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“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 ESV).
Karen Gleason, Editor
CASPER, WYO.—A new couple came to volunteer at the Hope Center and helped prepare breakfast for the clients all week. On Sunday, they came to the corps ready to worship and excited about serving and worshiping again the next week.
Captains Mark and Kathy Merritt are the corps officers.
YUBA SUTTER, CALIF.—Thirteen teens participated in a 30-hour fast, going out into the community to create awareness of hungry people locally and globally. The teens and leaders held signs in a Walmart parking lot. They made brown-bag lunches and drove around town, handing them out to the homeless. The local newspaper met the group at Walmart, took pictures, interviewed the youth and posted the story on the next front page.
Captains Thomas and Kimberly Stambaugh are corps officers.
EL CENTRO, CALIF.—The El Centro Corps received unusual guests when a mother and her five children showed up, dirty and smelling of smoke. Their car had burned and they lost all their clothes and suitcases. They not only received assistance, but they all prayed and gave their lives to Jesus.
Captains Jerry and Vicky Esqueda are corps officers. (72)
SANTA MARIA, CALIF.—Corps Officer Lt. Paul Swain often pulls the corps’ canteen up to the door of the county jail where prisoners are released from the county jail at midnight, waiting to greet them and offer hot coffee.
Swain’s ministry also reaches families of those released. Along with coffee, he offers food, prayer and a safe place to go for those who need it.
MODESTO, CALIF.—Music has been added for the line of people waiting on the patio of the Modesto Corps for lunch. Captain Michael Paugh plays his guitar, singing with clients of all ages.
He said he is “sharing the love of Christ with the less fortunate in the food line in this simplest way of teaching them Sunday school songs before they eat.”
He hopes these melodies will bring them joy and replay in their minds throughout the day.
VETERANS FAMILY CENTER, ORE.—Several adults and children from the Veterans Family Center are involved in worship and youth activities at the Tualatin Valley (Ore.) Corps. Two residents attended senior jamboree at Camp Kuratli, and the weekly Bible study has grown from four to 10 in recent weeks. The chaplain is working with several residents who have asked questions regarding faith, relationships and purpose in life.
Rick Stoller is the director.
KLAWOCK, ALASKA—Corps Officers Captains Ned and Mary Ortiz reopened the thrift store six days a week. The store has become a meeting/gathering place for the community, allowing many lapsed relationships to be restored.
