“The Salvation Army stands for hope; that when every light is extinguished, and every other star has gone down, this one gleam shines steadily and clearly out in the darkened sky: ‘If I could only get to The Salvation Army, they will do something for me.’” – William Booth, Founder
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The Reason for the Season
The holidays, especially this period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, are a special time for us in the Valley and across America which we set aside to thank God for His many blessings – and especially to celebrate the birth of His Son.
Unfortunately, we often lose sight of the real Reason for the Season because of so many other demands on us. We get distracted by the pressures of shopping for just the right gifts, by the bright lights and decorated trees, by Christmas parades and concerts, and by too much time around too many tables loaded with too much food — and then by too much football.
Red Kettles and Ringing Bells
So how can we remember the real spirit of Christmas and put our Faith into Action not only at this time but throughout the year?
How can we share with people in need, both spiritually and physically, as we celebrate Jesus’ birth? What does a Salvation Army of Red Kettles and Ringing Bells have to do with any of this — and what can we do to help?
For example, could you help ring bells by the Red Kettles during this special season? There are hundreds of time slots that still need to be filled in order to reach their fund-raising goal of $170,000 by the end of the year. If so, please call 434-4854, or go to their web site at www.redkettlevolunteer.org.
We’ll explore all of this with our two special guests this weekend on Valley Faith in Action as we talk about “Salvation and an Army on the Move – for All Seasons”.
“Doing the Most Good”
Cpt. Duane Burleigh is the former Director of the Salvation Army in Harrisonburg where he served for over six years after having served in Winchester for five years. In 2014, he took a new assignment in Hampton Roads where he is now serving. Majors Hank and Eunice Harwell assumed command in April.
Christal Yowell is a 1990 graduate of Bridgewater College and a former Director of Development for the Salvation Army.
Although both of our guests have been replaced since the time this program first aired, the overall purpose and direction have not changed. For current information, go to http://virginiasalvationarmy.org/harrisonburgva, or call (540) 434-4854.
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Valley Faith in Action airs five times on WAZT-TV, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, again at 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, and finally at Wednesday midnight. That is on Comcast Cable Channel 13 in Harrisonburg and Rockingham but varies in other areas, including at 8:00 p.m. every Friday in Washington DC.
However, if you miss the TV program, you can also watch it and earlier programs online HERE.
We value your prayers, your encouragement, and your support, so if you would like to help with a tax-deductible gift, please send it to the Valley Family Forum at 3465 Izaak Walton Dr., Harrisonburg, 22801.
For All Seasons!
Dean