Faith & frıends Inspiration for Living November 2005 www.salvationarmy.ca KATRINA’S AFTERMATH Stories of hope from the disaster zone Crystal Meth Menace Joaquin Phoenix Walks the Line Struck by Lightning
Climbing the Corporate Ladder? Some people spend their whole lives trying to make it to the top. They don’t care what they have to do, or who they have to step on, to get there. But, when they reach the last rung, they realize there’s nowhere left to go. We all have spiritual hunger that can’t be satisfed by reaching a higher tax bracket, accumulating grown-up toys or climbing the corporate ladder. Our hearts require real nourishment. The love of family and friends, personal integrity, a secure connection to God—these are the things that feed the soul. Have you chosen a life course that leads to a destination that matters? “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”—Mark 8:36 If you would like to learn how to fnd fulflment, mail the card inside, visit our Web site at www.salvationarmy.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4
November 2005 Volume 8 Number 11 page 16 page 6 Thanksgiving in November 6 As the veterans move on, it seems too easy for this generation to forget the incredible sacrifce made by millions for our freedom Taking It to the Streets 16 In The Salvation Army, our place is with the marginalized—with people who are as hungry for meaningful relationships as they are for their next meal Eye of the Storm 10 Hurricane Katrina swept through the southern United States with devastating wrath. The Salvation Army aided the hungry, dying and displaced. Read the stories of hope from the disaster zone features Photo: Frank Duracher November 2005 November 2005 Faith & friends friends |
Last summer Hurricane Katrina struck the southern United States with a vengeance, submerging the entire city of New Orleans and wreaking havoc up and down the coast. The news showed people stranded on rooftops, dangling from rescue helicopters and lying on cots in the Houston Astrodome. Even more horrifying were the images of those who had drowned, foating in fooded streets. Fortunately, relief agencies such as The Salvation Army were on hand to assist with food, clothing and shelter. They were a beacon of hope to those who had lost everything. What do you do when disaster strikes? Where do you turn? This issue of Faith & Friends shares stories of hope in the midst of the devastation. Read about a man struck by lightning, a woman who lost her children and a couple consumed by gambling and alcohol—all found God’s peace in the midst of life’s storms. After Katrina, one the most powerful TV images was of an Anglican pastor standing amid the ruins of his church, leading worship for those who were still trapped in the city’s foodwaters. Faith is something that no storm can erase. God is present, even when circumstances threaten to overwhelm us. In the words of the Psalmist: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2). —Geoff Moulton, editor Miss ion Stat e m ent To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith. Faith &friends is published monthly by The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London England EC4P 4EP William and Catherine Booth Founders John Larsson General Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan territorial commander Lt-Colonel Ray Moulton editor-in-chief Geoff Moulton senior editor Timothy Cheng art director Brandon Laird senior graphic designer Lt-Colonel Marilyn Moulton assistant to the editor-in-chief Linda Leigh proofreader Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the New International Version Phone (416) 422-6226 Fax (416) 422-6120 Website www.salvationarmy.ca E-mail [email protected] Subscription for one year, including shipping and handling Canada $16.50; U.S. $21.50; Foreign $23.50 Phone (416) 422-6112 [email protected] All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 When the Levy Breaks | Faith & friends November 2005 fiFAITH~ rienus
God In My Life Struck by Lightning 12 While out for an evening jog, Ed Wong got the shock of his life when he was knocked to the pavement by a bolt of lightning Someone Cares Trophies of Grace 18 Allister and Eunice Reid found solace at the bingo hall and the bottom of a bottle, until friends pointed them in a new direction Analyze This The Dark Crystal 21 It’s cheap, easy to produce and more addictive than crack cocaine. The crystal meth menace wants to sink its teeth into your community Lite Stuff Recipes, Crossword, Fun 24 Faith Builders Walk the Line 26 Country crooner Johnny Cash gets the biopic treatment with Joaquin Phoenix playing the Man in Black Beyond Borders “Living in That Ditch Defned Me” 27 After losing everything to creditors, Edgar got a hand up from The Salvation Army Hot Topics When Children Die 28 Lillian Baker knows about suffering and loss. Four of her fve children died prematurely, but she discovered God’s peace in the midst of tragedy departments November 2005 Faith & friends |
Thanksgiving November in As the veterans move on, it seems too easy for my generation to forget the incredible sacrifce made by millions for our freedom by Phil Callaway | Faith & friends November 2005
More than 60 years ago my father served with the Canadian Armed Forces in the Second World War. As a boy, I loved listening wide-eyed to his wartime stories— some of which I am sure he made up. A few months ago, I asked Mom if I could see some of the correspondence and clippings from that turbulent period in their lives and she produced a tiny scrapbook containing black and white photos—some crystal clear, some badly faded—and letters from her brother, my Uncle Lorne. “When he was a small boy,” Mother said, smiling, “Lorne used to tell me: ‘If you ever feel like you’re dying, just keep running. As long as you keep running, your heart keeps beating and you can’t die.’ ” At age 24, Lorne found himself running through Europe, dodging Nazi bullets, fghting for the liberation of France. In a handwritten letter postmarked August 30, 1944, he wrote these words: Dear Mother and Dad, We are still going strong and every day sees us closer to home. There are several things you must get used to here—to know the sound of your own guns from the enemy, to take discomfort as it comes and also to admit that you have been scared. It is funny how a few days ago we were diving into our slit trenches. When the danger was past, we came out and laughed at each other’s fantastic jumps to safety. You must look at the lighter side of life here, for I’ve seen those who tried to restrain themselves give in to a case of bad nerves. War makes you think of many different things and all in the space of a minute. You might laugh, joke and pray all inside those 60 seconds and when it is all over you say: “Well, that wasn’t so bad. I feel ready for more.” During the last few days I’ve seen the real reason we are here. I’ve been greeted by these French people and the greeting is sincere. They have told their children of us, and they run and clasp our hands. A candy in their hand and you are a friend for life. One day soon it will be over and we’ll all go to our homes. Keep smiling Mom and Dad, and keep praying for us over here. One day soon we’ll all be ’round that table again, talking over the years gone by. Love to you all, Lorne November 2005 Faith & friends |
It was his last letter home. Seven days later Lorne was shot and killed by a sniper’s bullet. Each year on November 11, we Canadians gather for Remembrance Day with services and memorials intended to celebrate our freedom. But increasingly, as the veterans move on, it seems too easy for my generation to forget the incredible sacrifce millions of men and women made that we might be free. With that in mind, my wife and I finally summoned the courage to watch Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg’s haunting window on the days surrounding the Allied invasion at Omaha Beach. When the film was first released, war veterans broke down in theatres, many unable to process the memories invoked by the soldier’seye view of the horrors of battle. I don’t blame them. I sat with my trigger fnger on the remote control’s “fast forward” button during the first 30 minutes. And I must confess to covering my eyes with a pillow on two occasions. When the scene finally switches from the bloody beaches to a peaceful America, we see a mother glancing up from her sink as an army car creeps up the dusty driveway. Since her four sons enlisted, hoping to halt Hitler’s bloody advance, she has been praying this moment would never come. One of her boys must be gone. But the news is worse than she could have imagined. Three of her four boys are dead. And the fourth is missing. Stirred by the grief-stricken woman’s plight, U.S. army chief of staff, General George C. Marshall resorts to unusual measures. He orders Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), a hero of the Omaha Beach battle, to lead eight men across the picturesque French countryside to fnd the fourth son, paratrooper Private James Ryan. His mission: bring Ryan home alive. Though their mission is eventually accomplished, the cost is high. Most of the eight lose their lives, and in an act of the ultimate sacrifce, Captain Miller gives his own life to save Private Ryan. The film concludes in modern-day France as an aging war veteran shuffes up to a grave in the sea of white crosses memorializing those who died liberating the country. His family stands back, giving space to his memories. Five decades have passed since he was rescued and returned home. Five decades since the men gave their lives that he might live. Overcome by gratitude, Private James Ryan kneels before the tomb of Captain John Miller, and breaks down in tears, like his mother on that porch so many years ago. Turning to his wife at last, he cries: “Tell me … tell me that I’ve lived a good life.” She walks forward and wraps At age 24, Lorne found himself running through Europe, dodging Nazi bullets, fghting for the liberation of France | Faith & friends November 2005
her arms around him as they weep together. The tears come for me too, as I write. You see, I too have knelt before a cross. A cross that reminds me of the monumental sacrifce of the One who gave His life that I might live. And like Private Ryan, I feel a sense of unworthiness. Such love, such sacrifce, makes me want to do something. It seems to demand that I repay the Giver; that I sacrifce something in return. “Tell me,” I want to say, “that I’m worthy, that I’ve lived up to this, that I’ve done enough, that I’ve run fast enough.” Then comes the gentle reminder: “You haven’t, Phil. There is nothing you can do to deserve this. Just accept it, it’s all been done.” God’s fnished work in Christ Jesus has brought us salvation, redemption, reconciliation, resurrection and eternity with Him. His death has brought us life. His grace has brought us Home. What can we do but accept the gift and live the rest of our lives with thanksgiving, refecting that grace, mirroring for all around us the reality of the greatest punch line in all of history: God loves the unlovely, forgives the unforgivable. God Himself would rather die than live without us. Like Private Ryan, I feel a sense of unworthiness. Such love, such sacrifce, seems to demand that I repay the Giver Phil Callaway is editor of Prairie Bible Institute’s Servant magazine and a popular speaker. Visit him at www.philcallaway.com Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) leads eight men across the picturesque French countryside to fnd the fourth son, paratrooper Private James Ryan November 2005 Faith & friends |
Witnessing an “Act of God” Captain Todd Brewer, pastor of The Salvation Army in Alexandria, La., U.S.A., learned the “power” of a Salvation Army clothing voucher when a New Orleans couple that became separated during Hurricane Katrina was reunited in the Salvation Army’s social services offce. “A woman came into our office to get a clothing voucher. While sitting at the desk, her husband walked in to get a clothing voucher, and they saw each other,” said Brewer. “They got separated during the hurricane and hadn’t seen each other for days. He thought she was dead, and she thought he was dead.” It took Brewer, as well as his staff and volunteers, a couple of minutes to realize exactly what was taking place. “This couple was so thrilled to have found each other, they were almost to the point of falling on the floor. That was a real moment for all of us in the offce,” he said. “They are now at the same shelter, and I can guarantee you they won’t ever get separated again. “There are so many people who have been separated from their loved ones, and there are people who can’t even fgure out where they are themselves,” said Brewer. “To have witnessed this reunion in my offce is nothing short of an act of God. It was an overwhelming moment, but it’s moments like this that make you realize what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. The power of a clothing voucher—it’s amazing.” Choosing to Stay Behind Majors Richard and Fay Brittle, the New Orleans Area Commanders, were among the group that took refuge from the storm after deciding they could not safely move many of the people in their care in time to escape the storm. After waiting for more than five days without food and dwindling water supplies, Eye of the Storm Hurricane Katrina swept through the southern United States with devastating wrath. The Salvation Army aided the hungry, dying and displaced. The following are stories of hope from the disaster zone Photo: Frank Duracher 10 | Faith & friends November 2005
290 people, including 14 children and three gravely ill kidney dialysis patients, were airlifted from the Salvation Army facility in New Orleans and are recovering in Texas. National Guard and Coast Guard helicopters facilitated the successful rescue operation. Major Brittle reported that everyone was safe a day after the storm, then lost mobile telephone contact with his colleagues in the several days preceding the rescue. Contact was fnally made later in the week when the Brittles were able to get word that they were still trapped in the church and in desperate need of assistance. During the mid-afternoon airlift, Major Richard Brittle was injured while helping people load the helicopters. For Salvation Army offcers, the choice was clear. They could not abandon people in their time of deepest need. They chose to stay behind, putting the welfare of others above their own. Offering a Beacon of Hope “I’m The Salvation Army.” Captain John Falin must have repeated that phrase a hundred times in response to a myriad of questions. “It just seemed to be the answer that was appropriate because I didn’t have the answers that were needed,” said Captain Falin. “Questions like when does my bus leave, can you help me find my children, or I’m wounded and need medical attention.” These hurricane victims had been trapped on roofs with no food or water … they were landlocked in flooded houses … they were frightened by ruthless looters, but still they pushed through. Little children watched from the second floor of an unstable home saturated with water as human remains and snakes foated by their windows and they asked: “Am I gonna’ drown, Mama?” “As they arrived by helicopter from New Orleans by the thousands and hurriedly made their way to our site, I felded the questions, but all I really knew was how to give them hot dogs, water, point them in a direction and give them unconditional love,” said Captain Falin. “To fully participate in The Salvation Army’s mission, I must be willing to put my personal mission aside. That is the power of The Salvation Army. “The majority of us are ordinary people who are willing to sacrifice our personal goals to accomplish the larger goal,” said Falin. “When the thousands of wounded and terrifed victims need solace, practical needs and comfort … I am The Salvation Army.” The Salvation Army served between 150,000 and 200,000 victims of Hurricane Katrina daily, providing food, water, clothing, shelter and medical supplies Photo: Lyle Ratliff November 2005 Faith & friends | 11
I s this Laura?” asked the unfamiliar female voice on the phone. “I’m calling from the Vancouver General Hospital. I think you should make your way here. Your husband had an accident. He was struck by lightning.” No one could have predicted what happened to Ed Wong, a 38-year-old dentist, husband and father of twin boys. Under the advice of his doctor to get more exercise to reduce his cholesterol, Ed had recently taken up jogging. On the evening of June 14, 2005, after dropping off his sons at a band rehearsal at the Southmount Salvation Army church in Vancouver, he went for a run. He decided spontaneously to take a different route. Ed remembers jogging along the street one moment, then, in the next, lying on the pavement, looking up at strangers. “Lay still,” they yelled. “You have been hit by lightning. The fre department is on the way.” Shocking Events Ed was caught off guard by this “bolt from the blue.” No one expects to get hit by lightning. Although several dark clouds hovered in the area, there was no rain or hint of thunder. As he lay in shock on the pavement, he struggled to understand his predicament. Unable to speak, and not carrying any identifcation, all he could do was scribble down his phone num GOD IN My Life While out for an evening jog, Ed Wong got the shock of his life when he was knocked to the pavement by a bolt of lightning by Steve Pavey Struck by 12 | Faith & friends November 2005
ber on his own hand, so that his wife could be contacted. Those who know Ed, know that he is unique. His sense of humour is unparallelled. He calmly accepts life as it comes and does things that most people would fnd embarrassing. I frst met Ed at a music camp as a teenager, as he was being hoisted high in the camp dining room on a toilet amidst cheers of winning the “Mr Music Camp” award. Once I went to a movie with Ed during the Christmas season. He left his seat in the balcony of a crowded theatre, proceeded downstairs to the front row and led the audience in lively singing of Christmas carols before the movie began. Rather than restraining him, the ushers shone their fashlights on him, so that he could be better seen. But as brave as Ed is, he never Ed was wearing an iPod and the lightning current travelled up the headphone wires and into his ears, inficting severe damage Lightning Ed Wong lay unconscious in the burn unit for two days November 2005 Faith & friends | 13
expected to be jolted into that select group of people who suffer lightning strikes. His calm, carefree demeanour was about to be put to the test. Devastating Injuries While Ed lay unconscious in the burn unit for two days, a prayer chain began with a small group of friends in a conference room of the hospital. Soon, word of the incident spread, and prayer chains were forged across North America and as far as Hong Kong and Australia. Flowers were not permitted in the burn unit, but well-wishers sent Ed—a talented musician and drummer—signed drum sticks and drum skins. When he regained consciousness, Ed learned that he had suffered second-degree burns to 20 percent of his body, leaving him with permanent scars from head to toe. His jaw was broken in three places, and he lost 20 pounds while it was wired shut. As a dentist who has never had a cavity in his life, he discovered that he had broken 12 teeth that needed to be capped or replaced with implants. The most devastating injury was to his ears. While jogging, Ed was wearing an iPod and the lightning current travelled up the headphone wires, inflicting damage to his middle and inner ears, rendering him deaf. He has since gained back 15 percent of his hearing. With surgery, he hopes his hearing will be more fully restored. Supernatural Power Such trauma would cause the average person to question: “Why me?” or to say: “Life isn’t fair.” But Ed is not the average person. Immediately after the incident, he became concerned for his family. He also wanted to make sure his patients and work colleagues were looked after. In a series of e-mails sent out to family and friends, Ed referred to himself as “lightning boy,” and humorously assured them that he was fne. He thanked others for their prayers for him and his family. He joked that people hit with lightning sometimes gain a superpower of some kind, and wondered if he would become the next superhero. While he may not be Superman, Ed possesses a supernatural power that has enabled him to remain strong in spirit. As a teenager, his faith in God came alive after he was invited to work at a Salvation Army music camp where he bonded with several Christian friends, and was sparked by their example. Since then, his life has been a spiritual journey where he has come to know Jesus more through studying the Bible, being a part of the Church and offering his talents by leading a worship band. Face-to-Face With Mortality Throughout this traumatic experience, Ed never questioned his faith. Of his The charred remains of Ed’s clothing 14 | Faith & friends November 2005
injuries, he says: “My jaw, my hearing—that seems minor in comparison to what other people have to suffer through,” and he vows not to “sweat the small things in life.” His wife, Laura, holds the same faith. Her trust in God was never shaken, although she says: “It brought mortality right to our face.” They both believe that the experience has made everything they learned about God more real. Ed’s story is also a testament to the power of prayer. Ed’s doctors were surprised with his quick recovery. They expected him to be in hospital for at least a month, but he was discharged after only seven days. Ed knows that power comes to those who trust in God and walk with Him on a daily basis. Romans 12:2 describes how Ed wants to live his life—not conforming to the pattern of this world, but being separate from it. His focus isn’t the “why” of the lightning strike, but on how God can use this experience for good. Ed is thankful for the opportunity to spend the summer recuperating with family, cherishing their time together. He has returned to his dental offce, and is once again leading worship at his church. While there are some adjustments to be made in his life, Ed has electrifed many with his testimony of a superpower God who can overcome anything in this world. Unable to speak, and not carrying any identifcation, all he could do was scribble down his phone number Missing Persons The Salvation Army will help search for missing relatives. Send information to the Family Tracing Service Office, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4. Mark envelope “Inquiry.” Addresses will be forwarded to the inquirer only with permission of the person being sought. For more information, call Family Tracing at (416) 425-2111. FAIRFIELD, Bruce. Born 1957 in Ontario. Father’s name Auriel. Last contact 1998. Half brother inquiring. HAUSER, David. Born 1944 in Kitchener, Ontario. Mother’s name Anita. Last contact 1974. Cousin inquiring. MARK, John Russell. Born 1931 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Mother’s name Marion. Last contact 1981. Sister inquiring. MARK, Gordon Charles. Born 1928 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Mother’s name Marion. Last contact 1981. Sister inquiring. Ed’s family believes in the power of prayer November 2005 Faith & friends | 15
A couple of weeks ago I went back to the streets, hitching a ride in one of The Salvation Army’s kitchens-on-wheels that takes food to people living outside. It was good to be back. For almost 15 years I worked in downtown Vancouver with people who only come out when everyone else goes home. I was reminded of the gifts homeless people can give, if we hang around long enough to build a relationship. In the van, we stopped and shared meals. I ate with street people, learned their names, discovered something of their story and tried to build some trust in an area typically filled with suspicion. There’s much I appreciate about these people who have nothing to lose. They don’t have the same resources the rest of us have to package and hide their needs. They don’t have a dash of foundation to cover the facial bruise from an abusive partner. They don’t own a sharp suit that can hide an ocean of loneliness. And, of course, by definition they don’t have the ordered routine of four walls and roof, a status symbol that can cover over the chaos of inner fear. One of the most beautiful gifts offered by people at the margins is their transparency. They are their home. Unlike the rest of us, what they experience every minute of every day is home—and our perception of home is our perception of who we are. Meeting people on the streets means meeting them in a home of their own making. My job these days is to try and ensure that Salvation Army ministers, In The Salvation Army, our place is with the marginalized—with people who are as hungry for meaningful relationships as they are for their next meal by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan Territorial Commander for Canada and Bermuda Taking Streets It to t h e 16 | Faith & friends November 2005
staff and volunteers have the tools and resources to see the personhood of everyone they come into contact with. I don’t often get the opportunity to meet homeless people face-to-face. I miss their frankness. I miss being on the front line, trying to identify with the pain, suffering and hurt of people who are lost. Most days, the closest I come to the extreme edges of need is a painting in my offce that shows a picture of Jesus in a breadline. It’s a good reminder that while The Salvation Army extends its hand to humanity, our heart belongs to God. In our services, we have to be motivated not by sacrifce, but by mercy. Sacrifce calls attention to itself, it hollers out things such as: “Look what I’ve done for you—given up for you. I’m the hero.” But the fact is, seven nights in a hostel doesn’t fulfl anyone’s dream. On the other hand, God’s mercy is limitless— it doesn’t think of itself. It keeps on giving, which is what we have to do. In The Salvation Army, we feel that if we’re not with the marginalized, we’re not identifying with Jesus. If we’re not bringing people on the borderlands of society home to a wonderful sense of being affirmed and valued, then how can we hope to make the rest of society a better place? Early Salvation Army photographs of hostels showed dozens of beds, all empty, all neatly made and ready for the homeless. The pictures of today would show dozens of people. All of them unruly, with chaotic lives, vibrant dreams, deep sorrows and profound needs—one of which is a lack of shelter. Seeing the faces and knowing the names of the homeless, rather than just providing service, means we are seeing personhood and understanding the deep needs of relationship. And by establishing these close connections and building community supports, fewer people will need to keep coming back to our front-line services. Although I don’t minister on the streets much anymore, I know that a sense of homelessness, of being unsettled, rootless and disconnected from relationships, is not confned to those at the bottom of the economic ladder. When I walk into boardrooms of well-heeled donors, I know that there is homelessness there, too. It isn’t just a “bricks and mortar” problem, it’s an issue of the heart. “I ate with street people, learned their names and tried to build some trust in an area typically flled with suspicion” Leading by Example: As a young captain in The Salvation Army, Christine MacMillan patrolled the streets in downtown Vancouver November 2005 Faith & friends | 17
Trophies of grace. That’s what we used to call them in The Salvation Army. People who had been miraculously delivered from sin by the grace of God. They found new life in Christ in a dramatic way. It was a term of honour and respect. That is the term that burned itself into my consciousness when I first came to know Eunice and Allister Reid. Having survived the worst the devil could throw at them they were now alive in Christ, determined to follow Him without compromise. Eunice was born in McNeil Mills, Prince Edward Island, to a single mother, a good woman who took her children to church and Sunday school. The seeds of the Gospel were planted early in Eunice’s young heart. After finishing school, Eunice worked at Steadman’s in Summerside, PEI, and she married in her late teens. Eunice and her husband had three children and moved to Toronto, but SOMEONE Cares Trophies of Grace Allister and Eunice Reid found solace at the bingo hall and the bottom of a bottle, until friends pointed them in a new direction by David Hammond 18 | Faith & friends November 2005
the combination of abuse and alcoholism destroyed the family. Eunice was left to raise her children alone. Life was empty and Eunice found solace at the bingo hall. At first she thought it was a pleasant and harmless pastime, but as the years rolled on, gambling became her god, her all-consuming passion. She was forever dreaming of winning the “big one” at the nearest casino. In 1963, Eunice met Allister in a bar. Three years later they were married. Allister Reid was born in Dildo, Newfoundland, also to a single mother, who had given him to his grandmother, Mary Ann Reid, to be raised. Mary Ann saw to it that her young grandson attended both church and Sunday school at The Salvation Army. She was a good woman who not only “talked the talk” but “walked the walk.” Allister saw in her an example of a Christlike life. She was fond of quoting Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, “Judge not that ye be not judged” being a favourite verse. She instilled biblical truth in Allister’s heart. In spite of this, at 14, Allister rebelled against her teaching. Feeling rejected by his birth mother, he began to drink. “Everyone was doing it—my own family, friends and associates. It was almost as common as drinking a glass of water. From the beginning, I believed I could handle it. It never occurred to me that it was a problem.” For 44 years Allister indulged the habit until it was like an octopus sucking the very life of his soul. It came to the point where he began each day wondering where he could get the next bottle. Miraculously, during this time, Allister was able to keep regular employment and eventually, in 1995, established his own successful fabrication and mechanical installation business, ARM Services, in Pickering, Ontario. After many years away from God, through the death of a friend, Allister and Eunice came into contact with Majors Linda and Max Barrett, then corps offcers at West Hill Salvation Army church. Max became Allister’s mentor. Often the two would meet at Tim Hortons and their personal relationship deepened. Allister tells his own story: “At Jackson’s Point Men’s Camp in 2001, I stayed in a cabin with 10 other men. I seemed to be on the outside looking in—the only one who was not a Christian. On Saturday night, I thought Gambling became her god, her all-consuming passion. She was forever dreaming of winning the “big one” at the nearest casino November 2005 Faith & friends | 19
that no one would miss me if I slipped out to the local bar for a few drinks. Nevertheless, I went to bed. But at three in the morning I woke to fnd my sleeping bag soaked with perspiration. Unable to sleep, I took a shower and went for a walk along the shores of Lake Simcoe. “Sitting on a stone overlooking the lake, I buried my face in my hands and cried out to God: ‘I cannot go on this way any longer. Take this drinking habit from me, if You are real.’ When I lifted my eyes, the sun was breaking over the horizon, shimmering across the water, and I felt like the weight of the world had lifted off my shoulders. I saw nature as I never had seen it before—the trees, the birds—everything was different. I sat there with tears running down my face. “Later, I told the story to Max. We went back to the spot on the beach where it had happened and prayed together.” Allister gave his testimony at West Hill Salvation Army church that Sunday night and the men’s club gathered around him. “I still had liquor in the house,” he recalls. “I waited for two weeks, wondering if my new life was going to stick. Then I told Eunice to pour the stuff down the sink. From that day until now, four years later, I have never had an urge to drink. My bondage to Satan was over. My new life as a follower of Jesus Christ had begun.” God was not finished with the Reids, however. Eunice had been a gambler for 41 years, the last fve being her worst. She was obsessed. A year after Allister’s conversion, as she left the house one evening to follow her usual pursuits, she said: “This is the last time I will ever go to bingo.” And it was. On June 16, 2002, her friends at the Army were singing: “Coming soon, Jesus in all His glory.” Eunice knew this was her moment. Her heart was strangely warmed and she made her way to the front of the church where she prayed and found salvation. Now soldiers of the Whitby Salvation Army church, Eunice testifes: “These past four years, while not always smooth and easy, have been flled with a sense of peace and joy that we never knew while we lived in our drinking, gambling ways. Now we are determined to follow Jesus faithfully and bring others to know Him.” “I still had liquor in the house. I waited for two weeks, wondering if my new life was going to stick. Then I told Eunice to pour the stuff down the sink” 20 | Faith & friends November 2005
analyZe This Rachel was 14 when she first experimented with crystal meth. She was at a party when a new friend from school encouraged her to try it. Rachel liked the drug because she felt more active and started losing weight. It didn’t take long for her to get hooked. As she continued to use, her appearance changed from a healthy glow, to pale and thin, to full-out junkie. Even though she could see the change, Rachel couldn’t stop using. It’s cheap, easy to produce and more addictive than crack cocaine. The crystal meth menace wants to sink its teeth into your community by John McAlister November 2005 Faith & friends | 21
She went on week-long binges, disappearing from school and home. She frequently hallucinated, talking to people who weren’t there. When people approached her, she was irritable and hostile, feeling paranoid that they were out to get her. Three years of addiction followed. Three years of wasted life. Today Rachel is clean, but just barely. She hasn’t used crystal in fve months, but constantly has cravings. She will always carry the scars she got from picking at her skin, believing that it was crawling with insects. Sean’s Decline Near the end of the Grade 11 school year, Sean was feeling the pressure. He was playing on the school rugby team, competing in the provincial track championships, getting up early for school band rehearsals and worrying about fnal exams. Sean needed some additional zip to make it through to the weekend. So when friends talked about the rush or “fash” of crystal meth he decided to give it a go. Sean made it through to the weekend but he didn’t stop taking crystal. He started sneaking out late at night to fnd more of the drug and his life started to unravel. After missing too many practices and rehearsals, he was kicked out of rugby and the school band. He didn’t even bother showing up for the track meet. And his school work plummeted. In the summer he abandoned his old friends and began hanging out with other users and at a dealer’s house. He was barely home and by September, had dropped out of school. It wasn’t until he was arrested for dealing that he was forced to acknowledge his drug addiction. He knows he needs help but he can’t get clean. A Cheap High Crystal meth is a cheap high. It’s easily accessible to most teens. And it’s growing in popularity across Canada. Sadly, it’s also destroying lives. Crystal meth is the street name of methamphetamine, a synthetic drug that increases the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and rate of breathing. The drug produces hyperactivity, euphoria, a sense of increased energy and tremors. High doses or chronic use have been associated with paranoia. Withdrawal produces severe depression. Crystal meth use is becoming more common among teens due to its increased availability and cheap cost. In most areas of the country, teens can get a “point”—about onetenth of a gram—for $5-10, half the cost of an ecstasy tablet. At parties or dances, dealers sell meth as ecstasy to pocket the extra money, or give out free samples to try to get new users hooked on the drug. What’s even more alarming, meth can be made using At parties or dances, dealers give out free samples to try to get new users hooked on the drug 22 | Faith & friends November 2005
many common household items from cough medicine to camping fuel. Weight Loss Some teens use methamphetamine to lose weight, as it decreases the user’s appetite. Others use it to help them study, as it can initially help them stay awake and alert. But it doesn’t take long for users to become addicted— sometimes after one use. Crystal meth comes in many forms—usually translucent crystals— and can be smoked, snorted, injected or eaten. It’s also referred to as crystal, jibb, ice, shards, glass, tina and speed. It’s commonly sold in paper flaps, plastic baggies, tablets or capsules. Users usually begin feeling the effects within three to five seconds when smoked, and the initial high can last from eight to 16 hours. “Tweaking” Chronic abuse produces a psychosis similar to schizophrenia and is characterized by paranoia, picking at the skin, self absorption and auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behaviour is frequently seen among chronic, high-dose methamphetamine abusers. The most dangerous stage of the binge cycle is known as “tweaking.” Typically, during this stage, the abuser has not slept in three to 15 days and is irritable and paranoid. The tweaker has an intense craving for more meth, but no dosage will recreate the euphoric high. This causes frustration and leads to unpredictability and a potential for violence. Cure for Addiction One of the most addictive drugs available to youth, crystal meth is also one of the hardest to treat. Experts say that recovering meth addicts have a 92 percent chance of relapse, which is much higher than recovering cocaine addicts. As well, the withdrawal symptoms can be worse than with heroin or cocaine, making it diffcult for addicts to stop using the drug. The Salvation Army is passionate about restoring broken lives. We believe that only God can totally break through the barriers of pain, hurt and hopelessness that keep people from experiencing true freedom from addiction. If you’re struggling with crystal meth or another drug, try speaking to one of our many counsellors, pastors or youth workers who are there to help you. Look us up in your community phone book, or online at www.salvationarmy.ca. Symptoms of crystal meth use ⁄ Dilated pupils and rapid eye movements ⁄ Clammy, fushed skin ⁄ Increase in body metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure ⁄ Jitteriness, twitching and muscle spasms ⁄ Loss of interest in normal activities like eating, drinking, sex and sleeping ⁄ Compulsive and repetitive behaviour (e.g., picking at one’s skin, overzealous grooming behaviour, tooth grinding) ⁄ Hyper alertness, inability to focus on one task and rapid speech ⁄ Agitated, anxious, irritable, hostile, aggressive or even violent behaviour ⁄ Cracked lips, skin rashes or sores from scratching and itching ⁄ Extreme weight loss (the user will not eat or sleep for several days) November 2005 Faith & friends | 23
lite Stuff Recipes Pumpkin Spiced and Iced Cookies These cookies offer the moistness of pumpkin pie with the chocolaty sweetness of chocolate chips. INGREDIENTS METHOD Preheat oven to 190 C (375 F). Grease baking sheets. Combine four, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in pumpkin, eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in four mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle or spread with Vanilla Glaze. For vanilla glaze: Combine 250 ml (1 cup) powdered sugar, 23 ml (1½ tbsp) milk and 2 ml (½ tsp) vanilla extract in small bowl; mix well. Yields 36 cookies. Angel Hair Pasta and Chicken with Oriental Dressing Tangy Oriental dressing gives this pasta dish a distinctive fair. For an added touch, garnish with chopped peanuts. INGREDIENTS METHOD Combine peanut butter, sesame oil, vegetable oil, orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, mustard and chili oil in small bowl. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Toss pasta, chicken, green onions and dressing in medium bowl. Serves 4. 560 ml (2¼ cups) all-purpose four 7 ml (1½ tsp) pumpkin pie spice 5 ml (1 tsp) baking powder 2 ml (½ tsp) baking soda 2 ml (½ tsp) salt 250 ml (1 cup) butter or margarine, softened 250 ml (1 cup) granulated sugar 470 g (15 oz) pumpkin mix 2 large eggs 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract 12 oz (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate morsels 1 cup chopped walnuts vanilla glaze (recipe follows) 280 g (9 oz) angel hair pasta, cooked 75 ml (¹⁄³ cup) creamy peanut butter 75 ml (¹⁄³ cup) dark sesame oil 75 ml (¹⁄³ cup) vegetable oil 60 ml (¼ cup) orange juice 45 ml (3 tbsp) rice vinegar 30 ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey mustard 10 ml (2 tsp) hot chili oil 375 ml (1½ cups) cooked chicken, diced 75 ml (¹⁄³ cup) green onions, sliced 24 | Faith & friends November 2005
From Who Put My Life on Fast-Forward? © Mary Chambers and Phil Callaway www.boundlessmagazine.com This Salvation Army website celebrates youth and encourages their spiritual growth. It includes an online monthly magazine, podcasts and daily blog. Teens will fnd an online community where they can interact, be inspired and discover ways to positively impact the world. Copyright www.crosswordsite.com. Used with permission. . fatal; 11. 8 . torch; 7 : 1. stack; oss rcA Solution . 7 . here; 1 5 . posse; 14. screw; 1 3 later; 12. typo; 1 . 8 . halt; 2 7 . thing; 24. order; 2 3 . ache; 2 9 gypsy; 1 : 1. solo; own 1. peers D 3 0 spell; 3 . silly; 9 guide; 2 . 9 . taper; 6 . catchy; 5 . acts; 4. cheesy; 3 2. trash; . spouse; 8 . gentle; 1 7 . maths; 1 6 Tyre; 10. lower; 1 . eels 6 . ripe; 2 5 20. chair; 21. hill; 22. udder; 2 Across 1. Pile 7. Flashlight 8. Mortal 11. Afterwards 12. Printing mistake 13. Deputized group 14. Metal fastener 15. In this place 17. Wanderer 19. Continuous dull pain 23. Inanimate object 24. Command 27. Cease moving 28. Steer 29. Absurd 30. Magic charm 31. Friends Down 1. Musical composition for one 2. Rubbish 3. Performs 4. Tacky or cheap 5. Easily remembered 6. Reduce gradually 9. Ancient Middle Eastern seaport 10. Further down 16. Algebra and calculus, e.g 17. Mild 18. Husband or wife 20. Seat 21. Small mountain 22. Milk producer in cows 25. Matured 26. Long, slippery fsh Challenge Crossword November 2005 Faith & friends | 25 -~l Ir=-~-=::;_\ \ ~- - I !~ ------;i:_.._._-- __ .--
He picked cotton, sold door-to-door and served in the air force. He was a voice of rebellion that changed the face of rock ’n’ roll. An outlaw before today’s rebels were born—and an icon they would never forget. He did all this before turning 30. His name was Johnny Cash. A new movie, Walk the Line, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Cash, explores the early years of the music legend, an artist who transcended musical boundaries—including country, gospel, rockabilly, folk and blues. As his music changed the world, Cash’s own world was rocked by the woman who became the love of his life: June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). While Johnny Cash’s early abuses are welldocumented—drugs, alcohol, women—few people realize that he later renounced it all for a relationship with Jesus. Cash got his frst big break in 1956 with his No. 1 hit I Walk the Line. Two years later, he had published 50 songs and sold more than six million records. Fame and world tours followed, but so did drug and alcohol addiction, infdelity and self-destruction. His career began to suffer and his frst marriage fell apart. In his early years, Cash cultivated the persona of an outlaw. In Folsom Prison Blues, Cash sang: “I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.” The song sounded so authentic, people believed he had. But while he never did hard time, Cash knew what it meant to be enslaved to drugs, alcohol, pride and a broken marriage. In 1967, he decided to crawl into a cave on the Tennessee River and die. But in the darkness of that cave, Cash began to sense the presence of God’s Spirit. “I thought I’d left Him,” he recounts, “but He hadn’t left me. I felt something very powerful start to happen to me, a sensation of utter peace, clarity and sobriety.” When Cash left the cave, he resolved to break his addiction. While the path to redemption wasn’t easy, Cash knew that God could set him free. His wife and musical partner, June Carter, supported him in his sobriety, and kept him focused on God. By the end of his life, Cash had recorded more than 1,500 songs, contributed to nearly 500 albums and had 14 No. 1 country music hits. With his gravely voice and trademark black outfts, Cash was an American icon—a troubadour of hard times and troubled loves; of gamblers, thugs and hoboes; of desperation and sin; and of fnding salvation in Jesus Christ, “The Greatest Cowboy of Them All.” FAITH Builders Country crooner Johnny Cash gets the biopic treatment with Joaquin Phoenix playing the Man in Black by Steve Wilson Walk the Line Joaquin Phoenix as the young Johnny Cash in Walk the Line Photos: 20th Century Fox 26 | Faith & friends November 2005
T here’s a man living in a ditch,” said the distressed voice on the phone. She didn’t want to leave her name, just the location of where she found the man. She asked if someone could check on him. Following her directions, Salvation Army staff at the family and community services offce in Chatham, Ont., came across an elderly man with a scruffy beard and dirty, torn clothing. He was sitting on an embankment by the highway, enjoying the autumn breeze and watching the geese make their “V” formation as they few south. Nestled in the long grass was tattered cardboard that he used to protect himself from the elements and an old duffe bag containing a heavy coat and his medication. When we spoke to him, he quickly interrupted: “I don’t need help. I’ve taken care of myself all my life.” Edgar told us how he ended up living in that ditch. His wife of 44 years had died after a lengthy battle with cancer and his children had moved away. Although Edgar never had much money, he was always able to provide for his family. But in tough fnancial times he lost his house. Edgar tried to pay creditors, but kept falling short. His small pension wasn’t enough to pay rent, not to mention medications and monthly expenses. Edgar got discouraged, and eventually ended up in that ditch. We convinced Edgar to let us help him, arranging for him to stay at a local motel until we could move him into his own apartment. We furnished the rooms, stocked the shelves with groceries from our food bank and introduced him to our client support worker who transported Edgar to medical appointments and spent time visiting and praying with him. The days Edgar spent in that ditch are now a distant memory. He talks about how far he has come: “Living in that ditch defned who I was. Everything about me was dark, cold and alone—just like that ditch. Now, I’m doing OK. I’m healthy, happy and have help available when I need it. “Every day I watched a hundred cars drive past me. Most didn’t even know I was there. Thanks for stopping and sitting with me in that ditch.” A smile creases his face and his eyes begin to well up. “Now I know there are better days ahead. I’ll never have to live like that again.” Living in That Ditch Defned Me After losing everything to creditors, Edgar got a hand up from The Salvation Army by Tracy Fieldus Nestled in the long grass was tattered cardboard that he used to protect himself Beyond Borders November 2005 Faith & friends | 27
Chıldren When Die Lillian Baker knows about suffering and loss. Four of her fve children died prematurely, but she discovered God’s peace in the midst of tragedy by Barbara Hicks hot Topics 28 | Faith & friends November 2005
Most of us will never have to endure the heartwrenching experience of losing a child. Our children will outlive us by 20 years or more. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. But Lillian Baker knows that rules are sometimes broken. Lillian is the mother of fve children. She has buried four. As a child, Lillian experienced sorrow frst-hand. At only three years of age, Lillian cradled her baby brother, Frankie, as he lay dying. He had just suffered massive third-degree burns from boiling water in a tipped over kettle. Her mother, hysterical with the realization that Frankie was fatally scalded, placed her baby son in her little girl’s embrace. When Frankie died, her mother cried out: “God could have spared him, but He didn’t.” Lillian didn’t know who God was, but she now knew who God wasn’t. He wasn’t caring or loving. He let Frankie die. This same thought was firmly etched in Lillian’s mind years later when her frst daughter was born in 1954 with spina bifda and lived only a few days. “I took her death extremely hard,” Lillian recalls. “The nursery was ready; I had sewn clothes for the baby. I was broken. Outside I hid my loss, but inside there was such a void.” When she became pregnant a year and a half later, she worried about having an unhealthy baby, but little Susan was born healthy and bright. “Having Susan changed my life,” Lillian says. “I thought that maybe this was going to be the beginning of good things.” “The nursery was ready; I had sewn clothes for the baby. I was broken. Outside I hid my loss, but inside there was such a void” Susan Joey Billy November 2005 Faith & friends | 29
After suffering another miscarriage, Lillian had two more healthy babies, Billy and Janet Lynne. This little troupe would complete Lillian’s family for many years. But the toll of two miscarriages and the loss of a newborn left a wound in Lillian’s life that wouldn’t heal. “I had a busy life and yet there was always a feeling of emptiness,” Lillian recalls. Billy would be Lillian’s second child to die. At 14, he was in Northern Ontario with a friend playing around on a logging machine. He fell under the wheels and was crushed, dying instantly. Lillian’s heart was shattered again. “I couldn’t feel anything,” she remembers. “For seven years after Billy’s death I was dead inside.” She stuffed all her grief and pain deep within and sank into depression. In desperation, Lillian pulled out a Bible given to her as a child. She had never even glanced at it before and didn’t know one verse. She found John 11:35—“Jesus wept.” Did Jesus weep for her in the loss of her children? Several years after Billy’s death, she and her husband adopted an 11-year-old boy, Joey. She had been blessed with another child. “Because of his age, nobody wanted to take Joey in. My heart went out to him.” She grew to love him like her own. Three months later, Lillian and her husband separated after years of abuse. She was forced to raise her three children alone. Before long, Lillian experienced another lifechanging event. Audrey, a neighbour, invited her to a Bible study. Audrey became Lillian’s best friend, and asked her to come to church. She went reluctantly, but found the experience pleasant. Lillian was home alone one cold November evening in 1975 when she felt the need to pray. She can still recite the simple conversation she had with God: “Jesus, I believe in You. I don’t understand why You had to die and shed Your blood, but I accept that You died for me.” Lillian felt sure that she had come through the worst in her life. It would be almost 15 years before she would learn that Lillian pulled out a Bible and found John 11:35—“Jesus wept.” Did Jesus weep for her in the loss of her children? Lillian: “We don’t have all the answers, but God does” Janet Lynne Joshua 30 | Faith & friends November 2005
loving God and enjoying a relationship with Jesus wouldn’t exempt her from experiencing sadness and mourning. Death cruelly intruded again and stole Susan, in 1989, after a valiant, three-year battle with breast cancer. Lillian helped care for her daughter throughout her brave struggle. Lillian lost Joey nine years later in 1998. He was struck by a car at night while out walking. She still recalls the police coming to her door to deliver the bad news. “Four of my children are gone,” Lillian remembers sobbing. “If God loved me then why would He allow so many traumatic things to happen? Can You hear me, God?” Misery, heartache and death, clumsily wrapped up in the guise of a doctor or a police offcer, had pounded four times at the door of Lillian’s broken heart. She had no choice but to let them in. With such overwhelming personal tragedy, it would have been easy for Lillian to give up her belief in God. But her faith has been steadfast. How did she cope? How did she survive such loss? With peace in her eyes, she concedes: “We don’t have all the answers, but God does. He has a reason, plan and purpose for everything. God has touched my life in so many ways. How can I not believe in Him?” She acknowledges that she has struggled with her faith. “Have I ever had mixed feelings about the Lord? Yes. But when I pray and tell Him how I feel, I experience His healing.” Today, Lillian delights in her last surviving daughter, Janet Lynne, and grandson, Joshua. Lillian continues to serve God in her community by comforting neighbours and friends who are in need. In the Bible, King David writes about God’s tender care and unfailing presence: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Lillian has learned to lean on God as she continues her life’s journey. She is confdent that God is faithful. He will comfort her and walk beside her— whether in times of joy or sorrow. How to Cope With Loss Talk. You deserve to express yourself at this diffcult time. Talk about your loved one to others or to God (and encourage them to do so, too). Let them know that it is part of your healing process. Remember. Refect on the good times. Looking back, what do you appreciate about your loved one? What are the moments together that you cherish the most? Do things to honour and remember them. Have fun. Read a book, see a movie, get a massage or listen to uplifting music. This is the time to do it. Even though you may feel guilty about being pampered at this time, you deserve to treat yourself well. Forgive. You may be reminded of the need to forgive that person for a past hurt—and forgive yourself if need be—then move on. Perhaps you wish you had done more at the time. Pray about it and experience God’s healing. Plan ahead. You may feel especially emotional on anniversaries or holidays. This is a normal reaction. Talk to other family members and decide how you would like to adjust your traditions to honour the memory of your loved one. Get the support you need. There are people who want to help you get through this time— friends, loved ones, pastoral counsellors, trained laypersons and professionals. It’s all right to tell people how they can best help you. November 2005 Faith & friends | 31
Strike one: My second wife and I were living at her mother’s house. I had fnancial troubles, no job, the marriage broke down and I was out on the street. I had no money and nowhere to go. Strike two: I spent two days in a shelter but my belongings were stolen. When I saw another guy wearing my socks I just lost it. Normally I’m a logical, easy-going guy but I felt backed into a corner; everything I had was gone and now this guy had my socks. I lost my temper, started fghting with him and got barred for life from the shelter. It wasn’t rational, but I had the poor-me’s. Base hit: I got a tent and lived in the woods near the TransCanada Highway for six months. I’d hitchhike to the food bank or the soup line. I lost 40 pounds. It started to get cold. On October 10, I hitchhiked to Saint John; I’d heard the Salvation Army shelter had some room. I’ve been here for 18 months. I never planned to stay this long, but it’s hard to get my own place without money. Even though I have no criminal record and no substance abuse, at my age it’s hard to get a job. Peter Schien: 53, scrapper, car-racing fan Second base: It’s warm here at the Army. The food is good and the staff are excellent. You learn to keep other people in the shelter at arms length but this is a lot better than a tent. I used to ski, but not now. These days I love watching NASCAR racing on TV. • F and d oun Friends of the Shield