Dr. Jim Surrell, Journal columnist

Let me begin by stating that I am a huge fan of The Salvation Army and have been for many years.

They do so much for so many people in need, and they assist approximately 23 million people in the United States each and every year. In addition to all the Salvation Army does here in the United States, they also serve in approximately 130 other countries throughout the world.

The Salvation Army was created in London, England, in 1865 by Mr. William Booth, who was a very devout Christian. Based on his faith, he became very strongly motivated to help the many suffering souls throughout London who were in desperate need of help. Those in need included many people in London who, at that time, were very poor, vulnerable, destitute, and truly unable to care for themselves. He truly wanted to follow his very strong Christian beliefs, perhaps especially his strong belief that he should care for others in need. The leader of The Salvation Army was appropriately given the title of “General.” General William Booth died in 1912, after he had laid a firm foundation for the lifesaving work that The Salvation Army continues to perform today in approximately 130 world-wide countries.

Mr. William Booth’s wife, Catherine Booth, was known as the “Army Mother.” In her marriage to William Booth, she became an evangelist, preacher, theologian, and is recognized as the co-founder of The Salvation Army. Mrs. Booth was also a truly very passionate Christian, and she also strongly believed that loving God meant loving people through action. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, and service continues to shape The Salvation Army today.

Evangeline Booth was the seventh child of William and Catherine Booth. Evangeline was a gifted speaker, musician, and was a true leader. She was subsequently sent by her parents to spread The Salvation Army’s mission in North America. During her 30 years as national commander in the United States, Evangeline was responsible for the volunteers who served as chaplains and “Doughnut Girls” during World War I. She was also the person responsible for organizing the United States into four Salvation Army territories. In 1934, Evangeline became The Salvation Army’s fourth General. She left America on the highest crest of love and popularity she had ever known, and retained her American citizenship until her death in 1950.

As so many of us know and have seen, in moments of crisis, The Salvation Army is often the first place people turn to for help and hope. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, The Salvation Army has provided help and hope throughout the USA in the form of food (3.7 million meals and 1 million food boxes), safe shelter (667,000 nights of lodging), and emotional and spiritual support (406,000 individuals helped). These are truly representative examples of how The Salvation Army always is willing to promptly respond to these moments of crisis. Clearly, The Salvation Army offers hope to those who are in substantial need of help, and hope is what can get all of us through even the darkest of times.

The Salvation Army is very dependent upon financial donations to support the truly outstanding help and hope they provide to so many. This certainly includes people throughout the Upper Peninsula who are in need of assistance at this time. If you are in a financial position to do so, let me encourage you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to this wonderful organization. There are numerous Salvation Army sites throughout the Upper Peninsula and to find the one nearest you, let me suggest you contact the Marquette Salvation Army facility at (906) 226-2241. You may also go to their national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ and enter your zip code to get contact information for The Salvation Army site closest to you.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.