Band of Survivors Applications Due in only 9 days!!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What are your summer plans? What are you doing for the Lord? Do you wish there was some way that you could continue growing in your faith, live in community, and serve God and humanity all at the same time?
Well, good news. We have the answer.
Band of Survivors is a month long mission school that seeks to motivate youth to love God and serve their neighbor. Through teaching (Salvation Army classes, 24/7 prayer, cell groups) and service (VBS, evangelism, supporting the Corps), we provide relevant training and authentic disicpleship. We will live in community at the College For Officer Training in downtown Chicago. We'll have our Salvation Army classes there, have cell groups, worship time, and the occasional dodgeball match. From there, we will commute to different Corps in the Metro Division to serve in whatever way we can.
This is an amazing opportunity to grow, see God's Kingdom expand, meet new people, and see new things. If you think this could be for you, please download the application and turn it in by Friday, May 9. You have to be at least 14 to apply.
Hurry, there are only 7 spots left!
Dates you should now:
May
Friday 9 - Band of Survivors Applications due at DHQ
Friday 23 - Band of Survivors Team made public
June
Friday 13 - Band of Survivors Orientation at DHQ - 9:30am-3:00pm.
23-July 20 - Band of Survivors!!!
If you have questions, you can call (773.540.1534) or email me (nathan_irvine@usc.salvationarmy.org).
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Prayer
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
AS you may know Thursday, May 1, 2008 is the National Day of Prayer. It's a time for us to unite with those around the country in repentance, petition, thanksgiving and adoration of our God.
One thing that you might consider praying for is Colonel Robert and Marguerite Ward - our former Central Territory Program Secretaries. Just last year they were abruptly transferred to Pakistan as Territorial Commanders. Pray for them and their leadership this Thursday, and add to that list the number of other Central Territory Missionaries. If you follow the link, you'll be able to click on each missionary's picture for information about their Stateside involvement and overseas appointment.
You should also read through the Central Territory's Newsletter, Perspectives. It includes articles by Chris Shay and Sarah Kincaid, as well as updates on the Colonel's Ward, Major's (now Lt. Colonels!) Brad and Heidi Bailey, Captains Phil and Sheila Davisson, Captains R.C. and Miranda Duskin, Captains Sergey and Tanya Katchanov, and more.
All in all, their goal, as well as our own, is to share the Good News of Jesus with anyone we can. Pray for God to make you aware of your own opportunities as you pray for those of the missionaries.
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What are you waiting for?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Ok. So here's the deal. We really want to make sure that YC 08 is a great time for everyone. In order to do that, we are bringing back the talent show from last year, and the concert from two years ago. Just in case you forget what that was like, look down:
Talent Show 07:
Concert 06:
This year, we'll have a little bit of this:
We still need people to sign up for the talent show, otherwise, it's going to be awkward. Please sign up! Email nathan_irvine@usc.salvationarmy.org with your name and talent ASAP!
Are you going to Youth Councils? RSVP to our facebook event. Are you going to the talent show or concert? RSVP to those too.
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Your Duty as a Soldier
Friday, April 25, 2008
As an Officer's Kid, I have the rare "gift" of being able to recall the melodies of Song Book Songs that I don't really know. The only thing is that it's not usually something that I try to do, it just happens, like the song forced itself on my brain...
This morning was one of those mornings. I started whistling the melody to I'll Gird on the Armor (SASB# 686), which lead me to read through that portion of the Song Book, which lead me Who is on the Lord's Side? (SASB# 707). There's some really good stuff in there. I wish I could recall lyrics and tune, but, oh well.
For instance, check this out:
I will join at once the fight,
Leaning on my Savior's might,
He is almighty to deliver;
From my post I will not shrink,
Though of death's cup I should drink;
Hell to defeat is my endeavor.
(I'll Gird on the Armor, SASB# 686, verse 4)
Here's the thing: God's called us into battle - To first love God with everything we have, and, in so doing, to be a light to the world and to love our neighbor as ourselves. But we have to remember that going into battle doesn't mean leaving our Commanding Officer behind at the base. He leads us into battle, and we follow Him. It's when we decide to go in alone that we come out beat up, or worse.
This gives us all the reason we need to remember that our primary goal is to keep connected to the Life Giver. Our relationship with the Lord is what needs to be put first. Jesus said "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Many of us know the story of Peter walking on the water. Jesus comes out on the lake, and Peter immediately wants to walk on water too. So he gets out, and he's doing great. Then his focus shifts onto the waves, and it's then that he sinks (see Matthew 14:22-36).
We can never loose sight of Christ or of who we are in Christ. These are two very important truths that we need to carry with us always. Take time to be with Jesus, and then follow His leading.
"The Soldier must have his delight not just in God's gifts and help, but in His nature, His holiness, His righteousness, mercy and love.
It is a serious mistake to be so preoccupied with living for God as not to have time for living with God, adoring Him, listening to Him, worshiping Him and consciously resting in His love. We are called upon to 'enjoy Him forever.' We are to have our minds stayed upon Him." (Chosen to be a Soldier, pg 10).
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Go, Read Some Books
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Every week, I try to showcase some sort of resource that could inspire you in some way. For instance there was a post on the new Hillsong United album called With Hearts As One, and another about the new Passion album entitled God Of This City. Just before that, there was indeed a devotional from the book Chosen to be a Soldier: Orders and Regulations for Soldiers of the Salvation Army. The reason I bring that up is because today is all about reading. Be sure to check any, if not all, of the following out. You will not be disappointed.
Are you a Soldier?
Check this out:
"Command officers are responsible for seeing that the soldiers of their corps are acquainted with these regulations and that ll intending soldiers are supplied with a copy before or at the time they are given Articles of War for signature. These orders and regulations should be read before enrolment."
If you haven't read this yet, make sure you get your hands on a copy. This book explains who we are! Ask your Corps Officer for one. They'll be delighted to oblige.
The JAC, published six times a year, is an online publication of articles by Salvationists around the Army world. It may be written in the spirit of Catherine Booth's original work Aggressive Christianity and exists to challenge and stir up. You can read the current issue in its entirety online, or you can download 51 back issues in PDF - all completely free!
This should keep you busy. So, go. Go away. Read some books!
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Names
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I love it when you come to understand something that you never did before. For me, this morning was one of those times:
I never really understood why, in the Old Testament, the Israelites often found it fitting to give a place, or even God, a new name. It always seemed to come out of nowhere, and thus the new name didn't appear to have any connection with what was going on. It really came off as arbitrary to me.
So this morning, I was reading through Experiencing God, the devotional by Henry Blackaby, and it was talking about this issue. But Henry gave some great context to the whole name game. He narrowed it down to this: it's all about a relationship. And that may seem extremely obvious, or overplayed, for some of us, but it's true. God created us for a relationship with Himself.
So, what does a relationship consist of?
Interaction, talking, hanging out, etc. Those are pretty much the basics, right?
Well, what does this have to do with names? Everything.
See, when someone was experiencing God, or was in a relationship with Him, there would be times when God would reveal Himself and/or purpose to someone, and at times, these revelations were very monumental for this person, life changing even. If it was, the person might think it was a good idea to set up an altar and rename the location as a reminder. Or, they may even goes as far as calling God a new name.
Blackaby uses Exodus 17:8-15 to show us what he means:
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven."
15 Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner.
Blackaby points out that there are many names given to God throughout the Bible. Here are some of the many he lists:
God who sees me (Genesis 16:13-14)
God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)
A consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24)
My salvation (Exodus 15:2)
The good shepherd (John 10:11)
Our help (Psalm 33:20)
Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Comforter in sorrow (Jeremiah 8:18)
The bread of life (John 6:35)
I like these questions from Blackaby:
Describe a time when you experienced God working in your life. What name could you use to describe God for that situation?
(Taken largely from Experiencing God, Youth Edition by Henry Blackaby, pages 55-57)
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Tambourine With My Toes
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Three Sundays ago I gave the message at my Corps, just before which Lt. Josh Polanco introduced what the new sermon theme was going to be for the next few months: Come Join Our Army. A great part of the reasoning behind this is that we want to make soldiers, right? In his presentation, Lt. Polanco said that one of the reasons why we aren't enrolling many soldiers may be because many are leaving the traditional churches for the more "spontaneous" non-denominational ones.
More spontaneous?!
That to me is outright ridiculous and extremely ironic.
Why? Because if we look back at early Army history we find innovation, not meaningless traditionalism. We find the first salvos literally inventing ways to reach people with the Gospel, so as to "speak their language", specifically with music.
I read this in a book called INSANE:
"In his first press interview as General of The Salvation Army, Frederick Coutts mentioned the Army's need to 'keep in touch with people, go where they are, and speak their language'. A young reporter pressed the General for specifics. 'You mean going into coffee bars?' 'If the people are there, of course!'
'To use coffee bar music?' (The idea was scandalous in 1963)
'Why not?' Coutts responded. And, perhaps to placate traditionalists, he added: 'That's our tratdition - we employ the language and music of the people.'"(INSANE, Nealson Munn and David Collinson, The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory, pg 168).
Of course, most know that the red song book songs were adaptations of bar songs. Tunes like Bless His Name He Sets Me Free and Storm The Forts of Darkness were first sung by drunkards in bars with different words. They were changed by Salvationists in order to reach those that were singing the originals.
Nealson and Munn point out that shortly after the pub era (an era that was dubbed "employing the music and language of the people"), hymns started to come alive, and then in many places brass banding became extremely popular (pg. 169).
But then we reach the 1960s. When the Army was ministering in saloons, singing their songs, and that whole bit, they were connected with the time. But in the '60s, was brass bands connecting with the masses? Nealson and Munn write:
"The only problem with all this was tha by the 1960s brass banding, while still greatly popular, could no longer claim to be 'the music of the people'. In the early twentieth century this role was usurped by jazz and the blues, and by the '60s, of course rock'n'roll was ascendant" (pg 170).
So then an Army rock band, called the Joystrings, stepped on to the scene (as picture above). They began ministering in a way that was speaking the language of the time. They were merely walking in the tradition of the early Army. As a headline in the same chapter as the above quotation, Nealson and Munn thought it good to fixate these words of the Founder:
"If standing on my head and beating a tambourine with my toes will win a soul for Jesus, I will do it." (pg. 168)
As a people of God hoping to reconcile as many as possible to Christ, we need to re-adopt this attitude of "speaking their language". We need to make sure that we are engaging the masses with holiness.
*******
Research largely taken from Nealson and Munn's new book INSANE:the story of crazy salvos who changed the world. Be sure to order a copy for yourself. It's awesome!
Also, check out more of the Joystrings to see videos and listen to some of their stuff.
Posted By: Anonymous at 1:01 PM : Link : 1 Comments
Change In, Change Out Celebration Photodoc
Hello.
The Change In, Change Out Celebration was a ridiculously rejuvenating reunion! Besides the fact that we raised $3,295.42, God was present and active among us.
We learned that Change In, Change Out isn't just a one year campaign, but a lifestyle! Right? The spare change we find daily should still be given away selflessly, so that we can continue to help God make a big difference in the world.
We learned, too, that it isn't about you, or me (ouch!), which can be a difficult thing for us to hear. But, God wants us to join Him in His work, in working to save others and help them in their sanctification (and don't forget we need to live holy lives as well!).
God is good. How are you doing with what the Lord taught you at the Change In, Change Out Celebration?
Are you still saving change?
Are you looking for opportunities to share the gospel?
Are you growing in holiness?
Are you looking for ways to encourage your brothers and sisters in their holiness?
Don't forget to click the photo to see a slideshow of photos from the night.
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The War College Chicago
Thursday, April 17, 2008
At the East Chicago Prayer & Praise Night, soldier Nathan Holt gave an announcement about the upcoming War College in Chicago. It is indeed starting in the Fall of 08 with the Conquerors Session. For more information, and just for fun, be sure to visit thewarcollegechicago.com.
Posted By: Anonymous at 4:52 PM : Link : 0 Comments
God Is Always At Work
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Recently I started going through a devotional series by Henry Blackaby called Experiencing God. His whole push is to get us to realize that the focus of our lives should be on God, and not on ourselves. He points out that we might actually focus more on ourselves than we think. When it comes to calling, for instance, Blackaby states that we ask the wrong question.
We tend to ask "What is God's will for my life?" Right?
I've asked that; plenty of times.
Blackaby suggests that instead of asking that, we should ask, very generally speaking, "What is God's will?"
Semantics?
In John 5, Blackaby points out a very key verse in understanding, knowing, and doing the will of God. Jesus says in verses 17, 19-20:
"My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working...I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these."
Jesus first reveals that God the Father is always at work, and then he says that the only thing that he spends his time doing is what he sees the Father doing. In other words, Blackaby would say, doing the will of God for Jesus meant watching to see what the Father was up to, and then joining Him in His work.
So, maybe we need to start asking ourselves the right questions, as Blackaby would also say. Instead of asking God to bless my in what I want to do, maybe I should ask Him to show me what He's already been up to.
And then maybe I should ask Him to help me change my priorities in order to join Him.
- Take sometime to ask the Father to reveal to what knowing and doing His will is all about.
- Then take some time to ask Him where He's been working around you.
- And then prayerfully consider when/where/how you can join Him.
(Taken and adapted from Henry Blackaby's devotional series Experiencing God, pages 11-13)
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Meet William Thomas
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Before you read anything about William Thomas, I want to make a point. The reason why Salvation Army profiles are posted is not so that we can merely revel in the "good old days", mainly because the best days of the Army have to be ahead, and not behind. We look to the past to remember; to remember what the Salvation Army was all about (salvation and innovation), so we know what we need to be about today. We read to remind ourselves of what we need to be living today.
Now you may meet William Thomas:
William Thomas was born at a farm in Tilshead, Wiltshire into a poorer family of nine. He was converted at a young age, and was even in Training at a young age. As a Cadet, he was sent to Eastbourne where the Army was facing some warfare with a mob:
"When we stepped out of Eastbourne station, our caps were pulled off an torn to ribbons. One Sunday morning it took 36 policemen to marshal the Army down to the beach. As soon as you put your instrument to your mouth it was snatched away; some of the instruments were actually thrown into the sea, and we were pelted with all kids of filth. One day I was dragged along the street by my hair."*
INSANE right?
It goes on...
Then in 1892, Thomas was sent to his second appointment as a commissioned officer Berkshire, where the Army was facing persecution from the Skeleton Army (lame). Later on, it came to the point where Thomas, along with some of his fellow salvationists, were standing before the court for "alleged obstruction". He was given the ultimatum of either paying a fine, or spending a week in jail:
"I'm like the Apostle Paul. I don't believe in paying for doing the right." The judge responded, "Well, you can follow the Apostle Paul and go to prison."*
Interestingly, when the chaplain visited his cell, he told Thomas that he should leave the Army because it was not going to last!
One of the most interesting points of his life is the fact that he was eventually transferred to a town called Maidenhead where he actually became the Mayor.
These are some great parts of this guy's story. He lived steady and held fast in the face of persecution, was willing to go to jail for the Lord and for the Army, and had such influence in his town that he became it's Mayor.
To what lengths are you willing to go to in your evangelism?
How is your Christian witness? Do you see fruit in your friends? Do they recognize your faith? Are you changing them, or are they changing you?
(Adapted and taken* from The International Heritage Centre's website and January 12, 1935 edition of the The Bandsman and Songster)
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Chanage In, Change Out Celebration and OBT Prayer & Praise Night
Monday, April 14, 2008
Dear Metro Youth,
You WILL NOT want to miss this event:
On April 20, 2007 you were challenged to take a 64 ounce milk jug, fill it with change for one year, and give it away to World Services. The idea was that God could use our small change to make a huge change in the world. This Friday, April 18, we will culminate this project with the first ever Change In, Change Out Celebration and Prayer and Praise Night at the Oak Brook Terrace Corps.
This meeting is going to include a bunch of cool elements such as testimonies, worship, an offering featuring different worship styles around the world, a segment about realizing that we can change things in the world, and powerful messages by Sarah Kincaid and Justin Rose about how God speaks to us through World Services and World Missions. And of course, we will announce the grand total at the end of the meeting!
Here’s what you should bring:
-Your Change In, Change Out Jugs Pre-Counted!
-Your Friends.
-Your Bibles.
-A focused attitude of worship.
Here’s what you should know:
-We’re asking you to count your change jugs before you come to ensure that we will be able to announce the grand total at the end of the meeting.
For directions to the Oak Brook Terrace Corps (1 S. 415
Are you coming? RSVP to our Facebook event.
Do it!
Posted By: Anonymous at 11:20 AM : Link : 0 Comments
The I Heart Revolution Part 1 Now Available
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The first of three parts of Hillsong United's The I Heart Revolution Project is now available. It's a 2 disc, 30 song album entitled "With Hearts As One", with songs recorded in worship services over the past two years from cities such as Buenos Aires, Manila, Kiev, Seoul, Jakarta, and LA.
Be sure to find out more about the I Heart Revolution project, and look for part 2 to be released in June 2008.
Let's go out and be the Church of Jesus Christ. Amen!?!
Posted By: Anonymous at 7:07 PM : Link : 0 Comments
Path
Friday, April 11, 2008
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
I'm sure many of us can remember the first time we either heard, or maybe even memorized this passage. And it's interesting how extremely familiar words seem to lose their meaning the fastest. You would think that because a person can readily call to mind a truth from Scripture that they've had to use that truth in a time of temptation or something, or at least that they know it intimately, for whatever reason.
For some of us, some really hard things may be happening. Things that could be coming straight out of left field, or maybe it's been snowballing for year and years and it's just beginning to surface.
In Matthew 4, Jesus is tempted by the Devil himself, and every time he's tempted he responds with the Word of God. Every time. And he never succumbed. He was sinless. Does this possibly show that not only was he able to recite a passage, but he was able to live it out? Does it show that His understanding of the Scripture surpassed simple memorization?
There's some very amazing truth in Proverbs 3 that might get lost in our childhood memorization:
Trust in the Lord,
with all your heart.
Trust.
Do not depend on yourself. Depend on God.
Whatever you're dealing with, talk to God about it. Whatever it is.
He WILL make your path straight.
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Youth Councils is a three day, God-centered, Spirit-filled retreat for the youth of the Metro Division. It's an awesome time of relevant discipleship and youth-led worship that will seek to teach youth that we are unconditionally and perfectly loved by the great I AM (see Exodus 3).
Special Guests:
Daniel Wallace and Anwar Smith
Colonels Paul and Carol Seiler
Major Collete Webster
Barb Higgins
Cadets Rick and Cindia Garcia
Students from The War College (Vancouver, BC)
Metro Youth Band, Praise Band, Chorus and Drama Team
When: May 2-4
Where: Camp Wonderland (Camp Lake, WI)
See your Corps Officer for more details!
Oh, you should know that there will be a talent show - so start thinking. Maybe you could try this:
Posted By: Anonymous at 4:17 PM : Link : 0 Comments
Light
This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at my home Corps, the Mt. Greenwood / Blue Island Corps. That same Sunday we began a new series on Come Join Our Army. Using the Orders and Regulations for Soldiers of the Salvation Army (a.k.a. called Chosen to be a Soldier), we're going to break down what it means to be a soldier; what one believes, what's expected of them, etc.
I got to preach on chapter four of the O&R: Maintaining Contact with the Life Giver. It explains five different ways that can help us stay in constant relationship with Jesus: prayer, Bible study, walking by faith, witnessing and walking in the light.
1 John 1 says:
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
William Booth suggested that one way in which we can figure out if we are walking in the light is to do a self examination once a week.
His basis was 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. The chapter then gives specific questions you should ask yourself:
- Am I habitually guilty of any known sin? Do I practice or allow myself in any thought, word or deed which I know to be wrong?
- Are my thoughts and feelings such as I should not be ashamed to hear published before God?
- Does the influence of the world cause me to do or say things that are unlike Christ?
- Do my tempers cause me to act, or feel, or say things that I see afterward are contrary to that love which I ought to bear always to those about me?
- Am I doing all in my power for the salvation of sinners? Do I feel concern about their danger, and pray and work for their salvation as if they were my children?
- Am I fulfilling the vows I have made to God in my acts of consecration, or at the penitent form (altar)?
- Am I conscious of any pride or haughtiness in my manner or bearing?
- Do I conform to the fashions and customs of the world, or do I show that I despise them?
- When did I last read my Bible? Did I put it into practice?
- When was the last time I met with God, simply to be with him?
Take some time to ask yourself these questions. Don't rush through them just to check them off either. Pick a few that really strike you, and then go through them sincerely.
Posted By: Anonymous at 3:21 PM : Link : 0 Comments
IMPORTANT Change In, Change Out INFORMATION
Monday, April 07, 2008
Dear Change In, Change Outers,
Friday, April 18th is the Change In, Change Out Celebration! Are you ready? Yes, this is also, sadly, the last Prayer & Praise Night of the school year. We want to announce the total of what everyone raised by the end of the Prayer & Praise Night meeting. But order for that to happen, you absolutely must come with your change already counted. Here is what we would like you to do:
Step 1: Remove change from jug (don’t lose any…)
Step 2: Count all of your change by hand - hopefully this takes a while!
Step 3: Put all your change back in the jug
Step 4: Write your total on your jug in permanent black marker
Step 5: Bring your jug with yourself to the Change In, Change Out Celebration at the Oak Brook Terrace Corps (1 S. 415 Summit, Villa Park, IL 60181).
Step 6: Celebrate the night away
You must count your change and bring it ahead of time. No if's, and's or but's about it! Tell everyone you know that is doing Change In, Change Out to do this. Harass them if need be (in a Godly way..)
See you there!
Posted By: Anonymous at 4:18 PM : Link : 1 Comments
Paul and Kay Rader Scholarship
Salvationist College Students,
Are you struggling to make your school payments? Believe me, as an Officer's kid, I know all about that...It can be rough, and it can make things seem pretty dim. Well, maybe the Paul and Kay Rader Scholarship is something you could apply for. Here's a bit of info:
"The Paul and Kay Rader Scholarship has been established in the Central Territory to encourage Salvationist minority students to attend accredited Christian Colleges and to use their knowledge as a Salvation Army Officer or Local Officer within their corps."
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be from the Central Territory
- Applicant must have a 2.0 or above grade point average on a 4.0 scale
- Applicant must be a senior soldier in good standing
- Applicant must attend an accredited four-year Christian college or university as a full-time student
- Applicant must be a minority (Non-Caucasian) student that wishes to become a Salvation Army Officer or serve through a local officer position in a corps.
Is that you? Click here to download the application.
Posted By: Anonymous at 11:04 AM : Link : 0 Comments
Living With God
Friday, April 04, 2008
Many times I've heard how we are to make sure that we don't get caught up in the things of God and neglect God Himself. This is an extremely key teaching - especially for those who are busybodies unnecessarily or are just very fast paced leaders. We can easily mistake investing time into our relationship with our Creator with Bible study preparation, worship band practice, or Corps meetings. But nothing, absolutely nothing, is comparable to the presence of the Savior. Sitting in the same room with a bunch of people who believe is not the same as siting one on one with Jesus behind the closed door of a war room.
Check out this gem from Chosen To Be A Soldier:
"The salvation soldier, a member of an Army which strives to be ever active, ceaselessly engaged in holy warfare for its King, must remember that the Lord Himself places as the most important of God's commandments that of loving Him supremely, with every power of heart, soul, mind and strength. The soldier must have his delight not just in God's gifts and help, but in His nature, His holiness, His righteousness, mercy and love.
It is a serious mistake to be so preoccupied with living for God as not to have time for living with God, adoring Him, listening to Him, worshipping Him and consciously resting in His love. We are called upon to 'enjoy Him for ever'. We are to have our minds stayed upon Him. We can glorify God, which is the purpose of our lives, only in the measure in which we allow His glory to fill our souls."
(Chapter 3, page 10)
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Assignment - See Below
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wilberforce Can Free Again
Protecting trafficking victims
By Donna M. Hughes
The nation’s most recent political sex scandal — New York governor Eliot Spitzer’s involvement with a high-end call-girl ring — will doubtless provide much fodder for the late-night comedy shows. But American prostitution is no laughing matter: The victimization of women and girls, and sometimes men and boys, by pimps has been widely recognized throughout U.S. history.
In the mid-1800s, Congress passed a law criminalizing the importation of aliens for prostitution. In the early 1900s as part of the first international movement against sex trafficking, Congress passed the Mann Act, a law criminalizing the act of transporting persons across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
In 2000, Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), making the pimping of persons under the age of 18, or pimping by means of fraud, force, or coercion, a serious federal felony. (“Pimping” is an informal term for what the TVPA 2000 calls “sex trafficking”: “The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act.”) And in 2006, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act created new federal anti-trafficking crimes and enhanced the penalties of the Mann Act.
In December, the House of Representatives passed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act by a vote of 405 to 2. The legislation modernizes and harmonizes existing federal laws against pimping to create a new set of criminal statutes, which will make the prosecution of sex-trafficking offenses easier and more efficient. It also creates a new international standard as a model for other countries.
THE ANTI- ANTI-TRAFFICKING MOVEMENT
Now the bill is in the Senate, where the same groups who opposed its passage in the House are rallying forces to derail it. Critics of the House-passed Wilberforce Act allege that it will “federalize” anti-trafficking efforts.
The Washington Post claims it will send FBI agents on the “trail of pimps,” and sources in the story claim it will cause all prostitutes to be considered victims of trafficking. Laurence E. Rothenberg, deputy assistant attorney general at the Office of Legal Policy, made a related charge before the House Judiciary Committee: “The federal government cannot prosecute every prostitution case.” None of these objections holds water.
In fact, FBI agents have been on the trail of pimps for decades, bringing down major prostitution rings and arresting sexual predators, particularly those that exploit children or work in organized networks. Last year, through the Department of Justice’s Innocence Lost Initiative, which targets perpetrators of child sex trafficking, the FBI carried out 125 investigations that resulted in 308 arrests, 55 indictments, and 106 convictions of sex traffickers who exploited children. Most of these perpetrators were American pimps.
Also, the reforms do not conflate pimping with prostitution. They target sexual predators — the recruiters and organizers of prostitution/sex trafficking operations who routinely brutalize and destroy the lives of young women and corrupt local communities. The proposed bill does not involve the federal government in non-pimping prostitution offenses.
Sex-worker-rights groups and pimps, not surprisingly, also oppose the act. The Sex Workers Outreach Project and the Erotic Service Providers Union held a demonstration against the bill outside the office of Rep. Tom Lantos, the prime sponsor of the bill in the House before his death earlier this year.
Most of the debate and misunderstanding of the Wilberforce Act is centered on the requirement of proving that “force, fraud, and coercion” compelled victims to engage in commercial sex acts. The TVPA “severe form of trafficking” statute requires the use of force, fraud, or coercion on an adult victim, while the Mann Act (the federal law against transporting a person across states lines for purposes of prostitution) does not require that the perpetrator to use force, fraud, or coercion. These statutes will be brought together in the criminal code to create two levels of sex trafficking: sex trafficking (without force, fraud, and coercion) and aggravated sex trafficking (with force, fraud, and coercion).
Also, the Wilberforce Act will change the older Mann Act statute by eliminating its transportation-of-victims requirement — and substituting in the TVPA’s “in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce” requirement. When transportation across state lines is not provable, prosecutors will no longer need to show brutality or acts of fraud, force, or coercion — such acts will increase the punishment of a pimp rather than being the sole basis of conviction.
In addition, one of the biggest challenges to prosecuting cases of sex trafficking is getting victims to cooperate or testify against brutal pimps. These reforms will make it possible to bring multi-defendant cases against pimps.
THE MESSAGE WE SEND
When sex trafficking is a federal crime only when there is proof of force, fraud, coercion, or the exploitation of a minor, this encourages states in the U.S. and foreign governments to require high standards of proof for trafficking convictions. This type of law is supported by those favoring the legalization of prostitution. Currently, the TVPA sex-trafficking statute would be acceptable in the Netherlands, where prostitution is legal, because recruiting and exploiting women and men in prostitution is allowed as long as the victim can’t prove that force, fraud, or coercion was used or the victim is not underage. By defining prostitute recruitment as sex trafficking, the Wilberforce Act will send a message that all pimping-related activities are illegal.
In addition, the Wilberforce Act will create a new standard for the evaluation of countries’ performance in combating sex trafficking. Called the “demand standard,” countries will be assessed on whether they are making efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sexual activities.
The Wilberforce Act doesn’t introduce radical new laws, but rather pulls together a century and a half of laws and approaches. It sets a new standard for the U.S. and a model for the world to oppose all forms of pimping.
A broad coalition of groups recognizes the historic importance of this bill. In November, they organized a lobby day in the House that conveyed to members of Congress the passion and commitment with which they supported these measures. They are now preparing to campaign in the Senate to ensure the passage of this important bill.
— Donna M. Hughes is a professor and Carlson Endowed Chair at the University of Rhode Island.
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As of now, Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007 is stuck in the senate - it needs to be pushed through. With your help, it can be. Why not write your senator, encouraging him/her to get on board.
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East Chicago Prayer & Praise Night NEW LIFE! Photodoc 2
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Here is East Chicago Prayer & Praise Night NEW LIFE! Photodoc #2.
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East Chicago Prayer & Praise Night NEW LIFE! Photodoc
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
On Friday, March 28, 2008 the East Chicago Corps hosted the third ever Prayer & Praise Night NEW LIFE! The meeting was completely led by the Holy Spirit because of the obedience to those involved. Praise God! We had a great time of worship, were given an opportunity to sign a letter to the President of China regarding Darfur, heard what God is doing in our lives and heard a blessed word from Judges 1:1-2.
Just to remind you, this is what you all testified to:
One girl is now working with the refugee family through World Vision.
Another testified how she changed her major so that she can be a missionary. She adjusted her life to join God's work.
One guy testified about how he has the opportunity to go to Zimbabwe, where God is already working.
Another about how she is being attacked because she knows she is doing God's will.
Do you see the common thread? We are called to do God's will and to join Him where He is working. Where is God working around you? Look and listen for Him and join Him!
Don't forget to check out the photodoc.
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