You are here: HomeNews20120720 › Salvos Mission Warmly Received In Ski Resort

Salvos mission warmly received in ski resort

20 July 2012
Salvos mission warmly received in ski resort

(photo: Dale Murray) 


The Salvation Army held its first Salvo Snow Mission at Jindabyne from 29 June to 13 July.

Based at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall, Captain Dale Murray, ACT and South NSW Division Communications and Public Relations Secretary, and his two teams offered activities for children during the day, including craft and games, and in the evening provided a free three-course meal for guests.

“The impact [of the mission] was quite significant. The comments were so positive from the people who we served,” says Captain Murray.

About 90 percent of the guests who visited the Salvo Snow Mission centre were workers from the ski fields. Captain Murray says many of these people spoke of a daily struggle to have enough money to buy food, due to low wages and not enough available work.

“There was one story where we heard that someone, in one of the staff rooms at one of the ski resorts, was so desperate to eat something that they took hot boiling water and put tomato sauce in it to make tomato soup," he says.

“When people are struggling to make ends meet, it just shows The Salvation Army did really fill a need.”
Across the two weeks, the 50 Salvo Snow Mission team members served 800 meals, almost 1000 cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, saw 130 people attend the activities during the day, gave out 10 Bibles, distributed 50 food hampers, made approximately 50 significant connections with guests and saw one individual accept Jesus into their life.

“This mission, we really stepped out in faith," says Captain Murray. "Our real challenge for the mission was we had no audience. They had to come to us. God led these people to us and that was encouraging.”

Captain Murray believes the mission has now helped The Salvation Army to develop a presence in the Snowy Mountains region. In particular, the Army was well received by local businesses.

“There was one business which wanted to give us free coffee all the time," he says. "That was really encouraging and everywhere we went, people were pleased to see The Salvation Army in Jindabyne.”

Captain Murray also believes the Salvo Snow Mission will have a ripple effect across the world.

“Our guests represented 23 countries from around the world. These people will go back to their countries and at a time of need or when they might want to discuss spiritual issues, they will remember their time in Jindabyne and how they were accepted by The Salvation Army,” he says.

Due to the success of the mission, The Salvation Army is now looking to develop a permanent ministry in the Snowy Mountains region.

“The first thing would be trying to establish a ministry centre in Jindabyne on a full-time basis by acquiring a building or shop,” says Captain Murray.

“We’re really able to say, watch this space.”

Comments

  1. Snow Mission was an awesome experience, in the 12 days that i was involved i had the privilage of meeting many of these wonderful people and hear their stories. To get along side them,be it for a cup of tea/coffee or a meal and a chat was very humbling.I am looking forward to Snow Mission next year and also to a continuing Ministry in the Snowy Mountains region.

  2. Excellent mission, I believe a permanent presence in the Snowy area would be appreciated by the community and visitors.

Leave a Comment


- Will not be published

Email me follow-up comments

Note: Your comment requires approval before being published.

Default avatarWould you like to add a personal image? Visit gravatar.com to get your own free gravatar, a globally-recognized avatar. Once setup, your personal image will be attached every time you comment.

The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.