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“Go out and preach the Gospel and, if you must, use words.”
St. Frances of Assisi
Throughout the West, Salvationists, volunteers and employees are preaching the Gospel in word and deed. Read on to see just a few examples.
FREE MEDICAL CLINIC
Captain Norman Patton reports 25-32 people are seen each week at the Oxnard, Calif., corps’ free medical clinic. “Due to lack of room and physician time, we are often forced to turn away almost the same number as we help,” he said. One woman recently took a bus from Los Angeles to the clinic. After the woman saw a doctor, “Captain Debra Patton met with her and her daughter in one of our clinic rooms, joined with our volunteer physician and nurse and through an interpreter, offered a gratefully received prayer,” said Patton. “Through this ministry of love we can through practical and effectual care, minister to the heart, mind and soul of God’s precious creation.”
PRACTICAL CARING
Hawaii was hit particularly hard in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, with tourism suffering a major drop. In Waikiki alone, 15,000 hotel employees were laid off or experienced a reduction in work hours. The Army assisted over 7,000 households across the state from September to December, with more than 240 on Oahu alone receiving direct financial assistance. “I’m so grateful,” said one single mom who had been laid off and received assistance. “I’d like to give back and do what I can to help when I get back on my feet.”
RE-OPENING IN LYNNWOOD
The ARC re-opened its Lynnwood, Wash., thrift store in the same storefront that housed it from 1981-1996. “We’re just going to open it up and get started,” said Major Samuel Southard, Seattle ARC administrator shortly before the re-opening. From 1996 until it closed to make way for a new Walgreen’s last November, it had been located a few blocks away.
MURRIETA BREAKS GROUND
The Murrieta, Calif., corps broke ground for a new 11,700 square-foot Center for Worship and Service. It features a 175-seat chapel, 150-person multi-purpose room and kitchen, four classrooms, a computer lab, counseling room, and a combination lounge, library and craft room. What this facility means to the community,” said Envoy Marlene Jones, “is that we will be able to provide improved services such as youth and senior activities, social service activities, and worship services as well as a central meeting place for the community.”
FIRE RESPONSES
The Salvation Army in Albuquerque was asked by the Red Cross to assist with the forest fires in Ruidoso, N. Mex. Since the U.S. Forest Service takes 24-48 hours to gear up for the fire and have catering services on line, six volunteers, including two officers, arrived to assist. They served more than 700 hot meals to firefighters before the Forest Service catering was operational.
A 9-story hotel, under construction adjacent to Alaska DHQ burned to the ground recently. Majors Katrina Grundahl, and Joe and Florence Murray began providing refreshments to firefighters shortly after 3 a.m.; the fire was contained by 5 a.m., with mop-up operations still underway. DHQ suffered 30 broken windows.
PRAY FOR COMMISSIONER FRED RUTH
Commissioner Fred Ruth continues to be hospitalized while doctors try to determine the cause of an ongoing fever; treatment can’t begin until the cause is established. Notes of encouragement may be sent c/o Williams Residence, 720 West End Ave., New York, NY 10025-6299.
PROMOTION TO GLORY
Dorothy “Dot” Larsen, who was the cook at the School for Officer’s Training for more than 20 years, passed away March 28, reports Major Joyce Stevenson. “She was loved by all cadets, children and staff.” Cards and messages may be sent to Dot’s daughter, Jean Collins, 2387 Rock Blvd., Sparks, NV 89431.
THANK YOU
Lt. Col. Bennetta Rody says, “I am so grateful for all the old and new friends who contacted me on my birthday. Thank you for remembering me. God bless you all!”
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