2026 SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER
Faith Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G
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STUART WALTER Hometown Hero P.8 HELPING THE ARMY A Model Idea P.10 BUILDING A FUTURE Bali Boys Home P.24
9/11
Memories When tragedy struck New York City’s Twin Towers 25 years ago, The Salvation Army was there. P.16
THE
GOLDEN CALF PHRASE BE is an ongoing series highlighting the dozens of everyday sayings that originate with biblical text. This month, we unpack: PHRASE: The golden calf. DEFINITION: The unwise pursuit of idolization.
Photo: jgroup/iStock via Getty Images Plus
EXAMPLE: “Don’t let the pursuit of the golden calf blind you to the true riches of life: faith, family and your integrity.” SOURCE: “Aaron answered them, ‘Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ ” —Exodus 32:2-4
In the Old Testament, when Moses ascended to Mount Sinai, he stayed there for 40 days and 40 nights. Fearing he would not return, the Israelites instructed Moses’ brother Aaron to create for them a new god, made in the shape of a golden calf. God was furious with His people, but Moses begged that He spare them. God took mercy on the Israelites and did not destroy them. We may chuckle at this story now. “How shortsighted those old Israelites were!” But, sadly, we have our own golden calves all around us—things we are tempted to value more than God Himself. No one doubts that financial profit can become a golden calf for many. But many more are obsessed with unrealistic ideas of body image or sexual fulfilment. Still more worship the golden calf of fame and attention. The Israelites came to their senses when Moses descended Mount Sinai, destroyed the golden calf and brought his people back to reality. Fortunately, we have our church community, family and friends to do that for us. But most importantly, we have a faith in God that enables us to see our way past the golden calves we encounter in our everyday life. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME 29 NUMBER 5
10 13
CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS BE BLESSED
5
Blessed Are the Persecuted
7
The Beautiful Beatitudes
13
What’s so good about being treated badly? How studying Jesus’ first sermon surprised Jeanette Levellie and changed her thinking.
FEATURE
SECOND CHANCES START HERE After years of addiction and incarceration, Debra Oliver found trust, purpose and a new life through The Salvation Army.
COMMON GROUND
8
Hometown Hero
Some people are from a place. Stuart Walter chose one and then spent seven years earning it.
2026 SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER
Faith Friends I N S P I R AT I O
N FOR LIVIN
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STUART WALTER P.8 Hometown Hero HELPING THE ARMY A Model Idea P.10
G
BUILDING A FUTURE P.24 Bali Boys Home
Kerry Zimmerman uses his hobby as a way to thank The Salvation Army.
BEYOND BORDERS
24 More Than a Residence
Building futures at The Salvation Army’s Bali Boys Home.
LITE STUFF
28 Eating Healthy With Erin Sudoku, Quick Quiz.
COVER STORY
9/11 MEMORIES
SOMEONE CARES
10 A Model Idea
16
9/11
Memories New York When tragedy struck years ago, 25 City’s Twin Towers was there. P16 The Salvation Army
Twenty-five years ago, tragedy struck New York City’s Twin Towers.
22 FEATURE
A WONDERFUL LIFE New movie gives viewers a rare glimpse into the soul of beloved actor and wartime hero Jimmy Stewart.
A GLOBAL LENS
31 Creating Lasting Change
In Rwanda, the Rwimiyaga WASH Project improves access to safe water.
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COVER PHOTO: Courtesy of Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 •
EDITOR'S NOTE 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
Graham Moore CHIEF EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER
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 Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6153 circulation@salvationarmy.ca All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131
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I
A NEW LOOK
f you feel as if this month’s copy of Faith & Friends looks different … well, you’re right! It’s been a decade since we’ve tweaked the design and, quite frankly, we were long overdue. This refreshed Faith & Friends is the brainchild of Lisa Suroso, our graphic design specialist. Every aspect of the magazine, from the editorial page to our recipes, was critically evaluated and considered. Take the magazine type, for instance. “We moved to a sans serif body font to create a more approachable, contemporary and welcoming reading experience,” Lisa explains. Even the magazine logo was tweaked. “We’ve introduced a yellow circular motif, which is a central visual element throughout the redesign,” Lisa says. “The circle symbolizes not only the light of Christ in people’s lives but that light breaking through barriers, reflecting the magazine’s mission to share stories that encourage and inspire readers from all walks of life. “The circular motif,” she continues, “is intentionally repeated throughout the publication, including the article-ending dingbats and supporting graphic elements, helping create a cohesive and recognizable visual identity across the magazine.” While the look of the magazine has changed, what hasn’t changed is the commitment Major Fred Ash made in Faith & Friends’ first editorial a quarter of a century ago: “The stories are true. The people are real. Somewhere in these pages, you are likely to find someone like yourself. “Perhaps the next story to be told will be yours.”
BE BLESSED
BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED
What’s so good about being treated badly? BY JEANETTE LEVELLIE
I
n the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses those who experience bullying for His sake. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10), Jesus says in the last blessing of His first sermon.
Photo: Kevin Carden/stock.Adobe.com
BLESSINGS FOR THE BULLIED
This eighth Beatitude—a term that comes from a Latin word meaning “blessings”—seems backward compared to the other seven. With those, Jesus promised a reward for upright attitudes and behaviour. In contrast, this final promise of God’s favour is for individuals who experience hostility due to their faith: If you suffer bullying because of your godly values and choices, you qualify for this blessing. Most of us shy away from conflict. We don’t expect others to call us ugly names, lie about us or make our lives faithandfriends.ca
miserable because we choose to follow Jesus. But Jesus makes it clear: expect persecution. In a later sermon, He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
God reserves a special type of favour for those who are willing to risk their reputations for His sake. JEANETTE LEVELLIE
How comforting to know that when we experience difficulties due to our faith, God rewards us. He reserves a special type of favour for those who are willing to risk their reputations for His sake. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
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A MATTER OF TENSE
Jesus uses the present tense when He says, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” not “theirs will be the kingdom of heaven.” The kingdom of heaven belongs to mistreated followers of God right now. They’re not waiting for God to give them a reward someday, to make up for their current suffering. God favours them today, in their present circumstances. The kingdom of heaven represents God’s power, comfort and strength for daily living. If you belong to God’s kingdom, Jesus is your king. He sees what you suffer for His sake. He honours your faithfulness. And He grants you a unique brand of blessing because you’re willing to risk hostility for His sake.
JEANETTE LEVELLIE Author of five books and hundreds of published articles, Jeanette Levellie and her husband make their home in Paris, Illinois. Jeanette’s hobbies include spoiling her three grandchildren, pampering her cats and inventing new ways to avoid housework. Find her splashes of hope and humour at jeanettelevellie.com.
Jesus began the Beatitudes with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). He then ends the list of favours with, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Both promise the same reward: the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said this on purpose to show us that God rewards these two groups with the same blessing. So, what makes these two types of people so special? The poor in spirit recognize how spiritually bankrupt they are without God. They fully depend on His mercy and kindness. Those persecuted for righteousness also show their reliance on God by valuing His approval over human applause, His kingdom over earthly comfort. Both groups rely entirely on God. To both groups, Jesus promises the kingdom. If you fit in the category of “persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” you can feel confident in knowing Who’s got your back. God will reward your faithfulness. The persecution you experience is never wasted. Your suffering isn’t pointless. You’re blessed.
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Photo: Neely Wang/Lightstock.com
BOOKENDED BEATITUDES
BE BLESSED
THE BEAUTIFUL BEATITUDES How studying Jesus’ first sermon surprised me and changed my thinking. BY JEANETTE LEVELLIE
W
hen I studied the eight sayings of Jesus that we call the Beatitudes, my theology was upended. Although I’ve followed Jesus since I was eight, I still had some wrong ideas about the kinds of people God blesses the most.
“COUNT ME IN”
I enjoy receiving gift cards for eating out (my favourite sport!) and garden centres. I love to give gifts, too. Nothing makes me happier than to see the delight on someone’s face when they open a present from me. That same joy times a million must be how God feels when He gives us gifts. God’s blessings include inheriting His kingdom, a heart full of righteousness and being called a child of God. Those gifts sound so amazing, my immediate response is: “Count me in. What must I do to get one of these supernatural presents?”
HUMILITY
Now, Jesus’ answer to my question is where He messes with my theology.
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Jesus says that those who admit they need God, those who mourn, those who long to be right with God and those who make peace, are the ones God blesses. Really? Not people who pray an hour every day, people who volunteer at the soup kitchen five days a week or people who write big cheques to fund charities? God’s favours are not based on what we do for Him. God doesn’t expect us to perform a certain way to earn His gifts. God wants our hearts. So, He favours those whose hearts are set on Him, who want to honour Him and help others find Him. Of course, that may lead to prayer, volunteerism and giving. But not to impress God. Or keep Him from getting angry. To love Him more than we love our methods and traditions and rules. It’s relationship with us God craves. For us to admit we need Him. To acknowledge that He’s God and we’re not. To surrender our lives to Him. I think another word for that is humility.
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HOMETOWN HERO Some people are from a place. Stuart Walter chose one and then spent seven years earning it. Under the Flag Stuart Walter traces his family's roots back to the early days of The Salvation Army
Photo: Sundin Sports Photography
T
BY CALEB McMILLAN
here’s a version of “hometown” that has nothing to do with where you were born. Stuart Walter found his in Kenora, Ont. And Kenora, over time, found him back. He arrived in April 2019 to work in local radio. And something took hold. Seven years later, he’s the kind of person a community quietly depends on: the man stacking shelves at the food bank, the voice calling play-by-play when hockey parents can’t make the drive, the coach kneeling on the ice to show a five-year-old how to stop without falling.
roots in The Salvation Army back to the late 1800s in London, England, back to a moment when the organization stepped in to help his ancestors during a time of genuine need. That single act of generosity rippled forward through generations, sending relatives to serve in India, China and across North America. “I’ve been in The Salvation Army minus nine months,” Stuart jokes. He’s been ringing a bell at a Christmas kettle since he was five. This is more than a resumé line. It’s a worldview, inherited and chosen at the same time.
THE FAMILY BUSINESS
THE FACE OF FOOD INSECURITY
Stuart’s story of service didn’t start in Kenora. It didn’t even start in Canada. He’s a sixth- or seventh-generation Salvationist, tracing his family’s
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Today, Stuart serves as community ministries director at the Kenora Salvation Army, a role he doesn’t describe as a job.
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COMMON GROUND He’s also signalled his interest in becoming a Salvation Army pastor, a path that feels less like career advancement and more like the next chapter of a very long family story. At the food bank, he’s worked to preserve something that often gets lost in charity work: dignity. The people who walk through those doors, he’ll tell you, are rarely who you picture. They’re single dads. Families juggling two or three jobs. Neighbours on disability, holding everything together until one unexpected bill tips the balance.
You can only control how you respond. STUART WALTER
AT THE RINK, ON THE FIELD
Then there’s the version of Stuart you find outside office hours. He’s spent three years coaching U7 Timbits hockey—five- and six-yearolds learning to skate without looking at their feet, absorbing lessons about falling down and getting back up. He stepped into youth soccer coaching almost the moment he arrived in town, because the program needed someone and he wasn’t the type to wait for someone else to show up.
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And since 2021, he’s been the communications manager for the Kenora Thistles U18 AAA team, running social media and calling games for the families who can’t be in the stands. The reason he keeps showing up? He doesn’t dress it up. “I want to make sure my son is able to participate,” he says. “That means I have to sacrifice my time, which is a small price to pay.”
MOVING FORWARD
The lesson Stuart tries to pass on to his players is one he’s spent a lifetime practising himself: You can only control how you respond. It’s a small philosophy with a long reach. And it’s as useful for a kid who just tripped on the ice as it is for a family that has lost their footing. Don’t dwell. Don’t collapse. Look for where you’re needed and step into that space. Stuart has been in Kenora for seven years. The number doesn’t capture it. But you can feel it. In the food stocked on the food bank shelves, in the kids learning to skate, in the families who hear his voice calling their son’s name over the broadcast when they couldn’t be there themselves. Some people are from a place. Stuart chose one and then spent seven years earning it. Reprinted from yourKenora.ca, March 24, 2026
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Ship Ahoy Kerry Zimmerman‘s Castlegar, B.C., ferry will now be displayed in a local museum Beautiful Buick Riviera This 1965 model represents Kerry‘s brother‘s car
A MODEL IDEA Kerry Zimmerman uses his hobby as a way to thank The Salvation Army.
W
hen Ken Lo, chief operating officer at StellerVista Credit Union, found himself at the company’s Castlegar, B.C., branch, he encountered long-time client Kerry Zimmerman. But their meetings and conversations quickly encompassed more than personal finance. “We got to talking, and Kerry told me about his hobby of making model vehicles out of wood,” recalls Ken. “He showed me some pictures—they were really well done—and I thought it would be great if he could build one of my Ford Lightning.” A few months later, after Ken had
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returned to his home office, he got a call from the Castlegar branch manager. “Kerry has finished your model truck.” Ken returned to Castlegar to collect the model. “I asked Kerry how much I owed him,” Ken recalls. “He told me that he didn’t want any money, but if I did pay him, he would donate it to The Salvation Army.” Such a declaration sparked further conversation, and soon Kerry was telling Ken about his life and why he donated. Touched by his story, Ken returned to the StellerVista office and, after talking it over with his colleagues,
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Photo: Courtesy of Kerry Zimmerman
BY NATHAN REID-WELFORD
SOMEONE CARES the company donated $600 to the local Salvation Army in Trail, B.C., on Kerry’s behalf. MAKING MEMORIES When Kerry remarried in 2017, he gained access to a wood shop on his wife’s property. Despite a blue-collar background, including 40 years in the smelting industry, the shop provided him with an opportunity to practise different skills—most notably small-scale woodworking. While tinkering, Kerry began hearing stories of people who had had to give up vehicles that meant something to them. “I wanted to challenge myself to find a way to help others. That’s when I had the model idea,” he explains.
“The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization with a lot of dedicated people.“ KERRY ZIMMERMAN
Since then, Kerry has constructed, painted and distributed hundreds of detailed wooden miniatures. Whether a car has caught his eye, a creation has been requested, or he has felt a need to replace a vehicle someone no longer has, Kerry has dedicated his time
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and resources to his craftsmanship. A particular stand-out creation was a red Impala. “My wife heard a story of a man who was living in his car. I asked if she knew what make and colour the car was. I made the Impala and was able to find and give it to the man. Nothing can replace the feeling I got.” Kerry’s models have even made an impact on people as far away as Edmonton. “I was in a repair shop, and a friend was talking about how he’d heard about this young woman who was going through hard times. She’d talked about this old ’78 Ford her grandpa had,” he remembers. “I made one and was able to get it to her.” CATALYST FOR GOOD From a young age, Kerry has tried to help people, and his retirement hobby is all about benefiting others. “I enjoy creating the models, but I’m not doing it to benefit myself. I just love people,” he says. “People helping people is the number one solution to all the things going on in the world.” It should come as no surprise that, as his views align with the work and mission of The Salvation Army, Kerry feels strongly about donating any money he generates from his work to the church. The experience with StellerVista’s donation on Kerry’s behalf only helped reinforce his commitment. After contacting The Salvation Army’s West Kootenay Circuit—Trail,
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SOMEONE CARES
B.C., location for a photo to commemorate the $600 donation, he met Captain Joel Torrens, the pastor. “We talked, and he told me more about the programs the church does in the area,” Kerry says. “You can’t find a better cause. It’s a wonderful organization with a lot of dedicated people.” To Captain Joel, Kerry is one of those dedicated people. “He looks for opportunities to make a difference and do something special for others in his life.” It is through people such as him that The Salvation Army can continue its work and reputation. “We can’t do anything without community support,” Captain Joel explains. “Whenever someone new comes alongside us, it’s a vote of confidence that they’ve heard about our mission, what we do, our impact, and they want to contribute and help see the Army grow.” As an example, it was Kerry’s interactions with Ken that was the catalyst for StellerVista’s $600 donation, which will go toward supporting the Army’s food programs. NATHAN REID-WELFORD Nathan Reid-Welford enjoys writing about people’s initiatives, journeys and passions. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English writing from Redeemer University, where he also studied business and history. Nathan enjoys creative, fictional and promotional writing, and playing the drums and guitar.
MORE THAN A CHARITY At 72, Kerry has no plans to stop his wooden model crafting. One of his latest creations is a ferry that used to travel across the Columbia River from Robson, B.C., to Castlegar, a project he was commissioned to make and that will be displayed in the local museum. As far as Kerry’s philanthropy is concerned, The Salvation Army has a staunch supporter in him. “I want to be around for another 20 years so I can keep donating to The Salvation Army,” Kerry says. To him, it’s not charity. It’s a way to thank the organization for what it does.
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Photo: Courtesy of Kerry Zimmerman
Welcome Donation Captain Joel Torrens (second from left) and Kerry (second from right), with Karan Kumar (left) and Shirley Bradbury (right) from StellerVista
FEATURE
FEATURE
Photos: Louis Kyron
Kettle Pride "I couldn’t do any of this without God," says Debra Oliver. "He walks with me every day"
Terrific Trio Debra with Major Mark Dunstan, pastor at Whitby Community Church, and Brenda Hornby (right), the thrift store manager in Whitby
Second Chances Start Here
After years of addiction and incarceration, Debra Oliver found trust, purpose and a new life through The Salvation Army. BY LOUIS KYRON
faithandfriends.ca
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Caring Employee ”When someone comes in who reminds me of who I was,“ says Debra, ”I think, What can I do for this person?”
“I
did the jails, institutions and death. When I say death, I don’t mean physical, but spiritual, emotional.” Heart surgery forced Debra Oliver to stop using drugs, and she’s been clean for more than five years. She’d spent more than 30 years in addiction, crime and repeated incarceration. Her final sentence, a federal term, became a turning point. “It was a lifesaver. It wasn’t pleasant, but it gave me a break from that lifestyle.” Arriving in Whitby, Ont., meant starting over again. “I did not even know who ‘Debra’ was anymore, I'd lived under aliases for so long.”
“MORE THAN A PAYCHEQUE”
Debra needed structure to avoid old harmful patterns. “Boredom is my worst enemy,” she says. “I needed something to keep me grounded.” A friend suggested volunteering. Debra walked into the Salvation Army thrift store in Whitby and met Brenda Hornby, the store’s manager.
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“Before you waste your time,” Debra told her, “I have a court case. I am a recovering addict. I have a past.” She expected rejection. Instead, Brenda handed her an application. “There was something genuine about her,” Brenda explains. “It was the honesty. We are here for second chances.” Debra began volunteering. “She was here every day,” Brenda continues. “She’s fantastic with customers. She’s open about her story, and that helps those who come through our doors.” So when a position opened, Brenda did what many employers wouldn’t— and hired her. Brenda framed Debra’s first pay stub as a gift. “I still have it,” Debra beams. “I see it every morning. It makes me feel accomplished. It means more than a paycheque.”
A MATTER OF ZEROES
What began as volunteering became something more. Debra found herself surrounded by staff who saw her not as a record, but as a person. She found trust where she had long expected suspicion. And that trust deepened early. “One night the till was about $100 short,” Brenda recalls. “I remember her breaking down because she thought we were going to blame her.” Debra panicked that evening. “My anxiety went through the roof; everyone would assume I took it.” Brenda’s response: “I knew that a faithandfriends.ca
FEATURE simple mistake had been made.” They found the error: a small purchase had been entered as $100 instead of $1. Through a smile, Brenda says, “Never once did I think she took it.” For Debra, that moment mattered. “To have people who don’t know me trust me keeps me moving forward.”
FROM HELPED TO HELPING
Debra’s impact on customers is immediate. “When someone comes in who reminds me of who I was, I think, What can I do for this person?” She recalls a homeless man with no ID. “He had no hope. I told him my story. I showed him there is a way. Now, he has his own apartment.” Brenda sees the difference. “When you have someone who has lived that life, it means the world to customers. She understands their struggle in a way I cannot.” The store has become a quiet community hub where Debra greets everyone warmly. “I can’t guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for, but I guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face and in your heart,” she says. “She’s enthusiastic and makes time for everyone,” Brenda says. “Thirty seconds with Debra can change someone’s day.” “The Salvation Army saved my life,” Debra says. “I couldn’t do any of this without God. He walks with me every day.” “It is truly a blessing to see God’s grace poured out through our mission and staff,” says Major Mark Dunstan, pastor at The Salvation Army’s Whitby Community Church. “We all deserve a second chance, and Debra and Brenda are a joy to work alongside. They continue to shine for Jesus and give hope to all who come through our doors.” “I’m going to retire here,” Debra adds. “You’ll have to push me out in a wheelchair.” faithandfriends.ca
LOUIS KYRON
Louis Kyron 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.
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(Above) A Listening Ear Commissioner William Francis consoles a New York City Police Department officer at Ground Zero
(Left) Surveying the Carnage Commissioner William takes in the enormity of the disaster
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faithandfriends.ca
COVER STORY
9/11
Memories Twenty-five years ago, tragedy struck New York City’s Twin Towers. BY KEN RAMSTEAD PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COMMISSIONERS WILLIAM AND MARILYN FRANCIS On September 11, 2001, two hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, bringing both buildings down in a horrific mass of twisted girders, dust and rubble. Along with the hijack and destruction of Flight 93 and Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon, the attacks killed 2,977 people and thousands more were injured, with consequences that are still being felt to this day. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in history. The Salvation Army was the first relief agency to respond, arriving 45 minutes after the attacks. By the time recovery efforts wrapped up nine months later, more than 7,000 Salvation Army pastors and staff and more than 32,000 volunteers had served at Ground Zero, not to mention in places as far afield as Gander, N.L. Among those were then Colonels William and Marilyn Francis, who were serving in New York City at that time. Later promoted to the rank of commissioner, they served as the territorial leaders for Canada and Bermuda from 2007-2011.
I
t was business as usual that Tuesday morning. As Salvation Army chief secretary for the U.S.A. Eastern Territory, then Colonel William Francis was in a board meeting with the rest of faithandfriends.ca
his staff when his secretary knocked at the door to the boardroom to interrupt them, which was unusual in itself. “We’ve just heard that a plane hit the World Trade Center,” she told SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
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those at the meeting. “Well, of course, we thought that was tragic,” recalls Commissioner William, “but we were thinking of a light plane—that had happened before. But when we heard the announcement that a second plane had hit, we realized the enormity of it all.”
A MEMO FROM ON HIGH
That morning, Salvation Army personnel from the greater New York area descended on the scene, joined during the night by an Army detachment from the Philadelphia area. The next morning, Commissioner William and the staff, including the territorial commander, Commissioner Joe Noland, went to Ground Zero itself. “It was just unbelievable,” Commissioner William says. “It’s hard to put into words. What I most remember was the terrible smell. We walked down to the site and prayed with the rescue workers. We stayed there the whole day, trying to be a comfort.” Everyone was stunned by the sheer scope of the disaster. “You couldn’t say much because no one could believe it.” Commissioner William walked by a firefighter who was sitting off to the side after coming out of Ground Zero. “He looked at me and said, ‘Oh, Salvation Army! Can you help me take my boots off?’ ” “I said, ‘Of course.’ I pulled his boots off and arranged for clean socks. “These experiences you just never forget because you’re face-to-face with
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what life is all about—what’s important and what’s not important in life.” When Commissioner William arrived home that night, his wife, Commissioner Marilyn, almost didn’t recognize him. “I was waiting at home in prayer,” she says, “when I heard the garage door open. He was covered with ash from the top of his head to his boots.” In one hand, he held a memo from Tower One that had fallen 107 storeys. In the other hand, he held a desk lamp that had lodged in a tree. “See this?” the distraught pastor told his wife. “The administrative assistant had just typed this up.” “He was in a stupor,” says Commissioner Marilyn. “All I could do was take his boots off and clean him up while I prayed for him.” The next day, the couple made the journey back to Ground Zero.
HOPE RESTORED
In the days that followed, they continued to serve at Ground Zero, joined by detachments from as far away as Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada. Commissioner Marilyn and her staff descended into Ground Zero. “Under the tents were doctors and nurses and more blood than I’d ever seen in my life,” she says. “I was standing there while they were bringing body parts in. That’s what shocked me. Often, a Salvation Army pastor would go in and pray over the remains.” faithandfriends.ca
COVER STORY
“I WAS STANDING THERE WHILE THEY WERE BRINGING BODY PARTS IN. OFTEN, A SALVATION ARMY PASTOR WOULD GO IN AND PRAY OVER THE REMAINS.” (Top) A Helping Hand Commissioner Marilyn Francis helps pass out nourishment to the rescue crews
COMMISSIONER MARILYN FRANCIS
(Above) Prayer Circle Commissioner William prays with fellow Salvation Army pastors at the World Trade Center site faithandfriends.ca
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“GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH US; WORKING THROUGH EVERYONE WHO LOVES HIM.” COMMISSIONER WILLIAM FRANCIS
As Commissioner Marilyn stood outside, one nurse ran up to her. She was a petite woman, covered in blood. “She looked up at me and said, ‘Salvation Army, will there ever be any hope again?’ ” Commissioner Marilyn wrapped her arms around her and replied, “Our hope is in Jesus Christ.”
“GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL”
Those memories will stay with the Francises forever. But the horror of the event strengthened their faith. “Why was one person spared and not the other?” Commissioner Marilyn asks. “God knew exactly. He knows exactly when our time is up. “I learned that day that I just want to become more like Jesus. I want to act like Jesus. I want to talk like Jesus. I want to love like Jesus. Every single human I meet. And I’ll never apologize for the tears.”
20 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
“The catastrophic events of 9/11 strengthened our faith, as I know it did for all those who served there,” testifies Commissioner William. “Walking through the streets of Lower Manhattan, we met suffering humanity face to face. Our hearts were breaking, but in the midst of it all, we experienced an inexpressible heavenly peace. We came to understand that God was there all the time. God was working through us; working through everyone who loves Him.” faithandfriends.ca
COVER STORY
9/11
CHALLENGE COINS Where the Need Was Greatest A Salvation Army emergency disaster services van ready to help
For Commissioner William, the events of 9/11 remain a transcendent mystery. “We did not receive, nor could we provide, answers. We stand firm in the truth that where we cannot trace God’s hand, we must always trust and hold tight to His hand. But one thing is for sure—in and through the tragedy of 9/11, we witnessed God’s mighty work as The Salvation Army laboured in His love at Ground Zero.” faithandfriends.ca
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda has produced 1,500 special challenge coins, which will be given out to those who responded to the tragedy. The coin will honour the courage of first responders, emergency disaster services (EDS) volunteers, and the many acts of practical care and spiritual support offered in the days and months after the attack. EDS will work through this year to ensure that those who served will receive a coin as a lasting reminder of their faithful service, the lives impacted and the sacred privilege of standing with others in a time of profound loss, courage and hope. “It’s a humble token of appreciation for all that these people did 25 years ago,” says Dan Millar, assistant territorial EDS director.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
• 21
A
Wonderful
Life
New movie gives viewers a rare glimpse into the soul of beloved actor and wartime hero Jimmy Stewart. BY JEANETTE LEVELLIE
Photo: Courtesy of Burns & Co. Entertainment
J
immy, slated to release in theatres November 6, is a rare glimpse into legendary screen actor James “Jimmy” Stewart’s time as a bomber pilot during the Second World War, his decision to leave a successful acting career to serve his country and the making of It’s a Wonderful Life. “KJ Apa, the Riverdale actor who plays Stewart in the film, refers to him as a hero. “His legacy of service to the United States, his global reach through his films and his devotion to his family are unparalleled,” Apa stated at a preview event in Stewart’s hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania. “Taking on this role is an enormous responsibility, and our goal is to honour his legacy, service and family.”
22 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
In an interview with CBN, director Aaron Burns shared how he felt when he came upon an article about Stewart’s decision to leave Hollywood and fly into the European skies as a bomber pilot. “Hope and inspiration were at the heart of who Jimmy Stewart was, both on screen and in life,” he says. “I want my kids to know the hero that Jimmy Stewart was, to see the sacrifice he made for us, and to appreciate the impact the powerful prayers and love of a father for his son can make. That’s a story we’re helping to tell.” “LOOKING BACK” The film chronicles Stewart’s growing up with a Presbyterian deacon who often prayed for his son. faithandfriends.ca
FEATURE Although Stewart made it to stardom as a screen star, he doubted if his life was making a positive difference. In 1941, shortly after he won an Academy Award for his role in The Philadelphia Story, the United States entered the Second World War. Despite a well-meaning army recruiter who told him he could arrange an exemption, Stewart asked if he didn’t have as much right as any other American to serve his country. “I want to be something more than just a Tinseltown hero or a god,” he says. “I want to look at myself in the mirror and see a good man looking back at me.” Stewart proved to be that good man, leading hundreds of men in 20 combat missions. He worked his way through the ranks to become a colonel. But Stewart returned home with PTSD and disillusioned from seeing too many friends shot down and killed. When he was offered the part of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, he refused at first, believing his acting career was part of his past. But Frank Capra, played by Max Casella (The Sopranos), convinced Stewart to accept the role, a role that gave Jimmy something to live for.
• On every bombing mission, Stewart took a letter from his father that said, “I will be praying for you the whole time you’re away that God will be with you. You’ll make it home safely.” The letter also included Psalm 91, known as the psalm of protection.
KEEPING FOCUS God is always working behind the scenes to help us. Just as Stewart gave up on his acting career, we may be tempted to give up at times. A failed romance. A business failure. A loss of a loved one. But God says in Jeremiah 29:11, “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope’ ” (The Living Bible). As Christians, our hope is not based on how our lives might appear now, but on God’s good plan for our future. When we keep our focus on God, He gives us a wonderful life.
• In a heart-wrenching scene of It’s a Wonderful Life, Stewart’s character George Bailey begins to sob. Many years later Stewart told an interviewer, “This was not planned at all, but the power of that prayer, the realization that our Father in heaven is there to help the hopeless, reduced me to tears.”
faithandfriends.ca
JAMES STEWART: DID YOU KNOW?
• After the Second World War, Stewart served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. On July 23, 1959, he was promoted to brigadier general (making him the highest-ranking actor in American military history).
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
• 23
Friendly Chat Marvel (above left and inset) with the international development department’s Major Heather Matondo
MORE THAN A RESIDENCE Building futures at The Salvation Army’s Bali Boys Home
A
BY KYLE MANGIO
t The Salvation Army's Bali Boys Home in Indonesia, children and youth are provided with more than a safe place to live. They are given opportunities to learn, grow and develop the practical skills they need to build independent, self-sufficient lives.
24 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
faithandfriends.ca
BEYOND BORDERS
Photos: The Salvation Army International Development Department
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
For the 20 boys currently residing at the facility, the home functions as a stable environment where they can focus on their growth, develop new capabilities and gain long-term confidence in their abilities. Through a structured daily routine, caring staff and supportive framework, the boys are encouraged to prepare for the future and work toward achieving their goals. For many of the youth, the home also becomes a space to heal, build strong friendships and discover personal passions. Marvel, a 14-year-old student who has lived at the home for nine years, shares how much he values this community. “I enjoy my friends here,” Marvel says. “They help me and care and love for me. And the food is also really good!” Marvel, who first came into the care of The Salvation Army through the Surabaya Babies and Toddler Home, discovered a love for English at school and dreams of becoming a flight attendant one day. Beyond providing a path forward, the diligent efforts of the staff and social workers focus heavily on family reunification; recently, these efforts successfully enabled Marvel to meet his mother for the very first time. faithandfriends.ca
“I enjoy my friends here. They help me and care and love for me. And the food is also really good!” MARVEL
BRIDGING THE GAP
While education remains a priority, the Bali Boys Home recognizes that preparing young people for adulthood requires more than classroom learning alone. The boys are encouraged to explore their interests, develop practical life skills, and take on responsibilities that help build independence and resilience. Whether assisting with daily chores, participating in community activities or supporting one another, the boys learn valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline and leadership. The home also provides opportunities for the boys to develop skills that can support future employment and entrepreneurship. Alongside their agricultural work, they participate in a vocational workshop designed to introduce the basics of manufacturing and small business operations. Supported by the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program, the SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
• 25
Photos: The Salvation Army International Development Department
The impact of these opportunities extends far beyond the workshop walls. KYLE MANGIO
(Above) Showcasing His Product Marvel displays his tie-dye skills (Top) Stable Environment Staff and students of the Bali Boys Home in Indonesia
(Above) Hard at Work For Marvel, building technical proficiency is a step toward future employment
26 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
faithandfriends.ca
BEYOND BORDERS
residents build technical proficiency across three distinct operational streams: digital printing for custom apparel, tie-dye textile manufacturing and traditional wood carving. To bridge the gap between training and real-world business, the home functions as a micro-enterprise by accepting commercial orders from the public. This hands-on approach allows the boys to gain experience in production, quality control, customer service and teamwork while developing confidence in their abilities. The impact of these opportunities extends far beyond the workshop walls. By learning practical vocational skills, the boys begin to see themselves as capable young adults with meaningful futures ahead of them. They gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to pursue employment, further education or entrepreneurial ventures after leaving the home.
A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
For Marvel and many others, Bali Boys Home is more than a residence—it is a place where hope is restored, talents are nurtured and futures are shaped. Through the generosity of supporters and the dedication of Salvation Army staff, young people are being equipped with the tools, skills and encouragement they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Every lesson learned, every skill developed and every opportunity provided brings them one step closer to a tomorrow filled with possibility. Learn more about the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program and discover how your support can make a lasting difference at salvationist.ca/brighterfutures.
faithandfriends.ca
KYLE MANGIO Kyle Mangio is the resource and media co-ordinator in the international development department of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
• 27
EATING HEALTHY WITH ERIN
Mediterranean Bowl With Lemon Tahini TIME 25 min MAKES 2 servings SERVE WITH vegetables
250 ml (1 cup) uncooked quinoa 500 ml (2 cups) water 60 ml (¼ cup) tahini 2 ml (½ tsp) garlic powder 15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice 5 ml (1 tsp) dried parsley 125 ml (½ cup) cherry tomatoes 125 ml (½ cup) sprouts 250 ml (1 cup) cooked chicken 250 ml (1 cup) kale 250 ml (1 cup) cucumber 60 ml (¼ cup) artichoke hearts 60 ml (¼ cup) pitted kalamata olives
(Top) Mediterranean Bowl With Lemon Tahini (Above) Mango Chicken Naan Pizza
ERIN STANLEY
Erin Stanley provides budget-friendly recipes designed to help Canadians build positive nutritional habits.
28 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
1. Place rinsed quinoa and water in medium sauce pan and bring to bowl. Cover and reduce to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Set aside and fluff with a fork. 2. Mix tahini, garlic powder, lemon juice and parsley. 3. Add vegetables and chicken in bowl with quinoa and pour dressing generously.
Mango Chicken Naan Pizza TIME 55 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH hot sauce
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 ml (¼ tsp) salt 1 ml (¼ tsp) black pepper 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil 4 pieces naan bread 60 ml (¼ cup) mango chutney 2 garlic cloves 2 Roma tomatoes 60 ml (4 tbsp) dried parsley
1. Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt and pepper. 2. Heat frying pan on medium and, once hot, place chicken and oil in pan for one minute. Flip to other side and cook an additional minute. Turn heat to low and cover with tight-fitting lid. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn off and remove from heat. Allow to sit with lid on for 10 minutes. 3. Preheat oven to 190 C (375 F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 4. Arrange naan on baking sheet and top with chutney, diced garlic, tomato and chicken. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and sprinkle dried parsley generously.
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BUILDING A FUTURE P.24 Bali Boys Home
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HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
• 29
CCCA AWARDS
SALVATION ARMY WINS 20 AWARDS
Homeless ... at 72
BRENDA’S STORY P.11
Check out our winning entries online at: salvationist.ca/articles/cccaawards2026
30 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
THE KODAKID P.22
Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G
faithandfriends.ca
NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2025
The
Prodigal Father
T
he Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory’s magazines, website (Salvationist. ca) and digital media won 20 awards at the annual Canadian Christian Communicators Association (CCCA) ceremony, held in Toronto this past spring. The CCCA has 60 members, including writers, musicians and representatives from publications of mainline, Catholic and evangelical churches. The awards are judged by accomplished secular journalists, writers and academics. Faith & Friends took home five awards for articles published in 2025. September/October’s “The Prodigal Father” won first place for Headline and Deck. Lisa Suroso, graphic design specialist, received a second-place award for Front Cover—Magazine for the Christmas issue’s “Toy Story.” Ken Ramstead’s September/ October editorial, “Teachable Moment,” picked up a third-place nod in the From the Editor category. And Lisa and Ken both won third place awards for November/December’s “The Kodakid,” for Biographical Profile and Feature Layout and Design—Magazine, respectively. Our sister magazine, Salvationist, received seven awards, three of them first-place wins, in the From the Editor, Photo Essay—Magazines and Biblical/ Theological Reflection categories. And The Salvation Army’s digital and other media departments brought in eight awards, including a well-merited first in the Podcast category for Lisa and Kristin Ostensen, Salvationist managing editor.
A Wartime Journey
Alyssa Transformed
KETTLE ENCOUNTER P.8
GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S FRANKENSTEIN IS THE GARDEN OF EDEN GONE WRONG. P.16 Army Helps in Malawi
SOWING HOPE P.22
A World of Flavours
AHL‘s Ryan Carpenter
KIDS‘ COOKING CLUB P.8
CENTRE STAGE P.10
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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2025
A Special FOR THREE DECADES, SALVATIONIST Salvation at Christmas
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A Heart for the Homeless
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Faith&Friends NO ONE WANTED TO TEACH—AND THEY HAVE CHANGED HER LIFE. P.16
I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G
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CHRISTMAS 2025
AT THE SALVATION ARMY, THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN GET THE HAPPY CHRISTMAS THEY DESERVE. P.8
Now ... Pam Woods (Right) Major today, in Toronto
... And Then Pam (Left) Major , Olive, and her sister r, New York in Rocheste (Inset) Pam's
passport photo
Salva t ion Armys Major Pam Wood
The Kodakid
D WORLD WAR, OF THE SECON ICA. IN THE DARK DAYS Y IN NORTH AMER REN FOUND SAFET S BRITISH CHILD MAJOR PAM WOOD SALVATION ARMY . THEM OF ONE WAS by Ken Ramstead
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Photo: The Salvation Army International Development Department
A GLOBAL LENS
CREATING LASTING CHANGE
I
n Rwanda, access to clean and safe water was once a daily challenge, with many families relying on distant and unsafe sources, which exposed them to waterborne diseases.
Through The Salvation Army’s Rwimiyaga WASH Project, six boreholes have been constructed—significantly improving access to safe water, with up to 89 percent of the targeted population now able to collect clean water daily. Alongside this, communities have strengthened hygiene practices, improved nutrition and built more sustainable livelihoods through agricultural training, savings groups and hands-on support. As a result, households are experiencing better health, increased productivity and stronger resilience. Be part of creating lasting change. Support global programs that provide clean water, health and sustainable livelihoods to communities in need. For more information or to make a donation, go to SalvationArmy.ca/GOHWater.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
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