‘Strong as ever’

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: June 18, 2008

William Booth, a Methodist minister, founded the Salvation Army in the slums of London over 140 years ago. The Rev. Booth realized that it is nearly, if not impossible, to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people who are cold, hungry and wet. He acted upon the words of the Apostle Paul, who stated that one lacks contentment without food and shelter (I Tim 6:8). Thus the mission of the Salvation Army was born to preach the Gospel and to meet the human needs for shelter, food and warmth without discrimination. In the interring years, Booth’s mission has successfully spread around the world to more than 160 countries.
The first Salvation Army Corporation in Rockingham and Caswell counties was established in 1949 on Barnes Street in Reidsville. The mission, as always, was to provide food, rental and utilities assistance on an emergency basis to those in need. In 1980, a second corporation was established in the Spray section of Eden to meet the growing needs for these same services. In 2007, with the help of the Annie Penn Community Trust, a service unit was established in Madison to continue to address similar needs in the western part of Rockingham County.
The combined service units continue to serve thousands of Rockingham County citizens. It is imperative that we minister to the needs of these individuals in the communities in which they reside, because most of our clients have limited access to transportation.
To streamline costs we have decided to consolidate the administrative functions into one location. A merger committee composed of Advisory Board members from around the county is working with the Salvation Army leadership to plan this consolidation. Simultaneously, we are going forward with the consolidation of the Salvation Army leadership and administrative services.
All current Advisory Board members will have the opportunity to serve on the new Advisory Board, and meetings will alternate between the locations. As a group, we are committed not only to maintaining the current level of service, but to expanding it in all three service areas. The consolidation will enable us to do just that.
The level of need in Rockingham County is growing faster than ever. Our dedication to the mission—“Heart to God and Hand to Man”—will remain as strong as ever. We ask for your continued prayers and support.
Jonathan C. Jobe
Carol Kasten
Members of the merger committee