Cadets Descend on Btown

Spring break is usually awesome in Bloomington, but it’s even better when six young, passionate Salvationists spend their week hanging out at the Bloomington Corps!

Sure we’ll treat them to the culinary delights of 4th street and show them the natural splendor of IU’s campus. But the real reason they are here is to help out with spring break VBS, lead Bible study and worship services, and get a glimpse of life here at The Salvation Army in Bloomington. We couldn’t be happier, and we think the kids will be too! The worst part is that they’re only here for a week.

The Salvation Army’s cadet program is based out of each of the Salvation Army’s four Colleges for Officer Training. In preparation for officership, cadets undergo academic, religious and social service training. On four occasions during their two year training, cadets leave their campus and are assigned to communities where they help administer programs.  These assignments, like the one in Bloomington, help prepare them for the challenges and joys that they’ll experience as officers.

Fun Fact: Prior to graduation, the “s” on each lapel and the epaulet are blue. At graduation cadets become officers and those items become red. In fact, there are two officers in the picture above, and once you know this fun fact, it becomes very easy to spot them.

Bloomington Officer Delivers Aid

Lt. Jonathan delivered supplies to Fonds des Negres a 75 mile journey west from Port-Au-Prince that took 4 hours to traverse. The supplies were given to The Salvation Army’s Bethel Clinic. Originally founded 30 years ago, it now has a staff of over 100 including four doctors, seven nurses and 24 auxiliary nurses. Services include 24-hour emergency care, pre- and post-natal care, an on-site laboratory and pharmacy, and a mobile clinic which travels to outlying communities with no medical facilities.

While most of the damage occurred in and around Port-au-Prince, many fled to the outlying areas. The Salvation Army’s Bethel Clinic is one of the medical facilities to which many access and are in need supplies.

This week also marks the first week of food distributions without the United States military providing security. As a mark of progress, United Nations forces will now be working with The Salvation Army to ensure an efficient and orderly distribution. Lt. Jonathan has been working with the United Nations to ensure a smooth transition.

Please consider making a donation to The Salvation Army to help those still in need like those in Fonds des Negres. Donations may be made securely at the Bloomington Corps website: www.bloomington.salvationarmyindiana.org. You may also text the word “Haiti” to 52000 to make a $10 donation, or send donations through the mail to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 2117, Bloomington, IN 47402 with the designation “Haiti Earthquake.”

Salvation Army Expands Emergency Relief Response in Chile

The Salvation Army is expanding its emergency relief response in Concepcion to those who have suffered as a result of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated much of Chile during the early hours of Saturday morning (27 February). Government approval has been given for The Salvation Army to use an emergency service mobile canteen, currently in Santiago, for the provision of relief in Concepcion–one of the most damaged cities.

Three vehicles carrying provisions and Salvation Army emergency relief personnel arrived recently in Concepcion from Valdivia. They will soon be joined by other Salvation Army relief teams travelling from Puerto Montt and Osorno.

Tents housing 60 displaced families have been set up at Hualpencillo Corps (Salvation Army church) near Concepcion. The corps officers (ministers) in Concepcion, who are organizing emergency relief to the community, are also sleeping in a tent because of severe damage incurred by Salvation Army property as a result of earthquake aftershocks. Read more

Bloomington Officer Plays Key Roles in Relief Efforts

Lt. Jonathan has eclipsed his half-way point in Haiti, and international generosity has been keeping him busy.

 Spending most of the day ensuring supplies are shipped to the area of greatest need, Lt. Jonathan and his team of local Haitians, the U.N. and the United States military are the link between the cargo plane and the residents of tent cities. Arriving on enormous pallets, The Salvation Army ships meals, medical supplies, tents and other necessary items. From there, the supplies are trucked to multiple centers of aid throughout the country.

 The largest center is in Port-au-Prince where The Salvation Army oversees the wellbeing of 20,000 Haitians living in a soccer stadium. Lt. Jonathan spent some time walking through that tent city and what he saw was encouraging. People were smiling and going about their lives as best they could. As someone who has travelled throughout the country before, Lt. Jonathan notes that life is returning to a degree of normalcy. His presence in Haiti as a young officer who speaks the language and understands the culture makes recovery a more relational process and Haitians appreciate the work of The Salvation Army.

 The Salvation Army has been in Haiti since 1950 and was able to immediately respond to the earthquake. That response is ongoing as the shipments, which Lt. Jonathan and his team oversee, are still arriving in large numbers because the need is still great.

 Please consider making a donation to The Salvation Army to help those still in need. Donations may be made securely at the Bloomington Corps website: www.bloomington.salvationarmyindiana.org. You may also text the word “Haiti” to 52000 to make a $10 donation, or send donations through the mail to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 2117, Bloomington, IN 47402 with the designation “Haiti Earthquake.” 

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