State of the Union

Even as I type tonight, the President of the USA is giving what we know to be the "State of the Union' address. It is self defined and we trust that his words bring hope to this country and to the world.

There is a strong understanding in the Scriptures about our unity, or union, if you will. "My command is that you love one another." John 13..."By this will all men know that you are my disciples..."

What is the state of our union? On the wave of the election of our next General and the evidence of leaders in one accord, can we celebrate with confidence of our unity? The test as the Lord gave the world is that they would know of our love and faithfulness toward each other as a result. How are we doing?

John 17:20-22 (NIV)
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:"

Torture

Front Line Dilemma
Christians in intelligence services are conflicted over the use of torture.

Sometimes I refer to a Christianity Today magazine article. It happens to be one of the few e-mailings I receive regularly. This article really caught my attention and troubled me. The article, which you can read by the above link is well written and presents a particularly fair approach to the subject. I just don't get it.

I'm glad they're conflicted. But let me tell you, there's no conflict in my mind or in my heart. I understand this is war (against terrorism) and I understand these are their methods. These are not the methods of Christ.

Luke 6:27 (MSG)
27 "To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.

NYSB Retreat

We enjoyed two days of the New York Staff Band Retreat this weekend. Lt. Colonel Ray Steadman-Allen, O.F. was the guest along with his wife, Joyce. He is terrific and perfect for the weekend. He is continuing to minister to the territory with the Music Leaders Conference taking place this week.

As long as I can remember, I've heard bands play his music and vocal groups sing his music. When I began to be interested in SA music, his writings, often were many of those that touched my heart and still do. He is very much, inspired by God. God gave him this extraordinary gift and Lt. Colonel Steadman-Allen worked at it to make the outcomes exceptional. Thank you, Lord for this man and your music you have given us through him.

Psalms 96:1 (NLT)
"1 Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!"

We hava a General

Today at 4:45 p.m. G.M.T. it was announced at Sunbury Court that Commissioner Shaw Clifton was elected the 18th General of The Salvation Army.

We praise God for this confirmation that he is divinely chosen for this responsibility and that many leaders of the global Salvation Army are in one accord.

Isaiah 42:1 (NIV)
1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.

WPA ACR

More code words...these are for Western Pennsylvania Division Annual Command Review. We're enjoying "Steeler country" for a few days and the fellowship of the WPA divisional team.

The ministry here is deep, sensitive, and alive. We come to learn of the work of God among these faithful officers, soldiers, employees and volunteers. The "Army" is loved in these part of the woods, due to long term commitment and integrity of service. To God be the glory!

Thank you Majors Bob and Lynette Reel for your leadership and that of everyone making this command so integral to the mission of TSA in western Pennsylvania.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
"23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Announcement of Candidates

Announcement of Candidates
Late Wednesday afternoon the following officers indicated to the President of the 2006 High Council, Commissioner W. Todd Bassett, that they accepted nomination. These nominees are now therefore candidates for the office of General of The Salvation Army:

Commissioner Shaw Clifton
Commissioner Israel L. Gaither
Commissioner Hasse Kjellgren
Commissioner Carl Lydholm
Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan

In addition to the above names, the following officers were also nominated but declined to accept nomination:

Commissioner Linda Bond
Commissioner Phillip Needham

The High Council is now adjourned until Friday in order to give the candidates time to prepare their speeches and their answers to the questions prepared by the Questions Committee.

Jesus said, "Trust in God; trust also in me." John 14:1

Sermon on the Mount

Have you read the sermon on the mount by Jesus lately? It is loaded with high level expectations and high level grace for the tasks. He was quite demanding by His own words and is so today, after all these years.

I see it as a plan for holiness. Of course, holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, but the text here speaks to how a holy person lives and believes and worships. One would do well to take out a pen and make a checklist to see if you are following the Holy One.

Try it. Let me help you begin:

Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)
"1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying:..."

The Ways of God's People

Believing that the ways of God are inextricably linked to His people, we've been looking at the Word for clear direction in such things. The sermon on the mount that Jesus gave is a good place to start. His expectations are high and He's prepared to enable us to reach these heights. In fact, I believe it's His plan.

The GNY officers are a joy. They know Him intimately and are enjoying His presence in their lives and ministries.

God's way?..Way to go!

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

GNY Retreat

We find ourselves with the Greater New York Division at their officer's retreat. The Nuesch's and company have prepared carefully for what we believe will be a time of refreshment and renewal.

Pray for us. It requires sacred work on our part and receptive focus on the part of the officers attending. All this to glorify God and bring honor to His name.

Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

High Council

Even as we communicate here, the 16th High Council of TSA is meeting to elect the 18th General. This is historic.

I love that God knows already and that He has prepared the heart of the person to be selected. Let it be known that there are a host of candidates that we could see in the role, but who has God chosen?

Be in prayer for these leaders who have been brought together from around the world to agree with God. Actually, it doesn't sound so hard as it is important.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
"9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

Faithfulness & Fruit

Like it or not, the scriptures make a connection between faithfulness and fruit. We finished up today at the GNY Command Review. This phrase about sums it up: faithfulness & fruit.

God's faithfulness and the faithfulness of the many in this command have married to produce fruit. God is glorified and the evidence of His presence is undeniable.

Thank you, Lt. Colonels Nestor and Rebecca Nuesch for your leadership amongst the GNY team. It is a collaboration of officers, soldiers, employees and volunteers.

1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
"12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ."

GNY ACR

These are code words for Greater New York Division Annual Command Review. It is where we spent the day and will be tomorrow as well. These reviews are full of blessings. We learn of what God is doing in the division in a very focused format. It's very helpful for both THQ administration and DHQ administration.

In every division there is always more to do. In GNY there's more of everything to do because there's more of everything.

God is being glorified here.

1 Samuel 18:14 (NIV)
"14 In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him."

Providence Child Care Center

Having had such a fulfilling day in Rhode Island, I must acknowledge the effective ministry of Majors Bob and Camilla Pfeiffer. They orchestrated the events of the day, and in particular, the Child Care Center dedication in an extraordinary fashion.

It is a beautiful center and fully functional for the care of children in this neighborhood which is advantaged for the program and service. The construction of it was a collaborative effort by the federal government, city government and TSA. Senator Jack Reed was present as was Mayor Cicilline, both giving honorable remarks for the occasion.

Congratulations to all for the special day and glory to God for the faithful ministry taking place in this caring child center.

Mark 10:14 (KJV)
"14 ... and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."

Providence

The thought of providence preaches. I'm thinking today of God's providence at the ARC in Providence, RI. Majors Tom and Patty Taylor with their staff and the assistance of Captains Patrick and Oxana O'Gara, are serving God with distinction in this co-ed center. Their Sunday morning worship meeting was refreshing in the Spirit of God as is their center itself. It's a model center in many ways and one I'll remember as such.

We all enjoyed the presence of God in the meeting. I've learned that this doesn't just happen on one day. The joy of His presence is evident where He dwells. He is not occasional. Lord, be with my friends at this center and with those who continue to seek your grace at this wonderful place.

Hebrews 6:18-19 (MSG)
"... We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go.
19 It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God."

Advisory Board

In most communities in the territory, a faithful advisory board is on duty. Greatly influenced by the corps officers, these volunteers attempt to support our ongoing efforts even though it often means not fully understanding our methods and systems. But still they come and hope to invest their personal time and resources to facilitate the ministry of TSA.

The national advisory board is one of these groups with extraordinary people, serving God through TSA. They are deserving of our accolades and great appreciation. In order to attend these meetings, the members must give up two days of their life three times a year and endure the expense of hotels and travel as well. That, of course is just for starters. Most all of them also function on their local boards too.

Thank you, Lord for each of these volunteers. Affirm them with your grace as they serve in TSA.

1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
"12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."

The Scriptures

It is a marvelous thing that God has done by giving us His printed word.

We believe that the Scriptures of the old and new testaments were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the divine rule of Christian faith and practice.

This understanding is basic and foundational. I embrace it with complete confidence as do all Salvationists. I have learned that God's word is dynamic and alive today. We can depend upon the truths contained therein for our lives and to draw us to fullness in Christ.

Read it. Ingest it. Know it through and through...and live.

Psalms 119:105 (NIV)
"105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

Kroc Futures

By now you may have seen the list of sites who are qualified to advance to the next round of applications to receive Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center grants. In alphabetical order, they are:

Ashland, OH
Boston, MA
Camden, NJ
Dayton, OH
Massena, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Puerto Rico
Staten Island, NY

I believe this will signify a new day in TSA Eastern Territory to the glory of God. I salute the Kroc family...I salute all 29 of our applicants...and I salute the Lord, who we will continue to honor through the good service and ministry of these up and coming centers.

1 Peter 1:21 (MSG)
"21 It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God."

Officers' Retreat

Every year at about this same time, commands schedule their officers' retreats. Following what is typically the most intense time of the year, Christmas, the officers are advantaged by a few days away in a relaxing setting for fellowship, Bible study and inspiration.

Good babysitters are greatly appreciated and solid office support at the corps and other locations are invaluable. These helpful people allow the officers to take this time, badly needed.

While your officers are away, why not lift them up in prayer as well as their ministries and families. As an officers kid, myself, I occasionally gave my parents reason to be concerned while they were at retreat. Be supportive. They will come back invigorated.

Psalms 119:114 (MSG)
"114 You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me."

Paterson, NJ

What a day! Here's a five star corps with a lot of action (in the Spirit).

Captain John Stewart, Major Anita Stewart and Captain Pat Surratte are having the time of their lives in leadership of this exciting corps. The soldiers, adherents, local officers and friends are united in a Christian fellowship that worships God in spirit and in truth. You can't miss it if you're there.

When in the neighborhood, plan to visit and stay all day. The depth and breadth of the spirit in this corps must be a delight to God Himself. It was to us. Thank you each...and thank you, Lord.

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)
"16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

More Coming Events

By this time tomorrow, the announcement of the sites who are qualified to move to the next phase of the Eastern Territory Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center proposals will be public. To date, it has been quite an effort on the part of the applicants and evaluators.

That's about all I'm free to communicate today; but tomorrow, the facts will be revealed in a proper way. For those who are proceeding, you have a lot of work to do in the name of Christ. For those who will not be named, you have a lot of work to do in the name of Christ. In the context of God's plan, the determination brings the applicants to a crossroad. The next steps are still God's plan. Trust Him.

John 14:1 (NIV)
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."

The Salvation Army hands over 500 new houses

The Salvation Army hands over 500 new houses in Meulaboh, West Aceh


'New House, New Spirit' was the message conveyed by Commissioner Johannes Watilete, the Territorial Commander of Indonesia Territory, in his motivational speech to the tsunami-affected community, government representatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the hand-over ceremony of 500 houses in Meulaboh, West Aceh, on 26 December 2005.

Dr. Nasruddin (Bupati), Head of the West Aceh Region, thanked The Salvation Army for delivering on its promise to build the 500 houses. He said that what had happened was wonderful and that the government would support The Salvation Army in whatever they do. He hoped The Salvation Army'’s building programmes would continue beyond phases two and three.

A promise made...a promise kept. God, may your light shine through this ministry.

Hebrews 7:28 (TEV)
"28 The Law of Moses appoints men who are imperfect to be high priests; but God's promise made with the vow, which came later than the Law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever."

Hopes fading for 13 trapped coal miners

By Lauren Foster in New York and agencies reported by MSNBC
Updated: 8:12 p.m. ET Jan. 3, 2006

Hopes of finding alive 13 coal miners trapped nearly two miles underground in West Virginia faded on Tuesday after rescuers could find no signs of life.

The miners were trapped after a blast early on Monday. Rescue teams were only able to enter the Sago Mine more than 11 hours after the explosion because of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

In the face of this difficult situation, you won't be surprised:

Salvation Army Responses to WV Mine Disaster

Major Sam Hearne, the corps officer from Clarksburg, West Virginia, has responded to the mine disaster in Upsher County, West Virginia. The major, along with several soldiers and volunteers, are providing feeding and other assistance to rescue workers at the staging area and the mine site. The canteen from Clarksburg is being used as the feeding station for the rescue workers and arrived on site at approximately 8 PM last night.

I'll never believe the miners have been alone. Let us be in prayer...

Mark 16:5 (NIV)
"5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed."

2006 Coming Events

So here are some of the territorial type things that are happening this year:

January - High Council - Election of the General
February - Candidates' Seminar
March - Vocal Convocation, Mission & Ministries Forum, SFOT Spring Campaigns, ARC Holiness Retreat, Social Services Conference
April - Youth Holiness Advance, Holiness Symposium, National Commander's Retirement
May - Bible Bowl Championships, Kensico Memorial Service
June - Commissioning, Hispanic Ministries Conference
July - Holiness Institute, Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings
August - Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings, Territorial Arts Ministry Conservatory, Star Lake Musicamp, National Seminar on Evangelism
September - Welcome to Cadets
October - On the Edge, Hispanic Leadership Seminar, African Heritage Retreat
November - Happy Thanksgiving
December - Urbana

Maybe you can copy this down or print it out to add to your prayer list. I am.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Happy New Year!

Numbers 29:1 (AMP)
1 ON THE first day of the seventh month [on New Year’s Day of the civil year], you shall have a holy [summoned] assembly; you shall do no servile work. It is a day of blowing of trumpets for you [everyone blowing who wishes, proclaiming that the glad New Year has come and that the great Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles are now approaching].