Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/418074
WARREN L. MAYE ed 120 new jobs," said Cain. Ultimately, the center will employ about 160 people. A new paradigm Cain said that, although thousands of people come through the doors every week, they are still learning that "There is one Salvation Army in Camden." It is a unique church that offers an amazing array of facilities, services, and ministries. "We might have a 22–ft. waterslide, but this is still a corps," said Cain. In addition to the slide, there is a compe- tition pool and 11,000–square–foot water park. A fitness center offers free weights, workout apparatus, treadmills, and cycling machines with small HDTV screens. An NCAA–size gymnasium will be used for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and ball hockey with an indoor bat- ting cage. Outside, there are two Little League fields, a soccer field, a basketball court, and a playground. A chapel, ministry centers for youth and adults, a library, and several class- rooms are also available. Among outreach opportunities is that of transitioning soldiers toward a new ministry paradigm that includes having them join the Kroc Center community as card–carrying members. "We're teaching a fairly young and new con- gregation to view this as an opportunity for other people to become members of the corps." Membership is $25 a month for a family of four. The health clinic, library, and food pantry are available to non–members. "We've already got about 1,000 people signed up," said Cain, who said the center's first–year goal is 5,000 members. "Ultimately, the Kroc Center is a mis- sion station," said Cain. "Our mission is the mission of The Salvation Army—to get people saved, keep them saved, and serve the people who are in need." Two years ago, the corps opened a mission house in the neighborhood. Its service corps program has been in opera- tion for as many years. "We've had volun- teers working in the neighborhood doing various projects. For the past six months, we've been giving tours and holding Q&A sessions. We've worked incredibly hard to spread the word," said Cain. 'Raising all boats' Because other clergy are admiring the facility and asking to have their Sunday services in the building, Cain has realized a potential for the Army to play a leading role in Camden's faith community. "We can't just be that little corps on the corner anymore," said Cain. "We have to take the lead in building healthy lives. And I believe that so many people are going to get saved here, that The Salvation Army can't do it all by itself." Cain is particularly moved by how Jesus helped His disciples catch an overwhelm- ing number of fish by instructing them to put their nets on the other side of the boat. "Their nets were so full,"Cain said, "they had to call other nearby boats to come and help." Cain believes that so many people will be getting saved in Camden that its entire faith community will need to get on board. 7 www.saconnects.org