Lorie Collier Davis remembers how her mother and father gave money to the Salvation Army’s red kettles during the Christmas season. Eleanor and Tom Collier had always instilled a strong sense of giving in Lorie and in her brothers Jeff, Doug, and Kevin. The parents also believed, as Lorie does, that Christ must always be in the center of their work and purpose.
“The Salvation Army, instead of cursing the darkness, has lit a candle.” Those were the words of civil rights leader James Farmer at the dedication of The Salvation Army Hough Center in October 1969. The $2 million multi–purpose community center, the first of its kind for The Salvation Army, was created in response to the 1966 Hough Riots.
CAPTAIN LENISSA RIVERA, pastor at The Salvation Army’s Newport, R.I. church, talks about performing live at the Apollo, learning piano during school lunch hours, and how music has become the gift in her life that has kept on giving.
When news broke last March that the Salvation Army’s Philadelphia West Corps would host a vaccine clinic, the community response was enthusiastic. “Our phone was ringing off the hook to make appointments, but we had to direct them to the health department. They were the ones setting everything up. We were only providing the location,” says Major Celestin Nkounkou, pastor at the Philadelphia West Corps.
For new fundraiser ideas to help its mission, The Salvation Army in Buffalo, N.Y., got some inspiration from the Midwest. “In Minnesota, the Minneapolis Corps offered a day of events that included a competition like the show ‘The Amazing Race,’” says Laurie Krajna, development director at The Salvation Army Buffalo Area Services, WNY Region.
Like many grade schools, high schools, and colleges, Sunday schools have adapted to significant changes due to COVID–19 restrictions. They have fewer meetings and far shorter time periods than do other schools, and some have gone virtual or have been canceled.
Chris Farrand, the Salvation Army's regional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) director for Massachusetts and Southern New England, talks about recognizing a sign from God, visiting COVID–19 patients in hotels, and lessons he learned from shepherding in England.
Cassidy Bowers, formerly an event and volunteer program manager for The Salvation Army Massachusetts Divisional Headquarters, talks about learning new skills and ways to serve during COVID–19; what it’s like to put on the Salvation Army’s mascot costume; and what she looks forward to doing when the pandemic is over.
Learning to play an instrument can provide many benefits for students of all ages. Through music, young people can find a way to express themselves and discover untapped talent. It can also help adults lower their stress, alleviate depression, and quicken their reaction time.
Becki Dina, a Salvation Army soldier and owner and decorator of Sugar Arts Bakehouse in Shaker Heights, Ohio, took on a hobby that became a job, which then became a ministry. After teaching for 12 years, Dina left her job to spend more time with her children. But once she became settled in at home, she found herself looking for things to do to help pass the time and be more productive. She thought, A hobby that provides an income would be an added bonus.
The Salvation Army Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Salvation Army Eastern Territory Headquarters
Serving communities in Connecticut, Delaware, Northeast Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.
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