Reflecting on 2022 Service Corps

Service Corps pushed one member out of his shell and inspired him to serve others.

BY CALEB GRIFFIN

When I first learned about the opportunity for Service Corps, I was not sure I wanted to participate in such an intimate social experience. Service Corps is a program that sends teams to areas of need around the world where The Salvation Army is currently serving. The team assists local officers and leaders with ministry, maintenance and community outreach.

I am an introvert with the desires of an extrovert. I enjoy spending time alone, playing the guitar, listening to music and socializing with a particular group. Embarking on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, with Service Corps would mean meeting new people and forcing me into social situations I work hard to avoid. After a few conversations with my parents and grandfather, I decided to take a chance and try something new. After all, it was only two weeks, and I used to live in Alaska and loved it there.

After my experience with the Fairbanks Service Corps, I know that any reason to participate in Service Corps is a good one. The reasons do not matter, whether you went to grow your faith, meet new people or even enjoy the cool weather (when I left San Antonio, Texas, it was 108 degrees); God will use you in ways you would never expect and show you that the rewards are worth so much more than a change in weather.

Over 10 days, I gained so many things, but the first that comes to mind are the friendships I made. When you work together as a team all day, you hope you will all get along. In this case, I got along with my team almost to a fault. My fears of each of us being so different quickly faded. Whether sorting clothes at the thrift store or canoeing and riding ATVs together, it was always fun.

Making friends was the best and worst part of

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“The God who was with you when you signed your covenants 36 years ago. The God who today will continue to be your sufficiency…who will empower you for the responsibilities which you are now being placed in charge of.”

Both promised to be servants of the Lord under the flag of The Salvation Army, making every effort to hold its doctrines sacred.

Douglas Riley charged the Vincents to preach the word of truth and uphold its principles, to raise up officer candidates and others, to provide pastoral care, to empower all people to use their spiritual gifts, to make Jesus the focus of their ministry, and to administer the work of The Salvation Army in the West. Colleen Riley then prayed over them before Sophia Simoes and Kelsie Groenleer offered words of wisdom.

In response, Genevera Vincent shared her testimony

“We don’t come with any great skills or abilities but we can promise you we do come with a deep love for God, deep love and appreciation for

WELCOME PAGE 11

BY LOU BUHL •PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER

Salvation Army Bell Oasis apartment residents join together for weekly arts and hobbies class.

Not long after The Salvation Army Donald and Priscilla Hunt Bell Oasis Apartments opened in 2018, resident Patrick Doran began teaching an arts and hobbies class as a way to give back to his new community.

Four years later, the class continues to grow, drawing in anywhere from 8 to 15 residents each week. While in the two-hour class, each resident can choose from various materials and craft kits Doran has available, from car and airplane modeling sets to paint-by-number kits to leatherworking supplies and needlepoint patterns.

“I know how much my hobbies help me with my depression and there’s no way I’m not going to pass that on,” said Doran. “When people want to learn something, I help teach them and help them get through it.”

Since Bell Oasis’ opening, the 64-unit permanent supportive housing complex has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness, including veterans and those facing chronic mental illness or disability.

Although Doran said the apartment buildings are separated between veteran residents and DMH (Department of Mental Health) residents, the class is open to everyone. “We try to do things as a community,” he added. “Some come to do projects, some just come to talk and drink coffee.”

Located directly next to the Bell Oasis apartments, the class takes place in the community room where each Thursday morning Doran brings the art supplies he’s collected over the years to share with others.

The room is bright and inviting with several large tables perfect for residents to