The Voice of The Salvation Army

A Heart Unchained

Before he could become totally free, Brian Turner had to escape a prison of his own making.

February 21, 2013 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


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Brian Turner was only seven years old when he witnessed his mother murder his stepfather, a horror that would define his life for the next 30 years. Racking up 60 convictions and many jail terms, Brian was utterly lost, seeing no way out of the life he had been living for so long—until 2008, when an encounter with a Salvation Army prison chaplain changed everything. An Evil … [Read more...]

Volunteers for 27 Years

Brian and Anne Newell share in ministry with The Salvation Army’s correctional and justice services.

July 23, 2012 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


Brian and Anne Newell

Brian and Anne Newell were court reporters in the criminal court in Kingston, Ont. That was where they first met Majors Fred and Doreen Mills, who were The Salvation Army workers in the court at the time. They often talked during breaks and, one day, Brian told Major Fred Mills that he played keyboard. “Major Mills said, ‘How about coming into the prison? We need a keyboard player for … [Read more...]

Redemption Stories

Kingston’s Freedom Ministries offers invaluable support to inmates, past offenders and their families.

July 23, 2012 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


Federal parolee Mike Malcolm visits with Freedom Ministries prison chaplain, Reverend Scott Pruden

Some politicians say it’s time to get tough on crime. Media reports suggest that we lock criminals up and throw away the key. But for Freedom Ministries, it’s never too late for redemption. Based in Kingston, Ont., the unofficial prison capital of Canada, The Salvation Army’s Freedom Ministries offers inmates, past offenders and their families a variety of programs that include institution … [Read more...]

Episode 1: Joy Wade Finds Redemption

In this video, Joy Wade speaks about why she is a member of The Salvation Army, what Jesus means to her and why we should never give up.

July 19, 2012 by John McAlister Leave a Comment


In this video, Joy Wade speaks about why she is a member of The Salvation Army, what Jesus means to her and why we should never give up. For more information about Joy, please read her story below the video.   Freed From the Shackles of Sin Sentenced to eight years in a foreign prison, Joy Wade felt like her life was over by John McAlister As Joy Wade walked towards the … [Read more...]

Craig’s List

Recently released from prison, Paul Craig was mad at the world. What would it take to defuse his anger?

June 1, 2012 by Diane Stark 1 Comment


Paul in front of the Halifax Centre of Hope with intake worker Charlie Pitman (left) and John den Hollander, the chaplain who visited Paul in prison

Paul Craig had stopped at the mall to make a quick purchase when he spotted his teenage son smiling and walking toward him. He hadn’t seen the boy in over a year but he quickly turned and left the mall as fast as he could, his heart breaking as he went. Does he know why I’m walking away? Paul wondered. Does he know that I would love to talk with him, but I just can’t? Paul had recently … [Read more...]

Youth Justice Chaplain Peers Behind the Mask

Salvation Army chaplain Sherri Golisky inspires hope in young offenders

August 25, 2010 by Ken Ramstead Leave a Comment


Sherri Golisky outside the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre

As a Salvation Army chaplain working with marginalized and at-risk youth in the justice system,” says Sherri Golisky, “the most difficult challenge I face is getting behind the masks teenagers so often wear, to discover what’s going on in their hearts, minds and souls. “When I do, I often find a real need for healing—and Christ has the power to heal. That’s the hope I carry with … [Read more...]

I Was in Prison … and You Visited Me

Salvationists have the opportunity to reach out to offenders. This ministry can be a transforming experience

July 21, 2009 by Bert Steenburgh Leave a Comment


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When Jesus walked the earth, he encouraged his followers to reach out to those in prison. He spoke of his kinship with men and women who were incarcerated: “… I was in prison and you came to visit me…. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:36, 40). The Salvation Army became a Movement of faith because our Founders heeded … [Read more...]

Video: Correctional and Justice Services

The Salvation Army continues to seek new and productive initiatives to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and respond to people in need

May 19, 2009 1 Comment


Chances are you know someone who has fallen on the wrong side of the law. Since 1883, The Salvation Army in Canada has been a leader and innovator in the provision of programs and services that meet the needs of individuals involved in the Canadian criminal justice system. From the court room to the prison cell to the community at large, The Salvation Army takes a four-pillar approach to … [Read more...]

Rough Justice

Is our legal system in danger of losing its moral authority? When it comes to criminals, are we seeking restoration or revenge?

February 13, 2009 by Captain Amy Reardon & Dr. James Read Leave a Comment


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Dear Jim, Do you ever hear a news story that haunts you? Some injustice that makes you angry or some freak accident that makes you weep? Lately I can’t stop thinking about a little boy in Arizona. His story was the big news in the United States for about a week, until it got overshadowed by the potential government bailout of the major auto companies. The boy’s father and his friend were … [Read more...]

Who Deserves Our Mercy?

As Christians, we need to hear the cries of those in need

February 11, 2009 by Captain Bram Pearce 1 Comment


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I have a friend who serves as a pastor in one of the larger correctional facilities in Canada. He believes he has one of the greatest ministries in the world because he has an opportunity every day to share his faith with someone who wants to listen. During a recent conversation, he told me about an interaction he had with one of the prison guards. I was greatly disturbed by what I heard. Rob … [Read more...]