Many years ago while in Colorado, I heard the Salvation Army Acappela Choir Sing at a Sunday Morning Worship Service. After that encounter, I started watching and studying the organization and have come to highly respect it. It's roots are in an evangelistic crusader named William Booth from Great Britain. Beginning in 1852, Mr. Booth preached hope and salvation to desperately poor people in England. He also helped provide for their physical needs. The Salvation Army grew out of that ministry.
The Salvation Army in Williston, N.D. has a church on its premises and provides many services to the community. The things I know the army does in this area is to provide food, temporary lodging, and school supplies too needy folks. They have a food pantry and a thrift store.
I have been doing a little volunteer work in the Salvation Army. I have filled food baskets some, but mostly have helped sort donations in the store. The basement of the store is probably about 6000 square feet almost filled to the ceiling with bags of clothing. It is a discouraging task and I have come to understand what a terribly wasteful society we are. Especially us women, because most of the clothing donated are women's clothes.
Salvation Army generously hires people with little or no employment skills as part of their ministry. I have worked along side Heather (also from Texas) who works mornings at Salvation Army Thrift Store and afternoons at a local cafe as a dishwasher. The store seems to have about 8-10 paid part and full time employees and not too many volunteers.Cheryl also works part-time and Cheryl is the busy manager. I have a met a few volunteers who are doing some community service time there. I look forward to seeing Esther, who should win the frequent shopper award, because she is there every day spending a little of her social security check on some treasure or another.
Salvation Army Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. It's message is based on the Bible. It's ministry is motivated by the love of God. It's mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
When Christmas rolls around, be sure to put some money in the bucket.
It goes to good causes.
I keep a box that we put things in that we no longer use or wear for the Thrift Store. We think they do a great work in our town.
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