General John Larsson

These are the last few days of the active service of General John Larsson and Commissioner Freda Larsson. These are great Salvationists who have served well to the expressed glory of God. Having traveled all over the world to spread the gospel, their message has only been equaled by their personal witness. You won't find two better people on the planet.

As they move across the line into retirement, let us celebrate the faithfulness of God in their ministry. They would be certain to defer this accolade to the Lord, who has led and sustained them throughout their many years of service. They're coming to the Centennial Memorial Temple for the retirement of the National Commander this month. Why not show up and show them the respect they deserve?

Romans 15:1b (MSG)
1b "Strength is for service, not status."

SWONEKY ACR

So it's the annual command review season. This one in Cincinnati is the last one Carolyn and I will do in this territory. I'm getting a little nostalgic.

The division is led by Majors Kenneth and Cheryl Maynor. They've been doing it well here for a few years now. This command is a warm Bible-belt experience, where family values are still important and where hard work is normal. They still have their challenges, but they also have a culture where morality is expected.

The Maynors would be quick to credit both their divisional team and the field operations team that is doing the frontline ministries and they'd be right. It takes many dedicated people to do what they're doing around here with dynamic integrity. Thank you, each!

Jude 1:2 (MSG)
2 "Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!"

Majors Glenn and Mary Avery

The Averys retired last Saturday at Star Lake Lodge and Conference Center. It was just beautiful. As they went through the different phases of their life with photos and comments from friends, they both said, "that was a wonderful appointment. We loved being there."

They figured out the secret to living: being content with your life and enjoying it. They've been serving the Lord with joy and won't let retirement stop them. God has honored their faithfulness with His blessing. I can only hope to finish my officership so well.

1 John 1:4 (MSG)
4 "Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!"

NEOSA ACR

We find ourselves in Cleveland, Ohio (don't worry thieves, there are still three adults at home.)for the Annual Command review. Lt. Colonels Bill and Judy LaMarr are leading the way in fine style and with confidence. The team is very friendly and smoothly working together to glorify God.

Neosa has always been one of those divisions that has a strong expression of SA work and ministry. Both of my parents went to training from this division. I dare say they have sent some of the finest people to training from here.

Colonel LaMarr gives the impression that increasing ministry and mission are still possible here. I believe him. Glory to God!

1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
5 "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The joys of corps life are no where more evident than in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Area Coordinators and Citadel corps officers are Majors Tim and Willie Mae Lyle and the Temple corps officers are Captains Greg and Alma Durrand.

We started the day with a Men's Prayer breakfast. None other than Major Carl Schoch and Roger Duperree were the kitchen crew. Over 60 men were present for the blessing. Great mix of culture, generation and spiritual maturity.

We then attended the Adult Sunday School class, taught by Major Charles Drummond. He's as good as it gets, and the chapel had a good number in it for the lesson.

The Holiness meeting included over 200 and was a blessing from the flute solo by the junior soldier to the band and songsters. There's a lot going on here, and, you're not surprised, I see the corps as a five star corps. People have been moving to the community to enjoy the corps fellowship.

"In this confidence let us hold on to the hope that we profess without the slightest hesitation - for he is utterly dependable - and let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds. And let us not hold aloof from our church meetings, as some do. Let us do all we can to help one another's faith, and this the more earnestly as we see the final day drawing ever nearer." Hebrews 10:24-25 (J.B. Philips)

Mo' Cadets' Campaign

We have been hearing wonderful results in the Cadets' Campaigns. God is having His way. I am so grateful to Him.

Where's Project 1:17 this week? There must be something to report.

The first Cadets' Campaign I remember was when the likes of Cadet Bunny Olsen came with a married women's brigade to the Niagara Falls Citadel Corps. They were great. The next brigade sported Cadet Bill LaMarr and a men's brigade with Cadet Noel Christian. Was Captain Tom Mack the brigade officer? These men made an impact on my young heart. They thoroughly convinced me of their sincerity and calling. They also seemed to be having a good time.

Great days...Great Lord...Great Lord for today too...

Acts 26:16 (MSG)
16 "But now, up on your feet-—I have a job for you. I've handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what's happened today, and to what I am going to show you."

EPA ACR

By now you're beginning to recognize these initials...Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Division Annual Command Review. We've spent the day enjoying the presence of God and learning of His movement in this great command. This is the command with the most active (not retired) officers. The retired officers are valuable, but the number of active officers is significant in understanding the charge given to Lt. Colonels Bill and Marcella Carlson as Divisional Leaders.

Tomorrow we finish up here with a recap of the high points. Already, there are many to mention, so we celebrate the work of God. Hallelujah! The work continues here and the many people who make up the command are to be congratulated for their faithfulness.

1 Samuel 12:7 (MSG)
7 "Take your stand before him now as I review your case before God in the light of all the righteous ways in which God has worked with you and your ancestors."

Cadets' Spring Campaigns

The most authentic sign of Spring is the Cadets' Spring Campaign (March 20-27, 2006). Here they are:

Brigade 1: Captains John & Elizabeth Rogan -Middletown, Ohio (SWONEKY)

Brigade 2: Major Donald & Captain Renee Lance- Norwich, CT (SONED)

Brigade 3: Majors Robin & Gail Lyle- Plymouth, Mass. (MASS)

Brigade 4: Majors William & Rhode Bender- Puerto Rico (PR)

Brigade 5: Captains Young & Soo Kim- Warren, Pennsylvania (WEPASA)

Brigade 6: Captain Holly Daniels & Captain Veronica Pettiford- Schenectady, New York (EMPIRE)

Brigade 7: Majors James & Marcia Cocker- Old Orchard Beach, Maine (NNE)

Brigade 8: Captain Armida LaMarr & Captain Betty Pate- Painesville, Ohio
(NEOSA)
Brigade 9: Majors Bryan & Beverly Smith- Allentown, PA (EPA)

Brigade 10: Captains Karen & Gordon Sparks- Redbank, New Jersey (NJ)


Prayer is in order. If you're near one of these locations, go for it!

Jude 1:2 (MSG)
2 "Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!"

Academic Oversight Advisory Council (again)

This advisory group is a strong voice in the territory. Much is being considered on this agenda and much is being accomplished. Let me remind you that it relates to the School For Officers' Training and is comprised of certain SFOT staff, THQ personnel, soldiers and external Christian academic professionals.

Their dialogue and projections are most positive and very frank. This is not a rose colored approach to ministry, but a cutting edge, informed and respectable forum by which the SFOT, cadets and ultimately the territory will benefit greatly. Thank you Major Tillsley and your team for your valuable transparency and forward thinking.

1 Thessalonians 4:8 (MSG)
8 "If you disregard this advice, you're not offending your neighbors; you're rejecting God, who is making you a gift of his Holy Spirit."

Majors Jim and Molly Shotzberger Retire

In an official, and yet sometimes informal ceremony at THQ on Friday, the Shotzbergers retired as USA Eastern Territory officers in The Salvation Army. Both from Lewistown, Pennsylvania and serving over 40 years, their service was acknowledged and they were given their retirement certificates by none other than Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz, Territorial Commander.

In their final appointments, Jim is the Supplies & Purchasing Secretary and Molly is the Volunteer and Chaplaincy Training Director for Emergency Disaster Services in the Community Relations and Development department. Both are significant roles and both served with exemplary distinction. Their entire officership has been marked by self-less service and obedience to the Lord. They are my good friends. We will miss them.

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

NYSB Future All-Stars

As we write, seventy or so teenage brass musicians have gathered at the Star Lake Lodge and Conference Center for the above noted weekend. The New York Staff Band persons are there as well, teaching and mentoring these students in music and more. This is the third year the event has taken place.

This past week, Major Tom Mack was telling a few of us at the office how incredibly important the experience was for student and band person alike. Let's pray for them in the time remaining. They're at the Spring Valley, NY Corps tomorrow where we'll catch up with them.

Matthew 13:52 (MSG)
52 He said, "Then you see how every student well-trained in God's kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it."

Myspace

There's great concern over Myspace expressed through the media that it is a notable field for child predators to surf and attract unsuspecting kids toward serious trouble. This is really true about Blogspot and Xanga as well, I'm sure.

How is it that we can convey convincingly of the dangers of such internet activity and protect our kids and friends?

It's also curious to note how some kids will post or comment just about anything from intimate dialogue to photos, as if they were doing so from the safety of their room or computer keyboard.

There's incredible potential in these types of communication...incredible good...incredible bad...Let's be about the redemption of anything and everything that needs to be redeemed.

Leviticus 25:24 (MSG)
24 "You must provide for the right of redemption for any of the land that you own."

Culture of Trust

Bill Thrall, of Leadership Catalyst, met with us in the M&M III Forum. I've read the book a few years ago, sat in this seminar before, and still value what I learned this week. The reality of leadership is influence, and the reality of influence is trust...Get it? No trust...no influence...not leadership.

Of course, this is a much modified and simplistic conclusion of a very involved and interesting presentation. He spoke to us without the need for SA translation or interpretation. Everyone in any SA role benefited. Where don't we want to facilitate trust?

Trust me, it was trustworthy.

1 Peter 2:7 (MSG)
7 "To you who trust him, he's a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him, The stone the workmen threw out is now the chief foundation stone."

Mission and Ministry Forum III

We're in our third Mission and Ministry Forum, this year at Ladore Lodge. Some of the field officers with seven or less years of experience are with us as we enjoy the ministry of Bill Thrall in his prsentation of the "Ascent of A Leader."

Everything is coming along beautifully, with the Territorial Arts Ministry Team presenting "Marching Along." The mix of the presentations is a good blending of the subject matter and the worship time has been exceptional.

Thank you in advance for praying for us. Our schedule is full, but invigorating.

1 Peter 5:1 (MSG)
1 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory.

SFOT Spiritual Day

Praise the Lord!

The day with the SFOT, including P117, Cadets, staff, and families was remarkable. We sensed the fullness of God and were blessed with His freshness.

We sang, listened, read the word, listened, and worshipped our Lord in Spirit and truth. He came to us and we are alive.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Be A Hero

Allison commented on Friday about the Be A Hero Fund Raiser. I didn't get there, but I hope she'll update us on how it went.

Last August at Tam Conservatory, a commitment was made by the students to raise significant funds for the Hero Fund.

The Hero Fund was established to raise money to assist in the Salvation Army'’s relief efforts in the country of Nigeria, specifically, the work done to help the many orphaned children of that country.

As a group, a goal of $10,000 dollars to be raised by December 1 st, 2005 was decided upon. Additionally, the 75 students and their leaders agreed to work towards the ultimate goal of $50,000 dollars by the commencement of TAM Conservatory 2006.

Consider going to the link and make a donation.

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Good Books

While taking a box of books over to the SFOT today, it occurred to me that I was saying good bye to some good friends. I know these texts are inanimate, but in a curious way I have developed an appreciation for them. As I read, I mark the margins and sometimes speak out loud to the pages. They speak to me...and sometimes I speak to them...in a friendly sort of way.

I recall when I bought them and where. I remember in some cases where I was when I read the book in not only a geographic way. These are for the most part, good memories, not to mention the actual value the books have had on my life and ministry.

What are you reading? I just finished, "Leading From The Second Chair"It was great...and came at a perfect time. You?

Acts 17:3 (MSG)
3 "He opened up the texts so they understood what they'd been reading all their lives: that the Messiah absolutely had to be put to death and raised from the dead-—there were no other options-—and that this Jesus I'm introducing you to is that Messiah."

Women's Ministry Meetings

Carolyn is in Syracuse for a couple of days in ministry with the women of the Empire State Division. Her preparation was exhaustive and she's ready in heart. I think the ladies will be blessed in abundance through the moving of the Holy Spirit.

Our women are the majority in the territory. They have held our 'Army' together since the beginning and continue to do so with grace to the fullest. If there's a part of our fellowship that deserves accolades, it's our women. Thank you, Lord, for these extraordinary people who labor in the faith without fail.

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

Vlogging

The IHQ webmaster has put out a request to identify regularly broadcasted Vlogs, podcasts and other sound byte type postings related to TSA. Evidently there's an interest in compiling these to be referenced on other official sites.

This is a good move. The liquid church is flowing and spreading out like a stream moving towards an ocean. These electronic, interesting bits are giving the gospel a new venue to reach the unsaved, unchurched, undernourished and those who simply want to understand the truth as God has declared it.

Let's go with the flow on this one.

Ephesians 4:16 (MSG)
16 "He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love."

Territorial Vocal Convocation

History in the making...the first ever USA Eastern Territory Vocal Convocation took place this weekend at beautiful Camp Ladore in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division. Captain Len Ballentine was the guest and Territorial Music Secretary Ron Waiksnoris collaborated to design and deliver what is being reported as a great success.

Vocal musicians from all over the territory enjoyed a comprehensive learning experience and some corps songster brigades performed. The Territorial Staff Songsters were on duty as well. Singing is a great way to minister and worship. A good brigade will reach the souls of people of all walks and often the words and music stay with the hearer to the delight of God.

Romans 5:11 (MSG)
11 "Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!"

Getting Ready

A good discipline for all of us is to get ready for Sunday worship. For many years, before I was committed fully to Christ, Saturday night was party night. I stayed up as long as I could, never mind what I was doing, and got to the corps at the last minute to take my place, usually in the band.

I enjoy Sundays so much better now that I see the benefit of approaching the day with less distraction and more rest. I look forward to being there. I anticipate the presence of God, seen undeniably in the faces and hearts of my friends and associates. I'm usually surprised by the blessing of the verses to an unexpected song, the voice of a prayer or a testimony scheduled or not.

Tonight, I'm getting ready for Sunday...Sabbath. Go for it!

Exodus 20:8 (NASB)
8 "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

SNE ACR

You've seen initials like this before. These represent Southern New England Division Annual Command Review. We conducted this today as the snow fell across New England. Majors Bill and Lorraine Bamford are the capable divisional leaders who give God all the glory for the ministry that is taking place. He is at work here.

The whole team, including corps officers, local officers, etc,...is fully engaged and serving God in maximum ways. The outcomes are revealing the increasing glory of God. If I were looking for a division in which to serve, I'd give this one very serious consideration. Please pray for this command as God gives you remembrance. His will be done...right here.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
18 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Ash Wednesday

This has been a beautiful, holy day. As you know this day is the beginning of the Lenten Season and is 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter. The ashes from the Palm leaves from Palm Sunday are used to signify repentance before God and are marked on the forehead of the believer in the shape of a cross. While not commonly done at TSA, there are a few places that will do so. I've never had the experience personally, but imagine that it must be significant to those who have.

Another part of our day was marked by the World Day of Prayer celebration at THQ. Prayer Ambassador, Major Janet Munn led us in prayer for the work of God in TSA in South Africa. South African Sharon Bussey gave us images and descriptions of the need of prayer for South Africa. The prayer stations were helpful while we petitioned the Lord for His grace.

I have hope that your day was impressed with God's abundant grace as well.

Acts 4:33 (NASB)
33 "And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all."