4 of 4

Does the wellspring of hope ever draw down, or is it always there for you?

Today has been the most stressful day I've had in the last four weeks, and it's with the emergence of Rita on top of it. There was a day last week where I mentally was hitting a wall. I was physically fine, but mentally I found myself just saying stupid things. And I said, I just need to go home and get some extra sleep tonight. After a nine-hour sleep night, I was fine the next morning.

We've been going seven days a week for 15 or 16 hours a day, nonstop. On Sunday morning two weeks ago I was in California doing media stuff out there, and went to the Salvation Army worship service in Orange County. I was fully revived. And Sunday this week I was in my own worship center here in Arlington, Virginia, and was fully revived.

It's that wellspring of assurance that we're in this for ministry. It's not about proclaiming the Salvation Army; it's about proclaiming the glory of God. We do that through a practical ministry. That's what keeps us going. It's what sustains every Salvation Army officer. We don't do this for fame or fortune. We do this as an extension of our ministry to serve suffering humanity. There's a fascinating way that just constantly renews our vigor, energy, and spiritual bodies, because we know we're in the will of God and fulfilling his mission.

What kind of response are you picking up from the survivors and evacuees?

Genuine gratitude and appreciation. The stories just go on and on and on. People are embracing and loving the Salvation Army. They are so grateful for what we're doing, and willingly express it. The greatest testimony is that once they're served and feel like they've got themselves on the right track, they'll come back as volunteers and they'll want to help us serve the other ones, people who are still left.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Our full coverage of Katrina stories is available on our website.

first page |  4 of 4

share this page

September (Web-only) 2005, Vol. 49