Serving the Community is a 'Privilege and Calling'
Lt. Marsha Williams-Miller of The Salvation Army North Corps considers the work she and husband Lt. Johnny do every day a privilege and calling.
To be able to provide a variety of resources and services to people in the community – from daily lunch service to recreation activities to Christmas signups – is precisely why she joined the Salvation Army family.
“I’ve always felt a calling to ministry – and I grew up in a pastoral home,” said Marsha, who is from Illinois and started with The Salvation Army in Evanston. “I’ve stayed involved with church my entire adult life. I love serving with The Army, and I know I’m doing exactly what God has called me to do.”
She and Lt. Johnny arrived at The Salvation Army North Corps more than a year ago and have been with The Army for five years.
She said they absolutely love the people they meet every day who come into the building for various reasons – especially the kids.
In fact, one of the programs that is dearest to their hearts is working with young people on probation through the Omaha Police Department – counseling them and positively impacting their lives.
“That’s truly a bonus for us,” she said.
This time of year is particularly special for them and The Salvation Army because of the tremendous impact made through the various Thanksgiving and Christmas programs like Adopt A Family and Angel Tree, among others.
During recent signups for these programs, a mother came in with a sick child on the last day to register. Lt. Marsha noticed the child’s condition and urged the mother to take him to the doctor, but she didn’t want to miss registering and have nothing for her kids for Christmas.
“I told her to come back, and we would wait for her so she could sign up,” Marsha said. “Sometimes, it’s a tough choice for parents because so many people are struggling right now.
“We were happy to wait for her, and when she returned, she was so grateful. We’re here to serve the community however and whenever we can.”