MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL COMMANDER We are thinking about Pentecost this month, the Hebrew festival that was transformed into the day marking the beginning of the Christian church, because of the unforgettable outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God. A remarkable day indeed, one that provoked the question from those who were witnessing things never before seen: “What does this mean?” (Acts 2.12). What does this mean, indeed! People have devoted their lives, scholars their minds, writers their volumes, Christians their prayers, attempting to answer that question. While we may never be able to satisfy every question, for sure it meant that people’s lives were changed, because of the Power unleashed that first Christian Pentecost, enabling them to be and to do what before was never thought possible. Commissioner Keith Banks remarks that “the Spirit comes in as many ways as there are people to come to.” That’s what it means—everyone can get in on the action! General John Gowans unforgettably put it this way: Is your mind mixed up and are your thoughts in turmoil? Are you tired of fighting, are you sick of wars? Would you like some peace instead of inner conflict? Are you somewhat sad and wish that you were happy? Real contentment has a special set of laws; Joy is not for sale, it’s only found in Jesus; If you want it – it’s yours! Do you want the power to be a better person? If you want it – it’s yours! May God help us this season of Pentecost both to want to be better than we are, and then to realize there is a Power available to make that possible. National Publication of THE SALVATION ARMY June, 2013 Volume 133 | Number 7 William Booth Linda Bond William Roberts Paul R. Seiler Barry Swanson David Jeffrey James M. Knaggs Allen Satterlee Amy Reardon Jeffrey S. McDonald Roger Selvage Henry Cao Cynthia A. Edelen Gloria A. Hull Charles Piercey Judith L. Brown Esther M. Satterlee Sandy Dossey Rob Reardon FOUNDER GENERAL NATIONAL COMMANDER Central Territory Commander Eastern Territory Commander Southern Territory Commander Western Territory Commander Editor–In–Chief Assistant Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Art Director Graphics Designer Publications Marketing Manager Design and Production Editor Electronic Comm. Coordinator Editorial Assistant Circulation Manager Publications Officer Publications Officer The War Cry (ISSN 1550–5286) is published 15 times a year at 615 Slaters Lane, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313. Single copies $1.00. Subscriptions $15 a year USA, $15.50 Canada, $16.50 overseas (U.S. currency). Periodical postage paid at Alexandria, VA 22314 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The War Cry, 615 Slaters Lane, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313. To subscribe by credit card call 1–800–725–2769, or send check to Circulation Manager, Publications Department, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. ©The Salvation Army 2013. Member • Evangelical Press Association LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 133RD YEAR WITH ISSUE AVERAGE OVER 265,000 COPIES. From the moment someone accepts Christ as Savior, a haunting call to holiness whispers deep in the heart. Quite often, with the thrill of a fresh life in Christ, the new believer is convinced that he will be able to plow through temptation, easily casting aside every sin that marked his previous life. Then reality sets in. While many sins no longer bother him, others hang on like spiritual leaches. Instead of marching forward unimpeded to victory, the believer finds the ride is more akin to a roller coaster than a superhighway. It may be that God has made it so in order for the believer to learn that the strength to live victoriously in the world is not dependent upon his resolutions, but on his full abandonment to the will and way of God. Beckoned by hope even while frustrated by failure, the believer surrenders self–effort and humbly asks God to make him holy. Then the Holy Spirit moves wondrously. He takes what was broken and makes it whole. He comes to us when we are adrift and listless and fills our sails as He powers us across life’s seas. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). If you are weary of the up and down uncertainty that marks your Christian life, hear the promise: if you seek, you will be filled. Seek the Lord humbly. Abandon your own reconstruction. Be filled with the Spirit. www.thewarcry.org OUR MISSION The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Contact the Salvation Army National Publications Department by email at: [email protected] Advertise with us! For more info go to [email protected] Follow us on Facebook and Twitter www.facebook.com/SAWarCry twitter.com/SAWarCry Printed on recycled paper produced by industry leader that has achieved carbon neutral status. www.futuremarkpaper.com 4 The War Cry | JUNE 2013