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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (I Peter 2:9)
That wonderful call from darkness to light is being made throughout the West. Read on for just a few examples.
FLAGSTAFF HELPS HOMELESS
Pastor Robert Norton and Associate Pastor Karol Brecheisen, Trinity Heights Methodist Church presented Envoy Randy Hartt (Flagstaff, Ariz., corps) with a check for $1,268. The congregation collected the money for the corps’ emergency homeless shelter, opened when the Forestry Department closed the Coconino National Forest.
During the seven weeks the Army operated the emergency shelter, more than 1,300 people were assisted. “We were housing between 50-60 individuals a night in our temporary shelter,” said Hartt. “We saw a need and we did something about it.”
INT’L POLICE CHAPLAINS MEET
CSM Warren Johnson (Tustin Ranch), who serves as president of the Southern California Chaplains Association, recently served as chair for the host committee of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), which met recently in Anaheim, Calif. to conduct its 27th annual training seminar. Seven hundred police chaplains from around the world, including South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Canada, attended the seminar.
Johnson has served as a police chaplain for 10 years and in May 2001 received the “Chief’s Award” for his work with police personnel in Santa Ana, Calif.
ICO UPDATE
Major Mario Reyes, Secretary for Latino Programs, Southern California Division, had been appointed to attend the International College for Officers April 9 – June 2, 2003.
ACADEME OF ACHIEVERS
Lt. Colonels Robert and Gladys Bodine were recently inducted into the Academe of Achievers (an equivalent to an honorary doctorate) at Central Christian College, McPherson, Kansas. “This is the first time in the 118 years of this college that this honor has been granted to Salvation Army officers, and we are deeply honored that our academic achievements and service as Army officers have been recognized in this way,” said Lt. Col. Robert Bodine, who notes “it was the first college Gladys attended.”
DENVER RED SHIELD HAS FUN
More than 600 people, including Intermountain Divisional Comman-der Lt. Colonel Harold Brodin and Denver City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, attended the Denver Red Shield Hispanic and English Corps’ Back to School Carnival.
According to Envoys Ron and Roberta McKinney, corps officers, performances by corps programs included: Tang So Do wood breaking demonstration, Disciples Cheerleaders presentations, and a music ensemble from both the Citadel Hispanic Corps and the Red Shield English Corps.
HEALTH AND FAMILY FUN FAIR
The Torrance, Calif. corps, led by Majors Don and Ronda Gilger, held its annual outreach weekend with Health and Family Fun Fairs.
Saturday’s Health Fair featured free medical screenings and information on everything from eyewear to senior services. Kids enjoyed trained animals and clowns. Local businesses provided door prizes. Sunday’s Family Fun Fair featured lunch, carnival games, and karaoke. Many attended worship service and witnessed the Army’s holistic ministry: family and social services and joyful worship of the Lord! About 400 attended each fair.
