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“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35, NIV)
Kisses from Cupid
For Valentine’s Day, the Yuba/Sutter Corps’ youth group sold “Kisses from Cupid.” For $5, teens delivered a handmade Valentine card, a rose, and chocolate kisses to sweethearts in the bi-county area. Money raised will fund tickets to “The Rock and Worship Road Show,” a concert including MercyMe, Jars of Clay, and Thousand Foot Krutch. Last year, a group attended and returned with strong testimonies.
“Being surrounded by so many other believers gave me a sense of belonging—the music was amazing, too,” said Taylor Harrington.
Pahrump participates in Job Shadow Day
The Pahrump (Nev.) Corps partnered with Project 5000 Kids for National Job Shadow Day, providing five hours of training in film production. Fifteen young people from the community came to the corps to learn about screenwriting and film production. During the last two hours, they shot a three-minute script.
Tony Mendoza—corps soldier and professional filmmaker—and writing expert Jacob Blodget instructed the youth. Corps officers are Captains Mark and Monica King.
“This captures the spirit of William Booth—through innovation and creative use of modern resources,” said Mendoza. “This outside the box way of thinking [exhibited by the Army] is what led me to become a soldier of The Salvation Army.”
Final Friday outreach
The teens at California’s Monterey Peninsula Corps began “Final Friday” (last Friday of each month) as an outreach to get teenagers into a church environment where they feel comfortable.
Some come only for Final Friday; others are now attending the weekly youth group. “Either way,” said Corps Assistant Melissa Felkins, “we’ll keep providing opportunities to learn why following Christ matters in their lives.”
January’s Final Friday had a serious theme—violence among teenagers. The youth filled a box with prayer requests for friends, family and classmates. February’s Final Friday will be more lighthearted, with a Minute to Win It style tournament.
Grant will benefit homeless veterans
In Los Angeles, The Salvation Army’s The Haven and Westwood Transitional Village for the homeless received a $160,000 grant from Disabled Veterans Charities on Jan. 9. Director of Charities, Debra-Lynne Terrill, presented the check to Lt. Colonel Victor Leslie, divisional commander, and Major Ian Robinson, community relations and development director, both from the Southern California Division.
The Charities supports proven, successful, long-term rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans in local communities by channeling income from its thrift stores to deserving agencies. It has given more than $1 million to the Haven and Westwood programs over the last two decades.
Appointment changes
Mr. Tom Melott has been appointed territorial finance director (Business Administration department, Territorial Headquarters), effective Feb. 2.
Lt. Colonels Zoilo and Magali Pardo have been appointed, respectively, divisional multi-cultural ministries secretary and associate divisional multi-cultural ministries secretary (Southwest Division), effective March 17.