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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
In these troubled times, I’m thankful that God has provided us a peacemaker: Jesus. I’m also thankful for the peace that Salvationists bring to people and communities throughout the West…
BEAUTIFUL, INSIDE AND OUT
Forty-seven girls attended the recent Del Oro divisional Girl Guard Lock In: “Get God” which was, according to reports, a most splendid event! Under the direction of Captain Denise Hawk, Girl Guard and Sunbeam director, Del Oro Division, these young ladies enjoyed both a beauty make-over and a spiritual make-over. According to Hawk, “They learned how to get gorgeous – God has given each of us all it takes, we just have to ‘get God.’ It was 20 hours well spent (not sleeping, of course!!!).”
BONE MARROW DRIVE ON OAHU
According to Major Ralph Hood, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional commander, Major Juhie Park has been working with around 50 Korean Christian churches on Oahu to hold bone marrow drives. “An additional stimulus for the drives is a local child, a nearly 5-year-old girl, who has leukemia,” he said. The media has been covering her need for a “match” and they have included information on Linda Lyon’s search in the two major Korean newspapers as well. Linda is a soldier at the Seattle Temple Corps in Washington who is battling leukemia.
WTC UPDATE
The Army’s relief effort in New York City continues. Nearly 9000 meals are served each day at the Biosphere, a massive tent set up by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Army also operates four hydration stations, three feeding stations and a warehouse supply center at JFK airport. Grief counseling services are provided at all locations. The Army has a three-part plan to disperse the remaining $35 million of the $61 million in donations it received: $20 million will be distributed to the seriously injured, families of victims and displaced residents on a need basis and will be limited to $750 per family per month; $5 million will be used for the Army’s continued support of recovery workers through funding the Army’s Restaurant Revitalization Program; the remaining $10 million will be used to provide grief and stress counseling over a three-year period at low or no-income counseling centers around NYC. Special focus will be given to undocumented residents.
NEW EASTER CLOTHES
Free new Easter outfits and spring clothing for children age four and under was distributed recently at the Army’s Wee Ones’ Wonder Fair in San Francisco. More than 500 families participated in the shopping spree for clothes donated by Sears. Nearly 20 agencies participated, including the Asian Women’s Shelter, Mission Learning Center, the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the San Francisco Fire Department.
HONORING BRIANNA
Major Jacqueline Fritz, San Bernardino corps officer, reported that Brianna Swan-Ruiz was recently chosen to be in the Arroyo Valley High School Marching Band; she is the 12th flute in the All City Honor Band. “We are proud of Brianna,” said Fritz.
RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS
Major (Dr.) Sallyann Hood attended the “Prescription for Hope” Conference sponsored by Franklin Graham’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse. The conference, made up of medical experts, church leaders, and government representatives, was held in Washington, D.C., and attended by some 917 Christians from frontline ministries in 87 countries.
The goal was to breathe new life into the church’s response to HIV/AIDS. SAWSO spearheaded a workshop presented during the conference called “Community-Based Development,” led by IHQ’s Dr. Ian Campbell, assisted by Alison Rader, Bobby Zachariah (India) and Chipo Mbanje (Africa). The Salvation Army had representatives present from the U.S., Canada, England, India, Africa, Chile and the Philippines.
A mini-conference, “Enhancing South-North Mutual Learning,” was held one morning at National Headquarters during the larger conference. Commissioner John Busby attended, Major Harden White, SAWSO’s Secretary led, and all Salvation Army delegates to “Prescription for Hope” were present.
