New Name

So I'm looking for some help to choose a new name for this blog. I have determined to continue for now. This was an experiment that proved itself valuable in many ways. Here are some names recommended so far:

TCspeak

TC4U

TC2U

TCconnect

Which one do you think works best? Is there another name that's better? Let me know...and don't be shy.

Thanks.

Revelation 2:17 (TEV)
17 "If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches! To those who win the victory I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone on which is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it."

Sunset

So today is our last official day in our current appointments. Carolyn and I praise God for every minute of every opportunity in these last three years. It also points to what will likely be our last appointment in the Eastern Territory, USA. We have been able to serve 30 years in our home territory. Hallelujah!

Our hearts have begun to turn "down under" now that we anticipate our move to the Australia Southern Territory. We are hearing extraordinary reports about what we can expect and the warmth of the Australian people. That has been our personal experience as well.

Tonight we salute the Salvationists of the USA Eastern Territory in gratitude to God for you. We commend to you our successors and good friends, Lt. Colonels Larry and Gillian Bosh. They will continue to serve the Lord well. You can trust them and follow their leadership to glorify God. Hallelujah!

(The blog will continue for now, but with an adjusted qualifier in the title - same blog address.)

Acts 21:5 (MSG)
5 "When our time was up, they escorted us out of the city to the docks. Everyone came along - —men, women, children. They made a farewell party of the occasion! We all kneeled together on the beach and prayed."

Da Vinci Code

We finally caught a matinee today. Having read the book (my annual novel a year or so ago), I wanted to see the movie. It's a novel...a story...not true...certainly not consistent with Scripture, but I did enjoy the mystery again. There are some concepts that would cause you to think a little...although, not a lot.

The truth about Jesus is found in the Scriptures, which "were given by the inspiration of God and ... they only, constitute the divine rule of Christian faith and practice." Let us look to His written Word to know the Way, the Truth and the Life. It's more exciting than a Dan Brown novel and it has a happy ending for those who believe.

Romans 15:4 (RSV)
4 "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope."

Montclair, NJ

We enjoyed an inspirational day at the corps in Montclair, NJ. Praise the Lord for this model corps. Majors Carole and Alastair Bate simply make you feel at home along with the local officers, soldiers and friends. Most of the music today was a tribute to the incredible music contribution by Australian composers and arrangers. Carolyn was reminded that the music in Australia will make us feel quite at home.

Sunday School featured C.A.S.T. – Creative Arts Service Team – A product of the Territorial Arts Ministries with Carol Jaudes. They gave a powerful message in this first class presentation. If you have an opportunity to see them this summer, they’re a must!

We were at home at this corps. I think you would be too. Sometime, make a visit or give a call to the soldiers of the corps. They’ll tell you about the strong family focus and the deep love that runs through the people. Hallelujah!

This was a delight we will long remember.

Philippians 4:4 (Phillips NT)
4 "Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in him at all times. Have a reputation for gentleness, and never forget the nearness of your Lord."

Majors George and Linda Childs

Majors George and Linda Childs celebrated their retirement service today in the presence of family and friends at Ladore Lodge. The meeting was civilized and brought honor to God. Majors Shirley and Gary Long helped with many of the details while Lt. Colonels Tim and Linda Raines presided with appropriate respect and class.

George and Linda have served their entire officership in the ever challenging, Adult Rehabilitation Center Command. They'’ve worked hard and invested themselves in the lives of beneficiaries and ARC staff to God'’s delight. Their associate officers and family gave poignant tributes to them in the meeting. We were reminded of God'’s grace during difficult and regular days.

Thank you, Linda and George for your faithfulness. We commit you to God'’s continued care in these fresh days of retirement.

Revelation 2:10b (NRSV)
10 "“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Office Staff

The office staff available to many people can define their experience and effectiveness. A good office staff can make the most difficult of jobs manageable. An average administrator can be upgraded to a good administrator with the right office team. I ha’ve seen it go both ways depending upon the office.

Carolyn and I salute Eileen, Sandy and Mara who have made up our office teams in the appointments we are finishing this week. We were able to do it because God gifted us with these dedicated, hard working people. They are professional, efficient and friendly. We thank God for them.

Psalms 23:4 (NLT)
4"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."

Teeth

Have you thought lately about the importance of your teeth? I understand that in addition to giving you a good smile, the care of your teeth can significantly impact your health. A lot of germs enter the body through our mouths. Good dental care can cut back on the bacteria that will build up in the mouth if left unattended.

Most communities have fluoride in the drinking water. Where they don'’t, there is an appreciable increase in dental decay among the residents. I'’ve heard lately that families who, increasingly drink bottled water, might want to compensate in some way for the loss of fluoride found in tap water.

Romans 3:4 (MSG)
4 "Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth. Scripture says the same: Your words stand fast and true; Rejection doesn't faze you."

Flash Floods Plague Houston, TX

The Texas’ governor sent National Guard troops to Houston Monday as torrential rainfall flooded homes and highways in southeastern Texas. Harris County Emergency Management reported that as much as 10.5 inches of rain was reported in the Houston area by the height of the morning rush hour. Almost six inches of rain fell in just 75 minutes near Hobby Airport, the National Weather Service reported.

The Salvation Army dispatched a "canteen", a mobile feeding unit, from Conroe, TX, to support personnel staffing the local emergency operations center. Emergency officials, including local Salvation Army personnel, will continue to monitor the flooding as more rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

Doin' a lot of good...

Matthew 24:37 (NET)
37 "For just like the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be."

Fathers' Day

This is a welcomed day by many fathers. It certainly was for me. My kids (The term children doesn't seem to work for adults and offspring sounds like a clinical category.) always treat me with deep love, respect and presents...nice presents. Ties and socks are good, but I'm usually looking for something that has electrical current. My kids, all of them make me very proud. Each are on a journey of discovery that includes God. This, of course is the only reasonable path in life. All others lead to destruction.

Some of my friends, like me, have lost their fathers on the journey and others have not known their fathers or have known them to bring trouble to their lives. So Fathers' Day becomes complicated. Do I need to remind you that our Father has never let us down and will never be absent? No one loves you more. You can count on Him on Fathers' Day and every day.

Isaiah 63:16 (NASB77)
16 "For Thou art our Father, though Abraham does not know us, And Israel does not recognize us. Thou, O LORD, art our Father, Our Redeemer from of old is Thy name."

Rehearsal

It's an interesting word. It generally means to practice or to go over a subject to ready for a public demonstration. It's a very good idea to rehearse before you go on stage. It's a very good idea to rehearse before a wedding like we did tonight.

I am wondering if there is ever a time to rehearse one's faith. I'm sure we can agree that rehearsing an opportunity to present Christ to another individual is a good plan. Many of us have done so at evangelism training classes. What I'm asking though is if there is ever a time that we are not giving a first hand testimony and are only rehearsing.

I conclude that we no more rehearse our daily faith than we rehearse breathing. We are always on. Lord, help us.

1 John 3:10 (NASB)
10 "By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."

Pastoral Care

This is such an essential part of our ministry. Field and staff Officers should delight in the opportunity. It is a privilege which we in the ministry should cherish.

For the officers ranks, we have a Pastoral Care department at THQ and even one of the divisions have pastoral care officers specifically engaged in this ministry.

I want to salute these anointed people. They move quietly among us and most of their work is never publicly recognized. This, of course, isn't why they do it. I am wondering about the accumulated affect it has on these people. We usually expect them to sort out our problems, but it must be challenging for them to sift it all out at the end of the day. They are champions and they are confidential. They deserve our respect, gratitude and prayer.

Psalms 23:1 (KJV)
1 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Lts. Steve and Sharon Bussey

What a great moment. Here we were at the SFOT in the middle of the Commencement exercises, and the TC promotes Steve and Sharon to the rank of Lieutenant. Now here it's looo-tenant and other places it's leff-tenant. Steve's Canadian so he might be thinking leff and Sharon is African. Do they say leff down there? I wonder how it is said in Australia?

Well, it's a confirmation that the wonderful Project 1:17 is now in the hands of the Busseys. This is a good decision. They've been on board since the beginning and have a great understanding of what is being accomplished in this important program. They will miss Majors Ashcraft, but they will do well. They know how to trust the Lord.

2 Chronicles 24:13 (GW)
13 "As the men worked, the project progressed under the foremen's guidance. They restored God's temple to its proper condition and reinforced it."

THQ

Our friends at THQ gave us a send off luncheon yesterday. It was a delightful hoot.

They dug up and doctored up photos and film footage to give everyone memorable images. I knew one day some of these photos would haunt us. We laughed and we recalled the great days spent working among such a dedicated group of people. For the most part, the employees here don't just see it as a job, they see it as being stakeholders in the mission of TSA.

WE have served over 12 years at THQ in our officership so far and give witness to the excellence, faithfulness and commitment we observe in all who make up THQ. Thank you, friends.

Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
3 "I thank my God every time I remember you.
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Commissioning 2006

The weekend was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Following the TEC meetings, we came towards the SFOT for the graduation of Project 1:17. Thank you, Majors Ashcraft for your faithfulness. 1:17 will miss you, but always remember you.

Friday morning started with the dedication of the Agnew Hall at the SFOT. It is a family residence facility, beautifully done. Then came the Commencement Meeting for the cadets and 1:17. Students were honored, degrees were conferred and God was glorified.

Friday night we were off to THQ to launch the 24/7 Prayer Initiative. Our people are committed to pray around the clock for no less than one year. Nothing in our territory will ever be detached from this prayer movement. Pay attention. God is.

The first ever Territorial Hispanic Celebration happened on Saturday, concurrent with Star Search. Both events hit the mark with excellence and inspiration. The thrill of our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters worshiping the Lord in this united setting in their first language was powerful and extraordinary. Star Search is a long term proven event that continues to raise the level of Salvationism in the context of music and the arts.

On Sunday, we witnessed the presence of God in the ordination and commissioning of the Visionaries session of cadets. In the afternoon we celebrated their appointment service. There's something powerful about people walking on to a stage before 2,000+ people, saying, "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord." Hallelujah!

More can be said and will be in the next issue of Good News.

Acts 13:2 (MSG)
2 "One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: "Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do."

Commissioners Siegfried and Inger-Lise Clausen

We have begun to enjoy the ministry of Commissioners Clausen, first in the TEC, next in the Commencement at the SFOT, then in the Territorial Hispanic Celebration and finally in the Commissioning exercises themselves.

From what we've seen and heard today, we're in for a grand time in the Word and in the Lord. Their ability in English and Spanish make them perfectly suited to the tasks in front of them.

If you're unable to be present, make your way in prayer on our behalf. It will be worth your time. You may even be a part of a huge moment in history. Thanks.

1 John 2:2 (CEV)
2 "Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world's people."

Territorial Executive Council 6/06

This being our last TEC in our home territory, the meetings are taking on even more significance than usual. Here's what I want you to know about our TEC:

1. They are dedicated leaders.
2. They are vibrant Salvationists.
3. They shoulder huge responsibilities.
4. They have a deep love for the Lord.
5. They're in it for the long haul.
6. We can trust them.
7. They are serving Christ.

Want to know more? Talk to one of them. They're also very friendly. I thank God for each of them.

Hebrews 13:7 (AMP)
7 "Remember your leaders and superiors in authority [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living (the outcome of their well-spent lives) and imitate their faith (their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider and Bestower of eternal salvation through Christ, and their leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness)."

Challenged Health

Tonight I'm thinking of our friends in the mission who have health challenges. I don't do so in a defensive way after what I blogged yesterday, nor do I believe those who commented need a rebuttal.

If we can settle that the objective of best health honors God, then it stands to reason that those who struggle with poor health are serving God with their hopes and attempts for improved health. Truly, some people cannot better their health, no matter what they do. These folks are not poor stewards of their bodies, but rather victims of this natural world infected with disease and duress. For these, we pray a prayer of healing and entrust them to God.

We do what we can.

Acts 3:16 (Phillips NT)
12 "It is the name of this same Jesus, it is faith in that name, which has cured this man whom you see and recognize. Yes, it was faith in Christ which gave this man perfect health and strength in full view of you all."

Good Health

Without question our good health is a part of our personal stewardship before God. I am not sure if the mind, body, or spirit is superior to one of the others. I do understand that each have their significance.

In our spiritual formation we tend not to consider the importance of our physical well being. I think this is a serious oversight that we should adjust. We pray better when we are rested. We are more fit to give good service when we are in good physical condition.

I am preaching to myself here. I need work in this area. Let us encourage each other with appropriate suggestions and support of good health. I think God would approve.

"Study to show yourself approved into God." 2 Tim 2:15

Covenant Sunday

This is a high holy day in the calendar of TSA. The day that the second year cadets (Visionaries) are challenged to publicly sign a covenant with God for their service in TSA. It is a blessed moment.

Commissioner Moretz gave it to them in a pastoral, but firm manner. It's hard to argue with a man of God who has 43 years of covenant in his experience. No one did argue. All were receptive to the Holy Spirit, who made the meeting and the commitment time sacred.

I praise God for these cadets who have studied hard, worked hard and now who make a hard promise. It is a God honoring moment. Hallelujah!

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)
24 "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

Octogenarian

This means a person is 80 years old. This would describe Brigadier Evelyn Grimm, who is secure enough for the world to know her age. It was said at her birthday party, that her life has been an undeniable testimony to the veracity of the gospel which declares the love of God through Christ.

She is an amazing woman and a true soldier of Jesus. She continues to contribute at her corps and will only be found there on Sundays. She even demonstrates a post-modern acceptance in her lifestyle and understanding. She's a great lady.

I don't usually call her Brigadier. I most often call her Mom.

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Relationships

An important part of our world is our relationships. We have a host of both positive and negative relationships through life. Some are deep and lifelong, others are as fleeting as the person who cut you off in traffic today.

I see them all as gifts from God. By the way, I am writing of relationships with people, not inanimate objects...that we say we love or couldn't live without. God has made us in His image. If we truly want to know Him, we need only to look at the people around us to get a glimpse of Him.

So in all the changes of life around you, take a look at the new relationships that God is gifting you with. Don't be guilty of dismissing any relationship, especially if it is constructive. You may be refusing a gift of God.

Matthew 25:37 (NIV)
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?"

Changes

Following the announcement of moves throughout the territory, lives are changing. This in itself is not bad, but it is complex. You may recall I grew up in an SA officer home. The moves were not traumatic to me, but they had their challenges.

In these days of June, can we keep these loved ones in our hearts to petition the Lord to extend His grace to the children and parents so affected? Saying goodbye to friends, favorite locations and environments and looking for new is not easy for most people. I can only suggest that each person in the family might approach the whole thing differently, so we need to give each person in the family their own space and personal consideration for change.

Our lives are mostly about relationships. A change in living provides for an amazing increase in the sphere of relationships in which we can engage. My life has only ever improved with each change. God has given me vastly more relationships that have made life exciting and challenging. Go for it!

Joshua 1:5 (NIV)
5 "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."