WHO WE ARE FAITH IN ACTION
MEETING THE Since COVID–19 vaccinations began, The Salvation Army has treated the mind, body, and spirit by hosting clinics and by easing community concerns with God’s love.
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hen news broke last March that the Salvation Army’s Philadelphia West Corps would host a vaccine clinic, the community response was enthusiastic. “Our phone was ringing off the hook to make appointments, but we had to direct them to the health department. They were the ones setting everything up. We were only providing the location,” says Major Celestin Nkounkou, pastor at the Philadelphia West Corps. Nkounkou and members of the church worked with the local fire department to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The first vaccinations were by appointment only, and on average, 400 people were vaccinated weekly. “We have a large gymnasium, and [our] location is good for this type of work,” says Nkounkou. He sees the clinics as another way The Salvation Army meets human need without discrimination. “This was a good ministry program, and we’re always open to doing it again, if they ask us,” says Nkounkou, who was also vaccinated in his gymnasium.
Vaccinating and educating In 2021, the United States received its most powerful weapon against the COVID–19 pandemic in the form of three different vaccines, all proven to prevent the effects of the viral infection and its potential to cause death. As these vaccines became more accessible to the public, Salvation Army facilities managers across the country opened their doors to health officials and hosted vaccine clinics. As a trusted institution in the community, many Salvation Army church leaders
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Volume 8 Number 1, 2022
