National Salvation Army Week: May 12-18, 2014

In 1865, William Booth founded The Salvation Army in London, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of desperate individuals roaming the streets. Fifteen years later in 1880, The Salvation Army began its work in New Jersey. Since then, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division has provided humanitarian relief and spiritual guidance to millions of people across our great state.

The Salvation Army New Jersey Division demonstrates hope and healing in many ways. Those addicted to drugs or alcohol find a network of rehabilitation programs; children born into poverty discover camps and educational opportunities; and those who are lonely and forgotten receive friendly visits and gifts through the year. Our services result in shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry and relief for disaster survivors. The Salvation Army’s commitment to serve is demonstrated daily at our 28 Corps Community Centers, 101 Service Extension Units and through our unwavering support to Hurricane Sandy survivors over 18 months after the storm.

National Salvation Army Week is a time to thank our generous donors and volunteers who allow us to accomplish all that we do. Without your support, we would not be able to provide stellar programs and services statewide. We also thank the Township of Union, City of Newark, City of Camden and City of New Brunswick for issuing proclamations recognizing National Salvation Army Week.

All are welcome to join our National Salvation Army Week luncheon on Monday, May 12th at Ria Mar, 25 Whitehead Avenue in South River. The event will begin at 12:00PM and honor our retired senior volunteers. For tickets, please call New Brunswick Corps at 732-545-1477.

On Tuesday, May 13th, we will honor the women of our Hurricane Sandy Recovery Group in Hazlet. From 9:30AM to 2:30PM, the ladies will get their hair and nails done, and participate in a craft project at our 1444 Hazlet Pavilion office. Lunch will be provided as well as gift bags and photos to memorialize the day. From 3:00PM to 5:00PM, the group will enjoy desserts, coffee and tea at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro.

During this week, I encourage everyone to celebrate The Salvation Army’s 134 years in New Jersey, and join our mission to serve those in need.

Donald E. Berry, Major
Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division

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Tough Mudder

“Don’t quit!”
“Keep going!”

And my personal favorite, “You’re going to feel amazing when you finish!”

These were just a few of the statements made by several of the event and medical staff that were stationed around the course at the Tri-State Tough Mudder 2013. I learned several things that morning and a few stood out to me:

•    Encouragement goes a long way
•    Teamwork makes the dream work
•    There is satisfaction in completion

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up...”

There were moments in the challenge where it seemed that the logical thing to do was to quit, turn back and live to fight another day. By the time you reach mile 3 (a quarter of the the way), your body is aching, you’re cold and beginning to notice a few aches accumulated along the way. Thank God for encouragement! It seemed that every time doubt crept into my mind an encouraging word reminded me that I’m able to take another step, climb another wall and endure a little longer. The encouragement prevented defeat from ever gaining a foot hole in my mind.

Proverbs 27:17, “ Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another...”

Tough Mudder was designed to ensure camaraderie. The challenges and course can be completed by an individual, but it is not good for a man to try it alone (see what I did there *wink wink*). I saw a man struggle and literally hit a wall...of mud...and begin to give in to frustration. He found life when someone reached back and grabbed his arm. With a new strength, together he climbed that wall as a stranger pulls him up. He then continued on the course to the finish.

John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.””

In The Salvation Army, its not uncommon to begin a project or effort and not see it in its completed state. One officer may begin a campaign for a new building and the next may begin the construction. No matter what the task, there is a great sense of achievement when it is completed. When I crossed the finish line at Tough Mudder, I fully expected to collapse and just lie on the ground until I had enough strength to stand. What I found was that upon completion, I was still standing!

Not everyone will do and complete a Tough Mudder, but we all will face challenges or know someone in the midst of one. Your words of encouragement might be all that stands between victory and defeat in that moment. We are creatures of community, therefore, we ought to be there for each other. Lastly, Let us meet our next obstacle and see it through to completion. Join in the finished work of Christ!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound Corps

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