The Voice of The Salvation Army

Never the Same Again

At its heart, the Easter story is about life, with its tragedies and triumphs. Despair need never be an option.

March 20, 2013 by General Linda Bond Leave a Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - At its heart, the Easter story is about life, with its tragedies and triumphs. Despair need never be an option.

Several years ago, when attending a Sunday morning worship service at a Salvation Army corps (church), I heard one of our leaders preach. It was not a typical sermon; in fact it seemed too simple, especially for this seasoned preacher. But his first language was not English so I suppose for this English-speaking congregation, he had to play it safe and not try to be too theological, using words … [Read more...]

Filling in the Gap

The War College challenges youth to focus on faith.

March 19, 2013 by Jonathan Evans 1 Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - The War College challenges youth to focus on faith

Young people in North America are leaving the church in disturbing numbers. Sadly, the Army is not immune to this trend. Most youth leave between high school and university or when entering the workforce. These life transitions present alternative opportunities and relationships that compete with church attendance or being involved in God’s mission in the world. Consider the consequences for … [Read more...]

The Causeway Initiative

Forming unlikely friendships in the heart of Toronto.

March 18, 2013 1 Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - Dion Oxford talks to Salvationist about the Causeway Initiative

Finding affordable housing in major urban cities like Toronto is no easy feat. And for those who stay at the Gateway, a Salvation Army 108-bed shelter and drop-in centre for men and women in Toronto, the hurdles can seem insurmountable. Director Dion Oxford has seen first-hand how individuals who transition from shelter life to a place of their own often wind up back where they started—living … [Read more...]

Flexible Training: Many Paths, One Goal

Five cadets tell Salvationist about their experiences in field-based training.

March 13, 2013 by Kristin Fryer 1 Comment


Flexible Training: Many Paths, One Goal

In the Canada and Bermuda Territory, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to training officers. In addition to the standard two-year program at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg, the Army offers Field-Based Tailored Training (FBTT), which embraces the unique situation of different candidates, offering an alternative path to officership for people who meet certain … [Read more...]

Mr. Snow Goes to Springhill

As mayor of this Nova Scotia town, retired Salvation Army Major Max Snow is determined to make a difference.

March 12, 2013 by Ken Ramstead 1 Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - Major Mayor: Max Snow

Major Max Snow vividly remembers that night in 1958. Curled up next to his little transistor radio, he was listening fearfully to the aftermath of the infamous “bump”—an underground upheaval—in Springhill, N.S., when a mine accident killed 74 miners. “As a young Salvationist in Newfoundland,” says Major Snow, “I prayed for the families, rejoiced at each rescue and mourned each … [Read more...]

Second Life

A devastating kidney disease taught Major Keith Pike how to rely on God.

March 5, 2013 by Kristin Fryer 1 Comment


keith-pike-feature

Major Keith Pike entered the college for officer training in St. John’s, N.L., in the fall of 1987, eager to learn and serve God and The Salvation Army through full-time ministry. But his dream of officership almost died just a few months later when Major Pike was diagnosed with kidney disease. He picked up a sore throat in his first semester at the college, which seemed harmless enough. … [Read more...]

Healing Hands

A surgeon and Salvation Army bandsman, Dr. Eric Shepherd’s faith provides a firm foundation.

March 4, 2013 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - Dr. Eric Shepherd is a surgeon and Salvation Army bandsman

Officially, Dr. Eric Shepherd is retired, but you wouldn’t know it. At 73, Shepherd still spends two days a week in the operating room, assisting with surgery at Victoria Hospital in London, Ont., and he considers it a privilege. “It’s technically interesting, it’s useful and I’m with my friends doing what I love,” he says. Shepherd has been in the medical profession since 1963. … [Read more...]

The Warm Heart of Africa

Commissioner Brian Peddle shares reflections and photos from his visit to Malawi.

February 11, 2013 Leave a Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - Commissioner Brian Peddle shares reflections from his visit to Malawi

Welcome to Malawi—the warm heart of Africa. The country shares its borders with Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique, and lays claim to beautiful Lake Malawi. With a population of 15 million, this diverse country is troubled by low life expectancy and high infant mortality as it battles the prevalence of HIV-AIDS. The country relies heavily on an economy based on agriculture, including sugar cane, … [Read more...]

A Matter of Opinion

As one of Canada’s premier broadcasters and columnists, Rex Murphy’s admiration of The Salvation Army runs deep.

February 4, 2013 Leave a Comment


As one of Canada’s premier broadcasters and columnists, Rex Murphy’s admiration of The Salvation Army runs deep

Social commentator and editorial journalist Rex Murphy has been one of Canada’s most influential and respected opinion leaders for decades. Born in Carbonear, N.L., Murphy graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1968 and then went to the United Kingdom to pursue his studies as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford. Returning to Newfoundland and Labrador, he soon established a reputation as … [Read more...]

Healthy Transformation

God helped Captain Lisa MacPherson find balance in her mind, body and spirit.

January 23, 2013 by Captain Lisa MacPherson 1 Comment


Captain Lisa MacPherson has learned the importance of having balance in her life

Last year I made choices in my life that were transformational. Physically, I look different (I’ve lost 65 pounds!), but the major changes occurred in my heart and the way I think. The impact has been so positive that I believe God has called me to start a new program at our church called Healthy Transformations (see sidebar). My husband, David, and I are the corps officers of New Westminster … [Read more...]