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by Sue Schumann Warner –
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:8-11 (NIV)
San Bernardino says thanks
Major Russell Fritz, San Bernardino corps officer, reports during a recent Sunday morning service, tribute was paid to those members who helped during the fires that destroyed 452 homes within the city limits of San Bernardino. In all, 33 certificates of appreciation were presented to those who volunteered during the four weeks of the disaster effort.
First thrift store for Estonia
“We opened our first thrift store in Estonia on November 1,” said Major Wes Sundin, who serves with Major Ruth Sundin as Estonia regional leaders. “We are calling it Kadri Ja Villu Pood. In Estonian, that means Catherine and William’s Store. We have had tremendous support from our THQ in Helsinki for this. They have sent over a truckload of clothes plus the racks to put them on. We have hired one of our soldiers to manage the store. We had the official ribbon cutting ceremony, asking God’s blessing on the store.
“We had advertised in the local paper, and on Christian radio, and were expecting a good crowd. At the ribbon cutting, the hallway was jammed with people, all smiling and eager to get into the store. The store was crowded all day, and we made enough to cover the cost of half a month’s rent, plus the store manager’s monthly salary in one day. Praise God!! And when we closed the store at 6 p.m., there were still people who wanted to come in to purchase the low cost quality goods. The profits from this store will help fund the social services programs of Estonia.”
A grateful parent
Jennifer Byrd, Golden State DHQ media relations manager, recently met a parent of a child who was one of the 150 CEDU High School students displaced during the wildfires in Southern California. The Salvation Army’s Camp Mt. Crags opened its doors to the students, who attend the nation’s first emotional growth boarding school.
The parent said, “Please pass along to your colleagues the absolute delight and awe that CEDU parents experienced with The Salvation Army…no one could have been kinder or more generous. One thing that was obvious to all the parents and staff who visited the camp; your volunteers and staff care deeply about kids and understand some of the issues that our kids are facing. Many organizations would not understand or appreciate their needs. The Army clearly did. The SA moved fast and decisively to help out the school. The Salvation Army has always had a special place in my heart; now they go into the ‘Hall of Fame’.”
Pray for the Passion
Mel Gibson’s new movie, The Passion of the Christ, is set to open on Ash Wednesday (February 25, 2004). Representatives from The Salvation Army were invited to attend a private screening in Burbank, Calif. recently, joining more than 100 others from a variety of evangelical groups, including Campus Crusade for Christ, Mission America, Promise Keepers, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the International Bible Society. Gibson was present to answer questions.
Considered to be a major outreach opportunity to present the person of Jesus Christ to the unchurched, The Passion describes the 12 hours before Christ’s crucifixion. Rev. Billy Graham, who attended a private screening at an earlier date, has said he doubts if “there has been a more graphic and moving presentation of Jesus’ death and resurrection.”
Watch for a review of the movie in an upcoming issue of New Frontier.
