I Once Was Lost

By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division

“Her name was Gracie… I love that song. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, I once was lost but now am found…”

Four years ago, Dr. James Dorman lost his wife Gracie after a prolonged battle with esophageal cancer.

A deeply devoted and adoring husband, the retired college professor nursed his wife through her 13-month battle with cancer, ultimately holding her in his arms as she passed away.

“She was literally given 3 months to live, but through the grace and power of a wonderful God, she never abandoned hope and she went from 3 months, to 4 months, to 5. We started to live our life one week at a time, one month at a time, but finally the inevitable did catch up with her.”

Following her death, Dr. Dorman says, “I was as lost as lost can be… The dear people at the Alton Salvation Army really took me in and made me one of their own, and gave me great comfort during a very dark time.”

The doctor recalled when Captain Randy Tooley and Salvation Army members invited him to The Salvation Army’s Men’s Camp at Camp Mihaska so that he might have a chance for fellowship and healing.

“We really don’t know how or when but when we’re at our darkest moment, our angel will show up,” James said, “Every man no matter what his age should spend a few days at Men’s Camp, because you don’t really realize the true spirit of The Salvation Army until you do. It was one of the most deeply spiritual experiences of my life, and I think I needed that.”

Thus began a lasting relationship with The Salvation Army, which motivated Dr. Dorman to make a planned gift with his estate that would benefit The Salvation Army’s work.

“Gracie’s spirit motivates me today, in terms of the gift I’ve given. Some people might have a hard time understanding why I would donate the equivalent of a year of my salary, which is not that much for St. Charles Community College professors – especially not retired ones, but I thought The Salvation Army was one of the groups that was so encouraging… It’s not that I’m leaving a legacy for me. It’s that I’m leaving a legacy for [Gracie’s] shining example.”

Dorman designated his gift to support The Salvation Army’s financial education programs to break the spirit of poverty, and also to scholarship funds for children and future officers of The Salvation Army.

“My wife loved sixth graders. She would have loved the idea of giving educational aid and scholarships. The Salvation Army is one of the best organizations that makes a real difference.” Of the financial education programs he says, “If you teach a person to fish, they can eat for the rest of their life. They’ll never again be living paycheck to paycheck. We all need hope.”

To learn more about how you can make a difference with your final gifts in life, visit http://tsamidland.giftlegacy.com/.

Honor an Unsung Hero in Alton

Nominations being accepted for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award

By: Laura Grainger

Every day there are people who serve the Alton Riverbend community and go unnoticed. You may live across the street from them. You see the hard work they give day in and day out. Here is your chance to give them some recognition. Nominate them for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award.

The Unsung Hero Award will be given out at the upcoming Stand Up for Our Heroes event on April 27, 2012, at Lewis & Clark’s Hatheway Auditorium. This is going to be a night of clean comedy the entire family can enjoy. The Salvation Army Alton is partnering with Powerhouse Laughs to thank the unsung heroes of Alton and the Riverbend Area with the comedy of Rik Roberts, Darren Marlar and Dennis Tooley. Mark your calendar and plan to share the laughs and honor our local heroes! Several Awards will be given out during this event.

To nominate someone for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award send their name and your explanation of why they deserve the award to The Salvation Army Alton, 525 Alby Street, Alton, IL 62002 or email your nomination to altonsa2011@gmail.com.

The Salvation Army, an international organization, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for 130 years in the St. Louis region. Nearly 350,000 people throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services throughout the region. For more information, go to www.stlsalvationarmy.org.

Advocate for the Hungry in Tomorrow’s Online Tweet Up – #CEREALDRIVE!

Join us on Friday March 23 from 7 to 8 am for an online-only Tweet Up and advocate for the hungry. This tweet up will be a great opportunity to network with others over your cheerios and in your pajamas, while raising awareness for food insecurity in the St. Louis region.

This tweet-up is being held in support of The Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry, which has seen more than a tenfold increase in need this year, and which is in critical need of nutritious breakfast cereals.

Follow us on Twitter @SalArmySTL and join in the conversation using #CEREALDRIVE!

For more information on the need, click here.

Tackling Hunger in our Hometown – #CerealDrive

By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division

In an area that many think of as stable and event somewhat affluent, families are living in houses valued at 6 and 7 figures, with empty plates and barren cupboards. In a trend we hoped had been a fluke, the need we saw last summer at our O’Fallon, MO food pantry continues to grow. On distribution days at the food pantry, luxury cars and unlikely clients fill the parking lot and chairs waiting for their allotments of food.

“These people were once living on the edge and the economy has in fact pushed them over that edge,” says Captain Ferguson, “People who were once dedicated donors are now having to swallow their pride and ask for assistance.”

Once serving only 50 families per month from the O’Fallon Salvation Army, Captain Paul Ferguson and his team now serve nearly 600 families per month, working to help those families gain self-sufficiency so that they might be able to get on their feet once more.

“The greatest need we are seeing now is nutritious breakfast cereals. They can be costly to purchase for a pantry and for a family, but they pack a lot of nutrition into one meal. So many of these children are wholly dependent on the foods they receive in school for adequate nutrition, and on the weekends, summer and spring break they need something that will hold them over. We just can’t keep in on the shelves. It’s a real commodity, and one that we are lacking right now.”

Breakfast cereal donations are needed at the O’Fallon Salvation Army. Donations can be delivered to the community center located at 1William Booth Drive in O’Fallon.

Please help us in raising awareness of this need, and for the work of the O’Fallon community center by participating in #CerealDrive on Twitter.

Intentional Living

By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division

The Salvation Army’s Temple Worship & Community Center in South City is working to truly know every facet of the community in which they minister. The surrounding neighborhoods are marked by violence, high incidences of drug use, school dropouts, teen pregnancy and marked poverty.

When several buildings being used for transitional housing across the street lost their funding, a new program was developed to better serve the community. The 11-units owned by The Salvation Army became difficult to upkeep without funding, so they had to be sold or repurposed.

The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander Major Lonneal Richardson worked with Envoys Steve and Ketsia Diaz of Temple and decided the best use of the buildings would be to use several of them for an urban ministry program. In this program, called the Intentional Living Program, Christian individuals with a heart for leadership can live in the units rent-free in exchange for donating their time and talents to The Salvation Army and other neighborhood efforts.

Upon launching the program, the envoys moved their family into one of the units so they could become more effectively ingrained in their community.

“Without living among the people you serve, it’s difficult to effectively minister to them, especially if you’re driving in every day from the suburbs,” said John Aho, Community Partnerships and Program Development Director for Temple.

Aho, the children of Salvation Army pastors who often served in inner-city churches, came to St. Louis to serve in the Intentional Living Program as an unpaid volunteer. “Jesus came into the world and experienced it, and lived among the people. This program allows us to experience the same challenges our friends, clients and soldiers face every day. Instead of dictating principles from on high, you do it from their level, where they live – where you live,” said Aho.

The program continues to grow and has created a unique bond between the neighborhood and The Salvation Army. “With the additional Christ-centered community-focused volunteers we now have at our fingertips, we have been able to work more hands-on with schools, neighborhood associations, arts organizations, local businesses and other non-profits to strengthen the community. Those of us who are in the program are essentially good role models, planting seeds in the community among the youth. We are showing the kids that you don’t have to quit school. You don’t have to get married young. There is another option.”

As a result of the Intentional Program’s intensive neighborhood focus, Temple recently received a Thomas Lyle Williams Grant and matching funds from the Dana Brown Charitable Foundation which will allow them to fund a CHOICES program, allowing neighborhood adults and children to come to the community center to take elective courses that will broaden their horizons, helping to stimulate interests that may lead to future career choices – such as sound engineering, dance and drama.

“We are doing big things in Benton Park West and the surrounding communities,” said Aho, “and we are actively recruiting for more people to join us in our work.”

Those with a heart for leadership interested in giving a year or more to an inner city neighborhood, offering hope to the hopeless and help to the hurting are encouraged to reach out to John Aho at 314.771.3460 for more information on the Intentional Living program, or visit www.sastlouistemple.org for more information.

This March Madness, Join God’s Squad

By: Major K. Kendall Mathews, Columbia Salvation Army

K. Kendall Mathews played high school basketball in Detroit. This worn picture is of Mathews when he was a member of the varsity for the Detroit Mumford Mustangs in 1978.

March madness is upon us and many NCAA basketball teams are looking to extend their season to include the NCAA tournament. I know many players have worked hard in an attempt to be the superlative team in college basketball. For them winning is everything, as each team plays like it’s the last game.

God wants us to be focused on more than winning the basketball playoffs. He wants us to be a conqueror in our battle against sin and humiliation and to live each day as if it were our last. To prevail, we can’t be on God’s All-Glory team one moment, and be a bench warmer the next moment, just because life is not going our way. We must be on His team and playing by His rules that are found in the Holy Bible. “For all have sinned and fallen short of his glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

The question is, “Whose team are you on?” I hope you are playing on God’s squad. There is no losing while you’re practicing Christian standards or living out your salvation on God’s side. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that Satan will leave you alone. He will not, so be prepared to work through the tough times of life. We are Christian winners because of the salvation offered to us by Jesus Christ. He promises to be a very present help in the time of dilemma. Because Jesus whitewashed sin by dying on the cross, rising from the dead and promising to return, we have a greater hope for eternal life.

God is our spiritual coach and we should surrender to his ways because He knows what’s best for us when life seems to overtake us. God compensates those who are submissive to his teachings. Playing on his team is saying, “Yes, Lord,” to his ways in all practical life situations. Our calling is to trust and obey Him, even when we don’t want to, because He is an everlasting-life coach. Jesus surrendered his life graciously when He relinquished it on that old rugged cross. You see, humility and “teachability” on God’s squad is responding to his voice without resistance, and being open to learning from his Son, Jesus Christ, as our supernatural team captain.

Playing on his team is our willingness to be taught by God, to put aside what we think and erasing from our heart any preconceived notions when we consider the possibilities that God might be taking us in new directions on his winning team. Winning isn’t everything, but being on God’s team surely has greater value and an everlasting benefit that will stand the test of time. With God as our coach, Jesus as our captain, and the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can not lose in this game of life. I don’t know about you, but I want to be undefeated on God’s squad. It may be March Madness, but for me it’s Mission Madness – my relationship and teamwork with God is first and foremost.

I recall a high school basketball game in Detroit, where there were three seconds left in the game. The coach called timeout and worked out a play where I was to take the last shot. I thought to myself, “I can win the game and be the hero.” Well, the ball came to me and I took the last second shot, only to miss it. We lost the game. I felt so bad, thinking that it was all my fault. In the locker room all my teammates reassured me that we lose as a team and win as a team.

Unlike that high school game, for those of us who are on God’s squad, we win every time; losing is not a part of this game of life. Although the Christian life is not a cakewalk, we will have our temptations and trials just like Christ. So, rejoice that our Christly captain took that last second shot for the world when he said to God our spiritual coach; I’ll surrender my life, I’ll give my all, so the unsaved may obtain salvation from sin. This fearless victory over death secures a win for those who receive it. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Healthy competition is a good thing when it is kept in the right perspective and proper intention. From a Christian point of view, however, it’s a competitive fight between good and evil, God and Satan. We have to play both offense and defense. We know that Jesus overcame Satan when He defeated death on the cross, but too many times we have to be reminded of that fact. In the game of life, our souls are being influenced by what’s around us and whether or not God is our spiritual coach. Our eternal future is on the line making it essential to come to blows with Satan and stay on God’s squad, truly connected to him. We read in Romans 8:35-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let’s team up with our Lord and captain Jesus Christ where losing is out of the question, but winning over sin becomes our eternal goal of Christian life.

Jesus did not tell us that all our drives to the basket will be easy, but He did tell us that He will show us the way. We know that sometimes we will need to use a full-court press, but we can’t lose if our daily practice includes keeping the faith and keeping our eyes on our captain. As March Madness begins, think of whose team you will play on from a Christian perspective. Will it be on God’s squad or Satan’s losing lineup? It’s your call, but I would strongly encourage you to pick Christ to be your captain and allow God to be your coach and a victorious life is but one shot away. Have you heard the song, Victory in Jesus by Eugene M. Bartlett (1885-1941): “I heard an old, old story, how the Saviour came from glory, How He gave life on Calvary to save a wretch life me; I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning, Then I repented of my sins and won the victory. O victory in Jesus, my Saviour, forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him – He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.”

So, when the final buzzer sounds, whose team will you be on, God’s squad or Satan’s losing lineup?

 

Charitable Remainder Trusts, helping to create a legacy of hope

By: Tim Henry, Planned Giving Director

Ten years ago your Uncle Vinnie gave you a wedding gift, the privilege to buy ten thousand shares of closely held stock in his great new internet start up called Linkintomyface.  You are told the stock is worth ten cents a share, but by buying now for a mere $1,000, you will be making the investment of a lifetime.  You have held onto the stock not knowing what to do with it, except cashing the hundred dollar dividend checks you receive each year, but you have just been informed that the company is going public with an IPO on the stock market.  Great news, because based on the popularity of Linkintomyface, you are informed the initial offering price per share is going to be set at $350 a share.  This means that your ten thousand shares valued at $1,000 when Uncle Vinnie sold you the shares will be worth at least $3.5 million. Again great news, you are now a millionaire, you no longer have to worry about paying your mortgage every month or funding the kids’ college education and you can buy everyone in the family a new car.

With your initial investment of a $1,000 now worth several million dollars and having bills to pay and things to buy, and because it is the stock market and you never know what will happen tomorrow, you decide to sell all your stock and take the profits.  You are set, no more worries about money you are ready to start living the good life, but now for the bad news the tax man cometh, and you owe the government capital gains tax on the increased value of the stock, which increased $3,499,000 in value since you bought it ten years ago.  As you write out the check to the IRS you wonder if you had other options than the sale of the stock.

One option, to merely cashing in your stock and paying capital gains tax, is you could make a donation of all or part of the stock to The Salvation Army in the form of a Charitable Remainder Trust.  In so doing, you would save yourself on capital gains tax and potentially other taxes, while making a donation to the Salvation Army that will benefit and improve the lives of many people in your community and helping to secure your legacy, a legacy of hope in troubled and difficult times.

But what is a Charitable Remainder Trust?  A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is a legal arrangement in which a donor gives over a piece of property or money through a donation to a charity, but the donor continues to use the property or receives an income from the asset for a set period of time, usually the donor’s lifetime.  When the specified time period ends the trust property is then available for use by the charity.  The benefit to the donor is that they avoid any capital gains tax on the donated assets and potentially earn an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the remainder interest the trust earned.  Further, since this is an irrevocable trust the asset is removed from the donor’s estate, meaning the assets of the CRT will not be calculated into the donor’s estate for the purposed of the estate tax.

Thus, the donor receives a yearly payment of income from the CRT during their lifetime, potentially reduces their tax liability significantly and makes a donation to the Salvation Army to benefit the needy in their community.  So, before you cash in your shares in Linkintomyface, evaluate if there is a way to maximize the benefit you receive and benefits you can pass on to your community, by give to the Salvation Army through a Charitable Remainder Trust.

If you have any questions or you would like to secure a legacy of hope by making a donation of a Charitable Remainder Trust or discuss other ways you can create such a legacy please call Tim Henry Director of Planned Giving at 314-646-3016 or email at timothy_henry@usc.salvationarmy.org.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLAIMER “Pursuant to regulations governing the practice of attorneys, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, enrolled actuaries and appraisers before the Internal Revenue Service, unless otherwise expressly stated, any U.S. federal or state tax advice in this communication (including attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed under federal or state law or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or tax-related matter(s) addressed herein.”

A God of Second Chances: Haitian Man Receives the Gift of Sight, Twice

By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division with an update from Kara Langford, Haiti

Photo by: Kara Langford

“God always comes through for me,” said Mackendy Charles a Haitian gentleman, who gave thanks to his sight first and foremost to God, and then to the doctors, and Salvation Army personnel who have twice come to his aid to save his sight.

In 2006, Charles, then 21, approached Salvation Army Envoys Steve and Ketsie Diaz, while he attended the Army’s Secondary School in Port-au-Prince. His eyes had been badly damaged from a childhood bout of Tuberculosis. His eyes were gray, cloudy, badly scarred and caused him great pain.

“My mom had spent all of her money helping me and we were out of options, so I approached Envoy Steve for help.”

Diaz arranged for Mackendy to see a specialist, who informed him the surgery and treatment he required was not possible in Haiti, and that without a double corneal transplant, he would soon lose his sight. The specialist informed Diaz that Mackendy would have to go to the United States in order to receive proper care. “We didn’t have the funds to help him,” recalls Diaz, who told Mackendy there was nothing more they could do.

Diaz did however reach out to friends in the United States – Dr. Schoults and Dr. Kiernan, an anesthesiologist and an ophthalmic surgeon, who agreed to perform Mackendy’s transplant free of charge, even getting the hospital to write off any fees.

Mackendy, as he was departing from St. Louis. (Pictured left to right: Envoy Ketsia Diaz, Kyle Diaz, Mackendy Charles, John Aho, Envoy Steve Diaz)

“I was very happy for the help these people gave me,” remembers Mackendy, “because I knew my family and I could not do it alone.”

Once in the United States, Mackendy quickly received treatment and afterwards, his vision improved dramatically – going from a 6 inch field of vision to more than 6 feet in the first day.

“I couldn’t see before. It had gotten so bad that I couldn’t read on my own. I was so happy to be able to read again.”

In 2009, Envoys Diaz were transferred to St. Louis, Mo., to be administrators at a community center leaving Mackendy. In 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti.

“I was really worried. I lost my home. I lost my glasses. I lost my medicine. I couldn’t get to my doctor. My eyes kept getting worse, and I thought I would lose my sight again.”

As his vision worsen, Mackendy reached again. The doctors, hospital, and Salvation Army rose to the occasion, this time with the assistance of the South Side Lion’s Club in St. Louis, which paid for travel costs and associated fees. On Sept. 13, 2011, Mackendy returned to the states.

Michael Santangelo, president of the South Side Lion’s Club, recalled when Envoy Diaz first approached his fellow members for help. “It was a no brainer,” he said, “This is what we do. We deliver help when we can, and are especially motivated by protecting and providing sight.”

Diaz reconnected Mackendy with his doctors, who found that he had scarring, blood vessel damage and cataract growth. On Oct. 19, 2011, Mackendy underwent surgery to remove cataracts and scar tissue, and to replace one cornea. Following his procedure, he stayed with Envoys Diaz at their home until January when he returned to Haiti.

An Update From Kara Langford, Communications Officer, The Salvation Army – Haiti

Photo by: Kara Langord

Mackendy is back in Port-au-prince living in a tent with his mother in the IDP camp next to the Army’s Delmas 2 compound. He is satisfied with the results of the operation and though he’s had a bit of irritation in his right eye, he reports his vision is better and will have his first visit with his local doctor on March 2. Mackendy is enjoying his university studies in theology and is excited to graduate in July. He still travels, and studies, with the help of his cousin and doesn’t let his vision issues slow him down one bit. He was recently appointed the director of Sunday schools for his church. He is very thankful for all the opportunities he’s been offered through the kindness of others but recognizes that God is the one who made the way. “It was God’s plan for me not to lose my eyes,” he said.

Mackendy reports that his favorite thing to enjoy since his second operation is his girlfriend Melissa’s face.

Motorcycles of a Mission

By: Major K. Kendall Mathews

In the midst of the recovery efforts in Harrisburg, Ill, a group of motorcycle men and women came wheeling into the Harrisburg Thrift Store parking lot ready to give back to this hurting community.  Not just any motor club, but one with a mission in line with The Salvation Army, with their colors being red, yellow and blue,  called, “Soldiers of Truth in God’s Army.”  On the outside they looked just any other motorcycle club, but their inner calling and spiritual mission is to reach the lost for Jesus Christ through worship to God and service to society. This Motorcycle Ministry set them apart from all the others clubs I have ever seen. I quickly came to understand that they indeed been commissioned by God to do His work whenever and wherever needed.  Harrisburg, Ill was their next stop to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a hand to man and heart to God.

I must say I was moved to see them in action, not just clearing out a trailer full of clothes and household items, but their actions were God-driven and Christ-like. My eyes were opened in different way and my spirit connected to them. No questions were asked beyond “What can we do to help The Salvation Army help the Harrisburg victim’s?” This is just the type of servant-leadership that is so desperately needed during disasters. This group offered themselves as sacrificial servants ready to give to others wholeheartedly.  Their actions scaled my attention to the Bible verse in Romans 12:1, which says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Their hands and hearts became those of Jesus Christ through the faithful service. They revealed to me that we must honor others above ourselves with compassionate and serviceable affection to those undergoing a catastrophes event.

The President and Pastor of this ministry said to me, “Everything God gives is a tool to help people.” He called what they were doing a parking lot ministry. Their Bibles were out and their prayers being lifted up to people stopping by to drop off their donations. People welcomed these Christly riders, not night riders, as soldiers of Jesus, and reminded them that we march together with the blood and the fire and to the ends of the earth we will go. What a great blessing it was to see their salvation being lived out through helping others. Their pastor was right when he said, “It takes us all to be the body of Christ to the broken lives of those impacted by this tornado.” At one point, he preached to me of the goodness of God and the love we should have for one another regardless of cultural differences. “Unconditional love for God and sacrificial service for man,” he said “is the key that must bind us together.” I then finished that statement by saying, “with cords that cannot be broken.”

This motorcycle ministry, Soldiers of God’s Truth, has some shady past with drug abuse at the top of the list, but they are like me and you, sinners saved by the grace of God.  “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted; but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:8. Although they have been knocked down by the world and sin, like all of us, in Christ, they are not knocked out. We serve a God of second chances, who will not give up on us, but who loves us during this journey of life here on earth.  Even during times of hardship and humiliation, God loves us all.

The Pastor, a gospel preacher for sure, told me that their mission Bible verse comes from John 14:6 that says, “Jesus said him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes the Father, but by me.’”  He pointed out the word “truth” and that it is the Word of God that will set people free.  “Not his words,” he said, “but God’s Word found in the Bible. Since God set his rider free, He indeed has the power to free all people from sin.”

These Soldiers of Truth in God’s Army renewed my hope in the Lord.  As I fellowshipped and served with them that sunny Saturday afternoon, God revealed Himself through this Motorcycle Ministry. I then taught them the song which says, “We are soldiers in the army; we have to fight although we have to die; we have to hold up the blood stained banner, we have to hold it until we die.”  This battle cry became our united theme of service.  I am sure God smiled, or even laughed at us as we sang that song in the parking lot of the Harrisburg, Ill Thrift Store.

These motorcycle soldiers not only ride for righteousness, but they are a church as well, called “Warehouse of Worship.” According to the pastor and the other Christ Riders, they worship Jesus in spirit and in TRUTH through service to others, the gospel of Jesus is preached and part of their daily lifestyle. They not only read the Bible as their manual for Christly living, but they worship together to bring glory to God as a community of believers.  I was very much honored to be in their presence and although I was not a Christly bike rider, we worship the same savior Jesus Christ.  It also helped that we share the same colors, red, yellow and blue, in addition to being SOLDIERS.

So, the next time you see or hear a motorcycle think of, “The Soldiers of Truth in God’s Army,” and remember their ministry of saving the lost, the least, and the last without fear knowing that God will provide for your every need.  “Fear, not, for I am with you; be not dismissed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genuine Holiness: Serving God & Staying True to Yourself

By: Captain AmyJo Ferguson, O’Fallon (MO) Worship & Community Center

The usual Christian approach to purity involves this sort of heaping on of the good while eschewing the bad.  If I can listen to the right music, watch the right shows, read the right books, and do the right things while simultaneously avoiding all the wrong stuff, I’ll somehow attain some level of purity.  I suppose this works out pretty well if one really enjoys the Gaither Vocal Band, Lifetime original movies, Janette Oke, and scrapbooking, because those are the things that the church has deemed “pure and right.”

We probably take this approach from the many “Garbage In/Garbage Out” sermons and devotionals that we were exposed to in the late 80s and early 90s.  We use verses like Philippians 4: 8 (“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”) to justify our “try harder” theology.   We keep believing that one day we will be holy enough to vote Republican. I recall one particularly trying time when the party I was traveling with decided to listen to the same two worship CDs over and over again on a six hour journey.  These CDs featured 10 two or three minute songs first with vocals and then again without vocals.  I found myself praying for some sort of temporary deafness as the two adults in the front seat sang, “Ha la la la la la la hallelujah” for the 3rd time.  As they began the 4th time through and I didn’t enjoy it any more than the 1st, I began thinking, “Is there something wrong with me?”

There are people like me who vote a mixed political ticket, love the Ramones, adore Kurt Vonnegut and Lawren Harris and worship Chris with our whole heart, yet we struggle with the church’s idea of holiness.  We are supposed to “be like Jesus” even though Jesus never dealt with a computer, radio or television.  We are supposed to fully consecrate ourselves to Christ and to act in his service.  How does that work out in a two party system where all too often the choice seemingly comes down to morally straight or socially responsible?   I’m afraid that the reason why a whole bunch of people have given up on this holiness thing is that they feel trapped between the church sanctioned ideas of purity and their own sense of good taste and ideology.  Churches are full of “followers of Christ” who in frustration have given up on actually following Christ and that problem extends beyond just the music we listen to and the books that we read.

At this point, some pastors would suggest that we “surrender it all.” I would rather suggest this: Stop pursuing some preconceived notion of righteousness and go on a whole-hearted pursuit of God.  Romans 9: 30 – 32 “What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.”  Jesus never really fit into the accepted norms of his day, perhaps the most holy of us don’t exactly fit in either.