Frontlines — News Briefs of the West

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By Bob Bearchell – 

Reports are reaching us from throughout the West regarding the exciting events that took place during National Salvation Army Week observances. Activities included open houses, volunteer appreciation luncheons, community clean-up days, participation in local radio and TV talk shows, and distribution of attractive Salvation Army annual reports. This special week afforded corps and ARC’s the opportunity to thank our many friends and introduce others to our multi-faceted ministry.

HUNTER HONORED

Colorado Christian University recently made special recognition of one of its graduates. Lt. Colonel Barbara Hunter received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the School of Innovative Studies at CCU for “…academic performance, commitment to scholarship and professional career, and promise for future community leadership and impact.” Her honor cord and certificate will be sent to her appointment at the Russia/CIS Command in Moscow.

SA PROVIDES CRASH RELIEF

The Army was on site to provide counseling and feeding services to 600 recovery workers and families of victims, following the crash of ValuJet Flight 592 in the Florida Everglades. Two mobile canteens have been serving recovery workers at the police and fire-rescue staging areas near the crash site, and will remain as long as recovery efforts continue. Counseling for the bereaved was also provided at Miami International Airport.

FOCUS OFFICE THREATENED

Salvation Army Emergency Services responded recently in Colorado Springs, Colo. to a hostage/bomb threat at the “Focus on the Family” office. Hot meals and other services were provided to police, fire, SWAT teams and others during the six hour incident. No one was injured, according to response team leader Major Stephen Owen.

KOBE NOT FORGOTTEN

It has been 17 months since the massive earthquake struck the Kansai area of Japan, affecting some 20 million who live there. The Salvation Army’s service began immediately and continues to this day, assisting over 17,000 people. Commissioner Ted Morris, territorial commander, writes to express sincere appreciation for support from the Western Territory. As a direct result of this effort, the Japan territory now has its first disaster vehicle, made possible in part by donations from the USA and Canada.

CAMP GIFFORD TURNS 75

Several generations of campers and staff gathered recently at Camp Gifford at Loon Lake, Wash., for a monumental anniversary celebration. Photos, memorabilia and reminiscences abounded as old acquaintances were renewed.

SILVERCREST OPENED

The Salvation Army recently opened its new Silvercrest Residence, a 42-unit apartment building for low-income seniors, in Puyallup, Wash. The three story, $34 million residence is 40,554 sq. ft. “Demand for affordable housing in the Puget Sound region is tremendous. The Salvation Army is proud to partner with government to provide shelter for those who have come before us and so rightly deserve our respect and care,” says Lt. Colonel Evelyn Hunter, Northwest divisional commander.

S.A. ONLINE

The Salvation Army has entered the world of cyberspace with its home pages on the Internet. New Frontier has recently opened its home page at: https://www.westweb.net/newfrontier/ People Count! is the Army’s goal of doubling the number of corps and soldiers in the territory by the year 2000. Information on this program is also available at: https://www.westweb.net/peoplecount/ We pray that God will use this new technology to reach those who might not otherwise hear his word.

HELP THE CHILDREN!

We were glad to hear that under the leadership of Capt. Jolene Hodder, the Overseas Children’s Sponsorship Program at THQ raised more than $50,000 last year for lost, hurting children around the Army world. Major Ruth Looker has recently been appointed to direct this important outreach.

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