L-r: Lt. Colonels Joe and Shawn Posillico, Commissioner Jean Ludiazo and Lt. Colonels Magali and Zoilo Pardo at an African International Ministry event. Photo by Daniel Ramón

New ministry reaches out to the growing African population in Phoenix.

By Vivian Gatica

The Phoenix Central Corps, led by Majors Gil and Elvia Roman, made history in March by launching a unique African International ministry. Its goal is to introduce African immigrants to The Salvation Army, and to bridge the gaps in community.

Approximately 12,000 Africans live in Phoenix, according to the latest American Community Survey of the United States Census Bureau.

“We feel blessed to have the opportunity to be part of [African International Ministry], and I believe this is an opportunity to show all the Africans that we can grow together through the Lord,” Gil Roman said. “This is history, and it’s nice to be part of it.”

Commissioners Jean and Véronique Ludiazo, who previously led the then Congo (Kinshasa) and Angola Territory,  direct the ministry, and have been working on its development for the past two years. Jean Ludiazo said they first reached out to one person; from there the ministry grew by word of mouth.

The Ludiazos partnered with local African churches to strengthen the ministry through the growing African community in the region.

“Many Africans do not know about The Salvation Army,” Jean Ludiazo said. “The African International ministry brings them together so they can know what it is all about.”

The ministry has a diverse membership ranging from Nigeria to the Democratic Republic of  Congo, and many participants are refugees. Since the members speak various languages, most communicate with each other in English.

“These people came from war, trauma and challenges, and don’t know where to go,” Ludiazo said. “They need someone who has gone through the same obstacles, and when they see an African talking to them, it encourages them.”

Each week, the ministry provides participants with various physical and spiritual resources. On Wednesdays, the corps hosts computer lab skills classes. On Saturdays, a Bible study offers spiritual preparation for those interested in becoming Salvationists. The Sunday service is a time for evangelism and spiritual growth for all, regardless of nationality.

The launch of the ministry united 54 Africans, and has since seen an average of 20 to 25 attendees each week.

“The ministry brings the African flavor to the American style of worship,” Ludiazo said. “The Salvation Army is fulfilling its mission in this way by reaching the whole world.”

Roberta Franco, director of The Salvation Army’s Mesquite, Nev., social services office, was named 2012 Mesquite Distinguished Citizen of the Year at a city council meeting in February.

“I couldn’t be happier with this choice,” said Mayor Mark Wier, as he made the announcement.

Franco has directed the office there for two years and is well known around town for her work with people from all walks of life.

“Since taking over the leadership of The Salvation Army in Mesquite, Roberta Franco has turned the charitable organization into the preeminent provider of services and assistance to those less fortunate in the Virgin Valley,” Wier said. With the support of the Board of Directors, she implemented the unit’s move to a vacant storefront in the Brickyard, significantly reducing operating expenses.

“She efficiently utilizes every available resource to extend a hand up, rather than a hand out, to those in need, empowering and educating parents and the community,” he said. “She supplements meager grants with donation programs such as the annual kettle drive, assistance from groups such as Living Waters Fellowship and the Exchange Club, and discounts from local merchants like Walmart. All local donations are kept within the community for the community.”

In an interview with the Mesquite Citizen Journal, Franco said that she is proud of the individuals and families that she has helped. Many of them have gone on to pay it forward, helping others in need of assistance.

Keeping in mind the motto of “a hand up, not a hand out,” Franco said she teaches clients how to become more self-sufficient: “We are helping these families find different solutions to their problems and to improve their lives.”

From Mesquite Citizen Journal

A group stops for prayer at the Garden Tomb. Photo by Janene Zielinski

Reno Corps reenacts the events leading up to the first Resurrection Day.

“Easter in the Courtyard” at The Salvation Army Reno (Nev.) Corps started as a way to fill the time between the family Easter breakfast and the 11 a.m. worship service.

In 2012, many neighborhood families—about 275 people with corps members—showed up on Easter Sunday.

“We noticed that the kids had a lot of energy and the parents wanted to do something meaningful as a family on Easter morning,” said Major Janene Zielinski, corps officer with her husband, Michael. “These observations led to the idea of using the corps’ courtyard to ‘stage’ events leading up to the first Resurrection Day as an outreach to the community.”

With so many young children excited and restless, the Corps Council planned purposeful sights, sounds and movement to keep families together and engaged, while explaining the real meaning of Easter this year.

The council planned four vignettes, to be performed by council members and other interested corps members, each with a corresponding symbolic activity. The story of Jesus praying alone will be narrated and acted out. Guided by corps cadets, families will then enter an area of the courtyard with a firepit, where a narrator and actors will tell the Bible story and visitors will be invited to reflect on Peter’s feelings after he had denied Jesus. They may take a twig, remember a time when they let somebody down, and drop the twig into the fire as they listen to Bible readings reminding them of God’s forgiveness. Then they will come across three crosses and the story of the penitent thief.

“When they see and hear Jesus speaking to the thief on the cross, people are going to want to pray,” said Adherent Jeff Mitchell. “We better be ready to pray with them.”

Families may plant flower seeds and construct their own crosses to leave as a reminder to all who pass by of just how much God loves them. Finally, visitors will enter the Garden Tomb to find it empty, with Christ risen.

“I’m so excited about this! God is blessing Reno Corps with people stepping out in faith to do new things,” said Corps Council member and Young People’s Sergeant Major Barbara Pengilley.

After each Sunday service in March, the committee met for prayer and planning.

“We expect this to be a meaningful time for those who attend,” Zielinski said, “as well as a wonderful time for ‘hands-on’ involvement and fellowship.”

Photo by Gloria Storie

Corps enrolls new junior soldiers.

Lt. Colonels Al and Sherryl Van Cleef welcomed nine children into membership at the Casa Grande (Ariz.) Corps March 3. After several years of building programs, Corps Officers Captains Bill and Elizabeth Welch were thrilled to see youth take this important step.

“In 2009, we started youth programs by handing out water after school,” Elizabeth Welch said. “After a month, we advertised a Thanksgiving Party. Thirty-two people, including parents, showed up to roll frozen turkeys down the hallway. This was more than the Sunday attendance.”

By March of the next year, almost 20 elementary students were attending Homework Club, Art Smart and troops.

Sunday success did not happen right away. It was about 18 months before any youth came to Sunday school. The Welches believe that Sunday happens daily at the corps; fellowship and praising God is not an event, but a lifestyle.

“Communicating this to young people makes such a difference in how they look at church. We love God and we love them,” Welch said.

Van Cleef challenged the youth to be pure in heart, body and soul. He delivered these words with resounding confidence and a promise that God would honor such a commitment.

“These were not hollow words. The Van Cleefs have been such a support to us over the years. Spiritually, they made a commitment to us. Naturally, we wanted them to be a part of this meaningful moment,” Bill Welch said.

Several parents and family members came to witness the enrollment and stayed for Van Cleef’s sermon, “Come and Dine,” and for a potluck lunch.

Korean missionary children at their studies .Photo by Sun Loper

The Salvation Army provides an introduction to American culture and the Army’s ministry.

Nineteen children of Korean missionaries living in China visited The Salvation Army Las Vegas Korean Corps in December 2012 for three weeks to practice English and experience American culture.

The Los Angeles Korean Church Pastor Council planned the trip, but turned the field trip over to the Las Vegas Korean Corps when they were unable to house the children. Sun Loper, a member of the Las Vegas Korean Corps, helped arrange the visit.

Corps Officers Lts. Richard and Minhee Lee learned that some of the children prayed for many years to come to the U.S. Following the Jan. 6 worship service, the Lees took the kids to see the Las Vegas strip.

“I loved the clean air, the clean cars, the wide open streets with short buildings and very few pedestrians,” said Ha Eun Hwang, one of the children.

Richard Lee took the group to the Lied Social Services Campus in North Las Vegas, the location of the Army’s Homeless Day Resource Center, where the children had lunch in the Corner Cafe.

The officers recruited ESL high school teacher Yola Perkins to teach the children English; they studied from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays.

“They are such humble, respectful and joyful kids even though they are young,” Minhee Lee said. “We can see in their hearts that they love God, people, and that they care for each other.”

The Salvation Army plans to support future visits to the U.S. of the children of Korean missionaries living in China.

NASCAR Cup Drivers Michael McDowell (l) and Marcos Ambrose (r), pictured here with Edsel Ford and racing icon Jack Roush, took part in Phoenix’s first “Red Kettle Kickoff/Race for Hope” luncheon. Photo courtesy of Weecks Productions LLC

Phoenix launches its Red Kettle season with the “Race For Hope” luncheon and NASCAR weekend.

By Marlene Klotz-Collins

The Salvation Army in Phoenix held its first Red Kettle Kickoff luncheon, themed “Race for Hope,” on Nov. 8 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center with over 400 guests.

Edsel Ford, former chairman of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board, presented a keynote address on the value of volunteerism, including corporate and individual responsibility. He shared the podium with NASCAR Cup Driver Michael McDowell, an outspoken Christian who survived one of the most horrific crashes in NASCAR history. McDowell’s remarks bridged the racing theme between NASCAR and The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle season.

Racing legend Jack Roush, 2011 NASCAR Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., and championship Australian driver Marcos Ambrose also attended at Ford’s invitation.

Expanding the racing theme, Phoenix International Raceway granted permission for The Salvation Army to ring bells at the track Friday to Sunday.

“We believe this is the first time The Salvation Army has partnered this way during a NASCAR weekend,” said Southwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Joe Posillico. “We raised nearly $2,500 through bell-ringing at the track; the exposure was priceless. We hope to make this a tradition to launch our Red Kettle season.”

Phoenix Advisory Board members borrowed the “dash for cash” luncheon concept started more than two decades ago in Modesto, Calif. With dollar bills floating through the air, table hosts dashed around the room, accepting donations from guests in their individual red kettles. Approximately $40,000 was raised.

As they approached the Kroc Center, guests walked through a display of classic Fords, including a limited edition 1932 Roadster, a ‘36 stainless steel deluxe sedan (one of four in America), a powerful GT40, and a ‘66 Mercury Comet that has been on display for the past year in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In honor of Jack Roush, a 2013 Roush Mustang and truck were also exhibited, along with a ‘13 Ford Fusion, the street model of the NASCAR Sprint Cup car driven by several of Roush’s drivers.

“I was honored to be part of this inaugural event for Phoenix’s kettle launch,” Ford said. “They tied the inspiring spirit of The Salvation Army into the excitement and passion of NASCAR. Extending the fun and energy of the luncheon throughout NASCAR weekend was brilliant, a win-win for everyone.”

Kathy Lovin, from territorial headquarters (center), presents her Public Information Officer training.
Photo by Marlene Klotz-Collins

Delegates from four states attended.

By Marlene Klotz-Collins

The Southwest Divisional Advisory Organizations Conference brought together 130 delegates representing aspects of Army leadership from advisory boards, to adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs), to corps Sept. 26-28 in Phoenix.

“We wanted to help bridge the time gap between national conferences by presenting a variety of excellent sessions and workshops to our officers and volunteers,” said Southwest Divisional Commander Lt. Col. Joe Posillico. “Importantly, the conference also provided a platform for idea exchange and relationship building between participants at all levels.”

Delegates came from four states to hear keynote sessions led by nationally recognized communicator Bert Decker and National Advisory Board member Dick Hagerty. Workshops included best practices, working with the media, Christmas ideas, managing thrift stores, building strong development teams, how to read Salvation Army financial statements, and planning fabulous fundraising events.

“The conference far exceeded our expectations,” said Hector Acosta, intern at the Phoenix Maryvale Corps. “We are eager to share this information with classmates when we enter the College for Officer Training later this year.”

Advisory board members found the conference both motivating and educational about the Army’s work. Bill Dennis, advisory board chairperson from Albuquerque, N.M., said, “Since the conference, I’ve structured a whole new orientation/training session for new advisory board members and restructured the committees based upon ideas gleaned from the conference.”

During an evening at the Kroc Center, delegates were introduced to several young men and women whose lives have been touched and changed by The Salvation Army. At the ARC, conference attendees heard from a current beneficiary as well as one who graduated nearly two decades ago from the Phoenix Harbor Light.

“The Salvation Army saved my life,” said Jeff Taylor, who today is a lobbyist in Arizona’s state legislature, and is successful in initiating and advancing the cause of getting abusers into facilities like the ARC.

As a result of the positive feedback from the conference, the Southwest Division looks forward to growing and continuing this event.

“Bringing our officers and boards together in such an inspiring, educational way is invaluable,” Decker said. “Every division and territory should gather these best practices at an event every year or two.”

Willie Bland crosses the Boston Marathon finish line in 2008.

Lt. Willie Bland once ran from God but now, at age 57, he runs to raise donations for him.

Lt. Willie Bland, who once jogged in an Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) parking lot to stay sober, will run the New York City Marathon Nov. 4 to raise money for The Salvation Army’s World Services.

To achieve this goal, he is seeking sponsors.

Bland began running when he was a beneficiary at the Phoenix ARC. Up at 4 a.m., he faithfully ran around the parking lot every day, eventually branching out into South Mountain. He ran the PF Chang Marathon in Phoenix three times and qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2008, which he completed in three hours and 28 minutes.

After completing the program in Phoenix, he enrolled in the College for Officer Training and was commissioned with the Prayer Warriors Session in 2010. He served at the San Diego ARC and is now chaplain at the William Booth House in Seattle.

“By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit my life is not what it used to be,” Bland said. “I am running the New York City Marathon to raise funds for World Services so that others by God’s grace, love and fellowship, can have a chance for a changed life.”

Northwest Divisional Commander Major Douglas Tollerud supports Bland’s efforts, and you can help.

Contributions to Bland’s marathon run may be given to your local corps officer.

Back row adults (l-r): Tony Cipollini, Lisa Duncan, Captain Mark King
Middle row (l-r): Jordan Taylor, Jacob Cipollini, Christian Lucido, Matthew Duncan, Ethan Whittle
Front row (l-r): Michael Keefe, Daxton Whittle, Theodore Lieber, Aidan Villa, David King, DC Hollis

The Salvation Army in Pahrump partners with the Boy Scouts of America.

This summer the Pahrump (Nev.) Corps celebrated a crossover ceremony of its newly chartered Cub Scout pack.

Corps Officer Captain Mark King, inspired by the desire to provide a well-rounded, quality scouting program for boys in the community, began a partnership between The Salvation Army and the Boy Scouts of America’s Las Vegas Council by requesting to sponsor Pack 413.

Referring to Phil. 4:13, King said, “We are going to do all things through Christ! We are a church-sponsored pack and we will make sure all of the families who join our pack know that we teach, preach and serve Jesus Christ.”

Pack 413 started with five boys and at the time of the ceremony had grown to 13, three of whom crossed over to start a newly chartered Boy Scout troop. Four boys received an Arrow of Light Award, the highest award presented in the Cub Scouting program. One young man earned a Tiger rank, another a Wolf rank, and two others the rank of Bear. Five boys earned rank increases earlier in the program year, for a total of 100 percent pack rank advancement in 2012.

Major Michael Zielinski directs the Reno Junior Band during the VBMS Celebration Sunday. Photo by Janene Zielinski

Reno Corps adds music element, meets once a week.

By Heather Paap, LT.

For six weeks this summer, the Reno (Nev.) Corps held its first vacation Bible and music school (VBMS) with 179 children and 145 adults; 14 children accepted Christ.

With this activity, The Salvation Army in Reno put its own spin on VBS by adding a music component and connecting with the children of the corps and community throughout the summer. Instead of meeting for just one week, which is standard for VBS, Reno’s VBMS met once a week on Tuesday evening, with the last meeting a Back 2 School shopping night. VBMS music instruction included guitar, Jesus jam band and recorders along with traditional offerings of timbrels, junior band and praise and worship.

“I really enjoyed the music part—learning to play my trumpet better and learning new notes,” said Marcus, who has since transitioned into the corps’ school-year music program.

Corps leaders Majors Michael and Janene Zielinski and assistant Lt. Heather Paap hoped that the kids would develop the habit of attending an activity once a week, readying them for the corps’ weekly school-year programs, which include timbrels, junior band, gospel choir and praise and worship. VBMS also gave adult churchgoers an opportunity to volunteer, and as many as 36 adult volunteers participated on any given Tuesday night.