Karen Gleason , Editor
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13 NIV).
ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMAND, CALIF.—The Salvation Army East Bay, serving Alameda County, held its first kettle kickoff, “Beyond the Bells,” at the Oakland ARC with Dave Clark, KTVU Fox 2 news anchor, as master of ceremonies.
The Oakland A’s received an award for its support of the Army during Hurricane Sandy, and for the volunteer work of the A’s wives at the Booth Child Development Center. They read to the children and provide new school shoes, backpacks and supplies.
Captains Dan and Kimberly Williams are the county coordinators.
KOLONIA, POHNPEI, FSM—The corps’ men’s group started a jail ministry, visiting the institution every Saturday from 6-7 p.m. Recently, Corps Officer A/Captain Taylor Santos shared the story of Nicodemus with the prisoners. One by one, they came and stood beside him, accepting Christ as Savior. Three others, confined to their cells, also stood. As the men formed a circle and prayed, the three in their cells reached out their arms to join the group in prayer.
BILLINGS, MONT.—In November, the corps marked the one-year anniversary of the Sunday Evening Celebrate Recovery Program, a year of men and women working through their recovery, reconciling with family and friends, and growing closer to God.
Majors Kevin and Linda Jackson are the Billings corps officers.
SEATTLE—After the Nov. 11 worship service, the Seattle Temple Corps celebrated its 125th anniversary with a concert featuring music, drama and God’s Word. Approximately 250 people attended.
During the service, a young woman, who had attended the corps as a child and recently returned, was enrolled as a senior soldier. Another woman, a college student drawn to the corps by the brass band, accepted the Lord.
Majors Ron and Ronalee Fenrich are the corps officers.
SITKA, ALASKA—Corps Officer Captain Terrance Wright was invited to pray at the graduation ceremony for the newly commissioned state troopers and local police. During the prayer time, he shared God’s message of peace, love and safety. Those in attendance, including the Sitka chief of police, expressed their appreciation.
MAUI, HAWAII—The Salvation Army, partnering with the University of Hawaii’s Maui College nursing program, held the 12th annual Health Fair for Homeless.
Over 100 homeless individuals received free assistance from 19 participating agencies, including AIDS testing, dental services, legal help, housing placement, elder and disability services, safety and domestic violence referrals, job opportunities, financial assistance, mental health and family planning services.
Major Brian West is the Maui County coordinator.