New Salvation Army officers assess needs, prepare to build on programs
As the new corps officers for The Salvation Army Des Plaines Corps Community Center, Majors Victor and Cristina Stasiuc are confident they're in the right place.
"Because we served in so many countries, and speak so many languages, it's natural we're in a multicultural environment," Major Victor said.
The Stasiucs speak English, Czech, Russian, and Romanian. They plan to study Spanish as well.
In their role as corps officers in Des Plaines, the husband and wife team serves as pastors for the weekly services in Russian and English. They join Envoys Alberto and Florinelvi Giraldo, who lead the Sunday morning service in Spanish.
Majors Stasiuc also oversee all administrative duties, services, and programs at the corps, including the weekly food pantry.
One of the unique resources at the Des Plaines Corps is the monthly Breakfast with Baby program for expecting families and new parents. Held on the second Saturday of each month, Breakfast with Baby is open to women who are at least seven months pregnant, and those with a child under the age of one. The entire family is invited for a hot breakfast and Bible study. Mothers are given the opportunity to pick out free, donated items, including gently used baby clothes, toys, and books, as well as a new package of diapers.
The Stasiucs look forward to getting to know the community and assessing the needs in the northwest suburbs. The corps service area includes Des Plaines, Rosemont, Elk Grove Village, and Mount Prospect.
"I just want the people to know that we are there," Major Cristina said. "We are working to find out how things should be set up and structured in the best way for the community to benefit."
This is the Stasiucs 10th appointment for The Salvation Army; their first in the United States. The Majors previously served in Ukraine, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Moldova.
Major Victor was among the first Salvation Army soldiers in the Republic of Moldova in 1994. He and his wife have remained rooted in their faith and dedicated to service since.
"The Holy Spirit touched me," he said. "I just felt I'm in the right place."