How YOU Can Change a Life

For over 130 years, The Salvation Army in New Jersey has been fighting the battle to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of many local residents. Our 28 Corps Community Centers, 137 Service Units, Adult Rehabilitation Centers, Shelters and Residential Camp all provide a wide array of programs and services to New Jersey residents. Our work throughout these years would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of thousands of volunteers who have partnered with us to help with our mission - "to meet human needs His name without discrimination."

Nicky Gumbel, vicar at HTB Church in England recently said, "As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change, both in their lives and in the lives of people around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass it on."
 

Consider volunteering for The Salvation Army New Jersey Division! Join us in our mission to serve those in need, and help us to nourish our local communities by showing kindness to those in need. Visit our website at www.salvationarmynj.org/volunteer to view our range of volunteer opportunities and apply online. You never know - your one act of kindness could change a person's day or even transform their life!

Written by Judith Anderson
Volunteer Resources Manager

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Before I Go To Kensico

It was definitely weird, but I enjoyed it!

At least it was enjoyable in the sense that it was new and therefore exciting. When I was in college, I took a creative writing course. The instructor, who was a published author, would often come up with such strange writing challenges that several of us students would wonder if he was joking or being serious. On a Monday morning, he strolled into the room with the usual hip smirk on his face. He had that, "I've got them now!" look as he gave us our next assignment.

"I want you to write an obituary...more specifically, I want you to write YOUR obituary!"

Needless to say, we were all stunned by the shocking words that made their way from his mouth to our ears. The first troubling thought was, "How do I write my own obituary?" Next, "How will the world remember me?" I know many people die every day and no one seems to care on a wide scale unless they are of some 'importance.'

Would my death be in vain?

If I died, who would notice, who would care, why should they?

How did I die?

Was it in some glorious life-saving escapade, or did they find me on the toilet with my pants down?

So many thoughts rushed through my head, but one was all too real and became the focus of my paper. Writing my obituary may not have made me a better writer, but it made me a better person. It forced me to come face to face with a fact that a 17 year old may not think of or even think is possible.

It made me realize my own mortality!

At such a young age, I felt invincible! I barely ever was ill, I was in great physical shape, and my mind was as sharp as it had ever been at that time. I was a young adult that hadn't even reached his prime, yet confronted with death, my death!

I read a sign that stated, "Life isn't too short; it’s the longest thing you'll ever do!"

This assignment really put into perspective, for me at least, how short a lifetime is, but how immortal a moment can be.

It came down to asking myself - How do I want to be remembered? Do I want to be an important person, or, do I dare to be an impactful person?

Before I go to Kensico (a cemetery where many Salvation Army personnel are buried), will I have had an impact on anyone or anything? Will the summation of little battles equal any significant victory for the Kingdom of Heaven? If not, then my 'importance' will have outweighed my impact, and I will have failed and nothing can be done to change it. We find a great example of this in Luke 16:19-31, the Rich Man and Lazarus.

The rich man had lived a life of comfort and eventually died. He went to Hell and wanted to be able to return if only for a short time to warn his brothers of what awaits them if they do not change. He found out that his time to impact those on earth was limited. He could not have another chance to make a difference in the lives of those he loved.

He lost his opportunity; I pray I take full advantage of mine! I have decided that my life will not be 78.64 years of self, because the uncomfortable, yet definite truth is that the life of 'self' will end. However, if the average life span remains 78.64, then I can multiply opportunities by each day and share those 28,703.6 moments having an impact on others! There will always be others.

In my life, there have been accomplishments and failures, but more importantly, there have been experiences and moments. Lord, make my moments Holy!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton

Newark Ironbound

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Keepin' it Real

Have you ever known someone who prides themselves on keepin' it real? This may mean different things to different people, but to me, someone who is keepin' it real calls it exactly as they see it. No punches pulled - it may not be what you want to hear, but at least you know what they really think and feel.

Jesus was all about keepin' it real. In Matthew 19:16-30, He was talking with someone who is described as a young man. This young man asked Jesus what "good" things he must do to ensure eternal life. Jesus is real in saying, "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments."

Boom. Right away, Jesus tell this man exactly what he needs to do - no ifs, ands or buts about it. After asking which commandments, the man says he has kept them all and asks if there is anything else he must do. So, Jesus is blunt: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." He kept it real.

This was too real for the young man. He went away sad because the Bible says he had great wealth. This young man let his stuff, his possessions, get between him and the Lord of all creation and eternal life. When Christ was real with him, the solution he was seeking hit a little too close to home.

Let me keep it real. Is something holding you back from going all in to follow Jesus? The crazy part is you don’t even have to sell all of your possessions. You don’t have to leave your home. You just have to ask for forgiveness from your sin (keepin' it real - we are all sinners), and take up your cross and follow Him. And while you may not have to give up your worldly possessions, you will have to give up the things of this world steeped in sinful nature. But -real talk- isn’t eternal life worth it?

Written by Bramwell Applin
Community Relations Manager

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Why Are You Here?

It began as an assignment and quickly became a calling.

I'm the multimedia gal at the office. I build websites, manage social media accounts, take photos and film/edit videos. So, visiting The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Newark Ironbound to capture new photos was "all in a day's work" in my mind. I couldn't have anticipated what God had in His mind for me that day.

As I floated through classrooms of students doing homework, almost everyone stopped to flash me a smile. Some shared what they were working on, some wanted to know all about me. Every second that passed opened my heart a little bit more.

It's important and humorous to note that for practically my entire life, I've had an aversion to kids. Didn't want to be around them, didn't want to talk to them and certainly didn't want to have them! So, for God to be softening an area of my heart that had been hardened for years...Well, that's just characteristic of who He is!

I'm not sure exactly what it was about these children (perhaps sensing God's love for them) that made me want to come back again and again. I am now a weekly volunteer at the Club.

Spending time with "my kids" (it didn't take long for me to dub them that) is exciting, exhausting and eye-opening. In some ways, their childhoods mirror mine, and in others, they are painfully different. Many are considered at-risk children for circumstances beyond their control. I feel I have a responsibility to show them what they can control - their actions towards others and carrying hope for the future.

I want these kids to understand that the kingdom of God belongs to them (Mark 10:14), and the Lord of all creation knows them intimately (Psalm 139). I want to guide them in truth and grace. Sometimes, sitting on the steps and playing Uno cards doesn't feel like I'm doing that. But I know that every minute we spend together is blessed. Any time I have with them is an opportunity to encourage the good in their hearts and see the sparks in their eyes that nearly melt my being.

Last week, my future soccer star and Candy Land enthusiast friend, knowing I'm not a full-time counselor like some other Club staff, asked me, "Why are you here?"

"Because I love you," I answered.

I pray she heard my words as if they flowed from Jesus' lips. I pray that we as an Army and I as a follower of Christ show children why they are here. Because He loves them. Endlessly, fiercely and completely.

Written by Elyse Jankowski
Community Relations Associate

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Spirit Search Engine

It seems technology is breaking boundaries on the way we study, interact and research. I would like to point out one of the fascinating boundaries that was broken in the way we search and look for information.

Technology has placed information before us at the click of a button. We have catapulted from libraries to search engines. The purpose of the search engine is to give you the ability to pull information based upon what you are requesting. It helps cut the time of going to the library and reading multiple books to find the information you require. It helps to narrow down the many choices that are available to the specific choice that is needed. It helps to bypass the opinions of others and get you the answers you are looking for.

I am reminded of a Scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

God has given those who chose and will choose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ their personal search engine, which is the Holy Spirit. God has given us the equipment to be successful in life, through life, and also to save a life. We can use our search engine (Holy Spirit) for things we need and the things God needs us to do. We can save time, tempers and trails.

If we inquire of God for the answer before we make the decision, we also can be saved from situations, 
circumstances and conditions. The Scripture also tells us in James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him.

Did you hear what God just said? In our asking, He will auto correct anything that may have been done prior to your asking. God says you have not because you ask not. God desires that love relationship with His creation, and He will not allow anything to get in between. I know I am talking with someone who needs direction, answers and solutions.

Have you visited God's Facebook? In it and on it, we find the pathway to salvation through Jesus Christ. This Facebook page has 66 letters about ordinary people who did extraordinary things. And what you and I can have in common with these men and women is the Holy Spirit. Let's begin to use our search engine, so we can confidently know we received the answer we need. 

Written by Terrell Curry
IT Help Desk Analyst 

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Fear Not

 

I work in a town which has experienced the following:

    -    One shooting every month so far in 2013.
    -    Hurricane Sandy coming through causing widespread damage and economic impact.
    -    One in 16 residents being a victim of violence in 2011.
    -    55 shootings in 2012 with twelve people being killed.
    -    1,700 guns turned in during a recent community 'Gun Buy Back' program.

All of this and more can cause people to be afraid and cautious of one another.

Fear brought on by differences - economics, race, and culture.

Fear brought on by an uncertain future.

Fear brought on by a lack of hope.

Fear caused by little to no return on significant investments.

Fear caused by lack of trust in leadership to carry out promises made.

So, what is our response to fear?

    -    Well, we could act like a turtle, and cover our head and hide.

    -    We could run away and find another place to go.
    -    We could throw our hands up in despair and be fatalistic about our outcome.
    -    Or we could turn to One who is greater than the source of our fear.

There is a story in the Scriptures about a group of men in a boat sailing across a sea.  While they were sailing, a furious storm came up and threatened to swamp the boat.  These experienced seamen panicked and looked toward their leader, Jesus.  Well, before they could speak to him, they had to wake him up.  He had been asleep...in a storm.  How could he do that?  How could he be snoozing when others were screaming?  How could he be dreaming when others were bailing?  How could he be at peace when others were in the grip of fear?  It was because he knew the One who controlled the storm.

When we find One bigger than the gangs, our fear is replaced with calm.

When we find One more competent than our leaders, our hope rises and fear leaves.

When we find the One in control of the fearful circumstances then we can rest, even while those circumstances are swirling around us.

Is there One like this?  Yes.  The Scriptures say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?"

Over and over, we are instructed to fear not.  Why? 

Because God is with us. He will never leave us alone.  God is watching us.  God is stronger than any enemy of this world.  We need to trust in Him.  This is not easy.  We tend to believe what we see - the violence, the apparent victory of evil over good, and so on.  But, we only see a small portion of the entire picture.  Let us trust God, who sees the beginning and the end.  And when we are tempted to be paralyzed by fear, let us trust.  It is worth it.

Written by Major Cheriann Stoops

Asbury Park Corps Officer 

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Celebrating National Salvation Army Week

This year's 60th annual National Salvation Army Week celebrates volunteers and donors who have made The Salvation Army one of the world's largest and most trusted charities.

Each year, we use this week to say thank you to the three million volunteers who give of their time and talents to The Salvation Army and enable critical services to communities, families and individuals in need. If you can believe it, that's 8,000 volunteers "Doing the Most Good" for their neighbors each day!

"Not only is National Salvation Army Week a time of thanks, it's also a time for new volunteers and donors to join our important mission," said Judith Anderson, Volunteer Resources Manager. "In addition, this time of year is typically when giving decreases but the need for Salvation Army services increases. Any extra help we can get right now will have a big impact."

Join the army behind the Army for Clean Up Day at Camp Tecumseh! Email njvolunteers@use.salvationarmy.org ASAP if interested/available! Click flyer to enlarge:

For more information on volunteering with The Salvation Army New Jersey Division, visit salvationarmynj.org/volunteer

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Moving Forward

There comes a time in life when you realize it's time to move on. In some cases, we choose to move on, and in others we are pushed into that direction.

          

A few months ago, I wrote about my fear of what comes next in my life. Well, I'm still not sure about that, however, the time for me to move on has come. I will finish college this month, and I will be saying goodbye to a lot of things that have helped me grow over the past four years: professors, friends and the occasional all-night study sessions (I probably won't miss that last one as much).

With this stage of my life coming to a close, a new world awaits me.

This reminds me of the story of Moses. In chapter 14 of Exodus, God had already given Israel freedom from the Egyptians; they are heading for the promised land after leaving Egypt. Suddenly, in their escape, they come to the Red Sea.

I cannot even begin to imagine how Moses must have felt. Here he was leading the Israelites on their escape out of Egypt, the Egyptians are chasing them, and they have come to a point where they are at a dead end.

The Red Sea is in front of them.

The Egyptians are behind them.

They can't go left or right.

They can't go back.

So, Moses began to cry out to the Lord.

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward."

There was only one direction for them to go...forward!

There was no clear way for them to go forward. There were no boats, and there were no bridges. Swimming was out of the question. Still, God said: "Go forward."

Like the faithful man of God Moses was, he listened to God, they went forward...and God did something He had never done before...He parted the Red Sea! Israel escaped on dry land.

The unexpected happened when they began to move forward.

I think sometimes in life, we fret about moving forward because we are scared of the unknown, and we doubt ourselves. We can't see what lies ahead, so we agonize about moving forward.

The future for Moses and the Israelites was beyond the Red Sea. It wasn't behind them where enemy was. It wasn't directly in front of them where the obstacle was. Their destiny was beyond the obstacle, and beyond we must go. We cannot move forward if we keep looking back at what is chasing us.

We have a clear example in the Old Testament of what can happen when you look back. Genesis 19:26 tells us when Lot's wife looked back, she became a pillar of salt.

My point is that sometimes when we look back, we become paralyzed, yet God has so much more in store for us. 

Let us move beyond ourselves into what God has for us.  Keep moving forward!

Written by Stephany Suarez
Senior Soldier
The Salvation Army Kearny Corps

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Helping Hands Making a Difference

One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a figure in the distance. As he got closer, he realized the figure was that of a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing the starfish into the ocean. Soon, the sun will be up and the tide is going out. If I do not throw them back, they will die."

"Son," the man said, "Don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You cannot possibly make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one!"

A simple act of kindness can make a difference. Whoever you are. Wherever you are. You can make a difference. 

It's National Volunteer Week, and throughout the United States, numerous non-profits are using this special week to thank their volunteers. At The Salvation Army in New Jersey, we not only thank our volunteers during National Volunteer Week but also throughout the year as we recognize the vital role that they play to help support the programs and services that we provide throughout the state. The kindness, dedication and commitment of our volunteers to serve needy individuals and families throughout New Jersey is very much appreciated by The Salvation Army as well as the people that are served.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer with us! We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available to suit all ages and skills. All we require is a desire to make a difference and a heart to serve those in need.  If you are interested in volunteering with us, please visit www.salvationarmynj.org/volunteer to view our volunteer opportunities and apply online.

Written by Judith Anderson

Volunteer Resources Manager

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A Lion in the Daniel’s Den

Trapped! You're locked in a pit. The only escape is plugged with a seemingly immovable obstacle. In the deep darkness, you pace back and forth throughout the day or night. You're not really sure of which because you've already lost track of time in your subterranean exile. Food is occasionally dropped in, but you shy away because the opening of your prison delivers an unusual brightness of the rarely seen sky, and it burns your eyes. Immediately after the door closes, you make a move toward the food before the others pounce on the scarce meal. The lack of food has made you irritable and overly aggressive. It's as if your captors wanted you to be hungry to maintain a ravenous edge.

You are a hungry, ferocious and proud lion that is trapped in a den, and things are about to get worse.

The sky reveals itself again, and the piercing light invades your space. Something is dropped into your den. It smells like meat, but something is different. As the entrance is sealed again, what you thought was food stands up and begins to walk toward you and the other lions. As you all huddle together and cower in fear, the undesirable truths grabs you by the lump in your throat as you realize you have come face to face with a Daniel.

Daniels and Davids and Jobs, oh my! I can say with bit of certainty that you have never heard that before, and there is a fair chance you may never hear it again. If my blatant "tagline" substitution isn’t a crime, then the lack of its usage should be.

"Fear not nor be afraid of them!"

Great words given to us by God through Moses. I have found that "them" isn't always people. Quite often, "them" is us, "them" is things, "them" is fear, and "them" is problems. It made me wonder, why are "them" not afraid of me?

The command God has given in Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go."

Have I followed the order or believe the promise it ends with? My shameful answer is, if not no, perhaps not always. I think if the answer was a resounding yes for all of us, then we would approach life a lot differently.

From these thoughts, I've taken away three things:

1. We should live as if we have heavenly backup
2. Believe in the security that comes with the promises of God
3. Our problems should be afraid of us

I hope that these thoughts can in some way allow you to look into your own life as I have done mine and ask the tough questions. When the answer is no, decide what it will take to become a yes! We were fearfully and wonderfully made, not made to live in fear!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound

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