Final Post

Dear Friends:

This is my final posting on Chiefspeak. What began as an experiment a year ago in the spring, turned out to be an interesting platform from which to connect with friends and strangers in the specific role of Chief Secretary, USA East. It has become a way to communicate the truths of the gospel, the workings of The Salvation Army, and the innuendos of my own heart.

I thank God for everyone of you who have taken a moment or two in your life to view the site. For the record, as I close today, it has amounted to 51,899 hits.

Forgive me for my recent flirtation with continuance under a different name. I liked each of the suggestions, but realized that the whole thing may have become too much of me. That would be a grave mistake, in that it isn't about me. It's about Christ and Him crucified, risen, and on the right hand of the Father, in love with Him and us.

It may be that I will re-enter the scene with something when Carolyn and I come to our new home and work in Australia...something fresh. We leave here on 26 July and will officially begin there on 1 August.

There's much to consider in this medium which I will not ignore, nor will I be a stranger to many of your blogs which are influencing my life affirmatively.

Carolyn sends her love.

Hallelujah!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

Independence Day

More than just the name of a movie, Independence Day is extraordinarily important to consider and celebrate. The value of our freedom cannot be overestimated nor underestimated.

In the USA, it informs much of our consciousness and personal formation. We find it difficult to relate to any culture of limitation. This really explains a lot. The outcomes of such thinking are not always affirmative.

Our highest and best freedom is found only in Christ. For Him we can celebrate Independence Eternity. This is a bit longer than a day.

"You shall be free indeed."

Summer Camp

Some of the best SA ministry takes place at summer camp. Each year our camp staffs shepherd thousands of children of which most enter a relationship with Christ. Hallelujah!

The kids learn all sorts of things and benefit greatly from the constructive environment. Campfires, swimming, hiking, boating and all. Then there are specialty camps like music camp being out the best in our kids.

The staff too experience life changing possibilities. I pray they make the best of their summer and look for the mark of God on their lives.

"Seek the Lord while He may be found."

From Spring Valley Corps

Dear Corps Family:

Please be in prayer for the family of Karesse Ebron. As you may be aware, Karesse's body was found last night in an area along Route 45 in Ramapo. An acquaintance and neighbor of the Ebron family has been charged with her murder.

Karesse was an employee at our GAINS After School Program and summer Day Camp. She was just 16 years old.

Although anything we may say or do cannot comfort her family we know One who can comfort them. Please bring Karesse's family and the family of the young man arrested to the Lord in prayer today. Karesse is survived by her mother, father, and two younger brothers.

"trust the Lord with all your heart." Proverbs 3