Citizens of the Soviet Union--COMRADESHIP IS ESSENTIAL IN SUSTAINING GROWTH
SALVATIONISTS, FELLOWSHIP IS ESSENTIAL IN SUSTAINING SPIRITUAL VITALITY AND GROWTH
In 1993, shortly after my then wife and I ‘opened fire’ in Moscow, we were the only 2 uniformed Salvationists in Russia's capitol, with a population exceeding 8 million, for almost 8 months, until our first enrollment of new soldiers.
I had been invited to bring the keynote address at the annual Rotary Club Convention in Sweden where we had served for 3 years. The return visit was scheduled some 6 months subsequent to our Moscow arrival, and Donne’s famous line, No man is an Island, entire of itself, first applied to a people in 1624 in his Meditation XVII. was the assigned subject on which I was to speak. In the months leading up to the annual meeting I spent a fair amount of time familiarizing myself with Donne and his famous line, and often used it in my sermon preperation and in speaking to the Soviet officials when attempting to secure assistance in expanding the army’s social services network. It was a challenging period.; no internet, no direct telephone dial-up to the 'west', no CNN, no USA Today, no "you name it"! And then there was the revolution with tanks rolling into the city center. To battle the oft sensed remoteness I took on John Donne’s famous line; ‘no person is an island’ as an existentialist truism.
On a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral in the early 1980s I saw a statue
built in Donne's memory by Nicholas Stone based on a drawing commissioned by Donne himself as he lay dying. It was one of the few to survive the Great Fire of London (1666). I also learned that Sir Christopher Wren, commissioned to rebuild St. Paul’s following that devastating inferno, selected as his motto, the Latin word, RESURGAM, 'I shall rise again'.
As a result of secretly marrying ‘the bosses daughter’ Donne lost his position as private secretary to Sir Thomas Egerton and struggled for the next 14 years, which included a prison stint, before finding a path for his life and in 1615 he entered the church and in 1621 he was made Dean of St. Paul's by King James.
He preached his last sermon - Death's Duel - on the 1st Friday of Lent 1631 in the presence of King Charles I and died on 31st March.
RESURGAM
His famous lines: 'No man is an island' was a Christian sentiment, a challenge pure and simple. And I took both the Donne and Wren lines as my own as we sought to reestablish the army with our imposing presence; a suite of offices in the Kremlin complex in the Ministry of Social Protection. We soon became a type of 'information center' for other 'western' Christian groups seeking to establish their presence in Russia and beyond. And no one could have prepared me for the time when the Minister for Social Protection asked me to join with her in hosting the party of 8 Cardinals and Bishops from Vatican City.
I honestly believe they sensed a similar spiritual exuberance and joy to mine, realizing we were united in fellowship through Christ's presence in a room of some 40 card-carrying Soviet Union communists !
We were blessed to have a steady stream of Lutheran, Methodist, Charismatic, and other groups visit our offices. Many expressed gratitude to us in assisting, "these ‘western’ churches struggling 'islands' to find their way in entering the former Soviet Union". They named our offices the Kremlin oasis, the place where they found like spirits sharing and fulfilling their need for spiritual fellowship, albeit too often too brief.
We learned that human beings do not thrive when isolated from others, culturally. And this applies perhaps most especially in the context of a spiritual arena as communities of faith struggled to engage in spiritual practices addressing those who hitherto had been robbed of their faith; pockets, no islands of 'secret' believers ready to once again hang an icon on the wall and rebuild churches razed by Stalin's henchmen.
It was a time of rising up again, and doing so in the strength that our combined numbers represented.
Salvation Army officers are active Christian servants who come together in the same spirit to act in a pre-designed and conducive environment. As the spiritual community multiplies, it empowers and reinforces the efforts of the individual. ‘Meditation, prayer and other practices, when pursued in a group or community, qualitatively and quantitatively magnify what each person can offer and experience. The coalescence of the group into a shared will and shared consciousness in communal practice creates a greater spiritual whole that enhances individual possibilities. The vehicle of the spiritual group or community carries all its individual participants to far greater spiritual depths than they could typically reach on their own… 'No man is an island!' ‘Each person in the group or community helps all the others by their very presence.’ (Naft)
Officership consists of a group culture, built and sustained on emotions in a closed and unique spiritual setting.
Looking at the SA Doctrines, religious attitudes, behavior and (Officer) practices reveals clearly how emotions mediate or reinforce one’s religious experience; unique to SA officer cognitive behavior, one that fosters community cohesion and one consistent with a belongingness hypothesis; one seeks and forms strong spiritual and social attachments readily while serving as officers. This ‘belongingness’ provides multiple and strong effects on emotional patterns and on cognitive processes.
Most FSAOF members have shared that they found the dissolution of these existing bonds very troubling. And, the lack of these formerly strong attachments subsequent to resignation is linked to a variety of ill effects on all areas of health, adjustment, and general well being.
The most common comment and words of disappointment shared by those in our fellowship is the army’s inadequate and inefficient exit policy. I would add that what many find most striking is the lack of any discernible, distinct and defining retention program, a substantive effort put into ‘retaining officers or easing their transition to a different way of life’. (active officer) And, perhaps the candidate screening process should be examined. While serving in Russia soldiers were recruited, trained and enrolled in impressive numbers, dozens at a time. Many thought it natural that the next step by the SFOT. In that all was so new to them AND us, each person applying to be a Cadet was employed by TSA and ‘moved’ through various roles to test their skills but also their resolve. Not all who applied were found to be qualified for Officership although many became excellent lay employees.
We believe wholeheartedly in the soul-saving mission of the army and want to do all possible to advance that divine assignment. However, to serve the present age and to march steadily onward can best be achieved, we believe, by calling on the resources that in some part brought the advances the army, through God the Holy Spirit, has achieved. The Former Salvation Army Officers Fellowship members represent a significant factor, a formidable earlier resource willing to become one once again.
The resignation process is never without private pain. Most troubling is the alienation experienced, this on several levels for the majority of officers.
Many of the FSAOF blog articles and comments in the private FSAOF site highlight that much of the pain is self -inflicted in some form or other. Nonetheless, we are asking for The Army’s support in recognizing this; sharing remedies to lessen this destructive thought process in the pre-resignation counseling.
The separation experience will include phases of regret, sadness, anger, frustration, confusion, occasional exhaustion, and even severe depression. For most, there will be anxiety about the future. Reactions like these will lessen over time, none-the-less venturing into the unknown, even when convinced it’s God’s leading, can be daunting. And it’s likely that at those time the resigning officer functions at a less than optimal level for varying periods of time. Pride moves many to dismiss or consider the need for fellowship.
No one ought to go through this experience alone, and the FSAOF is seeking to fill a void as a multi-need support group where ‘formers’ can share openly with others contemplating moving into similar situations.
WHEN MY HEART WAS SO BROKEN THAT I COULD NOT PRAY,
WHEN LOVE WASN'T EASY TO SEE.
SOMEONE WAS THERE, SOMEBODY CARED,
SOMEBODY PRAYED FOR ME.
SOMEBODY WENT TO THE THRONE OF HEAVEN,
SOMEBODY LIFTED MY NAME.
BRINGING ME INTO HIS HOLY PRESENCE,
SAYING WHAT I COULD NOT SAY.
SOMEBODY SHOWED ME THE FACE OF HIS MERCY,
WHEN DARKNESS WAS ALL I COULD SEE.
SOMEBODY PLEADED THE BLOOD OF JESUS,
SOMEBODY PRAYED FOR ME.
Sven Ljungholm
Open-Air Service Ukraine
18 comments:
Seems only logical that leaders everywhere would take up your offer of assistance. Your members represent a resource far and above anything currently available to HQ.
Have you contacted all SA territories? Have any territories sought your fellowship's help? I suppose there are many in HQ who are convinced that the FSAOF can indeed be helpful but are waiting for a word of approval from above before asking 'outsiders' for help.
Could it be pride or prejudice ?
London
I received the below from an active officer in the Midlands. I was asked to share them in our blogfor comment.
----------------------------
How many of the 'formers' regret their decision to resign ? And, would an intercessor or "time out" have made a difference? Did the UK's change on the early retirement position influence your leaving?
Active
UKT
Dear London, no, we have not been in contact with all territories. We are in the process of finalizing a paper to be shared,however, we have some 20 -25 new members joining our fellowship per month and in fairness want to include their comments if relevant as well. Our fellowship is present in 21 territories.
I have personally spoken in passing to eight Commissioners, 2 of them retired and the others in territorial leadership positions. Two active leaders, both in large territories, are very receptive and look forward to further dialogue. Three who are active in small European territories, and still going through inculturation are indifferent and seem to resent any offer of assistance from the outside. Yet, their candidate recruitment is dismal as is their officer retention rate.
Pride and Prejudice? Yes, on both sides of the fence, and this is regretful but also understandable. At least from our side of he fence we are making an effort to swing wide the gates ...
We became former Majors in 2004. We still have contact with active officers and have more recently both come to work for The SA as employees with some seperate managment responsibility bringing us into contact work wise with officers. I believe The SA would gain from offering some better support for officers leaving rather than getting caught up in wether they are covenant breakers or not (mis reading of the covenant there).
Former officers have a lot to ofer The SA and their training and skills, and also ongoing commitment should not be misjudged.
Svens first two article exlain well some of the experiences for us and have my endosment.
New Zealand & Tonga Fiji
The decision for me to leave was partly doctrinal, and partly forced because I became quite liberal in my theology. From time to time I do wish I was still in Officership - but it doesn't last long. I have a new life. For me, intercession etc. would not have stopped me leaving, but it would have gone a long way towards preventing the hurt and resentment I had/still have to some degree. I still feel very uneasy about entering a Salvation Army hall or talking to anyone in uniform.
Graeme,
Former Australian East
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Masterly weaving of reality on both sides of the fence without finger pointing. Seems to me though that the 'formers' are on the higher road; respectful and offering a helping hand, one we can not afford not to take.
Bless you all for your years of service.
Active Major
AUK
I gather the quote was from a song?
Yes, from the song; 'Somebody Prayed for Me'
There was no self destructive thought process on my part after leaving or anxiety about my future. I only had some anger and hurt concerning how I was treated by fellow officers while in the service who were suppose to be Christians.I felt better off in the real world. I was stifled in the service. But I did not want to leave officership and was waiting for someone to talk me out of it and no one said a word to me except my CO "Burn your bridges". The SA slammed the door shut and burned the bridges.
Former US East
This a paper that has needed to be presented for many years and I have been very lax in not doing something about it in my own territory. It is all very well for us to leave it to Sven who can effectively represent us (formers) to IHQ, but there is nothing like a face to face with the powers to be in our own territory to at least begin to address some of the issues that have been raised.
There is, as has been noted before, a great diversity in the reasons that we are where we are now, and it would be foolish to think that there is an easy fix, but simply realizing that when people are hurting they need support in whatever way that can be accepted; often that will not be from someone with red epaulettes.
I for one will commit myself to contacting our TC to begin to raise some of these issues with our leadership.
I have fairly regular contact with a few formers, and what seems to be common is the pain and distress on many different levels.
I am aware so often if I want the world to change (or any part of it be it large or small, then I will have to do it.
Even as I think of all the formers that I know and some who were not 'brave' enough to take that step and are still counting the days to retirement, I am full of emotion for sadness for all the wasted years for the Army that are represented.
Although I would never go back as an officer, there is not a day goes by that at some stage that I am not touched by pain and disapointment. Maybe now is the time for us all to rise up and make a difference like has never been seen in Officer ranks before.
Warmest regards to all the formers (and retireds and even the actives who visit these pages.)
Cheers
What comes to my mind over and over.... Should there not be a little more sympathy and care for those who have left officership? Why is it so hard to have some compassion for many that worked so hard on the front lines and took the brunt of attack and met the needs of so many hurting people. It is such a sin and a tragedy. The result is that outsiders wonder what kind of a Christian group is this? Who would want to join and be a part of that? I do not see a host of people that desire to serve because of this.
CHANGE
USA EAST EX-OFFICER
"If I want the world to change, I have to be a part of it"? I agree. That's one reason why I became a Salvationist. I'm NOT uncomfortable leaving it to Sven - that's the problem - I should be!
That said, what can I do? I'm serious. What can I do?
Thank you for your encouragement, Fletch ! Feel free to cut and paste from my posts if you find them useful. And, by all means share my greetings should you decide to meet with Commissioner Jim- a man totally without guile !
Good morning Cheryl (and everyone else of course)
'What can I do?' is often a prelude to two things, an excuse to make us feel comfortable or a motivation to do 'something'.
A few years ago I was challenged by someone that my organisation did nothing for senior practitioners in the profession so I started an educational event for senior fundraisers in 'little' South Australia. Of course there were lots of people helping, but there were also the skeptics, who said that it would never work. Eleven years later it is looked at as the most significant fundraising educational offering in Australia. It started with two lecturers (from the states) and 20 delegates. Today we have 5 tracks with over 100 delegates and a faculty from North America and Australia, and it looks like it is set for a long period of activity. Although it was my idea and I guess I pestered people into supporting the idea, there were lots of people in the intervening years who had far better skills than I had and all I do now is go along and do a couple of lectures and revel in the fact that 'THINGS CAN CHANGE!'.
A few years ago I guarantee that Sven said 'What can I do?' and found a couple of Formers that has developed into a vast army of support.
Cheryl, you have so many skill in the written word with your novels about the hijincks in the nursing home, and your blogs etc, maybe one of your future efforts could be in relation to what makes an Officer think about leaving and addressing some of the skills required to simply get through the 'immediate storm' and simply go on?
In the Christian Church we have majored in humility for so many years that it almost becomes our mantra of not only how we work but how we feel about ourselves. I have met so many formers in recent years and, yes, I have met a few who I (arrogantly) felt should never have been SAO's, but on reflection the vast majority have skills far beyond anything that I ever had and I am in awe of what they have achieved, and so disappointed at what they could have done for our Army's total mission. We need to be educated to appreciate the skills and abilities that we have and boast of them for the greater good of our mission.
For all these people 'what can I do?' simply means for me; that I have to do something, it may not even matter what it is but we have such a huge following of Formers if everyone did something it would be absolutely amazing, it doesn't have to be life changing, or clever, or loud, or musical, or anything it just has to be something.
I have a former soldier who I keep in regular contact with and he is always having a humorous go at me about my phone message if I am not able to get to it. Its fairly simple;
'Sorry I missed your call please leave your number and I will get back to you. But remember Life is not a dress rehearsal; so make everything count, Cheers'
Just Do Something!
My reason for resignation was divorce, after a marriage that, in 20/20 hindsight should not have happened. (Although I thank and praise God for my two children.)
There was one, 1/2 hearted offer of counseling, but once that was turned down, there was virtually no help through the actual separation process (both from the Army and the marriage).
The Army needs to nurture its active officers, as well as active officers needing to nurture their congregation (whether corps, DHQ, or elsewhere).
I don't believe it would have made a difference in our case; however, I know of a couple of instances where if more support had been available, formers would still be actives!
Today, as an employee of the Army, I find myself, again, wondering, "Where is the support for those people (in this case employees) who are giving their heart and soul to this organization.
Morale at my location has never been lower - including Officers and staff - due to a tyrannical D.C. who must micro manage everything - and gives no encouragment but offers many words of chastisement when things go wrong.
Why do I stay? God is not opening any other doors, so I make my daily ministry one of encouragement, prayer and support..........something that is sorely lacking at my place of work for the Army - and in the Army as a whole.
Christians nurturing, supporting, loving fellow Christians - is that a new concept?
Blessings to all!
Former
USA East
Unfortunately there are too many tyrannical DC's.
Of course there are sometimes tyrannical CO's too.
This should not be in any way shape or form. Leaders should stand firm when they need to. No need to micro-manage people. Lead by example and deal with issues.
Why did I have to be reprimanded over the years when someone else caused damage or did something unethical? Deal with issues and problems and the rest of the troops would hang around until age 66. Show me a good example by your life and I will follow you to the gates of hell.
USA East former
It is painful to hear of people like the DC's mentioned but we are not unique I have just left a position where the CEO was exactly as has been described above.
However; I am meeting a former DC of mine in a couple of days time and he was just the perfect example of what I perceive is almost the perfect DC. What is more I am convinced that there are more of them around and sometimes we just need to look for them so that they become 'the norm' for our Active comrades still under the authority of others.
Cheers
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