SALVATION ARMY

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.  Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'   The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'           Matthew 25:35-40

This past Saturday we have the privilege of ringing bells for the Salvation Army at the Walmart store here in Adrian.  Each year our church takes one day to ring bells for them, which is coordinated by Michael Graham our youth pastor.  Many people from our church rang bells for an hour or two that entire day.  We are very thankful that this year was much warmer than last year when it was absolutely frigid.  It is very interesting to watch the people as they go in and out of the store.  Some are very friendly and happy as we greet them while others appear to be on a mission and with a furrow in their brow remain focused.  However. the real treat comes when parents with children come by and the children put money in the kettle with the assistance of mom or dad.  It is obvious they are training their children to be givers. 

                     Steve Depew ringing the bell for the Salvation Army

                       Paul and Gail greeting the people at Walmart

                     Krystal and Jacob Schamberger gladly ringing the bell

The Salvation Army has many facets to its ministry.  They minister to the homeless. have a prison  ministry, work with veterans, hunger relief, adult rehabilitation, and a ministry to the elderly, to name a few.  The red kettle campaign is the major fundraising activity of the Salvation Army which helps to underwrite many if not all of these ministries.  Paul is particularly partial to the Salvation Army since his Uncle Charles served in the Salvation Army in France his entire adult life. He was even assigned to Devil's Island off the coast of South America for a period of time.  A French prison was located there. and Paul's uncle ministered to these prisoners who were not exactly the cream of the crop. 

If you happen to walk by a red kettle this Christmas season, the Salvation Army can use all of our help.  Our giving can encourage someone who desperately needs encouragement.     

                          Blogging was too much for Patsy and Penny

Blessings and encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny