by Hugo Bravo

The New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, named after the African American soldiers of the U.S. Army after the Civil War, is one of The Salvation Army’s most well-known volunteers. The Club’s members help during Christmas toy distribution and kettle season, proudly bringing their motorcycles for photos and sharing the Buffalo Soldiers’ impact in American history and expansion.

by Hugo Bravo

Christmas is a time for joy and gatherings with friends and family. But the shopping, decorating, and celebrating that come with the holiday season can also leave us stressed out and worn down physically, mentally, and emotionally. So can disagreements with visiting loved ones, or the disappointment of looking back at the year and feeling unfulfilled. Learn about how stress can affect us, and ways to face these triggering situations, along with Bible verses for inspiration.

by Hugo Bravo

When family and friends make surprise visits during the season, you never want to be caught short on cups or mugs. Stop by your local Salvation Army thrift shop to stock up on drinkware for the Christmas season. You can find mugs decorated with your favorite pop culture characters, inspiring quotes, and much more. Warm up with some hot chocolate on cold nights or start a collection and display it year-round!

by Guest

We dive into the rich history of this landmark building, the Centennial Memorial Temple, which has stood in the heart of New York City as a gathering place, worship space, and community hub of The Salvation Army for almost 100 years. You’ll read how this amazing concert hall also served as a sanctuary for preaching the gospel of Christ and an altar for the saving of lost souls.

by Robert Mitchell

dealing with grief from the loss of loved ones or broken dreams. The pulpits of Salvation Army churches are not silent on the subject. They thunder the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13, urging parishioners to grieve with hope of the eternal life to come in Heaven. See what other Bible verses and advice are shared by officers throughout the USA Eastern Territory at this time of year.

by Hugo Bravo

One of the most important lessons that the 49-9 Project teaches to inmates getting ready for a life outside jail is to see the core self, both in themselves and in others. “Who you are inside is your core self. Your core self is good. It cannot be destroyed, and it makes all of us equal,” says Mark Fahringer, director of the 49-9 Project. “Each of us is good, because we are all created in the image of God.”

by Warren L. Maye

This holiday season, unwrap some heartwarming, family friendly movies grounded in courage, hope, and faith. We’re sharing our editors’ top picks for Christian Christmas viewing, perfect for every generation. Whether you’re tuning in by the fireside or streaming as you wrap gifts, we’ve got you covered. So, dive in!

by Hugo Bravo

After retirement from the military, James Knight returned to his hometown in Williamsport, Pa., and became a dedicated volunteer at the Williamsport Corps. “My parents taught me to always find a way to give, even if it’s just a sandwich,” says James. Despite all his volunteer work, he prefers that the spotlight be on the work done by the Army in his community, especially for his fellow veterans who frequently visit the corps.

by Hugo Bravo

Ramesh Sukhdeo did not understand how Salvationists at the Harlem Temple Corps could pray next to someone like him, who smelled of alcohol and was dirty from living on the streets, and embrace him even. Today, as corps officer of New York Temple, Auxiliary Captain Ramesh Sukhdeo now knows that they were showing him the love of Christ. “That’s what we do at The Salvation Army,” he says. “We show others the love of Christ.”

by Major Lauren Hodgson

Connecting to God through art: Have you ever wondered how a painting, sculpture, or stained glass can draw you nearer to the Creator? We’ve gathered beautiful examples of visual art that open new doors to worship and reflection—color, creativity, and inspiration all in one.

by Robert Mitchell

Christians should make a statement not only in the way they live, but also in how they die. That was the case for Alba Talavera, who was sure she was headed to Heaven but made it her business to tell others about Christ so they could join her. A former single mother with a heart for youth ministries, this longtime Salvation Army officer inspired her family and everyone around her with her steadfast faith and the way she handled her battle with cancer.

by Hugo Bravo

Angelita Rosario has been involved in Salvation Army ministries in Queens and Schenectady, N.Y. But her most renowned ministry occurred in her home country of the Dominican Republic. It was there that Angelita, having been a soldier for only a few years, established the first Salvation Army corps on the island. “I didn’t know anything about running a church, much less starting one,” says Angelita. “Officers had been unable to accomplish this. How could a soldier do it?”

by Robert Mitchell

The Salvation Army helped Mark Shapp’s family when he was young, and he never forgot that generosity. Today, donning a penguin costume, he stands kettles for The Salvation Army and helps many other organizations with his time and talent. His story dovetails nicely with The Salvation Army’s “Give with Joy” campaign based on 2 Corinthians 9:7, which teaches Christian believers that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

by Robert Mitchell

Brendy Best thought she had beaten breast cancer in 2007, but the disease returned in 2024 and got everyone she knows praying. The treatment has been exhausting, but she continues to show up to help feed the least of these at the Bushwick Corps in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she serves in the soup kitchen. Her steadfast faith and Christian example in battling cancer a second time inspires everyone, including her officers.

by Hugo Bravo

Major Gilbert Parkhurst, corps officer in Danbury, Conn., knows that a close-up view of the Army’s ministry can change a person. He has seen teens, board members, and government officials impacted just by witnessing the ministry of The Salvation Army. “Even our ministry of presence—to be there for someone in their time of need—can change hearts,” says Parkhurst. “Sometimes all it takes is seeing work done in the name of God.”

by Guest

Imagine being part of a dynamic instrumental group and playing the latest trends in music sweeping the nation. You’re also wearing clothes that make an even bolder statement, catching the attention and imagination of young people. And the year is 1887. For the past 138 years, the New York Staff Band has served as the musical cornerstone of The Salvation Army in the United States. Read how it is still going strong, not just to please the ear, but to transform the spiritual lives of young musicians, who please the heart of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

by Warren L. Maye

Read more, scroll less. Yes, great books are still within your reach, and here are three at the top of our list, suggested just for you. They explore themes including what successful leadership demands, how to take a stand against injustice, and how to navigate the ever-growing digital world of artificial intelligence.

by Hugo Bravo

In Vermont, the Burlington Corps’ Friendly Kitchen serves dinner to around 100 people six days a week. Envoy Stacy Liskey sees it as one way to give individuals who may be suffering from homelessness back the dignity they feel they’ve lost living on the streets. “There are many places that serve free breakfast and lunch,” says Liskey, “but none that serve dinner as often as us.” She wants anyone who is hungry to come, whether they are homeless or not.

by Major Lauren Hodgson

Don’t leave your mental and physical wellness to chance. Instead, be intentional about it. It’s all a balancing act where we must find stability and rest despite our busy lives. Ask yourself these thoughtful questions and follow the self-care checklist to see how you can find your way to “what is good, necessary, and true.”

by Hugo Bravo

Cold and flu season is here, and with those yearly illnesses can come another unwelcome, more dangerous viral sickness. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects the lungs and respiratory system, with symptoms that can feel like a common cold. But for infants, the elderly, or those with a history of lung disease, it can be life-threatening. Learn more about the symptoms of RSV, how it spreads, and ways to prevent and treat it.

by Hugo Bravo

In August, Boston’s TD Garden hosted The Salvation Army’s annual Back-to-School celebration. Over 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to children as they got ready to start the new school year. Along with the bags, a local barber was on hand to give fresh haircuts, and Grace Chapel in Cambridge also donated new winter coats. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services provided drinks and snacks.

by Hugo Bravo

Anavanessa Robles comes in every day to volunteer at the busy Salvation Army Harlem Temple Corps. She does everything from helping in the soup kitchen to organizing information for parents like her who take care of special needs children. “I love being a mom,” says Anavanessa. “But volunteering at The Salvation Army is something that I have just for me. I want to give something back to the world and put some good out there.”

by Hugo Bravo

When Jessica Williams went to jail, her oldest daughter, Kylie, at just 11 years old, took on the responsibilities of their home, taking care of family members younger and older than her. After having served her time, Jessica left behind her past life and addictions, hoping to reconnect with her family. But Kylie, forced to grow up quickly in her mother’s absence and having missed out on years of her own childhood, has had to readjust to a new normal.

by Robert Mitchell

The Christian faith mixes as easy as paint at this after-school arts program at The Salvation Army in Pottsville, Pa. It might never have happened without a chance meeting between Captain BettyEllen Barrett and Shelby Van Cleef, who leads the program, at a Pennsylvania street fair. The area is a rough one, and The Salvation Army provides a safe space every Thursday for kids ages 6 to high school to express their artistic sides and learn about the love of Jesus Christ.

by Warren L. Maye

Respect for the poor and downtrodden people in our society comes after we take a second and third look and keep looking until we understand and care about who we see. Reading this article will sharpen your perspective and encourage you to actively engage in ways that will give you the courage and compassion to truly see and help transform lives.