“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16
WHO WE ARE
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Programs Grandparents raising little ones get a boost in Hartford, Conn.
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People Efrain Reyes keeps the gospel in his work and music.
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History The Salvation Army does its civic duty.
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Faith in Action At the York, Pa., Corps, members of the men’s ministry go to meet people in need where they are.
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Thrift Store Finds Score some points with gear for football fans!
LIVING
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Spiritual Life Development
We can scrub dirt from our bodies, but how can we cleanse our souls?
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Editors’ Picks Here are four films centered around faith.
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Health A concussion can be serious, whether you’re an athlete or not.
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Volunteer Spotlight Fahmy Mamuya spends Sundays at the Manchester Corps’ kitchen.
African American Salvationists (like Major Cynthia Foster, shown) and dedicated supporters of The Salvation Army share their testimonies.
FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz
Commissioner Susan Bukiewicz
CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Ivan K. Rock
DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joseph Pritchard
EDITOR IN CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
Warren L. Maye
MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell
EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo
COPY EDITOR / PROOFREADER Donna L. Ng
ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines
PUBLICATION CONTENT
MANAGER AND DESIGNER
Lea La Notte Greene
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dave Hulteen Jr., Joe Marino, Karena Lin
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, 2022, 2023, 2024
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
—Proverbs 11:25
The Salvation Army and the Empire State Building recently joined forces at an event to highlight the vital role your financial contributions can play in supporting individuals and families in need throughout the entire year. Seeing this iconic skyscraper lit in Salvation Army red filled me with awe, and I remembered a time over 30 years ago when I first stood at the bustling intersection of 34th Street and Fifth Avenue and tried to look up at the tower.
I was acutely aware of being beside an architectural marvel, but its staggering design rendered the skyscraper’s heights nearly invisible from my immediate perspective. Only when I observed it from a distance, many blocks away, could I truly appreciate its majestic presence so gracefully dominating the New York City skyline. This experience serves as an apt metaphor. Back then, as I stood next to a familiar red kettle accompanied by a bell ringer in the heart of Manhattan, I had no idea how people’s generous donations made such a huge difference in so many lives throughout all seasons of the year. I believe it is important for supporters, like myself, to take a step back and gain a broader perspective of The Salvation Army’s extensive ministry and outreach efforts within communities across America and the world.
In this issue of SA connects, we aim to provide an overview of the varied ways that The Salvation Army helps lift people who struggle, inspiring them to envision a brighter future (p. 23). We also take you along with a men’s ministry as they reach out to people in the streets of York, Pa., an example of faith in action (p. 12). We invite you to celebrate our collective achievements and reflect on how together we can keep making meaningful changes in people’s lives. I pray that you will enjoy these stories and more, and please accept my heartfelt wishes to you and your family for a happy New Year!
THE SALVATION ARMY’S OTHERS PROGRAM OFFERS PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES MORE ACCESS TO FLEXIBLE JOBS, FAIR WAGES, AND DECENT EMPLOYMENT. THROUGH YOUR PURCHASES, WE PROVIDE LIFE–CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES TO OVER 1200 ARTISANS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD WHO PRODUCE QUALITY HANDMADE PRODUCTS. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION, VISIT WWW . TRADEFORHOPE . COM
WHO WE ARE
Since its founding in 1865, The Salvation Army has been an advocate of temperance. And it’s been committed to complete abstinence from alcohol by its members since 1877.
Did you know?
The Salvation Army’s Community Care Ministries is on the front lines of need. Caregivers normally visit 1 million people a year in hospitals, nursing homes, and group facilities.
In 1896, Major T.C. Marshal, editor of The Salvation Army magazine Conqueror, wrote a letter to Booker T. Washington. He thanked the African American educator and orator for favorable comments regarding the Army’s work in the South. Washington replied that he “always had the greatest respect for the work of The Salvation Army, especially because I have noted that it draws no color line in religion.”
Tuskegee Teacher Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) was born into slavery but became an influential African American leader.
“It is not how many years we live, but what we do with them.”
—Evangeline Booth, the fourth General of The Salvation Army
Donor Corner
Captain Melissa Urbaez, corps officer at The Salvation Army Roxborough Citadel Corps in Philadelphia, had a few themes in mind for last summer’s vacation Bible study (VBS). Then she attended a performance by the nonprofit ASH Theater Company. It was part of a 10day run of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., a stage version of the animated movie Finding Nemo, tailored for younger actors and audiences.
“The props and sets looked wonderful,” Urbaez says. “After the show, I met the people in charge and mentioned that if they didn’t need them when the shows were all finished, we could use them for our summer Bible study. They said we could have all of them. That solidified the choice for our theme. We went with Scuba.”
After the final curtain, the production’s sets—coral, algae, and other underwater marine life—became part of Roxborough’s Scubathemed VBS. The theater props and backgrounds added great visuals to the lessons on building a connection with the Lord.
Underwater Mission Decorations for the Roxborough Citadel Corps’ Scuba-themed vacation Bible study.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
—PROVERBS 22:6
On a cold February evening at Maple Ski Ridge in Schenectady, N.Y., Captain Bree Barker, an experienced skier and snowboarder, showed Dominick Fogle the proper way to stand after a fall on his board.
“When you start these activities, you are going to fall a lot,” says Barker. “And when you fall in the snow with your skis or snowboard, and all your heavy gear on you, it’s a task just to get back up. It’s never fun to fall, but staying down after falling isn’t much fun either. Perseverance is needed in life and on the slopes.”
Barker teamed up with local winter sports teachers to bring children from several Salvation Army corps in upstate New York to the slopes for lessons that would stay with them long after their snow day. A young person who sees a snow-covered hill or mountain for the first time realizes that there’s so much in the world they’ve yet to experience, Barker says. And despite the fast-paced nature of winter sports, the logistics of traveling up and down the mountain create opportunities to connect.
“There’s a lot of time spent on the ski lift as you’re being taken back up the slope for your next ride down,” says Barker. “Just doing that opens up conversations and one-on-one ministry.”
When Grandparents Step Up
by HUGO BRAVO
Most grandparents are content with the role of occasional babysitter, weekend dinner host, and shopper for that extraspecial Christmas present for the grandkids. But sometimes, a loss in the family, health issues, or legal problems may mean that grandparents must step up and become the primary caregivers for their children’s children. The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford’s Parents Second Time Around program is giving these families the tools, information, and support they need.
“Our members are people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s raising children that, many times, have come to them via trauma in their immediate families,” says Major Migdalia Lavenbein, area services coordinator for The Salvation Army in Greater Hartford. “Those children are vulnerable because they’re always looking for love and acceptance and want to feel special. And the grandparents caring for them are usually uninformed about modern technology, the internet, and various social apps. We show those adults how to be aware of the dangers of social media.”
But helping grandparents understand and navigate TikTok or WhatsApp is only part of what Parents Second Time Around does. The Army’s holistic approach to assisting these families comes in the form of advocacy in school and in court, food and rental
assistance when needed, and a community of over 80 seniors and their loved ones.
The soul of the program is caseworker Ruby Lee Brown, a Hartford native and a greatgrandmother herself, with a lifetime of connections to the city and its resources.
“Ruby stays up to date to what’s going on in Hartford, the schools, and most of all, the families of Parents Second Time Around,” says Major Migdalia. “She exudes the love of Christ through her own love for these families, and she learns what they need and how to bring it to the program for them.”
Parents Second Time Around has invited tax and insurance counselors to speak with the families. A children’s law clinic visits for those who need representation in family court. Grandparents have learned how to register to vote and fill out census information, and they’ve met with school district representatives, so they can have a say in where they send their grandchildren to school. Families with older teens get help filling out summer job applications and college forms.
“These are all things any household can struggle with,” says Major Migdalia. “But when you have older caretakers with their own health issues, plus children with emotional trauma, it’s overwhelming for everyone. They shouldn’t have to face this alone.”
“We’re also seeing a lot of grandparents
raising children with disabilities,” says Ruby. “These families are entitled to financial help and benefits, but they aren’t always aware of this or don’t know how to sign up for it. That’s when children get left behind and fall through the cracks of the system. With us, they learn how to apply for help.”
For example, they learn the importance of having a 504 plan, which makes sure special needs students have support and equal access to education.
“We have a grandfather who’s raising a grandchild with autism. As he became more familiar with it, he could also help his daughter, the child’s mother, who’d been recently diagnosed with autism too,” says Ruby. “He didn’t know his daughter had been living with autism for years. Back when he was raising her, that wasn’t something that got diagnosed.”
“These are the years that grandparents should be relaxing and going at their own pace,” says Major Migdalia. “They deserve so much gratitude for stepping up, and we want to help and bless them in every way we can, because every family helped is an investment for the kingdom of God.”
Ways to help older adults understand technology:
Explain the benefits. Ask them why they want to become more familiar with new technology.
Be a patient guide. A senior might ask repetitive questions or need to be shown a process more than once.
You may have to use new terms to make learning approachable. Seniors may have trouble grasping words like “web,” “mouse,” and “email” in new contexts. Adjust devices to their needs. Let them know that you can enlarge words on the screen or have text read out loud. Older folks with arthritis may also benefit from touchscreens or voice-to-type programs.
Mention online safety and how scammers can prey on even technology-savvy individuals. Explain how important it is to keep your personal info private. Offer to look over any messages or e-mails that they may be unsure about.
Catch the Miracles
Interview by HUGO BRAVO
Efrain Reyes, an intake counselor at The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Paterson, N.J., talks about studying apologetics, how God answered his birthday prayers, and the way Scripture enriches his musical projects.
I grew up in the church, but as an adult, I wanted to pursue God from a true academic perspective. So I enrolled in classes at Liberty University, majoring in biblical and theological studies and apologetics. In apologetics, one learns to use reason, the gospel, and even science to defend faith and prove that God is present in all our lives. This is the basis of 1 Peter 3:14–15: “‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
It’s a blessing to work for The Salvation Army. Being here is like God Himself opened the doors to a job in ministry. When I counsel the men at the Paterson ARC, I do it through open prayer and the biblical principles I’ve studied, without feeling restricted about sharing the Word of God. Years ago, I admit I was a little afraid of taking on ministry work. Guiding a person’s spiritual life is a big responsibility. It can be overwhelming, and sometimes you hear very sad, painful stories. But today I can talk to the men in the ARC because I have experienced some of the same trials that they have. If God can deliver me from those experiences, He can also deliver them.
I’ve loved hip-hop music since I was young. I started by making my own beats on turntables, but soon realized that I wanted to be a lyricist too. I went from writing secular lyrics to talking about my faith and the love of Christ. Hiphop is how I both express myself and communicate with God. I can take what I’ve studied and implement those lessons into my music. A lot of Christian music can deviate from His teachings and take its own path. And that can make the message sound hollow. I make sure that what I mention in my lyrics is theologically sound and based directly on Scripture. I hope that anyone who listens to my music is able to understand the gospel a little bit better than before.
A verse that always helps me is Romans 8:38–39. “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I love knowing that nothing will ever erase what Jesus did on the cross for us. Nothing in my past can separate me from Him. He loves me, He’s listening, and He’s present in my family.
I’m a father of seven children, from past relationships and with my wife today. But my oldest daughter and I always had a difficult relationship. On Father’s Day, after a painful argument, I finally decided that after years of trying to work things out with her, I now had to let the Lord dictate where our relationship would go. About a month later, on July 17, she called me for my birthday. We spoke about how she had returned to church and allowed God to be present in her own life. I mentioned that I would be having a birthday celebration in my home that weekend, and she was welcome to come. One year earlier, I had prayed that for my next birthday, I could celebrate it with all my children by my side. That weekend, I cried tears of joy as He answered my prayers. When we have a relationship with God and are students of His Word, we’re able to recognize and catch His miracles in front of us. Even though I am a flawed, imperfect human being, God is working in my life.
Prayed in Full Efrain Reyes (right) with an ARC beneficiary in Paterson.
Good Citizens
The Salvation Army is politically neutral but has long partnered with governments and civic authorities
by ROB JEFFERY
Back when I was leading a Salvation Army corps in my native Canada, I recall an occasion where a local community group used our building to inform the public about government services that would benefit them. The main guest that evening was our member of Parliament, from a left ofcenter political party. A few weeks later, at another such function, the main guest was a member of the Senate who represented a rightofcenter party.
Both events gave the public access to those who represented them in the highest levels of government.
For our building to be seen as a place where people could connect with their political leaders and ask questions was a winwin in my book. It showed that The Salvation Army was concerned with not only people’s spiritual lives but also their lives as citizens in the public square.
In countless cultures and countries around the world, the Church has always had interactions with government. The early Church had a contentious relationship with authorities (particularly the Roman government), which resulted in the outright persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire until the Edict of Milan was issued in 313. During medieval times in Western Europe, the Church even took on governmental functions, crowning kings and queens to rule over the secular world according to Church dictates. This sometimes had beneficial outcomes but sadly was also the source of bloodshed and violence.
During Founder William Booth’s day (1829–1912), England was a constitutional monarchy that had a state church (the Church of England) but allowed other Christian denominations to organize with
relative freedom of religion. Yet Victorianera authorities were hesitant to give the early Salvation Army, perceived as uncouth, much support. Police would arrest Salvationists for holding openair services, and courts enthusiastically sent soldiers and officers to prison, sometimes with hard labor, for the perceived crime of disturbing the peace.
Undeterred, Booth’s band of Salvationists persisted, winning over civic authorities. Queen Victoria never gave her official patronage to The Salvation Army or publicly supported its activities, but a royal endorsement came from Buckingham Palace in a letter addressed to Catherine Booth that read, “Her Majesty learns with much satisfaction that you have, with other members of your Society, been successful in your efforts to win many thousands to the ways of temperance, virtue, and religion.”
The American way
Commissioner George Scott Railton and the seven “Hallelujah Lassies” arrived in the U.S. on March 10, 1880, as the country was in the grip of a presidential election. (Harper’s Weekly soon published a political cartoon featuring wellknown male politicians dressed as Hallelujah Lassies, tying in the newcomers with whatever point it was making.) Railton failed in his first attempt at getting the New York City government to approve his request for his landing party to march in the streets like The Salvation Army famously did in London.
In a move that would likely make our modern day Community Relations and Development department blush, Railton burst into the mayor’s office and threatened that if the Army was not allowed to march in the streets it would leave New York for
Philadelphia. The mayor was unmoved, and Railton took his fledgling headquarters to Pennsylvania. A compromise was later struck when city officials gave permission for Salvationists to march on the sidewalk.
From acrimonious beginnings, The Salvation Army’s relationship with government improved from tolerance to full acceptance following the ministry of the Donut Girls in World War I. For that The Salvation Army is indebted to General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, who in 1917 decided to allow Evangeline Booth’s Army to serve U.S. military members fighting in Europe.
Perhaps Pershing was personally moved by Booth’s request, thinking back to the tragic loss of his wife and three daughters in a fire two years before. While other local church leaders said little to the community outsider, Salvation Army officers offered him their sincere condolences.
Pershing’s decision changed everything. The Salvation Army became nationally known, if not for being a church, then as a religious movement that gave aid to American soldiers during one of humanity’s darkest hours.
Salvation Army officers in America have met with elected leaders at every level of government—presidents, members of Congress, governors, legislators, mayors, councilors. The Salvation Army also works closely with government employees, men and women who are tasked with enforcing and implementing policies that impact people’s everyday lives.
Nurturing this partnership is all done in keeping with our directive not to endorse politicians, political parties, nor even specific political policies.
Government of and for the people
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared an official week of recognition for The Salvation Army and its service to America called National Salvation Army Week—still celebrated today in the month of May. It serves as a good reminder of The Salvation Army’s relationship to the government and how the Army can partner with government to help improve people’s lives. Much of our funding for social service work comes from various levels of government. According to the 2024 Annual Report, various levels of government contributed over $640 million to Army finances. And though these funds are
typically set aside for nonreligious work, just being able to help people find shelter for the night or receive a hot cup of coffee from one of our trucks in wintertime helps The Salvation Army live up to its mission of “Doing the Most Good.”
The word government can seem very monolithic and impersonal. But remember that it is made up of people, like you and me. When we partner with government we are fostering relationships with people— people with whom we can share Christ’s love. Paul gives us a biblical precedent for remembering our government officials in prayer when he says in 1 Timothy 2:1–4: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions,
prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
If you interact with a political or civic leader, or any representative of the government, don’t forget to let them know you are praying for them and as a Salvationist can potentially help them to better the lives of the people in your community.
Rob Jeffery is director of the USA Eastern Territory’s Heritage Museum.
NEUTRAL GROUND General-elect
Evangeline Booth is welcomed back to New York on the steps of City Hall, with Mayor Fiorello La Guardia at right, Sept. 14, 1934.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
—Romans 15:13 (ESV )
The Streets Are Their Church
The men’s ministry in York, Pa., decided to bless the people without homes in their community
by ROBERT MITCHELL
MICHAEL PARAS
Jonathan Torres knows what it’s like to be hungry and wonder where he’s going to sleep at night. When he wasn’t in a prison cell, he spent most of 2007 to 2011 living on the streets.
Today, Torres has come full circle as part of the men’s ministry at the York, Pa., Spanish Temple Corps. He helps minister to homeless people and others in need every Tuesday evening from a Salvation Army canteen.
“It’s an amazing experience when you see someone going through what you went through before,” Torres says. “You know how it feels. It’s amazing to see how God has been gracious to you, and you get to help someone in that position be better.”
Lieutenant Pedro Molina and his wife, Lieutenant Marangelly Quiñones, arrived in York as new officers just as the corps was emerging from the COVID19 pandemic. The men of the corps wanted to reboot the men’s ministry to focus on community outreach.
Photographsby
Full Circle Jonathan Torres (center), who formerly lived on the streets, shares his story while serving with the men’s ministry in York, Pa. In the background, Marlon Gonzalez cuts hair, while Domingo Paulino (in blue cap) and Lieutenant Pedro Molina (white shirt) give out clothes and talk with passersby.
“ We see people restored to life, we see people going to rehab, we see people accepting Jesus, and we see families coming together.”
—JONATHAN TORRES
Up Front A man is greeted with a warm welcome and a meal at a Salvation Army canteen.
“They didn’t want to just have another men’s fellowship,” he says. “They wanted to see some action.”
After praying on the direction the ministry should take, the men decided to hit the streets and feed those in need. They go out each week and distribute sandwiches, water, hot chocolate, coffee, and ice cream near a homeless shelter operated in York by LifePath Ministries. Sometimes they offer free haircuts.
“We share our story,” Molina says. “We pray with them and introduce them to Jesus.”
Iron sharpening iron
The group includes Torres, Jairo Cruz, Ulitus Desulme, Luis Gonzalez, Marlon Gonzalez, Carlos Negron, Domingo Paulino, and Richard Rodriguez. Three of the men usually go with the canteen, while the others stay back and attend evangelism classes.
Molina says their conversations with the people who are homeless focus on how they ended up at the shelter. While they expected to meet individuals suffering from mental illness or addicted to drugs or alcohol, the men found many had lost jobs or their families and were simply down on their luck.
“Some of the stories we hear, they didn’t expect to become homeless—so it can happen to pretty much anyone,” Molina says. “It kind of changed our perspective of what homelessness is.”
Before he became an officer, Molina attended the Candidates’ Seminar Weekend and says he has never forgotten something he heard then from Commissioner William A. Bamford III, the USA East’s former territorial commander.
“He said we have to meet people right where they are, and as a pastor, I’m trying to meet them right where they are and to be a support,” Molina says.
“We believe in a God of second chances. I always encourage them not to lose faith. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even though sometimes we don’t have all the answers. I tell them I’m positive God will come through and show up.”
That’s what happened for Torres, who says he has spent about half his life in prison. He got involved in drugs in his
native Puerto Rico and did prison time there and in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for selling narcotics.
Many of the homeless people “don’t know there is such a thing as hope,” Torres says, but he goes out of his way to share biblical truth with those who are where he once was.
Saved for a purpose
“Hope is the first thing we have to establish,” Torres says. “When I was [in their position], I didn’t think there was hope. When you live this kind of lifestyle, you don’t think there is a God. You say, ‘This is not fair. Is this my life?’ The first thing we need to do is let them know there absolutely is hope and the hope is in Jesus. They have to know they are valuable to Jesus and that Jesus doesn’t want them to be homeless.
“When they see that, things are totally different. The only way that’s going to happen is through the Holy Spirit interceding in the moment and touching their heart. That can be an awakening.”
Torres had several close calls on the streets where he believes God saved his life. A neighbor he didn’t even know well invited him to The Salvation Army in York, and he attended the church once but soon had to finish a prison term. He went back upon his release and is happy to be part of the men’s ministry now.
“We see people restored to life, we see people going to rehab, we see people accepting Jesus, and we see families coming together,” Torres says.
The Spanish Temple Corps in York draws about 45 to 50 people every Sunday from all over the world, including Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Haiti, Chile, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
“The community here loves The Salvation Army,” Molina says. “People love what we do for the Lord, and they are eager to be handson in the ministry of the Army. They are very engaged in York when it comes to ministry. They are passionate, and I think we should be grateful for that.”
Good Hair Day Marlon Gonzalez offers a haircut and encouragement.
Sharing Faith “My family is Christian but not very religious,” says Tyonn Leonard. “Growing up, I never heard conversations about Jesus. Now, I bring Him up and try to get them talking more and more about Him.”
Black Voices of The Salvation Army FAI H Carried by
In many communities, the local church serves as a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual life. For Black members, it’s also a space of resilience, identity, and empowerment. These interviews with African American Salvation Army officers, employees, and supporters highlight their contributions and ministries, while also recognizing some challenges they’ve faced. We acknowledge them by sharing their testimonies with you. We celebrate the integral role they each play in the mission. Most of all, we honor them for their work in honoring the mission of The Salvation Army every day.
Tyonn Leonard
Eight-year-old Tyonn Leonard didn’t know what The Salvation Army was the day that he walked into the West Philadelphia Corps Community Center.
“I didn’t comprehend what the Army did,” says Leonard, now 16. “I came on Sundays but didn’t understand the lessons being taught, or the sense of community here.”
But that community would keep Leonard coming back. Raised by a single mother, Leonard remembers her struggle to find a place to live. They often found themselves having to sleep on relatives’ couches and floors until they were able to finally buy a home in West Philadelphia.
“At a very young age, I was on the streets a lot,” says Leonard. “To go from that to where I am now, it can only happen through the Lord’s blessings.”
“In the years I’ve known Tyonn, he has shown incredible maturity and growth within himself and in his walk with Christ,” says Lieutenant Bassey Archibong, who has been
by HUGO BRAVO
at the West Philadelphia Corps for almost three years. “From being involved in Sunday services to taking over responsibilities in the corps, he’s gone so far beyond the role of a junior soldier. Having him here is a pleasure and a blessing for us as well.”
“I try to be involved in everything I can,” says Leonard. “I like to volunteer and help at the corps, but my favorite thing about The Salvation Army is the music program. Playing music is like starting a lifelong career. There is always more for me to learn.”
Being so involved at the corps behind the scenes has given Leonard a unique perspective on what it means to serve the community.
“After high school, I want to go to college,” says Leonard. “But I also see a path for becoming even more involved in The Salvation Army. I want to welcome others like they welcomed me.”
Tyonn Leonard is a soldier at The Salvation Army West Philadelphia Corps Community Center.
Kali Lewis
Working with children has always given Kali Lewis a sense of purpose, whether it was at a day care center for a summer job or as teen group leader at an afterschool program.
“Many of the inner city kids in the program came from traumainformed backgrounds. Some didn’t even live with their parents,” says Lewis. “When I mentored these young people, my goal was to show them there were things in their own lives that they could look forward to.”
While studying for her master’s degree in divinity at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Lewis also worked as a substitute teacher. This flexible schedule allowed her to maintain focus on her classes. “As a substitute, I would study the material and go over it with the class. Even when their regular teacher isn’t present, schoolchildren need structure,” she says. “I suddenly found myself with many longterm substitute gigs.”
After graduating, Lewis prayed for a job where she could use her education and experience in a way that would honor the Lord. “I needed to work where Jesus was,” says Lewis, now the education specialist for The Salvation Army in New Jersey. She helps education directors for corps in the state to thrive in their communities.
“We created quality educational programs for the children of the ministry that engaged the parents as well. Those parents were the ones who were getting the word out for us by telling other families to come to The Salvation Army,” says Lewis. “In cities like New Brunswick, we have a lot of Hispanic families. Some of them speak English, and others don’t. But love is a universal language, and they all found a home here with us.
“Ministry is present in everything The Salvation Army does, including education. There is a component of faith, hope, and the love of Christ that runs through our work. You can feel it the moment you walk in to any program.”
Lewis is
Bill Jolly
Decades before sharing the stage with musical legends like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Teddy Pendergrass, or doing musical tributes to Isaac Hayes and Donny Hathaway, Bill Jolly sat in church, watching his father, Elton Jolly, sing for the congregation.
“My father was a gospel singer who knew the Bible inside and out. I didn’t always understand what was being taught in church, but I understood clearly how people reacted to his singing,” says Jolly.
Mentor Memory
“I saw one of the boys I used to mentor at a bus stop with his friends. When I called out to him, he looked around and immediately stood up straight and fixed his pants,” says Kali Lewis. “He had aged out of our programs years ago, but when he saw me, he ran to me and gave me a hug.”
Bill Jolly’s first band in high school got a much different response. There were constant disagreements between him and his bandmates, and he remembers audiences booing their performances.
“Even the name of our band, Albatross, was an issue. We thought it meant a beautiful, graceful bird. But it also means a problem that hangs around your neck. So I guess the name was appropriate,” says Jolly, laughing. “Looking back on the whole journey from beginning to now, I’m grateful to God for every difficult time in my life.”
When the band’s soundman quit, young Bill immediately had to learn how to do the soundman’s job to keep the shows going. When their keyboard player left, Jolly, who was already the band’s drummer, taught himself to play piano.
“I told myself I was never going to be without a piano player ever again,” he says.
Later in life, a car accident forced Jolly to take time off from his thriving musical career, something he’d avoided doing. But while recovering, he started a habit that he continues to this day, 35 years later.
“Every January, I make lists of everything I want to accomplish in the next 365 days, and of what I’ve done in the past 365 days that I thought could be done better,” says Jolly. “Then I look at last year’s list, and cross off everything I accomplished. This forces me to be better every year.”
Last February, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Philadelphia held “Shining a Light on Black History,” celebrating individuals who have made an impact on the city’s arts and culture. As one of the honorees, Jolly listened as his achievements were read to the audience:
Kali
an ordained Baptist preacher, a teacher, and the education specialist for The Salvation Army New Jersey Divisional Headquarters in Union, N.J.
MICHAEL PARAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Philly Special “Philadelphia made me a better musician,” says Bill Jolly. “Philly fans are tough, so if you want to be loved for what you do here, you better be good at it. When you go to places like New York or Los Angeles, they know if you’re from Philly, you’ve worked and hustled hard to get where you are.”
composing music for world-renowned brands such as HBO and McDonald’s, performing for five U.S. presidents, and most recently, receiving two platinum records for his work with pop superstar Pink.
“People in the music business like to say that you could climb Mount Everest, and the first thing you’ll be asked when you come down will be, ‘So, what’s next?’” says Jolly. “But it’s important to pause and remember everything that you have done, and what it has meant to you. If you get too hung up on what’s next, or feel like you’re not doing anything unless you’re busy doing something, you might forget who you really are.
“You can take a moment to say, ‘I could’ve done this better’ or ‘I didn’t get to do that,’ but after that, pat yourself on the back and say ‘But look! Here’s everything good I did.’”
Bill Jolly, a member of The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Philadelphia, is a three-time Emmy Award–winning
OF BILL JOLLY
composer, arranger, musical director, and keyboardist.
COURTESY
Major Elijah Kahn
If our time on earth were measured as a sports match, Major Elijah Kahn would say that he is now in the third quarter.
“If I could go back and meet myself during my first quarter, to that young man searching for meaning in life, I would say this: Find Jesus as soon as you can, and serve Him,” says Kahn. “The trajectory of your life will change for the better when you come to know Christ as your Lord and Savior.”
Kahn’s first experience with The Salvation Army was in his home corps of Brooklyn, N.Y., where his younger siblings attended the Brownsville Salvation Army’s afterschool day care program. He met the corps officers, then Captains Raphael and Sandra Jackson (now lieutenant colonels), who nurtured Kahn’s own faith and interest in the church.
“The Salvation Army’s model of ministry was both vertical and horizontal: vertical to symbolize our relationship with God above, and horizontal for the people coming together to worship,” says Kahn. “When I spoke to Captain Raphael Jackson about the possibility of one day becoming an officer, he replied that he knew of no better place to serve God than The Salvation Army.”
In the second quarter of his life, while training to be a Salvation Army officer, Kahn met Cadet Valerie Satterlee, who’d become his wife and partner in ministry. Kahn says he and his family have continuously leaned on their faith in the Lord. But he also acknowledges that as an African American serving in God’s Army, there are figures to whom he owes gratitude for paving the way.
“Salvationists of African heritage must
Words of Comfort “Today, there are people scared and discouraged for all sorts of reasons,” says Major Elijah Kahn. “We need to be alongside those individuals, always ready to serve them with joy and show what we can do for them as Salvationists.”
not forget that we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. Their sacrifices, perseverance, and tenacity helped shape us today,” says Kahn.
“We now have a responsibility to pass along what we have learned. Hebrews 12 says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. That cloud is those who have done the work before us, invested in us, and continue to cheer us on.
“As long as we never get complacent in our faith, journey, service and roles, God will never be done with us. That’s why I’m looking forward with great anticipation to the fourth quarter of my life.”
Major Elijah Kahn serves as the general secretary and Kroc liaison officer of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division.
Envoy Pat Wood Nya Speller
Pat Wood considers herself a “trifecta” within The Salvation Army: a Black woman envoy.
“To some, that can seem like being at the bottom of a totem pole,” she says. “But I’ve been fortunate to find myself in places where the leadership I brought was accepted.”
Not that there weren’t challenges. Wood says it can sometimes be difficult for more traditional churches to suddenly accept a woman in a position of power. Even among some Army leaders, there was occasionally a sense that they weren’t sure where a Black female pastor fit within their ministries.
“But there was also a shift to openness in admitting these personal feelings and taking steps to address them. It began by listening to all of our experiences. What were the challenges, fears, or discomforts for each of us?”
Wood has had opportunities to address the Army on her experiences as that “trifecta,” and to have conversations that, though difficult at times, have helped people open their minds and see what we all have in common.
“There are so many young people of color as cadets or lieutenants in their first assignment. They are lucky to be coming into the Army today,” says Wood. “And I’m excited! Not only for them, but for the feeling of validation for what we have done in The Salvation Army.
“Many of us thought that maybe nothing would change, and that no one was listening to us. But that was incorrect. The hard work and the difficult conversations were not in vain. We spoke out, and we were heard.”
Lessons Learned
“My mother, Delilah ‘Dee’ Collier, was a member of the Black Ministries Committee of The Salvation Army back in the ’60s and ’70s,” says Envoy Pat Wood. “In 2002, she was awarded the Order of the Founder, the Salvation Army’s highest honor. She worked hard to create a path forward for girls like me in the Army. I can look back on her work and be reminded that as difficult as it was for me, it doesn’t compare to some of the struggles she faced.”
Nya Speller was 5 years old when her family was invited to the Salvation Army corps in Kingston, N.Y. There, she discovered one of the Army’s oldest traditions: its music and arts ministry. The programs, Speller says, kept her engaged. But though she was an experienced hiphop dancer, it was her twin sister, Mya, who was accepted into the Army’s dance groups.
“I still went to all Mya’s rehearsals to support,” says Speller, who is now creative arts director for The Salvation Army Empire State Division. “I’m grateful that God put me in a role where I connect with people who love dance too, because now I can give back what I’ve learned. I always tell dance students that you can go be a dancer anywhere on the planet, but when you dance for the Army, your dancing is an act of worship.”
Since Speller began attending in the mid2000s, the Kingston Corps—and many other Salvation Army churches in Greater New York and across the Eastern Territory—has experienced a demographic shift. Speller remembers being able to count the Black members on one hand.
“The worship and songs were done in a traditional way, but I didn’t mind. My family had to move away for five years, and when we came back, I saw a different side,” she says. “I visited corps made up of Caribbean Salvationists who celebrated the festival of harvest with timbrels, singing and waving flags. It was alive, expressive, and so different than what I’d seen growing up. Our church honors the cultures of the people who attend it, and makes those cultures part of the corps. The Army started as a predominantly white church, but there’s been beautiful growth and change in its ministry and congregation. Just like the kingdom of God, we are all welcome.”
Speller is
The Right Moves “Dance is an unspoken language and can reach God,” says Nya Speller.
“Some people reach Him with their voices. Some do it by teaching the Bible to others. Dancers do it with our bodies and movements.”
Nya
the divisional creative arts director for The Salvation Army Empire State Division in Syracuse, N.Y.
Envoy Pat Wood serves in retirement as the divisional lay leadership development coordinator for the Southern New England Division.
Major Cynthia Foster
In 2024, an all-male team from The Salvation Army in Syracuse won second place in the Timbrel Brigade competition at Star Search, the Army’s yearly talent showcase. Their timbrel leader, Major Cynthia Foster, remembers how this group of young Black soldiers first started as a motivation squad for the corps’ female timbrel team.
“These boys were already part of our singing company, but as training for Star Search began, I brought up the idea of them having a timbrel team too,” says Foster. “They were interested but felt that the girls were so much more ahead. I said, ‘You may just be beginners, but you could still be great beginners.’”
Foster, a self-described Star Search nerd, has always been involved in the arts ministries of The Salvation Army. She enjoys bringing young people together for new experiences and sharing what she loves about this type of ministry.
“Our corps has children who have been attending since they were little, and some that just started coming over the last few years. I call those my ‘COVID babies,’” says Foster. “They’ve been introduced to the Army through our community outreach, and they all come
Prayer Prep “Timbrels have helped our boys grow spiritually,” says Major Cynthia Foster. “If they’re ever nervous, they pray for calm. If they think they’ve forgotten what they’ve learned, they pray for help remembering. They know that in every practice and performance, God is with them.”
together for our music and dance programs.”
But timbrel, says Foster, is what’s closest to her heart. Her love and appreciation for this staple of Salvation Army history is evident in every aspect of her work with Syracuse’s all-male timbrel team. Together, they rehearse in preparation for next year’s Star Search and review every critique and suggestion they’ve received.
“Children love what you love if you love them too,” she says. “People always like to talk about what you can and cannot get boys to do. They say they won’t want to participate, or that it’s not for them. But why think that way? Timbrel has become something they enjoy. We can call it sticking to our traditions, but I just call it loving our young people and giving them an opportunity to express themselves.”
Major Cynthia Foster is the corps officer of The Salvation Army Syracuse Citadel Corps in Syracuse, N.Y.
H ghlights
The Salvation Army’s year-round impact
by WARREN L. MAYE
As 2025 comes into focus, we thought we’d take a look at how The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign makes an impact all year long.
From Thanksgiving through Christmastime, the sight of dedicated kettle workers ringing their bells on cold winter days evokes a warm feeling in many hearts. It’s an invaluable opportunity to share God’s abundance and generosity with those who are most in need.
When I approach one of the familiar red kettles to slip my coins and bills through the slot, I feel a sense of fulfillment and connection to something larger than myself. This simple exchange gets repeated by countless individuals, countless times, year after year. The kettle has become a symbol of The Salvation Army’s mission over its 160year history. Amid festive holiday celebrations filled with joy, these kindhearted moments of generosity can lead to lasting memories for millions of individuals who receive help during their darkest days.
And this past year, in a collaboration between The Salvation Army and the Empire State Building, the iconic New York City landmark was lit up in red on Dec. 2 to highlight our Red Kettle Campaign.
“Today is a day when icons meet,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, the national commander of The
(Continued on p. 26)
Money that counts
The Red Kettle Campaign helps support people in need year-round. Here are some ways the funds raised made a difference around the United States.*
FOOD AND SHELTER
166.7 million meals served Meals, groceries, and temporary housing for homeless people, vulnerable families, and individuals.
HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE
2.5 million people helped
• Angel Tree: Provides gifts for children and seniors
• Adopt-a-Family: Matches donors with families in need
• Toy Drives: Collects toys for children
• Food Baskets: Offers Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to take home
• Holiday Meals: Serves meals at Salvation Army locations
DISASTER RELIEF
4,300 disasters responded to Disaster response and aid to affected communities
YOUTH PROGRAMS
1.5 million in attendance
After-school programs, summer camps, and character-building activities for underprivileged children and other youth initiatives
• Tutoring, homework, and literacy skills
• Sports leagues, team sports, arts and music, creative expression
• Community service projects
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4.2 million community center participants
Food pantries, clothing drives, literacy programs, job training and vocational skills, educational assistance, microfinancing, volunteer opportunities, partnerships with local organizations
The Salvation Army
82% of funds raised went directly to program services
A longstanding tradition
The Red Kettle Campaign began in the city of San Francisco in 1891, when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee saw a pressing need to feed the hungry. His idea to use a kettle for fundraising (inspired by a memory of a pot collecting coins for the poor in Liverpool, England) quickly gained traction. By 1895, 30 Salvation Army locations along the West Coast had adopted his approach.
Two dedicated young officers, William A. McIntyre and N.J. Lewis, recognized the kettles’ potential and introduced them to the East Coast. In 1897, McIntyre set up three kettles in Boston. And across the nation, kettles provided an astonishing 150,000 Christmas dinners for needy families that year.
In 1898, The New York World praised the kettles as one of “the newest and most innovative devices for collecting money from generous individuals willing to support charitable causes during Christmas time.”
4,300,306 total people served 1,100,000 assisted for the first time 6,882,573 meals provided 3,489,782 received basic social services
1,718,009 toys and gifts distributed
1,408,144 received lodging assistance 638,128 received Christmas and Thanksgiving assistance 440,390 received adult or youth spiritual development 140,052 participated in senior citizen activities
36,420 attended camp 127,493 received disaster related assistance
11,861 received day care services
25,489 received housing assistance
*Figures from 2023. Sources: 2024 National Annual Report, 2023 USA Eastern Territory Annual Investment Stewardship Report
(Continued from p. 23)
Salvation Army USA. “We are here at the Empire State Building, an American icon for one of the world’s greatest cities. So, we are bringing together that icon with the icon of The Salvation Army, which offers hope and opportunity to people around the world.”
The challenge lies in maintaining awareness when our collective attention inevitably shifts after the calendar turns. It’s important to remember that once the holidays are over, the support provided by The Salvation Army continues because need persists far beyond the season. The Salvation Army structures its relief efforts strategically to provide help across specific areas throughout all 12 months of the year.
“This kettle stands not just as a collection point but also embodies hope and opportunity for countless individuals across various communities. It assists over 27 million people annually right here in America alone,” said Hodder.
None of these achievements would be possible without generous contributions from compassionate Americans who choose to support the Army’s mission.
A ministry past, present, and future
Since the first kettle was hung in San Francisco back in 1891 (see “A longstanding tradition,” p. 25), The Salvation Army has significantly expanded its reach and impact. That year, on the day after Christmas, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the funds raised “purchased 800 pounds of potatoes, 450 pounds of beef, 400 pounds of fruit, 150 pounds of sugar, 100 pounds of mutton, 80 pounds of ham, 50 pounds of butter, 50 pounds of coffee, and 10 pounds of tea, besides 300 pounds of plum pudding, 150 pies and numerous cakes” to feed the needy.
Today, volunteer bell ringers set up kettles at approximately 25,000 locations nationwide. In 2010, an exceptional year, kettle contributions reached an astounding $142 million thanks to donors who believe in giving back to help others who are facing tough times. Anonymous donors have
HE WANTS US JUST TO BE AND TO DO. HE WANTS US TO BE LIKE HIS SON AND THEN DO AS HIS SON DID; AND WHEN WE COME TO THAT HE WILL SHAKE THE WORLD THROUGH US.
CATHERINE BOOTH co-founder of The Salvation Army
even contributed gold coins to help those less fortunate. Recently, The Salvation Army has embraced online platforms and social media along with the traditional bell ringing, from Thanksgiving Day straight through until Christmas Eve. Partnerships with organizations such as Walmart and Kroger are vital, as are the efforts of countless others who support the cause—everyone from celebrity influencers to police departments to local volunteer groups and individuals.
In 2023 (the most recent data available) contributions exceeded $104 million. Donations raised locally stay firmly rooted within those communities, providing emergency shelter services, food assistance, and more all year long. Remarkably, more than 80% from every dollar donated goes directly toward supporting programs aimed at uplifting lives. So how do funds raised during the Kettle Campaign benefit communities all year long? See “Money that counts” on the previous spread. Every penny, every dollar, makes a difference.
TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!
by HUGO BRAVO
Are You Washed?
We
can clean our bodies, but only Jesus can cleanse our souls
by CLERIS CHRISTIAN
In my home, we hardly ever run the dishwasher. We use it as a dish rack, and it only gets turned on when the dishwasher needs cleaning. Whether the sink is overloaded or has a slight accumulation, I prefer to hand wash everything. I enjoy doing the dishes. It gives me the joy of accomplishing a task and the satisfaction that they are cleaned to my standards. Also, since I need to rinse the dirty kitchenware before placing it in the dishwasher, I might as well wash it thoroughly once and finish the task in one shot.
Dishes, glasses, and utensils are relatively quick to clean, but when it comes to pots and pans, they require a bit of extra work. Dirty pots and pans must be scrubbed well to remove the grease and burnton food. They require more attention inside than outside. The outside can be left with lingering stains, but the inside must be perfectly clean, as each pot will be used to cook food again.
I need to ensure they are pristine, without any residue left over.
As I was enjoying scrubbing some pots lately, it made me think of the contrary ways in which we clean ourselves spiritually. If we give our lives to Jesus, we may focus more on cleaning our bodies externally than we do internally: We try to scrub off the worldly lifestyle that we’ve been living and alter our external habits so that people can notice changes in us. But we often ignore our internal transformation. We remain dirty internally, carrying onward with our secret sins such as lust,
pride, arrogance, bitterness, shrewdness, and hatred. Since these are not visible to the world, we change what is noticeable from the outside. We seem more concerned about our Christian reputation than our godly character.
Outside and in
Character is who we are as a person from the inside. Reputation is who people think we are outwardly. Our thoughts, intentions, and desires make up our character, which can be concealed. Since these can be hidden from the public eye, we worry more about our reputation as others see it. To maintain our Christian status in front of people, we often only show the good side of us. We hide our reality and attempt to impress people by displaying those qualities that we think make us look good.
People may rate us based on what they see, but God evaluates us based on our
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
—Psalm 51:7 (KJV )
character. He only cares about how clean and beautiful we are from within.
When we repent from our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we dedicate ourselves to be used as a vessel according to His will and for His glory. We invite God’s spirit to live in our hearts and become His holy temple in which to reside. Nonetheless, how could a holy God dwell in us while we remain unholy and continue to be dirty from within? Holiness cannot coexist with unholiness. Therefore, we must be cleansed internally. We must allow God to surface those internal sins that need deep scrubbing before worrying about our external impression.
Jesus cleanses us
Surely, we all have many hardto remove stains of sin, but if we bring our dirty vessels to God, He can forgive us and scrub off any stains of sin and shame.
Jesus died on the cross and paid the debt for our sins. He offers us the free gift of salvation; all that is required of us is simply to accept it. If you haven’t accepted this gift yet, I’d invite you to do so without hesitation, as it could be the very best decision you’ll ever make on this earth and for eternity.
Genuinely pray this prayer and invite Jesus into your heart today: “Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Wash me from within and make me a holy vessel for your honor and glory. I invite you to come into my heart to be the Lord and Savior of my life. Help me to live a life that reflects your love in me. In Jesus’ name, amen!”
Zion Devotions
Cleris Christian is the author of Zion Devotions, a Christian devotional for each day of the year. Each devotion consists of a short message accompanied by a Scripture verse and prayer based on her experiences as a Christian wife, parent, friend, and employee—and a Christian adult living life in these challenging times. Readers of all ages and walks of faith can relate to her simple examples.
Each devotion is penned through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as Cleris spends intimate time in prayer and writes after she has grasped God’s message before sharing it with others.
With the busyness of life, we often find it difficult to spare time for in-depth Bible study. Zion Devotions is a perfect aid for utilizing our precious moments to the fullest. These devotions will leave you with peace and pondering about God’s grace and power in our lives. Through these messages, readers of Zion Devotions can:
• Comprehend who Jesus is and the need for Him.
• Pray with power and faith.
• Trust God and watch His majestic work in our lives.
• Walk humbly with God and others.
• Wait for God’s return.
Find Zion Devotions on Facebook and the YouTube channel @ziondevotions2525
Cleris Christian is an active soldier at the Philadelphia Citadel Corps and a former Territorial Soldiers Express Council member.
Faith in Film
These four movies, three based on real-life stories, will move, uplift, and inspire you
GREATER
Greater is based on the life of Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio), a walk-on football player who was underestimated, yet through unwavering dedication managed to secure a scholarship at the University of Arkansas. He earned recognition as an All-American player but tragically died in a car accident shortly after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. This poignant 2016 film, available to rent or buy, delves into themes of faith amid adversity and celebrates Brandon’s enduring influence over those whose lives he touched.
AVERAGE JOE
Also inspired by real events, Average Joe chronicles the story of high school football coach Joe Kennedy. Joe (who is portrayed at different ages by Eric Close, Austin Woods, and Ezra Richardson) garnered national attention after losing his job because he chose to pray publicly at the 50-yard line after games. This compelling 2024 drama, available to rent or buy, intertwines scenes of his tumultuous childhood in foster care and service in the Marine Corps with broader discussions regarding religious freedom, faithfulness, and redemption.
THE FORGE
Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy, at right) is a young Black man who finds himself lacking direction after graduating high school. His mother and a businessman both urge him to discover a more fulfilling path forward. Written and directed by the Kendrick Brothers, it debuted in theaters in August 2024 and has a 64% “Fresh” rating from the critics but a nearly perfect audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s an uplifting story about seeking spiritual support during challenging times.
BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN.
This exhilarating must-see dramatization, released in theaters in November 2024, depicts Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s brave resistance against Adolf Hitler during World War II. Starring Jonas Dassler as Bonhoeffer, it explores key aspects of the German theologian and pastor’s influential writings and how he maintained a steadfast belief in Christ amid horrific realities such as racism toward Black Christians in the U.S. and atrocities committed against Jews during the Holocaust. It’s a powerful reminder of the deeply rooted social justice activism the real Bonhoeffer championed.
CONCUSSIONS KNOW THE DANGERS OF HEAD INJURIES
by HUGO BRAVO
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:7
You might have heard about professional athletes being pulled from games or taking time off to heal due to a concussion. A concussion is a type of head injury that happens when a physical hit, like a tackle, causes your brain to shake or even twist inside your skull. This sudden, abrasive movement can disrupt blood flow and brain activity. The brain then needs to slow down its activity as it recovers. During this period, a person with a concussion can have a strong sensitivity to noise, feel tired, and have difficulty thinking or learning new things.
Years ago, an athlete who took a hit to the head was told to “shake it off” and keep playing. Today, coaches, trainers, and doctors are better prepared to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and take proper steps, beginning with immediately pulling a player from the game. A second hit, even after a mild concussion, can trigger second impact syndrome, which greatly increases the chance of more serious injury. If the brain is impacted again before it has had a chance to recover, the person can experience immediate brain swelling and even death.
Home injuries
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to suffer a concussion. Car accidents, physical altercations, workplace injuries, or activities like bike riding can cause a brain injury. A slip on some spilled breakfast juice or tripping over the family pet can
trigger concussion symptoms, even if you don’t feel the impact was all that severe. Unlike in sports, there won’t be a doctor or specialist sitting nearby and ready to evaluate you. If you notice that you are experiencing concussion symptoms (see sidebar), seek medical care immediately. A doctor may administer tests to rate your balance, cognitive abilities, and vision. They might also suggest a CT scan or MRI. Above all, they will be able to create a recovery schedule tailored to your injury and symptoms. Mild concussions usually don’t have longterm effects. But patients who suffer from migraines or have sustained repeated head injuries might need more time to make a proper recovery. One must rest and very slowly return to normal physical (or academic) activities. Patience is key to recovery, which can take several days or a few weeks.
Children and concussions
Kids are encouraged to play sports for their health and social benefits. But according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, an estimated 1.1 million to 1.9 million recreational and sportsrelated concussions occur each year in the U.S. in children 18 and younger. Sports like tackle football, lacrosse, soccer, and cheerleading carry high risks of concussions. Because of youthful eagerness to participate and not let teammates down, teens may be more likely to experience a second concussion
SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION
Headaches
Vision problems
Memory or concentration issues
Sleepiness and trouble waking
Lack of coordination
Mood swings
Slurred speech
Unusual sensitivity to light or noise
Dizziness
Vomiting
before the brain has healed from their first. Younger people can also be more susceptible than adults to malignant brain edema, a severe and life threatening condition that causes very fast brain swelling disrupting blood flow and the brain’s electrical impulses.
If you have a child involved in any sports, consult his or her team’s league about concussion testing and protocols. Some schools also provide pre and postseason testing for their sports programs.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
by HUGO BRAVO
Fahmy Mamuya’s job as a health care research specialist constantly had him traveling from Boston to New York and Rhode Island. A move to Manchester, Conn., made the most sense for him and his family, even if it occurred as the COVID 19 pandemic had been keeping most residents sheltered inside their homes for months.
“When we arrived, we didn’t know anyone here, and socially, COVID19 was still making everyone feel isolated,” says Fahmy. “Living in Manchester is much different than Boston. Boston is a large, busy city. Manchester is a small, close community.”
Volunteering had always been a part of Fahmy’s life, whether it was teaching English as a second language or raising cancer awareness. But he had never done it as part of The Salvation Army.
As the fear from the pandemic eased, people began gathering again at the Manchester Citadel Corps, whether in need of help or to help others. Masked up, Fahmy met Majors Cathy and Mike Himes, the corps officers at Manchester. The Salvation Army gave Fahmy a welcome that anyone new in town would be happy to receive.
“Here, I felt like I belonged. I was part of something. People wanted to know about my family and who I was.
“I knew the stores and always recognized the shield, but I didn’t know that the Army was a church,” says Fahmy. “In fact, I had no idea what was going on underneath. But I got to know the Army and all they had done for their community during COVID19. And when I started to volunteer for them, I got to meet every part of that community too.”
With restrictions eased, the Manchester Corps returned to its Sunday community meal programs inside the corps’ gym. Although Fahmy had never cooked for large groups before, he became one of the corps’ rotating Sunday cooks. Wanting to have a
Volunteering builds relationships not only with fellow volunteers but also with those we serve,” says Fahmy Mamuya.
“You gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that others face.”
meal that he would be known for, when it was his week to cook, he made tacos.
“I picked tacos because the ingredients are easy to measure, everyone can add what they like, and you can improvise when you have extra people to feed,” says Fahmy.
“The Sunday volunteers always want to come back and do more when they see how grateful the guests are. Sometimes they come to eat right after attending Sunday service and bring with them a spirit of warmth and joy. That always transitions to me and the meal I prepare in the kitchen for them.”
From those meals, Fahmy has noticed the relationships that have grown among the guests. They remember one another’s birthdays, send Christmas cards out in December, and know what’s going on in each other’s lives.
“Our meals at the corps are as much a social event as it is a ministry to feed the hungry,” says Fahmy. “Many of the people who come are homeless or going through tough times, but they aren’t here just for food. They’re here to be among each other. Some even only ask for a tiny portion. What they really want is to sit down, be with people they know, and take part in that social aspect of
eating a meal with someone who knows you.”
People come to share news about their families, talk sports, and joke around.
“Witnessing others interact over the food you’ve prepared feels good. Like any place to eat, we have our regulars, but I want to make anyone here feel as welcome as I did,” says Fahmy, who comes on Sundays to help even if it’s not his turn in the kitchen. “If I wasn’t doing this, I don’t think that I would have gotten to know my neighbors as well as I know them now. I wouldn’t understand the city and its needs like I do now.”
Manchester has also welcomed him in a different way. Though he originally moved to make his work trips easier, he found a new job as director of research and development at QCDx, part of the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program, working on medical devices for cancer detection. It was yet another sign that Fahmy was where he was the most needed, both for work and to volunteer.
“The majors said they hoped that I wouldn’t be leaving, even though the services had changed since I first came to the corps,” remembers Fahmy. “I said to them, ‘Nope. I’m staying here now.’”
During harsh winter conditions, The Salvation Army stands ready to provide emergency shelter, food, and other essential items to those in need.
