A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y S O U T H ER N T ER R I TO R Y
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ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING MINISTRY IS “IN THE SALVATION ARMY’S DNA” BY BR AD ROWL AND Two decades ago, Major Leisa Hall was stationed in Augusta, Georgia when she first became acquainted with work in the anti-human trafficking field. She received regular correspondence from Jason Pope, who worked in social and ethical ministries for the Georgia Division, and at the time, Major Hall could not have foreseen the life-long passion and dedication she would feel toward the ministry. “I give credit to Jason,” Major Hall said. “When we were in Georgia, he would send emails to anyone who wanted them about human trafficking and its challenges. I learned a great deal from reading them. I read things that shocked me and also inspired me to become more involved.” In the late 2000’s, Major Hall became acquainted with an FBI agent in Oklahoma City who was beginning a human trafficking task force in that community. “The agent who called me was familiar with the Army’s work in other countries in the trafficking space,” said Major Hall. “I sat in a room with experts that knew much more than I did. I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’ I was in over my head, but I listened for weeks and months. That was really where my heart was stirred, and I could not believe the things that were happening, even as I knew they were true.” As part of that task force, she received inquiries and requests to be a public speaker on the
topic. While other members of the task force in law enforcement needed to retain anonymity, Major Hall was able to speak freely and help to educate others. That led to further education for herself, including a video that she found of a woman that changed her perspective. “The video changed my life,” said Major Hall. “I know people say that, but it literally did. It changed my life. She changed my life. Her name was Yvonne, and her story was so terrible and affecting. But she found salvation and managed to get off the streets.” Major Leisa Hall is a certified trainer, regularly speaking “Eventually, I tracked on the challenges of human trafficking. her down, and we became fast friends. I invited her to story matters.” speak in a couple of Army settings, and unfortuMajor Hall has been involved in various antinately, she was promoted to glory within the next human trafficking efforts in each appointment year or two. But she taught me a great deal, more since, including extensive work in and around than any training could. She was someone with Washington, D.C. and in her current role in Palm lived experience, and she changed my thinking to Beach County, Florida alongside Major James understand that everyone has a story. There is no one face to anti-human trafficking, but everyone’s “Anti-Human Trafficking...” continued on page 2
Volunteers Deliver Blessings and Hope as Wildfires Burn in Texas Panhandle BY PHILIP BURN
ten to those devastated by the tragic situation. Firefighters were finally able to make progThe Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Serress towards containment of the destructive wildvices (EDS) teams have continued to serve in the fires over the second weekend in March. As of Texas panhandle as firefighters work to contain March 9, the Smokehouse Creek Fire had burned the wildfires that have ravaged the area. As resimore than a million acres and was 74% contained, dents return, many to homes that are completely the Windy Deuce fire was at 89% and Grapevine lost, trained Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) Creek at 96%. The Salvation Army Service Units of Pampa and Borger continue to coordinate with workers are on hand to encourage, pray and liscommunity partners and local government to provide meals, snacks and hydration to responders, staff at fire stations, community members, and to volunteers at animal supply donation sites at the request of Emergency Management. Donation management and distribution is ongoing. More than 400 homes and businesses have been destroyed by the fires, and residents are just beginning the physically and emotionally challenging task of inspecting their properties and seeking resources to support the Emergency Disaster Services personnel serve firefighters and first responders as wildfires continue to rage in the Texas Panhandle. lengthy process of recovery.
The Salvation Army of Borger participated in the first Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) on Friday, March 8, providing emergency assistance, food boxes and gift cards. ESC personnel from Abilene, Granbury, and Amarillo were on site to support those seeking assistance. MARCs will open in other communities in the coming days. “I have been involved in many response efforts, but this is very different to anything I’ve experienced before,” said Linda Dowell, a volunteer from Granbury, TX, who is part of the ESC team serving at the MARC in Fritch. “While the disaster may not appear as broad as something like a hurricane, the impact on the community and individual lives is every bit as significant. There is great spiritual need in this community as people are hurting. Their fire chief tragically died this week, and many people have returned to their homes to find everything destroyed.” The ESC team are praying with those seeking support at the MARC where survivors can receive practical and financial assistance from The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, and Texas Baptist Men, as well as assistance with lost legal documents, income tax forms, tetanus shots and more. “We are praying and listening to their “Volunteers Deliver...” continued on page 3