For Fargo couple, service is a way of life
Bryan and Nancy Hagen started volunteering at the Fargo Salvation Army in 2008. Together they have served well over 1,300 hours helping with flood fights, seasonal Army programs, hot meals, you name it. Honestly, it would be easier to list areas where they do not help, but more importantly the impact they have is what’s felt the most.
Volunteering started out rather simply for the couple. Every year their church devotes an entire day to ring the bells during The Salvation Army’s kettle campaign, so they joined in the fun. Through that experience they knew they wanted to spend their volunteer time with the Army. In 2011 when they retired, every Monday morning they would arrive to help serve breakfast and wash dishes.
For the Hagens volunteering is a passion. Whether serving in the kitchen or during disasters, it’s all for the glory of God. They take the time to get to know the people they serve and are concerned with everybody’s physical and spiritual well being. They use their actions to demonstrate and explain to others who Jesus is and that He loves them.
Over the years, they have faithfully served on Fargo’s Emergency Disaster Services team by helping during local floods. Bryan has been a member for about three years now and has a leading role on the team. The couple has also volunteered during our coat programs, registration for Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes, and haircuts for kids program. Their commitment to The Salvation Army is truly constant.
Living a Life of Service
It’s clear that the couple’s hearts are deeply rooted in their faith, evident by how they serve and live life to the fullest. To them, it’s a commitment to serve just as Jesus did. They’re both very active in their church. They are a blessing to so many in our community and we are grateful to be able to serve alongside them.
The pair works closely with the Jail Chaplains Ministry where Bryan leads a Bible study with the inmates and helps manage a home for those coming out of jail and are serious about a life with Christ. Nancy also volunteers at Fargo’s food banks and about three to four times a year she brings her Bible study group to help serve The Salvation Army’s free hot meal.
Bryan spent a career in the military and Nancy was a nurse. They’re using their retirement to serve others and are busier now than they ever were when the couple worked full time. They have a faith that is deep and a peace that is welcomed in a place where people deal with so much uncertainty. We are truly grateful for the difference they have made and continue to make in Fargo. They’ve furthered the mission of The Salvation Army by reminding us time and time again why we do what we do.