Karen Gleason, Editor
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Ps. 119:105).
HOBBS, N.M.—Captains Les and Susan Spousta partnered with Isaiah’s Kitchen to hold vacation Bible school (VBS) at the site of the homeless feeding kitchen. Nine adults helped implement “The Fruit of the Spirit” VBS program for a total of 28 children.
Located in a former Abundant Life Church, Isaiah’s Kitchen serves about 1,000 individuals a month, Monday to Friday and Sunday after church.
Nine children asked Jesus into their lives. The youth ministry will continue at Isaiah’s Kitchen on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer.
PORTLAND/BEAVERTON, ORE.—An unexpected donation showed up July 25 at the Veterans and Family Center in Beaverton. Tess, a young girl about 11 years old, stopped by with her mother and a sibling and donated over $200 to the center. She spent the July 4th holiday baking and selling cupcakes so she could honor veterans with the donation.
Rick Stoller is director at the Veterans and Family Center.
SALINAS, CALIF.—The Salvation Army supported 200-plus volunteers at the Spirit West Coast annual Christian music festival Aug. 1-3 in Monterey, Calif., serving them breakfast, lunch and dinner. The event is the biggest and only multiple-day Christian music festival in the southwestern U.S., with attendance of about 20,000 people over the three days.
Majors Kris and Camie Potter are the Salinas corps officer.
SANTA ROSA, CALIF.—The Santa Rosa Corps hosted its second annual Custom Car Show, featuring over 60 vehicles including a classic 1913 Buick. Members of the corps’ advisory board and staff helped put together the community event, which included a bounce house, pie-eating contest, boxing matches and door prizes. About 200 people attended, and $2,300 was raised for the Transitional Living Program through car registration fees, food, T-shirt sales and donations.
Majors Joseph and Florence Murray are the corps officers; Jon George is director of the Transitional Living Program.
HANAPEPE, HAWAII—The corps recently started a morning Bible study for people who go to its soup kitchen for lunch. Themed “Questions about God,” the apologetics Bible study addresses concerns and questions that may hinder faith. The growing ministry currently has 12 participants.
Lts. Austin and Nayomia Anderson are the corps officers.
TURLOCK, CALIF.—The Turlock, Modesto Citadel, and Modesto Red Shield corps participated in the “Christmas in July” toy drive at the Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock. People who donated toys received two free carnival ride tickets.
The Salvation Army collected 300 toys, and $300. The goal was to get the Christmas toy drive off to an early start.