by Sue Schumann Warner –
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
On the fast track
Tiffany Shrum, a young Salvationist from the Vancouver, Wash., corps, recently qualified as one of 20 young people to represent Region 13 at the National Meet for Junior Olympics. With a time of 22:12 in the 5 kilometers cross country, she still maintains an active corps life.
Santos receive recognition
Majors Jesus and Rebecca Santos, Watsonville, Calif., corps officers, received surprise recognition from the Mayor of Watsonville for their nine years of service at the tenth annual “An Evening of Brass” concert. The event that serves as their Kettle Kick Off featured two British-style brass bands, The Salvation Army Concord Brass band under the direction of Bandmaster James Black and The Pacific Brass Band, conducted by Bandmaster Gonzalo “Bert” Viales. KSBW Morning co-anchor Shelley Harr presented the proclamation in the mayor’s absence.
Students dig deep
Captain Dianne Madsen, So. Calif. divisional youth & candidates’ secretary, says “This year at Excursion [Youth Councils] the students were challenged with the TRUTH…and responded in a unique way. On Saturday night, the Overseas Child Sponsorship program was presented; everyone voted and the group decided that the child would come from Mexico. Each person only needed to give $1.25 to make this dream a reality! Through their generosity, they raised enough to sponsor three children!” Check with Major Linda Gillies at territorial headquarters for information on the Overseas Child Sponsorship program.
Truckload of toys
Four hundred Harley Davidson owners showed up for the 25th Annual Toy Run in Grand Junction, Colo., and for the second year, the Grand Junction Corps was the recipient of the toys. This year, however, the corps officers, Majors Alfred and Stella Parker, were active participants, with Major Stella riding on back of a beautiful Harley. “It was so much fun,” she said, “but more importantly, the huge truckload of toys that were given to us by the Harley Owners Group will help us touch hundreds of children with the love of Christ this Christmas.”
Tri-Cities breaks ground
During the holidays, the Mid-Columbia Corps (Richland, Wash.) broke ground on a new building, to replace the one destroyed by fire in 2002. The corps had been meeting at the social service office in Pasco, reports Corps Officer Capt. Raymond Erickson-King.
About 75 people from the community attended; special speeches were given by the mayor, fire chief, United Way president, and chamber of commerce. Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Terry Griffin also spoke. Completion is slated for this summer.
ALASKA Project completed
“We are so excited that our new handicap ramp is being completed,” reports Juneau Corps Officer Major Nila Fankhauser, Alaska. “Our Women’s Auxiliary has funded this project. Our carpenter, Tom Anderson, has been working on the ramp in rain, sleet, snow and freezing weather.”