An Idea Community Emergency Service (CES) began in June of 1971. At this time, Mr. Russell Lund (a prominent Minneapolis businessman, civic leader and churchman) came to Pastor Berg’s office at Augustana Lutheran Church. He had heard of their extensive Crossroad program in operation in the inner city community and inquired about the possibility of getting food and cash gifts directly to persons in need through this outreach. Mr. Lund was aware of thousands of White, Black and Native Americans living in the inner city at the poverty level and of the frustrating struggles of many trying to find their way through a confusing maze of agencies. Looking for a new “Hand and Heart,” person-to-person way to help people in need, he asked, “For many years, I have been giving to organizations engaged in social service. Is there a way to give financial aid with a very personal touch and to deal with people on a one-to-one basis? We need to discern their deeper and long-range needs. Can you help me fulfill this plan?” Where it BeganIn the five years of the Crossroads Ministry, which was an outreach to the community, Pastor Berg had witnessed many miracles of AMAZING GRACE. It appeared that another one could be unfolding. He said to Russell Lund, “You are surely sent of our Lord. We have extensive outreach ministries to hundreds of children, youth and families in great need, but our food and financial help ministries have been inadequate. We do not have the staff and resources to give ourselves to our friends in a listening, personal counseling and advocate ministry. A give-away program without the personal touch can be demeaning. The gift without the giver is bare.”
On that "red-letter" day, Community Emergency Service was inaugurated. In the three-month summer experiment, 300 persons received—not only food and financial help—but also counseling and referral service in 750 sessions conducted by a three-member staff. A Legacy ContinuesRussell Lund’s original gift of $5,600 in 1971 grew into a total contribution of a half-million dollars over a twelve year period. He often expressed the hope that his gifts would serve as seed-money, inspiring others to give. When his health failed and he was no longer able to take part, his hope was fulfilled as many rose up to meet the need. A Director is AddedThe competence and commitment of the staff played an important part in the launching of this program. John Bohnsack, the first director in 1971, was a senior at Luther-Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul. He and his wife Barbara were serving on the Augustana Staff. In 1971, Kay Jurgenson was an English and Drama teacher in the Richfield High School. She was also serving as Director of the Summer Crossroad Program. Patricia Ellefson, former Vista worker and nurse, served on the original CES Staff. Russell Lund was so deeply impressed with the way the staff had fulfilled his highest expectations that he gave John and Barbara Bohnsack and Kay Jurgenson (the three continuing staff members) an all-expense-paid trip to Israel where they attended the first International Christian Ashram. Destiny FulfilledThe Augustana Church Council provided solid support for the CES Ministry, in terms of facilities, staff and volunteer support. Council members affirmed Pastor Berg, Russell Lund and the Bohnsacks in their deep conviction that this would be a “plus ministry,” going further than most agencies by recognizing a spiritual dimension to the needs of individuals. At CES this translates into going “beyond bread to the Bread of Life.”
Community Emergency Service began in 1971 and continues to this day as a social ministry under the cross—motivated by our Savior’s self-giving, healing and restoring love. Hopefully, His presence will always be felt at CES as His words are remembered, “. . . as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” |
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