FrontLines – News briefs of the West

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by Sue Schumann Warner

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Borkgren celebrates a century
Happy birthday and all best wishes go to Salvationist Fred Borkgren, Seal Beach, Calif., who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Through the years Fred has marched in 50 Rose Parades playing his cornet, and served as the first director of the Los Angeles Youth Center. He is fond of saying; “The best thing that ever happened to me was when I found the Lord in The Salvation Army.”

Yakima observes Memorial Day
In Yakima, Wash., Corps Officer Major Thomas Morrow reports that for their Memorial Day observance they invited family and friends to place a carnation on a cross as names were read. “What started out as a plain brown cross become a beautiful remembrance of over 100 loved ones named one by one.”

Pomona reaches out
The Pomona, Calif., corps recently joined with other local churches and the Wow Jam organization in a two- day outreach to those in need. Participants received free assistance including haircuts, bike repair, job search, and more. Corps Officers Captains Moy and Erika Hernandez organized Army involvement, including serving over 3,000 free hot meals during the event. “Our volunteers had an opportunity to speak with hundreds of people and passed out thousands of ministry flyers concerning our corps,” said Capt. Moy Hernandez.

Auburn goes outside the box
When Majors Ed and Joyce Loomis, Auburn corps officers, challenged new Youth Ministries Director Mark Cyr to organize an outreach to young families, they didn’t anticipate snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises…but 70 people came to the event featuring the “reptile den,” as well as an afternoon of food, face painting and games. “Mark gave a devotion afterwards, and seven children raised their hands to accept Christ,” stated Major Ed Loomis.

Salvation Army Week update
Lewiston, Ida., Salvationists began the week with a local news station interview with Corps Officer Capt. Ralph Guthrie. Outreach to the public included information about the Army’s ministry; free doughnuts and coffee; a women’s fellowship gathering; a volunteer and community appreciation barbecue attended by 120; and a praise and worship service.

Do you have news?
Let the West know about soldier enrollments, youth or adult programs, and other events at your corps, ARC, or units! Send brief news stories (50-75 words) to: New.Frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org.


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