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 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

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.

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 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

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.”