Salvation Army Has New Commander

He was a long way from South Korea, but he had every intention of going back.

While looking for a pastoral job in Lynchburg, Va., he and his wife discovered the Salvation Army. Their outlook changed almost instantly.

South Korea no longer was their destination. A few years later, they made their home in Spring Hill.

Lt. Samuel Kim is the newest commander of the Hernando County Salvation Army.

"I was committed to be an officer in the (Salvation) Army," recalled Kim. "It lets you preach the gospel and help people at the same time. It was a good match for me."

His wife, Christine, studied social work in college and worked at a welfare center in South Korea for five years. She followed her husband to Liberty University in Lynchburg after he decided to study at the seminary.

Both of them are lieutenants with the Salvation Army. They provide disaster relief and outreach assistance to Hernando County residents. In order to do so, they rely upon public donations, gifts and volunteer work.

The two recently settled into Spring Hill along with their two children - ages 8 and 6.

They've acclimated nicely, but they weren't used to Florida's daily rainfall. The two of them spoke over the clapping thunder coming from outside.

"At first, I wasn't too familiar with that," said Kim, who has a more pronounced accent than his wife. "Everyday we have loud thunderstorms. Now it's fine."

The lifelong Baptist is quick to remind people the Salvation Army is a Christian-based organization.

Kim offers Bible study and church services every Sunday and evening church services every Tuesday.

The Army's outreach projects include counseling, relief for rent and utility costs and food donations.

Residents may donate clothes in the garage located behind the office. The Salvation Army of Hernando County is located at 15464 Cortez Blvd., less than a mile east of the Suncoast Parkway.

Kim is focused on raising money for a new building. He, his wife and volunteers currently occupy a single-wide trailer on an asphalt lot. Previous fundraising efforts failed, but Kim is hopeful it can be done in the next four years.

"I do hope the new building will be done during my officership, here," he said.

"We're praying for that right now," answered his wife.

Before they can concentrate on a new building, they must find a way to address the shortage of donations and the increases in assistance.

The amount of donations coming into the local Salvation Army has decreased by more than 10 percent. From October 2006 through June 2007, the group collected $303,820. From October 2007 through June 2008, donations totaled $272,466.

Conversely, demand for financial assistance - which includes rent, utilities and travel - increased by more than 150 percent.

More food and gifts also have been distributed since last year. As a result, more nonperishable food is needed.

"With the economy going down ... so many more are coming for assistance and free bread," said Christine Kim.

For right now, the two are trying to meet as many people as they can.

"We say hi and shake hands," Samuel Kim said. "We open the gates all the time for people."