What’s New
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!
by Hugo Bravo
Achoo! Allergy season is here. Learn about why some of us get runny noses and itchy eyes in the spring, and ways to keep your allergy symptoms in check.
by Hugo Bravo
The Salvation Army in Harrisburg, Pa., is showing that anyone, any age, can serve their community. Families Go M.A.D. (Make a Difference) hosts volunteer activities for elementary and middle school-age children and introduces them to the Army’s mission.
by Hugo Bravo
Fans of comic books and graphic novels can find exciting additions to their collections at Salvation Army thrift stores.
by Warren L. Maye
There’s a Bible app for that! Get instant access to Scripture and so much more for your personal devotions and group study. We’ve looked at a few that you might want to download to your mobile device to have the Bible at your fingertips.
by Warren L. Maye
At the Lancaster, Pa., Citadel Corps, a sewing club for seniors offers a welcoming space with ample opportunities to come together, work on projects, and share knowledge.
by Hugo Bravo
Phil Clark, a volunteer at The Salvation Army in Perth Amboy, N.J., is retired from his job as a postal worker. Whether helping at the food pantry or showing up early to clear brush, he’s always happy to help any way he can.
by Robert Mitchell
Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the crux of the Christian faith. You can find a lot of hints about its truthfulness from the Scriptures — from the dramatic change in the apostles to the eyewitness testimony of those who saw him alive. Celebrate the Resurrection, knowing it’s a fact.
by Robert Mitchell
Cathleen Virgalla didn’t know her life would change the day she walked into a Salvation Army soup kitchen looking for help. She found a lot more than food that day and has even attended a Salvation Army leadership seminar to be a leader at her corps in Bristol, Conn. Her children have found a home at the corps too.
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!
by Hugo Bravo
Achoo! Allergy season is here. Learn about why some of us get runny noses and itchy eyes in the spring, and ways to keep your allergy symptoms in check.
by Hugo Bravo
The Salvation Army in Harrisburg, Pa., is showing that anyone, any age, can serve their community. Families Go M.A.D. (Make a Difference) hosts volunteer activities for elementary and middle school-age children and introduces them to the Army’s mission.
by Hugo Bravo
Fans of comic books and graphic novels can find exciting additions to their collections at Salvation Army thrift stores.
by Warren L. Maye
There’s a Bible app for that! Get instant access to Scripture and so much more for your personal devotions and group study. We’ve looked at a few that you might want to download to your mobile device to have the Bible at your fingertips.
by Warren L. Maye
At the Lancaster, Pa., Citadel Corps, a sewing club for seniors offers a welcoming space with ample opportunities to come together, work on projects, and share knowledge.
by Hugo Bravo
Phil Clark, a volunteer at The Salvation Army in Perth Amboy, N.J., is retired from his job as a postal worker. Whether helping at the food pantry or showing up early to clear brush, he’s always happy to help any way he can.
by Robert Mitchell
Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the crux of the Christian faith. You can find a lot of hints about its truthfulness from the Scriptures — from the dramatic change in the apostles to the eyewitness testimony of those who saw him alive. Celebrate the Resurrection, knowing it’s a fact.
by Robert Mitchell
Cathleen Virgalla didn’t know her life would change the day she walked into a Salvation Army soup kitchen looking for help. She found a lot more than food that day and has even attended a Salvation Army leadership seminar to be a leader at her corps in Bristol, Conn. Her children have found a home at the corps too.
by Guest
When The Salvation Army ventured into the United States, a young woman in her teens led the way, circa 1880. Her name was Eliza Shirley, and her ministry to people of all ages lit a spiritual flame in Philadelphia that spread across the nation and still burns brightly today.
by Hugo Bravo
“Pathway of Hope is not a handout, and it’s not going to change a life immediately,” says Janette Romero, Pathway of Hope case manager in Meriden, Conn. “But it is successful because case managers stay involved and engaged with their clients.”
by Robert Mitchell
There’s no retirement from God’s kingdom. While aging comes with its share of challenges, there is a way to do so gracefully that brings glory to God. Learn how some people have no plans for a rocking chair but instead want to serve God all the days of their lives.
by Hugo Bravo
You might have heard about professional athletes being pulled from games or taking time off to heal due to a concussion. A concussion is a type of head injury that happens when a physical hit, like a tackle, causes your brain to shake or even twist inside your skull. Years ago, an athlete who took a hit to the head was told to “shake it off” and keep playing. Today, we are better prepared to recognize the symptoms of a concussion. Read on to know the dangers of head injuries and how to stay safe.
by Robert Mitchell
Jonathan Torres knows what it’s like to be hungry and wonder where he’s going to sleep at night. When he wasn’t in a prison cell, he spent most of 2007 to 2011 living on the streets. Today, Torres has come full circle as part of the men’s ministry at the York, Pa., Spanish Temple Corps. He helps minister to homeless people and others in need every Tuesday evening from a Salvation Army canteen.
by Warren L. Maye
Four movies, three based on real-life stories, will move, uplift, and inspire you.
by Hugo Bravo
Most grandparents are content with the role of occasional babysitter, weekend dinner host, and shopper for that extra-special Christmas present for the grandkids. But sometimes, a loss in the family, health issues, or legal problems may mean that grandparents must step up and become the primary caregivers for their children’s children. The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford’s Parents Second Time Around program is giving these families the tools, information, and support they need.
by Hugo Bravo
On a cold February evening at Maple Ski Ridge in Schenectady, N.Y., Captain Bree Barker, an experienced skier and snowboarder, showed Dominick Fogle the proper way to stand after a fall on his board.
by Hugo Bravo
Getting ready for the playoffs? Score some team gear at your Salvation Army thrift store.
by Hugo Bravo
In many communities, the local church serves as a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual life. For Black members, it’s also a space of resilience, identity, and empowerment. These interviews with African American Salvation Army officers, employees, and supporters highlight their contributions and ministries, while also recognizing some challenges they’ve faced. We acknowledge them by sharing their testimonies with you. We celebrate the integral role they each play in the mission. Most of all, we honor them for their work in honoring the mission of The Salvation Army every day.
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
In this issue, you’ll find stories about individuals aging gracefully and others striving for spiritual growth. Life is our most valuable asset. Once time is spent, it cannot be regained like material possessions. See how these people are using their time wisely by engaging in spiritually uplifting activities as they support — and gain support from — the people around them.