Anyone looking for an indication of who Weetamah Corps is reaching out to in Winnipeg, needs to look no further than its name.

“This used to be called the Harbour Light,” explains Captain Robert Russell, former corps officer. “Weetamah means 'go tell them' in Cree. Part of the reason for the name change had to do with a desire to be more culturally relevant in a community that is primarily aboriginal. That remains our aim today, to have a focused ministry.”

Message Received
Though the focus of the corps remains the Sunday worship services as well as Bible study and Sunday school, Weetamah offers a variety of programs that include:

• The Urban Café, where area residents come for fellowship
• Weetamah Connections, a women's group
• Kids' club, for ages seven to 12
• Youth group for ages 12 to 15
• Friday Midnight Challenge for ages 15 to 30

All of these activities have a strong spiritual component, helping participants deal with the challenges faced in the inner city.

The Midnight Challenge, for example, stemmed from a plea by youth exposed to growing gang violence. In partnership with them, the Army developed a program where young people could play floor hockey and watch movies together in a safe environment, away from the streets. “On any given night,” says Mark Young, ministry unit director, “there are 30 to 40 kids from a number of street gangs in attendance, playing on the same teams together. That would not be possible out on the streets.”

“Every Midnight Challenge begins with prayer at the centre of the gym,” explains Captain Shari Russell, former corps officer. “We then go over some basic rules—be kind, be respectful of one another, avoid foul language and so on.”

“The number one rule, though, is you've got to have fun or you're in the wrong place,” continues Captain Robert Russell. “The youth learn that this is a place where we're serious about talking to God. In the course of the evening, we conduct a short devotional, where they get an appreciation and respect for the Bible as a force in their lives. That's the kind of message we want to get across.”

Spreading Trust
In addition to these activities, Weetamah offers adult-literacy courses, work-skills programs and a food bank.

“We're trying to be more than a food bank,” says Young. “We know some people need more than just soup. There's more to what's going on in their lives. We want to be supportive and help them for however long they need that help, until they feel they can continue the journey on their own.”

Another innovative feature of Weetamah's outreach to the community is their hallway ministry. Held on the same day as the food bank, it's an opportunity for people to come in and have a coffee or a snack while they “shop” for free clothing and other giveaways. Conversations start not only with the staff but also among the participants, which becomes a sharing time as people gather and talk about the day's activities. “On Wednesdays, it's not unusual to have 60 or 70 people milling about in the hallway,” says Captain Shari Russell.

“People really feel a sense of belonging,” adds Captain Robert Russell. “Developing trust is a huge issue, but I think the longer that the Army is here and the more active it is in the community, the more that trust spreads.”

All in the Family
Many relationships have flourished as a result of this ministry.

Captain Shari Russell met Mary Lee in 2004. After helping her negotiate her way through some government paperwork, Captain Russell introduced Mary Lee to the rest of the staff and the relationship grew from there. “It took a while because I was shy but now I trust them,” says Mary Lee. “They've helped me spiritually, with my life and with my children. They've given me courage.”

Mary Lee's daughter, Dawn, was so taken with the corps that she volunteered to help run the kids' club. “I love volunteering and I've gotten to know God,” says Dawn. “I've become more confident as a person. I'm not scared to be myself and I'm not trying to be someone that I'm not. I'm proud of who I am.”

Mary Lee's son, Cody, has become especially attached to the corps and has taken a leadership role in the youth group and kids' club.

“His desire, dedication and commitment have made a difference in the community,” says Young, “and he's a positive role model. We're excited about the opportunity to see him grow in leadership. Who knows where God will lead him in his life?”

Moving Forward
“I recently asked a woman who attends Weetamah what keeps her coming back,” says Captain Shari Russsell, who is of aboriginal descent. “She pointed to me. The fact that I was a person in leadership that came from the aboriginal community and understood some of the barriers she faced was an encouragement to her. 'Not only have you gone through it,' she said, 'but you also empower others from the community.' ”

“If we can be part of the stimulus that promotes growth in their lives, then I believe that is one of the greatest callings of The Salvation Army,” concludes Captain Robert Russell. “We can't stay stagnant. We need to move lives forward, and I think we are doing an important work.”

Top photo: Cpt Shari Russell and Dawn; middle: Midnight Challenge floor-hockey players; bottom: “We're trying to be more than a food bank,” says Mark Young