The Salvation Army
September 07, 2005
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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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I just read your Sept 7, 2005 story about, and link to, The Salvation Army. Although The Salvation Army does many good things for deserving people, you should also know that it is a notoriously homophobic organization.
An example? In 1998, the Salvation Army actually turned down a $3.5 million contract with the City of San Francisco because the city requires organizations it contracts with to offer domestic partner benefits to homosexual workers.
This homophobic discrimination continues to permeate the organization. So, even though I applaud their good works, I could never bring myself to support such a group.
I do not know the policies of Family First. Perhaps, you too are part of the discriminatory religious right, perhaps not. I don't know.
Whatever, all I ask is that when you present a glowing report about a group like the Salvation Army, that you include not so glowing information like this, so that people can make an informed decision for themselves about the worthiness of contributing.
My personal decision is to send my contributions elsewhere
Sincerely,
Frederick N. Olmstead
New York, USA
I just read your Sept 7, 2005 story about, and link to, The Salvation Army. Although The Salvation Army does many good things for deserving people, you should also know that it is a notoriously homophobic organization.
An example? In 1998, the Salvation Army actually turned down a $3.5 million contract with the City of San Francisco because the city requires organizations it contracts with to offer domestic partner benefits to homosexual workers.
This homophobic discrimination continues to permeate the organization. So, even though I applaud their good works, I could never bring myself to support such a group.
I do not know the policies of Family First. Perhaps, you too are part of the discriminatory religious right, perhaps not. I don't know.
Whatever, all I ask is that when you present a glowing report about a group like the Salvation Army, that you include not so glowing information like this, so that people can make an informed decision for themselves about the worthiness of contributing.
My personal decision is to send my contributions elsewhere
Sincerely,
Frederick N. Olmstead
New York, USA
Mr Olmstead has some interesting commnets. Although I am sure one could find a number of problems with any organization (every organization has its problems no matter what people may think), he is only able to name one.
Perhaps Mr Olmstead should do his homework a bit. The Salvation Army simply did not take the money the city offered because they do not believe in domestic partners. The Salvation Army is a Christian orgranization, and no matter how people twist the bible around, it is very evident that relationships are to be between man and woman. Yes, God forgives and loves all, but being homosexual is not allowed. The question is, do you trust what the Bible says. I have to say yes for myself.
However, in saying all that, The Salvation Army helps everyone who walks through their doors. Just because they do not believe that it is right to be homosexual doesnt mean that they dont help people.
In fact, The Salvation Army worked extra hard to find money to replace the money which was not taken from the City. Even though they were not able to obtain all of it, they did get a lot.
Its funny how people can have standards and policies except for when they are Christian policies.
Chuck
If The Salvation ARmy only helped those people who believed everything that they do, they would have to close their doors.
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.
i dont like the salvation army! their stupid and pooey!
i like the salvation army. they do fantastic work and i like them a lot! GO THE SALVOS OH YER!
if u want my number, its 0456887234
pray for our family
hi im jason im ten years old please send me some (info) abot the australian salvation army heplyig children in other countries i recon its very crule love jason
Salvation Army-Very helpful and conciderable especially to those in need.
Please Pray for the USA for there Salvation & Finance Healing. & Home & Work Finance Healing in the name of Jesus Christ for, Please keep praying for my Families & Friends & neighbors hood to, for there Salvation & Finance Healing. & Home & Work Finance, I Pray Mama & Daddies will teach there Children's right from wrong. I Pray Family will Pray together. Read Bible together, Go Church together, & Tell There Children's Jesus Christ Loves You & I do to... & I Pray Mama & Daddies will take time for there Children's, To Play With there Children's, & Listing to there Heart In The Name of Jesus Christ I Pray People Keep Dogs in There Own Yard. In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Amen
P.S. Please Pray for my safety
God Bless USA
Please Pray for the USA for there Salvation & Finance Healing. & Home & Work Finance Healing in the name of Jesus Christ for, Please keep praying for my Families & Friends & neighbors hood to, for there Salvation & Finance Healing. & Home & Work Finance, I Pray Mama & Daddies will teach there Children's right from wrong. I Pray Family will Pray together. Read Bible together, Go Church together, & Tell There Children's Jesus Christ Loves You & I do to... & I Pray Mama & Daddies will take time for there Children's, To Play With there Children's, & Listing to there Heart In The Name of Jesus Christ I Pray People Keep Dogs in There Own Yard. In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Amen
P.S. Please Pray for my safety
God Bless USA
Prayers for Revival for All People "And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Mark 11:17).