Started in 1865 as ³The Christian Mission² in slum areas of England, The Salvation Army today is ministering to the needy in 111 countries. Its message is based on the Bible and its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The church, known as a corps, in Oceanside, is working to minister to people in various walks of life by providing programs that will meet their needs, both practically and spiritually. In addition to Sunday morning worship services, mid-week Bible studies, and youth programs, The Salvation Army has a social services office that is open 5 days a week. Through this office people are able to receive various kinds of help, including emergency food, utilities and housing assistance, personal comfort kits, and counseling, to name a few. Once the physical needs of the person are met, our social services worker offers to pray with them about whatever is on their hearts, and always invites them to church.
³Soup, soap and salvation² was what the founders of the Army would say, meaning that once people were fed and cleaned up their hearts were more prepared to hear the Good News and more responsive to it. So that is what we try to do – feed them, clean them and give them the Word. Then we watch the power of the Holy Spirit work in otherwise hopeless and defeated lives, transforming them into people with a hope in the future.
