She first heard of the mission team from her parents who are Salvation Army officers (pastors). She remembers her parents telling her about the program and encouraging her to learn more about it and apply. So in 2019, Jessica learned that she would travel overseas with a mission team to South Africa. “I found out that I would be assigned to the South Africa Team of 2019,” Jessica recalled. “I could not believe that I was going to be the farthest from home that I had ever been, in a country I never thought I would have a chance to visit.” 

Jessica remembers the experience as a formative experience for her faith and relationship with God. “I saw the way God worked in the lives of those serving in South Africa daily and how much joy He brings to the hearts of those who love Him. I saw how God empowered myself and our team to go above and beyond what we thought we were capable of.” 

Although she carries many fond memories from the experience, one of her favorites is in Namibia. With her team, she assisted in leading that division’s first Youth Councils. Worship, Bible study, dancing, and testimonies filled the exciting weekend. “I had never seen a group so excited to spend time with the Lord and worship the whole weekend,” Jessica said. Jessica got to lead an interpretative dance elective and share her testimony with the youth that weekend. “The Holy Spirit was truly moving that weekend in ways that only He could do.” 

Jessica advises anyone considering signing up for a mission team to consider it prayerfully. “I’d recommend taking some time to pray for it. For as we all know Jeremiah 29:11, He knows what is best for you and has plans to live through you in any place you go.” Although her experience was many years ago, Jessica thanks God for how one summer made such a profound impact on her life.

On This Day in History…

On September 19, 1882, The Salvation Army officially began its mission in India, marking a major expansion of its global outreach. This event is often referred to as the “invasion” of India, but reflects its bold approach to evangelism and social service. 

When the authorities in India heard that The Salvation Army was coming, they visualized the landing of a formidable force. The police lined up in force for the Army’s arrival. When the four Salvation Army officers on the ship stepped ashore, the police superintendent approached, asking, “When will the rest of your army land?” Major Frederick de Lautour Tucker replied, “We are the whole Army.” 

 To read more about Frederick and the expansion of The Salvation Army in India, visit bit.ly/salarmy-india.

How Music Helped Strengthen Arren’s Faith

Arren Boyd was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA where he grew up attending The Salvation Army Philadelphia Citadel Corps. 

As someone who grew up attending The Salvation Army, music programs helped him develop into the musician he is today. “The most impactful Salvation Army program to me is the music and arts program,” he explained. “Not only did attending music programs at my corps (church) growing up help me develop into the musician I am today, but they also helped me to grow into the man of God I am today. The people at the corps who taught me music discipled me in the process, showing me that it was more than just the notes on the page or the cool sounds the instruments made. It is the reason why we use the gifts and talents God has given us, which is to glorify His name and win people for the Kingdom.”  

He currently serves as the corps officer (pastor) at The Salvation Army Brooklyn Bushwick Corps Community Center. He lives with his wife and daughters in the Greater New York area.

The Salvation Army On The Big Screen

Ever been watching a movie or TV show and seen the familiar red shield logo appear on the screen? Perhaps in a scene background, like in “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” the second movie in Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. In one of the movie’s opening scenes, Peter Parker, played by Tom Holland, appears before a crowd at a fundraiser at a Salvation Army homeless shelter. 

But The Salvation Army has appeared on the screen many times before. Some movies that the Army has been mentioned in are: “A Christmas Story” (1983), “Batman Begins” (2005), “The Grinch” (2000), “Maid in Manhattan” (2002), and “Seabiscuit” (2003). 

The movies “A Christmas Story,” “The Grinch,” and “Seabiscuit” all feature a Salvation Army band in the background. In others, they mention the organization in passing or viewers can spot a bell-ringer in the background. 

Do you know any movies that mention The Salvation Army?

Crazy Daisies

This past May, the Echelon Syracuse chapter gathered at Crazy Daisies, a local garden café. 

The event hosted 25 chapter members who joined together in crafting flowerpots, enjoying brunch and learning how The Salvation Army Syracuse corps uplifts the community, specifically information about how the Emergency Food Pantry serves and highlights current needs within the community. 

“The atmosphere was warm and lively, with members smiling and enjoying every moment,” Alison LoVuolo, the staff liaison for the chapter, remarked. “It was clear how much they appreciated the chance to learn more about our programs in such a beautiful local greenhouse setting.”