Why we go to the Army!

Christine Anderson

Because I have been drawn there to worship God and support this worldwide Christian church which involves any ages, abilities and needs.

Ann Connelly

To hear the word of God in a very exciting and understanding way. 

Maggie Gardner

As soon as I entered Bo’ness Salvation Army in August 2024, I knew I had made the right choice. I was led to go there because I feel wanted and loved, safe and secure and the Lord led me there and I followed. The kindness of the corps fellowship is constant and genuine and my prayers have been answered.

Karin Ingram

My life has been saved. I was in a state of despair that affected my life and I’ve found by coming to the Army the welcome and kindness of others has changed my life around. I responded by becoming an adherent at Pentecost this year. 

Louise Potter

I stopped attending the local Church of Scotland as a child. During a very difficult time and losing my mother, I started to think about God and Church. I took great comfort on my work journey to stop outside The Salvation Army and pray. After encouragement from family members who attended the corps, I began attending myself and automatically sensed an overwhelming peace and the presence of God. God has answered my prayers and, now in retirement, I give of my time and talents at the corps. I dedicated my life to God by becoming an adherent at Pentecost this year.

Janette Thomas

For over 30 years I was a member of the Church of Scotland in Linlithgow and then Carriden in Bo’ness. The Carriden Church closed in 2023 and I had to make a decision where to worship. I had been helping at the luncheon club at Bo’ness Salvation Army as my sister is a retired officer and soldiers at the corps. From here, I decided to make the corps my church and I was made an adherent a few weeks ago.

Kay Jeary

I love coming to The Salvation Army in Briston because I live here now. I was brought up in Sheringham Salvation Army and became a songster and wore the Army uniform and bonnet. I moved away at 21. I was invited to attend Briston coffee morning and then invited to attend Sunday meetings. Everyone here at Briston is kind and friendly and I value all the friendships I have made.

Linda Mcphilemy

I came to the Army coffee morning, where I was invited to their carol service. From that time, I attended regularly and joined the singing group. I am so proud to belong. When asked to become an adherent I jumped at the opportunity. The Army is my spiritual home. I have found the warmth, love and friendship at Briston amazing. 

Linda Robinson

The Salvation Army is a family to me and a time to pray, to be in God’s house and thank him for his goodness to me.

Pat Smith

What I have found at Briston Salvation Army is a family, a home, comfort for all, wrapped up in God’s care. Music, music, music for the soul and heart to God.

Gladys Goodwin

I have been a devoted member of The Salvation Army in Grimsby since I was dedicated at just one month old. Each service brings me a blessing, filling my heart with Jesus, joy and hope. I treasure the connections I have forged over the years, the company of lifelong friends and the new faces that bring fresh vibrancy to the congregation.

Marion

Because it feels like a second home. I’ve volunteered at parents and toddlers and the lunch club for 17 years, and later became an adherent at the corps. I attend on Sundays when I can, and really value the friendships I’ve made over the years. Supporting my community is important to me.

Susan

Because I want to hear the Bible, see how what it says is put into everyday action, learn what I need to do, and have the opportunity to do something for the church community here.

Ida Franklin

Because it feels like family. I’ve grown up in the corps, surrounded by people who have encouraged my faith and supported me since childhood. Now, working at my home corps, I find it rewarding to help make a difference in the community and build strong relationships with others.

Captain Tim Swansbury

Do we really ‘go’ to The Salvation Army? I think we are The Salvation Army! If I’m asked which church I go to, I always reply: ‘I’m part of/belong to/a member of The Salvation Army.’ I believe the extra couple of words makes a huge difference! Church isn’t something you simply go to but a community to be part of (see 1 Peter 2:5). A corps is often equated with a hall but truly a corps is a company of Salvationist members fighting together on a holy mission! We lose so much if a corps is simply where we go on a Sunday, and not who we are seven days a week!

Peter Bayley-Bligh

I still find peace in the Anglican communion but, since becoming a soldier at Salisbury, have become more aware of the Holy Spirit. 

Boniface Taruwedzera

Because I want a spiritual connection with God. I need to revive my relationship with God and what I look forward to the most is the message more than anything else. The word is food to my soul. My focus is more on the spiritual aspect.

Daisy

I am a fourth-generation Salvationist – but not an officer or an officer’s kid. I was dedicated at Nunhead Salvation Army when I was 3 months old. I went to Poplar Corps for a good few years, where I became a junior soldier and later a soldier. I left the Army for a year or so and then eventually went back to Nunhead, where I am now enjoying my calling as the young people’s sergeant-major. 😃❤️😃

Katy

Because I realised that people really saw me for me. My daughter who is 5 says she goes because it makes her happy to dance with Jesus.

Lucinda

I’d been brought up going to various churches. Through my 20s to mid-40s I had ignored God’s calling to go back to a church. Then one day I couldn’t ignore God anymore so went along to my local Salvation Army church. It was life-changing. I’m now our toddler leader. I volunteer at lots of our activities. My faith has grown so much. My 12-year-old daughter has now had her calling to become an officer. I feel so blessed that God never gave up on me and how The Salvation Army picked me up and accepted me into the corps.

Shaun

For a long time, I struggled with my disability and always feeling that I believe I can do more. I wanted to help people, but also help myself. It wasn’t until I heard about a job opportunity at a Salvation Army Lifehouse that I felt something. I now feel confident to explore my faith more within work. And even though I had tough times at the Lifehouse, I felt that God was helping me to become stronger. Now I’ve been working at the same Lifehouse for 8 years, and I am a support worker. I’ve been going to my local corps for nearly 4 years and have been a Salvation Army soldier for 2 years. I do feel the call to keep going. And I’m now exploring spiritual leadership, and to be someone who can inspire others. Through life and through faith. 🙏🙏

Yvonne 

As an adult, I went to churches to see where we felt at 'home' and found out my husband’s family went to The Salvation Army. We’ve been a part of The Salvation Army for 23 years now.