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The Salvation Army is a worldwide cooperation whose biblical teachings are connected to the Evangelical Sanctuary around the globe. Its teaching is from the Holy Bible. Their concept is inspired by the adoration of Jesus Christ. Its charge is to spread the truth of God’s love and help others in His name without prejudice.
Clergyman, William Booth began his spiritual, missionary journey in England in 1852. Before this, his ministry was contained to method of delivery and the traditional church. Dissatisfied with this method of outreach, William took to the streets of London. This is where he felt his real work of the Lord began. He preached to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the down-trodden.
Unfortunately, William’s colleagues did not agree with his unorthodox method so he and his wife Catherine left the church to teach others how to evangelize throughout England. After thirteen years, they returned to the East End of London and a great number of people joined their crusade. In just 10 short years, their organization exceeded 1,000 volunteers and ministers. At this time, they were functioning under the name “The Christian Mission.”
Robbers, ladies of the night, plungers, and alcoholics were among the first to conform to Christianity. And soon, they were also spreading God’s word in the streets of London.
When Booth read a printer’s proof of the 1878 “Christian Mission” annual report, he noticed the statement “The Christian Mission is a volunteer army.” Crossing out the words “volunteer army,” he penned in “Salvation Army.” From those words came the basis of the foundation deed.
From then on, converts became soldiers of Christ and were known then, and now, as Salvationists. They initiated an offensive throughout the British Isles that, despite violence and persecution, converted 250,000 Christians between 1881 and 1885. Their message spread so fast, it gained famed in America and soon after Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland, and Germany.
Today, The Salvation Army serves in over 100 countries, extending the message of God’s healing and hope to all those in need.
A Place of Healing and Giving
The Salvation Army is a place of healing and giving. Many people come there broken, destitute, seeking refuge, and many other reasons. The Salvation Army exists to meet human needs wherever, whenever, and however, they can. Together, they feed, shelter, mentor, rehabilitate, rescue victims of human trafficking, help disaster survivors, and provide hope. They do the most good whenever and wherever they are needed.
Meeting the needs of people in the name of Jesus Christ is the heart of The Salvation Army’s work. We open our arms to serve people who are most desperate for physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Since human needs differ from state to state, city to city, and person to person, we find local solutions through support from the local community.
Their generosity is not limited to individual help but spreads abroad. They are an asset and benefit to the
community. Direct support to families includes camps, recreation programs, food assistance, holiday programs, housing aid, and activity centers. Other services such as adult rehabilitation and worldwide disaster relief help families directly or indirectly.
Doing The Most Good
“Doing the Most Good” is The Salvation Army’s national and unique mission. It is a statement that identifies them and sets them apart. “Doing the Most Good” is an assurance they make to their donors, patrons, workers, and partners. They have committed to making sure over 80 percent of every dollar is gifted and personally dispersed to help those in need.
This assurance involves a double perspective for workers. They promise to do right by their employees by giving a motivated feeling of worth in their work, through training and mentoring, and by offering pay and benefits that permit employees and their families to feel secure in their health and their future. These benefits add to the success of The Salvation Army’s global mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs.
Regardless of the position you hold, everyone, at every location is encouraged to uphold the trademark of the organization by doing their very best work. Furthermore, its workers are trusted to assist the needs of those they work with, patrons, and consumers with care and grace. By completing their duties and adhering to the principles of the Salvation Army, they are honoring the mission.
The Salvation Army strives to present its principals so that its employees, no matter who they are, they may be observers of great production, and proud to say, “I am The Salvation Army; I am doing the most good.”
Written by Sharri Rogers
Sources:
The Salvation Army USA: History of The Salvation Army
Pocket Sense: How Does the Salvation Army Help Families? By Karen Farnen
Caringmagazine.org: 30 Things You Didn’t Know About The Salvation Army
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Graham Willetts
First Inset Image Courtesy of VCSA Salvation Army
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Dan King