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Released 6 March 2006
The Army’s unofficial motto in action: heart to God, hand to man
Because Thompson is a service hub for more 20-area communities it is frequently filled with people who don’t live in the city. Not all of them are there by choice. Thompson has the best area health facilities so many of the people in hospital are not only sick, they’re far away from friends and family.
That’s just one of the places where The Salvation Army holds out it’s hand of welcome. The church Community Care Ministry visits the hospital regularly to soothe frazzled nerves, offer prayer and practical support. “Many are alone and frightened,” says Captain Geraldine Lindholm, who shares the pastoral duties of the Army church with her husband Captain Hannu Lindholm, as well as oversight of the Army’s social services. “We try to bring the comfort and love of God to those who are sick and far from home.”
The Army’s practical support extends outside of the hospital where it has a big impact on a community with big social problems. The food bank operates year round even though supplies are so low it can only offer individuals three days of emergency food every three months. “The demand far outstrips the supply,” says Lindholm, who has been in Thompson for less than a year. Demand is also high at the Army Thrift store, where recycled items are sold with the profit used to fund local social services. But not everyone at the store needs cash: vouchers are given to the impoverished so they can get needed clothing at no cost.
Meeting spiritual and physical needs can be a big challenge but Lindholm says the Army has exceptional community support and partnerships with businesses throughout Thompson.
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