OOB - Homecoming

And what a great night it was...We're at Old Orchard Beach, ME (remember thieves...we still have family at home in our house)and I suspect that I'll turn back into the OOB on the scene reporter.

The theme for the Camp Meetings is Homecoming and the primary guests are Commissioners Bill & Marilyn Francis. Welcome home! They were terrific in their vocal duet and his preaching was right on target.

The New York Staff Band was back at the meetings this year. Welcome back! They never miss and are showing some of the stuff they did so well on their recent Scandinavian Tour.

The Territorial Arts Ministries Team did a "E Booth/S Brengle/Joe the Turk" scene that helped us to focus and brought delight to the audience. Welcome back!

And now...the premier performance of the newly organized Territorial Staff Songsters under the leadership of S/L Bill Rollins occurred with excellent singing and deep appreciation by the congregation. Welcome...and we hope you'll come back!

Yes, it's a Homecoming...and a good one at that. Several sought the grace of God at the Mercy Seat...Welcome home!

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7

Petra

Now think back a bit...What was the first Christian hard rock group that became popular? Yep...Petra. Now for the sad news..."After 33 years of music and ministry, Christian rock pioneer PETRA will come to a close. December 2005 will mark the end to a ministry that has boldly and consistently proclaimed the gospel in the United States and abroad. The decision to retire the band was mutual by all members."

"The band has impacted generations of musicians and fans alike over the years with over seven million CDs sold, four Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. PETRA, initially formed in 1972 by Hartman on vocals and guitars, paved the way for the rock genre perhaps more than any other in the Christian music industry." These quotes are taken from Bella Online, The Voice of Women

I suppose If they were 21 when they started, they're old guys now and maybe enough is enough. They've served God when rock music was a sin in the minds of many and helped to usher in a whole new genre of Christian music, for which I'm grateful. I'll hold on to my Perta recordings and remember the good old days.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Corps Conflict

A few days ago, I referred to corps conflict in my blog "Corps Team." One of the comments was seeking more information on SA Corps conflict, which I do not have. I would be interested in any one who knows of such material that we might refer to.

What I do know is that a Christian Group known as Metanoia Ministries does have such information related to church conflict and resolution.

Book Title: Making Peace - A Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict
Author: Jim Van Yperen
Website: www.changeyourmind.net

I admit to only being familiar with this book and Metanoia Ministries through the advice of a reliable friend whose church is happily using their services. I hope this is helpful.

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

What are those Salvation Army people up to, anyway?

For Capt. Doris Gonzalez in Meriden, it's all about doing the most good...

By Ralph Tomaselli, Record-Journal staff

Since assuming the top job at the local branch of one of the world's largest charitable organizations last September, Gonzalez has been busy keeping up with existing services -— counseling, the soup kitchen and preschool program -— while trying to start new ones. She leads a new teen group that meets each week and is hoping to eventually start a day camp. A basketball hoop was set up on the back playground after she noticed that a lot of youth group members love to play. Athletics is what first drew her to the Salvation Army as a youngster.

Most Salvation Army branches have a band. Meriden's is the only one she has been in that doesn't have any instruments. If she can round some up, music will fill the halls of the cinderblock building on St. Casimir Drive. Gonzalez, who once played baritone horn in the Quincy, Mass., Salvation Army band, would be thrilled to play again.

Check out the complete article with the link above. She gets it and deserves our applause. Of course, she will appropriately defer to the grace of God who deserves the applause of our lives.

"All that's left now is the shouting - —God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming."
2 Timothy 4:8 (Msg)

Old Orchard Beach Citadel Corps

It's essential that I differentiate the corps from the Camp Meetings. Both are valuable and worth blogging about, but today, I want to tell you just a little about the corps. Carolyn and I were there yesterday for the first Sunday Holiness meeting in the newly reconstructed chapel and facilities.

It looks great...fits in the neighborhood and beautifully blends with the Pavilion, not far away. The hall was filled and the meeting was a promising blessing. Everyone deserves accolades for the effort, especially the Lord. Completed on time, functional and attractive, it is a fitting honor to God.

As the C.O. reminded us in the meeting, God is most interested in dwelling in His people. He's quite right and that's why I'm confident that God is delighted with the corps. They know Him and are known by Him. This is a five star corps. Come to the Camp Meetings, sure, but come some time to the corps. They're the heart of the Camp meetings.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name." Psalm 103:1

Boston

Now this is a great town. Plenty to do. Plenty to see. Plenty of people to lead to the Lord.

Apart from the plethora of World Series Championship books, shirts, and banners, it is a terrific place to visit and live. It has culture. I see it as a continuation of God's creation.

The Salvation Army in Boston is extraordinary as well. When you stop to see what God is doing here, you have to be amazed. There are creative ministries and there are conservative ministries. The officers, soldiers, employees, volunteers including advisory organizations members are all collaborating to the glory of God and the hope of all people. Thank you, Boston.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (NIV)

Corps Team

Somehow the caption of this blog seems redundant. A corps is a team. There are, though, those occasions when the core of the corps doesn't function as a team. This is a disappointment to God.

I'd prefer not to be specific here, but rather just make a note that our corps will only function to the glory of God when everyone in the corps leadership is in holy synchronization. Misconceptions about the basics of corps operations lead to unsteady relationships and minimize mutual trust. We can't afford that.

All I ask today is that we each take a fresh look at our corps team and align our expectations and demands in light of God's love and hopes for us. If you believe yourself to be victimized by such, trust God for the victory. He has a way...He is the way.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Boards and Councils

Most Tuesday mornings at Territorial Headquarters include important meetings called Boards and Councils. Specifically, the day begins with Property Council, followed by Finance Council and then the Board of Trustees. Each have their significance, but none are what you might call easy.

They're filled with agenda items that require good information, good presentation and good discussion. Only then can there be a good decision. Consensus is preferred and discernment desired in the deliberations. It can be a challenge.

What is it that brings this kind of scrutiny to your life? Certainly, you're worth it and there are issues in your life that would benefit from support from dependable people who are focused on your betterment. Accountability is good for us. I suggest that you consider the possibilities with people of your own choosing instead of people who will offer unsolicited comments. The grace of God be with you.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

Smoking

It takes a lot to stop smoking once you've started. It takes little effort to not smoke if you've never started.

Every day I watch television, I see commercials about the dangers of smoking and in particular second-hand smoke. I'm sure that if my brother-in-law's father had understood what was happening, he would never had smoked in Al's presence. Al's lung cancer was confirmed to have come from second-hand smoke. The commercial states that 53,000 people die each year from this. It doesn't take an arithmatician to compute that over 1,000 real people die each week from this.

So would you please not smoke in the first place, and if you are so addicted (all smokers are addicted), would you please stop for the sake of those around you?

God cares about you and your good health. Please...for God's sake...

Did I mention that Al's dad died early from smoking-induced lung cancer?

"For we are the temple of the living God." 2 Cor 6:16

Vacation

Yes! Vacation starts later this week. This is a marvelous invention. (Don't get excited, thieves, three other people live in our house and they will be home, as usual.)

The truth is that the professionals who work with me need a break from me. In a way, it turns out to be a well deserved break for all of us. The work will continue and people may even continue to receive e-mail and the like from me. Our systems are intended to continue the ministry, no matter who is out of town.

God certainly continues to pour His grace upon us wherever we are. Our corps officer called it "God's careless love." It sounds like an oxymoron, but I think you understand his point about God's unconditional love. He spreads it like the farmer caring not if the seed only falls on receptive ground. I'm glad He doesn't take vacation, but I will.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Open Air

The last Open Air I attended was only a few weeks ago in Nairobi, Kenya. The photo depicts the joy of heaven in that three of God's creation are accepting the love of God towards their salvation. Notice the corps officer, Major Patrick Mutali praying alongside these seekers. Praise the Lord!

Should you wonder what exactly I'm doing, I'm attempting to invite those in the crowd to come to Jesus as well.

Some think Open Airs are history in TSA. I don't, and they're not. Let's take the message to the people wherever they are and in whatever circumstances that will advance the Kingdom of God. I believe we shall win if we love in the strength of the King.

"But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love." 1 Cor 13:13 (Msg)

New Jersey

The work of The Salvation Army is alive and well in New Jersey. Major John Cheydleur, our Territorial Social Services Secretary joined me to meet with the DC, Major Steve Banfield and the Divisional Social Services Secretary, Ms. Brenda Beavers. Our discussions revealed in convincing terms that the Human Services in the Command are in good hands and on the right track.

Their ministry represents a balanced cross section of Salvationist service that is mission-focused and pertinent to the needs of people of all walks of life in New Jersey.

Thank you, friends for keeping the standard high in God-honoring service. They make me proud to be a Salvationist. That's a good thing.

"Work from the heart for your real Master, for God,
24 confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ" Col 3:24-25 (Msg)

Salvation Army: dmZ is open

This article is taken from The Boyertown Area Times (PA).

Several gathered for a game of pool while others gravitated to the computers or the snack bar. No matter what their interests, they were all glad to be back at their familiar, comfortable hangout.

"This is a whole lot better," says Ashley Faust. "Some of us didn't know what to do and were starting to get into trouble." "This is the best place to hang out," says Josh Tauder, who enjoys the nature trail and the game room. "It gets boring hanging out at home."

For the teens, it is a cool place to relax and spend the long days of summer.

For the staff and Auxiliary Captains Doug and Patty Richwine, however, they know the place has a far deeper meaning and value to these young impressionable persons, their parents and the community too. "It is a safe, Christian environment," says Doug Richwine. "Parents can trust that their kids are safe here.

Thank you Boyertown, PA for working towards the miracle of grace that facilitated the re-opening of this great program. Saved to serve!

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

Michael's Birthday

Our Michael A. Honsberger SP4 - US Army, is twenty-seven today. He's serving our country in Afghanistan just now as a combat medic. We miss him.

He's a great guy and we are very proud of him. He was working as an E.M.T. in the NY area when the World Trade Buildings were attacked, and maintained his determination to do what he could to forestall another such attack. Not distracted by media or anti-military dialogue, he forged to meet his convictions with personal action.

He served in Iraq for a period and spoke to us about the great work that the military is doing there, building schools and restoring hospitals and such. He concluded it was all worth the risks involved. He has inside information.

Whether we agree with the position of military involvement or not, we're celebrating Michael's life and looking forward to his safe return home. Pray with us for Mike and those who are serving in harm's way.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Col. 3:23-24

Barbecue Bible

I'm not sure if I got that right...or should it be Bible barbecue? Whatever...it's a wonderful way to spend a summer night at TSA. Last night, Carolyn and I traveled to the Ocean County, NJ Citadel Corps for just an event. CSM (Colonel) Henry Gariepy had the matter well in hand and full of people. They had to set up extra tables and chairs.

Without mentioning the names of the impressive cast of attenders, just know that it was a blessed event with great food and encouraging fellowship. I would suggest that more corps or ARC Centers give it a try. You could visit them or do your own.

In the area of coming attractions, they have two more of these scheduled this summer: Tuesday, July 26th with Majors Ed & Flo Forster and Tuesday, August 9 with Majors Norman & Lois Garcia. The advertisement I read also said,"Enjoy Jimmy's famous BBQ." The Bible wasn't grilled, but the ribs were. It was good last night.

I'm glad I was there.

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19 (NIV)

Camp Staff

Now this is a great idea...camp staff. Where in the world could you have a great summer, with best friends, away from home, free food, outdoors in a holy environment? This is it!

We visited Camp Ladore last week and enjoyed vespers. The place rocked with the Spirit of God. We were refreshed and encouraged.

The comment yesterday from Allison at Star Lake reveals much of the same. She's having a blast.

If we took a census throughout the territory, and probably throughout TSA world, camp staff are having the time of their life, serving Christ in a friendly and spiritually enriching environment. Good for them. Good for the Kingdom of God.

Exodus 4:17 (NIV)
"But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it."

Exodus 4:20 (NIV)
"So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand."

The Salvation Army

COAL TOWNSHIP -— July is turning out to be a busy month for the Shamokin Area Salvation Army. A schedule of upcoming events was presented at the monthly advisory board meeting Thursday evening at the 1300 Spruce St. headquarters.
The annual vacation Bible school will be held from Monday, July 25 through Saturday, July 30, with an inaugural Street Faire for the children scheduled for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 30th, at the Claude E. Kehler Community Park. The picnic-style Street Faire is open to the public with food, entertainment and games for the kids planned.
The weekday Bible school runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the headquarters, with lunch, refreshments and a snack provided.

Will the real SA please stand up? Here it is in Shamokin, Pennsylvania according to the newspaper in Shamokin, the Shamokin Newsletter.

How great. Congratulations! Bring them in and show them Jesus.

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Largest Corps in the World

The Nairobi Central Corps has 4,000 soldiers and 300 Local Officers. On the Sunday we were there, I imagine there were 4,000 or so in attendance. It was a wonderful experience. I was invited to give my testimony and greet the comrades as the Principal of the East Africa Brengle Institute. It was an honor to represent my Lord that morning.

The Spirit was moving in that place as it was conducted in Swahili and charged with the precious worship of holy people in love with God. Approximately 65 people knelt at the Mercy Seat that morning. As I go to my own home corps today, I will be praying for Major Patrick Mutali and his team for their ministry today.

While this was a thrill for me, you should know what they know: God isn't as interested in a church full of people as He is a people full of His Spirit.

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, [10] and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."
Col. 2:9-10 (NIV)

Summer

Today has brought thoughts of the lazy days of summer. For me, it just feels good to relax a bit and soak in the beauty of summer in the USA. Of course, Floridians aren't enjoying summer today with Hurricane Dennis on their shores. We each have opportunity today to celebrate in relaxation or to be challenged with faith testing circumstances.

Which of these are yours?

I'm glad for a summer day here.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philip. 4:12-13 (NIV)

Jesus at G8

Three days in a row about London. Who would have thought?

I'm referencing an article captioned "Jesus at G8" from Christianity Today. In there you'll find quotes such as these:

Bob Geldoff "In the U.S. evangelicals are a huge force for change."

And this one by Bono: "If the church doesn't respond, who will?"

Their overall goal is to "make poverty history," and their specific goals are:

# Doubling financial aid sent to the world's poorest countries.

# Debt cancellation for the poorest nations.

# Reform of trade laws so poor nations are not shut out of global markets.

Let's put our faith into action and pray towards these ends. God is honored by our concern for the poor and our active faith.

"The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse." James 2:26 (MsgB)

Terrorists

London is having G-8 pains today. We're praying for the people...so many are hurt and some dead. Global paranoia just increased another notch. We must trust God through these experiences. This is not a trite disconnected thought. It is our role and privilege to do so.

We shouldn't particularly be surprised. The enemy prowls about to devour us, but the victory is found not simply in our faith, but personally in Christ.

We face different terrors through the journey of our lives. Trusting Jesus is the answer. I'll try to do that for today...and then I'll try again tomorrow...


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philip. 4:6-7 (NIV)

Olympics 2012

So they determined this morning who will host the 2012 Olympics. It will be London. Good for them. There are many New Yorkers who are glad not to have the extra hassle that such an event brings. Of course it also brings excitement, hope, and tickets to see the world's best perform.

I'll have a great seat no matter where the games are. The Wide World of Sports or some other network will pick it up and I will be in a favorite chair in my own living room. My parking place will be assured. The snacks will only be as far as my kitchen and I won't have had to take out a mortgage to afford such a luxury venue.

I know I'm sounding like an old guy here, but the reality of watching from the comfort of my own home is attractive to me...Will there even be a 2012? Will the Lord return before? If he does, someone else can have my seat and my remote control.

"He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." Acts 1:7 (NIV)

Brengle Holiness Institute - East Africa

The photograph (that won't post) is of Commissioner Hezekiel Anzeze, Territorial Commander of East Africa. The Brengle Institute was conducted at his instruction and with his support. I shared the experience with Lt. Colonels Bill & Marcella Carlson. They were the best and God moved through their ministry effectively.

We joined 34 delegates from Kenya, Uganda, and the Carolinas Division of the USA Southern Territory. Our lives are changed as a result of the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the classes, meetings, experiences and relationships.

We have a great Army in East Africa with great leaders, soldiers and ministries. Booth would be pleased as I am certain God is pleased. They have much to offer us in the west. We should pay attention to God through them and support their work as much as possible. The stakes are high there. A missed opportunity can be fatal.

I thank the Lord for this privilege. He leads me places I would be unlikely to choose for myself, but they are, as this was, perfect for me. Listen to His leading today.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
[3] he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV) A psalm of David.