-Elyse Jankowski, Community Relations Associate
Welcome back, everyone! Hope you had a wonderful holiday
weekend. Though we just celebrated Labor Day, I know I’m not ready to say
goodbye to summer, and it feels like the weather isn’t either. So, holding onto
that sunny spirit, I’d like to share some of my experiences with The Salvation
Army this summer. I know for me, it’s important to be reminded that our work here
is good work that extends well beyond this building. Our work is for Jesus, and
He is constantly behind the scenes, taking the little that we do as employees
and officers and making a grand impact. This may seem like less of a devotion
and more like story time, but I’ll bet you can see God’s hand in every account.
This summer, I was blessed to make several trips out to Camp
Tecumseh. It’s always so much fun to see the kids just in their element, having
a great time, wanting to pose for pictures. Their joy is contagious, and I
could tell how much they valued the opportunity to be there. Those smiles are
genuine, and we play a part in that.
Most recently, I went to Vets Camp last week. I remembered
some of the veterans from last year, and some of them remembered me! They
nicknamed me “Slim,” taught me how to play Spades, and we shared countless
laughs. But not everything was fun and games. They told me stories of
injustice, problems they’ve faced, hardships they’ve endured throughout their
lifetimes that no one should. Perhaps it was the desire to finally release that
pain which led eight veterans and family members to receive Christ at the altar
the morning I was there. I can’t explain what it’s like to watch salvation
happen. To witness lives transforming right in front of your eyes. I’ll never
get tired of it.
My favorite day at camp this summer was one for the books.
When I came back to DHQ the next day, I raved, “Forget being one of the best
days as an employee of the Army. That was one of the best days of my life.”
Three ladies from our Hurricane Sandy Recovery Group in Hazlet joined other
woman at the Senior Lodge for a week of rest. They were three of the most
incredible women I’ve ever met. As I interviewed them about how The Salvation
Army has assisted them since Sandy, I nearly started to cry. I saw my
grandmother in each one of them. She passed away suddenly in June and was a
Hurricane Sandy survivor. My mom and I watched her fall into depression after
the storm, having lost her home and several prized possessions. As the ladies
from our group spoke, their emotions shifted from the heartbreak of the storm
to the hope of their futures. They told of how wonderful it was to now have
friends who understood them, to have a support system in the Army that they
know can be counted on. I became so close to each woman over the course of the day
that I decided to stay until nearly 8:00pm, just for fun. We went on the
paddleboats, played shuffleboard, which my grandma excelled at, and they
treated me like their own granddaughter. I was just as impacted by their beautiful
spirits as they’ve been by The Salvation Army.
I also visited Corps and Service Units this summer. Red
Bank’s Vacation Bible School was incredible. It was there that I met some
fabulous volunteers, one who has volunteered for over 10 years and another for
over 20! There must be something about The Salvation Army that keeps em coming
back!
Sussex County’s Back to School distribution was great, as
was Plainfield’s Christmas in July Bike Giveaway. Each drew families of all
different sizes and needs, receiving tangible blessings.
And I could never forget my beloved Orange Corps, where I’ve
been volunteering on Tuesday afternoons since January. The Summer Day Camp kids
were different from the school year kids that I’ve grown so close to. I
wondered if I’d be able to foster special relationships with a new group in a
short amount of time. I’d say it was about three weeks before the hug brigade
was in full force every time I walked through the door. The kids address the
counselors and volunteers as Miss, so to them, I’m Miss Elyse. One day,
precious Madison ran towards me in a fanatical greeting, shouting, “Mystery!”
instead of Miss Elyse! I did not correct her.
It’s easy for me to get stuck in my own little world, or
“the cave,” as I call my and Alex’s office. Sitting at my desk on the computer
most days, while I’m doing good work, can leave me feeling a bit detached from
whom I’m really doing it for. I value every trip I make to camp, a Corps or an
event because I know I’ll come back with a story. One I can tell on our website
or social media, one I can hold in my heart. I would encourage us all, whether
we make similar trips or not, to remember that the spirit of The Salvation Army
is holy. It’s extraordinary. On the day after Labor Day, let’s remember that we
don’t have to go to work. We get to go to work for Him.
