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News Briefs of the West
By Bob Bearchell –
This year’s Salvation Army Year Book, a treasured and invaluable resource for Salvationists since 1906, is once again available from the Trade Department. Why not get one also for your local public library, and copies for leaders in your community? Most who read it for the first time are astonished to see the worldwide scope of the Army’s ministry.
Volunteers Defy Weather
We hear from Intermountain Division that with a wind chill factor of 25 to 40 below, hot coffee and food were being served to 100 police officers involved for six hours in a barricade situation in Denver. There was also an Army mobile kitchen at the Loveland-Fort Collins Airport, where many were searching for a missing airplane. Volunteers juggle their personal lives around crises like this. How grateful we are to them.
Southern Calif. Cold, Too
A/Capt. Ian Robertson says the cold weather shelter at the Santa Barbara National Guard Armory has had larger than usual crowds. The shelter, just opened in November, averages 130-140 per night. Much credit is due Robert Em, Dave Paxton and their magnificent crew for their dedicated service to the Lord.
News From Moldova
We hear via the Internet that Majors Wes and Ruth Sundin have opened another outpost, this one in Dubasari. There were over 250 at the first meeting. Another outpost in Chisinau will be for those who speak Romanian, the area’s primary language. One outpost will be led by the CSM and the other by Captain Mary Fitch, the new assistant from the Eastern Territory.
They were also cheered by receiving New Frontier, as well as the many Christmas cards, which keep them up on events at home. Keep them in your prayers…and on your mailing list.
Harrah’s Reno A Winner
This store sponsored 1,060 children from the Army’s Christmas Angel Tree. Employees bought specific gifts as well as donating to a special fund. Sears opened two hours early to allow Harrah’s employees to shop for gifts, and threw in a 10% discount and a hospitality room for the shopping spree. Sears also marked children’s coats down 50% for the “angels.” That’s fine community cooperation! Thanks, Lts. Steve and Kathleen Arnold, Reno, Nev., corps officers, for the energetic leadership you give to important projects like this.
Chief of Staff at Crestmont
Commissioner Earle Maxwell, our Chief of the Staff, will be the featured speaker at the Crestmont Good Friday services. If you are in So. California or Sierra del Mar Divisions, plan to fill a van and attend to hear this dynamic, spirit-filled Bible-based leader.
Thanks, Officers
The Commissioners’ Conference approved a recommendation that October be observed as “Officers’ Appreciation Month.” Territorial and divisional newsletters will devote an issue expressing appreciation to officers for pastoral services to their people.
One-Stop Social Services
Next year, says Corps Officer Capt. David Roehl, people needing help in Caspar, Wyo., will receive it through the Goodstein Center for Hope, formerly the Northern Gas building. The Salvation Army received the building from Arlene Goodstein Rosen, a philanthropist who supports social work with the chemically dependent. The Army is moving its offices and eight of its 15 employees into the building, which would also be used by other agencies. A $500,000 capital campaign will cover renovation costs together with an endowment for maintenance.
Wike To Japan
Garvel Wike, director of the So. Calif. Service Extension Dept., has been selected by the Nishinomiya Volunteer Network to tour Japan, speaking at various conferences. His topic is “Relationship between voluntary organizations and government in disaster relief.” Expenses will be underwritten by Nippon Volunteer Network Active in Disaster. This will no doubt be helpful to our ongoing international relations, especially in the field of disaster response and recovery.
Burrows to Receive Award
On March 9, the Army will be presented the seventh International Living Legacy Organization Award in acknowledgment of the pervasive and positive work of hands-on humanitarians worldwide. It will be presented at the Marriott Hotel in San Diego, Calif. General Eva Burrows (R) will personally receive the Living Legacy Award for her humanitarian gifts which continually leave a legacy of love and commitment to millions.
Army Assists Cajon Pass Victims
Within hours after the disastrous train derailment in the Cajon Pass, the Army was on the scene assisting victims and workers at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, Calif. Captain Emmanuel Henry-John, Victor Valley corps officer, explained that he and his staff are counseling residents evacuated from their homes. “People are confused; troubled by the unknown hazard (of toxic fumes) because they don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. Donations of supplies and funds for emergency lodging were gratefully received.
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