On this day in history, March 10, 1880, Salvation Army founder General William Booth sent the first official group to pioneer the Army’s work in the United States. Booth founded the organization in London, England in 1865 with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute.

Salvation Army Lieutenant Eliza Shirley was actually already in the United States in 1879 after leaving England to join her parents, who had migrated to America earlier in search for work. Shirley held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia. The Salvationists were received enthusiastically. Shirley wrote to General Booth, begging for reinforcements, but none were available at first. Glowing reports of the work in Philadelphia, however, eventually convinced Booth, in 1880, to send an official group to establish the work in America.

On March 10, 1880, Salvation Army Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven women survived the long journey from England and arrived in Battery Park in New York City. They knelt on the dockside to give thanks for their safe arrival.

At their first official street meeting, these pioneers were met with unfriendly actions, as had happened in Great Britain. They were ridiculed, arrested, and attacked. Several officers and soldiers even gave their lives. Three years later, Railton and other Salvationists had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. President Grover Cleveland received a delegation of Salvation Army officers in 1886 and gave the organization a warm personal endorsement. This was the first recognition from the White House and would be followed by similar receptions from succeeding presidents.

The Salvation Army movement expanded rapidly to Canada, Australia, France, Switzerland, India, South Africa, Iceland, and local neighborhood units. Today, The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world, providing a variety of social services in 119 countries.

For more information about the history of The Salvation Army, visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or learn more about our life changing work on  Facebook and Twitter.

The Salvation Army ranks among the top 10 most trusted non-profit organizations in America, according to results of Harris Interactive’s EquiTrend annual brand equity poll.

The study measures more than 1,000 brands across 42 different categories, including 59 non-profit brands.

The Salvation Army emerged in the top 10 rankings in categories of:

• Most Trusted (10)
• Brand Equity (6)
• To Which People are Most Likely to Give (5)

You can read the full article in The NonProfit Times.

According to Harris Interactive, this year’s EquiTrend® study was conducted online among 19,708 U.S. consumers ages 15 and over between January 12 and 21, 2010. The total number of brands rated was 1,151, and each respondent was asked to rate a total of 60 randomly selected brands.

For more information about the life changing work of The Salvation Army,visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

Sometimes our plans turn out to be even better than we could have ever expected.

More than five years ago Major Juan Gutierrez, a Salvation Army minister at Hualpencillo, Chile dug a well with which to water the lawns and gardens around the Salvation Army property. He never used it, but today the well is an important component of The Salvation Army’s response to last month’s devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake.

The current corps officer, Major Abraham Marin, installed a pump for the well last week and there is now a source of clean water which can be used by those who are being helped by The Salvation Army. Hualpencillo is where The Salvation Army established the emergency disaster headquarters for the southern region of Chile.

Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Chile South Division, said, “I spoke with Major Gutierrez by telephone to advise him that members of his family who live in the [earthquake] zone are safe. At the same time, I thanked him for drilling the well, which is now helping hundreds of families. In Hualpencillo, we are not only providing food, but fresh spring water as well.”

The Salvation Army’s next meal packing event for Haiti disaster relief will take place in the Los Angeles, CA area on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2010. If you live in or near this area, come show your support for those in need by rolling up your sleeves and helping! Our goal is 1 million meals, so bring your friends!

Again, here are the details:

WHAT: Million Meals for Haiti Packaging Event with The Salvation Army and Numana

WHO: You and Anyone Else You Can Recruit (ages 12 yrs.or older, please!)

WHEN: Teams are being recruited for the following shifts:
Friday, March 12
8:00AM to 12:00PM
12:00PM to 4:00PM
4:00PM to 8:00PM

Saturday, March 13
8:00AM to 12:00PM
12:00PM to 4:00PM
4:00PM to 8:00PM

WHERE: The Salvation Army’s warehouse at 5600 Rickenbacker Road, Building 1C and 1D, Bell, California. Click here for a map to the Bell warehouse.

And don’t forget to register online!

For more information, visit The Salvation Army’s Southern California website. You can also find helpful details on their  blog and Facebook page.

A young boy from The Salvation Army's camp provides musical entertainment on a soda bottle.

The following was submitted by The Salvation Army’s Stacy Howard, who is serving as the Public Information Officer for Haiti Incident Command in Port-au-Prince:

“Both armies wear a uniform; both are respected as two of the most organized groups in the world; both have a common mission in Haiti.

The Salvation Army’s goal is to help survivors of the massive quake with a hand up – to provide support through basic need, medical and spiritual assistance.  The U.S. Army’s Haiti Relief Mission: Provide humanitarian support to the country’s surviving population, most of which have been injured or affected by the earthquake in some way.  Together the two armies have formed a unique and powerful partnership since the quake. Together they assist, aid, protect and serve.

“The Salvation Army was receptive and there was mutual respect,” said Lt. Cody Tinsley, 1 Platoon, A Company, 2 Battalion, 325 Air Infantry Regiment regarding the first of what became many joint missions of food distribution.  As the platoon leader, Tinsley led operations that included safely escorting The Salvation Army staff and distribution items via military convoy and security for the nearly 8,000 displaced families.  While the U.S. military took charge of security measures, The Salvation Army ran the distribution. At the twice-a-week event, nearly 16,000 people received boxed meals provided by Numana, buckets and bottles of cooking oil.

(L to R) The Salvation Army Haiti Command Distribution Coordinator Jonathan Fitzgerald, 1 Platoon, A Company, 2 Battalion, 325 Air infantry Regiment Lt. Cody Tinsley and The Salvation Army Haiti Command Public Information Officer Stacy Howard prepare to distribute food to nearly 8,000 families.

As expected immediately after the quake, disorder and chaos ensued from thousands who rushed for the items.  Tinsley said together, both Armies quickly controlled the situation after assessing the needs and safety issues of all involved.

Once distributions became a regular mission of the Armies, the ebb and flow made it simple for families to be served.  At post-mission debriefings the two Armies discussed ways to improve distribution, shared ideas and came up with a plan that worked for everyone, Tinsley said. Because of mutual respect and trust, each Army let the other take the lead in the area they knew best.

In the end, the Haitian disaster relief is a humanitarian mission for both Armies. Despite the sometimes intimidating appearance the U.S. military might portray, as Tinsley said, they adapt to the mission. They realize this is not a war zone. They aren’t here to occupy, they’re here to protect and serve – and at times, even entertain.

Several members of the platoon played music and danced to entertain the families in line. The children’s faces lit up.  Tinsley said it’s important to remind the survivors we’re all here to help – whether it’s with food, security or a little comedic relief.

The Salvation Army has been in Haiti since 1950, and will remain.  The U.S. Army will also stay as long as they’re needed to provide support.  Whether in Haiti, or elsewhere in the world, The Salvation Army and U.S. Army have and will continue to partner during disaster relief operations with a joint goal:  Restore humanity and hope.

Two armies – one mission.”

To stay updated on The Salvation Army’s work, visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org or follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

Bishop Otis Clark has enough energy to make me envious, and the man is 107! The centenarian was pictured in Time magazine recently for his incredible feat of reaching 100 and surpassing the national average life expectancy by more than 30 years. Even with all these years under his belt, Bishop Clark continues to preach every Sunday.

What’s almost as incredible as his enduring age is how he first started on his path of nearly 88 years of service within the church. In 1922, Clark was in jail in Los Angeles for bootlegging during Prohibition. There, he was converted by The Salvation Army at the age of 19 and he has continued in his faith ever since!

What an enduring impact! Tacoma Washington’s News Tribune featured an article about Bishop Clark that highlights what an incredible time span that is.  Here are a few snippets:

“ [Bishop Clark’s] passport, which he’s used for world travels later in life, says he was born Feb. 13, 1903, in Oklahoma, four years before it became a state. Theodore Roosevelt was president.”

“Clark is a living history lesson. He survived segregation, the Tulsa race riot in 1921 and the Great Depression.”

“He said he was once a butler for Joan Crawford and lived in her house, where he got to know Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin.”

If you were to live to be 100 or older, what would you like to accomplish, or what do you hope people would say about your life?

A Salvation Army worker surveys damage from Chile's earthquake.

The massive tremor that shook Chile in late February has been described as a “very deceiving earthquake.” Though it initially did not show signs of catastrophic proportions, the quake seems to be breaking down the affected areas’ infrastructure from the inside out.

While many believed that the central region of Chile was not affected, many buildings in Santiago are now being condemned because of damage from the earthquake.   The strong aftershocks have impacted the infrastructure of many buildings to the point where at least two to three 18 – 25 story apartment complexes in Santiago have had to turn their residents away  so the buildings can be imploded in the near future.  Many families have been displaced, and all socioeconomic levels are being affected by this disaster.

Lt. Colonel F. Bradford Bailey, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army South America West, said “This earthquake has not only caused physical damage but is has caused damage to the psyche and social conditions of Chile.  It has brought out the best and the worst of Chileans.  Many are very disappointed in their countrymen (i.e. looting, vandals), while others have stepped up to help and provide strength that is immeasurable.”

He went on to say, “This is where The Salvation Army has an opportunity to step up to offer a ministry of presence, and many church members are finding a chance to share their relationship with God.  This combined catastrophe will continue to not only affect the pocketbooks of the Government and its citizens, but also the soul of the Chileans”.

Here are  some ways The Salvation Army is helping in Chile:

Santiago Metropolitan region:

• The Salvation Army is now providing an average of 3,000 meals a day.   These numbers continue to grow, and three meals a day are served.  Water, first aid supplies, blankets, candles and other emergency supplies are to be distributed as needed.

Concepcion:

• Corps Officers, soldiers, and volunteers continue to provide emergency services to displaced residents.

Hualpen:

• The Hualpencillo Corps continues to serve as a headquarters for food distribution.
• As of Wednesday, March 3, they now have three emergency disaster crews carrying provisions to outlying areas. Additional teams are being deployed from Santiago.
• Salvation Army Corps Sgt. Major in this city lost her home to the tsunami but is camped out in a tent at the courtyard of the property to help take care of those in greater need than she is at this time.

Talca:

• The Salvation Army has asked Chilean Emergency Disaster Ministries to open up a fourth front to provide emergency services.   The Salvation Army has offered to handle emergency distribution to this community.

If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can:

• Donate online
• Text ‘CHILE’ to 52000 to make a $10 contribution

Dee Smith holds newborn Neldine.

It sounds like something out of a movie, but no, it’s just another day at The Salvation Army’s relief site in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Dee Smith, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army’s Western Missouri Division, had just finished meetings with the United Nations (UN) when she decided to visit the Port-au-Prince camp. Little did she know that a pregnant woman had just arrived at The Salvation Army clinic, already in labor.

With no time to waste, Dee, a licensed EMT, walked the mother through the delivery in the compound’s parking lot! A beautiful baby girl was born, who was named Neldine. Dee used guaze and a razor to cut the umbilical cord and someone’s T-shirt to provide the mother with some cushioning before taking her to a mattress to rest. Talk about resourceful!

A doctor arrived on the scene shortly after, and thanks to the help of Dee Smith, we are happy to report that both mother and daughter are doing well!

Today marks the World Day of Prayer, a worldwide movement originally initiated by Christian women of many faith traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March.

The Salvation Army is recognizing the day with corps across the nation participating in ways unique to each local unit. Members of the surrounding community are invited to attend The Salvation Army’s World Day of Prayer functions, submit prayer requests, or observe the day individually as they see fit. Needs from the local, national, and global level will be lifted up as those around the United States and the rest of the world remember the day.

Many corps will be hosting prayer vigils with participants praying at the Salvation Army site, in their own home, or elsewhere. While the details of such vigils vary around the country, they are all opportunities to foster community involvement and commit to an increased emphasis on prayer.

And it’s not difficult to look around and see inspiration for prayer requests – from the victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami, to our world leaders, to issues in our own personal lives, or just giving thanks for our many blessings.

Other Salvation Army units will incorporate in the day’s events a special worship service, which may include songs or a message in addition to prayer.

The World Day of Prayer is carried out by men and women in more than 170 countries and regions across the globe. It is meant to encourage fellowship and understanding between people, help carry the burdens of others, and enrich life through faith.

For more information about how you can join with The Salvation Army to participate in The World Day of Prayer, contact your local Salvation Army corps.  Also, be sure to leave a comment on our blog letting us know what you think of the day and if/how you participated!

Salvation Army workers distribute emergency supplies to residents of Tocopilla, northern Chile.

The Salvation Army continues to provide emergency services in Chile as many remain missing or without basic necessities. We are networking with other Christian evangelical groups to support and comfort those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck February 27. Items that are being provided by these partners include donations of clothing, non-perishable foods, bed linens, cots, and tents.

As reported previously, the hardest hit areas of Chile are Concepcion (750,000 pop. and located slightly inland), Valdivia, Haulpen, and Tajquiana, a port city.   The emergency disaster headquarters are being established at the Hualpencillo Salvation Army Corps which is located between the coast and Concepcion.  Many of the tents erected at the Corps are displaced Salvation Army Officers and members whose homes have been washed away.

An emergency disaster team brought a generator to provide electricity, as well as additional food to be packaged or cooked for survivors. One of the main ingredients that will be distributed is flour, as bread is a main Chilean staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In the Santiago metropolitan region, approximately 1,500 – 2,000 persons are being served daily with hot meals, water, first aid items, and other emergency supplies.

There is concern about food distribution due to the unrest and looting that has been occurring, so The Salvation Army is hopeful that we will be provided some protection from local police.

Supplies are being purchased by funding already received from International Headquarters as well as local donations.  Some of the supplies that will be delivered include:

• Milk donated by the Swiss government
• Non-perishable foods
• Clothing donated by Canada, USA Central, and USA Eastern territories
• Linens including blankets and bedding
• Tents
• Purified water
• Tools to assist with clearing efforts

Further information will be reported as soon as it becomes available.  Stay up to date through our blog, national website, Facebook, and Twitter pages!

If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can:

• Donate online
• Text ‘CHILE’ to 52000 to make a $10 contribution