Abolishing Abstinence

Christianity Today, September 2005

Abolishing Abstinence
Telling underage kids not to have sex is surprisingly controversial.

This is a sorry approach to liberty. According to the article by Ted Olsen, there is a U.S. Rep. who said, "An abstinence-until-marriage program is not only irresponsible, it's really inhumane."

When did sex become a right? God has established constructive ways to live. If we follow Him, we enjoy His presence and peace. Please, friends. Don't listen to the ways of this world. Look to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)
Heb 12:2 "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - —that exhilarating finish in and with God - —he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God."

Katrina

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As Hurricane Katrina bears down on the Gulf Coast states, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT - News) has announced a donation of $1 million to The Salvation Army to provide early support for upcoming disaster relief assistance.

Currently, The Salvation Army is preparing to serve 400,000 meals per day to victims and first responders. Meals are being loaded onto 72 mobile canteens and two 54-foot mobile kitchens. The mobile feeding units will be dispatched into the most affected areas by FEMA, and will be followed, based on response needs, by other units The Salvation Army has at its disposal trucks called comfort stations -- where residents can attend to personal hygiene; portable shower units; emergency response command stations for officers to direct the response efforts; and other equipment as needed.

Wal-Mart also is encouraging the general public to donate to emergency relief efforts through its 3,800 stores and CLUBS and through its Web sites. Beginning today on five of the company's Web sites -- http://www.walmart.com , http://www.walmartstores.com , http://www.samsclub.com , http://www.walmartfacts.com , and http://www.walmartfoundation.org -- will be an area for the general public to find information and a link to make credit card donations to help victims of Katrina.

This is good. Thank you Wal-Mart.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
2Co 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Camp Meeting Glory!

Just as God has promised and just as we prayed, God moved in the hearts of us all at the NEOSA Family Camp Meetings 2005. It was a thoroughly relaxing time with fun and challenge for everyone. The camp they used is a great location with plenty do to and the meetings and Bible Studies were carefully taught and well received.

NEOSA is a great place to live and serve the Lord. The Salvationisits there are steeped in God's love and the reality of day to day concerns for which God provides. The Voiseys enjoyed their last camp meetings as Divisional Leaders because they'll retire before next camp meetings. They're good leaders with every intention to serve the Lord with their best.

I expect even greater things from this division based upon their responsiveness to the Spirit of God.

John 14:15-17 (NIV)
Jn 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--
17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

NEOSA Camp Meetings

So today and tomorrow we're in NEOSA for their Camp Meetings. (Don't get excited, thieves...there's still two adults in our house over the weekend.)We're expecting the best. God raises up these special event weekends to do incredible, eternal work. Lives changed, improved, encouraged, affirmed, excited, inspired...and more. Yes Lord!

Lt. Colonels Voisey and their team are dedicated to giving this experience to their people of the division and God is honored. When you put all this commitment and love together, it turns into remarkable love from God through His people.

Would you pray for us? Let us be in unanimous agreement for the Spirit of God to impact His people this weekend here. The Western Pennsylvania Division and Empire State Division are doing similar gatherings and Puerto Rico is having special women's meetings. If you've been to any of these by the time you read this, let us know how it went. Together we'll trust God for His powerful movement among us in these days.

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)
1Pe 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Anniversary

The celebration of anniversaries are a great opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness. We know we couldn't do it without Him. There would be no purpose apart from God.

With Him, all things are possible, including the successful accumulation of days, weeks, months and years that make up anniversaries. Let's face it. Some things just don't last. I enjoyed seeing the ripple of centennial celebrations across the territory, following the 1980 celebration of TSA in the USA.

There is an anniversary today that is capturing my imagination. Carolyn and I have been married 33 years today. Our relationship is more than anyone ever promised and more than we could have expected. Hallelujah! Our love is focused in God's love and that makes it divine.

1 John 4:11-12 (NIV)
1Jn 4:11 "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

Kroc Progress

So we're expecting over 30 applications for Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers in the next month. It's exciting to be a part of the process. This amazing gift has generated interest all over our territory and from all different types of communities. The Central, South and West Territories have made good progress in determining their approved sites and I expect that before Thanksgiving, we'll be through much of the process for this first competitive phase.

I am convinced this is a part of God's marvelous plan for TSA in America. We have this moment to change lives and communities for the better as well as redefining our interests in all of our Community Centers. Mission is important...so is sustainability. With the intelligent people working on these proposals I have every confidence that it is possible and that these new Community Centers will each be a beacon on a hill.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Mt 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Heralds of the Good News

Today the Heralds of the Good News enter the School for Officers' Training. As I understand it, there will be 42 in the session, not including their children, among whom is my grandson, Jake.

We'll be going over this morning to help the family move in. It's actually an unexpected blessing in our life. Since the day my son was born we prayed the blessings of God over him, like marrying the perfect wife and serving God within the will of God. So our surprise is not in the following God...that's an answer to prayer. It's in the fact that the plan includes the same lifetime calling that we enjoy.

So we share the delight of 41 other families or so in the marvelous plan of our loving Lord who would choose to include our adult children in His extraordinary plan. Hallelujah! Continued prayer is in order...for them...and the SFOT staff.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (MSG)
"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - —plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
12 "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
13 "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else,
14 I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree."

Picnics

Picnics can be great. We went to one last night that was particularly nice. The food was superb and the fellowship satisfying. The weather was a real pleasure and we all enjoyed sitting outdoors. We told stories, laughed together and praised God for His many blessings. On another day, we might have made it a new corps opening.

Tomorrow is the THQ picnic where we all come with our families and have a pleasant time with each other. I think this is time well spent and I really enjoy the opportunities. We really like seeing all the kids having a good time in a very safe environment.

Carolyn's planning on a family Labor Day picnic at our house. Costco here we come!

Life isn't a picnic, but we can have one once in a while.

Acts 20:22-24 (MSG)
"But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I'm completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there.
23 I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead.
24 But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God."

SLMC 2005

Hail Star Lake Camp...the Musicamp for me...razzle dazzle...rah rah rah...and so on. Another SLMC has concluded in fine fashion. The camp was full and extraordinarily diverse. There were approximately 20 from the Korean Territory alone. They fit in well and seemed to be enjoying the opportunity.

Special guest, B/M Brian Burditt was terrific as were the others who came to support, like Bill Flinn from Pasadena,CA. B/M Ron Waiksnoris handled the whole event with first class expertise and he would be quick to salute Tom Schiebner and Captain Evan Hickman for their primary involvement. It takes a team to make it all work and God blessed it throughout.

Star Lake 2006 will feature B/M Howard Evans from Boscombe Corps in the UK and is scheduled for August 12-20. I hope to see you there.

Psalms 100:1-2 (NIV)
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

SLMC to the Mall

Some years, the entire Star Lake Musicamp journeys about 35 minutes to go to the mall. The Palisades Shopping Mall is one of the largest in the country and caters to shopping, recreational and dining needs of anyone living in the area.

So the band and choruses formed up to present a program that glorified God and interested hundreds of people. Only Times Square itself would have provided the same number of people to stop and listen. This they did, and asked questions of those in SA uniform about the whole event.

So the open air lives and so does the brass band. Imagine that. People were very interested in the music and the musicians, and then we have the open door to tell them about the Great Musician. Yes!

SLMC still has a concert tonight, tomorrow, and the awards ceremony on Sunday. Stop by. You'll hear the music of the Master and meet the musicians of the Master. Who knows? You may have an experience with the Master as well. Even so Lord, come quickly.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Trust

Now this is a deep subject. Who do you trust?

It is so difficult when trust in a relationship is disturbed. This particular quality of our lives, when ailing, can destroy hope, confidence and leaves a stain that even Clorox can't get out.

I'm learning this summer to trust God more than ever. Even when my trust in someone is weakening, I am able to trust God in their place. He is completely reliable and has no ulterior motives. He only loves us.

Trust Him with everything.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6 Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."

Star Lake Musicamp

Since this is happening this week, I'm getting nostalgic about the place and the program. It's where I first met Carolyn. What more can I say except...get to the "Lake" and find the love of your life!

Of course that's not the primary reason for SLMC, but it's a good one. The reason as I see it is to glorify God by the improvement of His people. It is in a musical context and that delights God. Of all the arts and beauty He has given us, music stands out as one that reaches the soul and can facilitate a closer relationship with the Lord Himself.

No wonder I was caught up with all that love in 1965.

I've also seen it as an opportunity for spiritual retreat. The Star Lake altar is one of my annual favorites.

Programs abound this week at night and the final award ceremony at the flag pole (where else?) is on Sunday afternoon...Razzle Dazzle Rah Rah Rah!

Php 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Good Friends again

Two very good friends have had serious medical procedures yesterday. I'm grateful to God for their progress to date and am hoping that they will continue to mend.

Life can be precarious and in fact is quite fragile. I've had some experience on that path myself.

I think today I will present these good friends and many others to the Lord for His safekeeping. Why not join me?

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

TAM Conservatory

That is Territorial Arts Ministries Conservatory, Chapter 5...and that finishes today. The final program was particularly successful. Kudos to Ms. Carol Jaudes, director and Major Ivan Rock, TYCS.

The final program was totally camper performed and God honoring. Skits, dancing, videos, drama and more...camper producers and script writers of some of the material. The kids are amazing. They're blessed by God in extraordinary ways and are giving their best to His delight.

You can get a DVD of the final program. I imagine it would be useful for personal and ministry opportunities. Thank you, Lord for each of these promising students. Lead them to glorify you with their lives as they return home.

Matthew 25:29 "For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance."

Baseball

One of the great things about an American summer is the national pastime of baseball. Being a lifelong Yankee fan has made the sport quite enjoyable. We thought last year was troubling, but this year is less promising. Can we get a pitcher?

Generally, if we're home and the Yankees are playing, we're watching. We went to the game the other night and sat five rows from the top. The blimp was in the sky and asked us to move a little to the left in order for them to get a good camera angle. Well, it seemed so.

They're wining in the game we're watching tonight in the fifth inning. I sleep better when they win.

What interests you in the summer? Are you able to relax and take a break from the urgent? Baseball or not, margins are needed in a balanced life.

Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Beneficiaries

A beneficiary is a person who has entered an Adult Rehabilitation Center for support to overcome their addiction(s) and improve their lives. Each one is a precious person that God has entrusted to our care and understanding. Oh that each one would have a holy, life-changing experience with Christ.

The ARC's are serving God with incomparable opportunities to reach people at their point of need with the abundant love of Jesus. It is a joy that we celebrate in the grace of God. In His plan, we engage in relationships where we can reveal God's care and presence in convincing ways.

With the thrill of sharing in God's plan and helping others to know Him, aren't we all beneficiaries? I think so.

Col 1:10 "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"

Candidates for Officership

Carolyn and I spent the day yesterday with two Accepted Candidates for Officership and who were preparing for entrance into the School for Officers" Training in two weeks. They reminded me of the excitement and anxiety that we experienced 31 years ago. I had to shave off my beard (not required anymore) and Carolyn had to tie up her beautiful waist-length hair into a knot on her head to look like everyone else (she never looked like everyone else).

Those concerns were quite minor in retrospect, but the issues of preparing for ministry were, and are significant. Our Candidates leave their homes and families with no assurance that they will ever live near them again. They say good bye to their friends at work and in their neighborhood. They pass from one life to another in the transition.

In a spiritual and eternal way, this is healthy. We submit to God in every way. Sometimes this is confused as submitting to The Salvation Army, but those that get it understand that our devotion to God in this calling, demands our obedience in The Salvation Army.

Perhaps you have figured out that the candidates we were with yesterday are Jason and Leslie Knaggs with my grandson, Jake. The journey began years ago. In two weeks, they will be making a stop along the way to glorify God with their obedience and preparation for officership.

All of our candidates need our prayer support.

"Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it." 1 Thess. 5:24

OOB 2005

The Camp Meetings have concluded for the year 2005. They were filled with the goodness of God and marked by a warm, friendly season for all. The weather was particularly nice and friends from all over enjoyed the beautiful fellowship of God and each other.

Commissioners Bill & Marilyn Francis were superb. The new Territorial Songsters were great. The NYSB was excellent. Colonels Brian & Teresa Tuck taught the Bible, preached the Word and witnessed to the remarkable grace of God in powerful ways. Jude Gotrich sang us all to glory with her vocal solos.

The altars were regularly visited and the overall crowds were healthy. T.A.M. and many others participated with sacred effectiveness. The pier ministries reached hundreds of people with the gospel. Praise the Lord!

Your prayers were answered in abundance. God be glorified!

"Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name." Ps. 103:1