By McKibben Jackinsky - Staff writer - Homer News
http://homernews.com/stories/063010/news_sah.shtml
After eight years in Homer, Capts. Mark and Michelle Thielenhaus of the Salvation Army are headed to other pastures. They left Monday for a new assignment as divisional youth secretaries, with duties to include running camps in Wasilla and other youth work throughout the state.
"It should be a challenge and an adventure. A lot like Homer," a laughing Capt. Mark Thielenhaus told the Homer News.
As they head north to their new assignment, Lts. Jeff and Michelle Josephson and their two teenage sons head to Homer. Recent graduates of the Salvation Army Training College in Rancho Palo Verde, Calif., the Josephsons will pick up where the Thielenhauses leave off. Their schedule had them arriving in Anchorage Tuesday, checked in by the Salvation Army divisional commander Wednesday and released to come to Homer to arrive by Sunday.
"During their two years (at the college), they had a lot of business and Bible (study) and they also have a lot of practical experience doing things you would do at a Salvation Army appointment," Thielenhaus said of the Josephsons, who are officially ordained pastors.
The community will have an opportunity to meet the couple and their sons at the Salvation Army's 11 a.m. service on Sunday.
"One of our divisional commanders, Major Sheryl Tollerud, will officially put the Army stamp of approval that they are the ones here to lead for the town of Homer," said Thielenhaus.
Looking back over his and his wife's years of service in Homer, Thielenhaus summed up what they experienced. When they first arrived, the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Pioneer Avenue was still new. Eight years later, the "store is doing fantastic. It is really what empowers us to stay in this community and serve people, thanks to folks in Homer and their giving," Thielenhaus said.
A 6,370 square foot building also was constructed on the Sterling Highway by North Star Construction during the couple's tenure. The building provides a kitchen, dining area, offices, classrooms, a chapel capable of seating 100 and storage area for stocking food the Salvation Army distributes to those in need.
Thielenhaus praised the volunteers that have supported the Salvation Army's social service program, "and then, of course, all the fantastic relationships with different service groups in town. There are just a lot of fantastic volunteers that give of their time, everything from standing kettles to giving items of food and clothes and all those things. This has just been a fantastic place to live," Thielenhaus said.
One other change in the family's life while living in Homer was the birth of their daughter Crystal, now 7. Their other daughter, Emily, is 11.
"They are excited to be able to live in camp for the summer," Thielenhaus said. "If you must leave the paradise of Homer, I guess we'll settle for a lake in Wasilla."
There is the possibility the couple's new duties will bring them back to Homer on occasion. That's a good thing, but not the most important thing, in Thielenhaus' view.
"We have so many people we consider family at this church and in this town. ... Homer is not too far away for a good visit," he said. "Ultimately, the most important thing of our entire time here is to share the love of Jesus and the message of salvation. That's why we do what we do. ... It's still the same mission of the Army, just a different role for us."
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.
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It has been an honor to serve the Lord and His Salvation Army.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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