Happy 147th birthday to The Salvation Army: What do we mean to you?

 
 

This month marks the anniversary of the founding of The Salvation Army by William and Catherine Booth on the streets of the East End of London in 1865.

Ever since The Salvation Army was born, we have gone from strength to strength – carrying on the commitment of our founders to serve God and to serve suffering humanity by fighting against social injustice.

From Nepal to Tonga, we are now a worldwide movement established in 124 countries, supporting and empowering the vulnerable and marginalised, including people without a home or a job, those who are lonely and victims of trafficking.

Our work includes help for families of all shapes and sizes, supporting emergency services at fires and major incidents, a family tracing service that helps reunite long lost relatives – spreading our key message that we don’t condemn, we just help.

To celebrate being a happy and healthy 147 years old, we asked our web community and a few people across the nation to reflect on our remarkable legacy.

Our social networks were flooded with thoughts on what William Booth and The Salvation Army means to people, and also how we have helped.


Read some of the responses below...

@: “@salvationarmyuk Happy Birthday! The SA have helped me put my life back together after becoming homeless last year. Thank you & God bless.”

 @earthbulb70:"@salvationarmyuk: “The Salvation Army hasn't helped me directly, but, it's reassuring to know that people care out there.”

@AUNTIEMAZZI: "@salvationarmyuk EVERYTHING! - Marion from Maidenhead Corps."

Major Elizabeth Lloyd, Turnbridge Wells: 'First and foremost, it’s my church. It’s important to me because it’s where I worship, and also as an officer, it’s a means for me to fulfil my ministry both within my church, but also in being able to reach out and provide practical support for people, and continuing William Booth’s fight.'

‏@bensb85 : "@salvationarmyuk at @SalvationArmyUS camp @njcamptecumseh I've, with others, had the honor of ministering to underprivileged kids. #PraiseGod"

‏@LyndsxJx : “@salvationarmyuk My 7 and 9 yr olds became Junior Soldiers Sunday... Challenged me to look at my future, membership classes maybe?!?"

Tracy O'Leary-Wilkins: “I visited his birth place recently, and received such wamth from the place. I am new to the Army, but each time I visit the core or pray, God is with me and fills me with such love. I am glad that God has entered my life and I am proud to say use me as you wish, guide me to the path that you wish me to follow. William Booth was an amazing man, and I will do my best to follow his path, and I promise to live my life the way he believes we should. Thank you God for being in my life. Amen.”

Major Barbara Warner, Newbury Hall: ;The Salvation Army is where I met Jesus as a young girl and always has a special place for me. It has helped me in the spirit of development and the journey of life.'

@garethphillips3 : “@salvationarmyuk thanks for providing a Sunday school for my niece when the church to which I belong had closed theirs”

@Mum2theboys: "@salvationarmyuk showed me Jesus. Taught me what 'family' life is really like. Helped change my life for the better.”

Lt-Colonel Marion Drew: "The Salvation Army has helped me to understand how to put my faith into practice and the importance of connecting with the various communities in which I have lived, so that they see faith that has relevance for them.  It has helped me to capture the reality of a personal faith and given me the opportunity to develop others in it."

Susan Parry ‏@SweetDimples67: "@salvationarmyuk If it was not for you guys my brother would have died on the streets and alone u do an amazing job I will b thankful 4 ever.”

Theresa Tranah: “He means pure INSPIRATION!!!! Anointing like this man PLEASE LORD for me in Jesus name Amen?”

Reuben Dykes: “I thank GOD for HIS inspiration that led William Booth to form the Salvation Army. I've been brought up in a loving, Christian, Salvation Army background! If it wasn't for our Founder, I don't think I'd be here today! Thank you LORD for William Booth and the Salvation Army!!! AMEN!!!”

Want to share your thoughts on The Salvation Army? Visit the @salvationarmyuk Twitter page.