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| I am reading the July/August issue of the Officer magazine and have come across a very powerful article by Major John Wainwright from the UK. He caught me with his first line, "The Army's place is where it hurts, at the front line of human tragedy." He then goes on to talk about Isaiah 49 as a prophecy for people without any hope. Verse 8 says, "I will ... make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore" His challenge is that ..."In times of destruction our work is to restore. From the lowest point we direct people upwards." That is so true and so much motivation for all of us who are Salvationists to continue on in our work and fulfilling our mission. However, the Major brings up the reality that often times while we are being Christ to others doubts enter in to our minds and we wonder why God seems to be silent, or we wonder where He is. We see suffering and wonder how a loving God could allow others to suffer so much, yet we fail to see that we ourselves are actually God's hands of mercy reaching out to those who in such agony and pain. Yet, we are not immune from doubt,..."especially when we are asked to witness others' suffering." Then, we need to remind ourselves that Christ himself wondered why the Father was silent when he was on the cross, "Why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46)
The real challenge for me is what verse 16 says, "See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands." Major Wainwright goes on to say that the world has forgotten the value of covenant with God. He says that the world has chosen to forsake values and has turned away from any set idea of right and wrong. Yet, we are challenged that God has not forgotten the value of covenant and because he has engraved us on the palm of His hands, he will not forget us, nor forsake us. Wow. I know that there have been times when I have felt forsaken and alone, full of doubts, wondering why we do all that we do. Then I am reminded that the Lord has not broken His covenant with me and that He is there, restoring me, using me, equipping me, to restore others in their times of need.
I will end with Major Wainwright's closing paragraph, "My ministry and service becomes worthy because God's signature is upon it. That is what validates the covenant. In that spirit, Salvationists serve -- and that is why it is so much more than comfort.... it is restoration."
Amen
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| I am writing today about what many people call "mission drift." It is when an organization drifts away from its original mission and purpose and begins to change its focus. Some people in the Army embrace this concept as vital to our continued growth. Others say that to drift from the traditional Army roles in the world is equal to blasphemy.
What do you say?
What is the mission of the Army today? What is your mission? How do the two meet and where do they meet?
I look forward to your responses.
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| <img src="http://x71.xanga.com/becd4704d3130124672234/b90218780.bmp" alt="under the sea" style="width:800px" />
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|  | Currently Watching
Best in Show
By Carrie Aizley, Lewis Arquette, Bob Balaban, Jehshua Barnes, Jay Brazeau
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It is amazing how many people respond when someone says something that can be considered negative against the Army. Most of you responded in agreement. That is interesting.
Do you feel that your corps officers are too busy? Do you feel like they are away at Divisional or Territorial events too much?
As an officer, do you feel that you are pulled away from your appointment too much for events? Do you feel that you are in meetings too much? Do you feel like you have the time or energy to do all that you have to do?
What do you feel is the most important thing that you do during each week?
I'd like your answers to my questions. It really does help to know where people are and what they are thinking. Don't be afraid to answer. I won't share your answers with anyone, except for everyone who reads this open forum called Xanga.
I need a good summer book to read. Anyone have any ideas? It has to be a long book, epic sized so that I can't blow through it in a couple of days.
Take care and oh, yesterday at lunch I caught two largemouth bass off the new fishing dock. Neither were too big but it was fun for my first fishing this spring.
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The move to camp has begun. We have established our offices out there and have begun to get the house ready. Now, we do the daily commute out there but it is worth it.
One concern I have is that there seems to be an emphasis lately on activity rather than productivity in the Army. Some seem to feel that being busy equals being successful. I however, feel that there are times when being busy, overly busy, actually negatively impacts true productivity in our Kingdom work. Why can't we take the time and spend the time it takes to be with people, know people, be real with people? Some might see that as a waste of time, a lack of getting "important" things done. I feel that the more we do busy work the more we neglect the people that we are flying past in our busy day. We must stop running and slow down and take the time to love somebody, take the time to show someone you care......
Matthew got the game ball last night at his little league game. He got hit by a pitch in the leg, took first, stole second, stole third and scored on a base hit. Then, he got a hit, stole second, sprained his ankle, but got up and limped to third on the overthrow. He scored on a wild pitch on the next play. He was the winning run. He got the game ball from the coach. Yes, I am a proud Dad!
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