FROM THE EDITOR
FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner William A. Bamford III Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Philip J. Maxwell DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Joseph Pritchard EDITOR IN CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Warren L. Maye MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines PUBLICATION CONTENT MANAGER AND DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Dave Hulteen Jr., Keri Johnson, Joe Marino, Mabel Zorzano
Stuck in traffic
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lu Lu Rivera CIRCULATION Doris Marasigan
THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Member since 2015 Award winner 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021
SACONNECTS is published by The Salvation Army USA’s Eastern Territory. Bulk rate is $12.00 per issue for 25–100 copies. Subscriptions are available. Write to: SACONNECTS, The Salvation Army, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. Vol. 8, No. 4, 2022. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SACONNECTS, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SACONNECTS accepts advertising. Copyright ©2022 by The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory. Articles may be reprinted only with written permission. All scripture references are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless indicated otherwise.
www.saconnects.org | @saconnects
WARREN L. MAYE Editor in Chief
Recently on a sweltering day in San Antonio, Texas, someone found a semi–tractor trailer truck abandoned along a highway. Although it looked like a legitimate delivery vehicle, inside authorities discovered the bodies of at least 53 people. Some were said to be younger than 18. The incident is being called the deadliest human smuggling case in modern U.S. history. Experts say that such crimes can quickly turn into human trafficking cases. Although individuals trafficked for labor and sex represent a global problem, it is also prevalent in most communities in the United States. Fortunately, there are dedicated agencies and individuals who are committed to fight this scourge on society and to help save lives. This issue of SACONNECTS magazine focuses on some of those courageous people who are working for The Salvation Army. You’ll discover how in New York City, members of The Salvation Army P.E.A.R.L. Essence ministry are on the streets and reaching out to people caught up in this billion–dollar industry. These volunteers, employees, and officers are helping to turn lives around, one person at a time. You’ll also read a personal testimony from a man whose family was labor trafficked for years in America’s heartland. He eventually found a way out, even before laws were on the books to support his struggle. Today, he advises U.S. presidents. From a historical perspective, you’ll learn how the Army’s involvement in anti–human trafficking began years ago in London, England, when Salvationists engineered an ingenious, but dangerous ruse that spotlighted the problem. Their effort resulted in changing the law and society’s moral compass on child labor and sex trafficking. You’ll be reminded by a Christian mystery writer how the truth can be stranger than fiction. Her latest book explores human trafficking from a novel perspective. I pray that you and yours will never be stuck in this kind of traffic. But keep your eyes open; your next–door neighbor might be among those who are.
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