Choose Joy & Persevere

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https://www.thewarcry.org/articles/choose-joy-persevere/

by Maria Matheus…

More than 500 people from all over Florida attended the division’s Women’s Gathering held at Calvary Church in Winter Park, where the theme was “Choose Joy.” Commissioner Donna Igleheart, newly appointed to the Southern Territory, and motivational speaker Lisa Harper were special guests at a weekend-long event filled with celebration, entertainment, shopping and spiritual revival.

The event marked the Florida Division’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the relationship with the Mexico Territory’s Children’s Trust. It was also an opportunity to reconnect after COVID-19, and the beautiful weather allowed the women to release their inner child and take part in the carnival-like setting, complete with bumper cars, outside of the event venue.

SISTERHOOD

“Looking back the past few years, joy just hits a little differently now. Being able to be present together, our experience of joy right now hits us a little differently than it has ever before,” said Commissioner Igleheart. As a result of the difficult times we have experienced in the past few years, including the pandemic, political, social and economic turmoil, Commissioner Igleheart believes we can have a greater appreciation for the moments of joy we experience today. “This newfound appreciation for each other’s company makes our experience of joy something that is much more profound than it has ever been before.”

She continued, “We are a sisterhood because we have the same heavenly Father. We all have different stories and different journeys that were re-created by the same heavenly Father, and He is our firm foundation,” before sharing that it was her first women’s gathering in seven years, five of those spent in South Africa.

“There is absolutely nothing I love better than to be here for the daughters of the King of Kings, or singing to the very one who created them.” The opportunity to participate in the weekend long event was not only deeply fulfilling, but it also provided a platform to support and empower other women, which is a powerful act of service.

This year’s “Choose Joy” theme was a powerful reminder of the scripture found in James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (NIV). Both guests, Commissioner Igleheart and Lisa Harper, delivered relatable testimonies that left the audience in tears and in laughter.

Commissioner Igleheart shared her own story of how joy was the result of trials and perseverance in her life while Lisa Harper shared how she was able to find joy during trials and suffering. She spoke of relying on her faith to find the strength to keep going and eventually find joy amid her struggles.

THE CHISEL AND THE HAMMER

Persecution is often a part of our formation and maturation as individuals. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared and accept that it’s part of the process. Rather than viewing those who persecute us as our enemies, we should try to see them as stonecutters. By doing so, we can use their persecution as a tool to sharpen our skills and become better, more capable and more resilient versions of ourselves. We must remember that not all challenges are a terrible thing, for even through tough times, we can grow and become our best selves.

Harper spoke about her desire to be a mother and the discouragement she faced due to her age and circumstances. Rather than giving into despair and bitterness, she chose to express her appreciation for the people who discouraged her. She thanked them by saying, “Thank God, another stonecutter.” Harper’s inspiring words resonated with the audience, reminding them to remain hopeful and grateful despite disappointment. She encouraged them to look for the silver lining, even in challenging times.

“We know that the chisel and hammer are coming, but the truth is that the chisel and the hammer are tools for a loving God to break us, mold us  and redeem us into the full version of ourselves. That is what God did for me in South Africa,” said Commissioner Igleheart.

Commissioner Igleheart and Harper taught that the worst thing is to face one’s circumstances and not be able to pull something out of them. It’s important to recognize that hardship can lead to growth and to use it as a chance to reflect and make positive changes—there lies the power of resilience. No matter how difficult the situation, one should take responsibility for one’s circumstances and make the most of them.

PERSEVERANCE

When Commissioner Igleheart’s mother passed away 23 years ago, for the first time in her life she discovered that she could hold grief, sorrow and joy at the same time, as her sorrow became words of grace that caused her to collapse at that moment and her tears turned into thanksgiving.

The Book of James tells us to take immense joy in times of trial and it can be difficult to understand why we should be so joyful in such painful situations. But when we think and reflect on the purpose of trials, we can gain a better understanding of how they’re helping us to build our faith and persevere. Trials are important for developing our character and helping us to trust in the faith that we have been given. They can be difficult and painful, but when we look at them from the perspective of our faith, we can find greater joy and hope for the future.

Overall, the weekend’s message was clear: joy can be found amid trials and it is possible to persevere and find joy despite the challenges. The verses from James were a powerful reminder that joy can be found in any situation. As Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have  many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We can take this as a reminder to embrace the beauty of our trials and take them in stride. Even though it may not seem like it at the time, the hardships that we face can be a blessing in disguise.

Keep walking. Choose joy. Persevere.

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Annual Lakeland Dinner ‘Shining Hope’ benefits families experiencing housing insecurity

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Tim Tebow, NFL legend and people’s MVP, was the keynote speaker

 

Lakeland, FL. The Salvation Army of Lakeland held its annual dinner ‘Shining Hope’ to benefit families who are struggling with housing insecurity on Tuesday, March 7th. In a sold-out auditorium at Victory Church, NFL legend Tim Tebow addressed a large audience of fans through his namesake foundation to support programs that help the most vulnerable in the community like the George W. Jenkins Community of Hope.

The Salvation Army of Lakeland recently built a semi-permanent transitional housing facility that added twenty rooms to its existing emergency shelter, twelve new apartments for transitional living and thirteen houses for supportive housing to address unstable housing needs. In the current economy the need is more, the urgency is great as one single parent sought and found support through the Pathway of Hope initiative, a program to stabilize and place families on the path of home ownership.

Tim Tebow’s Christian faith aligns perfectly with The Salvation Army ministry as both steward humanitarian assistance and support to communities around the world and right here in the local area. Musing on when Tim was younger, his dream was to be the best and winning Most Valuable Player was an important goal in his life. Amid the MVP chase, Tim travelled overseas, and was repeatedly reminded of the call of faith in his life, not playing football, baseball, or basketball, but serving the most vulnerable members of society. He emphasized how poverty is an issue that we need to tackle both on a global and local level, and that we must not forget about those who are less fortunate in our own backyards.

As Tim candidly spoke to the crowd, he discussed how he took his then fiancé, Demi, to see the Broadway show Hamilton, based on Alexander Hamilton authoring essays non-stop for The Federalist Papers, and how the song ‘Non-stop’ stirred him emotionally. Like the song goes, “How do you write like you need it to survive? How do you write every second you’re alive? Every second you’re alive? By asking the audience the same rhetorical question, Tim emphasized the importance of proactively taking action to reach a desired result. He was suggesting that, like Hamilton, people need to be relentless and consistent in their efforts to meet local needs.

“I believe what Mother Teresa said, that true love does take true sacrifice and sometimes it hurts.” Tim said. “Are you willing to help, to give, to care, to love, to sacrifice, not just when it’s easy, but even when it hurts? Will you give until it hurts a little?” “Let’s join forces and show them that hope is still alive in this world,” he declared.

Capt. Jeremy Mockabee concluded, “We need your help here in Lakeland, we need your time. We love having volunteers come to our Community of Hope to assist us in any way, whether it is planting a garden, reading to our kids, we are always looking for volunteers.” “As a long-term transitional housing program, Pathway of Hope initiative is intentional about budgeting, so clients have enough money to pay for their own place.” Captain Mockabee said, “We are happy to share those tools with our clients to ensure their success.”

For more information about the Community of Hope or The Salvation Army, please call Captain Jeremy Mockabee at 863.393.5548, or visit our website at https://salvationarmyflorida.org/lakeland/

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About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 25 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy , The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, https://salvationarmyflorida.org/lakeland/ Follow us on Twitter @SalArmyFlorida and #DoingTheMostGood

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Hurricane Ian response update from The Salvation Army of Florida

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Tampa, Florida, (January 27, 2022) — After Hurricane Ian, The Salvation Army continues to support individuals and families affected by the historic storm.

Amidst the ruins of a building that has been severely damaged by fire just before Christmas, the Naples Corps (Collier County) undertakes the task of repairing its fire-damaged buildings in a timely manner, while also continuing to assist the local community with disaster relief at the same time.

Among the top critical recovery needs are housing, a problem already exacerbated by scarcity of affordable housing, in addition to repairs and rebuilds along with household items lost to the hurricane. Transportation also continues to be a need as many vehicles were flooded by surge and rising waters. These needs are not just in Lee County, or even the Southwest Coast of Florida, but instead are needs that disaster survivors are dealing with across the peninsula as Ian impacted more than just the coast.

There is a core mission of The Salvation Army which is to meet the needs of humans in his name, or, as Captain Ben Bridges, Commander of the Naples Corps, might say, “The Army is committed to doing the most good for as many people as possible.” A coordinated long term disaster recovery effort takes more than one agency or organization can provide.

“The Salvation Army works alongside numerous other groups that have the heart and passion to meet the needs of disaster survivors in the days, months, and years after Hurricane Ian. Coming together with other disaster response and recovery organizations leverages the resources of many. This will help all of those affected by disasters,” said Steven Hartsook, Director of The Salvation Army Florida Division, Emergency Disaster Services.

Though recovery efforts may take years, The Salvation Army is positioned to respond to widespread needs as efficiently and effectively as possible. Following the weeks of active response to Ian, deploying feeding units, disaster workers, and tens of thousands of pounds of product to support the impacted communities across the state, The Salvation Army now begins working with families and individuals as they work to recover from the storm.

Ian Service Delivery by the numbers

Emergency Financial Assistance – $829,602

Served Meals – 381,000

Beverages – 263,626

Snacks – 161,524

Emotional and Spiritual Care Contacts – 16,048

Bulk Distribution Items – 179,062

Hours Served by Disaster Workers – 399077

For more information on The Salvation Army’s continued long term recovery response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane Ian relief efforts:

  • Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.
  • Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
  • Text-To-Donate: Text STORM to 51555 to donate to help disaster relief efforts.
  • Current media releases, updates, and information – www.disaster.salvationarm.org

One hundred percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

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Florida Power and Light and the Florida Division Team up to Offer Hurricane Ian Utility Assist

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Tampa, Florida (October 20, 2022) – As part of FPL’s Care to Share® program, the Salvation Army is offering financial assistance to eligible customers who need to repair damaged meter enclosures and weatherheads so that they can safely receive electricity.

Eligible applicants who require repair of damaged meter cans or weatherheads so that they can safely receive power can apply for financial assistance up to $2,000 by visiting //FPL.com/help, located under the Hurricane Ian repair section. Additionally, customers who wish to contribute to Care to Share may visit //FPL.com/help to support hurricane victims.

FPL’s Care to Share® program is made possible by the generosity of FPL employees, shareholders and customers who donate to help individuals and families who are experiencing temporary difficulties.

Together The Salvation Army and FPL are doing the most good.

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The Salvation Army of Florida’s EDS Response for Hurricane Ian’s Impact

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Catastrophic landfall conditions make community support vital

Tampa, Florida (September 28, 2022) — The Salvation Army of Florida, Emergency Disaster Services Department has prepared resources and personnel to meet the immediate needs of survivors and first responders before, during and after Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic landfall in Florida. Ian comes just days after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico, where The Salvation Army is still serving survivors and responders.

Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, on the west coast of Florida, near Port Charlotte. Hurricane Ian follows a similar path as Hurricane Charlie in 2004. While Charlie was a smaller sized storm and moved much quicker across the state, Ian has been slowly moving which will cause much more significant damages. The impacts will likely be worse than Hurricane Irma in 2017, which affected some of these same communities.

Recovery efforts will take years and The Salvation Army is positioned to respond to widespread needs as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“It is honor to be called upon to serve others in times of disaster. Through the service of The Salvation Army, we seek to show the there is hope, even in the storm.” said Captain Stephan Wildish, Operations Canteen Coordinator. “We are activated and prepared to go to where the storm hits the hardest, to meet the needs of disaster survivors in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.”

Ian Prep/Initial Response:

  • The Salvation Army has mobile feeding units (Canteens) ready to respond, with 27 already in Florida, stationed across the state.
    • Each mobile feeding unit can feed approximately 1,500 meals per day.
  • The Salvation Army has been feeding at evacuation shelters in many communities across the state and will continue as needed.
  • Emergency Disaster Services warehouses in Tampa, Florida, and McDonough, Georgia are prepped with food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and other items that will be distributed to those in need in the coming days and weeks.

The Salvation Army disaster personnel collaborate with emergency management agencies and partner agencies and organizations, as it will take the efforts of many to meet the needs of disaster survivors impacted by Hurricane Ian.

 

For more information on The Salvation Army’s continued response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

 

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane relief efforts:

  • Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.
  • Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
  • Text-To-Donate: Text STORM to 51555 to donate to help disaster relief efforts.
  • Current media releases, updates, and information – www.disaster.salvationarm.org
One hundred percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.

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 About The Salvation Army USA:
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

 

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Ribbon Cutting of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast

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The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast opens first of a kind facility in Florida.

St. Petersburg – On Friday, September 16, 2022, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Clubs hosted a grand opening with a ribbon cutting celebration at its new youth programing facility located at 3800 9th Ave North St. Petersburg, FL. 33713.

This will be the first Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Florida. This robust location is equipped to support approximately four hundred community youth and plans to host family-focused programing after traditional operating hours.

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast will partner with Sallie House and Children’s Village to provide foster care youth with memberships free of charge. The facility will continue house staple Salvation Army programming and activities including School of Music and Arts (SOMA), Character Building, and Sunday worship services.

“We are honored to partner with The Salvation Army to support even more youth in the Tampa Bay region as we work diligently to reach our goal of supporting 40,000 youth annually by 2025,” stated Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast CEO & President Freddy Williams. “In collaboration with the great Salvation Army team, our staff will support kids by providing early literacy and workforce development programing to support community members’ academic and professional success.” The new location will provide job opportunities with competitive pay and appealing benefits to Tampa Bay professionals, positively impacting the Pinellas County economy.

For many decades, the partnership between The Salvation Army and The Boys and Girls Club has been committed to serving youth in the United States. “We couldn’t be more thrilled that this longstanding tradition will continue here in Saint Petersburg.” said Captain Veronica Conley. “With a shared vision and mission, we are confident that this faith-based club environment will provide the necessary resources and services to equip young people for their future. We genuinely believe we are ‘Better Together’.”

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast is currently accepting new members for the afterschool program open weekdays from 2pm to 6pm. Please contact Club Director Shea Branham-Medina at sbranham-medina@bgcsun.org to learn how to register your child.

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ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

 ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE SUNCOAST

Mission:  To provide high quality out of school time Club experiences proven to ensure our young people, especially those who need us most, are on track to graduate from high school with a plan, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and live a healthy lifestyle. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast serves over 21,000 youth across Pinellas County. For more information call 727.524.2427 and visit online at www.bgcsun.org.

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New Semi-Permanent Housing Expansion in Polk County

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The Salvation Army of Lakeland breaks ground on the expansion of the George W. Jenkins Community of Hope

Lakeland, FL – On Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 9:00 A.M., The Salvation Army will break ground on their semi-permanent transitional housing for families with housing insecurity needs.  The current site of the George W. Jenkins Community of Hope village will add an additional 20 rooms to its existing emergency shelter, 12 new apartments for transitional living, 13 houses for supportive housing, and a community and worship center to serve the community.

Despite the lack of affordable housing and post pandemic eviction moratoriums families experiening homelessness may find semi-permanent lodging at the only family shelter in Central Florida.

A correlation exists between stable housing and increased graduation rates in Polk County, especially in the emergency shelter, which opened seven years ago. According to Captain Jeremy Mockabee, homeless children in Florida have an 88% chance of progressing to the next grade level. “If you’re an average income family and everything is fine with housing, you have a 96% chance of progressing to the next grade.” Families whose shelter services are facilitated through the Pathway of Home initiative have a 99.6% progression rate. “We are not just babysitters,” said Captain Mockabee. Students staying in shelters are provided with a curriculum, and Polk County school teachers tutor them after school and monitor their progress.

Aside from providing emergency shelter and resolving housing crises, Pathway of Home provides free services such as life skills classes, financial planning, referrals to other community agencies, transportation, and child-care support, as well as case management support focused on sustainable housing. As part of the Pathway of Home initiative, semi-permanent, transitional housing provides families with the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency, financial independence, and home ownership.

For more information about the Hope for Home expansion at the George W. Jenkins Community, or about The Salvation Army please call Captain Jeremy Mockabee at 863.393.5548, or visit our website at https://salvationarmyflorida.org/lakeland/

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About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy , The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

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25th Annual Community Harvest

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The Salvation Army of St. Johns County has been selected to participate in the 25th Annual Community Harvest during the month of September, at the Columbia Restaurant.

The Salvation Army of St. Johns County has been chosen as one of the groups to be listed on the ballots given out at lunch and dinner. Customers who select us as their choice, will have a contribution equal to 5 percent of the food and beverage value (tax and tip are excluded) donated to us in the form of restaurant gift certificates. The donation is from the Gonzmart Foundation — the guests do not spend any additional money for this donation. @Columbia1905

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Delivering love and lunch to our community’s most vulnerable

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(Miami, FL) (August 4, 2022) –  With its “Lunch and Love” program, the Salvation Army Miami is providing love and meals to those in need on Miami’s streets.

In an effort to replicate the same impact made at Miami Area Command to the surrounding community, Lunch and Love was developed by David Jenett, Case Worker and Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator. With the use of the FedEx Cares EDS Canteen (pictured above), David and his team were able to serve 150 meals and 50 snack packs to the homeless that are located within the Government Center and North Miami area of Miami-Dade.

David had one thought in mind: it’s necessary and it’s impactful, “Not everyone is able to migrate to our corps so why not bring the assistance to them? We have a Canteen that can go a long way and a team that can stretch the effort even more.” Despite the rainy conditions, the team dedicated nearly four hours of service, with the assistance of Terrance McCray and Susi Goihman.

They even had a helper! When the team needed to draw the meal recipients to one location, an individual on a bike (who is also homeless) rode around the area and alerted everyone else to the free lunch being served. A day filled with love, service, and gratitude would not have been possible without David, Terrance, and Susi’s dedication, their efforts were a big success.

The program will take place once a month throughout Miami-Dade, with the goal of becoming a regular service. The team hopes to make Lunch and Love a bi-weekly effort.

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CHRISTMAS IN JULY TOY DRIVE A SUCCESS

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(JENSEN BEACH, FL) – The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s Christmas in July toy drive and fundraiser was a resounding success, with more than 75 guests bearing gifts of toys and clothing. The happy hour event, held in July at the Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House in Jensen Beach, netted more than $2500 and brought in over 250 new toys and clothes for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Christmas Assistance Program.

“We would like to thank everyone who participated,” said Judy Scott, co-chair of the event. “It was a huge success and everyone enjoyed wonderful conversation and food.”  Co-chair Kathy Span agreed, adding, “Thanks to the continued support from the community, children in need on the Treasure Coast will have a very merry Christmas this year.”

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new toys and clothes to 1300-1600 children in low-income households in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties every year. In November, the Army posts Angel Trees at the Treasure Coast Mall and at various businesses, encouraging the community to “adopt” the children and purchase the toys for them. The toy donations from the event will help fill the wishes for the few who are not adopted.

“This was a great event with a great outcome,” said Captain Deanne Jones, corps officer at The Salvation Army. “We are already ahead in providing kids a great Christmas. What a relief to so many parents and guardians!”

Registration for the Angel Tree program opens in October. For more information about the Angel Tree program and other services provided by the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmymartin.org or call 772-288-1471.  For more information about the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, contact membership chair Judy Scott at judyscott0703@gmail.com.

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