Thursday November 25, 2010
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel – 100 Front St West, Toronto
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Stephen Lewis – A Celebrated Humanitarian and Former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa
Tickets: Individual – $50 | Table of 8 – $350
To order, please contact Janet Park at 416-321-2654 ext. 231 or email janet_park@can.salvationarmy.org
This year, Mission:Cuba 3 will be setting out to do five projects along with various ministry opportunities in Banes and Holguin, Cuba.
Banes Corps – we will be removing the existing roof and replacing it with a new roof. We will also paint in entirety.
Banes Retirement Quarters: paint throughout and replace existing roof.
Banes Quarters: will complete building with roof and painting (ready to move in)
Holguin Quarters and Regional Headquarters – will be painted throughout.
The Mission Cuba 3 Team will also be participating in Sunday Services, Vacation Bible School, Dedication Services, Workshops and other opportunities as they arise.
WHEN: April 2011
WHERE: Banes and Holguin, Cuba
WHAT: Teams will aid with Construction, Renovations, Leading Worship, Teaching and Training Seminars.
WHO: Adults and Teens 15 years and older. Spanish language is an asset, but not required.
HOW: Applications are now available. CLICK HERE.
Application deadline is January 1, 2011 – MISSION CUBA 3 Individual Application Form (MS Word Doc format – 464kb)
If you have any questions please send them to: mission_cuba@can.salvationarmy.org
Thursday August 19, 2010 – As The Salvation Army in Pakistan continues its initial response to the floods that have now affected more than 20 million people, The Salvation Army in Canada is pleased to announce that it will allocate $50,000 to support this relief effort.
Any public donations received by The Salvation Army that are specified to the Pakistan Flood Appeal will also be used to support the ongoing effort.
The Salvation Army in Pakistan continues to provide the basic necessities of life, including bedding, food and water to the flood victims.
The Salvation Army began its work in Pakistan in 1883 and now includes more than 700 facilities, social institutions, children’s schools and almost 90,000 members. The national leaders of The Salvation Army in Pakistan are Canadians, currently serving for the second time in that country.
Please support The Salvation Army’s relief effort in Pakistan. Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca, by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Pakistan Flood Appeal.
The Jays Care Foundation and Vernon Wells Perfect 10 Foundation hosted The Salvation Army at the Toronto Blue Jays Game. The Salvation Army was recognized by The Toronto Blue Jays, Jays Care Foundation and State Farm with the State Farm Good Neighbour Award.
Presenting the award is Blue Jays Centrefielder Vernon Wells and State Farm Representative Edward Okopny.
Children enjoying a great day of Blue Jays Baseball with Centrefielder Vernon Wells and Charlene Wells.
Campers at Newport Adventure Camp. Photo: CARLOS OSORIO/TORONTO STAR
by Leslie Ferenc, Staff Reporter, The Toronto Star
SKELETON LAKE, HUNTSVILLE, ONT.—First time campers don’t know a lot about life in the outdoors including how to paddle a kayak, pitch a tent or build a campfire. Those are the survival skills they learn while in the wilderness.
But it’s rare that a camper doesn’t know how to ride a bike.
That’s a skill parents are supposed to teach their kids as a rite of passage.
So when one of the teens at the Salvation Army’s Newport Adventure Camp dug in his heels refusing to ride the woodland bike trails, Gina Haggett sensed there was more than bad attitude at play.
Turns out, he’d never had a bike and no one had ever taught him to ride, said the camp’s new director. The youth was too embarrassed to admit it.
Once he did, his counsellors went to work and within hours the 14-year-old was riding on his own. Now that was one happy camper.
Helping young people find their way is the goal at Newport Adventure Camp and other Salvation Army camps including the Blaze program for younger kids at Jackson’s Point. The Salvation Army has been offering summer escapes for children since 1898 when the first camp was established in England. In those early days, the success of the camp was based on the number of pounds children gained while there, said Haggett of poor children who were deprived of food.
These days, kids are still disadvantaged. Many come from broken homes and low income single parent families. Some live with emotional and physical abuse and violence. Some are still hungry. They’re all survivors.
The Salvation Army would like to thank The Golden Griddle Corporation, Eddy Rawdat and the Golden Griddle Restaurant located at 45 Carlton St, Toronto for their generous and continued support of the 2010 Red White and Blue Toy Ride. Once again, the Golden Griddle is the corporate sponsor for this event which helps raise toys for our Toy Mountain Christmas campaign. Last year the toy ride collected over 360 toys and over $8,000.
Visit www.goldengriddlecorp.com for a location nearest you.
Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells is one ball player who is enjoying a rebound season. But, number 10 is more than about home runs, and making great catches and jumps on fly balls. On June 23, 2010, Vernon and his wife Charlene sat down with SalvationArmy.ca to talk about the game, their family, faith and Foundation that is dedicated to supporting and protecting children in need.
Vernon, tell us about your early years
I was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 8, 1978. I grew up in Arlington, Texas, where my family moved in 1988. Before I was born, my father, Vernon Wells Sr., was a football player, a receiver who, at one point, played in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders. Sports were a big part of our family.
As a young boy you were an infielder. What changed?
At age seven I began my little league career as an infielder. At age 11, I was charging ground balls before a game and got hit in the mouth. There was blood everywhere. I didn’t lose any teeth, but the hit was hard enough for me to get as far away from the batter as possible.
Describe your path to the major leagues
In high school I played quarterback on the football team, and was an outfielder on the baseball team. After graduation I signed my letter of intent to go to the University of Texas to play baseball and football. Football was as a wide receiver. Before I got my foot in the door I was drafted by the Jays in the first round of the 1997 draft. I worked my way through the minors and 2002 was my first full season with the Jays.
Can you comment on a career low and how you moved forward from it?
In 2009 I struggled with consistency at the plate. Nagging injuries caused my body to give up on me. Stats left me with some of my career-worst numbers. I was frustrated that I couldn’t make a difference in the game. In the off season surgery to a left wrist injury cleaned up fraying and inflammation. Throughout winter training I focussed on batting and made changes to my stroke. I mentally put the 2009 season behind me. If you dwell on the past you may miss something waiting for you in the future.
Charlene: In 2009 boo’s from the fans started from the time Vernon’s name was called to when he left the field. Taking our two sons, now ages five and seven, to the games was no longer an option. Vernon’s struggles at the plate caused strife in our marriage. He became disconnected from our family as he constantly replayed games over and over in his head. Nobody wanted him to do better than himself. We prayed and cried a lot.
Throughout your career, who has been your greatest mentor and why?
Without hesitation, it would be Deion Sanders, a former Major League Baseball outfielder and National League Football cornerback. He is currently an NFL Network commentator.
We met in 2000 when we both played for the Syracuse SkyChiefs. I watched how he dealt with struggles and how he carried himself.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The true test of a person is not how you deal with success, but how you deal with failure. It’s easy to go through the good times, but it’s how you respond and get through the tough times that define who you are.
Explain the Vernon Wells Perfect 10 Foundation
Charlene: It was established in 2008 and is a Christian faith-based organization to support and protect children and mothers in need. After embracing a charity event in our hometown we were astonished at the level of poverty we saw. We were asked to take two homeless little boys shopping for shoes. Their feet were black. They hadn’t bathed in days. They shared clothes and were undernourished. At that moment we knew we must do something to impact the lives of children in need.
One of the Foundation’s partnerships is with The Salvation Army. We admire and respect their work as they invest in the marginalized and overlooked people within our communities. Our work with The Salvation Army began in Arlington, Texas, and now we are partnering with them in the Greater Toronto Area. From cookouts to toy drives to sending kids to camp, to providing practical assistance for kids and families in need, our partnership with the Army focuses on encouraging and equipping those who have met with hard times to improve their lives.
What do you do off season?
I strive to be a successful contributor to my community in Arlington, Texas. Off season is busier than the baseball season. I meet with student organizations to share my testimony of faith and my work habits as a professional baseball player.
Most important is time spent with family. This includes our 10-year-old American Eskimo dog named Lacee. And, Charlene and I are extremely active in Christian and Jayce’s school volunteering and serving on the auction committee.
What is an important life lesson that you’ve learned?
It’s better to be a good person than to be a good baseball player.
Captains John and Brenda Murray, Ontario Central East Divisional Staff, Ambassador David Jacobson – U.S. Ambassador to Canada and Commissioners, Marilyn D. and William W. Francis – Territorial Leaders at the 4th of July Celebration at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Ottawa.
Midland, ON – Just as people were talking about the earthquake that shook the ground the afternoon of June 23, 2010, the topic soon changed when the sky darkened, the rain came, and an F2 tornado ripped through the Smith’s Camp Trailer Park in Midland. The tornado not only plunged a town into darkness, but it left 100 trailers damaged, and approximately 40 completely destroyed. Miraculously and thankfully, no lives were lost.
At approximately 7:00 PM on June 23, Major Neil Evenden from the Midland Salvation Army, received a call about the tornado, and he then quickly made his way to the campground. Upon seeing the destruction, he immediately put The Salvation Army’s emergency response plan into action. Volunteers were summoned, the Mobile Canteen from nearby Parry Sound was called in, and resources from Toronto were put on stand-by. Jeff Robertson of the Public Relations office was called in to manage the Army’s response to the media.
Within 30 minutes, The Salvation Army set-up a registration area at the community centre to welcome and care for those displaced by the tornado. Food, warmth and compassionate care were provided by members of The Salvation Army congregation. Similarly, at the site of the tornado, a tent was erected to feed and hydrate emergency workers. Hundreds of workers poured in and out of the site over a 24-hour period, and The Salvation Army was there for the duration of the response.
Thanks to many local partners, The Salvation Army was able to provide meals, snacks, water and coffee to all those involved. Once again the topic has changed and the media have left the community, but the clean-up will continue for some time. As individuals move forward with rebuilding their lives, The Salvation Army will continue to care for those displaced or affected through the Midland Family Services office.
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Neil W. Leduke
Director of Communications
The Salvation Army – Ontario Central East Division
1645 Warden Avenue
Toronto ON M1R 5B3
t) 416-321-2654 x125
f) 416-321-6479
Photos of the Toronto Grace Health Centre Irwin Roof Garden opening – Friday, June 25, 2010
Commissioner William W. Francis – Territorial Commander, TSA Canda & Bermuda Officially opened and dedicated the new rooftop garden.
Commissioner Francis with Dr. Morley Lemon, Chair, TGHC Board of Trustees Mildred Jarvis, President, TGHC following ribbon cutting and official opening.
Prayer of Dedication
Attention News Editors/See CNW Photo Network and Archive:
MIDLAND, ON, June 24 /CNW/ – Following the touch-down of a tornado in Midland, Ontario, The Salvation Army arrived on scene within an hour at Smith Park Trailer Park, where approximately 100 trailers have been damaged or destroyed.
Major Neil Evenden, of The Salvation Army in Midland, arrived on scene, and immediately called in a Salvation Army canteen from Parry Sound and support equipment from Midland to assist. Further Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services personnel and support personnel from the Toronto region have been dispatched and are on scene to assist where needed. A reception centre has been set-up to receive those who have been displaced.
“The Salvation Army is grateful to the generous support from our partners, Tim Horton’s, Wal-Mart and McDonald’s – Elmvale and Loblaws Superstore,” said Jeff Robertson, Spokesperson for The Salvation Army.
“We continue to do all we can to assist those who have been displaced. The Salvation Army has been on site around the clock and has served hundreds of meals and continues to provide care and compassion to the victims and first responders,” says Major Neil Evenden.
The Salvation Army will continue to monitor the situation and work in cooperation with local emergency personnel to determine the best action for response as time moves forward.
To donate to the Midland Tornado Relief effort you can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or make a donation on-line at SalvationArmy.ca.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 121 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at SalvationArmy.ca.
/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/
For further information: Jeff Robertson, Area Director, Public Relations, The Salvation Army, 416-460-4441, jeff_robertson@can.salvationarmy.org; Captain John P. Murray, APR, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, The Salvation Army, 416-998-0117, john_murray@can.salvationarmy.org; Neil W. Leduke, Director of Communications, The Salvation Army, 416-578-7998, neil_leduke@can.salvationarmy.org; Major Neil Evenden, The Salvation Army, Midland, 705-529-9347, neil_evenden@can.salvationarmy.org
For Immediate Release
Midland, ON – June 23, 2010 – Following the touch-down of a reported tornado in Midland, Ontario, The Salvation Army arrived on scene within an hour at a trailer park, where 20-40 trailers have been destroyed.
Major Neil Evenden, of The Salvation Army, arrived on scene, and immediately called in a Salvation Army canteen from Parry Sound to assist. Further Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services personnel and support personnel from the Toronto region have been disbatched and are on scene to assist where needed. A reception centre has been set-up to receive those who have been displaced.
“We will do all we can to assist those who have been displaced. We will also provide hydration and nutrition to those involved in the disaster”, says Major Neil Evenden.
The Salvation Army will continue to monitor the situation and work in cooperation with local emergency personnel.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 121 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at SalvationArmy.ca.
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For more information please contact:
Jeff Robertson
Area Director, Public Relations
The Salvation Army
416-460-4441
jeff_robertson@can.salvationarmy.org
Captain John P. Murray, APR
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
The Salvation Army
416-998-0117
john_murray@can.salvationarmy.org
Neil W. Leduke
Director of Communications
The Salvation Army
416-578-7998
neil_leduke@can.salvationarmy.org
Major Neil Evenden
The Salvation Army, Midland
705-529-9347
neil_evenden@can.salvationarmy.org
Girls on the Run®” is a life-changing, noncompetitive character development program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 5km run/walk event with self-esteem enhancing running activities. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development. 
Each lesson is taught through fun running activities while focusing on a “topic of the day” such as; bullying, values, or self-respect. During the course of the program, Girls on the Run® GTA partners with a local charity and conducts a community project entitled “Run for a Reason”. The program concludes with our “It’s Cool to be ME 5K” celebration.
This year the 5km event took place at 10:00 am on June 6th at Downsview Park in Toronto. Over 1,000 runners participated and approximately 3,000 family members and friends cheered on as the girls ran the course. A total of over 4,000 attendees joined in celebration of the accomplishments of the girls. Although it was a; wet, windy and cold morning not even the elements could dampen the spirit and pride the girls exhibited. Girls on the Run chose The Salvation Army as their charity of choice and we were the recipients of their food drive. We are happy to announce that we collected $14,320 worth of food. We would like to send our gratitude to the Girls on the Run and we would like to express our pride to all the girls that participated.
Members of the Agincourt Temple Band play at the Broadview Village Strawberry Social. An event that has been held annually in the month of June for more than 30 years.
On Tuesday, June 8, 2010 The Salvation Army was on hand to support Habitat for Humanity Toronto as they broke ground on the construction of 29 homes. This site will provide simple, decent and affordable homes for families currently living in substandard housing in Toronto.
Captain Brenda Murray, Neil Hetherington (CEO Habitat for Humanity Toronto) and Mrs. Gina Haggett.
It was a festive occasion as donors and Salvation Army personnel gathered on May 20th, 2010 for the 5th annual Circle of Hope luncheon at the Delta Hotel Toronto on Kennedy Road.
This event gives recognition to donors who have pledged to remember The Salvation Army in their estate planning. More than 60 people gathered to enjoy a delicious hot luncheon. Captain Ron Farr from the Warehouse Mission gave an overview on the work in Cabbagetown. Since it’s beginning in 2003, The Warehouse Mission has become a successful Corps serving in the margins for those in the margins. Mr. Murray Bevan shared “From Spiritual Rags to Riches” a journey of personal blessing since his involvement with the Warehouse Mission.
A welcome was extended to new Circle of Hope members who received certificates and gifts in gratitude for their support.
We wish to express our gratitude to the following sponsors who supported our annual luncheon.
Children who attend Salvation Army churches have the chance to become junior members of the church at the age of 7. We call our junior members “Junior Soldiers”. Children attend preparation classes to learn about their faith in God, the history of The Salvation Army and what it means to be a member of the Church and of God’s family.
Children from Yorkminster Citadel (Toronto) had the privilege of visiting and touring the divisional and territorial head offices on Friday, May 7. They began their day at DHQ where they immediately jumped into a Public Relations Mock Media interview. PR employees Pamela Loveless and Neil Leduke explained to the children what their roles were at the office and how they represent The Salvation Army through different forms of media, such as television, radio, newspaper and the web. Neil indicated that there are important things to remember about The Salvation Army. As Junior Soldiers they have learned some things about The Salvation Army such as where it first began and who started it. However, Neil explained some other important facts about The Salvation Army in Toronto and in Canada. The children were told that these were “key messages”. Each child was given a list to learn within a few minutes and had to be prepared to go into a television interview. The children were given Salvation Army vests (as you always need to be branded), signed waiver forms, put on microphone and qued up for the interview. Each child successfully answered the questions and proved that they would be great representatives for The Salvation Army!
After our great experience with the PR department we took a well deserved coffee break at 10:00am, otherwise known to the children as “juice break”. Then they continued their tour of DHQ including the youth department, human resources, property, and finance. We had the privilege to meet Major Doug Binner (Area Commander GTA Corps Ministries). Major Binner explained how he helps our Corps Officers at Yorkminster, but also 30 other churches in the Toronto area. Later, we went into the Divisional Commanders office where we were allowed to sit in his chair and make big decisions for the division. Then we all had a very important board meeting. I asked the children what they think The Salvation Army needs to do. Many said we need to raise more money. One child stated that we need to build more churches and in order to do that we need money, a building, people and Corps Officers!
Then we travelled to THQ where we were greeted by the youth department and shared in some pizza together. We learned about new programs that the youth department is working on and the children were very excited to hear when it is going to be made available to all Corps across the Territory. Then we went to the Music & Gospel Arts department. Almost every employee has a piano there! Major Ken Smith showed us the music he was working on for The Salvation Army. We also saw the music library where they keep every single piece of music. We even saw an original piece of music that was from 1884. Then we met Major Beverly Ivany, Candidates Secretary where we learned about people who feel God has called them to become Salvation Army Officers. Then we went up to the top floor and checked out the Territorial Commander’s Office. After a few pictures in those special offices we went to the Heritage Museum. This is where the children learned more about the History of The Salvation Army. They learned that The Salvation Army has several hospitals. One of which is in Toronto. As we concluded our day there was one last stop we needed to make. The kids had been waiting all day to go to the Supplies and Purchasing store. They were thrilled to be able to spend their money there!
When you think of Cuba what comes to mind? The glorious beaches of Varadero? The cars from the 40’s and 50’s in pristine condition? Maybe this little story will have you thinking otherwise.
You don’t have to be involved in policing for very long or at any position, sworn or civilian to quickly develop an appreciation for The Salvation Army and all that they do for the community. I cannot begin to count the number of times during my 30 years with the London Police Service and now as a paralegal in the Criminal Courts I came into contact with someone in need who was assisted by the good men and women of The Salvation Army.
You may know the story of Captains Ron and Judi Wickens. If you don’t, ask. It’s the story of a fine officer, one I am proud to call my brother, who followed his training, did the right thing and regardless of being exonerated he and his family lived through very difficult times. In 2001 they answered a higher calling and became Officers in The Salvation Army. Through a series of coincidence (God’s plans for us) I found them in my back yard when I moved to Mississauga. It’s been almost two years I have been attending their Corps, Erin Mills in Mississauga.
In October 2009 I saw this poster about Mission Cuba 2. The Salvation Army was looking for volunteers to help on their second mission to Cuba. I looked into it, applied and was accepted. We were going to rebuild a Corps/Quarters in Baragua, Cuba. I thought how hard would this be? Close up shop for two weeks, fly to Cuba in April, catch some sun and forget about the rat race I left behind and relax!!!!! What more could a fellow ask for?
Prior to leaving for Cuba I was cautioned the Mission Trip would change my life forever. I was a bit of a sceptic because all I was going to do was help rebuild a small Corps/Quarters. Invest a little sweat equity, hammer up some walls, throw on some siding, I was there to work! How hard was this going to be? After all in my policing career I had pretty much seen and experienced it all. I was trained to cope and get the work done. You know, it is funny how life can sneak up on you and bite you from behind…
Our team of seven (was reduced to six after the first week) was assigned to Baragua, Cuba. The town of Baragua is almost in the centre of Cuba. It’s the Cuban version of Winnipeg, mosquitoes, instead of being cold, very hot and they don’t have an NHL team either! We were a seven hour bus ride from Havana. Baragua is a small town of approximately 5,000. As far as I could tell, no one ever had the opportunity to venture too far out of Baragua. Baragua gained prominence in the 1860’s when the Americans built a sugar refinery which employed the town plus migrant workers. Up until the Revolution, Baragua was quite the enterprising town with the sugar refinery chugging away. Today, the refinery operates at approximately 10% of its potential. In order to have the work force necessary to operate the sugar refinery migrant workers were brought in from Jamaica and the Bahamas. Up until the Cuban Revolution, the migrant workers and their families were educated in English, French and Spanish. For close to 90 years Baragua was an English speaking community. I was shocked to find people in their late 60’s and older speaking English with no accent.
We arrived in Havana on Friday, April 16, 2010. We settled into the luxury of the Martin Luther King Centre. Team Havana would be staying there for the duration of their project. Team Baragua would stay one night, head off to Baragua and return for the last four days of the Mission Trip.
Being new to The Salvation Army I had no idea what “Devotions” were. Devotions were scheduled every night with a volunteer from each team taking their turn to lead. Our fist devotions were done quietly as we were in Cuba on religious visas and were warned we could not pray out of doors. Captain John Murray took the team to a statue of Christ. The statue over looks Havana Harbour and the old city of Havana. It was a gift from the French in 1936.
During the devotion John read a verse where Christ told his disciples to become His hands and feet on the earth. John explained how he felt our mission was to take up Christ’s instructions and become His hands and feet in Cuba. John’s short message was a premonition of things to come.
The following day, Saturday, April 17, 2010 Team Baragua loaded up the bus and headed for Baragua.
We started to work on Monday, April 19, 2010. The old Corps which stood for 113 years had been torn down and a 720 square foot concrete pad was waiting for us. We had until the afternoon of Wednesday, April 21 to finish building. It was very much like Extreme Makeover – Cuban Edition.
Our team consisted of Paul and Rob (experienced carpenters/builders), Delicia (an administrative assistant), Nestor (originally from Columbia and an accountant), Dave – (Lt. Colonel with the Army), Brenda (a Captain with the Salvation Army and our fearless leader) and me (a paralegal and retired police officer) with my limited building experiences.
You can see by the pictures we got the job done in time.
Very soon into the mission I discovered something special was going on.
On the first Monday morning Brenda called for us to look toward the sun. I had never seen this before. We experienced a “sunbow” which is a circular rainbow around the sun. In our case it was a double sunbow. I could not explain what this was, but I felt in my heart and soul this was something more than special, this was a sign! It was not until I arrived home I was able to research it. Sunbows are reported occurring about once every two to three years. I found out our First Nations brothers and sisters believe the sunbow is a sign from The Creator. It is believed a sunbow is a sign of protection and positive change. In the case of our little project in Baragua that is exactly what happened.
Our first week in Baragua was the second week of a school break. We were the local attraction, so kids were always around. Little Yoanki (Joanne-key) was always around as he lived right next door to the Corps. He is seven years old. He has undergone three brain surgeries, none of which he was to survive. He has another one scheduled for this summer and the doctors have the same prediction. This time last year he was recovering from his most recent surgery and could not speak. He made up for it this year. At the age of two he was found abandoned on the streets of Baragua by the older lady in the picture. She is 84 years old. She took him home, adopted him and raises him as her son. It was touching to see the love between the two of them
I soon found out there are only two meals a day. Breakfast which may be a piece of bread (depending on the bread ration), some milk and tea or coffee. Bananas and coconuts grow wild and are enjoyed daily. The next meal is supper which depending on your ration coupons is generally rice and beans and maybe, just maybe a bit of chicken or pork. Most people in Baragua keep chickens for their eggs to supplement their diet.
It was difficult to stop and eat lunch with the kids watching. Often Team Baragua members ended up sharing their lunch with the kids. Yoanki took quite the attraction toward chocolate Jell-O pudding.
During a three day stretch of 100 degrees Fahrenheit days, some kind soul brought us ice-cream. I will never forget the experience of sharing mine with two young boys. They gently and gracefully shared the spoon with each other taking a turn, taking half a spoonful until it was gone. I found out they never had ice-cream until that day.
My heart was being torn to pieces. These children never begged or asked for anything and when it was shared with them they displayed a God given grace. The nibbling on my backside was starting to intensify.
I believe it was after devotions on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 we were talking about how well things were going. When it was my time to speak I wanted Team Baragua to know that it felt like I had known them most of my life and we had been working together as a team for years. The Lord was looking over us and out for us. Team Baragua was able to keep its focus and cohesiveness because we were His hands and feet on the ground. The sunbow was more than an atmospheric anomaly.
Our second Sunday in Baragua was a day that caused me to reflect and recommit myself to Christ. During the church service I was astonished to see a special collection being taken. It was for the development of Missions in Nicaragua. The Salvation Army has recently been allowed to re-establish itself in Nicaragua. The good people of Baragua, who have nothing, ask for nothing, were freely giving toward a cause they strongly believed in. You could feel the Spirit moving through the congregation.
On the day before I threw out a large box that a saw came in. The lady across from our project asked if she could have it. Hey, it’s just a box!!! Well it was a treasure to her. This same Sunday after the church service I saw her seven year old daughter skipping along the sidewalk in front of our project. I will never forget what I saw next. She was pulling what I thought was a toy along the street. It turned out to be a piece of styrofoam from the box and she had tied a string to it. That was her toy for the day and she was happy to have it!
That was it for me. I found myself in my room Sunday reduced to tears. I felt like God was asking me to empty the Atlantic Ocean with a tea cup. My 30 years of “police coping” were completely useless to me that Sunday. I was completely overwhelmed by the pride and grace of a people who having nothing close to what we have here in Canada, yet appear to be far happier and grounded than I could claim to be. I, who was coming to do good deeds in Baragua was learning a lesson in humility. The nibbling was starting to hurt!
It was Sunday, April 25, 2010 when God’s Spirit washed over me or I finally took notice of it. I knew I had to answer His call. I spoke in private with Brenda and asked her for her assistance. I was baptised by emersion in 1984 at First Lobo Baptist Church outside of London, Ontario. I now know I did it for all the wrong reasons. I felt I had to make a public declaration while in Baragua. With Brenda’s guidance and support I lead devotions on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. After the devotions, surrounded by my new family, Team Baragua and again with Brenda’s leadership I was reborn and accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour.
I was completely overwhelmed by the good people of Baragua. They stood proud, possess a strong sense of community, they are generous in body and spirit and they ask for nothing in return. You cannot help but feeling from them their hope for better times ahead. The new Corps was the first new anything built in Baragua since the Revolution. That’s close to fifty years!
On Thursday, April 29, 2010, the day the new Corps/Quarters were dedicated you could feel the energy from everyone. They were so grateful for the new Corps building. Even a blind man could see the hope in their eyes. This little Corps became the focus of the entire town. It became their ‘Beacon of Hope’.
Yes, life did come up and bite me from behind. I experienced a true awakening. My friends have noticed a change in me. Suddenly not having the form on the yellow piece of paper is not that important! I would have stayed there longer if they let me. I have signed up for next year. Mission Cuba III – are you up to it? If you ever have the opportunity to go on a Mission Trip – DO IT!!!! It will be a positive change in your life that will last forever.
I am grateful for having been selected to participate in Mission Cuba 2. A couple of weeks after my return John 15, verse 16 was read out at our service: “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” It is a privilege to be chosen. With that comes an awesome responsibility to live up to.
I can sum up my experience by saying I left Cuba a richer man than when I arrived and my family is much, much larger. Our family in Baragua have a new beacon of hope and that’s what it’s all about: “Giving Hope Today.” This, without a doubt has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
Death of an Empress
by Major Paul Murray
It is ninety-six years since the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Ireland sank in the St. Lawrence River. The ship sank on May 29, 1914 with a lost of 1,012 lives out of 1,477 on board. By comparison the Titanic, in 1912, lost more people than the Empress but less passengers. The Empress lost 840 passengers compared to 807 from the Titanic. The remainder of the dead were crew members – 172 from the Empress and 698 from the Titanic.
Among the dead on the Empress of Ireland were approximately 150-plus members of The Salvation Army in Canada, including the entire leadership contingent and all but twelve of the Canadian Staff Band.
The Empress was an imposing sight. As high above the water line as a two-story building (36 feet), as long as two football fields (550 feet) and as wide as a four-lane highway (65 feet), this sedate alcazar of white and grey with its magnificent ballrooms, dining lounges and cabins had been completed for the Canadian Pacific Company in 1906 as a sister ship to the Empress of Britain by the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company of Glasgow, Scotland. It was equipped with powerful quadruple expansion engines capable of doing a steady 20 knots at sea. The ship had about it an aura of impregnable, imperial splendour.
As the Empress of Ireland pulled away from the dock at Quebec a small group of Salvation Army people on shore sang for their departing comrades, “God be with you will we meet again.” They were accompanied by the Canadian Staff Band. The singing became fainter as the liner gained speed and steamed majestically down river toward Rimouski, 200 miles away. As the village of Father Point, four miles east of Rimouski, the pilot disembarked and the final bags of foreign mail were received. The ocean voyage was then considered to have begun and the ship was in the hands of Captain Henry Kendall and his officers.
The St. Lawrence at Rimouski is twenty-five miles from shore to shore and resembles more an inland sea than a river. At 1:35 a.m., shortly after leaving Father Point, the Empress lookout reported a ship’s masthead ahead on the right hand side of the linter. It was a Norwegian collier, Storstad, a 6,000 ton vessel hauling 10,000 tons of coal from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Montreal. Shortly after the sighting a fog bank rolled out from the Quebec shore and enveloped both ships in an eerie dark embrace.
One of the terrors of shipping in those pre-radar days was fog and the “rule of the road” for ships at sea was that vessels approaching each other, especially in fog banks, keep parallel courses. Both the Empress and the Storstad proceeded through the darkness giving signals that no change in course had been made. But at 1:55 a.m. on May 29, 1914 the Storstad appeared out of the fog and sliced 20 feet deep into the starboard side of the Empress. Within 14 minutes in the impact, the Empress of Ireland, pride of the Canadian Pacific fleet, had sunk and with it 1,012 souls perished.
So swift was the demise of the liner that only four of forty lifeboats got away. Scores were killed on impact, hundreds were trapped inside the ship and many perished in the ice waters of the St. Lawrence. The Storstad backed away from the Empress and lowered lifeboats to pick up survivors who were taken to Rimouski.
In June 1914 an inquiry headed by Lord Mersey placed the blame on the Storstad for the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. Conversely, a probe at the Norwegian Consulate in Montreal laid the blame on the Empress. Both Captains had insisted that the other had changed course in the fog.
Colonel Floyd J. Tidd, Chief Secretary brings greetings of remembrance and hope on Sunday May 30, 2010.
Every year, on the Sunday closest to May 29, The Salvation Army pays tribute to theirs leaders, bandsmen and soldiers who perished so swiftly in the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. At the south-west corner of Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery they gather around a ten-foot sandstone memorial plinth to commemorate on this quiet site the sinking of the Canadian Pacific liner and the loss of over 150 comrades so many years ago. May we never forget this important part of Canadian and Salvation Army history.
Jason Cuypers of Newmarket is an inspiration and a shining example of how anyone, at any age, can make a difference.
While making plans for his 9th birthday party he asked his mother if instead of receiving gifts, he could ask his friends to make a donation to help the people of Haiti. His mother, Jennifer, was quick to get the ball rolling and sent invitations to his guests asking them to come prepared to make a donation to Haiti relief in lieu of bringing birthday gifts. His guests enjoyed a great party with a hockey theme and gave generously to The Salvation Army Haiti Relief Fund. The final total collected was an incredible $1,330!
Congratulations Jason, we are grateful to you and your guests for their generosity.
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© 2010 The Salvation Army in Canada. Territorial Leaders: Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis
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