Salvation Army Re-Builds Northside Church and Assists Fire Victim Neighbors
The Salvation Army’s north side offices in Belize City suffered some eighty-eight thousand dollars in damage from a fire on November seventh which also destroyed two adjacent houses. The organization moved promptly to assist fire victims. The Salvation Army’s service to the community continues throughout the busy Christmas season. The congregation, according to Regional Commander Major Joliker Leandre, will however have to go to the main church on Orange Street for worship.
Major Joliker Leandre, Regional Commander, Salvation Army
“This is really something that has caught us by surprise. It will take us a little while because the priority right now is for the Christmas appeal and the distribution and so forth. So we cannot mix the funds. So for the building of the church itself, it is going to be a separate effort itself which we will rely heavily on our international friends to support us. And if our local friends are able to do so, then we will be very grateful. But we don’t want to put too much pressure on our local friends who have been supporting us almost every day.”
Joliker Leandre
Andrea Polanco
“The last time we spoke, you said you were still assessing the damage. Do you have perhaps a financial figure to attach to that?”
Major Joliker Leandre
“Sure we have received that financial figure from the contractor and it is estimated at over eighty-eight thousand dollars to repair the building because some of the walls have to go down. But we are very hopeful that everything will work out in due time. So we are not worried because God has a plan in everything and he is going to see us through. Though we were able to assist some of the victims of the fire and that’s where the focus is at this time; to assist those who have been affected by the fire while we seek funds to take care of the church itself.”
Andrea Polanco
“So the community can only expect service to resume there until perhaps next year?”
Major Joliker Leandre
“All services are permanent even building or without building. We are rebuilding the downstairs area which will help us to continue our service to the community. For the Christmas distribution, we will be in the community doing our services as usual. In the meantime, church services will be done at 12 Cemetery Road where membership will come to worship. But as far as our service to the community, there will be no difference, no interruption. We will be there.”
