook us up! We’d love to see you!

remember special opportu-nities to pray together at thealtar, to weep together overa heartache, or to laugh together atsomething we’ve seen or heard. Butmostly I am reminded of howblessed I am to serve with suchincredible officers, employees, sol-

CentralConnectionTHE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin Road • Des Plaines, Illinois 60016847-294-2000WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTHFounder

ANDRÉ COXGeneral

COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILERTerritorial CommanderDOUGLAS McDANIELExecutive Director of DevelopmentELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN BENTSONCommunications SpecialistBRITTANY CHINNCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production

VISIT OUR WEBSITE—www.salarmycentral.org1-800-SALARMY

GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.salarmycentral.orgResources/LinksCorps Cadet scholarship application

New NVOAD disaster spiritual care guidelines

Boundless Congress website

Women’s ministries website

Officer Candidates’ website

World Missions website

International Salvation Army anti-trafficking web-page

Warsaw, Ind., Corps’ media sites

South Bend Kroc Center website

MediaPathway of Hope video

Video interview with Commissioner Robert Streetabout One Army resources

Web exclusivesThe Salvation Army in Korea

Major Lee and Seo’s life journey

Information about Salvation Army anti-traffickingprogram in Chicago

Share Your Christmas Joy children’s letters

Good Soil Initiative program summary

More on the SMT Papua New Guinea ministry

For late breaking news,visit our website!

Log on to salarmycentral.org

by Colonel Dawn HeatwoleTerritorial Secretary forWomen’s Ministries

diers, volunteers,friends and family.While I’ve beenserving alongsideeach of you, I’vecome to learn thefollowing things:

The USA Central Territory is a hid-den gem in the Army world.

The people of this territory love tosupport missions. If you could seewhat your money has done through-out the world, you’d be amazed athow God has multiplied it to achievemore than we could ever imagine.

The people of this territory wantan outpouring of God’s Spirit. Youhave prayed for it earnestly. Youhave aligned yourself with God’spurpose and mission: to love peopleunconditionally and without discrim-ination. God continues to work inthe hearts of individuals who seekHim. Don’t give up seeking His willand His direction.

The people of this territory have a

A tradition of trading

Central a hiddengem

that we belong to a family thatspans the globe!” said Major SteveYoder, who is planning one of themain meetings of the congress.

For more about the InternationalCongress, July 1–5, 2015, visitboundless2015.org

Official delegates to theBoundless: The WholeWorld RedeemingCongress next year in

London, England, will be happy tolearn that as part of registrationthey’ll receive 10 specially designedterritorial pins for trading with otherdelegates from around the world.

The pin features the BoundlessCongress logo’s interwoven doveshapes representing the Holy Spirit,with the addition of the U.S. flag, thewords USA Central Territory and thedates of the Army’s founding and thecongress. The colorful pin is enameland ¼ inch in diameter.

“There’s nothing more foundation-al to a true Salvationist than interna-tionalism. What a fun way to remem-ber this important milestone momentin our history and also to remember

Share the joy of Christmas withchildren around the world

Correction/ClarificationThe Long Service recognition list in theJuly issue inadvertently omitted the follow-ing officers celebrating 30 years of service:Major Gary Felton, Major Faye Flanagan,Major John Flanagan and Major BeverlyGates.We apologize.

Donate to the ShareYour Christmas Joy campaign.The goal isto raise $100 each for 120 Salvation Army overseas children’shomes, schools and centers to enable the children to celebrateChristmas with a party or special meal.

Please give by October 31 to ensure donations reach thechildren by Christmas!

Donate online www.christmasjoy.centralmissions.org or send checksto 10W.AlgonquinRd., Des Plaines, IL, 60016.

launching NVOAD in 1970. It beganas a gathering of faith-based andnon-profit organizations whichresponded to disasters and werecommitted to improving their workto benefit those they served.

To view and download the guidelinesand other resources, visithttp://www.nvoad.org/Click the Resource Center tab, thenClick Emotional and Spiritual Care

the guidelines will become opera-tional within each municipality,county and state.

“For The Salvation Army to fulfillits mission, it is critical that spiritualcare is strategically and visibly inte-grated into all disaster operations andthat governmental and partner organi-zations are aware of this,” said Kevin.

The Salvation Army was one of theoriginal organizations instrumental in

New guidelines for providingappropriate and respectfulspiritual care during disas-ters have been released by

the National Voluntary OrganizationsActive in Disasters (NVOAD) ofwhich The Salvation Army is a mem-ber.

Developed by NVOAD’s Emotionaland Spiritual Care Committee, theguidelines were written over thecourse of four years, an arduous taskthat relied on the overreaching ques-tion, “How can NVOAD memberorganizations partner with local spiri-tual care providers and communitiesof faith in providing appropriate andrespectful disaster spiritual care?”

Kevin Ellers, Central territorialemergency disaster services coordi-nator, was a member of this focusedwriting team. “Throughout the

process we were guided by the spiritof the NVOAD four Cs: cooperation,communication, coordination andcollaboration,” said Kevin.

In order to provide disaster spiritu-al care, many NVOAD member orga-nizations, like The Salvation Army,have developed training to preparetheir deployed personnel. The newguidelines do not endorse one organi-zation’s training over another butrather speak to essential core compe-tencies with the goal that memberorganizations’ training leads to thesecompetencies.

In recent years municipalities,counties and states intentionally haveintegrated spiritual care into theirdisaster response and recovery plans.The guidelines reflect many of thepractices that already exist and bringgreater inter-operability, commonali-

ty and consistencywith the servicedelivery of disasterspiritual care.

According toKevin, stateVOADs will becrucial in introduc-ing the guidelines.It is imperative foreach state andregional VOAD tohave an active andengaged Emotionaland Spiritual CareCommittee(ESCC). It will bethrough the ESCC

Newdisaster spiritual careguidelines published

Fergus Falls’ guardian angel

nates visits to nine area nursinghomes, spending an average of 25hours a month praying and talkingwith the residents. During theChristmas season she can be count-ed on to organize toys, set up thetoy shop and shop with parents, aswell as ring bells at kettles whenev-er there is a need.

Glorias spontaneously serves incountless other ways. When a firebroke out at an apartment complexat 3:00 a.m., Glorias was on thescene with the emergency disaster

services team serving foodand beverages to firstresponders until the suncame up. She also can becounted on during flooddeployments, going for 10days at a time to help cleanup. Once when the corpswas unexpectedly withouttheir receptionist, Gloriasfilled in eight hours a day,five days a week for twomonths until the positionwas filled.

“Her love for the Lordpours out in everything shedoes,” said Lynne Verhaagh,Fergus Falls communityrelations, program andyouth director and Glorias’nominator. “She passionate-ly serves The SalvationArmy day in and day out,not just working but as aprayer warrior and greatrepresentative of the Army.”

by Susan Berkson

This year’s Life ServiceVolunteer of the Year GloriasShepherd could be consid-ered the guardian angel of

the Fergus Falls, Minn., Corps—always appearing when help is need-ed. Arriving at the corps over 34years ago through women’s min-istries, she has served the corps andcommunity tirelessly ever since.

On a regular basis she stocks andorganizes the corps’ food pantry; pre-pares, serves and cleans for the com-munity lunch program; and coordi-

Newcenter, new life

and is graduating from eighth gradewith a 4.0 grade point average!

“My grandma used to take us tochurch, but I never understood itand didn’t get it. Here I havelearned that God is amazing andfull of grace. He is good. He is ahealer. I pray every day, and every-thing is better after I pray.” Raiquansays he makes better choices nowand his relationships with his fami-ly and others have changed.

Raiquan is always looking forways to help others. Though young,he serves in many center programsand tells people in his community,“Just come to church—just try it!”He is in a leadership camp at thecenter to help him grow into theman God wants him to be. Hewants to be a Salvation Army offi-cer someday.

We thank God for Raiquan—hissmile, great attitude, love for Godand passion to share with others.He is changing our lives and thelives of others.

by Major ColletteWebster

Raiquan lived in a govern-ment housing apartmentwith his mom and five sis-ters when the sign went up

across the street saying The SalvationArmy was going to open a Ray andJoan Kroc Corps Community Center.It was hard to believe this was goingto happen in his forgotten and dilapi-dated part of South Bend, Ind.

So, when construction began,Raiquan, then 10, watched every day.He was expecting a place where hecould play basketball and swim, buthe found so much more. On openingweekend he walked into the 110,000-square-foot center and said, “Wow.This is a big ole place. Where do Ibegin?”

During one of his first visits, a staffmember invited him to church. Hecame that next Sunday with his sis-ters and a few friends. Soon hebecame a junior soldier. Now at 14,he is ready to be enrolled as a seniorsoldier. He participates in teen group,singing company, Mission: Literacy,character-building programs, corpscadets and community care.

Raiquan says before the Kroc Centeropened he was getting into some badthings in his neighborhood. He wasn’tdoing well in school, and his motherwas reluctant to let him out of thehouse. Since joining the center he’sturned his back on those bad things

The guidelines writing group, including Kevin Ellers (third from left)

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Newdisaster spiritual careguidelines published

Army in hisblood

opportunity to change the kids’lives through character-buildingprograms and team work.

Since Nate started working as theGSI coordinator, Sunday morningworship service attendance byyouth has quadrupled.

Every other Sunday he runs atween (ages 8 to 12) program andeach week helps organize a youngadult small group, all while he’sbeen working hard to collaboratewith other Christian communitygroups, like Youth for Christ, toreach out to more kids.

“The most rewarding thing forme is seeing youth from all aroundcome to the Army and ‘getting it’—that light bulb moment where kidsstart to make changes in their livesbecause of Christ’s love for them.”

Iwas born and the next Sunday Iwas at the corps,” quipped NateWoodard, Wausau, Wis., GoodSoil Initiative (GSI) youth devel-

opment coordinator. “Growing up Iwas always at church [Battle Creek,Mich., Corps]. Some members of myfamily actually founded the corps, soI had a great support system there.”

For a while Nate felt he piggy-backed on his family’s faith until amessage by Michael Collins atRegeneration changed his perspec-tive. “When he talked about beingsalt and light, I realized everyonethought I was being a person that Iwasn’t. I learned to confess and beaccountable. That was my true pointof transformation.”

Although on a fast track to a busi-ness degree, Nate felt God leadinghim toward ministry. He moved backto Battle Creek, Mich., to assist atthe corps part-time while running astart-up business on the side. But hesoon found part-time ministry wasn’tenough; God was leading him tominister fulltime, which landed himin Wausau.

Hired in August 2013 as the GSIyouth development coordinator, Natehelped to jumpstart the corps’ after-school program which has a focus onreaching at-risk youth. Area schoolsare making recommendations forchildren to attend the program, andNate, along with other staff, have the

PhotobyRickVogeney

LiveCoalsby Lt. Colonel Daniel SjögrenTerritorial Ambassador for Holiness

We have justenjoyed aseason ofcookouts.

Any grillers out therewill know that coalsneed to be hot.However, I have a ten-dency to put the meaton the grill before coalsreach their prime. Infact, many times they’rejust ready as I’m takingthe meat off the grill. Ican tell you that hotcoals make all the difference!

In Isaiah 6:7 when Isaiah confesseshis uncleanness, the Seraph takes alive coal from the altar and places itto Isaiah’s lips. Scripture tells us theSeraph said, “Lo, this hath touchedthy lips; and thine iniquity is takenaway, and thy sin purged.” The sinIsaiah had committed could havebeen a “lip sin.” I’m sure we’d allagree no part of the body sins more,or is in need of more purifying, thanthe tongue.

We are engaged in a war againstthe tongue of hasty speech and the

proud tongue whichboasts all too often. Wealso must battle thetongue of gossip, thetongue of suggestiveallusion and the angrytongue of unbridledtemper.

I pray the coal wouldtouch my lips to purify me. I wantthe Spirit of God to cauterize mytongue and cleanse any unholinessfrom my lips. Some years ago alady confessed to being guilty ofgossiping. She wanted the Lord toforgive her. In my counsel to her Ifelt led to say God would forgivebut a cleansing of the tongue alsowas needed.

Our hearts must be right with theLord for this is where our speechemanates. Join with me in askingthe Holy Spirit to purge any impuri-ty from our hearts so He can beseen in our lives, including in whatwe say.

trainees at the Chicago Central,Ill., ARC, they administered theWichita, Kan., and St. Louis, Mo.,ARCs until joining the commandstaff in 2001.

Major Larry served as assistantcommander and Major Judy asgeneral secretary and candidateliaison officer at the commanduntil they were appointed adminis-trators of the Omaha, Neb., ARC in2010, the positions from whichthey retired.

During his time in St. Louis andat command headquarters, MajorLarry also served as the com-mand’s multicultural ministriescoordinator from 1995 until 2006,and Major Judy served as a territo-rial officers’ counselor from 2006until her retirement.

Members of the“Undaunted” session,Majors Laurence andJudy McPherson lived up

to the name providing nearly fourand a half decades of faithful ser-vice. Many fellow officers, familymembers and friends attended theirretirement celebration and voicedtributes to the McPhersons.Conducting the service of retire-ment was Major Graham Allan,Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC)commander.

After their 1970 commissioning,the McPhersons served in corps inthe Indiana, Kansas and WesternMissouri, Midland and Westerndivisions until 1988, when theybegan serving in the ARCCommand. After a brief period as

Saluting theMcPhersons

Wondering whatGod’s mission and

purpose isfor your life?

MAP is a greatopportunity to explore

where you fitin the Army!

If you’re interested in attending the Mission and Purpose Conference, contact your corps officer.

“

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November 7-9,2014Territorial HeadquartersDes Plaines, Ill.

culture and lifestyle. The many peo-ple who live here help them inspite of the language barrier!” headded.

“I teach classes on the globalchurch and the Pentateuch at theCFOT and study English at CityColleges of Chicago and theology atTrinity. With the cadets I shareinternational knowledge and views

as an Asian scholar, and togetherwe’re realizing we’re one Army.”He reports learning much fromthe cadets and CFOT staff aboutthe Army in the Central Territory,along with fundraising, adminis-tration and Christian culture.

At the Mayfair Corps, MajorEun-sill helps women grow intheir faith and learn how to shareit at home. “There are manywomen in the corps with manydifferent lifestyles. I am meetingGod through this diversity, whichis a challenge to me, especiallyimmigrant ministries. I am grow-ing in knowledge alongsidethem.” She also enjoys leadingnursing home fellowship pro-grams. “I can see the people’slove for God even though they’reweak and sick,” she added.

Halfway through a two-yearappointment in the CentralTerritory, Majors Bong-kyuLee and Eun-sill Seo of the

Korea Territory and their two chil-dren are having the experience of alifetime!

With a doctorate in theology andhaving taught at the Officer TrainingCollege (OTC) in the Korea Territoryfor almost eight years, Major Bong-kyu was tasked to launch a master’sprogram at the OTC. To broaden hisacademic experience for this endeav-or, he has been pursuing furtherstudies at Trinity InternationalUniversity and teaching at theCollege for Officer Training (CFOT).

Major Eun-sill was appointed asassociate corps officer at the ChicagoMayfair Community Church, Ill.,Corps, where she’s been working inwomen’s ministries emphasizingprayer and discipleship. The familyis living on the CFOT campus.

“Our children [son Sun-jong Lee,16, and daughter Ye-won Lee, 10] areenjoying their lives in the U.S.,” saidMajor Bong-kyu. “They’re learningEnglish—their favorite subject—inschool and much about the American

Majors Bong-kyu Lee and Eun-sill Seo

PhotobyDavidMoore

Sharing knowledge, culture

5

encourage others aroundthe world and learn aboutother cultures, this willachieve all those aims.”

Commissioner RobertStreet, chair of theInternational DoctrineCouncil, was given thetask of devising and pro-ducing a teachingresource that can be usedaround the world. He toldAll the World magazine that ashared understanding is vital in anever-expanding Army which nowministers in 126 countries. “It is cru-cial that it stays united, growsauthentically and continues to bewhat it was always meant to be…anexpression of the one ChurchUniversal, showing the heart andlove of God,” he said.

The resource is provided across avariety of formats, through booklets,videos and other online material. Theinitial teaching units include theIntroduction One Army—One Life,

One Army—in Calling,One Army—inCovenant, and One Army—in Christ.

“Each of the booklets has its owncorresponding film,” explained thecommissioner. “We produce them asDVDs and the films are also on thewebsite [along with subtitles]. We arecurrently working towards 20 subti-tle languages on the web.”

He added: “It is inspiring to beaware of the energy and expertise

being applied tothis,” revealing thatthe General calls theOne Army teachingresource “IHQ’s giftto the world.”

CommissionerStreet explained,“There is no set time-line for the use ofOne Army. It canand should be used atwhatever time bestsuits the program andministry of the territo-ry, command andeach corps. It is forongoing use and willbe added to and updat-ed regularly, keeping itfresh and relevant.

Discussion and participation throughthe website will be encouraged, fur-ther adding to the internationalimpact of this initiative.” Participantscan contribute to the discussions onthe website, using their Twitter,Facebook or email accounts.

For updates, follow @TSAOneArmyon Twitter

The Salvation Army’sInternational Vision of OneArmy, One Mission, OneMessage, launched in

October 2011, continues to inspireSalvationists around the world. Now,thanks to a new multi-format teach-ing resource produced throughInternational Headquarters (IHQ),the unity of the International Visioncan be worked toward in a practicalway, bringing Salvationists a betterunderstanding of what it means to bepart of “One Army.”

The One Army website(www.salvationarmy.org/onearmy)opens with an introduction fromGeneral André Cox, who writes: “Forthose who want to know more aboutThe Salvation Army, this is the mostup-to-date, informative and conciseguide available. For Salvationists whowant to confirm their own faith andmission, this is as reliable andauthentic guide you will find any-where. For those who want to broad-en their horizons, support and

One Army resourcematerials available

Salvation Army. We are thrilled to sub-mit ourselves to serving the Lord andHis people in this unique way as offi-cers.Jon and Ceamona’s corps officers are

Captains David and ShannonMartinez.

Chelsea BarnesOak Creek Centennial,Wis., CorpsWisconsin and Upper MichiganDivision

TheSalvationArmy hasplayed ahuge role inmy lifefrom thetime I wasborn. Myparents hadstartedattendingthe OakCreekCentennialCorps a few years before I was born,which is where they raised me toknow God’s love and what it means toknow Him as my Lord and Savior.

I came to know Christ at a youngage and responded to His call of offi-cership when I was 12. Since theneverything I have gone through hasbeen a constant reminder of God’scalling on my life. The Lord has givengave me a passion for youth and musicministries, as well as practical min-istry.

I believe every experience I’ve hadin my life, from various leadershippositions to family events, has pre-pared me for officership.Chelsea’s corps officers are Majors

Cornell and Candace Voeller.

NewlyacceptedcandidatesJonathan and CeamonaTaubeDes Plaines, Ill., CorpsMetropolitan Division

Jonathan and I were both blessed,from a young age, to find a real expe-rience of Jesus in our families andThe Salvation Army communities inwhich we grew up. We each had sig-nificant spiritual experiences at sum-mer camps and chose to give ourlives to Christ as young people. Weeven met as teenagers at CampWonderland!

While Jonathan felt called to min-istry in high school, I graduated fromcollege still planning to pursue mydream of being an elementary schoolteacher. However, God changed myplans by opening opportunities for usto partner in ministry. Leading smallgroups alongside one another, work-ing at the corps together and eventu-ally moving to help open the Rayand Joan Kroc Corps CommunityCenter in Grand Rapids, Mich.,helped us to discern our call to servethe Lord together.

Looking back, we see through ourstruggles and victories that God wasbeginning to reveal His will byallowing us to work together in min-istry, grounding us in prayer andsolidifying our commitment to The

Major Bong-kyu teaches at CFOT whileattending Trinity International University.

6

by Major Curtiss Hartley

When four youngCentral TerritorySalvationists arrivedin Papua New

Guinea (PNG), they may not haveknown what to expect, but by theend of six weeks each expressed asimilar thought—the experiencewas beyond their wildest imagina-tion.

Summer Koehler, a nursing stu-dent and life-long Salvationist, said,“I didn’t really have expectations, Ijust knew it was going to be a wildsummer, and that’s what it was.”

The team was led by JustinJohnson, a teacher in the Chicagoarea and previous summer missionteam (SMT) member. Theother two team memberswere Macy Theriot, aneducation student fromMinnesota and relativelynew Salvationist, andChristopher Irvine, atheology student fromIndiana, a rookie SMTmember. What surprisedthe team was how muchthey received asopposed to how muchthey gave.

“We prepared to teachpeople about God’slove,” Macy said, “and Ifeel like we were taughtabout God’s love.Everything about thepeople and the culture isabout showing God’slove.”

Summer said the people of PNGtaught her about living in themoment. “All my life I’ve beenvery hesitant with things. Thingswill be going on, and later I’ll belike, ‘Oh I should have done this,’or ‘I wish I could have done that.’Here, I’ve seen so many people just

act in the momentand do everything toshow hospitality or toshow God’s love.”

She realized thechange when depart-ing a division theyvisited mid-waythrough the summer.“In Lae when wewere saying our good-bye speeches I forgotto say something, andat home I would havejust let it go,” shesaid. “But here I feltlike no, I need to saythis, so I went andsaid it.”

Chris agreed. “Alot of what I’ve beengoing through in myrelationship withChrist is that thereare so many oppor-tunities—not justhere but back athome—where I

could have donesomething, been

involved or actedand have been a part

of what God was doing, andinstead I didn’t step forward. Ididn’t step up to the plate,” he said.“Here the people are just so hum-ble and so willing to step in andnot just to act but to do what Godis calling them to do.”

Justin said he was humbled bythe selfless spirit of the officers,like Lt. Gini at Kimbe. “We spentthe week with him going around tothe settlements. He had visitedthere and served the people buthad never really invited them toattend,” Justin said. “We went inand did our program, and then Ihad the privilege of giving him thestuff we were leaving behind.”

The lieutenant seemed to disre-gard the gifts. “He was like, ‘That’sjust stuff.’ You could tell that hisheart was in a different placebecause he understood it wasabout the relationships. Really, it’sthe heart that makes the differ-ence.”

Team members said learningabout the way people of PNG liveis one of the most powerful memo-ries.

Chris learned not to take simplethings for granted. “At home I canjust go to the fridge and grab a bot-tle of water and down it anytime,”he said. “Here, they can’t do that.They have to walk sometimes 30 or40 minutes to a well to draw waterand carry it back for cooking anddrinking, and I can guarantee youthey have to make it last all day.

SMT takes awalk on

SMT members (l to r): Christopher Irvine, Justin Johnson, Macy Theriot and Summer Koehler

7

They can’t just down it any timethey want. I want to challengemyself to not waste things and nottake things for granted.”

Summer said she felt like shewas living in a dream. “All myfavorite memories are the reallyextreme situations we’ve been in,all those things that maybe I’vedreamt of doing. Now, seeing howpeople live in all the remote places,I love that,” she said. “Goingthrough the mud in Meii one daywas one of my favorite things—toget to the village and have them beso happy to see us. They didn’tcare how we looked, that we wereall muddy, just that we came to bewith them,” she said.

Macy’s experi-ence seemed assignificant. “I’m

not always aboutthe extremes,” she

said. “When peopleare doing that stuffI’m the one justwatching like, ‘Whatare you doing? Youwant to die young?’But I’ve loved beinghere and being able todo it, and not just bethe one watching.”

Her favorite memory wasthe day she got kicked offthe volleyball court in Meii.“I was just sitting therewhile everyone else wasplaying volleyball and all ofa sudden this girl namedHilda just came over and satdown. She just started shar-

ing with me and wanted toget to know about who Iwas. I was like, ‘No, tell meabout you.’ If I came toPapua New Guinea for onething, that was it. Thatwould have made my wholesummer, just sitting theretalking to this 13-year-oldgirl whose dream is to traveland go to America. Thatwill stay with me forever.”

thewild sidethewild side

PhotobyPatrickSimmons

88

who’ve been blessed by the corps’ministry. Traffic to the sites contin-ues to grow, as does online giving.

The Pommiers’ children love thecorps and are beginning to demon-strate service alongside their par-ents—not because they have to butbecause they want to. When 6-year-old Gabriel recently asked if hecould teach the weekly adult Biblestudy, Lt. Karen gave him five min-utes at the beginning of the class.

“Gabriel came up with his ownmaterial, opened theBible and led us ona very good study ofGenesis 1,” she said.

After havingadvanced theArmy’s mission, cre-ating new systemsand improving thequality of worship,the Pommiers feelthey’re at a crucialstage in the corps’ministry and havesought much prayerfrom the corpscouncil.

“Our biggest fear is peoplegrowing stagnant in their relation-ship with God. [They’re] engaged,but we don’t want just engage-ment—we desire transformation,”said Lt. Esteban. “We can createand sustain all the programs andsystems in the world, but only Godcan change hearts.”

Strengthening social ser-vices has bridged morepeople into the Warsaw,Ind., Corps, reported Lts.

Esteban and Karen Pommier, corpsofficers. They studied along withtheir staff the book Toxic Charityby Robert Lupton on the negativeeffects modern charity can haveupon the people meant to benefitfrom it.

“Changing our paradigm for help-ing others wasn’t easy, but we’re see-ing a refreshed desire to ‘do the mostgood’ in our staff and volunteers.Through Pathway of Hope, sevenfamilies are increasing their level ofsufficiency with the support of KenLocke, community ministries direc-tor, Bryte Cleveland, administrativeassistant, and volunteers, includingadvisory board members,” said Lt.Esteban.

The Pommiers were assigned tothe Warsaw Corps as cadets-in-charge in 2011. “More ministry isabsolutely happening here. From thestart we integrated sharing thegospel, prayer and listening intoeveryday interactions with clients,”the lieutenant continued. Recentefforts have focused on increasingeffectiveness by integrating andupdating programs, and retiredofficer Major Flora O’Dell wasbrought on board to oversee thecorps’ work in neighboringWhitley County.

More than 40 youth attend thecorps’ weekly kids’ club; 10 stu-dent volunteers from GraceCollege serve as mentors, and thewomen’s auxiliary cooks a nutri-tious meal.

In addition to developing rela-tionships with local churches,organizations and colleges, thecorps’ community presence hasgrown through an increasedemphasis on social media and awebsite, along with the productionof short videos on local people

2015 Territorial Social ServicesConferenceApril 28-30, 2015Marriott East Hotel Indianapolis, Ind.

SAVE THE DATE!

Horton honored

Lts. Esteban and Karen Pommier withGabriel, 6, Adrian, 4, and David, 2

She served in the same capacity atthe Ottumwa, Iowa, Corps from1999 to 2005, then received the rankof captain and was appointed direc-tor of the Metropolitan Division’s TriCounty Golden Diners NutritionProgram. Five years later, she wasappointed divisional ministries chap-lain. In 2013, she was promoted tothe rank of major and appointedBooth chaplain.

Earlier thissummerMajor VickyHorton

entered retirementafter 20 years of ser-vice, most recently aschaplain for theBooth Manor and theEvangeline BoothLodge in Chicago, Ill.

Her retirement cel-ebration service washeld during theSunday morning wor-ship service at theChicago Temple, Ill.,Corps; a luncheon fol-lowed. Her daughter,Major DonnaLeedom, presentedthe retirement certifi-cate and granddaugh-ters, Allison Leedomand Laura Haas,served as flagbearers.

As a teenager Vicky felt called toofficership, but life circumstances ledher in another direction. After raisingher family, she was asked to lead theHuron, S.D., Corps. Demonstratingcapable leadership and compassion-ate care, Vicky was appointed as anenvoy in charge of the Beatrice,Neb., Corps in 1994. Two years latershe became the corps officer withthe rank of auxiliary captain.

sober for five years. Recently shehelped start a Wednesday nightcorps activity called All Fight,where corps members go out intothe community to perform acts ofkindness and share their faith inJesus. Her children are involved inall the corps youth activities,including junior soldiers and youthcamps. Amanda says she wants tomake a difference for otherswho’ve been in her situation andneed God in their lives. While inPathway of Hope, Amanda marriedthe father of her youngest child. Heis in and out of work. She hopes hewill be involved in church one day.

Amanda completed her GED thisspring and obtained fulltimeemployment, earning a good salaryand health benefits. Now she’senrolled in community college. Shecontinues to work toward goals tobuild a stable life for her family anda better future for her children.

by Kimberly Bloss andTamaraBrandes

Amanda’s history includedselling and using drugs anda felony conviction. A fewyears ago she became

homeless and stayed, with her fourchildren, at The Salvation ArmyCrossroads Homeless Shelter inIndependence, Mo. During this timethey began attending worship at thecorps. They became members andcontinued to attend faithfully aftermoving out of the shelter.

Two years after leaving the shelter,Amanda was living in her own placebut continued to struggle. She wasunemployed, living on governmentassistance and child support. Hercorps officer referred her to Pathwayof Hope. Amanda met with the casemanager and started working ongoals right away. Though she com-pleted the ninth grade, she had neverfinished high school, so they got hersigned up for GED classes at thecorps. Amanda also had never had ajob. After starting in Pathway, shetook a part-time job as a bellringer atChristmas and shortly thereafter washired as the corps’ part-time janitor.Amanda is a hard worker and has astrong faith. Though she has manybarriers to overcome, she is commit-ted to building a better life for herfamily.

Amanda continues to be involvedin the corps. She has become aSunday school teacher for the teengirls. She also has helped co-lead theCelebrate Recovery Class at thecorps. At 30, she has been clean and

Building a better life

Paradigm shiftstrengthenscorps

Travis Holland and his family came to the corps throughPathway of Hope.

Lt. Esteban Pommier mans the grill for a cookout.

Amanda and case manager Kimberly Bloss

Major Vicky Horton and her grandson Geoffry

Keep calmandpray onWomen connect online

Sometimes God answersprayer in unexpected ways.This was certainly the casefor Ruthie Luckett and her

son, Brandon, in finding the DesPlaines, Ill., Corps.

Two years ago Ruthie and Brandonlived next to a highway. They desper-ately needed a safer, nicer place tolive; even worse Ruthie sufferedfrom debilitating asthma, which wasaggravated by the environment. Atone point it was so bad, she actuallypassed out on herfront doorstep. Shewas on high doses ofmedicine and feelingdiscouraged.

Ruthie asked Godto heal her or movethem away from thehighway. God didboth. Their new homeended up in DesPlaines only one milefrom the corps. Notonly did Ruthie’sbreathing issue clear,she didn’t even needmedicine anymore.

Although she gothealthier physically,her spiritual life waswaning, and she wanted Brandoninvolved in church. That’s when abus driver suggested they walk downto The Salvation Army corps.

“When Ruthie and Brandon cameinto the corps building we didn’thave much programming going on,but I recommended summer camp,”recalled Corps Officer CaptainShannon Martinez. Brandon mus-tered his courage to attend his first

camp ever at CampWonderland. When he camehome he wanted to knowwhen he could go back! Healso got involved with thecorps’ junior band andweekly youth Bible study.

Ruthie has found a familyat the Des Plaines Corps,too. On Easter Sunday shewas enrolled as a soldier

and is active at the corps volunteer-ing with the Breakfast with Babyoutreach. Recently she attended herfirst women’s retreat, anotheranswer to prayer, and was spirituallyrejuvenated.

“This soldier definitely knows howto ‘keep calm and pray on,’” said thecaptain. “God has shown Himself tobe more than a great provider of herevery need.”

9

Women’s Ministries Leadership Conference guests

Women from aroundour territory willbe gathering for theTerritorial Women’s

Ministries Leadership Conference,October 16-19, 2014, with adiverse and interesting line-up ofguests.

Mindy CaliguireMindy

Caliguire isthe founderof SoulCare, aspiritualformationministrythat existsto increase“soulhealth” inthe body ofChrist. Sheis theExecutive Director for EngageInternational and previouslyserved for the Willow CreekAssociation. Mindy contributes toLeadership and Conversationsjournals and has authored numer-ous books on spiritual formation.Mindy will lead us in exploringsimple yet profound ways to tend

our souls, essential to being whoGod created us to be and to hav-ing a transformational effect onour world.

Commissioner Carol SeilerIt’s espe-

cially fittingthatCommis-sioner CarolSeiler joinsus for thisconference—not onlybecause shehelps leadour territoryas presidentof women’sministriesbut because she’s a huge propo-nent of women in leadership. Shevalues higher education and hardwork and has a practical approachto ministry, intent on making herdays count for God’s Kingdom.She has been instrumental in intro-ducing exciting initiatives, likeSTEPs and Pathway of Hope, tothe territory. During the Sundaymorning worship service, you’llfind her speaking marked by pas-sion and straight talk.

Hālau Hula Ka Lei o ka HakuMeaning “the lei of the Lord” this

Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divi-sional group was initiated to shareGod’s love and to worship Himthrough the art of hula. Led byDasia Rodriguera, these 12 ladies

represent corps from Oahu, Mauiand the big island of Hawaii.They have performed at Armyevents throughout the UnitedStates.

Bill Booth Theater CompanyFor over 10 years

our territory’s ownBill Booth TheaterCompany has broughta varied repertoire ofdrama, music andcomedy to concerts,conferences, servicesand retreats through-out North America.This October they’resure to delight withanother original pro-duction.

gram specialist. Complete withchat capabilities, the site allows par-ticipants to simultaneously learnand share ideas.

“We’re the first in the nation touse the Western Territory’s SAVN.tvtechnology for women’s groups,”said Sarah, who worked with staffin the West to pioneer this initiativewhen she discovered their Skype-like technology.

“We’re hoping this will givewomen across the territory an oppor-tunity to find a sense of community,”said Colonel Dawn Heatwole, territo-rial secretary for women’s ministries.

In Fort Wayne, Ind., Corps OfficerMajor Lynneta Poff has found it arespite from her duties. “I wanted tobe involved in a Bible study where Icould participate but didn’t have tobe the leader,” she said. “After abusy day I can sit at home in a com-fortable chair and participate in thisBible study, sharing with women allover the territory!”

Marcie Gothard, Sioux Falls, S.D.,soldier and development director,appreciates the opportunity to con-

nect with andlearn fromnew people.“When youwork for andattend a corps,sometimesyou seek waysto connectwith othersoutside yoursphere ofinfluence.”

The territorial women’s min-istries department haslaunched an online videoBible study to connect women

in prayer, study and fellowship acrossthe territory. It’s meant to provideopportunities for those in isolatedareas and to supplement traditionalwomen’s small group Bible studies.

On the first and third Tuesday ofthe month, women log in online at7:00 p.m. to participate in a Biblestudy facilitated by Sarah Micula,territorial women’s ministries pro-

Ruthie with Captain ShannonMartinez

Brandon at the MetroMusic Camp

Sign up at uscwomensministries.com

ed to. Our time together is chang-ing not only how they spend theirafternoons, but it’s also changingtheir hearts.”

The youth also now spend timevolunteering with the food pantry,cleaning the building and doingother tasks as needed.

Lt. A.J. knows firsthand howimportant it is to reach this groupof boys and how basketball is theway to do it.

“It’s how I was first introduced tothe Army when I was a kid inDetroit,” he said. “I remember mycorps officer playing basketballwith us, and it will always stick outin my mind. It’s like, ‘Wow, thepastor of a church has a millionthings to do and he still made timefor me.’ I want to do that for mykids here, too.”

Even the youth’s parents arethankful for The Salvation Armyand Lt. A.J.’s devotion to their sons.

“A parent recently called andsaid, ‘Have you seen my son? Ican’t find him.’ I answered, ‘Yeah,he’s right here,’” Lt. A.J. said. “Andshe responded with, ‘Good. That’sexactly where I want him to be.’”

by Ashley Kuenstler

They live in a cityrenowned for its violence,but youth from East St.Louis are finding a safe,

second home at The SalvationArmy thanks to a basketball courtand a 6 ft. 4 in. teammate.

“A lot of people have given upon them, thinking they just like togoof off and play basketball,” saidLt. A.J. Zachery East St. Louis, Ill.,corps officer. “The trick is to notcondemn them for that but use itto reach them.”

Since his arrival in July 2013,the lieutenant has used basketballas a tool to connect with andreach the young boys in East St.Louis. The number of youth whoattend his corps’ after-school pro-gram has grown substantially as aresult. Playing basketball with himevery day not only has taught theyouth valuable character-buildingtraits and provided them with asafe haven for their afternoons, but ithas introduced many of them to theirfirst reliable father figure.

“Most of these boys don’t have afather figure, and that’s somethingevery young boy wants,” Lt. A.J.said. “So I go to their basketballgames at school with cardboard signsof encouragement that I hold upwhen they make baskets. It soundssilly, but it really means a lot tothem.”

This connection has led the boys todevelop a strong trust in the lieu-tenant, which is positively affectingseveral areas of their lives.

“There’s one boy who is having adifficult time learning to read,” Lt.A.J. said. “Because he trusted me hewas able to open up to me about it,and now we’re taking steps toaddress it.”

Because of Lt. A.J.’s time on thecourt, there are now more youthattending church regularly and evenvolunteering.

“When the kids didn’t have schoollast winter, they offered to come tothe corps and shovel snow with me,”Lt. A.J. said. “I didn’t have to askthem; they did it because they want-

“Since their enrollment, theywant to know what they can do,”said the captain. “I have them ush-ering, collecting offering and read-ing the call to worship or scripture.They’re wearing their uniformsevery week and are a good exampleto the other youth,” said the cap-tain. Two senior soldier enrollmentsare on the way.

The newest Grand Island, Neb.,Corps’ junior soldiers and theirmothers (l to r) Taylin andFawnda Little, Annabel and

Leah Edwards and Chloe and JenniferMealy, are pictured with their CorpsOfficer Captain Ann Mealy on enroll-ment day. The girls, who came to thecorps through character-building pro-grams, are serious about soldiership.

Model junior soldiers

SHARING OUR SUCCESSES

The Kansas City, Mo., metroarea is blessed with anextensive and impressiveAdvisory Board (AB).

Coupled with that, we have numer-ous working committees. With thedivisional commander and divisionaldirector of development, we havefocused on cultivating a culture ofactive sub-committees. The sub-com-mittees then, with officers and staff,act as a grass-roots planning commit-tee for various activities.

The most recent example is onesub-committee’s work on elevatingour annual civic luncheon over thelast four years. Through the work ofthis committee—officers and staff—the luncheon has evolved from asmall staff appreciation affair to asignificant annual fundraising andfriend raising event. Our most recentluncheon in May drew more than1,000 attendees and featured FormerFirst Lady and current NationalAdvisory Board member Mrs. LauraBush. Not only was this event one ofthe most prominent in Kansas City,introducing The Salvation Army tomany leaders, it was a significantfundraiser. In fact, over the last fouryears the luncheon has raised over$1 million, and each year the barmoves higher.

The effort of the civic lunch sub-committee has made this possible.From initial formation by our cur-rent AB chair to subsequent com-mittee chairs, each has developed arobust and active group to plan thisevent. By recruiting numerouscommittee members (this year over25 individuals), it serves multiplepurposes:• A deep group of highly talented

individuals bring their efforts toplan the event, freeing up the staffand officers for other activities.

• It is a community-led and plannedevent.

• A large group of individuals not

only attend the event with severalguests, but many sponsor entiretables.Additionally, having such a large

group of volunteers supports long-term goals and advantages for thedivision:• Introducing The Salvation Army

to more prominent communitymembers, who not only becomeaware of our mission and servicebut then actively support it bothmonetarily and with their time.

• Increasing the Army’s networkwith prominent companies inthe community through theseindividuals.

• Providing a platform for theseindividuals to volunteer with theArmy and to bring their time andtalent to aid our mission.

• Providing a “breeding ground” forfuture AB members, ensuring arobust “pipeline” of individuals tosupport officers and staff nowand in the future.Based on this approach, the divi-

sion has created a model it is apply-ing to other areas and sub-commit-tees. It bodes well, not only fortoday’s activities but for the future.Given our common mission, we arehappy to discuss this concept withany division that would like tolearn more.

by Matthew Sweeney

Sub-committees agame changer

Changing lives onedribble at a time

10

October Prayer Calendar

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

Day

1Wednesday

2 Thursday

3 Friday

4 Saturday

5 Sunday

6 Monday

7 Tuesday

8Wednesday

9 Thursday

10 Friday

11 Saturday

12 Sunday

13 Monday

14 Tuesday

15Wednesday

16 Thursday

17 Friday

18 Saturday

19 Sunday

20 Monday

21 Tuesday

22Wednesday

23 Thursday

24 Friday

25 Saturday

26 Sunday

27 Monday

28 Tuesday

29Wednesday

30 Thursday

31 Friday

Bible Reading

Numbers 22-24

2 Chronicles 11-15

Psalms 117-118

Proverbs 28

Jonah 1-4

Acts 3-4

Hebrews 5-7

Numbers 25-27

2 Chronicles 16-20

Psalms 119

Proverbs 29-30

Micah 1-7

Acts 5-6

Hebrews 8-10

Numbers 28-30

2 Chronicles 21-24

Psalms 120-121

Proverbs 31

Nahum 1-3

Acts 7-8

Hebrews 11-13

Numbers 31-33

2 Chronicles 25-28

Psalms 122-124

Ecclesiastes 1-2

Habakkuk 1-3

Acts 9-10

James 1-3

Numbers 34-36

2 Chronicles 29-32

Psalms 125-127

Pray for The Salvation Army

Janesville, Wis., Corps

Indianapolis, Ind., ARC*

Farmington Hills, Mich., Corps

Dubuque, Iowa, Corps

New life in Christ on thisDecision SundayNational Divisional YouthLeaders Conference

Huntington, Ind., Corps

Kansas City Blue Valley, Mo.,Corps

Blue Island, Ill., Corps

East St. Louis, Ill., Corps

Grand Forks, N.D., Corps

Harvest Festival Sunday

Hastings, Neb., Corps

Kansas&Western Missouri DHQ**

Grand Rapids Fulton HeightsCitadel, Mich., Corps

Territorial Women’s LeadersConference

Kenosha, Wis., Corps

Kansas City, Mo., ARC*

Youth character-building programs

Flint Beecher, Mich., Corps

Freeport, Ill., Corps

Kansas City, Kan., Harbor LightVillage Recovery Center

Chicago Temple, Ill., Corps

Granite City, Ill., Corps

Harvest Coon Rapids,Minn.,Corps

Women’s ministries throughoutthe territoryAustria, Hungary (Switzerland/Austria/Hungary Territory) PIM

Huron, S.D., Corps

Holland, Mich., Corps

Majors Robert & Rae Doliber(Haiti) PIM

La Crosse, Wis., Corps

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

11

My Prayer List

Come be part of an event near you this fall as theGeneral and Commissioner Cox visit our territory!

September 11 7:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Division

Cadets’Welcome/Soldiers’RallyLife Changers Church2500 Beverly RoadHoffman Estates, Ill. 60192

September 12 7:30 p.m.

Northern Division

Soldiers’RallyWooddale Church6630 Shady Oak Rd.Eden Prairie, Minn. 55344

September 13 2:00 p.m.

Kansas/Western Missouri Division

Soldiers’RallyMunicipal Auditorium Music Hall301 W. 13th St.Kansas City, Mo 64105

September 14

Eastern Michigan Division

HolinessMeeting10:00 a.m.

Festival ofPraise2:00 p.m.Cobo Center1 Washington Blvd.Detroit, Mich. 48226

General AndréCox andCommissioner Silvia Cox

Visit theCentral Territory

12

Promoted toGlory

The retirement of Majors Craigand Joan Stoker was cause fordouble celebration with ser-vices in Alpena and Grand

Rapids, Mich. The retirement serviceat the Alpena Corps, from which theStokers retired as corps officers, washeld during Sunday morning worshipwith Colonels Dennis and SharonStrissel, Eastern Michigan divisionalleaders, officiating.

Five days later, an evening cele-brating the Stokers’ “partnershipwith God, nature and each other”was held in Grand Rapids at theFulton Heights Citadel Corps, fromwhich Major Craig entered trainingalmost five decades earlier in 1966with the “Messengers of the Faith”session and Major Joan in 1970 withthe “Lightbringers” session. ColonelDawn Heatwole officiated and pre-sented the Stokers with their retire-ment certificates after salutes fromfamily and friends.

Commissioned in 1972 , the Stokersserved in corps in Illinois, Missouri,Michigan and Indiana. In 1994 theywere appointed to the Bahamas, athree-year adventure also enjoyed bytheir children, Chris and Amy. Themajors then led the Marshalltown,Iowa, Corps for nine years.

After Major Craig served as theOmaha, Neb., disaster servicescoordinator and Major Joan as theGene Eppley Camp administrator inthe Western Division, they wereappointed to Alpena in 2008 justafter Major Joan earned a bache-lor’s degree in practical ministriesfrom Olivet Nazarene University.

The Stokers love nature. They’vetaught classes in natural sciencesand outdoor survival to generationsof children during corps programsand divisional camps while advocat-ing the start of nature centers andtrails at camps across the territory.

Sunday,September28, will beThe

Salvation Army’s8th annual interna-tional day ofprayer for victimsof human traffick-ing.

Salvation Armycorps and centersaround the worldare encouraged tocall on God tobring hope andfreedom to thoseinvolved. TheInternationalLaborOrganization esti-mates at least 44percent of the 21million peoplewho are victims offorced labor world-wide have beentrafficked.

International Headquarters hasreleased a powerful array ofresources to coincide with September28, including a sermon, Bible study,poem, prayer ideas, PowerPoint pre-sentation and promotional poster.

Everything can be downloadedfrom a new anti-trafficking sectionof the International Headquarterswebsite:www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/antitrafficking.

Majors Alan and LaVonneFones retired this summerfrom the Virginia, Minn.,Corps.

Their retirement service was heldat the St. Cloud, Minn., Corps, wherethey served 10 years and their chil-dren grew up. Longtime friend Lt.Colonel Dan Sjögren conducted theceremony, and Lt. Colonel BeckySjögren read scripture. The Fones’children, Wayne and Christine,spoke, and David Chase led a bandthat played favorite hymns.

Loving and caring for their congre-gations were of foremost importanceto the Fones during their officership.“It was all about the people,” saidMajor LaVonne.

Toward the beginning of their offi-cership, which was in the WesternTerritory, one appointment made itclear. They had been sent to serve incentral California. Major LaVonne said,

“This was the one area of the territo-ry I hoped and prayed God wouldnot send us.” But they firmlybelieved God would use them nomatter what. “It turned out to be ourbest appointment,” the majorrecalled. “We loved the people, andthey were filled with the Spirit of theLord. The 100-person chapel waspacked every Sunday shoulder-to-shoulder.”

Alan was commissioned in theWestern Territory, while LaVonnewas commissioned in the Centralwith the “Evangelists” session. Afterserving together in the West, theyrequested a transfer back to theCentral be near their aging parents.

After returning to the CentralTerritory, the Fones served at fourcorps including Eau Claire, Wis., andSt. Cloud, Duluth and Virginia, Minn.

They retire to Foley, Minn., andlook forward to being near family.

Lt. ColonelWilliam Hasney

Lt. ColonelWilliam Hasneywas promoted toGlory on June 6,2014. He was93.

William (Bill)Hasney wasborn to Chesterand Beda in1920. When Billwas about nine, his father attendeda Salvation Army open-air meetingand returned with the whole familyfor the evening meeting.

Bill and his siblings were veryinvolved at the Waukegan, Ill.,Corps. In 1939 Bill married SigneShoblad, who tragically died a yearlater when they were boating withfriends from the corps.

In 1942 he joined the U.S. CoastGuard and served in WWII. In1945, one year before returning toWaukegan on honorable discharge,Bill married Ruth Leise.

The Hasneys entered training in1956 and were commissioned withthe “Faithful” session in 1957. Themajority of their officership wasspent in the men’s social (now adultrehabilitation centers command),where they served in various cen-ters and eventually at territorialheadquarters.

In 1969 the colonel attended theInternational College for Officers,and then returned to his appoint-ment as territorial assistant admin-istrator of the men’s social. From1976 to 1985 he served as the terri-torial administrator of the men’ssocial, the appointment from whichhe retired.

He is survived by his wife Ruth,his children, Janine Deratany andPaul (Joyce); three grandchildrenand two great-granddaughters.

Auxiliary Captain Stephen Diaz

AuxiliaryCaptain StephenDiaz was pro-moted to Gloryon July 20, 2014.He was 47.

Steve wasborn in NorthPlatte, Neb., toCaptains Nelsonand Agnes Diaz.His youth was marked by faith,sports (the Chicago Cubs in particu-lar) and a love for music, which blos-somed while his parents served as theOakbrook Terrace, Ill., corps officers.

In 1999 Steve left the familiarity ofthe U.S. to become the territorialmusic director in the Caribbean,where he created a territorial band,led the annual music camp and trav-eled to support music programs.During a trip to Haiti, he met and fellin love with Ketsia Augustin.

Steve moved to Port-au-Prince,Haiti, in 2003 to be the assistantdirector of the La Maison du BonheurChildren’s Home. In 2004 he marriedKetsia, and eventually they becamedirectors of the home.

The joy of Steve’s life was his son,Kyle, who was born in 2008. The fol-lowing year they moved to St. Louis,Mo., where Steve and Ketsia led theSt. Louis Temple Corps as envoys.Steve’s vison for impacting the com-munity was powerful and magnetic. In2012 they became auxiliary captains.

Steve is remembered for his humor,easy laugh and big smile. He was ahumble, servant leader, devoted men-tor, friend and father, and obedientson of God.

He is survived by his wife Ketsiaand son Kyle; sisters, Major Evie Diazand Major Christine (Steven) Merritt;nephews and nieces, Benjamin,Matthew and Abigail; and a host offriends and extended family.

Majors Alan and LaVonne Fones with Lt. Colonels Dan and Rebecca Sjögren, and Majors Leeand Melody Morrison as flagbearers.

Prayers to thwart trafficking Stokers take a bow

Officershipmarkedby love