Corning

Corningware is pretty common in American kitchens. First it was known as Pyrex and eventually as Corelle ware. This all came from Corning, NY. These dishes are amazing. They were the first in my memory that could be put in the oven and in the freezer without shattering. In later years, fiber optics were developed in this same community.

Today was the Celebration of Life for Elsie Borden, a faithful soldier of the Corning, NY Corps. She was an exceptional lady with an overflowing love for the Lord. Among her seven children are Major Pat Wood and Lt. Colonel Louisa Wood. She was honored beautifully by her family and corps officers, Captains John and Kim Merchant.

Not unlike the community in which she lived, Elsie was a remarkable person. Her resilience in all kinds of conditions and environments and her capacity to bring light to her family and friends, resemble these extraordinary Corning discoveries. We celebrate her life and share in prayer for her loved ones in these days of separation.

"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Rev. 2:10 (KJV)

Kensico

As many know, Kensico is the cemetery where The Salvation Army meets every year to remember those who have paved the way in Salvationist ministry and whose remains are interred there. It's really a beautiful place and today, the weather was absolutely wonderful. The Territorial Commander brought the good word to us and the School for Officers' Training provided the special music.

There are three other such SA gardens in the Eastern Territory: Asbury Park, Boston, and Cleveland. In each location, similar memorial services are held.

I admit that as I walked around the grounds at Asbury Park yesterday and Kensico today, the memories of such terrific servants of God took my breath away. From Generals to Cradle Roll members and everything in between, you just sense the prevailing power of God in the witness of these greathearts. These places are a must to visit to begin to understand our history and the operative grace of God. They're open all year.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Asbury Park

Is it an amusement park or maybe a nice grassy place to visit with your children near Asbury College? Neither. It is a thriving, historic corps on the Jersey shore. Known for its deep roots of Salvationism and consistency of sacred ministry, the Asbury Park, New Jersey Citadel Corps is another great place to worship and witness to God's grace.

Full band and songsters in place with local officers that do their jobs, this is a model of a fully functioning corps with a heart for holiness in action.

We were joined by Majors Raphael and Sandra Jackson from DHQ and hosted by Captain Cynthia Foster. Each made their own contribution in both meetings and demonstrated their love for God with effective ministry.

Majors Jeff and Jessica Bassett were not able to be there on the basis of their appropriate attention to the Major's brother Jonathan. Jonathan, as I write this appears to be in his last few minutes here on earth. Ready for heaven, he is suffering a medical complication that is taking his life.

We rejoice today for this great corps and for their support to their corps officers going through such tragedy. From what we experienced today, I have no doubt that the corps will be just what the Bassett family needs.

Deut. 33:27 (NIV)
"The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms..."

Working at Camp

Are you working at camp this summer? It's a great place to go and have a blast. You get out in the fresh air and out of stuffy classrooms or office jobs. You get plenty of healthy exercise. You make new friends and spend a lot of time with old friends. You get away from home chores. Boredom flees and you have plenty to do.

At 'Army' camps, the ministry is exquisite. The kids are open to the gospel and the Holy Spirit moves freely. The camp staff has every opportunity to grow in Christ.

Who cares if the food isn't like mom's home cookin'? You want to drop a couple of pounds anyway. Who cares if your white underwear takes on a hint of pink in the laundry. They have to wash those red sweatshirts somewhere.

Good for you if you're working at camp. If you're not, take heart, the Holy Spirit will be.

Deut. 23:14 (NIV)
"For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you."

Lunch with the General

Carolyn and I enjoyed lunch today with General and Mrs. Bramwell Tillsley. I know I ordered a BBQ chicken sandwich, but I feasted on the moments with these giants in the faith and leaders in the Army. Retired? Only officially. With their schedule for ministry since retirement, most of us would call it active service.

They were the leaders of the Training School when we were cadets and we were as enamored with them then as we are today. At lunch, we were able to thank them again for giving us the truth at the SFOT. We believed them then, and it has all proven true. God is faithful. He has a wonderful plan for us and his love will abundantly sustain us in the most difficult of days.

We believed their message of holiness because they are holy people. We believed their confidence in The Salvation Army because we had confidence in them as Salvation Army leaders. We knew Jesus better because we saw Him in them. We knew the future was bright because they shined brilliantly in the present.

I know that I was filled up from lunch, but I don't know if I ate my sandwich.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. [22] It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lament. 3:21-23 (KJV)

Family

God has blessed us with a wonderful family. Our parents, siblings, children (all of them) and our grandson bring joy to our lives beyond my wildest imagination. I love that they love us. I'm grateful they respect us. I'm thrilled that they love the Lord like us. I'm excited that they love each other.

It seems impossible that it could get any better and then it does. God continues to increase our capacity to love and be loved. We see it first with our family.

Is it any wonder that He expects it of His family? He empowers us and leads us to love each other in His family in the same way I've described above. My description is not just my hope, it is my experience. I believe He desires to expand our capacity to love each other deeply, just like the Father and the Son.


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 (NIV)

Corps Visits

I enjoy visiting corps throughout the territory. I stopped by the Columbus Chapel at Worthington Woods Corps a week or so ago. I’'ve been there before and am again impressed with the ministry of Envoys Greg and Keren Tuck. CSM Norm Raymond and YPSM Jackie Raymond were there as well. What a team!

The faithful Salvationists are fully engaged and serving Christ with everything. They weren'’t trying to impress an old corps officer. They were simply telling the story of God at work among them. Their hopes are sky high and their vision for reaching the neighborhood and beyond for Christ is marked with holy love and confidence in the One who will make it happen.

The road continues to be a challenge, but they are staying the course. They also give huge credit to all the members and supporters of the corps. It'’s more than a team. It’'s a community. I’ve learned that the destinations of life are not necessarily the object of God’'s plan, but the journey. The Salvationists of Worthington Woods are on the ride of their life, learning, living, and loving all the way.

"“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, [2] and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. [3] He told them: 'Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.'”" Luke 9:1-3 (NIV)

NNE Youth Councils

The final chapter of 2005 spring Youth Councils has come to a close. It is a triumphant ending. Majors Jim and Pat LaBossiere, Cadets Scott and Karen Peabody, Project 117, Tom Freeman and bride Raechel worked with Captains Everett and Pat Henry and Majors Richard and Janet Munn to glorify God by reaching the youth and their leaders this weekend at Camp Sebago...what a great place!

The singing was great. The interest sessions right on target. The fun was fun...and the meals were the best. God, Himself moved through our hearts, setting many free and depositing joy in place of sins now forgiven. Saturday night was live with Major Janet Munn. She showed incredible respect for the young people by giving them a substantive presentation about being heroes.

We have more dancing in heaven. God does this in His way with lasting power. He is worthy to be praised.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

2 Cor. 3:17 (NIV)

Napoleon Dynamite

At the risk of promoting this movie, I admit to having viewed it with Carolyn in preparation for Youth Councils in Northern New England. The division has imaginatively used this sophomoric movie, familiar to most of the young people, to draw them together and point them to life realities.

In the movie, Napoleon Dynamite is the quintessential geek that you eventually associate as a hero...of sorts. Most people can relate to his troubles as being common to themselves at some point or moment in their life.

One of his strong points is his willingness to help Pedro, a cultural outcast, who as we might understand is his "neighbor."

We all have a little geek in us. We all can love our neighbors as Jesus taught us. Perhaps Napoleon Dynamite has taught us something.

" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27 (NIV)

Moves

Just when you think everything is working...someone yells "rotate" and everyone changes positions. That's volleyball.

Now 'moves' in the Army are another matter. By Friday noon these will most likely be posted in our territory. Consider it a prayer list. There isn't one person on the page that doesn't need our prayer. So many people are ultimately affected.

There are different ways to manage personnel in different denominations. They're all difficult at best. Our system requires explicit trust in God through The Salvation Army by all of us. Each move must be immersed in faith and God will be glorified.

Remember...it's a prayer list.

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Commissioners' Conference

After I wrote this blog, I went back and edited out everything about the Commissioners' Conference that really isn't public. This is what I'm left with:


"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you," 1 Thes. 4:11 (NIV)

Lisa

Tonight I met Lisa. She approached me as I was sitting (and reading lotus notes) on a bench along the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. "Hello, I don't mean to bother you, but I'm pregnant and homeless, and hungry, and well, could you help me with some money to get something to eat? I like Chinese."

I gave her a couple of dollars and asked where she was going to spend the night. I was a little uncomfortable asking a twenty-something woman such a question, but believed it was important. She took it as an opportunity to upgrade her request for funds. She had no carrying bags and wasn't disheveled in appearance which caused me to question the veracity of her story.

I told her that God loved her to which she replied she was grateful, but needed to move on to ask others for more help.

This is a tragedy. God is willing to provide for all her constructive needs and she wants to go to someone who can only support what are most likely negative needs.

I failed in my meager attempt to draw her to Christ and commit her to His care even as I write this message. Lord, help her just now...and help me to be better at this.

Matthew 25:40 (MsgB)
Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me-—you did it to me.'

NYSB

The amazing New York Staff Band is on tour even as you read this blog. I’'ll list their schedule so you might be aware and pray for them as they go. The band is a continuing source of inspiration and model of excellence for the territory. Their journey abroad is to share their mission with people who would not normally have the opportunity to hear the gospel in this way. There will be many who will be drawn to Christ as a result of their visit. Here’s the schedule. Can we count on you to pray for them?

15 Oslo, Norway 17
18 Haugesund, Norway
19 Stavenger, Norway
20 Kristianand, Norway
21 Skien, Norway
22 Drammen/Lillestrom, Norway
23 Kristinehamn, Sweden
24 Sodertalje, Sweden
25 Stockholm, Sweden
26 Goteborg, Sweden
27 Jonkoping, Sweden 29
30 Copenhagen, Denmark
31 Return home

Mark 16:15 (MsgB)
Then he said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God's good news to one and all."

GREATER New York

Youth Councils are everything they used to be and more. Carolyn and I attended the GNY Youth Councils this weekend with Captains Ivan and Christine Rock and Cadets Curtis and Felicia Flora. Each of them were great...strong witness...prepared...effective.

Lt.Colonels Nestor and Rebecca Nuesch are leading this impressive division with the help of Majors Kevin and Cheriann Stoops in their youth department. Actually, the most of their divisional team were working throughout the weekend with tremendous support.

The young people are sensitive to the Spirit of God and very gifted. Every conversation with them was peppered with intelligent and perceptive comment. Thank you, Lord!

It is my conviction, by witnessing the movement of the Spirit among the youth and their leaders, that the division is in better shape after the weekend...hence...GREATER New York for the blog title today. The Army is moving forward. The young people are leading in many ways.

John 8:36 (NIV)
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

A.R.C.

A visit to an Adult Rehabilitation Center can be most revealing. Today, with the ARC Commander Lt. Colonel Tim Raines, we stopped into both the New Haven, CT center and the Bridgeport, CT Center. Majors Frank and Evelyn Psaute are doing a great job in New Haven as Captains Don and Judy Sanderson are in Bridgeport. Each of them grasp the mission with confidence and competence. I came home pleased to be associated with them and proud to be a Salvationist.

I have a lot of hope for the ARC ministry. It's basic to our calling and essential to the overall pecuniary formula that supports the ministry throughout the territory. The lives of men, women and their families are being improved by the grace of God with salvation for their souls and other practical support for their journey.

What is being revealed? The love of God for His people. The incredible impact of His love in the lives of many. The strength and professional service of dedicated officers and employees...and more. Thank you Lord for these faithful ones and for those who will know you better as a result of the ministry of the ARC.

"Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven." Matthew 16:17 (NIV)

Chocolate

Have you had your chocolate today?

If I have an addiction to anything, it might be chocolate. The offer of a chocolate kiss is always welcome and the possibility of a piece of chocolate from Carole Stollenwerk's decanter at work is always a treat in the afternoon. Honest, I stop by to say hello, and well, the chocolate is just there. If I am to be tempted to fall off the diet wagon, it would likely have something to do with chocolate.

Can you imagine my delight in the news that our Territorial Family Enrichment Conference with the General and Commissioner Larsson will be in Hershey, Pennsylvania?...the chocolate capital of the world! Yes! Evidently, there are a few more chocolate lovers out there. The registration is over 5,000 and climbing. Wow!

So expect a sweet time as we gather together in the family of God around some fabulous opportunities to enjoy the flavor of the presence of God and His people...even better than chocolate. See you there!


"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth..."
Matthew 5:13 (MsgB)

Publications Council

You might be surprised to know that the territory operates a Publications Council to support the different publications of the territory. This includes the Good News, (including Spanish and Korean versions), Priority!, and a number of books in the works. Most recently, the authorized biography of Commissioner Gaither by Colonel Henry Gariepy was added to the list of books being considered for publication.

In the last year, there has been a renewed interest to encourage writers in the territory and to discover how we might improve their skills and opportunities. I wonder if blogging might serve a purpose here?

We’'re learning that the art of writing is not leaving us, even with the media culture that seems to be impinging on writing and reading books. All media needs script writers and look again what is happening on the internet with blogs alone.

Give a cheer for the Publications Council. They'’re serving the Lord in this creative manner and we are all advantaged as a result.

“"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."” John 20:31 (NIV)

Dr. Israel L. Gaither, Chief of the Staff

On a beautiful day of Commencement at Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky, the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. Having spoken powerfully in the morning Baccalaureate Service, challenging the students with their potential to serve God, Commissioner Gaither was honored with the conferring of the degree by President (General) Paul A. Rader in the afternoon at the Commencement.

Like many, I wish I could have been there.

All of us would have joined in standing ovation to celebrate our own leader and brother, being recognized in such a significant way. As in every day of his life, he has given the glory to God for whatever accomplishments have been his. He would speak of the extraordinary challenges turned opportunities that have been his through the years and the all-sufficiency of Christ. We not only know his testimony, we are witnesses of the grace of God in him.

So the academic community affirms what we have known to be true. The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, is a humble and capable servant of God.

God bless the Chief of the Staff! God bless The Salvation Army!

Matthew 23:11 (NIV)
"The greatest among you will be your servant."

Brass is Alive

The Spring Valley, New York Corps drew a responsive crowd tonight for their Spring Concert. B/M Derek Lance crafted an excellent mix of festival, praise and devotional music. B/M Charles Baker and his wife Michelle, from the Montclair, NJ Citadel Corps, were the guest soloists, expertly performing on their instruments of trombone and french horn, respectively. They are world class professional musicians with hearts for God and a willingness to present their talents to Him and for Him.

The Spring Valley Senior Songsters made their premier performance today with two beautiful selections that inspired us all. S/L Dorothy Gates is such a compliment to the corps and to the territory.

So another corps is seeing the high value of investing in people with brass music. Their beginner program is healthy as well. A brass program is a valuable asset in The Salvation Army that we must advance. I was blessed to be in attendance tonight. The Holy Spirit spoke to my soul throughout and I believe He wants us to do more of this. What about a brass section where you are?

Psalm 98:6 (KJV)
"With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King."

Mothers' Day

Now, in addition to the most crowded day in restaurants, add the most blogged about subject on the internet today: Mothers'’ Day. Sometimes I go with the flow.

There is a rumor that when the founder was looking for a short message of encouragement to telegraph around the world one Christmas, he sent out the word “'Others'. As the rumor goes on to suggest, he had a bad cell phone connection to the telegraph office, because he was really looking to reference a role model by which all people, everywhere would immediately comprehend the love of the Lord to which he suggested, “'Mothers'.” With this bad cell phone connection the telegraph office dropped the first letter and it became “'others'.”

Yes, mothers are the best example of God’s love that most of us know. Self-sacrificing, unconditional, I’'d - give - my - life - for - you, love. That’'s my experience. I love you, mom. I love you too, Nana. That'’s what Carolyn gives. I love you, Carolyn. And that'’s what our daughter in law, Leslie has been giving for nine months (approximately), and three weeks. We love you Leslie.

Mothers are the best!

If the founder actually had a cell phone, I know what he would do today...he'’d call his mother.

"Honor your ... mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

Kroc centers

I visited a potential site for a Kroc center today. The corps officer was there as was an Advisory Board member and his wife. The location looked pretty good to me as I listened to their hopes and expectations for advanced ministry in their county. There’'s no doubt but that they are on the right track and they’'re involving all the right people.

Whether or not their proposal comes to fruition, I believe they are working and believing God for something incredible in their midst. Their faith (and practical work) is a delight to the Lord who will not allow these efforts to be in vain.

Can we all understand the awesome capacity of God in our ministries and imagine largely for evidence of His presence and satisfaction? Lukewarm is something He spits out.

That’s not what I found yesterday. These faithful are on the front burner of faith. God will reward them in extraordinary ways, Kroc center or no Kroc center. Thank you, Lord.

“"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see."” Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Renewal Convocation

Each year, the Eastern Territory recognizes their twenty and thirty year officers with a Renewal Convocation on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. Beautifully organized by Majors Ed & Darlene Russell with Major Deborah Goforth, it has become a welcomed opportunity for fellowship, learning and renewal.

The convocation concluded today with a worship service where many gave their testimony of the continuing grace of God in their lives. Those who attend are the faithful remnant who have, by the strength of God, been able to maintain their officership through the years. As a leader in the territory, I am proud to be associated with them. They have each served well and glorified God with their "love and faithfulness."

Did I say that it has been easy for them? If you think so, consider having your naivete quotient realigned. Their journey has been full of grace and that makes them graceful.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3 (NIV)

Divisional Leaders

New divisional leadership was announced today at 1:00 p.m.. As in receiving any new appointments, their lives are about to change. But unlike most appointments, they move into responsibilities more intense than they have ever had. Our systems in the USA rest heavily on the shoulders (knees) of these people who are enabled by the grace of God and who need our constant prayer support.

You will know from the announcement that Majors Bob and Lynette Reel are being assigned as Divisional Leaders of the Western Pennsylvania Division and that Captains Ricardo and Mirtha Fernandez are being similarly appointed to the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Division. God bless them each. God bless these commands in transition.

Of course, no appointment is necessarily more important than another. We each have our responsibilities and we are called, as officers and soldiers to give ourselves fully to the work of the Master. Likewise, all of us should be encouraged by the movement of God among us and the joys of serving Him with equal importance and significance. We're not measured by our appointments or even successes. We are measured by our faithfulness...and God does the measuring.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Cor. 15:58 (NIV)

Building and such

The School for Officer Training celebrated the dedication of their new Academic Studies Suite today. It sounds like an apartment, but it's really a major improvement for the Curriculum, Inter-Cultural and Distance Education Departments. The space is beautiful and appropriate to the advancement of the school. Major Don Lance has led the way in the project with professional support of architect, Frank Elliott and contractor, Mark Mitchell.

We can be proud of the end product and should be. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, this is a first class operation producing great results. It's worth the investment.

The scripture used today was taken from 1 Peter 2:4-5 (MsgB), to understand the holy intention of all we do as believers, and the true objective of our continuing construction:

“"Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. [5] Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God.”"

Prayer Initiatives

The following links have come to me from two SA sources. I love to pray. Maybe you will connect with one of these for prayer. The Lord loves to relate to us in prayer.

May 6, 2005 | First Friday Prayer and Fasting
INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA – http://www.ifapray.org

May 5, 2005 | National Day of Prayer
“God Shed His Grace on Thee” - http://www.Nationaldayofprayer.org

May 5-15, 2005 | Ten Days of Prayer Toward a Greater Pentecost
Ten-Day Prayer guides at http://www.ifapray.org and http://www.waymakers.org

May 14, 2005 | A Whole Night for the Whole World
Pentecsot Eve All-night Prayer - http://www.Wholenight.com

May 15, 2005 | Global Day of Prayer
Pentecost Sunday - http://www.Globaldayofprayer.com and http://www.gdopusa.org

1 Thes. 5:17 (NLT)
"Keep on praying."

SFOT

Our School for Officers' Training is one of the finest expressions of Salvationist ministry in the world. The staff is first class. The facilities are beautiful and appropriate to their needs and the cadets are God's choice. They represent an incredible variety of cultures that can minister in an array of languages and settings to bring more and more souls to the Lord. Praise Him!

Today we witnessed a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit that will serve God in the mission effectively. With new appointments and summer assignments at bay, they are as prepared to report to duty as any generation of their predecessors. In the midst of this, remember that they are each real people with real issues and real needs...just what the Lord will use.

I thank God for this community of devotion, study and spiritual sensitivity. I salute Majors Mark and Sharon Tillsley and all. We see Christ in them. They're the kind who are holy and who show up for work.

"We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work." Col. 1:10 (MsgB)