Mykonos

Having set out on the Aegean Sea, we have arrived in port at the island of Mykonos. There does not appear to be any connection to Paul in this stop. It is only on the way to Rhodes.

The island itself is quite beautiful with striking white and blue buildings and very Greek looking windmills. The ship is comfortable and relaxing.

Everyone here misses everyone there. How's that for inclusivity?

So, Rhodes today, and more thought about Paul's journey. We're glad to be walking in his footsteps and not sailing in his shadow...The whole shipwreck in Malta thing would be problematic for us.

"And the next day we went to Rhodes..." Acts 21:1

Thessaloniki

The trip between Thessaloniki and Athens today was 300 miles. We were grateful to stop and visit a 5th century A.D. Greek Orthodox church, complete with underground crypt and the bones of a saint - Lucia. The bones of a saint sanctifies the church according to their beliefs.

We were impressed with the utter devotion given at the church by the parishioners. Their homage to the apostles, Mary, and Jesus is significant. We would do well to give such respect to He who is worthy.

We also passed by Mount Olympus of Greek mythology fame...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5

Philippi

Today has been an inspiration. We visited the location where Paul baptised Lydia...the first convert in Europe. Major Gayle Langford brought the location to our hearts in her beautiful devotions. Could Paul have known what God was doing here and for the millions to follow?

Next stop was Philippi. Here, you'll remember, the prophetic slave girl was set free from her demon by the grace of God. We walked around the remains of this small city and prayed where the guide suggested Paul & Silas were flogged. We crossed the road to look into the remains of the jail where they were imprisoned...released by God and led the jailer and his family to salvation in Christ.

We've begun to understand that we're not simply following in the footsteps of Paul, but rather the leading of God upon a follower who obeyed faithfully and the world changed. So it becomes our personal challenge. Yours?

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31

Berea, Greece

Today's journey was in Macedonia. First we stopped at Meteoria, a place where monks lived in caves and built six incredible monasteries on the top of mountains of rock. They resemble eagles' nests. The Byzantine frescoes portrayed beautiful expressions of Christ and the saints.

Then we stopped at Berea. This is the same city mentioned in Acts 17. Paul spoke here at the Jewish synagogue, the steps from which have been saved, to suggest another actual spot where the apostle walked. Devotions were led here by Captain Virginia Bermeo. She led us to Christ in those moments and glorified God.

We're now in Thessaloniki (Thessalonica) and will be seeing a few more spots today. Thank you for your prayers. The path is becoming sacred.

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

Delphi

Delphi, Greece, that is...Here's where we visited the Temple of Apollo. It was established around 4 B.C. It's a wreck today. The sophisticated term would be ruins.

Actually, the crew is doing an incredible job at restoration. There are many artifacts in the museum on the same location. The Temple and other accompanying buildings, including an outdoor theatre and a stadium, are way up on the side of a mountain. It is all amazing.

We're gaining a better picture of the life and times of St. Paul. It's coming together.

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Mars Hill

I can hardly believe it. There we were today, standing on Mars Hill. The Acropolis is in the background...so prominently as something made by man..and here we were at one of the only places we know with certainty where Paul planted his two feet and gave such an important message.

It's all taking on new meaning...and blessing. We're enjoying the educational and spiritual stimulation that happens when you're in the presence of God and His people.

He's not an "unknown God" to us, but He is to many. Let's change that...together.

"Study to show yourself approved unto God...a workman who needeth not be ashamed..."

Greece & Turkey Tour

When Carolyn first asked me about this, I thought it had something to do with Jersey Diners. Now I find us in Athens, Greece following the footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey.

So far the trip is amazing with about 30 others from the territory.

I hope to keep a report coming. This hotel has a connection.

Thank you for your prayers...(Thieves - know that we still have two adults in our home while we are away.)

"Study to show yourself approved unto God."

Sunday Night Meetings

We affectionately call it "night church." I've gone most of my life. It was also known as Salvation Meeting. It doesn't happen every where at this point in our history.

I believe the death knell of night church has come from lack of purpose. You note I didn't say lack of interest. I believe interest will follow purpose. The other way around doesn't seem practical to me. The purpose I recall was to have a Salvation Meeting that complimented and followed an evangelistic outreach like open-air. I think the lack of success in the outreach diminished the need for the Salvation meeting.

Our home corps has three Bible studies on a Sunday night, each in their own language - Spanish, Creole and English. Sometimes the young people have special events on Sundau night as well. This is wonderful and very useful. Let's have more Bible studies.

Getting back to the premise, I guess I'm not a fan of having the night meeting for the sake of having one. Actually, when a Sunday night is open, I rather enjoy being home with my family, which tends to be a rarity on most other nights. I also wonder if there might be a better time for a Salvation meeting anyway. I don't agree that a single Sunday meeting meets the need of any community. There are always people who cannot come to worship on Sunday morning...they have work...etc...Why wouldn't we design at least an alternative worship time for them? I like the idea of a Salvation Meeting. It will forward the theological and practical distinctive of our Holiness Meeting. By the way, both are worship services.

How do you see it?

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Heb 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Colonel's Corner

These words are given and titled as above by Lt. Colonel Olof Lundgren:

Look forward and upward in every sense
He surely is ready to be our defense
Will strengthen our faith and on Him rely
His power and love will our need supply.

With patience and fortitude every day
We'll meet whatsoever will come our way
With God at the helm we cannot fail
And surely with His help we will prevail.

With uplifted heart sincere in prayer
We know that the Master is present here
He'll take us anew in the eternal arm
Continue to lead us protect us from harm.

His blessings are sure if we only believe
We open our hearts and His help receive
With personal victories, joy and power
We mean to go on to serve Him each hour.

John 14:1-3 (NIV)
Jn 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Lt. Colonel Olof Lundgren

We use the expression Promoted to Glory in our beloved Salvation Army. Today, we use this term to describe a gentle giant of a Salvationist, Lt. Colonel Olof Lundgren. He was called home this morning to the delight of heaven and the thrill of his own soul. The greeting in glory must be grand. I can hear him shout Hallelujah and imagine the excitement in his gait as he approached our Living Lord.

It is the end of an era. I do not remember life in The Salvation Army without Lt. Colonel Lundgren. His leadership, witness, musicianship and all will be lasting in my heart. Take a moment today to thank God for Lt. Colonel Lundgren's life.

If you have a story...let it be known.

Thank you, Lord, for Lt. Colonel Olof Lundgren. "With banners and bonnets they come."

Psalms 116:15 (NIV)
Ps 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Stress

As I think it through, today may have been the most collectively stressful days in my officership. I'm not complaining...quite the opposite. I am rejoicing. For most of my ministry life, I've learned that when the pressure mounts and includes negatively fed matters from the enemy, I am on the verge of spiritual victory.

It really is a blessing of faith in Christ that stabilizes me in the worst of attacks. He is always faithful.

I mention this not for sympathy or even empathy. It is to recognize the blessings of God in the realities of ministry in the 21st century. We do not live in an ivory tower, nor does ministry exempt one from attack.

Tonight I rejoice. Prayers are welcomed.

James 1:2-3 (MSG)
Jas 1:2 "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors."

Troubledwith

Focus on the Family has just started a website for PreChristians called troublewith.com. It attempts to answer basic and complex life problems with a Christian and Biblical perspective for the common person. This is a wonderful evangelistic tool as well as a resource for sermon preparation. It should be posted in our computer rooms across the territory and linked to our websites. Would you be so kind as to share this with our people at this time? Thank you for your kind consideration of my recommendation!

Lt. Colonel W. Howard Burr
Ambassador for Evangelism and Men's Ministries
Phone (845) 620-7372 Cell (914) 500-3980
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." 1 Corinthians 4:20

Thank you Lt. Colonel Burr.

Ocean Grove 2005

And to finish the weekend, the Chief of the Staff gave the message at the final Ocean Grove Camp Meeting for the summer 2005. The Salvation Army is often invited to participate in the meeting with the preacher and special music, this year by the New Jersey Youth Band. You know Commissioner Gaither gave the Word of the Lord and the Youth Band was really good.

The Tabernacle was quite full on the main floor and the response to commitment after the message was a blessing.

Sunday night we were at the SFOT for the Private Welcome to the Heralds of the Good News. Commissioner Ronald Irwin gave the message. He was forthright and inspiring.

We're off to a great start in the season. God has much for us to do and become.

Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)
Pr 3:6 "in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Welcome for the Heralds

The meeting last night at the Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City was exciting, stimulating and inspiring. The newly arrived first year cadets marched in proudly to the sounds of the New York Staff Band and were later serenaded by the Territorial Songsters. The new class of Project 117 was on hand and three Auxiliary Captains were ordained and promoted to the rank of Captain. They are Captains Charles and Patricia Niedermyer (Corps Officers - State College, PA) and Captain Nancy Sampson (SFOT Staff).

What a great night!

The Chief of the Staff gave the message in clear and compelling language. Many found their way to the mercy seat for the grace of God. Hallelujah!

So the Heralds of the Good News have been welcomed in good fashion. We are all proud of them and grateful to God for His leading and abundant provision. I suppose now they can hunker down and start to focus on the training at hand. Yes, it is a school. Yes, there is home work. The 'Army' is your home now. We are strangers here.

1 Peter 1:17 (NIV)
1Pe 1:17 "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear."

SHELTER FROM THE STORM

"SHELTER FROM THE STORM" PRIMETIME FUNDRAISER ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 9

All of the major broadcast networks will join Friday, Sept. 9 in raising funds for The Salvation Army through a primetime special, "“SHELTER FROM THE STORM: A CONCERT FOR THE GULF COAST"”, and on the networks beginning with the morning news programs and concluding on the late night shows.

The networks will begin showing a dedicated telephone number – 1-866-4AIDNOW (424-3669) -- at 7:00 a.m. EDT Friday during ABC's "Good Morning America," CBS's "The Early Show" and NBC's "The Today Show," and local affiliate morning shows on FOX, The WB and UPN. The Salvation Army'’s web site donation information also will be shown – www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Phone lines will remain open during daytime and be promoted on such shows as ABC's "The View" and continue into the network late night programs, including ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live;" "CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "Last Call with Carson Daly."

Pray for the grace of God.

Galatians 6:18 (NIV)
Gal 6:18 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit... Amen."

Yankees donate $1M to Salvation Army

Yankees donate $1M to Salvation Army
Team president Levine, COO Trost, Lawton to present check
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- The Yankees will present a $1 million check to the Salvation Army on Tuesday night, a donation announced by the club last week after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast.

Team president Randy Levine, COO Lonn Trost and outfielder Matt Lawton will make the presentation to Major Guy Klemanski, general secretary for the Salvation Army of Greater New York.

"The Yankees recognize the need for people from all over the world to assist in the recovery and the rebuilding of areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina," Levine said.

They're right! Thanks Yanks!

Red Sox?

Luke 10:27 (MSG)
Lk 10:27 He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself."

COS - NJ

That's code for the visit of the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Eva Gaither's to the New Jersey Division over the Labor Day weekend. The meeting on Sunday morning was filled with the Spirit and a joy to be present. Congratulations to Majors Steve & Jan Banfield and their team for such good preparation.

This also means that the Gaithers are with us for the week, here in the Eastern Territory USA. The Territorial Executive Council will be in session with them and the Welcome of Cadets will occur on Friday Evening at the Temple. Come to the public meeting to witness the presence of God.

Good people. Good leaders. Good preaching. Good opportunity to grow in your faith. Don't miss it!

John 14:27 (NIV)
Jn 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Pendel Labor Day Camp Meetings

Keep checking out what God is doing through TSA for the Katrina disaster. Any internet search will do it for you...219 persons rescued at TSA in New Orleans...thank you, Lord.

On Saturday night we were at the above captioned Camp Meetings. The TC and wife were leading the way in good form following the Holy Spirit, and encouraging all else to do so as well.

We were particularly interested in the Cadets Farewell. Jason and Leslie were formally sent off by the same division, at the same camp as were Carolyn and I, 31 years ago. If they share in only a small portion of the blessing of God that we have received, it will be worth it. They would be quick to tell you that they are not doing this for the blessings, but out of love and obedience.

We're proud.

John 14:15 (NIV)
Jn 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

Katrina again

The Salvation Army is actively engaged in the disaster services offered to victims of Katrina. I think I've seen more press about the service than usual. That is good.

The Biloxi Corps Community Center is destroyed as is the quarters for there and Gulfsport. At the moment we don't know about our New Orleans operations. There is a brand new ARC there under a fair amount of water.

I believe the National Commander, Commissioner Todd Bassett may be joining the Presidential entourage to closely survey and assess the damages to determine how we can best work together today. Watch the news...he'll be the one in the SA uniform.

This one's going to take quite a while to clean up. Pray that our presence and involvement leads many to a new walk in life with God. This disaster doesn't compare to the disaster awaiting in hell.

Amos 6:3 (MSG)
Am 6:3 "Woe to you who are rushing headlong to disaster! Catastrophe is just around the corner!"

Podcasting

This is another post-modern idea whose time has come. I understand that there are a number of churches who podcast and believe some might just be in TSA. Do you know of any? What is their experience?

Getting the Word of God out is critical and we should take advantage of every opportunity. What do you think?

I remember attempting S.A.V.E. - SA Video Evangelism. It was early in the 80's and we were stationed in Wilkes-Barre, PA. No one had home video machines, so we carried this suitcase size VCR and hooked it up for people who were homebound, but who wanted to share in the Sunday AM Worship service. We had a SAVE local officer who took songbooks and an extra Bible. They witnessed that as the people watched the service, they sang, prayed and really enjoyed a healthy worship experience.

Let's keep trying new approaches to minister as best we can. Podcasting anyone???

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
1Co 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."