For many people in Regina, the end of the week means happy hour at a local pub. Now the talk is all about the Friday night drop-in program at The Salvation Army's Haven of Hope Church. “I've seen so many lives changed,” says Captain Terri Wallace, community and family services officer. “People are looking at things differently. They're connecting with God and the Bible. That's why they're here every Friday.”

Year-Round Activity
The program had its genesis in the fall of 2004, when The Salvation Army felt there was a need for a safe haven from drugs and alcohol for the people in inner-city Regina.

“We chose a late start time to give people an alternative to going to the bar,” explains Captain Corinne Cameron, corps officer. “We open at 9:30 every Friday evening and we close when the bars close. It's a place to hang out and stay sober.”

Drop-in Fridays start with a brief devotion by Captain Wallace, followed by a meal and conversation. Many local businesses donate food, such as baked goods, cakes and soup, and volunteers prepare sandwiches and chili, but hot dogs are the items most in demand. “When hot dogs are not on the menu, people are not amused,” smiles Captain Wallace.

On average, more than 80 people attend each week. “There are some who are street people but many others come in just for the company,” says Captain Wallace.

One Friday a month, a movie night is held where popcorn is served and religious movies are shown.

“There's quite a lot of talking during the movie,” says Captain Steven Cameron, corps officer. “But when the gospel is explained, you can hear a pin drop. The people who come to the program are very attuned to Jesus and what he can be and mean in their lives.”

A Thursday morning coffee break and Bible study tie in to the Friday events. “We do see people attending both activities,” explains Captain Wallace.

At Christmas, a turkey dinner is served. During long summer evenings, the program starts earlier and a barbecue is hosted in the parking lot.

Their Church
For the moment, there is no thought of expanding the Friday night drop-in program to other evenings. Instead, it is seen as the anchor of a wider outreach ministry.

“While the drop-in is going on,” states Major David Wing, director of community and family services, “volunteers use our corps van to visit the surrounding area and distribute hot chocolate and hot dogs to those on the streets. We also pass out a business card with the church address on it. If they need to talk, we're there for them.”

Though the staff can cite numerous examples of people who have come to faith or whose lives were changed because of the Friday evening program, one person in particular comes to mind for Captain Corinne Cameron.

“One woman who attended became a volunteer and started worshipping at the corps,” she says. “She not only gave her life to the Lord but also became a soldier. Just as importantly, she brought her daughter and grandson along. Now, her daughter has given her life to the Lord and has brought her friends to the corps, too!

“The drop-in has been so successful that many who attend now perceive it as their church,” concludes Captain Corinne Cameron. “In fact, this outreach ministry has become the heartbeat of our church. For me, it's been a wonderful thing to see.”

Photo: Captain Terri Wallace interacts with guests at the evening program