The War Cry

2010·7.7 MB·English

Christmas Hurricane Are We the
Made Igor Church of
Simple Response the Poor?
Salvationist
The Voice of the Army Salvationist.ca I December 2010
Unto Us
a Child
is Born

FSC PRODUCT LABELING GUIDE Throughout this guide the examples use the FSC 100% portrait positive label, the same
principles apply to all other portrait labels in the FSC label matrix.
PORTRAIT LABELS
Of the portrait labels the Full color portrait positive label is the preferred version, although
other versions are available for a variety of reproductions:
Black and white portrait positive for use in black and white reproductions.
Full color and black and white negative for use when the label is required to be place on a
dark background.
Please note:The certification code number field on all label artwork has been left editable
for the insertion of the relevant certification code number. The Frutiger Bold Condensed
font will be required for this alteration. In the event that Frutiger Bold Condensed is not
available Arial Narrow should be used as an alternative.
Please note:That both color and black and white negative JPEG and TIFF files have square
corners.
Portrait labels Clear space Minimum size Color reproduction
1. Full colour portrait positive Clear space is the non-print area To avoid any possible reproduction and The FSC labels artworks are supplied
2. Black and white portrait positive surrounding the label to ensure that the legibility problems, the portrait labels in Pantone, CMYK and black and white
3. Full colour portrait negative label remains uncluttered. It is calculated must never be reproduced at a size less versions.
4. Black and white portrait negative by using twice the height of the FSC than 19mm across.
wordmark.
Where possible, apply more clear space
than is required. 19mm
Pantone PMS
378 Pantone 378
Inside This Issue
December 2010 No. 56
CMYK
www.salvationist.ca E-mail: [email protected]
34% Cyan
Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX
1 2 Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX 0% Magenta
Departments 21 World Watch FeaturCeret nos. XXX-XXX-XXXX 100% Yellow
60% Black
3 Exploring Holiness4
4 Editorial by Lt-Colonel Richard Munn 18
RGB
Bishop Bill and the Army Band 67 Red
by Major Jim Champ 21 Prayer Guide
86 Green
8 Blue
5 Around the TerCrerit tnoo. XXrX-yXXX-XXXX 23 CeArt nro.m XXX-yXX XR-XXoXXots
God’s Christmas Gift
10 Ministry in Action by Lt-Colonel Maxwell Ryan
Deck the Halls
by Ken Ramstead PRODUCT LABELING2 G4U I DMEed FiaO RREeSTv iSeTwEWsARDSHIP COUNCIL
12 Point Counterpoint 25 Formation
For Love or Money Christmas Made Simple
by Captain Mark Braye and by Julia Hosking
Lieutenant Nyree Bond
26 Celebrate Community
16 Global Village Enrolment and recognition,
An Unexpected Mission tribute, calendar, gazette
by Melissa Walter
30 Clarion Call 8 No Room for Them in the Inn
17 Personal Reflections Christmas in a Bag The General’s Christmas Message by General Shaw Clifton
How Good Was King by Major Fred Ash
Wenceslas? by Commissioner 11 We Three Kings
William W. Francis What made the Wise Men wise? by Major Beverley Smith
14 After the Storm
23
The Salvation Army responds to the wrath of hurricane Igor in
Bermuda and Newfoundland and Labrador
by Julia Hosking
18 The Spirit of Christmas
Each holiday season, The Salvation Army brings the love of Jesus to
the communities it serves
Reports compiled by Rochelle McAlister
bis
or
© C 22 Year in Review
o:
ot National Advisory Board members offer valuable contributions to
h
P the mission of The Salvation Army by Major Jim Champ

Inside Faith & Friends Salvationist.ca
Army band provided them bottom of every article posted
with a wonderful gift on Salvationist.ca
Saved by the Bells World Watch
Thanks to Salvation Army Keep abreast of what the Army Blog Columnists
bell-ringer Courtney Pollett When you finish reading Faith is doing internationally. Visit Salvationist bloggers talk about
and others like her, thousands & Friends in the centre of this Salvationist.ca/worldwatch to faith, life and ministry. Visit
of people will have a merry issue, pull read more about the Army’s Salvationist.ca/blog and fol-
Christmas this year Christmas 2010 Faith &www.faithandfriends.ca it out and work in 121 countries low along
frıends
give it to
Inspiration for Living
3-D Environmentalist Helping Others someone Pass It On
How THe SalvaTion
army BringS Hope
Yogi Bear puts on a new hat in max lucado's who needs to Share your faith electronic-
Christmas
his latest movie outing prayer for you hear about ally by forwarding articles
Christ’s life- from Salvationist and Faith &
Music of the Heart Saved changing Friends by e-mail, Facebook
by the
The hospital staff were stran- Bells power or Twitter. Just click one of the
Hundreds of Salvation
gers to Canada, but a Salvation Achrmeeyr vaot lCuhnrtiestemrsa rsing in appropriate icons found at the
Salvationist I December 2010 I 3
Editorial
Bishop Bill and the
Army Band
Salvationist
is a monthly publication of The Salvation
A
Army Canada and Bermuda Territory
few weeks after taking up our over- Peterborough Citadel Band has played
Shaw Clifton
seas appointment in Peterborough, a central role in the service, providing
General
England, my wife, Barbara, and accompaniment to many of the carols as
Commissioner William W. Francis
I were among the many invited guests well as a musical prelude and postlude. Territorial Commander
to a community reception held at the Bishop Bill was instrumental in inviting
Major Jim Champ
Peterborough Cathedral. Our host was the Army band to participate. Editor-in-Chief
Bishop William John Westwood, better And it was one of these Christmas Eve
Geoff Moulton
known as Bishop Bill to millions of BBC services that the bishop had in mind when Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Radio listeners through his Thought for the I was first introduced to him at the recep-
John McAlister
Day broadcasts. tion held in the beautiful surroundings of Senior Editor (416-467-3185)
The Peterborough Cathedral is a mag- this church building steeped in tradition
Major Max Sturge
nificent example of Norman architecture. and history. Associate Editor (416-422-6116)
If its walls could speak, they would tell Having a captive audience, myself Timothy Cheng
tales of beheaded queens, marauding included, Bishop Bill proceeded to point Art Director
Cromwellian soldiers and contemporary out the finer details of the cathedral. Pamela Richardson
arsonists who, as recently as 2001, set fire Interspersing his comments with histor- Production and Distribution Co-ordinator,
to a stack of plastic chairs near the organ ical anecdotes, he shared how for centur- Copy Editor
causing tens of thousands of dollars in ies both saints and sinners had gathered Julia Hosking, Ken Ramstead,
Captain Debbie Sinclair
damages. Yet despite its troubled and at within the hallowed walls of the cathedral
Contributors
times sordid history, the Peterborough to meet with God in praise and penitence.
Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.
Cathedral has been the spiritual home for Then, in a conspiratorial tone, Bishop Bill
Member, The Canadian Church Press. All
scores of Christians. said to me, “Captain, the first time I pre- Scripture references from the Holy Bible,
Every Christmas Eve, the commun- sided over the Christmas Eve carol service Today’s New International Version (TNIV) ©
ity packs out the cathedral for a trad- here, great crowds had gathered and The 2001, 2005 International Bible Society. Used
by permission of International Bible Society.
itional carol service. It is standing room Salvation Army band was present.” With a
All rights reserved worldwide. All articles are
only despite the chilled air and damp twinkle in his eye, he said, “Do you know copyright The Salvation Army Canada and
conditions. Yet nothing can thwart the what they played? Your band played Jingle Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only
with written permission.
enthusiasm of the carollers as they cele- Bells in my cathedral.”
brate Christ’s birth. Sure enough, the band had played Eric Subscriptions
Over the years, The Salvation Army Leidzen’s popular march Christmas Joy, Annual: Canada $30 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $36;
which includes the carols Joy to the World foreign $41. Available from: The Salvation
Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4.
and Love and Joy Come to You with Jingle
Phone: [phone]; fax: [phone];
Bells sandwiched in-between. The march e-mail: [email protected].
is classic Salvation Army music and has
Advertising
delighted many listeners at Christmastime.
Inquire by e-mail for rates at circulation@
It is also a good reminder that even the
can.salvationarmy.org.
secular can become sacred when God is
in it. And, of course, this is the central News, Events and Submissions
message of Christmas: that a holy God Editorial lead time is seven weeks prior to
an issue’s publication date. No responsibility
came down and dwelt among an unholy
is assumed to publish, preserve or return
people. unsolicited material. Write to salvationist@
I never had the opportunity to ask can.salvationarmy.org or Salvationist,
2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4.
the bishop what he really thought about
the band’s choice of music. But as far as I Mission
know, the Army band continues to play The Salvation Army exists to share the love
every Christmas Eve in the Peterborough of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a
transforming influence in the communities of
Cathedral.
our world. Salvationist informs readers about
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! the mission and ministry of The Salvation
Let earth receive her King. Army in Canada and Bermuda.
Salvationist.ca
Major jIM ChaMP
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief Facebook.com/salvationistmagazine
Twitter.com/salvationist
4 I December 2010 I Salvationist
aroUND ThE tErritorY
Laughter and Singing in Kamloops
TWENTY-NINE CHILDREN
enjoyed their week at vacation Bible
school at Kamloops Community
Church, B.C. The four adult lead-
ers and two teenagers who ran the
program were supported by Majors
Sharleen and Wayne McTaggart,
corps officers. The theme of the
Bible curriculum was Noah’s Ark.
Each day began with action songs,
memorizing Scripture verses and
a Bible story. In addition, the pro-
gram featured craft-making, scav-
enger hunts and big tricycle races.
On two days, the children and
leaders walked to a nearby park
for a picnic lunch, mini-golf and
swimming. At the conclusion of the VBS, ities indicate they enjoyed the week,” says Correction: In Divisional Farewell for Candidates
the children received individually framed Major Sharleen McTaggart. “We are espe- (October 2010), the names of Cadets Jason and
photos and graduation certificates. “The cially grateful that Wendy Escamilla and Kristen Dockeray were inadvertently omitted
children’s steady attendance and expressed her son, James, have a deep desire to see from the list of candidates from the Ontario
Great Lakes Division.
desire to start attending other church activ- youth ministries a focus of our corps.”
High Seas Expedition in The Salvation Army Golf
Bermuda Classic 2010
THIRTY-TWO CHILDREN and 12 adults participated in a High ON SEPTEMBER 17, 144 golfers participated at Angus Glen Golf
Seas Expedition vacation Bible school at West End Community Club in Markham, Ont., for the 10th annual Salvation Army
Church, Bermuda. The church hall was decorated to look like Golf Classic hosted by the Ontario Central-East Division. Lance
a seaworthy vessel to sail for a week of fun on the ocean. Each Brown, sports director of CTV, not only golfed but was also the
day, “crew members” learned a new spiritual truth that was master of ceremonies for the day. Through the generosity of
reinforced by a Scripture verse and Bible story. The children corporate partners and the Army’s many community friends, the
discovered that God’s Word is true, comforting, surprising and event highlighted the mission of The Salvation Army and raised
life-changing. They moved around to different sessions that $100,000 for its vital community and family services ministries
included high-energy worship, crafts, snacks from the galley, a in the Greater Toronto Area.
Bible voyage, games and the ship’s cinema that featured Chatter
Chipmunk. “Our 2010 VBS was a huge success and many of the
young people made first-time commitments to the Lord,” says
Lieutenant Amanda Robinson, corps officer.
From left, Scot Cherry, Steve Nelson, Bob owen and lance Brown form
the roy Nichols Motors team at the army’s Golf Classic
Salvationist I December 2010 I 5
aroUND ThE tErritorY
A New Era Begins at Booth Hope for the Future at
University College Mumford House
MAJORS WAYNE AND DEBORAH Bungay, Prairie divisional
From left, leaders, officially dedicated The Salvation Army’s Mumford House
dr Jonathan in Saskatoon, a new shelter offering short-term emergency accom-
raymond, Col modations for women and children in crisis. After the official
Earl robinson
opening, neighbours, friends and community partners toured the
and lt-Col lloyd
facility. Mumford House is located in Saskatoon’s Pleasant Hill
Hetherington,
neighbourhood. Significant renovations transformed an existing
past presidents of
Booth University four-plex into a facility with 12 private bedrooms and several
College; dr common areas. Each room has a television and radio, toiletries
donald Burke, and other necessities. Staff will be in attendance 24 hours a day,
current president and are trained to ensure safety for clients and help them take
the next steps toward secure and stable housing. Mumford House
ON JuNE 27, the Manitoba Legislature passed a bill that renamed is a welcoming place where mothers and children can find hope
William and Catherine Booth College as Booth university for the future.
College. For the public launching of the new name and identity,
Hetherington Chapel was adorned with flags from the 32 coun-
tries in which Booth university College has students studying
through its distance education programs.
Diane McGifford, Manitoba’s minister of advanced education
and literacy, spoke about the impact Booth university College is
having on the community, expressing the hope that this influ-
ence will grow in the future. The institution’s past history was
highlighted when Commissioner William W. Francis, territorial
commander, granted Colonel Earl Robinson and Lt-Colonel
Lloyd Hetherington the honorary title, president emeritus, for
their exemplary contributions in being the founding and second
presidents of the college. The dedication of Booth university
College’s new flag by Commissioners William and Marilyn D.
Francis symbolized the relationship between the institution and
The Salvation Army, its sponsoring denomination.
President Donald Burke described the occasion as the begin- Cpt les Marshall, divisional secretary for public relations and develop-
ning of a new season in the life of Booth university College. “As a ment, Prairie div, speaks at the opening of Mumford House in Saskatoon.
Christian university college, we want our students to be engaged From left, Mjr Judy regamey, aC; Cpt les Marshall; Cpt rhonda Smith,
executive director, Saskatoon community services and Mumford House;
in the shaping of their minds, in the moulding of their hearts and
Mjr Wayne Bungay
in the transformation of the world,” said Burke.
✃
Christmas is coming! Send a gift that will last all year.
Yes! Send a gift subscription of: From:
❏ Salvationist (includes Faith & Friends)
Your name: ���������������������������������������������
(Canada $30; US $36; other countries $41)
❏ Faith & Friends Address: �����������������Town/city: ��������������������
(Canada $17; US $22; other countries $24) Province/state: �����������Postal/zip code: ���������������
❏ Foi & Vie [French version of Faith & Friends]
Phone: �������������������E-mail: �����������������������
(Canada $25; US $30; other countries $32)
❏ Edge for Kids (Attach a separate sheet for additional subscriptions)
Send a gift card ❏ Yes ❏ No
(Canada $12; US $15; other countries $17)
Payment: ❏ Cheque (Payable to The Salvation Army)
❏ Visa ❏ Mastercard
To:
Name on card: ������������������������������������������
Name: �������������������������������������������������
Card #: ������������������Expiry date: ������������������
Address: �����������������Town/city: ��������������������
Return to: T he Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd,
Province/state: �����������Postal/zip code: ���������������
Toronto ON M4H 1P4 or contact 416-422-6112;
Phone: �������������������E-mail: ����������������������� circulation@ can.salvationarmy.org; Salvationist.ca/subscribe
6 I December 2010 I Salvationist
aroUND ThE tErritorY
Men’s Retreat Becomes a Entering the
Life-Changing Weekend Darkest Corners
ON SEPTEMBER 24-26, 175 men from the Ontario Great Lakes
Division gathered for a retreat at Jackson’s Point Conference Kelita
Centre. using the theme XTRAordinary, dynamic communicator Haverland,
Dr. Derrick Mueller invited the men to consider the biblical story a Christian
singer and
of Jonah. In his first presentation, he challenged the participants
songwriter,
to be Christ’s godly X-Men since we are aliens in this world and
performs
not meant to be ordinary.
with local
In Saturday’s opening session, Mueller’s humourous accounts band U
of his personal life and ministry elicited much laughter, but also turn at
evoked serious reflection as he challenged the men to “run back the human
to God” (see Jonah 2) and become who God made them to be. trafficking
awareness
A ministry information session featured the Celebrate Recovery
concert
program with Captain David Allen of Mississauga Temple, who
said that the program “deals with hidden hurts, hidden hab-
its and hidden hang-ups.” Greg Durnan related the incredible
changes he experienced in going through the 12-step process of THE ONTARIO GREAT LAKES Division sponsored a human
Celebrate Recovery. trafficking awareness day at London Citadel on September 18.
On Saturday evening, Mueller’s outfit of hunting fatigues and Organized by Stan Burditt, the seminar included a panel of five
a rubber nose initially amused those present. His surprising and speakers who made presentations to 40 participants.
candid story of family abuse and God’s amazing love turned the Marty Van Doren, a retired RCMP officer who serves as a human
mood to silence and reflection as he used an ironing board to trafficking representative, spoke compassionately about people
illustrate both an altar and cross. damaged by traffickers and the difficulties facing the Canadian
In Sunday morning’s concluding session, Major Rene Loveless, authorities in bringing perpetrators to justice. Ontario Provincial
area commander, led a prayer focus on human trafficking, high- Police Constable Rob Sachetti of London Crime Stoppers outlined
lighting some of its evils and reminding the men of its preva- the new Blue Blindfold campaign, a collaboration with the RCMP
lence in Canada. Mueller used the human trafficking problem to improve public awareness of the issues surrounding those
to exhort participants to “run with God” (see Jonah 3) and thus who are trafficked. George De Guzman, a local activist against
see what God sees and act accordingly. After he encouraged the human trafficking, related his efforts for the last 11 years to rescue
men not to “run ahead enslaved individuals in the developing world.
of God” (see Jonah 4), Kelita Haverland, an accomplished singer and songwriter
many knelt and hud- from Toronto, told of her visit to a woman’s shelter in Cambodia
dled in prayer, seeking and how disturbed she was to meet a child who was trapped in
renewal and salvation. the sex trade at age 12. Kelita commemorated this young girl’s
The hearty singing of courageous story in music, which she sang for the audience in the
My Jesus I Love Thee was evening concert. Telling her own painful experience of growing
a fitting benediction to up, Haverland demonstrated how God can shine through the
an XTRAordinary, life- worst of times while he shapes us for a better future.
changing weekend. Aura Burditt, an outreach worker with the Army’s correctional
and justice services, daily encounters women at risk, some of
dr derrick Mueller whom have been trafficked. She gave an overview of The Salvation
becomes Mr incredible to Army’s global response to this scourge as well as the local impact
illustrate truths from the in London. “I pray that we can offer them hope through a new
story of Jonah
life with Christ,” she says.
Did you know … such things as doctor’s appointments and job time, two other cities in Ontario, Hamilton and
… each month volunteers from West End interviews Oakville, also hosted a Sleep in the Park event
Community Church in Bermuda take 200 copies … The Salvation Army in Chatham-Kent, Ont., at the same time
of Salvationist to customers at two local grocery held Operation Cover-Up during September … in partnership with Bridges Community
stores? “Many people give a donation and take for gently-used winter coats for local residents? Health Care, The Salvation Army in Lake Erie,
the magazine with them as they leave the store,” In the past 23 years, the program has provided Ont., hosted free smoking cessation workshops
says Lt Amanda Robinson, corps officer 60,000 coats to men, women and children liv- for three Tuesdays beginning in September?
… The Salvation Army and the Carmichael ing in the area The program covered concerns smokers have in
Outreach Centre in Regina have set up a low-cost … for one night, about 100 people participated considering quitting, information on the cycle
voice mail service for people without phones? in the Army’s fifth Sleep in the Park at Central of nicotine addiction and medical treatments,
For $3 per month, people can access their Park in Dunville, Ont., to raise public awareness and tips on remaining smoke-free
voice mail box to receive messages regarding of what it’s like to be homeless? For the first
Salvationist I December 2010 I 7
8 I December 2010 I Salvationist
No
Room for
Them
Poets and hymnwriters
in the Inn down through the years
have found in this sacred
The General’s Christmas Message
birth narrative much to
by GENEral Shaw ClIfToN
inspire them
E
very Christmas we are reminded of the innkeeper who
turned Mary and Joseph and their baby away. We do not
know his name, but we do know he tried sincerely to make
amends by at least offering space with the animals.
Luke’s Gospel records “there was no room for them in the inn”
(Luke 2:7 NIV). The main accommodation was packed out, due
to the national census under which all citizens were required to
return to their places of origin in order to be registered.
“Have you any room for Jesus?” asks the old gospel hymn.
Poets and hymnwriters down through the years have found in
this sacred birth narrative much to inspire them. They picture
the holy family outside the inn, seeking admission, and find in
that image a powerful metaphor applicable to us all still today.
Another writer urges us to offer Christ “the best of rooms,” with
the final words of the song affirming softly that “the best of
rooms” is “the heart.”
Jesus still knocks! Still he awaits admission! Long ago I heard
that knocking sound upon the door of my heart. I was very young,
but I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt the identity—and even
the name—of the One standing outside. I had seen the famous
painting known as The Light of the World by Holman Hunt. It
depicts Jesus with a shining lantern as he stands outside a door
seeking admission. It is the door of my heart and it has no handle
on the outside. Only from the inside can I open it and let the
Master in. How glad I am there was a day when I did just that.
I wonder what would happen were the Lord Jesus to arrive
suddenly in our midst. Where would he stay? Some of us would
rush to reserve for him the plush, luxurious presidential suite in
the best hotel in town. Others, not knowing him and thus unable
to recognize him, might try to run him out of town. What about
you? How would you respond? “Come home with me, Lord,”
you could say. He would like that, but
as you walk along together he would
in all probability be saying, “You know,
child, all I seek is your loving heart. Can
you make space for me there?”
Can you? Have you done so? If not,
do it now. He is the most gracious of
guests.
General Shaw Clifton is the world leader
of The Salvation Army.
Salvationist I December 2010 I 9
MINISTry IN aCtioN
Deck the Halls
The wiseman Centre in St. john’s, N.l., goes all-out for their clients at Christmas
by KEN raMSTEaD, EDITOR, faITh & frIENDS AND foI & VIE
T
he problem with you guys down at
The Salvation Army,” a government
liaison official once told Major Lloyd
George, “is that you’re too maternal.”
“I replied, ‘Thank you!’ ” smiles Major
George, the executive director of the
Wiseman Centre, a 20-bed shelter unit and
10-bed supportive housing unit located
in St. John’s, N.L. “We see our clients not
as alcoholics or men with mental-health
issues, but as part of our family. They need
to be treated with dignity and respect, and
feel loved and cared for. That’s why we do
what we do at Christmas.”
Enthusiastic Support Christmas decorations and gifts add to the festivities at the Wiseman Centre
“Many of our clients come from difficult
backgrounds,” continues Major George, says Major George. “Everyone gets into the spirit as the gifts
“and have never had the kind of Christmas That’s an understatement. Items aren’t are opened and shown around,” says Major
most people are used to.” just thrown into boxes and wrapped up. A George. “It’s wonderful to see.”
Four years ago, Major George and tremendous amount of work goes into the After a visit by Santa, the highlight
his staff resolved to make an extra effort task. The needs and interests of every client of the day is Christmas dinner. Families
to celebrate Christmas. He contacted are factored into each gift box. “We double- from around the city volunteer to cook
Captain Danny Pinksen, the corps officer at check for sizing and will change items at full-course meals for the Wiseman clients,
Pathway Community Church, a Salvation the last minute based on staff input,” says complete with turkey, stuffing and all the
Army church plant in Paradise, N.L., about Major George. “Our supportive-housing trimmings. Staff and clients mingle and
partnering with the centre. unit clients submit a wish list and we try sing Christmas carols, often accompanied
“Here was a young, vibrant congrega- to accommodate at least an item or two by choral groups who drop by to serenade
tion that I sensed was very community- from our stock of donations.” one and all.
oriented,” explains Major George. “After I
outlined our plans, Captain Pinksen told Stuffing and Serenades “A Reflection of God”
me how interested they were in partnering As Christmas nears, staff and clients start All this effort does not go unappreci-
with us. St. John’s Citadel also enthusi- the task of decorating the building inside ated.
astically supported the venture, as did and out. “The men love to help put up the “Before I came to the Wiseman Centre,
St. John’s Temple, and their support has tree and the outdoor lights,” says Major I never got any Christmas presents,” says
been ongoing.” George. Richard, a 36-year-old resident of the
Pre-Christmas parties are held mid- centre since 2006. “I was lonely because
Making a List and Checking it Twice month for both the clients in Wiseman’s there was no one around me. But the last
Each October, preparations begin in supportive-housing section and for former two Christmases have been the best of
earnest, with companies and individuals shelter clients, who are sent invitations by my life.”
around St. John’s generously donating. Last outreach workers as part of their transition “I like having friends around, seeing
year, for instance, students at Memorial back into the community. their smiling faces,” continues Randy, 61,
university of Newfoundland’s social work But the main event occurs on Christmas who has been associated with the centre
department presented a flat-screen TV to Day. That morning, the Wiseman clients for a decade. “Life was difficult before. I
the delighted Wiseman clients. wake up to the first of many surprises in was all alone. But the Wiseman Centre is
Over the weeks leading up to store for them. The night before, individ- one of the best places in the world.”
Christmas, cash donations, toiletries and ualized Christmas stockings are hung on “We have daily devotions with the
food donations come in from Salvation the door handles of the clients’ rooms, men,” says Major George, “so they know
Army units all over the area, as well as filled with treats such as clementines, it’s not just about the gifts. It’s wonderful
books and DVDs, T-shirts, socks, pants candy and toiletries. to see these men so excited about the birth
and other clothes. Later, the clients assemble in the lobby of our Saviour. It’s an especially warm
“What we do is bring it all together,” to be greeted by gifts under the tree. atmosphere at Christmas.”
10 I December 2010 I Salvationist