salvation army Archives -

michael andrew-salvation army

After being in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands for over 3-1/2 months, Michael Andrew is sitting at the airport saying “Service is the ultimate drug with no negative side effects.”

This was an early morning call while Michael was at the airport waiting to fly back to the states after “leaving it all on the field in Puerto Rico.” He’s been a volunteer, working mostly with the Salvation Army. They ended up making him an Operations Chief. Michael is leaving the island exhausted and said his soul is on fire.

Here are some things we discuss:

-What he learned as a leader

-His weaknesses that were exposed and that he was able to make strengths

-Delivering food and water was really delivering hope

-Miracles he witnessed, almost daily

-How he’s the luckiest and richest man in the world and it has nothing to do with money

Great episode, especially since he didn’t have much time to think about it. It’s really his raw answers and thoughts. He’ll elaborate much more on his podcast and future videos and blog posts.

Here is my last interview with Michael Andrew after he arrived in St. Martin to help after Hurricane Irma, before going to PR, but he tells me in that interview that he needs to get to PR. Below are more links to follow him:

Michael the Maven

Red Lightning

On Instagram @michaelthemaven

On Twitter @michaelthemaven

Hear our first interview on Episode 002

You can also follow Michael on his podcast The Maven Nation

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

michael_andrew st. thomas

In my second interview with someone on the ground, in the action, helping with hurricane relief, Michael Andrew talks with me from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands following the destruction of Hurricane Irma. This is the kind of work he was made for. Michael thrives in these environments.

He arrived there Wednesday via charter flight and is on a disaster aid trip, partnering with The Salvation Army and his organization Red Lightning.

He was recently asked if he wanted to evacuate since another hurricane is headed that way (Maria), but he’s staying put so he can help.

Michael tells us what work he’s specifically doing, how he geotags specific locations, what supplies are needed, etc. He’s doing great work – something he feels he was born to do and was blessed with necessary skills to accomplish.

Michael also explains why sending supplies isn’t the best action right now, but donate to an organization who knows the needs in real time- since the needs can change quickly.

We talk sanitation, security, water, clothing and how taking a few days to serve will make your problems seem so small.

To learn more about Michael and if you want to donate to his non-profit, which will directly help people in the areas he’s serving, see links below:

Michael the Maven

Red Lightning

On Instagram @michaelthemaven

On Twitter @michaelthemaven

The Salvation Army

Hear our first interview on Episode 002

You can also follow Michael on his podcast The Maven Nation

Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Artist: http://audionautix.com/