National Salvation Army Week will be celebrated in grand style throughout Hernando County from May 15-21, when those who “Do the Most Good” will be treated with the most love and respect. .
The Salvation Army is, according to an organizational mission statement, “an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Our message is based on the Bible, our ministry is motivated by the love of God, and our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as we meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
“Since 1904, The Salvation Army has faithfully and consistently worked to help those in need from our community,” read information prepared for The Hernando Sun, “365 days a year helping individuals and families who find themselves in crisis, shelter to those experiencing homelessness, food, and meals to the hungry, and much more.”
In Hernando County, The Salvation Army offers a multitude of programs that aid and support those in need. “Every program we offer is rooted in our passion to serve God by serving the lost, the vulnerable, the needy, the poor, the hurting, the helpless and the hopeless,” said Lt. Joshua Davis, with The Salvation Army of Hernando County.
Alongside his wife and Co-Leader Lt. April Davis, Joshua Davis is leading The Salvation Army in a weeklong local recognition of those volunteers and community partners who truly make a difference within their organization, and across the community.
“Hernando County is excited to celebrate National Salvation Army Week,” said Lt. Joshua Davis. “We could not do so without the help of our community partners and volunteers. This year for National Salvation Army Week, we want to spend each day highlighting the people that come alongside us in ministry.”
Each day of this very special week will be devoted to a different segment of The Salvation Army’s community of helpers. Davis shared, “Monday, we’ll recognize a community partner. Tuesday, we’ll recognize our volunteers. Wednesday, we’ll recognize those that shop at our thrift store. Thursday, we’ll recognize our youth. Friday, we’ll recognize our board members.”
As The Salvation Army honors its present and future, the agency also acknowledges the grand tradition that forms its heart and core. “Everyone knows The Salvation Army,” read the related information. “We recognize the bell ringers and red buckets at Christmastime, see the large ‘Doing The Most Good’ bus around the city, and have perhaps seen The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in our city. But did you know The Salvation Army is first and foremost a church?”
“An early day Salvation Army motto was ‘Soup, Soap, and Salvation’ which still represents the organization’s practical approach to ministry today. William Booth believed a man would not listen to the message of the gospel if he were dirty and hungry. So, Booth and the Salvationists worked to clean up a man, give him a set of clothes and a satisfying meal before telling him of God’s love. That holistic approach – ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a person – remains at the core of The Salvation Army ministry.”
Throughout Florida, nearly 60 Salvation Army churches and community centers are currently in operation. Related services such as shelters, food pantries, and thrift stores, vary from location to location. They are always seeking people to come alongside them as a partner or volunteer. To find out more about The Salvation Army church and programs here in Hernando County, please call 352-796-1186, or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SalArmyHernando.
