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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THE SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS IN WAKE OF DEVASTATING IMPACT LEFT BY HURRICANE IAN BY BR AD ROWL AND After intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28 near Cayo Costa in southwestern Florida. Upon its arrival to the United States, Ian was a Category 4 hurricane, just short of a Category 5 listing as the strongest classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. With wind speeds measured at approximately 150 miles per hour, Hurricane Ian was the fifth-most powerful storm to strike the United States, and the slow-moving storm poured water across Florida before strengthening again to make an additional landfall on the coast of South Carolina. Ian left catastrophic damage in its wake, including more than 130 reported deaths from its impact. More than four million individuals reported power outages in the Southeast, with early estimates ranging from $30 billion to $60 million in overall damages. As meteorologists forecasted what projected to be an extremely strong storm, The Salvation Army was on guard, preparing a potential emergency disaster response, and hundreds and thousands of officers, employees, volunteers, soldiers, and partners deployed in earnest to serve those in need. “Hurricane Ian will be remembered as one of Florida’s worst disasters,” said Jeff Jellets, territorial disaster coordinator for The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory. “Damages stretch from the southwest coast of Florida across the state as
far east as St. John’s and Volusia counties. More than 40 Salvation Army feeding units from six states are deployed and even at this early stage, more than 100,000 meals have been served. In addition to our disaster teams operating in the hardest hit areas—Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Naples and Venice—local corps across the state are also out feeding, distributing clean-up kits, and providing emotional and spiritual care.” The Salvation Army meticulously planned its response, staging canteens and other equipment for immediate dispersal after the storm exited the affected areas. With the response coming directly on the heels of a relief effort following Hurricane Fiona, challenges arose, but incident commands were immediately established with feeding, emotional and spiritual care, and willing hearts. Across the state of Florida, stories began to circulate on the work of The Salvation Army. In Naples, Captains Ben and Annie Bridges, corps officers, were unable to reach the corps building
Photo by Michelle Hartfield
and, in their stead, Roger and Ada Morales offered to stand guard and maintain order at the facility during Ian’s height. Individuals sought refuge within the corps walls, with the Morales’ sleeping at the corps, utilizing available cots, and bringing a hopeful and God-driven spirit to the proceedings. “One of the most beautiful things that came out of this was that everyone seeking shelter had “Hurricane Ian...” continued on page 2
Fit for Mission: Potomac Powered Up
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B Y LT. C O L O N E L A L L E N S AT T E R L E E From seashore to mountains, over 600 gathered to meet at the Fit for Mission Conference hosted by the Potomac Division. Held at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center on the weekend of September 23-25, it was the first time that all ages have gathered in the newly formed Potomac Division. Although not the purpose of the weekend, the call for unity between the two former divisions was frequently expressed and from all appearances, was enthusiastically embraced.
Reginald and Belinda Johnson are recognized for their outstanding service through the Baltimore Temple Corps. Photos by Captain Dennis Smith
Special guests for the weekend included Jeniffer Dake and TSM Jeremy Rowland. The divisional music and creative arts programs, heartfelt testimonies and fervent prayers filled the spirited and exciting programs throughout the weekend. Lt. Colonels Allan and Fiona Hofer, supported by the Potomac Division staff, gave inspiring leadership. In his opening remarks, Lt. Colonel Allan challenged, “Together we come as one to do business with the Lord in our God-given mission.” Then outlining the mission priorities, he concluded by calling for the Potomac Division to “be marked by prayer and holiness.” TSM Rowland offered a prayer of dedication for the division and its mission. Jeniffer Dake, in her characteristic fashion, captured the imaginations of those gathered. “Am I slow to speak, to anger, swift to listen? When anger comes first, I am not spiritually fit. When I am hurt, I need to stay in place where I am and be healed but not fester. God is not discouraged by our hurt or discouragement. He wants us to come to Him, to make the final move.” As happened throughout the weekend at the end of each meeting, people crowded the front to find salvation, to rededicate themselves, to pray for themselves and each other. On Saturday morning, Lt. Colonel Allan Hofer brought a stirring message based on the story of “Potomac...” continued on page 7