Snapshot
by Robert Mitchell
Christian recording artist Lauren Daigle performed the Christmas songs in a New York City subway station last December with members of the New York Staff Band while two Salvation Army officers—Captain Clifford Douglas and Envoy LeNissa Sukhdeo—rang the bells.
by Hugo Bravo
The Boston Celtics were in the middle of what would turn out to be their 18th championship season when the organization came together with Dunkin’ to unveil a renovated basketball court at The Salvation Army South End Corps in March. The two Boston-based entities, which have a history of working with The Salvation Army in Massachusetts, collaborated on the project.
by Hugo Bravo
In 1924, The Salvation Army received 116 acres of campground property in Sharon, Mass. The site, originally called a Fresh Air Camp, is now preparing to celebrate its 100th year as Camp Wonderland. Each year, “The Happy Summer Place” welcomes school children, many from underprivileged and inner-city areas, to experience a summer of music, activities—like climbing, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, and archery—and a newunderstanding of Christ’s love, all amid His beautiful creation.
by Hugo Bravo
The solar panels over the parking lot and on the roof at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden, N.J., have modernized the Kroc, says Benjamin Ovadia, the center’s community relations and development director.
by Warren L. Maye
They say that at any given moment, we pretend not to see, hear, feel, or smell something around us. It’s a reflex. A mechanism of self-preservation, a way of getting through our discomfort. Be it on the street, on the train, or in a room, we reason that to do anything else would be inappropriate, awkward, or downright dangerous. But the truth is, we do see, and many times we deeply care. In those moments, God calls us to sense His presence and be prepared to do something.
by Warren L. Maye
Lieutenant Clifford Douglas, a Salvation Army officer and pastor, rings the bell at Christmastime in New York City.
Bell ringers typically share heartwarming reflections when asked about their service on those frequently cold December days. One said, “Some people give us donations, others stop to chat, and some even stay and sing awhile with us.”
by Warren L. Maye
Young campers pray together after seeing a “Jesus Theater” performance at a Salvation Army camp in Ohio.
by Warren L. Maye
Recently, the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army used music to express the glory of God in a concert called “Creation” by Dorothy Gates, then the band’s composer in residence. The band, now more than 145 years in existence, is among the finest Christian band in performance.
by Warren L. Maye
These young dancers of the Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM) summer camp are diligent in their pursuit of skills that will allow them to express their heartfelt message of hope.
by Warren L. Maye
People line up outside The Salvation Army Brooklyn Sunset Park Corps Community Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., during lunchtime.
Programs
by Hugo Bravo
Distribution Day is the highlight of the year for The Salvation Army in Syracuse. That day, families who have signed up through the Army and met income requirements visit the Syracuse Oncenter Convention Center and receive a donation of toys for their children and food for their home, meeting with an assistant to guide them in making selections.
by Hugo Bravo
Give people a chance to express themselves through the arts, and they can blossom—and even grow into something beyond their imagination. When The Salvation Army in Delaware saw an opportunity to encourage members of its Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) to explore their talents, a new ministry of art and enterprise emerged.
by Hugo Bravo
The men at Muskingum County Jail in Zanesville, Ohio, were at Bible study. Two participants whispered, as if each was trying to convince the other to speak up. They had just listened to Salvation Army Envoy George Bates and ministry assistant Seth Hall talk about the Book of Exodus, and how God told Moses that He would be with him as Moses set up his tent outside of the Israelite camp, where Moses could work and settle disputes.
by Hugo Bravo
In the early days of summer 2023, members of The Salvation Army Niagara Falls Citadel Corps knocked on over 2,000 doors to invite the community to a series of weekly summer BBQs. They also asked everyone if there was anything in their lives that they wanted the Salvationists to pray for.
by Hugo Bravo
Before Captain Wanessa Moore planned the first Women’s Empowerment Day at The Salvation Army’s Northern Kentucky Corps, the center was already a welcoming space for survivors of trauma.
by Hugo Bravo
Captain Bree Barker, a longtime snowboarder and skier, knows that those winter sports provide lessons in perseverance. “When you start, you are going to fall a lot. And when you fall in the cold snow with your skis or snowboard, and all your heavy gear on you, it’s a task just to get back up,” says Barker, a pastor at the Troy Temple Corps in upstate New York.
by Hugo Bravo
The Salvation Army’s contribution to Toyland, a two–day Christmas celebration at the Jackson Township Senior Center in Jackson, N.J., begins with a gift of about 2,000 teddy bears.
by Hugo Bravo
For a new fundraising ministry, members of the Salvation Army’s Buffalo N.Y., Corps got some inspiration from the Midwest. “The Minneapolis Corps was doing a day of events and competition across the city,” says Laurie Krajna.
by Hugo Bravo
“The Salvation Army Plugged in Podcast,” originated from the need to reach others, is hosted by Matthew Luhn, divisional Music & Gospel Arts director, and Captains Loreita and Nate Hinzman, divisional youth secretaries in Massachusetts.
by Hugo Bravo
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.
People
by Hugo Bravo
Captain Stanley Pierre-Louis, corps officer at the Jamaica Citadel Corps in New York, talks about his early goal of serving in the Haitian military, the importance of self-care as a pastor, and seeing the work of the Salvation Army “Slum Sisters” through his wife, Captain Ermance Pierre-Louis.
by Hugo Bravo
Major Valerie Kahn, program secretary for The Salvation Army Massachusetts Divisional Headquarters, talks about how the Army’s work in Jamaica helped direct her future, being reminded of the first time she met her husband, and following God’s guidance.
by Hugo Bravo
Captain Kendall Stout, corps officer of The Salvation Army Lock Haven Corps in eastern Pennsylvania, talks about Bible sword drills, welcoming people who are homeless to the church, and how becoming a married partner in ministry will change the way she serves.
by Hugo Bravo
Lieutenant Shirley Figueroa, assistant corps officer at The Salvation Army’s San Juan Corps Community Center in Puerto Rico, talks about the way she honors both her father and God, lessons from King David’s loyalty, and her reason why accepting the call to officership can feel like a game of hide-and-seek.
by Hugo Bravo
Nigeria-born Clifford Omoruyi first learned to play basketball at The Salvation Army Newark Westside Corps in Newark, N.J. Muhammad Oliver, Cliff’s legal guardian and basketball coordinator at the corps, wanted Cliff not just to get the benefits of learning to play, but also to understand how many people were committed to seeing him succeed.
by Hugo Bravo
Sebastian Galvez, president of The Salvation Army’s Echelon Chapter in Morristown, N.J., talks about his gap year after high school, a pet contest on social media that introduced people to the Army’s work, and the power of an act of kindness.
by Hugo Bravo
Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz, territorial commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Territory, talks about how being the eyes for his sightless parents prepared him to be a visionary leader and Commissioner Susan Bukiewicz, territorial president of women’s ministries and territorial leader for officer development for The Salvation Army USA East, talks about why ministering in Eastern Europe made her see Jesus’ sacrifice with new eyes.
by Hugo Bravo
Michelle Harris, volunteer coordinator and outreach worker at The Salvation Army York Citadel in Pennsylvania, talks about why she enjoys working with children at the corps, the ministry that her volunteers have requested to start, and practicing the hobby of coloring in the church’s women’s group.
by Hugo Bravo
Lieutenant Melissa Bonet, pastor at The Salvation Army Ridgewood Citadel in Queens, N.Y., talks about her former career in pastry design, and why being “God—fearing” is a different mindset from “fearing God.”
by Hugo Bravo
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.
by Hugo Bravo
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.
Faith in Action
by Robert Mitchell
Charles Moore and his family used to be able to afford housing, but their life changed when his wife, Tiara, suffered a devastating stroke and couldn’t return to work. All the family had to live on was his modest disability check each month. “That’s how we ended up homeless,” Charles says.
by Hugo Bravo
The Salvation Army’s LIGHT Project reminds people caught up in human trafficking that recovery is not something they have to face alone.
by Hugo Bravo
During the worst flooding disaster Vermont had seen in decades, pastors Keith and Katherine Jache led recovery efforts in the name of God and The Salvation Army. “When you arrive at your new assignment, there are certain people you should seek out and get to know immediately. Of course, people like the mayor are important but also town management workers like the local fire chief. In a disaster situation, that’s the person who is going to be in charge,” says Major Keith.
by Robert Mitchell
The Salvation Army is meeting a major housing need in Buffalo, while creating opportunities to share God’s love.
by Guest
For more than two weeks last February, the Asbury University campus was transformed—and the global effects of the event are still evident. In February of 2023, a small group of praying students expanded to include an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 visitors from all over the United States and nearly 40 countries. They came to witness what is known among Christians as an outpouring—the moving of the Holy Spirit.
by Hugo Bravo
The first time Jordan Ernest Burroughs stepped inside a wrestling class, he saw how different it was from the pro wrestling he had watched on TV. In the class, there were no intricate storylines and larger–than–life characters with names like “The Ultimate Warrior” and “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
by Hugo Bravo
When Major Richard Sanchez got the news that he and his wife, Major Lolita Sanchez, would be the next officers to serve as pastors at The Salvation Army in North Shore, he couldn’t help but feel excited.
by Robert Mitchell
Jackie Bradshaw’s once–promising tennis career at Bethany College in Kansas disappeared after she underwent elbow surgery and four shoulder procedures, including a full replacement.
While her body seemingly failed her, Jackie’s love for the game and desire for athletic competition never totally disappeared. She longed to play again someday if the opportunity arose. That chance came a few years ago when she took up a new paddle–ball game that swept the country.
by Hugo Bravo
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.
by Robert Mitchell
Most young men first learn about woodworking in their high school wood shop class, but Captain Darell Houseton, a pastor in The Salvation Army, discovered a different path.
“My high school didn’t offer anything close to wood shop,” says Houseton, who went to Irvington High School in Irvington, N.J., before his days as an officer.
by Hugo Bravo
Members of Joanne Small’s community lovingly gave her the title “Mother of the Kroc” because she was a warm, motherly soul with a love for people and boundless energy to help others, whether it be as a teacher, a caregiver or as a listening ear. Her expertly crafted nails and Air Jordan sneakers earned her the nickname “Ms. J.” There wasn’t a job at the Boston Kroc Center that Ms. J could not do, and there wasn’t a person in need who she could turn away.
by Hugo Bravo
Hours before their historic concert in Cuba, members of The Salvation Army’s New York Staff Band (NYSB) traded their brass instruments and uniforms for paintbrushes and T–shirts. Joining them was Commissioner E. Sue Swanson, territorial president of Women’s Ministries, Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, and soldiers and officers of the Havana Central Corps. That morning, everyone pitched in to help give the 55–year–old corps, which also serves as the Divisional Headquarters, a makeover.
by Guest
I have always been intrigued by the existence of human trafficking in our world. I’ve often wondered, how could such a heinous crime be so prevalent in a world that we say is so advanced?
In pursuing this question, I was told that the answer is to combat this crime through our purchasing decisions...
All of these strategies were great, but I wanted to do more.
by Robert Mitchell
“Will you content yourselves with sitting in a chapel, week after week, while countless men and women, boys and girls, die and go in to eternity without ever hearing the good news of Jesus Christ?”
At the recent Candidates Seminar, Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood asked this question of his audience as he portrayed Joe the Turk, the Salvation Army’s legendary evangelist.
by Robert Mitchell
The audience at the Friday night Candidates Seminar had just witnessed a powerful drama about the life of Salvationist pioneer Joe the Turk, a courageous evangelist who took Christ’s message to the streets.
Then Colonel Janet Munn, principal of the College for Officer Training (CFOT), told a gym full of potential officers that God is looking for people from the current generation to demonstrate a similar evangelistic spirit.
History
by Guest
For many years, the General of The Salvation Army has recorded a Christmas message. Thanks to the internet, nearly every Salvationist around the world can now hear those words of hope. Some of our great pioneers also shared their thoughts about Christmas, and we’re sharing them again here.
by Guest
One of the main expectations any charitable organization must live up to is transparency—to be an “open book” to the public to ensure that it’s worthy of being trusted. When that organization is also a religious movement modeled after the gospel of Jesus Christ, gaining and keeping the public’s trust becomes even more important.
by Guest
Salvationists have served through wars and conflicts, and their stories are important to tell, particularly for those of us who’ve only known stability.
by Guest
The Salvation Army has endured through storms, threats, and trials and has been described as the most effective organization in the United States. With such an accolade, it would be easy to think of the Army as a big ship at sea, easily traversing the waves, constant and sure of its direction, but that was not always so.
by Guest
To say that women have played a vital role in the history of the Church is the understatement of the millennia. But in the Western evangelical tradition of which The Salvation Army is part, women in many denominations are seemingly relegated to the sidelines of ministry. They are welcomed to serve, they are welcomed to teach children, they are welcomed to feed others—yet they are sadly unwelcomed in the pulpit.
by Warren L. Maye
On the eve of their retirement, Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford reflect on their ministry as leaders of The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory and share their hope for the future.
by Robert Mitchell
On Oct. 31, children and adults will again indulge in the pagan custom of Halloween. But did you know that a history–changing event known as the “Protestant Reformation” marks the same day?
by Warren L. Maye
Recent national and world events with respect to social, racial, and political unrest have in some ways hindered and in other ways helped the spirit of reconciliation among our diverse populations.
So, a burning question is, “How do we actually rekindle a sense of hope and restoration among people and rise from the ashes of pain and suffering in a post–COVID–19 world?”
by Warren L. Maye
Rehabilitation has always been the goal of the Salvation Army’s ministry to people who are tempted to misuse substances. From its inception in 1881 when William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, opened shelters in England for the homeless and alcohol abusers, to the 1900s in the United States where men who suffered from similar social and spiritual handicaps collected discarded cardboard and metal scraps to make ends meet.
