Valdosta, GA (September 30, 2024) – Kenneth Brown stepped in line for lunch at a Salvation Army canteen worried about he was going to pay for what he estimates to be about $10,000 worth of damage to his house. Like many of his neighbors in Valdosta, his roof was badly damaged, and he has been without electricity and food for days, but he is thankful for a hot meal.
“People are hungry. The food has gone bad in a lot of homes so to give food out like this means a lot. God is getting me through this. He made me realize you still got life, so it means you still have an opportunity and there are resources available.”
Hope is just what Salvation Army Sergeant April McCormick wants to bring to the community as the Emotional and Spiritual Officer on the ground in Valdosta.
“During a disaster many survivors look for comfort beyond a meal. We are here to provide that and to pray with people and help them as much as we can. We want people to know that we care about them and to create a space where they can let it all out.”
Praying with Mr. Brown, she asked God to give him strength and to trust and believe that God will provide.
“I wanted to give him some peace in the midst of all the stress and craziness and to simply say, God’s got you.”
For Mr. Brown, he says it’s times like this that remind us that God wants us to get closer to one another and to help one another.
“Encouraging words mean a lot, it’s like food for your soul. You need to hear that. Everyone needs to hear something encouraging. To hear and pray and let people know that there are resources available and you’re all here to do whatever you can do. It’s a blessing The Salvation Army is here and exists.”
