Teaching Students About the History Of Salvation Army
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The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that was founded in London in 1865. It is known for its charitable work, particularly in assisting the poor and providing disaster relief. However, many students may not know much about the history of the Salvation Army and how it came to be the organization it is today. Here are just a few key events that could be covered in a lesson on the subject.
One of the most important figures in the early history of the Salvation Army was William Booth. Booth grew up in poverty in England and eventually became a Methodist minister. However, he became disillusioned with the church’s focus on the middle and upper classes and felt that there was no one trying to help the poor. In 1865, he founded the Christian Revival Society, which eventually became the Salvation Army.
From the beginning, the Salvation Army was focused on serving those who were most in need. The organization’s motto became “Soup, Soap, and Salvation,” reflecting its belief that practical assistance was just as important as spiritual guidance. In the early years, the Salvation Army set up soup kitchens and provided free medical care to those who could not afford it. They also established shelters for homeless people and opened rescue homes for prostitutes and other women who needed help.
As the Salvation Army grew, it faced many challenges and obstacles. In some cases, the organization was met with hostility from religious and political authorities. For example, in 1880, Booth and several other Salvation Army members were actually thrown in jail for preaching in a public space without a license. However, this did not deter the organization from continuing its work.
Today, the Salvation Army is active in over 130 countries around the world. Its services have grown to include addiction recovery programs, youth programs, and disaster relief efforts. However, the organization’s commitment to serving those who are marginalized or in need has remained a constant over the years.