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By Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder –
Dear Fellow Salvationists:
Our mission as an Army is based upon the ministry of Jesus. When he saw a physical need, he provided for it, and in so doing showed the love of God. When he saw a spiritual need, he provided teaching and demonstrated grace. Sometimes, he did both.
This divine model remains at the heart of who we are. Our spiritual and social ministries should never be separated, either corporately or in the witness of the individual Salvationist. As the Soldier’s Covenant says:
“I will be faithful to the purpose for which God raised up The Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavoring to win others to Him, and in His name caring for the needy and disadvantaged.”
This integrated ministry model sets our Army apart. In a society that often questions the value of an active faith, it is the answer to those who are searching for meaning and fulfillment, and I hope that the Salvation Smoothie video released last week will help you explain this to others.
Now, let’s get specific. In the attached video, I’m calling upon every Salvationist to redouble his or her commitment to the principle of integrated ministry in the context of an epidemic that is sweeping our country – homelessness. I am asking that we work together to find solutions, whether it’s in your neighborhood, your division, or across this Territory. And I am asking this confident in the knowledge that, as we seek his will, God will provide the answers.
You have heard me say that our Army is strongest when every Salvationist is engaged in battle. In fact, we can’t afford to have anyone in the rear. It’s time to bring out all the reserves. As the old song used to say, “the world is needing us, Christ is leading us.” So join me. In the power of God, let’s live up to our heritage and bring healing and transformation to those who need it most.
May God bless you.
Dear Sir:
I strongly support the Salvation Army and all their good work now and over the years. I cannot understand that in downtown West Oakland , Calif. where there are numerous homeless camps the Salvation Army provides no services. They have services in East Oakland but nothing in the critical area of downdown West Oakland. This is a huge gap of doing nothing where there is a serious need.
I have mentioned this with my donations for a long time and Nothing Happens.
Dear Sir:
I strongly support the Salvation Army and all their good work now and over the years. I cannot understand that in downtown West Oakland , Calif. where there are numerous homeless camps the Salvation Army provides no services. They have services in East Oakland but nothing in the critical area of downdown West Oakland. This is a huge gap of doing nothing where there is a serious need.
I have mentioned this with my donations for a long time and Nothing Happens.