Meeting the needs of Yarmouth, one person at a time – Guest Post by Capt. Melissa Mailman

by Maritime
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    This is a guest post by Captain Melissa Mailman – a wife, a mother of two little girls, and the Corps Officer in Yarmouth, N.S. alongside her husband Captain Mike

    What is our purpose in The Salvation Army? Our mission statement consists of three parts. We exist to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and to be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

    In Yarmouth we use our mission statement, and apply it to the many needs and hurts we see in the people in our community. When a person comes to us because they can’t make ends meet, we provide for their basic human needs such as clothing, food, or medical supplies. Sometimes that’s all that is needed, and we are glad to make life a little easier for that individual. Sometimes though, someone comes in for assistance who appears to be angry or upset, and it’s at that moment that I know that the need goes much deeper, and our mission starts at the very beginning, to share the love of Jesus Christ, because this is the most basic of human needs.

    Travis* comes to mind as a perfect example. Travis had been coming in to receive assistance for several months, and on one particular visit he appeared to be quite agitated. He was curt with his words, and rude to a Salvation Army staff member. When I intervened, it seemed as though Travis just wanted to fight. What he didn’t know, is that I was ready for a fight too, but my fight was for his soul. At the beginning of our conversation, I told him that his behavior would not be tolerated here, while also reassuring him that we were here to help. After I shared this with him, his demeanor changed. The young man, who came in ready for a battle, was now willing to have a conversation. As we talked, I discovered that his life has not been easy. Our conversation had changed from meeting his physical human needs, to meeting his spiritual needs. We talked about Jesus’ love for him and he asked many good questions about faith, and what that looks like as we care for others. At this moment our mission, his physical and spiritual needs, were being met.

    After we spoke, a staff member was able to assist him in getting some of the resources that he was looking for. Travis was given an invitation to come chat with me anytime, and in time I believe he will come. This is how we influence the communities of our world. On that day, our mission was accomplished.

    -Captain Melissa Mailman

    *Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual