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The Santa Maria Corps’ mobile ministry serves those who serve others.
The Santa Maria Corps rolled out its “Serving the Servants” ministry March 27, with help from a team of cadets from the College for Officer Training at Crestmont—the Laminin Brigade—visiting the corps for spring campaign week.
The team served breakfast to 28 individuals from the Santa Maria police department and 15 from the fire department.
“The Serving the Servants canteen ministry allows us to not only reach out to the down and out, but to what has been called the up and out,” said Lt. Paul Swain, Santa Maria corps officer. “Our simple service in times of need is one of the best ways to shed light into the souls of our city’s servants, all in Jesus’ name!”
Cooked right at the newly designated mobile canteen, the meal included breakfast burritos, homemade salsa, fresh fruit, sweet treats, coffee, juice and doughnuts.
“We are very blessed to have such an organization in town that truly cares,” said Fire Department Chief Dan Orr.
Santa Maria Advisory Board member Dr. Warren Gabaree was inspired to create this project when he saw the phrase, “serving the servants,” in an article in an Army publication reflecting on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
The corps deployed the canteen again April 14 to five locations in the community, serving lunch to over 100 volunteers wiping out graffiti, picking up trash and assisting with building projects.
To Gabaree, the experience brought to mind Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV).
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