Faith & Friends November/December 2025

The Prodigal Father

PHRASE BE is an ongoing series highlighting the dozens of everyday sayings that originate with biblical text.

In this issue, we unpack:

PHRASE: Rise and shine.

DEFINITION: A call to get out of bed and start the day.

EXAMPLE: “Rise and shine,” the mother called out to her teenage daughter. “I may rise, but I refuse to shine,” she answered back.

SOURCE: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”

—Isaiah 60:1 Photo:

RISE AND

SHINE

While it’s popularly used in the mornings, this phrase is truly a universal wake-up call with equal amounts of optimism and pep. It’s a call to action, encouraging believers to actively embrace their faith and let their light—representing God’s presence, power and glory—shine forth.

But this is no academic shout-out. It’s directed to Christians who might be just as happy to keep the metaphoric blankets over their head. We can’t just be content with simply believing in God; we have to put our beliefs into action. By making our faith visible, by reflecting God’s goodness, we can draw others to that light—and really rise and shine!

GOD IN MY LIFE

5 A Whispering God

Sometimes, He doesn’t knock loudly.

KETTLE CARING

8 Being Herself

A chance encounter at a Salvation Army kettle transformed Alyssa’s life.

BETWEEN THE LINES

10 Messages From the Front

R.G. Moyles’ A Salvation Army Chaplain in World War I sheds new light on the conflict.

11 Homeless Before Christmas

Unhoused at the age of 72, Brenda joined her voice with other “voices of homeless women” who were being helped by The Salvation Army.

16 The Prodigal Father

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is the Garden of Eden gone wrong.

22 The Kodakid

In the dark days of the Second World War, British children found safety in North America. Salvation Army Major Pam Woods was one of them.

Blessed Are the Meek

Jesus shares a surprising way to gain a blessing that money can’t buy.

28 Eating Healthy With Erin Word Search, Sudoku, Quick Quiz.

LENS 31 A Real G.O.A.T.

For three years in a row, goats have remained one of the top three Gifts of Hope—helping transform lives across more than 130 countries.

A Winter’s Tale

My neighbour Jennifer has a big heart. And when she learned that our new superintendant, an immigrant to Canada from Ghana, had no winter clothes heading into the cold season, she immediately jumped into action and canvassed our buildings for unused snowwear.

As it happens, I had a warm winter jacket I had not worn in years. He’ ll be so grateful, I thought happily, if a little smugly. I couldn’t wait to see him.

The day came, and he was dressed all snug in my winter coat-but not one word of thanks to me.

How rude, I thought.

Then I realized: Jennifer had gifted him those clothes anonymously. She didn’t take any creditthough she could have-and had only told him the clothes were from his friends in the buildings. That gesture said a lot about her as a person, but what had my reaction said about me? Did I do what I did out of the goodness of my heart, or for credit?

As always, the Bible had more sense about this than I did: “Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

I realized with chagrin that part of me- OK, a lot of me-wanted the acknowledgment from my no-doubt grateful superintendent. And I was disappointed that hadn’t happened. But it was a reminder to me to be more humble going forward.

In this issue of Faith & Friends, you ’ ll read many tales of selfless acts. By volunteering at a Salvation Army church, Alyssa finds purpose and joy. In making a quilt, Brenda hopes other homeless women will find their voice. And thanks to sponsors in North America, a young girl found refuge from the carnage of the Second World War.

Ken Ramstead

Mission Statement

To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.

Faith & Friends is published bimonthly by:

The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4

International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England

Lyndon Buckingham, GENERAL

Commissioner Lee Graves

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray

SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS

Geoff Moulton, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND LITERARY SECRETARY

Pamela Richardson

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Kristin Ostensen

MANAGING EDITOR OF SALVATIONIST AND SALVATIONIST.CA

Lisa Suroso

GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST

Emily Pedlar

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Rivonny Luchas

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Giselle Randall

SENIOR EDITOR OF SALVATIONIST

Abbigail Oliver

EDITOR OF JUST FOR KIDS AND STAFF WRITER

Logan Graves CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version

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ISSN 1702-0131

A Whispering God

Sometimes, He doesn’t knock loudly.

by Louis Kyron

Throughout my life, I’ve prided myself on living with respect and integrity, but in late 2020, my life was turned inside out during the height of the pandemic. By early 2024, I found myself at a breaking point, completely lost and spiralling. I hadn’t realized how the weight of compounded grief, anxiety and stress was consuming me. I sought relief by meeting the guys at the local pub, hoping it would numb the pain, but those distractions only worsened my inner turmoil.

I began to question everything, believing I had been forgotten by God. The increasing pub visits and the rising bar bills signalled a deeper need for help. As a lifelong learner, I turned to academia and pursued an MBA, which offered temporary distraction. Once I completed the program, however, the emptiness returned louder than before. I knew I needed more than just help through distractions and accomplishments—I needed genuine healing.

Presence, Not Performance

During my online search for support, I found several programs, and one of these was at The Salvation Army Whitby Community Church, Ont. Although it was not at the top of the page, something about it spoke to me. Today, I know now that was God’s gentle whisper.

Growing up, I only knew The Salvation Army for thrift stores and holiday kettles. Skeptical and unsure, I reached out—and everything changed.

At the time, I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually drained. I had distanced myself from God. But my first visit redefined worship for me. There was no rigid ceremony— just hope, peace, love and joy. They were unlike the formal traditions I had grown up with. The congregation sang freely to celebrate the Lord, and the sermons felt like real conversations rather than lectures.

Stepping into those weekly services pulled me far from my comfort zone. I used to think

spiritual healing came only from attending church and reciting Scripture. But through the Army, I discovered that true healing requires a heart open to God.

In time, I learned that faith is not ritual and that it is a relationship with God. God does not ask for performance, but for presence.

An Extended Family

The Army offered an inclusive space where parishioners arrived early for coffee, prayer and conversation. Whitby Community Church hosted family nights, community events and faith groups year-round.

I soon found myself volunteering, embracing its motto: “The church that meets all week long.”

Majors Donette and Ken Percy, then the pastors, created a space to heal without pressure. Their care, empathy and availability, through guided prayer, suggested readings, personal conversations, group reflections, group breakfasts and coffee meetups, helped me reconnect with God.

I am deeply grateful to them, as well as the staff, volunteers and the

congregation, whom I now see as an extended family.

Faith Restored

The Salvation Army restored my sense of faith and purpose. Most important of all, they allowed me to let God back into my heart. The Army saved my life.

Today, I feel mostly healed. Of course, I slip sometimes—but who doesn’t? I am now an active and joyful member of the congregation, constantly finding new ways to serve. God has returned to my heart, and I feel truly blessed. With Majors Donette and Ken now retired, I know that Majors Jodi and Mark Dunstan will continue to lead with grace.

If you or someone you love has struggled with faith, you understand how even a sliver of doubt can shake everything you believed. Restoring faith takes time. For me, God did not burst into my life with thunder. He whispered in my deepest moment of need and, somehow, my heart opened.

That moment revealed what I had missed: God does not always arrive knocking loudly. Sometimes He heals in whispers and stillness.

Louis

is a CPA with an MBA from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ont. He lives in Whitby, Ont., and has two adult children.

Not everyone attending the Adult Day Services program at The Salvation Army Winterberry Heights Church in Stoney Creek, Ont., is a participant—one volunteer is seizing the moment to grow personally and professionally while making a difference in people’s lives.

Opened in 2006, the program provides meaningful activities for older adults, helping them maintain independence while reinforcing their sense of purpose, well-being and selfworth. It also offers much-needed respite for caregivers, giving them time to rest and reduce stress while providing access to additional community resources.

Unimagined Gift

Alyssa began volunteering in late 2023, supporting Adult Day Services

Being Herself

A

chance encounter at a Salvation Army kettle transformed Alyssa’s life.

by Chris McGregor

participants one or two days a week. She helps set and clear the tables, serves meals at lunch and washes dishes.

“For Alyssa to come to a program like this and have a purpose, to be comfortable interacting with people who have special needs due to age or dementia—she’s in her element,” says her stepfather, Allen. “She’s able to contribute, and that means a lot to her.”

Her volunteering journey started through a chance encounter at a Salvation Army Christmas kettle. While out shopping, Allen donated at a kettle and struck up a conversation with the Adult Day Services employee who was staffing it.

“She said, ‘Would she be interested in being a volunteer for us?’ ” Allen remembers. “That was the gift I just

“Alyssa’s in her element. She’s able to contribute, and that means a lot to her.” ALLEN

couldn’t have imagined because getting opportunities for people with disabilities is hard, and this was something I wanted to pursue for Alyssa.”

Positive Change

Inspired by her experience at Adult Day Services, Alyssa also volunteered alongside Allen during the 2024 Christmas kettle campaign season, showing no fear in greeting everyone equally, saying Merry Christmas and reminding them to be safe.

Allen adds that volunteering with The Salvation Army has made his stepdaughter more confident in her abilities, increasingly independent and aware of the valuable skills she possesses.

“Alyssa has been able to have these experiences in a gentle way,” Allen says. “In the time that she’s been in the program, she’s grown, and it’s

allowed her to step up to the next level that she’s capable of.”

The skills Alyssa has gained with The Salvation Army will be invaluable as she works toward her future goals.

Beyond volunteering, Alyssa says she has a deep love for books and dreams of working at a library or bookstore. She enjoys spending time with children and would love the chance to work at a daycare centre. In addition to her passion for music, Alyssa is skilled with technology and actively engages with social media.

Allen highly recommends Adult Day Services as a meaningful volunteer opportunity, given the positive changes he has seen in his stepdaughter’s life.

“It’s been a huge confidence builder, and she’s able to just be herself,” Allen says. “I couldn’t have hoped for better.”

Messages From the Front

R.G. Moyles’ A Salvation Army

Chaplain in World War I sheds new light on the conflict.

by Ken Ramstead

When Great Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, not only was Canada brought into the conflict but so was the Canadian Salvation Army. Unlike in the Second World War, when the Army was accepted as an independent auxiliary service, most of the church organization’s involvement during the First World War was concentrated at home. However, five Salvationist pastors served with the troops overseas, and one of them, Robert Penfold, served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force from 1915 to 1917.

A conscientious and diligent correspondent, Robert posted many letters home, where they were faithfully published in The War Cry, the predecessor of Salvationist, sister magazine of Faith & Friends. Dr. R. Gordon Moyles has collected and annotated Robert’s letters for a new generation of readers.

“A Salvation Army Chaplain in World War I resulted from a convergence of two main research fields,” says Moyles, “a personal interest in the First World War, in which my grandfather was wounded at Vimy Ridge, and an ongoing professional interest in The Salvation Army, about which I have written 16 books.”

In working on the project, Moyles was surprised that the letters offered so much detail about life in the overseas military camps and at the front lines at a time when such letters were subject to censorship. “The letters, supported by interspersed commentary based on research, seemed to me worth retrieving so that readers could become aware of one overlooked aspect of the Army’s wartime effort,” says Moyles. “I hope it can be the beginning of further research into what is an important aspect of Salvation Army history.”

Before Homeless

BRENDA SHARES HER EXPERIENCE OF BECOMING HOMELESS AT THE AGE OF 72 AND HOW SHE WAS INSPIRED TO JOIN HER VOICE WITH OTHER “VOICES OF HOMELESS WOMEN” WHO WERE BEING HELPED BY THE SALVATION ARMY.

by Joy Angel

What do you think when you hear or read the word homeless? You may have a similar stereotypical picture in your mind as I had until July 2021, when I became the spiritual and religious care co-ordinator and chaplain for The Salvation Army York Housing and Support Services in Ontario. I learned very quickly that the story of every person who is experiencing homelessness is different. During these past four years, I have been both surprised and saddened to see the number of older women becoming homeless for the first time.

Let’s look past the picture and see a person. Let me share Brenda’s story with you.

“What’s Happening to Me?”

On December 22, 2022, just before Christmas, Brenda found herself in an unimaginable situation at the age of 72.

“I never thought this would happen to me!” she says now. “I’m not going to focus on how or who caused me to become homeless. I made a bad decision from lies I was told, that my life would improve. Within a month, the worst-case scenario had happened, and I was told to leave. It was a surreal moment for me. I’m going to be homeless! This can’t be real! This is a nightmare! Oh, God, what’s happening to me? ”

Even as her whole world was falling apart, Brenda shares, “I felt peace; I didn’t feel fear. I reached out to the

An Awesome Team

Brenda with, from left, Major Joy Angel, spiritual and religious care co-ordinator/chaplain; Frederick “Freddy" Alphonsus, program services director for Belinda’s Place; and Hayley Betts, program services co-ordinator. Hayley was a program service caseworker when Brenda arrived at Belinda’s Place and worked with Brenda on her intake

resources that the police gave me and received the response that I needed.”

Help for the Homeless

Arriving at Belinda’s Place in Newmarket, Ont., one of the ministries of The Salvation Army York Housing and Support Services, Brenda joined 36 other women experiencing homelessness.

“I was shown my room. I had a bed, and it was clean. I felt grateful I had a warm room, and meals prepared three times a day. I could do my laundry. All those things brought comfort to me.”

Putting the Pieces Together “I felt proud," says Brenda about the completed quilt, "that I was able to bring women together from all walks of life to participate in expressing their fears and tears into a quilt”

One thing Brenda refused to do while she was there was lose who she was as a person. With thriftstore fashions, she tried to look her best every day, to help her feel good about herself.

“I refused to look at my situation in a helpless way. I realized being homeless was not my identity. It was a situation that I had to overcome. However, I did feel uncertainty not knowing when I would have my own place or feel safe and secure again.”

While writing this article, Brenda and I reminisced about how significant our meetings were as it

gave her the opportunity to express her concerns about being homeless. We shared verses from the Bible and we prayed together.

“That spiritual connection was very important to me,” she says.

Inspired Idea

Brenda was sitting outside one morning having coffee and feeling desperate about her situation.

“I was praying, asking God: ‘Why am I here? What do You want me to

the opportunity to complete a square for the quilt that would give them a voice to express their personal journey of homelessness through art. The hope was that other women’s shelters throughout Canada would participate, concluding with a display of all the quilts on Canada Day in Ottawa, to visually show the impact homelessness has on women.

Brenda presented and received approval for her idea.

“God has been part of this quilt idea from the very beginning.”

BRENDA

learn from this experience? Help me to understand. What do You want from me?’ In my mind, I heard these words: ‘You can make a quilt.’ I had never made a quilt or done anything like that. I thought, If God is suggesting making a quilt, He must think I am capable. So, God has been part of this quilt idea from the very beginning.”

It was exciting to hear Brenda’s idea, and I suggested she share it at the next staff team meeting.

“I went to my room and prayed,” Brenda recalls. “The words for that presentation just flowed in my mind. God basically brought that plan together. All I had to do was write.”

Without revealing their identities, women would be given

“Fears and Tears”

With the help of her niece, Araba, the planning, designing and gathering of necessary supplies began.

“The process was very healing for me and made my homelessness less scary,” Brenda explains. “It was cathartic and therapeutic. I was focusing on something that was God-driven and not just focusing on myself.”

The most beautiful moments for Brenda were when women would come and thank her for the opportunity to express their experience through art.

“I felt proud that I was able to bring women together from all walks of life to participate in expressing their fears and tears into a quilt.”

Sharing the Story

A New Perspective

Brenda moved into her new home on June 17, 2023, and expressed her thanks for the support she received at Belinda’s Place. As the process of completing the quilt continued, Brenda was grateful for the help she received from a member of a quilters’ group, as well as the participation of women from Nunavut.

On May 9, 2025, during an annual barbecue for clients, staff and volunteers at Belinda’s Place, Brenda shared her story. At that time, the quilt, appropriately named “Voices of Homeless Women,” was presented.

Brenda explained that the colours chosen for the squares were significant: blue—the sky and water, yellow—the sun, and green—the trees and grass. Brown was used for the border and the back to represent “mother earth.”

At that time, everyone was given their choice of a small, coloured square of the extra quilt material with an opportunity to write or draw something to express their voice.

Brenda shares now that there are still times of struggle, including personal illness. During those times, she prays, “God, I can’t handle this.”

“I ask Him for help. The next morning, I have a different perspective on the situation, and I am able to resolve it.”

Significant Bible verses shared with Brenda were Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Writing this story with Brenda was like making a quilt. As each conversation concluded, every piece was stitched together with Scripture and prayer.

Prodigal Prodigal Father The

GUILLERMO

DEL TORO’S FRANKENSTEIN IS THE GARDEN OF EDEN GONE WRONG.

by James Burrell and Kristin Ostensen

“I WAS BENEVOLENT AND good; misery made me a fiend.”

Those are the words of the unnamed “monster” created by Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus (the subtitle would be dropped in later editions). One of the most popular and influential works of 19th-century literature, the book tells of a brilliant young scientist who, in a quest for knowledge, creates a man in his laboratory—assembled from the bodies of the deceased and brought to life with the “spark of being.” But immediately afterward, Victor is revolted by his creation’s hideous features and flees in horror, leaving the newly born being alone to fend for himself in a world that will be

frightened of him and shun him for his grotesque physical appearance.

Long a staple of high school English classes, Shelley’s novel has been adapted into countless stage plays, films and television programs, the latest being a lush, big-budget production directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Del Toro has frequently cited Frankenstein as among his favourite books and has long wanted to make a faithful adaptation of the story, one that more fully explores the themes in Shelley’s novel.

Starring Oscar Isaac as the scientist and Jacob Elordi as his creation, Frankenstein was released at selected cinemas in October and on Netflix this month.

Twisted Birth

Of Monsters and Men

At its heart, Frankenstein is a creation story, with parallels—and contrasts—to the story we read in the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, God creates Adam and declares him to be “very good” (see Genesis 1:31). At the beginning, Adam is innocent and sinless.

Frankenstein’s creature is in many ways an innocent child as well, despite his eight-foot frame and monstrous visage. After he is deserted by his creator, he learns to read by quietly observing the inhabitants of a cottage and develops the ability to understand and reason.

But he is treated as sub-human and is condemned by society due to his misshapen appearance. And even after helping others, he is still perceived as a threat. In one instance, he saves a young girl from drowning, only to be shot at by her guardian who believes he attacked her.

While Adam and Eve sin after being deceived by the serpent, leading to their banishment from the Garden of Eden, the creature’s “fall” results from his mistreatment. It is only after the repeated rejection by Victor and society that the lonely, embittered and misunderstood creature—who wants nothing but

At its heart, Frankenstein is a creation story, with parallels— and contrasts—to the story we read in the Bible.

to be loved and accepted—begins to violently lash out, leading to tragedy for all involved.

As the creature says to Victor in the book, “I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed.” And in the final pages, as he reflects on all that has happened, he laments, “the fallen angel becomes a malignant devil. Yet even the enemy of God and man had friends … I am alone.”

The creation story in Genesis tells us that all humans are created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:27). But how often have we, like the people in Frankenstein, rejected those who seem different from us? Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we are doing for Him (see Matthew 25:40).

By neglecting our responsibility to those on the margins of society, are we making monsters out of men? And do we risk becoming monsters ourselves?

Welcome Home

In his obsession to create life, Victor Frankenstein does not consider the consequences of his reckless actions, and he evades his responsibilities as a parent.

In this way, he is the opposite of the father in a story Jesus told that is known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-32). In the story, the son decides to leave his family and asks his father to give him his inheritance now, rather than waiting for the father’s passing. The father grants his request, and the son goes to a distant country where he wastes all the money on “wild living.”

“It’s Alive!”

The famous green-skinned visage of the Monster, complete with flat top head and neck electrodes, is a creation of the classic 1931 film Frankenstein, produced by Universal Studios and starring Boris Karloff as the character.

Realizing he’s made a mistake, the son returns to the family, offering to be the father’s servant. But the father welcomes him with open arms, rejoicing for “this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24).

In Frankenstein, the roles of father and son are reversed, as Victor abandons his son, the creature. But in this tale, there is no hope of return, of redemption—by the end of the story, both have died, and reconciliation is no longer possible. Father and son are separated forever.

Not so with God, our heavenly Father. Though Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, precipitating our separation from Him, God sent His Son, Jesus, to make a way for us to come back to Him. And He waits for us with open arms, ready to welcome us into a loving relationship with Him when we accept Jesus as our Saviour.

Fateful Choice

Though the original novel is now more than 200 years old, Mary Shelley’s tale of the son who is forsaken by his “prodigal father” continues to resonate with readers and inspires filmmakers like del Toro to create new adaptations for the big and small screens.

More than a simple horror story, Frankenstein challenges us to ask deeper questions about our relationships with God and our fellow human beings. What choice will we make—the path of the “fiend” or the one of the Father?

Extra, Extra …

BY JAMES BURRELL

Growing up in the 1970s, I loved watching Saturday-afternoon matinees of monster movies on television, the black-and-white classics from Universal Studios, as well as the full-colour fright flicks from Britain's Hammer Film Productions.

As I became older, my appreciation for the “creature features” I saw as a child grew, and after working for a while as a writer and news reporter, I decided to move into entertainment journalism. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to write about many of my favourite cinematic scarefests, and I even interviewed iconic actor Christopher Lee—who in addition to playing Count Dracula and the Mummy, also played The Creature in 1957’s The Curse of Frankenstein.

Early last year, I discovered that a new adaptation of the Frankenstein story—to be directed by award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro—was to be partially shot in Toronto, and the production was looking for background performers. I took some photos of myself and submitted them to the casting department, never expecting anything to come of it. I was both shocked and excited to get a message a few days later saying I had been selected to appear in the film, and an appointment was made for me to go in for a fitting!

Putting on the elaborate garb of a sailor aboard the ice-bound ship that plays an important part in the movie and walking onto the film’s enormous outdoor ship set was awe-inspiring. It seemed like no expense was spared to create this elaborate, authentic-looking (and seemingly life-sized) vintage vessel. Hydraulics could tilt it at different angles to simulate the boat being in turbulent, icy waters. I was shown how to act and what to do to give the illusion that I was a seafarer helping my shipmates navigate a vessel under extreme and frightening circumstances—and I gave it my all!

Several of my days were daytime shoots, but some were also scheduled at night, which was a particularly surreal experience, especially when you have smoke, fog, wind machines, fake snow and fire enter the mix. I was part of some very exciting, pulse-pounding scenes (Sorry, no spoilers here.), and was witness to the immense dedication and hard work of the stars, stunt people, production crew, my fellow background performers and Mr. del Toro.

I grew up watching numerous Frankenstein-themed films, mesmerized by the action on-screen. I still can’t believe I was part of one, as well. It’s an experience I will always treasure.

Now ... (Right) Major Pam Woods today, in Toronto

... And Then (Left) Major Pam and her sister, Olive, in Rochester, New York (Inset) Pam's passport photo

Salvation Army Major Pam Woods

The Kodakid

IN THE DARK DAYS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR, BRITISH CHILDREN FOUND SAFETY IN NORTH AMERICA. SALVATION ARMY MAJOR PAM WOODS WAS ONE OF THEM.

by Ken Ramstead

At the height of the Battle of Britain in 1940, the British government made the difficult decision to evacuate thousands of children from the embattled war zone, some to rural areas, others to the relative safety of North America.

The American managing director of the Kodak plant in Harrow, England, took a personal interest in the plan. His idea was to send the children of his workers to stay with families of American employees at the parent company in Rochester, New York. The first ship, the Duchess of Atholl, set sail in August 1940 with group of 140 children who became known as Kodakids.

War and Peace and Hopscotch

Six-year-old Pam Woods was on this ship with her older sister, Olive, 12. Their stepfather worked for Kodak in Harrow.

The ship took the kids to Montreal and then via train to Rochester.

“I don’t remember much about the ocean voyage,” says Major Pam, now a retired Salvation Army pastor. “The sailors did their best to keep us young ones occupied. My sister probably was much more aware of what was going on, but the rest of us on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic were having fun!

“The funny thing is, I can’t remember even us getting on a

train to go to the Unites States,” Major Pam continues. “I remember arriving at a school and from there, we were sent to our foster parents, but I don’t even remember the journey on the train, so it can’t have been anything unusual. Of course, I was used to train travel anyways.”

Once in Rochester, the children’s guardianship was signed over to Kodak and the firm took on any medical expenses, plus two social workers monitored the family situations throughout their stay there.

Due to various circumstances, Major Pam ended up staying with three different families during her time there.

Her first experience was not a happy one.

“I had a nice room but there was no love there,” she says.

Relocated by the social workers, who had been tipped off by Major Pam’s mother back in England, the young girl’s fortunes started to look up.

“She must have read between the lines of my sister’s letters home,” Major Pam says, recalling that she was more fortunate with the other two families who took her in. “I immediately knew I was loved.

“On the day that the war was declared over, we kids were playing hopscotch on the street,”

Major Pam continues. “Someone walked by and told us the news— and we continued playing!”

“Just Stand Up”

Once peace was declared, Kodak lost no time in repatriating the children. Within a month of VE-Day on May 8, 1945, Major Pam and her fellow Kodakids were setting sail back to England.

“I just wish there was some way that I could say to the sailors how much we really appreciated how they looked after us and made sure we were happy on the voyage,” she says.

Once home, Major Pam had to get used to a school system that was different from the one she had studied in for five years. And she had to come to grips with the “strange church” her parents worshipped at.

But she did, and soon became an official member of The Salvation Army.

After faithfully attending church, Major Pam became convinced that she needed to give her life to God. But how? She was petrified to go up to the mercy seat, the simple wooden bench where people confess their sins and ask for God’s pardon, in front of everyone.

“At that moment, a pastor sat in the seat next to me and spoke to me,” Major Pam recalls. “She never once said I had to go to the mercy seat. All she said was, ‘If this is how you feel, just stand up.’ Others were standing in that way and that’s what I did. And at that moment, I knew something really wonderful had happened in me.”

An American Christmas

In her first letter to Santa since she left her home in England, Pam asked for a puzzle, a paint brush and a paint box

A Life of Service

Following her sister back overseas, this time to Canada, Major Pam attended North Toronto Citadel and became a pastor, with appointments across Canada, including seven years as territorial Guide director.

When asked how being a Kodakid affected her life, Major Pam replies, “The ability to be adaptable, I would say was the main thing. You couldn’t think of yourself as being the centre of the universe; you had to adapt to what other people were doing, what they liked to do. And I don’t mean that as a negative thing.

“My time as a Kodakid really was a broadening experience. There are people who are so self-centred, so wrapped up in themselves. It’s tragic when I see that in so many other people.

“But it’s the ability to fit in and get to know people and try to work along with them, learn from them and perhaps help them, that made me the Salvation Army pastor I became, and I am grateful.”

Little Word, Large Impact

Today was a busy day for The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services in St. John’s, N.L. While one team ensured the street ministry happened on this rainy day, I travelled with another team to Adam’s Cove, N.L., to ensure folks felt comfortable knowing we were there to help them in whatever way was needed during the major forest fire. While some waited to find out if their home was still there or not, others prepared to inspect what was left.

As we passed out the January/February issue of Faith & Friends and showed them our story on page 22 of the street ministry, it touched one woman. She said that, as they waited and read the article while the fires were raging, her daughter told her, “Mom, we need to pray and have faith.” In the end, their home was spared.

Such a little word on a little story can have such a large impact.

–Bruce Cluett

Praise for a Teacher

When I heard this news back then about Mrs. Barrow’s near-fatal illness (“Back From the Brink,” May/June), I just knew that if there was anyone who would get through it, it was her, and I’m so glad she did! Thanks for sharing her story.

—Dakotah Janes

Glendene Barrow is the absolute best to her students. Our son was blessed to have her in his school life. Having a disability is hard enough but having a teacher and support like Glendene, aka Mrs. Barrow, was a blessing to all her students. We pray you heal each and every day and continue to encourage your students to never give up. You’re a true miracle and God knew your work on this earth wasn’t done. He has a special place for you!

—Jason and Tammy Elliott

Mission, Vision, Values

While on vacation I picked up the latest issue of Faith & Friends.

Thanks for your interview with Steve Bell (“Modern-Day Troubadour,” July/August). He is a personal favourite. His songs are always thoughtful. They make room for joy, sorrow and the complexities that come with following Jesus. What’s more, he’s a faithful, active Christian who uses his gifts to benefit people who are vulnerable. Thanks for highlighting this connection with the mission, vision and values of The Salvation Army.

Grace and peace.

—Aimee Patterson

Blessed Are the Meek

Jesus

shares a surprising way to gain a blessing

that money can’t buy.

by Jeanette Levellie

In the third statement of His famous Beatitudes sermon, Jesus must have shocked those listening when He said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Why is this statement so shocking, both 2,000 years ago and now?

Society and the media teach us that those who work hard, grab and manipulate to amass things for themselves are the ones who live blessed lives. Jesus’ way to get all the things money can’t buy, all the blessings of God, is to be meek, or humble.

For us to receive all that God has for His children, we need a meek, humble heart.

JEANETTE LEVELLIE

Who You Are

Meekness is the opposite of what most of us expect it to mean: weakness. To have a meek temperament is to be self-controlled, to show strength of character, not force or brute power.

In Numbers 12:3, God said that Moses was the meekest (humblest) man on earth. Yet we see his godly power as he leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and over the subsequent 40 years of wandering in the desert.

Jesus Himself was meek, but He knew how to blast the Pharisees as well as how to bless the babies. Meekness means you know who you are, Who is behind you, and not feeling the need to throw your weight around.

Have Some Land

God promised Abraham, the father of the Jews, that they would be in a relationship with the God of Abraham. They were part of God’s family. Chosen as a special race. Privileged.

As followers of Jesus, we are now

also part of God’s family. We inherit all that God gave Jesus (see Ephesians 2:4-7). Because we are “in Christ,” we share in His blessings. We now have forgiveness and cleansing of sin, victory over deadly habits, the ability to love others unconditionally and heaven as our eternal destination.

Wow!

But, by far, the finest blessing is the sense of belonging. To know we are loved without conditions. To be the centre of our heavenly Father’s heart and part of His forever family.

For us to receive all that God has for His children, we need a meek, humble heart. God longs to give us all the wonderful gifts that belong to His family members. If we are humble enough to receive those gifts by making Jesus our Lord, we become the richest people ever.

This is the third article in our series on the Beatitudes, key teachings from the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5-7), Jesus’ first sermon during His earthly ministry. Read the second article at salvationist.ca/ blessedmourn.

Eating Healthy With Erin

HOLIDAY SHEET PAN CHICKEN WITH APPLE CIDER GLAZE

TIME 55 min MAKES 6 servings SERVE WITH mashed potatoes

45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil

30 ml (2 tbsp) maple syrup

30 ml (2 tbsp) apple cider vinegar

10 ml (2 tsp) Dijon mustard

7.5 ml (1½ tsp) salt

5 ml (1 tsp) black pepper

5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika

5 ml (1 tsp) dried rosemary

5 ml (1 tsp) dried thyme

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 L (4 cups) broccoli florets

500 ml (2 cups) heirloom rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced

125 ml (½ cup) onion, cut into wedges

6 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed

30 ml (2 tbsp) butter, cubed

1. Preheat oven to 220 C (425 F). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. To make the marinade, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary and thyme.

3. Pat chicken thighs dry and rub half of the marinade under the chicken skin and over each thigh.

4. Toss broccoli, carrots, onion and garlic in remaining marinade, spread evenly on the pan and add cubed butter throughout the pan.

5. Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the vegetables and roast for 3540 minutes or until chicken reaches 80 C (175 F) internally.

WARMED SPICED GRAPEFRUIT AND APPLE PUNCH

TIME 20 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH gingerbread cookies

750 ml (3 cups) fresh ruby red grapefruit juice (approximately 6 grapefruit)

375 ml (1½ cups) apple or apple cider juice

30-45 ml (2-3 tbsp) honey

2 cinnamon sticks

2 slices of fresh ginger, peeled 25 mm (1 in.) long and 6 mm (¼ in.) thick

Sugar-covered grapefruit slices (optional)

1. In medium saucepan, add grapefruit juice, apple juice, honey, cinnamon sticks and ginger.

2. Heat over a gentle simmer for 15 minutes, so spices infuse.

3. Strain and serve in mugs.

4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit covered in sugar.

QUICK QUIZ

Word Search Jane Austen @ 225

COMMENTARY CRITIQUE DASHWOOD

ELIZABETH EMMA ENGLAND

GENTRY HAMPSHIRE

HERTFORDSHIRE

INK

IRONY

JUSTICE LITERATURE

LONGBOURN

MANNERS

MANSFIELD

MANUSCRIPT

MR.

NORTHANGER NOVELIST

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