More Candidates for Officership

With the Candidates Council having met this week, four more candidates were accepted for training to enter this fall. The process affirms every level of ministry in corps and the ARC. The application reveals how the candidate was saved, sanctified and called. It's loaded with references to faithful local officers, parents, DYS's and corps officers. Often there is also reference to a special event where the candidate believes that God spoke and called the person, personally.

When you put the case altogether, it is clear how God designed their life to know Him and serve Him in this extraordinary way. Everything comes together, the candidate responds to God's powerful love and the Holy Spirit guides the life for maximum ministry. Praise God!

1 Peter 2:9 (MSG)
9 "But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you-"

Lt. Colonel Norman Bearcroft

Not an obituary.

Rather...a birthday celebration. Tonight, a few of Lt. Colonel Bearcroft's good NY friends assembled to give a surprise 80th birthday party. He's an amazing man of God who has served faithfully in musical and other dynamic ways to worship God and assist others to do so as well.

From an early day, I remember his music reaching my soul and leading me to greater confidence in the presence of God. I am not alone in this reality. Thousands around the world share this appreciation as many will until the return of the Lord Himself. Bearcroft's music will greatly outlast this generation and will always be valued for its spiritual relevance. I'm grateful to God for this man and that for a time such as this, he's in the neighborhood.

Psalms 149:3 (MSG)
3 "Let them praise his name in dance; strike up the band and make great music!"

TV Commercials

Some TV Commercials, I just don't get. Some are plenty funny and others annoying. I found myself during the Superbowl, anxiously awaiting the commercials.

Before we are too hard on the capitalistic ways of our beloved country, recognize that these commercials are simply giving us what we desire. They are a (poor) reflection of our interests and desires. If you want to study our culture, you don't have to go any further than your television...or magazine...or billboard. In most cases it's an ugly picture, although not always.

I think you know where I'm going. How well are we reflecting the grace of God? If an advertisement were designed specifically for you, what would it be like? What nature of yours would it appeal to?

Genesis 1:27 (MSG)
27 "God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female."

Christian Music

In addition to my addiction to brass band music, I have a love for jazz...particularly Christian jazz. Have you ever heard of Ben Tankard? Great keyboard man...beautiful music.

Most days at the office, I'll have some of this music on for inspiration. I think I have all of the CD's he's recorded. There are a few others too that speak to me, but I shy from making this blog a commercial.

Often, when I pray I have music playing, sometimes the music informs my prayer and that which might have been a little stale becomes alive and well. Loved ones...listen to the music of God. He will fill your soul.

Isaiah 30:29 (MSG)
29 "But you will sing, sing through an all-night holy feast! Your hearts will burst with song, make music like the sound of flutes on parade, En route to the mountain of God, on the way to the Rock of Israel."

Leaders in Worship

I attend many worship services in my role. I love God and also love to worship Him. Today in the closing hours of the Territorial Executive Council, we met in worship of God.

Let me leave the specifics out, but let me say that it was a Spirit-filled experience. The Holy Spirit was undeniably present and the members of the council were drawn closer to Him and each other. It was everything we Salvationists would hope for in the meeting of command and territorial leaders. Hallelujah!

Matthew 4:10 (MSG)
10 "Jesus' refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan!" He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness."

Emerging Church

The Majors Ashcraft came to the Territorial Executive Council and presented the above captioned subject. Now the territory and command leadership has no excuse to miss this present day movement. Emergents unite! Victory is assured!

OK, so I'm getting carried away. Truth is that there are more emergents in the room than most people would expect. This dynamic approach in Biblical Christianity resounds in many of us who will expect mountains to be moved for others to come to Christ.

I pray that the informed emergents will find grace to work with those who aren't there yet to glorify God in mission and in experience.

2 Peter 1:19 (MSG)
19 "We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard-—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts."

Territorial Executive Council

With the gathering of Command and Territorial Leaders, one should expect the mighty presence of God. This was the case today as we met at THQ for a full agenda towards the improvement of mission capabilities.

Everyone in this crowd is focused on serving Christ with energy, excellence and holiness. The dialogue has been healthy and the instruction appropriate. Altogether, this first day has been remarkable to the glory of God.

Prayers are invited for the remaining two days.

Matthew 18:19 (MSG)
19 "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action."

Presidents' Day

Ah...a good American holiday...just in time for a three day weekend. Thank you President Washington and President Lincoln. Seems to me that when we were young, we got a holiday for each of their celebrations. Things change.

It was a day of relaxation for us mixed in with a little preparation for the Territorial Executive Councils that start tomorrow. The agenda is full and will be worthwhile for all who attend. Hopefully, we'll see some changes here too. Being satisfied with what is can be comfortable, but looking forward to where we need to go and be is a challenge.

I hope your day has been productive...and if it was a holiday for you, that you are ready to show up tomorrow for God's good plan for you.

Nahum 1:15 (MSG)
15 "Look! Striding across the mountains-a messenger bringing the latest good news: peace! A holiday, Judah! Celebrate! Worship and recommit to God! No more worries about this enemy. This one is history. Close the books."

Flushing Queens

This is not an activity, its a geographic location and the place of the Flushing Queens Corps. You've seen me rate corps as five star corps...this is certainly one of them. Under the leadership of Captains Jong-Woo and Mi-Sook Kim, the corps celebrated their one year building anniversary. The facility is amazing, beautiful and fully functional. The corps itself is filled with Spirit-filled Salvationists - many of whom were in uniform, and other friends also seeking the Lord in this vibrant fellowship. The first language here is Korean, but every effort is made to welcome those of us who are limited to English. They provided translation, English programs and bi-lingual song books. The overhead slides were all given in both languages.

We thank God for this exciting expression of Salvationist worship and fellowship. It brought joy to our hearts and I believe it does to the heart of God.

Psalms 100:2 (NIV)
2 "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

Winter Olympics

Have you been watching the Olympics? We've been checking them out on and off. It's a welcome change from the regular TV fare.

These athletes are doing their very best to be the very best. Sometimes, anything less than the gold medal is a loss. On one of the events today, the best American placement was 38th. Now that doesn't sound very good at first, but if we are to conclude that this athlete was in the top 50 in the world, that should be significant. By the way, we're already beginning to cheer for Australian athletes and teams in addition to the home town favorites.

It's in the doing our best and being our best that I draw spiritual parallels. I'll quote a common scripture verse here that speaks to our own involvement in our faithwalk. Pray God that we exercise our faith to the glory of God, with the same veracity and tenacity that these world class athletes demonstrate to the glory of their country.

Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
14 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Distractions

With news public about life in the Knaggs clan, I would admit to being a little distracted. As you would expect, we're trusting God and believing Him for grace sufficient for every change in life. He's always blessed us with His love and will do so going forward too.

We're praying that our focus for present responsibilities and duties will not diminish as the excitement of serving in a new vineyard germinates. We regularly pray for an increasing of our capacity to love, care, believe and trust. This is clearly one of those opportunities for us to enjoy even more of the fullness of God in that context.

We are blessed by comments given here and posted on previous blogs. We are blessed by God.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

International Appointments

On behalf of the General it is my privilege to share with you the following changes of appointments and promotions.

EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2006

LT. COLONELS GRAHAM AND RHONDDA DURSTON, officers of the Australia Eastern Territory, currently divisional leaders in that territory, are appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of The Philippines Territory, with an extension of active service that will enable them to serve for a term of three years. They will succeed Lt. Colonels Malcolm and Irene Induruwage who have been appointed territorial leaders of that territory.

EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2006

COMMISSIONERS MAKOTO AND KAORU YOSHIDA, officers of the Japan Territory, currently International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries for the South Pacific and East Asia zone, are appointed territorial leaders of the Japan Territory, Commissioner Makoto Yoshida as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Kaoru Yoshida as Territorial President of Women's Ministries. They will succeed Commissioners Nozomi and Kazuko Harita who will be retiring from active service.

COLONELS ROY AND ARDA FRANS, officers of the Indonesia Territory, currently the territorial leaders of the Sri Lanka Territory, are appointed to International Headquarters, Colonel Roy Frans as International Secretary for the South Pacific and East Asia zone and Colonel Arda Frans as the Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries of that zone. They are promoted to the rank of Commissioner, effective May 30 and 31, 2006 respectively.

MAJORS LALZAMLOVA AND NEMKHANCHING, officers of the India Eastern Territory, currently serving as divisional leaders in the India Northern Territory, are appointed territorial leaders of the Sri Lanka Territory, Major Lalzamlova as Territorial Commander and Major Nemkhanching as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, with promotion to the rank of Colonel.

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006

LT. COLONELS MAXWELL AND LENORA FEENER, officers of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, currently Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries of the USA Southern Territory, are appointed territorial leaders of the USA Southern Territory, Lt. Colonel Maxwell Feener as Territorial Commander and Lt. Colonel Lenora Feener as Territorial President of Women's Ministries. They are promoted to the rank of Commissioner, effective June 27 and 28, 2006 respectively. They will succeed Commissioners Philip D. and Keitha Needham who will be retiring from active service.

LT. COLONELS DAVID AND BARBARA JEFFREY, officers of the USA Southern Territory, currently divisional leaders of the Texas Division, are appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries of the USA Southern Territory.

COMMISSIONERS RAYMOND AND JUDITH HOUGHTON, officers of the United Kingdom Territory, currently International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff and Mission Resources Secretary at International Headquarters, are appointed territorial leaders of the Caribbean Territory, Commissioner Raymond Houghton as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Judith Houghton as Territorial President of Women's Ministries.

LT. COLONELS ROBERT AND JANET STREET, officers of the United Kingdom Territory, currently Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries of the Australia Eastern Territory, are appointed to International Headquarters, Lt. Colonel Robert Street as International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff and Lt. Colonel Janet Street as World Secretary for Women's Ministries. They are promoted to the rank of Commissioner, effective June 29 and 30, 2006 respectively.

COLONELS JAMES M. AND CAROLYN KNAGGS, officers of the USA Eastern Territory, currently Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries in that territory, are appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries of the Australia Eastern Territory.

LT. COLONELS LARRY AND GILLIAN BOSH, officers of the USA Eastern Territory, currently National Chief Secretary and National Secretary for Women's Ministries, USA, are appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries of the USA Eastern Territory.

LT. COLONELS BARRY C. AND E. SUE SWANSON, officers of the USA Central Territory, currently Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of the USA Central Territory, are appointed National Chief Secretary and National Secretary for Women’s Ministries, USA.

MAJORS PAUL AND CAROL SEILER, officers of the USA Western Territory, currently divisional leaders in that territory, are appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of the USA Central Territory, with promotion to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

MAJORS DOUGLAS AND RHODE DANIELSON, officers of the USA Western Territory, currently Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory, will be taking up appointments in Mexico – the home country of Major Rhode Danielson.

MAJORS ZOILO AND MAGALI PARDO, officers of the USA Western Territory, currently Field Secretary/Training Principal, and Director of Special Services at the Training School in the Mexico Territory, are appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of the Latin America North Territory.

PROMOTION

MAJOR GILLIAN DOWNER, Chief Secretary of the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, is promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel, effective February 15, 2006.

I know that you will remember our comrades in prayer at this time.

May God bless you.

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

A New Day

One of the many things I love about God is that He grants every day as a new day. The excitement of discovery is one of the things that gets me out of bed in the morning. What will today bring?

For those who are unfamiliar with God, this day can bring the change in your life you've only dreamed about. For those who love God and are trusting Him in faithfulness, this day could bring about the miracle you've been praying about. You never know.

What you can know is this: God has a fresh, unspoiled day in store for each of us. When we look to him for our daily issues, He will inspire us with His presence, love and delight. There's nothing better!

James 1:25 (MSG)
25 "But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God-the free life!-even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action."

The War Cry

How about it? Is the War Cry making a difference? What do you see as its purpose? Do you use it to introduce people to Christ or to help folks grow in their faith? Who do you think it reaches?

Now while I'm looking for honest answers, I am not as interested in negative responses. The hard working people who publish the magazine are doing so as an offering to the Lord, so cheap shots of any sort would not be appreciated here.

How do you see it? Read one lately? What do you think?

Romans 2:1 (MSG)
1 "Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors."

Hotel Hostage

This is a common term in our house. It describes the sense one gets when you travel to another city and find yourself stuck in the hotel. Often this has happened at conferences or special meetings. No matter how far you've traveled or how exotic the location, all you see is the ride from the airport and the ride back. On some of these trips, you might as well have gone to a remote, uninteresting location (notice my reluctance to be specific here) where there's not much to do anyway.

I am grateful for friends who dropped by today to take me out for fellowship and food. On that basis, I have no complaint. I am fortunate and God takes care of us just when we need it and, of course, when we don't know we need it. He knows our needs before we ask and showers love upon us in different and always effective ways. I love Him.

Matthew 20:28 (MSG)
28 "That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage."

Let it snow

If it's going to snow, let it come and give everyone (but the snow removal teams), a day off. Let the kids play. Make a snowman. Put a log on the fire. Watch an old black and white movie on TV. Break out a couple of table games for the family. Read a book. Shovel the sidewalk. Shovel the neighbor's sidewalk. Have a pleasant snow ball fight. Get out the sleds and the toboggans. Read your Bible. Take extra time to pray. Call someone on the phone you haven't spoken to in a while. Read a blog or two. Write a blog or two. Sort out your sock drawer. Organize your photos into albums. Have a cup of hot chocolate. Make some grilled cheese sandwiches and serve them with tomato soup.

There's plenty to do...There's plenty you don't have to do. Just enjoy the day and the people around you. I think it will delight the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"

Pathway of Duty

We've encountered a work team at the San Juan ARC. Captain Silvanos Diaz and Captain Glenn Chandler are here with a work detail to help with some interior renovations that are really needed. Today after they worked in the humid heat, Captain Chandler spoke in the evening chapel service. He was a blessing.

In the ARC, we celebrate their work therapy programs. Today, in Puerto Rico, these officers and other volunteers were engaged in work therapy themselves.

Weary in well doing? A little discouraged by a lack of fruit in the ministry? Nothing turning out the way you want? Try work therapy. Use your hands. Work up a sweat. Associate with other pilgrims. Make a difference...and be blessed.

"By the pathway of duty flows the river of God's grace."

Proverbs 12:28 (AMP)
28 "Life is in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), and in its pathway there is no death but immortality (perpetual, eternal life)."

Puerto Rico

Just as God made the garden of Eden, He made Puerto Rico. He gives His children these wonderful, beautiful locations to enjoy. We're here for work, but always enjoy the lush beauty. (Don't get excited thieves. There's always someone at our house.)As I think about it, we always find ourselves here in NY winter months and rarely, if never in the summer.

No time for beach combing on this visit, Lt. Colonel Raines has us working hard at the ARC until it's time to come home. That's fine. He works too.

You know there's a great SA in this division. Both the ARC and the other field operations are fully engaged and productive. We are fortunate to have their influence in the USA Eastern territory. We are all better for the connection...and today...so is my disposition.

James 1:21 (MSG)
21 "So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life."

Good Friends Revisited

One in our family had auto problems today. It required pushing the car a little bit and then waiting for AAA to come for the tow. Usually AAA is reliable...not today.

The reliable award goes to the Cocker family...all four of them. Jimmy helped push the car. Mom Marsha gave comfort to the driver...Katie stayed close for intelligent conversation and papa Jim ended up taking responsibility to get the tow job done. If you want to get the job done, ask a good friend.

In their own way they ministered to us in a pleasant and truly holy way. Jesus was present...in them. Thank you friends...

3 John 1:2 (MSG)
"2 We're the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health-—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!"

Simply Trusting

Every day God calls us to trust Him. We do so in many ways both large and small. He delights in our trust seeing it as love and hope for a continuing, deepening relationship.

Today is a good day to trust Him even more. He never forsakes us or lets us down. If we trust Him, our every step and conversation can be holy and true. That not only interests me, but has become a guide for my life. We can expect His very best for us in the context of this trust. Go for it! Trust Him and be set free from many levels of anxiety and worry.

"Trusting Jesus...that is all!"

John 16:33 (MSG)
"33 I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."

Superbowl XL

I'm not waiting until the game is over to write today. For those of you outside the USA, this is one of the biggest sporting events of our year. It is the two best American football teams in contest. That is the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks. Each team expects to win the game, but only one will. The stronger team should be the one with the higher score when the game concludes.

In the daily contest of our faith, positive expectations are a necessity, but we know even more is needed to be victorious. It takes practice...and effort...and stamina. Hope alone will not be enough. God's plan involves our own personal investment. I'm blessed about that. We are saved by grace. Our personal choice to love God is essential. Let our active faith connect with God's amazing love to move us to the victory Christ has already provided.

Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
"14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Candidates Seminar

This weekend the territory is sponsoring the Candidates" Seminar and Project 117 Preview. Both are well attended and are enjoying wonderful worship and learning experiences. God has been present in His glory.

Last night along with many worship opportunities, Major Mark Tillsley, the Training Principal, gave the message. He's always on target, being led by the Spirit and personally equipped for the responsibility. Any time you have a chance to hear him speak (give the message), be there. He spoke from 1 Peter 5:1-11 and his message was about being strong, firm, and steadfast.

Tomorrow morning will have eternal significance. I'm believing God.

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
10 'And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Planning

I love to look forward and consider how God is moving among us. I'm one who does best if there is an idea about where things are going and what we're trying to do. Give me a point to aim at and I'll head there with purpose and intensity.

When the direction is clouded or uncertain, I work hard to to clear the air, check the compass and take a step. It makes me laugh to even admit it here.

By definition, faith requires action on the basis of trust and not certainty. I like that too. The trust I have in God gives my heart a certainty enough to act, or take a step. The risk of it all is interesting to me.

So what's your plan? What are you working on? Does it require faith? Does it include God? He has a plan for you...it involves love...and faith...and excitement...and more.

Isaiah 14:26 (MSG)
26 "This is the plan, planned for the whole earth, And this is the hand that will do it, reaching into every nation."

National Commander

So we learned today that Commissioner Israel L. Gaither will be the next National Commander of TSA in the USA. He is the first African-American to hold this post and I'm proud to be a Salvationist. He and his wife Commissioner Eva Gaither will usher in a new missional age by this appointment. This is not to discredit his predecessors in any way. It is a simple statement of my convictions.

The Bassetts have been remarkable in their leadership at National Headquarters. We are grateful for their faithfulness and sterling witness.

As the leadership changes, let us each reaffirm our commitment to the Lord, His Word and His ministry through TSA. I do.

Ephesians 1:18-21 (NIV)
18 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."