Genesis 21:22– And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.”
Bells ringing. Red kettles.
It’s that time of year, isn’t it?
Salvation Army volunteers—outside stores and malls. Rain or shine. Warm or cold.
Whether ignored or embraced, there they are. Faithful to their cause.
I knew little more than the fact that they are a Christian-based organization.
This year, I was determined to find out more.
Here is just a fraction of what I discovered:
- Founded by William Booth in 1852 in England.
- Began as a ministry to win the lost multitudes to Christ.
- Booth started by preaching in the streets of London to the poor, homeless, and hungry.
- In 1865, he began tent meetings to preach the message of hope and salvation.
- In 1879, Lt. Eliza Shirley held the first meeting of the Salvation Army in America.
- Today, the Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world.
- Most centers hold weekly worship services.
- Areas of ministry include: prison ministries, adult rehab, veterans services, elderly, combatting human trafficking, and missing persons via international social service.
I had no idea they did all of this, as well as offering residential housing and work opportunities to various individuals and groups.
They are literally an army of individuals whose main goal is GIVING SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TOWARD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AS PROVIDED BY JESUS CHRIST.
I remember, as a child, singing a song in Sunday School about being in the “Lord’s Army”. (I may never ride in the infantry, shoot in the cavalry, shoot the artillery, but I’m in the Lord’s Army.) These words were followed with a salute.
It wasn’t until years later, when guys I knew were drafted into the U.S. Army, that the concept of God’s Army started coming into focus for me.
Now, more than ever, a vast army of God’s people needs to rise up in prayer and step out in faith. We need to join with other Christians around the world in serving those less fortunate and in proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel to a hurting world.
Fear and unrest dominate newscasts. Violence abounds.
Time is short.
We may not ring a bell.
We may not stand outside the mall beside a donation kettle.
But, we can pray, donate, serve, share the message of hope.
Because, when we do, like Abraham,
God will be with us.
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