Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/444908
territorial newS >> Hitting all Strikepoints T hey bag groceries at local super- markets, serve free coffee from their front porch, and distribute food boxes in the neighborhood they now call "home." Meet the new "Strikepoint" urban mission team based at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Day- ton, Ohio. The initiative, which began in October, meets all four "Strikepoints" unveiled last year by Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial com- mander, which include "Integrated Urban Mission," "Deeper Discipleship," "Skilled Leadership," and "Young Adult Empowerment." Salvationists Zach Smith and Thomas Eller, the 2–person college–aged team, rent an apartment near the Kroc center. Major Thomas Duperree, center adminis- trator, said that, in today's church, "We typically ask people to come to us. But this church goes to the people. "That's exactly what Jesus did," he said. "He ministered to the people right where they were. That's what the urban missions team is about. It's about tak- ing the worship and the service right to the very streets and homes where the people live." The mission team is the brainchild of Major Larry Ashcraft, divisional com- mander in SWONEKY. Ashcraft said as far back as the Project 1:17 program he had started at the College for Officer Training, his vision was to move the con- cept to a more urban setting. "This [Dayton urban mission team] takes it a step further to expose them to the totality of ministry that The Salvation Army offers, especially in these really tough neighborhoods," Ashcraft said. "These guys went into neighborhoods with about 200 boxes of prepared food. As they walked in and started distribut- ing, some of the people said, 'We didn't know tonight where our meal was going to come from.' " "A similar 'Strikepoint' mission team op- erates in a tough neighborhood near the Cincinnati Westside Corps," Ashcraft said. Smith and Eller both grew up in The Salvation Army and understand its mis- sion. Eller also is a Dayton native. Major Barbara Duperree, the corps of- ficer at the Dayton Kroc center, said the two have gone door to door to introduce themselves and to serve free hot choco- late and coffee from their front porch in an effort they call "Grounds for Grace." "It's just an opportunity to draw peo- ple toward them and kind of get to know the neighbors they're working with," she said. "The goal eventually is to befriend them and tell them about the Lord. "We're hoping to plant a Sunday school and a young adult worship in the neighborhood." 8 January 2015