The Salvation Army is a Church that Responds to Poverty

Loving Jesus compels The Salvation Army to serve people in Saint John.  Their ministry exemplifies everyone’s need for God’s goodness and God’s compassion.  It is a balance of accountability and grace, of good stewardship and a nonjudgmental approach, and of restraint and acceptance.  This is what love looks like.

The Salvation Army quietly goes about its ministry.  Their humility is noteworthy.  Their name is recognizable, they are widely respected, and they are part of Canada’s largest network of non-governmental social services.  Still, people who use their social services typically learn about The Salvation Army because people and organizations in Saint John who work with marginalized people know what is happening.  Even their funding is low-key.  Their 24-day Kettle Campaign over the Christmas season raises about $90,000, which is most of their yearly operating budget.

 

Despite being quiet servants, The Salvation Army is an active church with programming to serve people of all ages.  Families can find toys and clothes for Christmas presents and food so they can share a Christmas dinner.  A children’s programs partners with the Protestant Orphanage Fund to send fifty children to summer camp.  A program for teenage girls combines Dove’s True Beauty program with Christian spirituality.  A weekly program for adults aged fifty years or older sees a group largely made up of marginalized people gather for a chapel service, a meal, and games.  

 

Amongst the programs and activities at The Salvation Army, Hope Cafe stands out.  Hope Cafe is a gathering place.  People share breakfast, coffee, conversation, and community.  A game of pool is nearly constant, with a plaque honouring the winners of a yearly tournament.  People come and go as they please, allowing the participants to access other services in the area.  It also includes a blood pressure clinic on Wednesdays.  

 

With Hope Cafe and other services, The Salvation Army demonstrates how to share God’s love and compassion.  They love their neighbour by providing a safe and happy environment to share life.

 

For more information about the programs at The Salvation Army or to volunteer at their Hope Cafe program, please contact Shelly McCready, Community Ministries Co-ordinator by phone at (506) 634-1633 or email at shelly_mccready@can.salvationarmy.org.