LISTEN TO JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR RALPH HANSEN
Major’s Ralph and Debbie Hansen, Corps Officer’s (Pastor’s) of The Salvation Army will be retiring effective March 1st.
Major’s Ralph and Debbie Hansen have been in charge of The Salvation Army in Escanaba since July 2011 serving here for nearly 8 years. This appointment has been their longest appointment in their 40+ years of Ministry with The Salvation Army. During that time they have had seven Corps (Church) appointments and three Administrative appointments in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois while concluding their active Officership here at the Escanaba Corps.
The Majors have enjoyed their time here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Major Ralph has been very involved in the development and implementation of “Hope At The Inn” the program which provides shelter to the area homeless population. “It has been my privilege to be a small part of this initiative in which churches open their doors to provide a warm, safe place for the homeless to sleep and eat between November and April each year. One of the unexpected benefits of this initiative has been the ecumenical impact on Delta County as church members from various denominations work side by side to provide shelter and a “cup of cold water” in Jesus name.”
The Hansen’s will be moving south to the West Michigan area where they served for nearly half of their Officership. “While we will miss Escanaba and the wonderful Upper Peninsula we are excited to be closer to our grandson. Our home, in Holton, MI (Muskegon County) is nearly finished and we are excited to set up our home, travel, and spend time with our family as we move to a new phase of ministry”, says Major Debbie Hansen.
Their last Sunday of active ministry will take place on Sunday February 24th with Sunday School at 9:45am and Morning Worship at 11:00am followed by a public reception from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at The Salvation Army, 3001 5th Ave South.
The Salvation Army has announced that Majors Lee and Melody Morrison will be assuming interim leadership as of March 1, 2019. Major’s Morrison, retired Officers now residing in Escanaba, were Corps Officers in Escanaba from July 1984 to June of 1990. New Officers will be appointed to Escanaba on about July1, 2019 in conjunction with the normal appointment cycle of The Salvation Army.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to live and serve in the Upper Peninsula for our final years of active ministry. As I have shared before this is by far the most supportive area we have ever served, both in terms of the acceptance of The Salvation Army as a religious organization and its compassion for their neighbors and friends in need. May God continue to bless this wonderful area and the future ministry of The Salvation Army!” concludes Major Ralph.
