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As I understand it, the REAL millennium–2001–is ready to begin. (I guess we’ve been practicing for it all this year!) Isn’t it wonderful to know that in this new millennium–and in every one of its mornings to come–God’s mercies will be brand new? Below, you’ll find some wonderful examples of the Army’s extension mercy and grace at the close of this millennium…
REACHING TEENS
No matter the language, a common way to reach today’s youth is through music. Captain Oscar Tippol, Santa Ana, Calif., seized the opportunity and invited Parousia, a Guatemalan contemporary rock band, to perform at the Santa Ana Temple Corps.
A huge white tent covered the large soccer field on the back of the property. More than 1300 Latino youth and young adults filled the arena. The music was loud and wild, but each song had a message that the youthful audience could relate to. An altar call brought 50 individuals to a decision for Christ.
ANGELS AMONG US
KNDO-TV, Yakima’s, NBC local affiliate, recognized Mamie Gray, director of Yakima’s Senior Nutrition program, as one of five “angels” in Central Washington, and featured her work in a three-minute slot during the local news on Thanksgiving Day. She was selected out of hundreds of nominations. The program, held at the corps building, feeds up to 150 seniors a day. “We appreciate Mamie and the Christian example she shares in her work,” said Corps Officer Major David Sholin.
‘CAROLING FOR CANS’
The Anaheim Corps hosted its annual “Caroling for Cans” recently, a program that began 15 years ago, when Jerry Austin, Chief of Administration for the Anaheim Fire Department, saw an opportunity to bring fire fighters, police officers and The Salvation Army together to help the needy at Christmas.
This year, four decorated fire trucks filled with 120 carolers and other volunteers were escorted through Anaheim by four squad cars and four motor officers. Close behind were four ARC trucks. Four tons of canned food and three large crates of new toys will find new homes this Christmas season thanks to the help of Corps Officer Capt. Ron Fenrich and Anaheim Advisory Council member Darlene Garcia.
ARMY FANS
The Salvation Army in McMinnville. Ore., was the Wal-Mart charity of choice. Wal-Mart donated a percentage of its total apparel sales from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. one day in early December. New York Yankee and McMinnville resident, Scott Brosius, was on hand as the guest of honor and to show his support for The Salvation Army and its programs and services.
15 UNCLES AND 2 SIBLINGS
You have heard of three men and a baby–The Salvation Army San Francisco Turk Street Central Corps has its own version: 15 uncles and two siblings. The 15 members of Men’s Fellowship had a fundraiser recently, raising enough money to sponsor Soo-Chul Chun and her older sister Min-Sun Chun. Their family is in crisis, these girls need help as they grow up at the The Salvation Army’s Taegu Children’s Home. The 15 “uncles” will assist by monetary means, letters of hope, and prayers for the girls to receive the knowledge of salvation and to live a full and safe life.
