Georgia Divisional Youth Minister in Mississippi
“What are you willing to sacrifice to follow God?” Lt. Sam Mhasvi asked the Biloxi Kroc Center congregation on Sunday, May 26, as the Georgia Divisional Youth helped to lead worship. The Georgia Division had not taken a ministry trip in over 10 years, and this was the Divisional Youth Band and Dance’s first time travelling to Mississippi. The group arrived at the Center of Hope in Gulfport, Mississippi where they received great hospitality from Area Commander and Senior Kroc Center Officer Major Jerry Friday and Corps Mission Associate Omar Perez.
On Friday, May 24, the group started their day with mission projects involving landscaping at the Center of Hope and helping at the Family Store Warehouse. Those that chose to go to the warehouse completed a variety of projects from building beds and dressers to sorting and folding clothes for the thrift store. “It was a fun, enjoyable experience that served the community well,” said participant Caden Thomas. Those who stayed at the Center of Hope helped to create a fresh look for the courtyard, working to clear away weeds, dig holes, and plant new shrubbery, receiving many compliments for their teamwork and beautiful results.
The Georgia Division performed three concerts at various locations over the weekend. Their first concert was on Friday outside the Bay Saint Louis Community Center on Beach Blvd. The band performed various patriotic tunes as well as recent repertoire from the season. The group sang “Christ Be Magnified,” and Dance performed their number “Nothing Else.” In an interview with WLOX News, Major Jerry Friday commented, “What a great opportunity for these young people to come experience the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and what a great opportunity for the communities to see The Salvation Army doing what we do best.”
On Saturday, the group traveled to the Armed Forces Retirement Center where they performed for retired veterans in honor of Memorial Day. When Major Friday asked attendees if The Salvation Army had impacted them while they were in active service, several hands went up around the room. The Georgia youth then received a tour of the facility, showcasing the center and the impact veterans still have on the country today.
The group then made their way to the home of a local Salvation Army donor, the Lucas family, where a small ensemble played a short selection of music. The final concert of the day was held in Ocean Springs outside a retirement home where they performed for not only the retirement home community but also those driving or walking past on the busy street.
“What are you willing to sacrifice to follow God?” After their full weekend of ministry, these young people can share their experiences and how the music they played and the message they spread touched the hearts of those they encountered. “It was a wonderful ministry trip in my many years of involvement with Salvation Army music, both as a participant and leader,” says Georgia Divisional Music Director Daniel Meeks. “I believe it was rewarding for our young people who helped offset the cost of this trip by raising a portion.”
