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Testimonial: Las Vegas
by The USA team –
During our stay in Las Vegas, Nev., we participated in several Salvation Army ministries. First, we visited Safe Haven, an emergency shelter for people with mental health problems that serves 50-80 inpatients and 100-150 outpatients daily. The onsite crime task force works with the local police department to stop unnecessary deaths of clients with mental health problems. When a crime occurs involving someone with a weapon, the police call The Salvation Army to assist in determining the suspects’ mental health.
The following day, we helped set up living areas for homeless families at a vocational building. A number of shelters are available in the city, but separate men from women and children. The Army is trying to establish a place where families can stay together and grow in Christ.
We worked with Down’s syndrome children in the family services department. Program leaders appeal to all five of the kids’ senses, using sign language to keep their attention and encourage participation.
On our last day we went to Pathways, an adult rehabilitation program whose participants are addicted to prescription medications. We sat in on a health class, washed the program vans in the hot Vegas sun, and cleaned out a closet.
We spent the last day at the corps, participating in five services: three in English and two in Korean. Next on our journey is Alaska and we are ready for the cold weather. We can’t wait to see what ministry we will be doing up north. Every location has been different and life changing.