The Light of the World
The Salvation Army motto is Doing the Most Good. And while that may seem a bit vague, this aspirational creed really shines a light on how we operate and what happens locally in our Corps Community Centers.
There are many forces at work creating the conditions in which The Salvation Army operates. Big, social issues that are affecting our country and here in the Kansas and Western Missouri Division. Poverty, homelessness, drug abuse and crime to name a few. Sometimes, just a cloud of hopelessness and despair from lack of work or not being able to make ends meet, leads to suffering.
As a church-based service organization, The Salvation Army is often on the front lines of unfortunate situations affecting our neighbors. When people walk into our Community Centers, we meet them where they are, providing food, clothing, shelter, rent or utility assistance. But our commitment to do the most good goes much deeper than one-time aide.
When you come into a Corps, you will find many ways that The Salvation Army supports people. First, our Pathway of Hope program led by social workers, helps people chart a path to a better, more secure life, through addressing the long-term issues that are stumbling blocks. Our work with the homeless consists of working with the City’s Zero KC task force, but also going out to homeless camps and providing meals and warm clothing. We also help folks stay in their homes with assistance to pay overdue rent, or shelter for mothers with children who have no place else to go.
For other people who are struggling to feed their families, we have pantries stocked with staples to get them through hard times. For men struggling with addiction, we have an Adult Rehabilitation Center that makes a difference. We place an emphasis on character-building programs for children, with age-appropriate clubs that meet at our Corps and that teach core values. We also offer Christian-based Summer camps for all groups. Lastly, we provide denominational services and counseling for anyone who comes through our doors and wants it.
Our programs and services which are funded through your donations, fill a specific gap of need, providing people with compassion and hope for a brighter tomorrow. We are one of the few international organizations that provides this type of comprehensive care, right in your neighborhood.
In the Bible, Matthew 5 verses 14-16, Jesus said: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." He also said: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” As a Church, we take these instructions most seriously.
The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. And that’s what we humbly do, without fanfare. Last year, we helped 134-thousand people across our Division who came to us looking for help, and we served over 197-thousand meals. So, the next time you see a Salvation Army Corps, this is what’s going on inside.
And this is a small example of how we fulfill our purpose- to be the light of the world and to Do the Most Good.