Doing the Most Good- Hawaiian and the Pacific Islands
Programs provide open door to Salvation Army.
Nestled on Oahu’s North Shore, The Salvation Army’s Camp Homelani is the picture perfect image of Hawaii, with palm trees swaying in the breeze, ocean waves breaking on the shore, and cozy cottages dotting the grounds.
But it’s not about the image. Things of eternal nature take place here all year round.
“In a lot of ways, we’re the front door of The Salvation Army; people see a side of the Army here that’s more ministerial; hopefully it is an open door for them to attend church,” said Barbie Harvey-Hall, who serves with her husband Joe as camp administrators.
The camp is a busy place: with Music School in late June, SAY camp in July, three community service camps during the summer, and numerous other Salvation Army men’s and women’s camps throughout the year. Churches and school groups rent the facility as well.
The Harvey-Halls are well aware of the camp’s potential impact on the lives of those who come here—and their role as stewards of it. “If we can take care of the facility—the mundane things—it lets the campers have open communication with God, and make changes in their lives; if we can create the environment, God can have the opportunity to work.”