POTLUCKA LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

The fact that many of you reading this column are not yet old enough to vote doesn’t mean you haven’t heard the word CHANGE thrown around by both presidential candidates over the last several months. One of Obama’s campaign slogans has been, “Change we can believe in.” In recent speeches, McCain has repeated the line, “Change is coming.” It seems that a consensus has been reached by the politically powerful that in order to be elected president this November, change better be on your agenda. But can either of these two politicians bring about the change you and I desperately need? I’m sure that both men are honorable, and worthy of consideration, (despite what they may say about each other). However, at the risk of being redundant, neither of them has what it takes to effect the change you and I need. We are sinners. We’re messed up.

We need serious help. We need…change. One pro-change public speaker who would never have been elected to public office is the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah, chapter 7, God speaks through the prophet to His people: If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. -Jeremiah 7:5-7 You won’t hear those words in the January ‘09 inaugural speech, no mater who wins this Fall. Of course, the land God is refer-ring to isn’t America, but the list of do’s and don’ts sure apply to our nation. And the change He is (still) asking of His people begins on the inside, and works its way out for the good of OTHERS and the glory of God.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. - James 4:8-10

Waiting on the world to change? I hope not.

TEXTest:1. Do you consider yourself a sinner, in need of change?2. In your view, are there ways in which either of the presidential candidates would help America f ufill the commands of Jeremiah 7:5-7?3. What specifically is God asking you to “grieve, mourn and wail” over?

WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE Rob BirksI’d like to begin with three statements: 1. We need change! 2. John McCain cannot bring the change we need! WAIT…stay with me…I said three statements. 3. Barrack Obama cannot bring the change we need!

JESUS TALKS!Who says you can’t talk religion & politics? We sat down with the head of the Chris-tian church and asked him his thoughts on the political scene in America.PTLK: This is one of the closest presidential races in U.S. history. Whoever wins will become one of the most powerful leaders in the world. Any advice for the next President of the U.S.?JC: You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and of-ficials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave (Mark 10:42-43).PTLK: It seems like everyday there’s a new poll saying that one candidate is more popular than the other. What do you make of these “popularity polls?”JC: There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, say-ing what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular (Luke 6:26).PTLK: Are you leaning more towards either candidate?JC: ‘Can a blind man guide a blind man?’ Wouldn’t they both end up in the ditch? An apprentice doesn’t lecture the master. The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher (Luke 6:39-40).PTLK: Every election comes down to the key issues that people find impor-tant. For instance taxes, some people want to raise them and some people want to lower them. What say you?JC: Bring me a coin and let me look at it.PTLK: Here’s a quarter.

JC: This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?PTLK: Looks like George Washington.JC: Give to Washington* what is his, and give God what is his (Mark 12:13-17).PTLK: OK… What about the economy. Banks are closing everyday. Any advice on keeping our hard-earned money safe?JC: Do not put away riches for yourselves on earth. Moths and rust can destroy them. Thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, put away riches for yourselves in heaven. There, moths and rust do not destroy them. There, thieves do not break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your riches are (Matthew 6:19-21).PTLK: Looking globally, what should be done about our foreign policy?JC: Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal (Luke 6:30-32)?PTLK: A lot has been said about the media’s practice of making a candidate’s personal blunders into international headlines. Have we, the media, gone too far?JC: Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier (Luke 6:37).PTLK: Thanks, Jesus. We hope to speak with you again soon.JC: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Jesus’ book, The Holy Bible, is available at amazon.com and in hotel drawers everywhere.*Most manuscripts translate to Caesar.

How often do you find yourself sitting in church bored or complaining of the relevancy of your church? If you answered “a lot,” then you have a problem and most likely are part of the problem. You see, most of us complain and whine and just sit there. We’d rather judge and ridicule than help make a change. This must stop in order to grow a healthy church.

Ask yourself, have I helped make it better? Have I lent a hand in planning or execution? In most cases your leadership is overworked, underappreciated and find it difficult to meet all the needs. It is our job to step in and lend a hand and work alongside your corps family. You may say, “I’m too young; they won’t listen to me!” This is usually a cop-out so you don’t have to step up. Most corps are looking for young people to get involved. Shoot, ask your corps officer if you can get on the corps council. You might have to wear powder and a wig though!

The time is now - step up and lend a hand. This could mean teaching a Sunday School class or character building program, or simply cleaning up the classrooms after all is

said and done. Your corps officer needs your help and truly wants what is best for their community. With your help they can reach your generation!

Jesus for Presidentshane Claiborn & Chris haw A challenging and beautiful book that reminds us that our ultimate hope lies not in political options but in Jesus. These are politics for people who want to love the world into the kingdom of God.

sChoolhouse roCkdisney dVdLearn about our country and government the “old school” way - singing cartoons! You can learn how a bill becomes a law or how the Electoral College works, while eating a bowl of cereal.

Mr. sMith Goes towashinGtonColuMbia dVd (1939)Check out this classic filmstarring American IconJimmy Stewart as a honest U.S. senator trying to make adifference in Washington.

“HARD CORPS” CHANGE JimSparks

“...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.” -Abe Lincoln

POTLUCKis a product of The Salvation Army Western Ter-ritory Youth Department. For more info please contact: fulton.hawk@usw.salvationarmy.org

Governments all over the world are changing, holding elections, and making decisions. With about 194 countries in the whole world, it’s hard to keep up with all of them. One, however, is closer to home than others. We probably hear about Iraq at least once a week, but how much do you know about the war? The United States invaded Iraq in March of 2003, and only nine months later, Saddam Hussein was captured. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the end. Extremist Muslims and terrorist groups have kept peace at bay in Iraq. Amidst the war, Iraq rewrote their constitution and reestablished a representative government similar to ours. There is still prejudice and deep division between the different groups of people in Iraq. Christians in Iraq have fled from the country in mass number because of intense persecution. There is only one body, one Spirit, one Lord, whether we’re from Los Angeles or Baghdad. The Iraqi citizens have suffered much. Thousands have lost homes, family members, or their very lives. There’s much more to the situation in Iraq than what can be covered in a few paragraphs. It is fragile, and whether you agree with McCain or Obama about the war, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 2:43-48). Remember to pray for everyone in Iraq (even the terrorists) and the leaders of the countries involved. If you know you won’t remember to do it tonight, then pray for them right now.

WORLD WATCHEmily Ward

icue.comWatch hundreds of videos and newsclips on current events and politics. Even play games to learn about what’s going on in the news today. Connect, understand, excell and test your political iCue.

mytwocentsforchange.orgHere’s a place for you to speak your mind and see what other teens are saying about this election season. You can even send your message to the 2008 presidential candidates.

factcheck.orgTalk is cheap so don’t believe everything you hear. Sometimes the truth gets a little muddied during election time. You can check this site and get your facts straight.

rockthevote.comIf you’re going to be 18 by election time, rockthevote.com makes that process all the more easy for you by providing a place to register, election info and polls on what your peers think.

HIT THELINKS

Fight! I’ll Fight Day is a servant evangelism day for youth of The Salvation Army all across the world on December 6, 2008. Go to Illfightday.com to learn how you can change the world by serving others.

Travel abroad! If you’re a soldier between the ages of 18-25, then you can attend Raised Up! TSA World Youth Convention in Stockholm, Sweden, from July 15-18, 2010. Applications must be in by Nov. 10, 2008. Ask your CO or DYS for more info.

Fill pantries! The SoCal Division responded to the tough economy with Operation Feed Our Families. Host a food drive or fund raiser, or simply donate on your own. Contact your CO for more info.

Visit seniors! Phoenix needs volunteers at the Lau-ra Danieli Senior Activity Center to chaperone evening activities, deliver meals, teach art classes, drive clients to appointments, musically entertain, or guide exercise classes. Contact Danielle for more info at 602.267.4117.

Offer intelligence! The Harbor House in San Fran-cisco is looking for volunteers to provide childcare and homework help for kids while their parents attend AA meeting in the evenings, Monday-Thursday. Contact Caroline for more info at 415.503.2720.

GETINVOLVED