The Salvation Army
September 7, 2005 19 Comments
It was just one week ago when we were all starting to realize that the after effects of Hurricane Katrina were going to be something that our nation has never encountered before. New images of stranded people, damaged and destroyed houses, deserted freeways and automobiles were coming at a mind numbing rate. Everyone was asking “How can this be happening, this is America”. Well, it is America, and Katrina is proof that natural disasters can strike anyone anywhere at anytime. When disaster strikes, we pull together as a nation, and support the organizations that have been there for us before, and will be there for us again, long after this incident is over. Today Family First looks as an organization that is right in the middle of things, and tells how you can contribute to them.
The name of the organization is the Salvation Army. Many of us think of them as the bell ringers outside of stores during the Christmas season. But there is more to them than that, and they have a long and honorable history.
In 1865, William Booth, an ordained Methodist minister, aided by his wife Catherine, formed an evangelical group dedicated to preaching among the �unchurched� people living in the midst of appalling poverty in London�s East End. Booth�s ministry recognized the interdependence of material, emotional and spiritual needs. In addition to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Booth became involved in the feeding and shelter of the hungry and homeless and in rehabilitation of alcoholics.
Booth and his followers, originally known as The Christian Mission, became The Salvation Army in 1878, when that organization evolved on a quasi-military pattern. Booth became �the General� and officers� ranks were given to his ministers.
The Salvation Amy has functioned successfully within that unusual structure for more than a century. As of 2005, its outreach has been expanded to include more than 100 countries, and the Gospel is preached by its officers in more than 160 languages.
At this site you can read about their action in the gulf states where Katrina wreaked havoc. On August 30th, they were positioning assets to help the victims. On September 6th, there were 290 people airlifted from the Salvation Army facility in New Orleans (including 14 children and 3 kidney dialysis patients). They are now working to help with relocation of survivors, providing them with the necessities of daily life, in general helping them put their shattered lives back together.
Visit this site, read about the wonderful work that the Army is doing, and dig a little deeper into your wallet and help them out with a donation. This is the least we can do for our fellow citizens.
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf
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For example - they are adamantly opposed to drinking alcohol and yet they are one of the biggest "help" agencies for people who consume alcohol - and often have no intention of stopping. They do not believe that drug use is right - and yet they help many, many people who are doing drugs (some trying to stop, some not).
I support The Salvation Army and applaud their efforts to help those less fortunate. If their beliefs don't agree with mine, well - they are certainly doing a better job with my money than anyone else I can think of.