“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” 

Matthew 28: 16-20

Remember what Saint (Mother Teresa) of Calcutta embraced as her mantra, recalling some of the final words of a crucified Christ, “I Thirst”, which she took as an extreme calling to seek to bring souls to know Christ through charitable works and care and concern for men, women, and children. Working for the Salvation Army has elevated this care and concern for others as a core element of their mission and values, including extending the gospel to over 140 nations, meeting human needs without discrimination.

In Augusta, at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope, the homeless are always in our midst, requiring basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, showers, and case management, when possible, to help bring about greater stability and sustainability in their troubled lives. Our clients often need care for mental health, substance abuse, and a variety of chronic health conditions, which stand in the way of securing stable housing.

At the core, the homeless have the same hopes, dreams, aspirations that we all seek, albeit hidden or diminished because of life’s traumas, and our goal at the Salvation Army is to awaken that potential for hope, which can and will happen, to at least a few of our clients. Ours is a low barrier shelter, allowing most to enter, and we do our best to extend compassion and support to all who come to our doors, encouraging all to achieve a better life.  

The core attributes contributing to the success of charitable works, and bringing hope, include daily prayer and contemplation, and embracing the values of Passion, Compassion, Bravery, Uplifting Spirit, and Trustworthiness, which are articulated by the Salvation Army as key values.  Passion speaks to the fire and drive that should burn within each of us to do God’s will. Compassion is an off shoot of Passion, possessing a strong care and concern for others. Bravery is required to overcome the distractions of the world and the active work of Satan to frustrate us in doing God’s work. An Uplifting Spirit is vital to encouraging others not to give up. Trustworthiness means instilling in those we serve a strong belief that we have their best interests at heart, which is critical to positive outcomes.

We have been called to action by Jesus Christ. What are we waiting for?  Let’s get started today, to spread the good news of Christ to others and help satiate the thirst of Christ as expressed at Calvary.

-Joe  

2 replies
  1. Shari Herzberg
    Shari Herzberg says:

    Papa Joe, this is a beautiful message. I would love help in some way. Homeless and mentally Ill individuals have always been my concern. Let’s talk about it soon.

    Reply

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