Fargo officers wins YWCA Community Faith Award
Major Elaine Medlock, co-leader of the Fargo Salvation Army, won the YWCA Community Faith Award at the 45th annual YWCA Women of the Year award banquet on Monday, April 30. The award honors women whose leadership invigorates others to do ministry and whose contributions help to ignite the mission and vision of the local faith community.
Medlock was in shock as she accepted the award.
“I was expecting to hear a name other than mine,” Medlock said from the podium. “It is an honor and privilege to be standing before you today.”
Medlock has served The Salvation Army for 32 years, including five years at the Fargo Salvation Army. She passionately spreads the gospel in women’s Bible study groups, nursing homes, local jails, and to all who walk through the doors of the Fargo Salvation Army.
Medlock said the following during her acceptance speech:
“I was a little girl, in a little town. I came from a family of four kids and we were pretty poor. But behind our house was a Salvation Army. For me, as a little girl, that meant a place to go play and people who cared about me. Those people helped me to believe in myself, and they helped me to go beyond my wildest dreams in a neighborhood where few kids graduated from high school.
“Every child in our family graduated from high school. We had parents who cared about us. We were able to do what didn’t seem possible in the area we grow up in. I’ve had many people along the way who have believed in me, when I didn’t believe in myself, who encouraged me and pushed me.
“Today I want to thank the Fargo Salvation Army advisory board, and Michelle Berg in particular and Brian Quigley, who took the time and effort to make this nomination possible, and the group from our church who came to share this. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the God I serve. He enables me to do the things that are way beyond my power and ability.”
Medlock and her husband, Major Byron Medlock, plan to retire in Arizona in June. Although they will no longer be serving the Fargo community, they have made a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.