Brunswick, Georgia (October 11, 2016) – After a long day of service, a few members of the Incident Command Team assigned to Brunswick went for a late dinner to Cracker Barrel. Little did we know, we would be blessed with more than dinner.
As we were waiting for our dinner, Cece, one of the servers at Cracker Barrel came by our table to say thank you. She has been a member of the Cracker Barrel team for over four years. She recognized the Shield and wanted to share her appreciation for what The Salvation Army is doing in the community. As we visited she shared a story about her grandmother and how she was personally affected.
Cece’s grandmother, Norma, was a minister until age and health took its toll. On Sunday, after being without power for a few days, she was surprised to see a Salvation Army mobile feeding unit (canteen) drive down her street. As the canteen made a stop, Norma went to the window to see was happening. As she took a hot dog and chips for herself and another person in her home, she was very happy to have assistance carrying the food by a wonderful young man. He even helped carry it to her porch and asked if they would like lemonade. After delivering the lemonade, the young man asked if he could pray with Norman and her friend.
As Cece relayed this story, it really touched the team members present as it affirmed our ministry of presence. What a blessing it was to share this ministry of presence with Norma as we also shared the love of God. It turns out, the young man was Captain Israel Roseno, Lawton Oklahoma Corps Officer. It was wonderful to be able to place Norma’s face and the experience with her granddaughter.
The Salvation Army provides food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care during times of disaster in His name. The Ministry of presence is not something The Salvation Army provides during disaster; it is what guides every service we provide.
It’s easy to support The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Matthew disaster relief program: