Hugo Bravo – SAconnects Magazine

The Ministry in Our Hands: Black Voices of The Salvation Army

The Ministry in Our Hands: Black Voices of The Salvation Army

By Hugo Bravo|2026-03-05T15:16:39-05:00February 13th, 2026|

For Black History Month, SAconnects spoke to pastors, employees, and members of The Salvation Army Eastern Territory about the ministries in which God has placed them. Some arrived with experience suited to their responsibilities. Others were caught off guard, forced to learn quickly under pressure. But all their ministries have been enriched thanks to their willingness to take these roles into their hands and let the Lord guide their feet forward.

Where Trust Blooms

Where Trust Blooms

By Hugo Bravo|2026-01-23T07:56:52-05:00January 23rd, 2026|

Like other Salvation Army ministries, the Bloom Initiative anti-human trafficking program walks closely alongside the people they help. But walking with someone who has dealt with the abuse and manipulation of human trafficking isn’t a simple straight line. Building trust is crucial for both sides, but trust doesn’t come easy. It’s a process involving case work, one-on-one interactions, and showing that every survivor is worthy of love and hope for a better future.

Bells and Bikers

Bells and Bikers

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:07:25-05:00November 26th, 2025|

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.

Dealing with Holiday Stress

Dealing with Holiday Stress

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:06:59-05:00November 26th, 2025|

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.

Toast to the season

Toast to the season

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:06:48-05:00November 26th, 2025|

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!

Healing Begins at the Core

Healing Begins at the Core

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:06:26-05:00November 26th, 2025|

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.”

James Knight

James Knight

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:05:50-05:00November 25th, 2025|

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.

A Personal Connection

A Personal Connection

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:02:57-05:00November 25th, 2025|

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.”

Las Buenas Obras de Angelita (Angelita’s Good Works)

Las Buenas Obras de Angelita (Angelita’s Good Works)

By Hugo Bravo|2025-11-25T14:01:52-05:00November 25th, 2025|

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?”

Feeding Souls, Changing Hearts

Feeding Souls, Changing Hearts

By Hugo Bravo|2025-10-29T14:25:56-04:00October 30th, 2025|

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.”

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