Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Christian Church. 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. The Salvation Army is in 128 Countries & Nearly Every Zip Code Across the United States For over 150 years, The Salvation Army ha
s represented hope to millions of people in need worldwide. Through its community centers and a network of volunteers, The Salvation Army is on the front line each and every day in nearly every zip code across the United States- feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, emergency disaster relief, addressing poverty with a myriad of social services, and offering congregational life, educational and wellness programs for our youth and seniors. When you give to The Salvation Army, your donation stays in your community, helping your neighbors in need. History of The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. His original aim was to send converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people came to join them in worship. Booth decided to found a church especially for them - the East London Christian Mission. The mission grew slowly, but Booth's faith in God remained undiminished. In May 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission's annual report. At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was compelled to do God's work. So, in a flash of inspiration, Booth crossed out 'Volunteer' and wrote 'Salvation'. The Salvation Army was born.
