Armybarmy Blog

February 27, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Our government (Canada/ federal) came out with a report on the status of women that refers a fair bit to Danielle Strickland (blog top right) called Turning Outrage into Action to Address Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation in Canada. You can read it here:
http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?SourceId=194724

Let's all try to get someone saved... (just an idea/ no, actually, a conviction)

Oh, and there is a fun, short report in http://opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110009720 (best of the web, below right) on Gore and environmental foot print v. the Secret Green (you'll have to look to see).

First Things (bottom right) has an interesting blog (today - F27) on the Closing of the American Mind from a perspective of Catholic universities. Some relatively simple application can be made...

God is here.
SA daily reading: Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7 (follow the 'amazings' in Mark and search our blog on 'amazes' for a rabbit trail).
Much grace,
Stephen C
posted by Stephen Court

corps snapshot
We had our annual review this month and our corps council members were asked two questions. Here are some responses:

Strengths
system; fluidity; primitive salvationism; prayer; mission-mindedness; committed, compassionate, sold-out people; innovation (creativity, flexibility); grace; leadership; zeal.

Challenges:
discipling people fast enough; enemy's schemes; unity in direction; succession; continuing to train up leaders for cells and outposts; resources to match vision (people...); system.

It is a ready-made prayer list.
Hallelujah.
grace
stephenC

February 26, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

There is a nice review of CHAOTIC ORDER here: http://www.mbherald.com/46/01/books-2.en.html and you can buy the book at our eStore.
----
We were out in street combat last night and a guy was urinating on Hastings (the main strip). My buddy, said, "Hey. We've got alleys for that."
----
Mission Maker Magazine (missionmakermagazine.org) has some useful statistics on the world (2007):
population: 6.577858027 bil
Christian: 2.179897218 bil (includes everyone calling themselves Christian)
non: 4.398061809 bil
----
Of the Christian total...
Great Commissioner Christian- 699 mil
partially committed- 1.364 bil
uncommitted- 117 mil
(nice categories. From which category would you want the Christian on whom you depend to visit and evangelise you dying relative to be, or the one who teaches your kid in college, or the one who has your back as you confront the enemy?)
----
62% of Christians live in the Global South. 56% of all Christians are 'non-white'.

God is here.
SA daily reading: Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Darfur...

Pray for peace in Darfur and the CAF:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070226/ap_on_re_af/darfur_spillover

In the story it mentions that there is only one non-governmental volunteer organisation working in the CAF. Does this mean The Salvation Army isn't there? Any volunteers for an MMCCXX outpost?

Grace,

Aaron

February 25, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

We're big covenant types. I heard a good line in a preach this morning by Dan Unrau - our vows keep us when sometimes we can't keep them.

Stephanie Lines is up and running on her blog available at http://theoverflow.spaces.live.com that will soon be on our BC blog roll. I'm a fan. And Linsey New, also BC blogs, has a new address, that we'll have connected shortly, www.justicemotivator.blogspot.com, which conveys her justice focus.

Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4.
God is here.
much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

February 24, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

I keep hearing kudos to Commissioner Robert Watson for LEADERSHIP SECRETS OF THE SALVATION ARMY (available at eStore). While we're at, we get compliments for CHAOTIC ORDER (by Danielle Strickland) and GENERAL'S CHOICE (music CD of General Eva Burrows's favourites). And standards like PROVERBIAL LEADERSHIP and REVOLUTION might also be helpful in your salvation war. Oh, and stay tuned for THE UPRISING: a holy revolution? by Olivia Munn and me, and ARTICLES OF WAR: a revolutionary midrash, by William Booth and me. We're hoping you'll be able to obtain these by April. So, save up.

With the discussion on Primitive Salvationism, it might be helpful to check the back-story in old blogs here or in JAC (you can search at top right) or at the Primitive Salvationist blog (at right). The definition: mission-focused, charismatic-flavoured heroism. There is nothing about dictatorship, pioneer-worship, bonnets and bass drums. I actually hid the big drum in my quarters closet (behind the platform of the garrison) after my first Sunday preach at my first appointment, after an old saint beat the hell out of it during Just As I Am, the pitch tune (I figured if it worked for Billy...). And we've made tens of thousands of dollars for missions by selling all kinds of stuff, including Ts, baseball caps, boxers, hoodies, sweat bands, toques, worship CDs, and books. Not that old-fashioned.

Now, I guess we're not getting the word out clearly enough. For a decade-old fad (see blog below) you'd think more people would have a good idea of what it is. That said, we've lasted longer than bell bottoms, leg warmers, and pet rocks. It is a satisfactory start, but it is just a start.

Some get a little uptight about the charismatic bit, thinking we've left The Army for pentecostalism or the third wave. Feel free to read the propaganda. But it is the flavour, not the focus (a quick glance at church history might suggest that it helps the focus, the mission). And, I'm much more interested in seeing mmccxx realised in the next 18 years than in raising a dead person or levitating (though I'd love for all three to happen, and it is probably an artificial construction, forcing a choice and preference). Glory to God.

For the record, I agree with Aaron and Anthony Castle (his blog is at right) that Christians should steward the earth and its resources well.

God is here.
SA daily reading: Numbers 14-16; Mark 3.
God is here.
Much grace
sec
posted by Stephen Court

February 23, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Have you read the current JAC yet? (top right)

New Frontier (bottom right) has a bunch if interesting intel in the February 12 issue. For example, the General is going to begin issuing pastoral letters to salvationists next month, available either at his new website - www.salvationarmy.org/the general - or right to your email inbox (by signing up at IHQ-Website@salvationarmy.org).

Not only that, but the National Commander, Commissioner Israel Gaither, hot off his ranking in the top ten communicators of 2006 and the freshly released biography by Colonel Henry Gariepy, is releasing a new website called nhqmomentum.org. You'll want to visit both sites.

The Primitive Salvationist discussion over at Larry Ashcraft's blog (top right) is picking up steam...

We're seeing some applications for The War College's INCENDIARY Session coming in this past fortnight. Nice. There is room for more (see thewarcollege.com and the relevant sites on right). But we've also got FULLNESS (prayer and fasting experience) with Major Janet Munn (May 11-13), R.A.W. (readyandwilling- youth missions- March 18-21), and BTI (Booth-Tucker Institute, June - see thewarcollege.com for application and details) with spots available...

Danielle Strickland (top right) is going hard on Justice issues at her blog - lots of video to stir you up.

God is here.
SA daily reading: Number 12,13; Psalm 90; Mark 2.
Much grace
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Singing Through the Songbook...

I was singing through the songbook last night in the War Room (as you do). I was tremendously blessed by the powerful lyrics, the great acoustics in the room, and the nostalgic feeling of singing songs I half remember from Sunday morning services long ago.

I came upon one benediction that strongly reminded me of everyone getting up, singing vociferously, then fellowshipping with each other and heading off to Swiss Chalet.

The words go like this:

"Give to Jesus glory,
Give to Jesus glory,
Proclaim redemption's wonderous plan
And give to Jesus glory!"

What a great song. I would like my life to reflect these simple words. What else is there?

-----------------------

Here's a neat little website exposing some of Exxon's dirty little tricks. When the Tobacco industry tells you that scientists believe smoking is safe, chances are good they are lying. When Oil companies tell you fossil fuel emissions don't affect the environment, nope, not even a little, good for us in fact, puts hair on your chest, etc...well....colour me skeptical...

http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ExxonMobil-GlobalWarming-tobacco.html

Grace,

Aaron

February 22, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Larry Ashcraft's blog (right side blog roll) suggests that Primitive Salvationist might be the latest fad (though he suggests it is a decade old fad - I think there are more recent fads than that - emergent church and 'global warming' come to mind) and has got a nice conversation started on the subject (thanks, Larry)...

I've come across this pretty good corps with people into:

- non-stop prayer;
- relationships;
- no Sunday meeting;
- cells;
- justice;
- cafe (!);
- covenant;
- simplicity and poor people...

Is it emergent? Or is it primitive salvationist?

The Corps is called 614 Vancouver, and, like I said, it's a pretty good corps, praise God (of course, it is also into other things, like holiness and discipling and world-winning plans (in this case, mmccxx), but I didn't want to muddy the emergent waters in the description) (in other words, it is primitive salvationist corps in a huge way - those not catching PS might check out the Myths of PS in JAC or at the primitivesalvationist blog).

God is here.
SA daily reading: Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

big day...

Today, February 21, 1880, was The War Cry issue that quoted Catherine Booth at the farewell of Evans, Coleman, Westbrook, Shaw, Price, Pearson, Morris, and Railton to invade the USA, giving what might be seen as an Acts 1:8 foundational prophecy for The Salvation Army (which the Barmy Army has to read every six months or so, it seems - but it is important and good to refresh...):

"The decree has gone forth that the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and that He shall reign, whose right it is, from the River to the ends of the earth. We shall win. It is only a question of time. I believe that this Movement is to inaugurate the great final conquest of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Catherine Booth, in John Rhemick. A NEW PEOPLE OF GOD. p202,203)

Yahoo! The 'question of time' bit might not mean only waiting until some day in the future, but in investing time (represents also energy, resources, etc.) to accomplish the mission. God help us.
----
grace
sec

New Monasticism #11 (I think)

Here is the 11th mark of New Monasticism:

11) Peacemaking in the midst of violence and conflict resolution within communities along the lines of Matthew 18.

Matthew 18:15-20 is Jesus giving a model for conflict resolution. It is one we have used here at 614 for a few conflicts, and it is not easy. Rebuke and correction is not fun, not giving nor receiving it. But we have to be able to correct one another in love if we are honest about really loving one another. People who love each other don't always get along, and people (myself certainly included) mess up all the time and hrt each other, intentionally or unintentionally. We have to be able to deal with that in a biblical way, not just sweep it under the rug.

The passage right after Matt 18:15-20 is about how often we need to forgive, which I think is a great way to follow up on the conflict resolution bit.

So we do internal community peacemaking stuff ok, and we have also been involved, informally, in peacemaking in our neighbourhood. I know the presence of our children on the streets has broken up more than one fight.

Our students also ask for peace in the midst of violence when they do their weekly pro-life demonstrations. Man, do they get static for that. People screaming in their faces, sometimes even breaking their signs. Being committed to life usually means risking life. It hasn't come to that yet, but we're touching the edges when we protest the slaughter of the innocents.

We have not been involved in international peacemaking stuff really, though I did join some friends (albeit briefly) for an anti-war protest over Christmas. I was holding up a big sign: "Who would Jesus Bomb?" Most people honked in support, but one guy yelled at me to get a job. I have a job.

Grace,

Aaron

February 21, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
hat Tip IPDT:
----
So, some friends of ours have a 5 year old in karate and they were given a free pass to bring another kid to their dojo for a week for free. They offered to take 'Lucy', and so she went today.

Being in a dojo there are certain expectations of those who enter. You are not to wear shoes on the mat, for example. The sensei (instructor) was a typical assertive, confident, demanding black belt who commanded the class with authority. His expectations were made very clear to these 5-6 year old kids. One of the other requirements was that the kids must bow whenever they would join or leave the mat area. When Lucy was told to do this the first time she simply stared blankly at the sensei and walked on the mat. He let it go. Later the kids were given a break and she was leaving the mat area (after all others bowed out), and Lucy just walked off. A couple of student assistants (also black belts) approached Lucy to remind her of the expectation that she must bow when entering or departing the mat area. Again, she stared blankly and then just walked off. Some parents and students started to join in to explain and remind Lucy to bow appropriately, thinking she simply didn't understand. This went on.

After the class, 'mom' was driving Lucy home and asked her if she understood the need to bow. Lucy, in a rather indignant voice explained that, she didn't care what they said, she would not bow to anyone except God.

Amen? Amen!
----
God is here.
SA daily reading: Numbers 8-9; Acts 28.
Much grace,
stephenC
posted by Stephen Court

KFC...(nothing to do with Chicken)

We run a kids cell at Family Services called KFC (Kids For Christ). It's been going for a few years, and has had a big fluctuation in membership with kids leaving town etc....

This year the incomparable Becky Schwark, her PAIS team, and a few War College students took it on. Attendance was pretty low for awhile, and we were considering moving it, or possibly even disbanding it.

Then, from seemingly out of nowhere, kids started coming. So now we have 13 kids in this cell, most of them new, and all of the new kids just recently having moved to Canada. We have a family from Tajikstan, some kids from Kabul, Afghanistan, and just today two beautiful little girls from Iran. What a phenomenal cell!

I promised them that if there were 15 kids next week we'd create the world's largest ice cream sundae (not bribery, just ... motivation). Immediately the little boy ran to the picture of Jesus on the wall and shouted, "Here is one more! Now we have 14! We only need one other!" Good point. Jesus counts, especially for ice cream.

Today the mother of the girls from Iran taught me how to say hello and goodbye in Farsi. There is no way I could accurately write the words down, but she explained that the word for hello translated as "Peace", and the word for goodbye translated as "God protect you." I love it.

God protect you, in his Grace,

Aaron

February 20, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
The 2007 SA Year Book arrived today (hat tip DAB!). Not enough people know and exploit this great resource for prayer and stimulation in the Salvation war. Score a copy and catch up on what The Army's all about.

Speaking of what The Army's all about I heard one endorsement of Commissioner Robert Watson's book, LEADERSHIP SECRETS OF THE SALVATION ARMY indicating that it presents what The Army's all about in a way that no book ever has. You can pick up your copy at our eStore (armybarmy.com).

I was in a division last week and the DC was not in the city because he was off opening a new country. How about that!

Check out Danielle's blog (top right) for some cool experiences last week. And check out revolutionhawaii.com for a great challenge.

God is here.
SA daily reading: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Some Great Journalism...

Found this over at Brent White's blog (Battle Schooler from last summer, apply now for this summer!). He quotes a recent article in a pretty terrible Vancouver daily having to do with a new approach to dealing with homelessness. I'll paste in the article, and then my (admittedly knee-jerk) response. For the record, Brent seems as indignant as I am towards these suggested "solutions".


Article:
Let's act on homeless- by: Erin Airton

It is finally time for innovative solutions for the homeless in our province.
Years and years of throwing money at the problem hasn't worked - the number continues to grow and taxpayers are weary.

In fact, what we've done is develop a whole network of government and non-profit agencies devoted to helping the homeless stay homeless. They provide emergency food, shelter, and medical care. There is an old adage in economics: If you want to encourage something, subsidize it; if you want to discourage something tax it.

Right now, in a sad way, we are encouraging homelessness, making it "bearable" to be homeless by providing these "emergency" services.

Now, before you get all twisted up, I'm not saying it is pleasant to be homeless and I'm not saying anyone wants to be homeless.

But let's not forget we have built up a substantial industry of well-meaning people who make their livelihoods and defend their funding on the basis of supporting a homeless population.
The 2005 GVRD counted total homeless population (in a 24 hour counting period) at 2,174. I would suggest the number is higher, just because of survey techniques... Let's say 3000 people in the GVRD are homeless. These, of course, are the truely homeless without access to a friends spare sofa and not knowing from night to night whether they will be sleeping in a crowded, fetid shelter or over a vent at Georgia and Burrard.

From GVRD reasearch, they are likely medically or mentally ill and struggle with some form of addiction. Most startling was the information that 55 per cent of homeless had some form of welfare, a pension or disability benefits.

So here's one radical idea and I'm sure there are more.
Why don't we gather together each and every homeless service organization at B.C. Place along with each and every homeless person? Why not take each person, one at a time, diagnose the issue at the root of the inability to find or maintain housing and then put a planned place for each?

More money for homeless services isn't going to rid us of homelessness. In fact, it will do the opposite. If we take those funds and direct them to removing each person from the streets, we may actually make some lives better.

In short term, we can house them at BC place while we sort it all out.

It is not right to help people stay on the streets. The only morla course of action is to remove them, forcibly if necessary, and assist them in building a new life."



My response:

Yes, the only moral thing to do is to move them into BC Place, "forcibly if necessary." Horrible.

"Justice" can do a lot of damage when people forget that it is humans they are talking about. the writer may know some folk who are homeless, but it doesn't sound like it. I don't know anyone who would want to be forcibly moved into BC Place and then fixed or solved or whatever.

The unwritten assumption in this piece is that there is something wrong with homeless people, and that we, their compassionate superiors, must do something about them.

There is a correct assumption in this piece though, and it is that throwing money indiscriminately at the "problem" will fix nothing, and will (has) create(d) a state of dependency, both for those who are homeless and for the agencies depending on funding.

Authentic Christian community seems to me to be the only way forward here. Community that actually values all involved as truly and fully human and capable of contributing, loving, and communicating their needs. Community that finds redemption in Christ together, and then works for the redemption of the world and the institution of Kingdom mercy and justice, again, together.

That and some systemic change. Why are people homeless? My thoughts.

Major reason number one: They can't afford homes.
Major reason number two: The rooms some can afford are rat / bed-bug infested nightmares of drugs and prostitution.
Major reason number three: Mental illness and/or a background that has left them largely unable to navigate societal norms (thanks in large part to foster care abuse).
Major reason number four: Lack of treatment beds. You get out of detox and have to wait up to 3 weeks, on the street, to get into treatment. Very, very few last without relapsing. And then there is no community for you once you are done treatment, so back to your old "friends" you go.

Acting on these issues would require serious change, not just more money for hand outs. But it could have serious impact to actually increase the amount of livable, social housing units in Vancouver, to overhaul the foster care system (and to see Church folk starting to adopt "unwanted children"), to increase care for the mentally ill, and to connect detox and treatment facilities so there is an exponentially better chance at recovery.

Or we could just round them all up at BC Place...

Grace,

Aaron

Sad, Sad, Sad...

India is now planning to set up cradles "everywhere" where families can put their unwanted female babies, hoping that others will pick them up and adopt them. This is to try and stop the practice of killing the girls while still in the womb or after they are born, because boys are valued much higher.

Don't let anyone tell you that abortion is good for women. Way more girls are killed by their parents than boys.

Here is the link (and incidentally, if this goes through, Christians in India have a great opportunity to adopt all those babies. Worked for the early Church.):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6373043.stm

Grace,

Aaron

New Monasticism #10...

Here is the 10th mark of New Monastic communities:

10) Care for the plot of God’s earth given to us along with support of our local economies.

We've obviously been talking a lot about this kind of thing on armybarmy recently. The fact is, though, that this has not been a priority for us in this community at all. It is very true that we have been busy working with people and against injustices, so much so that we have rarely if at all spared a thought for God's earth or our local economies. (Though it must be said that some of us prop up the local economy of Flowers Cafe and Kent's Kitchen a little too zealously.)

Care for the environment has not really been a significant part of our DNA, but it is not, hopefully, too late. I have over the last week or so been giving my reasons for thinking we need to be about this, and Cadet extraordinaire Michael Ramsay found for us the official Salvation Army position. There is good reason to care deeply for the plot of land God has given us, and not just because it feels nice to hug a tree. The environment is a huge part of a larger stewardship issue and justice issues as well.

I am now looking into ways we can align our community so as to better reflect an intentional care for Creation. Any thoughts or ideas would be most welcome.

Grace,

Aaron

Couple of Well-Deserved Hat-Tips...

First off, hat-tip to Rob Noland who came up with the term "soldier up!", (though he may have stolen it from the Red Sox when they were on that lame "cowboy up!" trip). Let's live up to what we've already been called to. If my covenant did not prohibit gambling, I would wager that if all the SA soldiers lived up to their covenants it might get kind of revolutionary around the world.

Second, hat-tip to Cadet extraordinaire Michael Ramsay for emailing me The Salvation Army's positional statement on protecting the environment:

"As people made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have been
entrusted
with the care of the earth's resources (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship
requires
that we use these resources in a manner which ensures the well-being of
present and future generations.

God's instruction to 'subdue' the earth and 'rule' over every living
thing
(Genesis 1:28) cannot be interpreted to justify abuse or disregard for
any
life, not only human life. The privileges granted require our
accountability
to Him and one another.

Given the finite resources of our world, its expanding population, and
the
impact of industrialization, development must take account of
environmental
needs.

Salvationists as individuals and The Salvation Army as an organization
should accept responsibility for the environment by taking practical
steps
to regenerate and conserve God’s creation.

Canada and Bermuda
1995"

Grace,

Aaron

Jim Rome and the Bible...

Jim Rome, for those who don't know, is an extremely popular sports radio host based out of Southern California. He is well known for his sarcastic take on sports and public issues.

Today he had on a guest who is an announcer for the Indiana Pacers basketball team. That team has been having difficulty with its players getting into trouble off the court, through legal and domestic issues.

When asked if he was frustrated by this behaviour, the guest (whose name I can't recall), said: "Yes. I just want the players to take responsibility for their actions. To man up (soldier up!). To recognise that not all things that are permissible are beneficial."

Heard that last line before.

But Rome obviously hadn't, because he started going on about what a great line that was, a "classic", and that it showed what a character guy his guest was.

What I liked was that this guy was obviously quoting Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:12), but he didn't need to give chapter and verse. The wisdom of Scripture can take care of itself. A classic line indeed.

I remember Michael Collins saying a similar thing at ACC, that we don't need to quote Scripture at people and then let them know where it's from. Just let the words of Scripture be such a part of your life and conversation that it comes from you naturally, just rolls off the tongue into a variety of life's situations. Can make you look like a pretty wise dude as well.

This clearly means spending a lot of time in the Word, and knowing what it actually says, rather than just making up quotes ("God helps those who help themselves." Hezekiah 8:16) It's a challenge to any of us who can quote song or movie lyrics ad infinitum but proclain that Scripture is too hard to memorize.

Grace,

Aaron

I Promise That I Was Nowhere Near Arizona Today...

"Three AZ. Schools Put On Lockdown After Batman Sighting

SCOTTSDALE, AZ. (AP) -- To an Arizona middle school, Batman!

Three schools in the north Phoenix suburb of Cave Creek were on lockdown for about 45 minutes this morning. That after a student at Desert Arroyo Middle School reported seeing a person dressed as Batman run across campus, jump a fence and disappear into the desert.

Police combed the desert around the middle school. A nearby elementary school and high school also were on lockdown as officers sought the caped crusader.

The result - no Batman.

Says a police spokesman: ``It's just one of those interesting little stories that we looked into but we couldn't find anyone.''


Just because the police couldn't find Batman does not mean he wasn't there. I mean c'mon, he's Batman! Master of disguises?! Ninja training?!

Grace,

Aaron

Cadet Michael Ramsay weighs in...

Here are the emailed thoughts of one Michael Ramsay, cadet extraordinaire at the Training College in Winnipeg. We love the Ramsays out here (w/ Susan, Rebecca, and Sarah Grace), and pray that they will finish strong at the College and be furiously holy fighting officers wherever they are appointed. I believe this is a submission from his blog in December, as he discusses the environment from an interesting angle:

"Leviticus and the environment


Canada's official opposition has just selected Stephan Dion, a former Minister of Environment for its leader. He has a dog named Kyoto. This got my mind thinking about God's commands about the land (specifically relating to Palestine) in Leviticus 25, 26.

The land itself shall enjoy its Sabbath rest (25:2, 26:34,35) just as man is commanded to (Exod. 20: 8-11, Deut 5:15), and as God did (Exod. 20:11, Gen. 2:3). If the 'tenants' (25:23) fail in their responsibility to carry out that duty, then the owner of the Land -who cares about His land- will remove them from it. And He did remove Israel: "He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its Sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfilment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah. (2 Chronicles 36:20-21)."

The land is the LORD's. He cares about His land and therefore so should we.

Michael"

I do know a group of people down here who "broke into" an abandoned plot of land that was full of garbage and needles. They had tried to contact the absentee land holder, but with no luck. So they went in, cleaned everything up, got a ton of dirt and seeds, and started "guerilla gardening." They now are working 2 plots of land down here, and they are beautiful. In the summer there are even huge stalks of corn growing there, and you can purchase shares cheaply for the fruit and veg that has sprung up out of the formerly barren land. It is a very visual demonstration of the redemption of the land, as it has gone from wasted space full of rubbish, to useful space full of beautiful food and flowers (and a little hermitage cabin).

Whenever they are asked if the owner knows they are doing this, they respond by saying, "Yes, we are working for the Owner." And then they quote from Psalm 24: "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."

(Incidentally they have since managed to track down the land holder, and he's cool with it).

Grace,

Aaron

Ending Sex Slavery...

Check out this website created by a 20 year old youth leader from the Church on the Rock in Hamilton. He has made it his personal mission to see an end to sex slavery. Impossible? Perfect. Our God specializes in that.

http://www.iamcoming.org/

Grace,

Aaron

Father Forgive Us...

For the hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class...

Father forgive us.

For the covetous desires of men and nations to possess what is not their own...

Father forgive us.

For the greed which exploits the labours of men, and lays waste the earth...

Father forgive us.

For our envy of the welfare and happiness of others...

Father forgive us.

For our indifference to the plight of the homeless and the refugee...

Father forgive us.

For the lust which uses for ignoble ends the bodies of men and women...

Father forgive us.

For the pride which leads us to trust in ourselves, and not in God...

Father forgive us.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Grace,

Aaron

Current State of Knowledge...

Few people are interested in or capable of delving into the hard science surrounding something like climate change. More people will simply listen to their favourite news source and take it as gospel truth. But there is no reason to suppose that your favourite journalist is unbiased or clear in his or her thinking regarding any particular issue, and certainly not one as politicized and interest-driven as the environment.

So here is what the US Environmental Protection Agency suggests is our current state of knowledge, in laymen terms, concerning climate change. They break it down into what we can know for certain, what is likely, and what is still up for debate. This is not to suggest that the EPA itself is without bias, (no one is), but at least they try and present the information with some objectivity. - http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/stateofknowledge.html

Grace,

Aaron

P.S. I'm aware that we've spent a bit of time on this lately, and some people might not be interested in the slightest. Sorry bout that. But I for one think it is important enough to really delve into, and that it is one that Evangelical Christians by and large have been far too silent about.

Anti-Terror Dolphins...

Click here if you want to see real pics and a story about the US Navy using Dolphins equipped with lasers to fight terrorism:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DOLPHIN_DEFENDERS?SITE=VARIT&SECTION=US

Who amongst us have not been waiting for this our whole lives?

Grace,

Aaron

New Monasticism #9...

Here is the ninth mark of NM:

"Geographical proximity to community members who share a common rule of life."

Most of us at 614 live within 6 blocks of each other, and a good number live in the same hotels, apartments, or co-ops. It would now be very strange to invest in a Church where I couldn't easily walk to visit my fellow congregants.

Living close together is not the only way to build community, nor does it guarantee that healthy community is built. But it does really seem to make sense. There is a real desire, when you are sharing life together, to share living space together, and to adapt your way of life to accomodate others in your community.

I think this is part of the way we are trying to learn to love each other as Christ loved us, to give of our whole selves to each other, not just a few hours each week. I find myself strongly wanting to eat together, to share what we all have, to bless each other constantly, to hold all things in common.

As for a common rule of life, we are trying to learn to pray as a community, to be missional as a community, to have a common purpose as a community and to be consistent with each other and those around us. There is obviously a common rule of life for the soldiers here, but I think it extends to all our members as well to varying degrees. We're clearly still learning in this area, but the desire is certainly there.

Grace,

Aaron

Tubing and Owls...

Took a group of teens to a Divisional Ski Weekend these last few days. Normally weekends like this would be way out of my price range, let alone the range of many of our kids. But we did it simply, bringing up all our own food to cook, sleeping in a Church rather than the hotel, and going tubing and ice skating instead of skiing or snowboarding. So we managed to keep the price way down so that everyone could go.

And I think we may have had the most fun. We weren't constrained by the hotel rules or by eating schedules, and we had the freedom to be together, to make food and eat and talk and clean up together. I'm pretty sure all our kids preferred to do it the way we did, (though maybe a few of us thought differently whilst sleeping on cardboard on a gym floor). It really struck me that with the best of intentions we try and make things flash for kids and teens and even adults in ministry. And its ok, I guess. But nothing beats having genuine love for each other, and being dedicated to a mission together.

Our kids were also some of the ones setting the pace in the worship times, which was great to see. We don't do musical worship at our teen cell. But a lot of them come to Knee Drill, so that's the norm they are used to. They also distributed info to the other delegates on the evils of Human Traffiking, nicely bringing fullness to the worship by remembering the oppressed and calling others to fight with them for justice.

---------------------

Anyone interested in some leading Evangelicals' attitude to environmental responsibility can check out:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5194527

Seems like some of the blinders may be coming off. Interesting that one of the signatories for Evangelical action on better stewardship of the Creator's world was a national commander of The Salvation Army in the US. This takes serious import because of the justice implications expressed in the article.

And you gotta love the idea expressed by one of the non-signatories. Essentially: "Humans come first. Sometimes the rest of nature might have to take a back seat." Like it is somehow a choice between humans and nature. We are actually part of nature. It's not like it's Us vs. The Owls. We actually might be able to change some of our ruinous, selfish, and greedy habits to take better care of all humans AND the world we live in, the nature that we are a part of and intimately connected with.

And here's the thing. I DO believe that global warming is occuring, and that humans need to do something about it, and that it is something Christians should be very much involved with.

But even if you don't believe in it, I still think there is a definite responsibilty incumbent upon all Christians to live differently in the way we take care of this earth, to treat creation with dignity, to use resources wisely, to share what is on this earth with others, not to use it all up for ourselves.

Grace,

Aaron

February 11, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Our guys did a neat chalk evangelism initiative last week (see some photos at Olivia Munn's and Danielle Strickland's blog - top right).

Also check out Linsey New's - the source from youtube - or Danielle's blog for a video Danielle is sure you're going to love on human trafficking).

From the current JAC issue on 100 Most Influential Salvationists - the writers (noting that some names are missing from this category because they are in different categories):
----
Frederick Coutts – international Bible lessons material (this is interesting because he influenced a whole generation of kids through The Army directory and company lessons - it is as if, I am led to understand, every corps used the same Sunday School material for every age group. In this choice, you can also mention some of his many books!).
Catherine Baird – ‘The Army’s poet laureate’ (I'm interested to see FOUR poets among the nine most influential writers!).
Gunpei Yamamuro OF– Japanese ‘Common Peoples’ Gospel’ (this sold a ridiculous number of copies).
Albert Osborn – Poet General (some classic song lines).
Henry Gariepy – 26 Books and counting (including official biopgraphies and histories and a couple of 'Portraits' - nearly half a million total).
John Gowans – poetry/musicals (some memorable song lines).
Milton Agnew – holiness teaching (American holiness teacher with some very useful books).
Edward Read – holiness teaching (our Canadian Brengle, who has som egreat collections of sermons on holiness plus books on covenant, discipleship...).
Sallie Chesham – poet (here we go again!).
----
There are lots of intriguing articles in the current JAC - read away (top right).
----
Mark Steyn has another go at global warming:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/steyn/251601,CST-EDT-steyn11.article
----
SA daily reading: Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18.
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

February 10, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Colonel David Hammond has joined the blogosphere. The Colonel gave me some early War Cry space when he was editor back in the day. He demonstrated much patience with a strong-willed younger writer (I've done better with a blog as I'm not that great at editing!). So, you'll want to visit his blog at hammond.blogster.com and check out the thoughts of the oldest blogger on our blog roll (when we actually add him).

I don't know if I mentioned that The War College had a varied experience in January. They hit a Todd Bentley conference (very charismatic), started the WHY? Campaign locally (door-to-door evangelism), received training and ministry from Major Doug Burr (seasons personal prayer ministry leader), and experienced MissionsFest (massive evangelical conference). It was a sweetly scheduled month. Praise God.

For the climate obsessionists:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/02/the_church_of_climate_panic.html

And for the Christians in the UK, where one charity was cut out of government funding because, "your assistance for single parents includes extending Christian comfort and offering prayer," try this:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml;jsessionid=WXBUVKB0AICUVQFIQMGSFFOAVCBQWIV0?xml=/opinion/2007/02/10/do1001.xml
(some of you Britons might want to comment on that forum)

SA daily readings: Leviticus 13-14; Acts 17.
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

February 9, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

From the 100 Most Influential Salvationists List (in current JAC- top right):
----
Preachers
Allister Smith Jr. – worldwide revivalist
Gypsy Smith – popular evangelist
Rhoda Sainsbury –Newfoundland legend; “Miss Salvation Army”.
Samuel Hurren – ‘wonderful orator’
Margaret Hay – UK Preacher of Year
Arthur Pitcher – holiness story teller
Israel Gaither – craft weds passion
----
This is a difficult category because very few alive heard any of the pioneers. Plus, The Army hasn't been that great at spreading great preaching around (e.g. Major Edwin Okorougo in Nigeria is apparently a legendary holiness preacher but I'm guessing that fewer than 2,000 non-African soldiers have had the blessing of hearing him). Plus, as I need to mention each time, there are some popular picks who made the top 100 in different categories (no duplicates allowed). That said, there is a mix of early-day through current preachers. I've had the privilege of hearing Commissioners Pitcher and Gaither - both spiritually stirring and eliciting deep personal transaction with God. Hallelujah. And, praise God, there are probably hundreds of excellent preachers that bless their soldiery every week but who we don't yet get to hear (wait a few more years and maybe they will all be podcast). But we celebrate these preachers as representative of the mighty thousands through our history who have shaken hell and heaven with their fiery obedience.
----
We had our annual review yesterday with Major Stan Folkins. He plays a key role in one of the immortal SA exchanges (right up there behind 'I'm no volunteer!'). On the platform at Massey Hall, before thousands of Salvationists, back in the day when appointments were still a surpise, the bright-eyed Cadet Folkins stood before Commissioner Arnold Brown who asked, "where would you like to be appointed?" The Cadet quickly replied, "Where He leads me I will follow," which Brown responded, "Where I send you, you will go."
----
The Major also recounted the story of Peter Wagner being recuited to join many local churched upon his return from missionary service. He was invited to sign on the dotted line to become a member at every one but one. Dr. Paul Cedar's church also invited him to join, but let him know when the mandatory church membership classes met each week. Wagner chose this church. We love this story, as we've got pretty high standards for soldiership, which incoming soldiers have to meet before we'll accept their transfers (we still want all of you staff officers - and your loaded cartridges - but you'll want to follow Wagner's example and jump through the hoops -- note to barmy army - we don't have any staff/institution officers yet...).
----
SA daily reading: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16 (nice to see that the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers once they were given a strong direction by the Jerusalem council leadership).
God is here.
Much grace,
SeC
posted by Stephen Court

February 8, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
Moves day in UK. God bless the movers and the stayers.

Here's a bit on early salvo discipleship:
----
“Great crowds of working people came to hear me preach; a large number were convinced of sin by the Holy Spirit, and many of them responded to my invitations to come to Christ for salvation. Encouraged by what I saw in Whitechapel, and finding other parts of the Metropolis equally necessitous, I visited some of them, with equally gratifying results. Much enthusiasm was created and many of the converts became my regular coworkers.

“These I met regularly every week, personally instructing them in the things of God, counselling them in the difficulties that they had to contend with, encouraging them to persevere, and showing them how to do the work they had undertaken.

“Some of the converts resided in other parts of London, and they soon commenced themselves to hold meetings, and to win souls in their own localities. I was entreated to care for these also... I was... driven to select men and women who I knew to be lovers of souls and living holy lives, for the purpose of caring for these new converts... The Lord was with them in great power, and hundreds of wicked and godless people were converted and united together in separate societies. (General William Booth)
----
This is a living example of systematic discipleship with the purpose of multiplication. Here, there is evidence of incarnation, accountability, instruction in the Word, training, standards for leadership, and fighting. This is the model for us all.
----
SA daily reading: Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15.
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

New Monasticism #8...

This is the 8th mark of NM communities:

"8) Support for celibate singles alongside monogamous married couples and their children."

Ok, growing up in TSA, you knew that if you had a hard time finding a date, you could always go to Training College and get married. Or you could head off to THe William and Catherine Booth Marital College.

There is a very heavy emphasis on getting married in the Church. I'm sure all my single friends would love to have a twoonie for everytime they've been asked the question, "So, when are you getting married?"

Being single is, I think, viewed as being slightly suspicious. "What could be wrong with him? Is he afraid of commitment? Does he had B.O.? Does he even (gulp) like girls?"

We've had a few people getting hitched up here through War College, with surprising and joyously celebrated engagement moments to boot (one is even on youtube!) And we have had a lot of families come and live and minister here - usually big families too - as part of the prophetic acting out of setting the lonely in families.

But I hope we do a good job at valuing single folk as well. The call to be single is not one that many seem to want. I don't have it, but I do see it as a beautiful call on someone's life. There are many things chaste, single folk can do that I simply cannot due to family responsibility (and I'm not thinking here of hanging out with the boys or going to movies whenever they like).

It is very important for us to see God at work in everyone's present circumstance, and not to set an expectation that you are only "complete" once you have found your "life-mate." You are complete and full once you have been joined with God.

On that note, I believe we are having a marriage ceremony in the near future in which one of my cell-mates will be betrothed to Jesus. We're weird that way.

Grace,

Aaron

Child Porn Ring Busted

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Austria-uncovers-global-child-porn-ring/2007/02/08/1170524214776.html

grace
sec

February 7, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Have you visited the sites I blogged yesterday (Rob Reardon's Gowans preach; ON FIRE; Rowan Castle's album)?

Andy Bailey is a hardcore evangelist in Birmingham at the 614 Birmingham Corps. Here is a taste of some southern-fried salvationism (enjoy - hundreds who get saved there do; oh, and they started a cool battle school - ask him about it):
bloodandfire-evangelism.org

And the 100 Most Influential Salvationists List over at JAC is stirring up some discussion, which is part of the point. The other point is to inspire us to climb up on some massive shoulders and go on to even greater things in Jesus' name. Anyway, here is some discussion between a prominent salvo in the blogosphere and me:
----
INEXCUSABLE OMISSIONS

James Dowdle – evangelism, officer-making, international role-model of Salvationism
sc- I'm a Dowdle fan and quote him sometimes: (to cadets, SA201) "I know I'm not as well learned about Aristotle as a good many of you; but one thing I do know, and that is all I want - how to get souls saved" (George Scott Railton, COMMISSIONER DOWDLE, p57).
Frank Smith – early leader in USA and key influence on William Booth for social reform ministry, ‘Father of Salvation Army Social Work’ (Murdoch)
Henry Howard OF – administration, officer-making, inspiration behind the ICO
sc- We quote Howard in SA101, too: ‘‘Sincerely ask the Lord to cleanse and sanctify and anoint you with the Holy
Spirit. Let God take full possession of you; let the Divine Power be exerted upon your particular difficulty, and seek to be wholly anointed with that Holy Spirit’’ (Commissioner T. Henry Howard, STANDARDS OF LIFE AND SERVICE, 94).
John Lawley – evangelism, music, international role-model of Salvationism
sc- You have to love Lawley ("Sing it again, Lawley" was a phrase WB apparently repeated often during prayer meetings following his preaches) but there is quite a logjam in the music category. To include him in the evangelism category is an interesting possibility (but he didn't get nominated).
Mildred Duff – early slum work, writing
sc- great choice.

WOULD LIKE TO SEE INCLUDED:

Emma Booth-Tucker – female officer-making
sc- the knock against her might be her name. I mean, there is already one Booth-Tucker and a handful of Booths there. Her India appointment was more famous for her husband. And her USA command, though a great model for The Army (she and her hsuband were both national commanders) she got promoted to glory pretty early on in a train accident.
Theodore Kitching – pacifism, influential with Booth family, raised a General!
sc- another name issue - his son made the list.
David Rees – evangelism, officer-making
Kate Lee - role-model of officership
sc- she's a legend and represents slum sisters through history (and slum brothers).
Deva Sundaram – visionary pioneer in south India
sc- as I note in the article, we lack a strong non-Western contribution. There are some African, Japanese, Indian names, but not enough. Sorry.
Fritz Schaaf – pioneer in Germany
Hedwig von Haartman – pioneer in Finland
(there are several other pioneers admittedly…)
Phil Wall – unprecedented renewal in UK, spreading to the Western SA
sc- Phil Wall is a legend. And he was nominated. The bias, as the article suggests, was with dead people, so in the case of a tie, we went with the dead person.
Ray Steadman-Allen OF – music
sc- sure, a worthy pick. But we're back at the music logjam.
----
What about preachers? (comment to revolution @ mm cc xx . net). And, father and son Kirby, both OF, were both nominated - the tie breaker went with Sr.
----
SA daily reading: Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14 (note that Paul and Barnabas returned to Pisidion Antioch, and Iconium, and Lystra, and appointed elders - they'd left somewhat abruptly).
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

New Monasticism #7...

Here is the seventh mark of a New Monastic Community:

"7) Nurturing common life among members of intentional community."

This one is a biggie, and really tough. We have a bit of a tag line here of "building authentic Christian community", and we have certainly been trying. But I think we're still in the baby stages.

First, we have to learn to love each other. I think we all want to, and it sounds great, but it can be really hard in practice. We have a large group of people living together in a small space, and they are on the forefront of learning how to deal with each other and each other's idiosyncracies on a day to day basis.

The biggest problems, in any kind of community, are precipitated by the smallest things. Cleaning up. Taking messages. Noise and visitors. Cleaning up. Cleaning up.

I've lived in close community with a large number of people before (and am currently living with 5 other people, most of whom are very, very short and call me "Daddy"), and I know how hard it can be. Community doesn't happen by accident, no matter how appealing the "Friends" lifestyle looks. Community, especially amongst people who are very different, and come from disparate life backgrounds, requires intentional work, humility, and sacrifice.

This doesn't mean you must lose your individuality. But it does mean we have to lay down our own rights, (and our precious little wrongs) and consider others better than ourselves.

Learning intentionally how to live for other people. Especially people who don't always do their dishes in a prompt and satisfactory manner (guilty!). Hard stuff. But it is the stuff of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

And why would anyone want to join our community if it is not truly evident that we love one another, warts and all?

Grace,

Aaron

Climate Change...

Steve and I could go back and forth on this concerning the climate change that humans are causing. Not much point though. I'm not a scientist. Nor is Steve. Nor, certainly, is Mark Steyn. :) So we don't stand a great chance of interpreting the meterological data for anyone else.

In matters like these, it does come down to who you trust, really. There are scientists who will tell us different things (which in no way negates the point of science. People are supposed to disagree and fight it out and let the best theory win.)

As for me, the vast weight of peer-reviewed scientific journals and articles, as far as I can discern, support the theory that the world is heating up rapidly due to human factors.

What I really don't understand is who benefits from this, if it is indeed one big hoax?

I can understand people who get their support from the oil and gas lobby wanting to find that gas-guzzling SUV's have no environmental impact whatsoever.

But who is gaining from the idea that the earth is heating up? The powerful bike lobby? Owls?

At any rate, the real point is that we are called, as children of the Creator, to take care of Creation. Unless you are of the mind that taking care of the environment will slow down the Apocalypse, in which case....buy an SUV, I guess.

:)

Grace,

Aaron

Climate Change?

Here is Mark Steyn's latest article from the Chicago Sun-Times, on climate change. I recommend it for all the true believers in global warming:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/steyn/241518,CST-EDT-STEYN04.article
grace
sec

February 6, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!
Lots of news today:

Lieutenant Rowan Castle, who leads the (salvo) REVOLUTION congregation in Adelaide, has a new album (warning - loud) that you'll want to check out:
www.myspace.com/revolutionheadquarters

Captain Rob Reardon has uncovered a classic General Gowans preach on Diversions that you will want to catch here:
www.myspace.com/robreardon
Gowans tells us that Holy Spirit originally thought up The Salvation Army as a 'converting machine'! (big applause) He also riffed on 'all roads in The Salvation Army lead to the Mercy Seat!' (juicy stuff)

Those interested in the Coach Tony Dungy interview and wanting more grist for evangelising sinner football fans can go here:
http://www.beyondtheultimate.org/

And, we're psyched that On Fire Magazine is back up and running with new issues (bottom right in links). The current issue has an interview with Commissioner Carloyn Knaggs that you'll want to read. On Fire blessed us with an article in the current JAC (top right) by Captain Geoff Webb (erroneously promoted in our January 13 blog to Major - oops). Thanks, On Fire!

SA Daily reading: Leviticus 1-3; Acts 13 (did you notice that Paul left no one in charge of his baby outpost when he abruptly left for Icononium?).
God is here.
Much grace
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Superbowl Thoughts...

Great game, well done Colts!

The Tony Dungy quotes at the end were very good. As soon as he mentioned "doing it the Lord's way", I turned the person beside me and said, "Steve is going to blog that."

Interestingly, I was reading about the game online afterwards, and Tony Dungy's quotations were shortened to eliminate his mention of God.

Prince - Best. Halftime. Show. Ever.

As for the pre-game show, nothing says Football like Cirque de Soleil!

Best announcer quote: "You got to keep your eyes on the luggage!" (Shannon Sharpe, referring to not fumbling the football).

Rex Grossman - Worst. Superbowl. QB. Ever.

More Tony Dungy - this man has huge ears. Looks like a Volkswagen with the doors open. But a great coach nonetheless.

How do you time the supersonic jets to fly by just as Billy Joel (the Piano Man) finishes a mercifully short version of the Star Spangled Banner?

I ate a LOT of chips and ju-jubes yesterday.

My prediction for next year's Superbowl? Colts 35, Saints 28.

Grace,

Aaron

February 5, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

Well, Andrew Bale is Google Earthing intercession (see his blog - top right (UK) for details and to participate). It looks fun.
----
Here's a good line from General Kitching regarding The Salvation Army (hat tip a brand new Witness for Christ - Narelle U):

"I hope we are as good as people think we are."
----
There was a big football game last night. For those not in to it, much, let me relay a bit of the interview following (this immediately followed the owner thanking God again and again). The intereviewer Jim Nantz noted that this game had social significance. Winning coach Tony Dungy acknowledged that this was the first NFL championship game with two 'African American' coaches and that this was a good day for America. But then he continued (and I paraphrase) - but I'm more proud of this socially significant fact: two Christian coaches. We've demonstrated that you can win the Lord's way.
----
Now, that doesn't sound too impressive on its own except that during the game the announcers made a big deal that Coach Dungy never swears and never even raises his voice to his players. Basically, they testified to his godly character, and then after the game he testified to its source and motivation. It was good.
----
SA daily reading: Exodus 39-40; PSalm 15; Acts 12.
God is here.
much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Another Great Quote...

Here is a great holiness quote from C. S. Lewis:

"When he said, 'Be perfect,' he meant it. He meant that we must go in for the full treatment. It is hard; but the sort of compromise we are all hankering after is harder - in fact, it is impossible. It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird; it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad....

If we let him - for we can prevent him, if we choose - he will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which relects back to God perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) his own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less."

From "Mere Christianity", bk 4, chs 8,9

So, last one to heaven is a rotten egg.

:)

Grace,

Aaron

February 4, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

I attended a tight conference this weekend (stay tuned for MISSING conference next year, aimed at helping leaders reach missing kids with the gospel) in Seattle. Good stuff, top to bottom. There were some great plenary sessions. In one of them, we were convinced that Sunday morning at 9:30am is not a great time for Sunday School. One reason given is that kids of divorced parents are at one parent's one weekend and at the other's the next, making them unlikely to come consistently. There were other reasons. It seemed to me that the very same reasons given for changing Sunday School to another day from Sunday (e.g. one of kids playing soccer) apply to adults at 11am (the parent who gets the kid every other Sunday; the parent who takes the kid ot soccer; etc.). Why aren't people flocking to knock out Sunday at 11?

Have you read Geoff Webb's article in the new JAC yet (top right)?

Have you seen the 100 Most Influential Salvationists List? Here is the Preachers category:
Preaching
Allister Smith Jr. – worldwide revivalist
Gypsy Smith – popular evangelist
Rhoda Sainsbury –Newfoundland legend; “Miss Salvation Army”.
Samuel Hurren – ‘wonderful orator’
Margaret Hay – UK Preacher of Year
Arthur Pitcher – holiness story teller
Israel Gaither – craft weds passion

What do make of that list (remember that there are no duplicates- that is, William Booth made it for leadership and so cannot make it for preaching)? Gaither's new biography has a sweet photo from the early 60s of the National Commander as a guard for the Cadets basketball team (p30, I think).

SA daily reading: Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11.
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

Quote for the Day...

"Those who take up the sword die by the sword. Those who refuse to take up the sword die on the cross."
(Gene Edwards, "The Prisoner in the Third Cell")

That's good. The way of Christ is not the easy out, the safe option. Both ways lead to death. Only one promises life afterwards.

Grace,

Aaron

News on Climate Change...

Drove through Stanley Park the other day. I grew up in Vancouver regularly visiting this huge beautiful park filled with ginormous, ancient trees. Probably half the trees are now lying on their sides since the huge wind storms we have had in Vancouver this winter. It is an unbelievable sight. We haven't had recorded wind storms like this in Vancouver for hundreds of years.

So it got me thinking about climate change. One of the suggested results of warmer global temperatures is "super storms" in unusual locations, and an increase in the intensity of tornados and hurricanes where they normally come.

I know some people still don't buy into the global warming thing. From all I've read and researched, the evidence seems incontrovertible. Our planet is warming up, and we are probably to blame.

Here is some interesting news on the climate change front:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070203/ap_on_sc/france_climate_change

Grace,

Aaron

Forgot the Super Bowl Pick...

Colts over Bears, 31-27. I have been rooting for the Colts for 10 years, so I really want them to win. I am worried about the Bears, because good defense usually beats good offense, and all the Bears have done this year is win in spite of their brutal QB (whose name, Rex Grossman, seems to mean "King Big Man", or perhaps, "King Fat Man".)

Still, I think Manning et al will pull this one out.

Grace,

Aaron

New Monasticism, and Super Bowl Pick...

Just to remind people, I'm going through the 12 marks of New Monasticism, as identified by the Schools of Conversion, and seeing how much we have in common here with these principles. So far, it seems there is a kind of parallel development thing going on. Here is mark #6:

"6) Intentional formation in the way of Christ and the rule of the
community along the lines of the old novitiate."

We agree that discipleship doesn't just accidentally happen. It is meant to be intentional. So to be part of our community you don't have to pass tests or anything, but we do want people to enter into intentional discipleship. The first step is joining a cell group. This is the access point into deeper community with us, into fellowship and worship and teaching and service.

Cell-mates are encouraged to take War Room shifts, help serve at our Re:Cr8 cafe, come to our weekly prayer meetings, be involved in an accountability / discipling relationship, and generally be involved in community life. At no point do we ever ask anyone to sacrifice a chicken.

We also take soldiership very seriously. Even to transfer in to our Corps, there are some "hoops" to jump through. People have to be saved and clean for a year, willing to wear uniform, have read (or heard on CD-ROM) the entire Bible, memorise the doctrines, have read the O+R for soldiers, and a few other things. Again, we take it seriously, as everyone should. No one should go into this covenant blind. It is for life, after all, and we don't want people making covenants they don't really intend to keep.

All of this might seem severe, but it is essential for community. It takes awhile when people come in to adjust to the reality of living down here, and the reality of living in community in which someone else's spiritual well being really matters to your own.

Grace,

Aaron

Good Words on Justice...

Referring to the "race and reconciliation" mark of NM, here are a couple of excellent excerpts:

Excerpt from "Christian Social Responsibility" from the 1974 Lausanne Covenant:

"We affirm that God is both the Creator and the Judge of all men. We therefore should share His concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men from every kind of oppression. Because mankind is made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive. The message of salvation implies also a message of judgement upon every form of alienation, oppression, and discrimination, and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist..."

Excerpt from "the Letter to the Churches" from the Wheaton '83 Conference:

"The reality of the presence of the Kingdom gives us the courage to begin here and now to erect signs of the coming Kingdom by working prayerfully and consistently for more justice and peace and towards the transformation of individuals and societies. Since one day God will wipe away our tears, it grieves us to see people suffer now; since one day there will be perfect peace, we are called to be peace makers now; since one day we will enjoy full salvation, we have to oppose deprivation and injustice now. We humbly yet urgently call upon you to stand with us in this ministry of practicing love, seeking to restore the dignity of human beings created in the image of God."

Let's live this out.

Grace,

Aaron

February 2, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

If you've not slipped over the brand new JAC yet, please go. Here is a taste from the 100 Most Influential Salvationists List. Here are 10, influential in music:
Dean Goffin – 1st grand productions; composer
Eric Ball – composer
Charles Fry – 1st Brass Band
Eric Leidzen – composer
Sidney Cox – song writer
Richard Slater – Father of Salvation Army Music
Bill Himes OF - composer
Arthur Gullidge – composer; bandmaster of 2/22 Battalion Band of Salvationists that died in WW2 battle
Joy Webb OF – Joy Strings
John Larsson – musicals
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Yes, many are missing from the list. You may want to weigh in (revolution @ mm cc xx . net). See the other ninety names in the new issue of JAC.
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And the new SA justice commission at the UN (I'm putting two and two together here) is stirring up much discussion and excitement. It could jack up our influence and straighten out some terrible injustices worldwide (this is optimistic, what with the current membership of the human rights council:
http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/membership.htm).

SA daily reading: Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9.
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

February 1, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

The new issue of JAC is out (#47 - top right).

Doug Burr (top right) has unofficial shots of every War College session.

And big news on the international front...
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On 1 July 2007 a new unit of International Headquarters will come into being to be known as the International Social Justice Commission (ISJC). It will be led by a senior officer who will carry the designation of International Director for Social Justice. The Commission and the Director will be attached to the office of the Chief of the Staff.

The first Director of the ISJC will be Commissioner M Christine MacMillan, presently serving as the Territorial Commander in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. (Please see the international appointments bulletin that is being issued at the same time as this letter.)

Although part of International Headquarters, the Commission’s offices will be based in New York in the USA Eastern Territory. I record warmest thanks to Commissioner Lawrence Moretz and his staff for splendid help in this regard.

Allow me to outline the shape and main purposes of the Commission:
1. The Director will lead a small team of full-time specialists, all of whom will be committed Salvationists.
2. The Commission will be a permanent, standing body.
3. A panel of expert international consultants will be created.
4. The Director and staff will be the Army’s principal international advocate and adviser on social, economic and political issues and events giving rise to the perpetuation of social injustice in the world. They will assist the Army in addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner, consistent with the purposes for which God raised up The Salvation Army.
5. The Commission will advise the General and other senior leaders at IHQ in matters of social justice.
6. It will absorb and extend the current work of the Moral and Social Issues desk at IHQ, re-introducing an International Moral and Social Issues Council (IMASIC).
7. The Commission will expand and develop the Army’s role and influence within the United Nations, supervising and co-ordinating the work now being done in New York, Vienna and Geneva.
8. It will place on a more systematic and effective basis the role of the Army in relation to other major world forums, advising the General on representation therein.
9. The Commission will liaise regularly with territorial and other Army groups engaged in social justice advocacy, seeking to ensure a co-ordinated approach and offering encouragement and guidance.
10. It will liaise with territories and commands where as yet little is being done in relation to issues of social justice, seeking to find ways in which such a role can be undertaken by the Army in the local setting.
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(for those keeping score, our TC will be replaced by Commissioner William Francis)
God is here.
SA daily reading: Exodus 30-32; Acts 8.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

January 31, 2007.
Greetings in Jesus' name, friends.
He is risen!

sendthefire.ca is back up and running after nearly a year hiatus. Welcome back! This is a Canada and Bermdua Territory SA website aimed at teenagers. So, spread the word for such people.
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And, a teaser for the 47th issue of JAC, coming out tomorrow, notes from the editorial intro:
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We'll start of with The First JAC Most Influential Salvationists List. This 100 person list is derived from 197 selections by veteran Salvationists. Decisions on ties fell to the editor! It promises to stir much discussion and, we expect, love and good deeds for God's glory and the salvation of the world. It is the first draft of the list, and we welcome nominations from readers (see the article for details).

Captain Geoff Webb wonders if it is Time To Grow Up? for The Salvation Army. His theological look at the state and future of Salvationism considers current thinking and action in light of foundational callings. He weighs in on essence v. form and the relevance/identity continuum before suggesting five elements basic to the essence of The Salvation Army and the potential impact of an embrace of them.

Commissioner Harris reviews two new books: LEADERSHIP IN THE SALVATION ARMY, by Major Harold Hill, and ISRAEL L. GAITHER -- MAN ON A MISSION, by Colonel Henry Gariepy. This will give you a taste of both books o subjects on which Salvationists should know more (and, both Gaither and Gariepy show up on the Influential list!).

We move in the prophetic section of the issue with contributions from Captain Andrew Clark and Andrew Bale. Clark's bit is a chapter from the forthcoming book SALVATIONISM OUT LOUD and is called Salvation Army Take Your Place. Bale's is a word for western territories based on Isaiah 1. We invite you to prayerfully consider these words in the context of Major Janet Munn's prophetic word in early 2007 that "The Salvation Army is coming into its finest hour." God grant it.

Commissioner Harris comes back with If It Ain't Broke..., a suggestion for system advance in The Salvation Army. Olivia Munn lends us an excerpt from the forthcoming holiness book aimed at teens, THE UPRISING: a holy revolution?, called Freedom. And there is another short excerpt from another forthcoming book, ARTICLES OF WAR: a revolutionary midrash (by Booth and Court), called Words Have Power.

Finally, Patricia King gives us a devotional study entitled, Destinies and Dreams Come Forth.

Our goal with this issue is to stir the entire Salvation Army to renewed passion and mission. How do you fit in? You can promote it mercilessly to friends, comrades, family, workmates, schoolmates, acquaintances, and strangers in person, over the phone, by text message, via email, in bulletins, through prayer, by sharing hard copies, and on websites. When you finish, his the JAC archives (46 issues to enjoy) and the armybarmy.com blog. Here's to world conquest over sin and the devil!
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SA Daily reading: Exodus 28-29; Acts 7.
God is here.
Much grace,
sec
posted by Stephen Court

New Monasticism (NM)

Here's the fifth (?) mark of an NM community:

"Humble submission to Christ’s body, the church."

This may actually be the hardest one, particularly for church-planting types, emergent churchers, mission-minded folk, anyone who isn't content with the status quo, really. Thomas Merton talks about how the Church is at the same time conservative (holding to tradition, doctrine, etc...) and revolutionary (out to change reality). It's a really tough mix.

We do tend to attract those who don't "fit in" to "regular" Church here. Many people as well have come here after suffering great pain at the hands of their Church. The best we can offer is healing for those wounds, but also freedom from them, so they don't carry around a bitterness for God's bride. How we love each other, micro and macro, really matters for community, holiness and mission.

I don't really think this mark is talking exclusively about the organisational hierarchy of the Church though. It is looking broader at the body of Christ, in all the various manifestations it takes around the world, and throughout history. The point of this, I believe, is to locate our community firmly within the body of Christ, not somehow arrogantly outside of it and special. So it means we have to deal with all the yucky stuff that sometimes oozes out of the Body, but also that we are not going this alone. We can and must cooperate, learn from each other, accept correction when needed, and give correction when appropriate.

We do ok at this down here. We partner with anyone else in the body that will have us, and try to be submissive to leadership and honourable to everyone. Pride is an ever-present danger, of course, so we have to be careful not to put ourselves above anyone, not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Can always use your prayers in this area though.

Grace,

Aaron