For the past two years, The Salvation Army of Kent County and Fulton Heights Citadel have worked together to create a venue with family-friendly exhibits inspired by faith and spirituality. More than 200 people attended in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year. 

While most artists aren’t connected with The Salvation Army, Erin McDonald, a Salvationist, participated for the first time this year. “For me, it is a way that I can commune with God but also show people my perspective in ways to understand these large ideas that aren’t as easily understood on a basic level. So really, it’s a teacher thing for me.”

Lily Mattson, who started working at the Grand Rapids Kroc Center in 2019, also participated. Her work from last year now hangs near the Kroc Center’s chapel. “The artwork I did last year was inspired by The Salvation Army’s famous slogan, ‘Doing the Most Good.’ I focused specifically on the idea of carrying the cross for our brothers and sisters in Christ and carrying each other’s burdens. So essentially the scene and the cross symbolize us uplifting those in need, uplifting our brothers and sisters to exhibit that unconditional love that God has for us and for the people around us.”

McDonald thinks it is important that young people have a space to express themselves and ask questions. She says that ArtPrize is a wonderful way to open those doors.

“I think as for my future as an artist, I’m hoping to make prints of some of my work available,” McDonald said. “Making art accessible, that’s something I’m about. I think it is important that young Christians and young people in general have a space to express themselves and ask questions and have community with each other. And I think ArtPrize is a great way to open those doors, especially just because it’s art. Art is a great talking point.”

By Merri Bennett, Divisional Public Relations Coordinator 

This art is a visual representation of what the ultimate good is — God’s love. This piece shows a group of people holding up a cross, providing shelter to someone in need, and symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and how we are called to reflect that unconditional love to others. This image of God’s love also captures the mission of The Salvation Army and our service to others.

Calling All Aspiring Writers!

Are you a young adult with a story to tell? Peer Magazine invites you to submit your original work to our 2026 Writing Contest.  

We’re looking for feature articles between 800 and 1,200 words that explore themes of faith, community, and culture. 

 For more information on how to enter this year’s writing contest, visit click here. 

Music Allows Kendra to Step Into Her Calling

Music has always been a safe space for Kendra, and she counts it as a blessing to be able to teach music to the youth at her local Salvation Army corps (church). 

For the last five years, Kendra has been volunteering at the corps music department and teaching youth how to play different instruments. She recently took on a role as one of the head music teachers. 

“I do not take my role that God has given me lightly,” Kendra said. “It is my hope that Christ continues to use me as an example and role model for the kids in my corps and that they will grow in their relationships with the Lord.” 

The youth at the corps have been able to perform at various community events. “We have been able to share the light of Jesus through brass music, timbrels, and song in spaces that are hurting and broken,” Kendra shared.  

In her free time, Kendra enjoys playing soccer, playing the alto horn, and reading. She attends the Dover corps in the Pendel division.

Celebrating 30 years of ministry in the Land of a Thousand Hills

At the end of November 2025, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill visited Rwanda to mark a memorable chapter in The Salvation Army’s 30-year journey in the beautiful country known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” 

The commissioners were warmly welcomed with a heartfelt reception, which included the presentation of flowers symbolizing blessings, hope and love. Throughout their stay, they were greeted with true Rwandan spirit. 

On November 30, more than 800 people gathered for a service at Batsinda Hall in Kigali. It was a powerful and unforgettable event, featuring vibrant traditional dances that testified to the beauty, joy and resilience of Rwandan culture. The theme of the service was “A Soldier for Christ,” which was imbued with messages of spiritual renewal, commitment and discipleship.

To read the full story from The Salvation Army IHQ, click here.

On This Day In History…

On March 10, 1880, The Salvation Army officially made its way to America. 

Led by George Scott Railton and sent by General William Booth, The Salvation Army arrived via a steamer ship. 

However, it wasn’t the first record of The Salvation Army in America. A few months before, 16-year-old Eliza Shirley and her parents had arrived and established themselves in Philadelphia. For months, Eliza and her family went all over town, “spreading the faith.” Recognizing her good work, General William Booth sent George Scott Railton to continue the mission in America. 

 To read more about Eliza Shirley and her commitment to the Army, visit click here.