Salvation Army Couple Happy to be in Toccoa

A couple from Atlanta is now in charge of operations and ministry at the Salvation Army in Toccoa.

Lts. Shaning and Melody Moran arrived from the Salvation Army Training School in Atlanta a little over a month ago.

The Moran’s feel they are called to do this service. “It is definitely a special calling that the lord gives you.” Says Melody; “We both have compassion for people, wanting to help get God’s message out there and be his hands, feet, and mouth. We want to help those that are underprivileged and we get to do that under the one umbrella of the Salvation Army.”

“The Salvation Army was there for me at my lowest time in life” says Shaning; “Someone spoke to me about Christ and ever since I have been with the Salvation Army and it is amazing that I have the opportunity to do what he did for me.”

The Moran’s say there is much that they would like to see accomplished in Toccoa. “Since we’ve been in Toccoa I’ve seen homelessness, poverty, drugs, and dealers. It has my passion to raise the numbers in help and assistance.” Says Shaning; “My vision is to see the Army full force out there ministering to people. We have this thing called Soup, Soap, and Salvation. I don’t believe that you can just feed a person and send them back to where they came from. They should get to know about Christ and that he died for them, and there is a great opportunity here in Toccoa.”

Melody says that listeners can help the Salvation Army in a number of different ways through volunteering, and sees a need here for more donations. “We have a vision of doing a day shelter to offer hot meals and showers on a daily basis because we see that need. We have an Angel Tree that is coming up for Christmas for the children and we need help with that.”

One of the needs is more volunteers to ring the bells at the kettles during the holidays, which is a large fundraiser. Another fundraiser this year for the Salvation Army is a fishing tournament being held September 12^th at the Gum Branch boat ramp in Hartwell. The Salvation Army is looking for more sponsors for the tournament and the entry fee to participate is $150.

The Salvation Army is known to send couples to serve a community. The Moran’s say working with the Salvation Army really involves the entire family.”It’s been great. God really prepares you. It is a team ministry. We have three kids and it is their ministry, too.” Says Melody; “It’s a neat thing to see a family come together to do God’s work. Our kids are mouthpieces, too. They are going to talk with kids more than we are. God gives them patience and grace. It’s a beautiful thing.”

The Moran’s say they have really enjoyed Toccoa since arriving. “I love this small community, a nice small town, everyone knows everyone.” Says Melody; “It’s nice to be out of Atlanta and at a slower pace.” Shaning adds “We were in the grocery store the other day and a lady said the traffic was really terrible out there. I was like you should be in Atlanta right now” he laughed.

The Salvation Army is open for operation for social services Monday-Thursday 9:30 A.M.-3 P.M.

They have food, clothing, and a program called “Dress for Success” for those that want to get back in the job market and need clothing. They also have social services including rental assistance, power, and utilities. The Salvation Army has Sunday school at 10 A.M. and Holiness meeting at 11 A.M. on Sundays.