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Editorial Introduction
by Major
Stephen Court, editor
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
Welcome to JAC129 – the 129th edition of Journal of
Aggressive Christianity.
This is a special issue: How The Salvation War Looks
Different Next Year.
With all of the restrictions imposed in
response to the pandemic, our conventional means of
prosecuting the salvation war have changed.
Concurrently, this is a kairos season for us to
evaluate what was working and refine it and what wasn't
working and retire it.
We've collected the hopes and
intentions of Salvationists with varied perspectives weighing
in with about 400 words or so (you’ll notice the exceptions when
you read them!) on 'How The Salvation War Looks Different Next
Year'.
There are a handful of new JAC
contributors complemented by some familiar names.
JAC129 leads off with ‘War Zone Field
Medics’, by Captains Yasmin and Hector Acosta, in Seattle,
USA, advocating a mix of first century and tech strategies.
Captain Xander Coleman, in Buckingham,
England, describes ‘A Brave New World: Post-Covid Mission’, an
optimistic imagining of customized spirituality coaching apps
and more.
In ‘Converting Crisis into an
Opportunity’, Captain Manikya Mera, in Melbourne, Australia,
exhorts us to focus on developing relationships with people in
our neighbourhood.
Captain Matt Kean, in Chilliwack,
Canada, gives us his take, ‘The Way I See It’, from a
different perspective than the rest of the contributions.
“The Salvation Army has come to a
Rubicon,” starts Lieutenant Scott Swires’s article, ‘Alexa –
Find Rubicon’.
Swires, in Brooklyn, USA, urges a restoration of our redeemed
imagination.
In Las Vegas, USA, Captain Anthony
Barnes prophesies, ‘How The Salvation War Looks Different Next
Year,’ and a stronger integration of ‘meet human needs’ with
‘in His name’.
In Bamako, Mali, Captain André Mere
Bara Togo urges us to ‘Keep Expanding’, to keep on burning and
anguishing for more souls.
Captains Diane and Peter Hobbs,
Bellarine Peninsula, Australia, describe, in, ‘COVID: A Time
For Cleaning House’, that we are experiencing a thorough house
cleaning, “especially within The Salvation Army
internationally, so that the unshakable essentials stand clear
and uncluttered: Jesus and His Great Commission.”
'Homes, coffee shops, laundrymats, and
more!’ Captain
Vinal Lee is proposing a system of small groups meeting all
around the community, probably starting in Indianapolis, USA.
Captain Brenna Lee, also in
Indianapolis, USA, advocates, ‘Disturbing The Present’, to
achieve the future that God has dreamed up for us.
Viral, political, and racial challenges
can be overcome because God is still on His throne.
That’s the optimistic perspective in ‘Hell On Earth To
Kingdom Of God’ by Major Osei Stewart, in Los Angeles, USA.
On his way from Sweden to Bulgaria (as
part of the invasion force), Lieutenant Erik Johansson remains
with, ‘The Salvation Army in a post-pandemic world: on the
frontlines against nationalism.’
Thanks to all of the contributors.
God is not flummoxed by the virus.
He’s got a plan for His people.
He’s on the move.
May these perspectives stir up your praying and
imaginings and strategizing for this next stage of the
salvation war.
Godspeed.
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