by Hugo Bravo

Summer is finally here, and with it come morning runs, outdoor pickup games, and lunchtime walks. But hot weather also makes our bodies work harder during exercise. You can even lose a liter of sweat or more every hour that you work out in the heat. Learn how to keep yourself hydrated during exercise, protect your skin in the sun, and recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

by Hugo Bravo

Rahna Fahringer survived 30 hours as a hostage of an ex-boyfriend, a former inmate. Rahna was shot twice during that traumatic event but survived. Unable to work and on the advice of her therapist, Rahna began giving her time to The Salvation Army Service Extension Unit in Brunswick, Ohio. Mark Fahringer, Rahna’s ex-husband, also began the 49-9 Project, an outreach program to guide soon-to-be and recently released inmates to services, resources, and more.

by Guest

What does being a Christian really mean? This piece invites you to dive in and find out. Regardless of where you stand in your relationship with Christ, you can show Jesus’ love by being patient, compassionate, and fully present for others: an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

by Robert Mitchell

The Salvation Army’s Learning Lighthouse, a new child care center for 112 children, is rising in Mount Vernon, Ohio. When completed, the 13,270-square-foot facility and the existing corps will take up an entire city block called “Salvation Square.” Captain Christine Moretz, the corps officer in Mount Vernon, said the new center will not only take care of children physically but also spiritually because the Holy Spirit “lives and abides in our facilities at The Salvation Army.”

by Hugo Bravo

Not long ago, The Salvation Army in Syracuse received anonymous donations to its two churches, the Syracuse Temple Corps and the Syracuse Citadel Corps. “This person knows us and our churches by name,” says Major Charles F. Roberts, area coordinator and director of county operations for The Salvation Army Syracuse Area Services. “I’m going to dig in and embrace that mystery.... There are times and circumstances where only God knows when and how He will bless us.”

by Robert Mitchell

George Boychock has had a rough life marked by drugs and alcohol, prison, and near-death experiences, but at age 72, the Carlisle, Pa., man has found peace through Jesus Christ. Once given only two hours to live, George is now sober and volunteers for the soup kitchen at The Salvation Army. He continues to grow in his faith and says the greatest desire of his heart is to start a prison ministry.

by Guest

As Salvationists, when we talk about our beliefs, we’re tapping into a vibrant tradition of faith. Even though it happened 1,700 years ago, the First Council of Nicaea still plays a key role in shaping Christian beliefs today. How does the Nicene Creed inform your faith as a Christian and a Salvationist? Rob Jeffery, director of the Eastern Territory’s Heritage Museum, explores the meaning behind this meeting of the early Church.

by Warren L. Maye

Whenever you move to a new spot, it’s a great chance to grow, try new things, and see the world in a fresh way. This story is about people who have shuffled around quite a bit in their lives. They keep it simple, pack light, and prioritize quality over quantity. And they make a huge difference in others’ lives through their work. There’s plenty we can learn from them.

by Warren L. Maye

When a flash flood hits at night, or a hurricane tears the roof off your house by day, or a plane crashes and catches fire, Emergency Disaster Services workers from The Salvation Army need to stay calm and show some real compassion. They’ve got the experience and training to handle tough situations, and they’re committed to providing not just critical supplies but emotional and spiritual support to help get through these crises.

by Hugo Bravo

Majors Annalise and Billy Francis, corps officers at The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc, are the minds behind the Kroc’s Theater Group. “Running the theater program is a herculean effort,” says Major Billy. “But everything the Kroc does is an avenue of discipleship that promotes Christ.” With a hardworking Kroc staff and young performers dedicated to the craft, the theater program has continued to change lives, becoming one of its most exciting ministries.

by Robert Mitchell

Milo Rivera, 5, meets a friendly goat during Family Fun Night at The Salvation Army’s Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings in Maine. The evening is always a hit with kids and adults alike. For the perfect ending to the day, there’s usually a short program in the Seaside Pavilion before everyone gathers for ice cream. This year’s camp meetings are July 26–29. The popular Pier Festival, which features the best of Salvation Army arts ministries, runs July 24–27. From July 28 to July 30, anyone who’s interested can attend Bible studies on the beach and inside the nearby Salvation Army church.

by Hugo Bravo

A broken bone can put many activities to a stop. But while you recover, your body is hard at work to heal the fracture and get the bone back to normal. Learn about what foods and exercises can help your body heal faster. And do broken bones heal more strongly than before, or is it a myth?

by Warren L. Maye

Here are some podcasts we’ve been listening to that keep the focus on Christ. Stream or download Holy Post, Faith Over Fear, The Grace Message, Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope, and The Table from your favorite platform, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.

by Hugo Bravo

Olivia Williams spent last summer visiting six of The Salvation Army’s summer camps. Getting a new view of how camp operates — through Olivia’s enthusiastic eyes — will show the families of the Newport, R.I., Corps, where Olivia’s parents are corps officers, that a summer for their kids with The Salvation Army is closer than they think.

by Guest

There is nothing to fear as we ask the Holy Spirit, both personally and corporately, for a deeper infilling of Himself. For instance, on the day of Pentecost, our brothers and sisters experienced a spiritual wind and fire, but they were not knocked off their feet nor did they receive any first-degree burns. And neither will we when we come together (Acts 2:6) in the presence of an almighty God.

by Hugo Bravo

You can add some fun to your thrift store shopping by turning it into a game of pairs. Can you find two movies with the same actor? How about a book of recipes and some kitchenware to try them out? Check out the pairs we found at our Salvation Army thrift store.

by Guest

Some view her as the ideal to live by, but can or should every Christian woman set out to be just like this hardworking, strong, courageous, but imaginary person? That’s right: She is not real. She is make-believe. Only One sets a perfect example of godliness; only One gives us a complete picture. Let us always identify ourselves with Jesus.

by Hugo Bravo

Rosa Lewis and Marisol Williams, longtime soldiers of the Rochester Temple Corps in upstate New York, are always ready to fill in for whatever the corps needs. “When officers travel on business, we stay in communication with them. They know that Rosa and I are here to clean, teach, or preach if we need to,” says Marisol.

by Robert Mitchell

Jonathan Torres, who has spent roughly half his life in prison, faced a near-death experience and lived. He has literally overcome his demons with the help of The Salvation Army and now serves with the men’s ministry in York, Pa., helping homeless individuals overcome their challenges and pointing them to Jesus Christ.

by Hugo Bravo

The Salvation Army’s Joy ministry brings the arts, along with some famous superheroes and princesses, to children at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York. “Children at this hospital have serious, life-threatening conditions,” says Resa Berry, director of Joy. “I hope that the memories we bring can connect the families with the love, grace, and hope of Christ.”

by Hugo Bravo

“All my value comes from God,” says Captain Dustin Fitch, corps officer at The Salvation Army Columbus East Main Corps Community Center in Ohio. “Alone, my best is not all that good. God Himself can do anything, but it requires all of us to show up. The Lord cannot work if we, His vessels, are not available to Him.”

by Warren L. Maye

Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y., is the final resting place for many prominent figures within The Salvation Army who have been “promoted to Glory.” We take time to remember them and their dedication to serving others and offer prayers of thanksgiving for their lives and contributions.

by Hugo Bravo

As the guest worship leader at the Eastern Territory Commissioning Weekend opening celebration, Christian singer-songwriter Israel Houghton will welcome Salvation Army cadets as they are ordained to serve the Lord. “I want to make music that says God is good and faithful,” says Israel, “no matter who or where you are.”

by Guest

To call it simply a cemetery or a graveyard feels incorrect. The size of a small town, it is a resting place for thousands of people, with many communities represented among the orderly plots. Salvationists “promoted to Glory” lay buried in countless cemeteries across the country, but the beautiful grounds of Kensico help tell the story of The Salvation Army in America.

by Major Lauren Hodgson

Holy Week and the life of Jesus Christ is not based on a true story — it is one. It’s the most extraordinary story ever told!