The Salvation Army | Salvationist.ca
The Voice of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda
When God is at the centre of our passions, we can use our talents and abilities for the glory of his Kingdom.
August 7, 2012 by John McAlister Leave a Comment
“What do you do?” When meeting someone for the first time, this is one of the first questions we usually ask. There’s a sense that once we discover what people do for a living, we will have a better idea of who they are and what value they offer to the world. Living in a status-driven society, we also quickly determine—whether consciously or unconsciously—our station in relation to … [Read more...]
The Salvation Army has the resources available to support the development of communities around the world
February 11, 2011 by John McAlister Leave a Comment
A few years ago, my wife, Rochelle, and I were living in Harare, Zimbabwe. I served as the literary secretary and Rochelle was the HIV-AIDS co-ordinator for the Zimbabwe Territory. For years we had contributed to the Army’s Partners in Mission Campaign (formerly known as self-denial); now we were seeing firsthand how the money was used to support other territories. During the two years we … [Read more...]
The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training was everything I didn’t expect
January 21, 2011 by John McAlister 1 Comment
I’ve come to The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg to shadow the cadets in their training. My plan is to get a feel for what life is like at CFOT so that I can share it with other Salvationists. Within minutes of arriving, I realize this isn’t the college atmosphere I had anticipated. Perhaps I’m expecting something older or run-down, but the college … [Read more...]
We all have an important role to play in ministry
October 15, 2010 by John McAlister 1 Comment
As an employee at The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters, I sometimes find it hard to see Jesus in the workplace. This is certainly not a judgment on my co-workers, but rather an acknowledgment that I spend my days staring at a flickering computer screen, filling out mountains of paperwork and trying to keep up with the constant barrage of e-mail correspondence. Part of the problem is … [Read more...]
Preserving memories of loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease
May 6, 2009 by John McAlister 1 Comment
I remember the day I lost my Nana to another woman. I was visiting her apartment when I first noticed something was wrong. “Can I help, Nana?” I asked. As we sat on the edge of the bed, she told me about a woman who was imitating her every move, even putting on the same clothes just to torment her. “I tell her to go away,” said Nana, “but she just stares back at me. I don’t know how to … [Read more...]
A traditional meditation on the scenes of Jesus Christ’s suffering and death
April 7, 2009 adapted by John McAlister 2 Comments
Jesus is Condemned to Die Jesus stands in the most human of places. He has already experienced profound solidarity with so many on this earth by being beaten and tortured. Now he is wrongfully condemned to punishment by death. His commitment to entering our lives completely begins its final steps. He has said “yes” to God and placed his life in his Father’s hands. We follow him in this … [Read more...]
Spiritual exercises to bring you into the presence of God
February 16, 2009 by John McAlister Leave a Comment
It’s been a long day and you’re tired. But before you hit your pillow and fall into dreamland, why not take a few minutes and reflect on your day? What have you been up to? Who have you spent your time with? How did you act around others? How did you involve God in your choices and behaviours? These are all questions that Ignatius of Loyola encouraged Christians to ask themselves 500 years … [Read more...]
This ancient prayer will help you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God
January 15, 2009 by John McAlister Leave a Comment
It seemed a bit contrived to me, but I decided to try it for one month. Each morning I would wake up a few minutes earlier than usual, sit on the floor in a corner of my room and light a candle. Then I would repeat the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And in the stillness, I gradually began to experience God’s presence. I repeated the prayer for … [Read more...]
Share the joy of Christmas with those who need it most
December 12, 2008 by John McAlister Leave a Comment
A few Christmases ago, my wife’s family and I visited a seniors’ residence to sing carols and bring some holiday cheer. However, if you’ve ever heard me sing before, you’ll know that I was primarily responsible for holding doors and pushing elevator buttons. We went to nearly every floor and sang, joked and prayed with many beautiful people. Some were bedridden and unable to spend the … [Read more...]
Everything I need to know about life I learned at Sunday school
November 20, 2008 by John McAlister Leave a Comment
Rain, rain go away, come again another day. In Sunday school I learned that only God has the power to control the weather like that. In fact, everything I needed to learn about life, I learned at Sunday school. Or, more specifically, from the story of Noah’s Ark (see Genesis 6:9-9:17). Here are six important lessons we—even adults—can learn from this biblical story. 1. Don’t miss the … [Read more...]
Amid widespread devastation, Army commits to providing aid wherever it is needed.
Salvationist, Faith & Friends and Foi & Vie magazines as well as our website are recognized by Canadian Church Press.
Each summer, more than 4,500 young people attend Army camps.
Graduates challenged to “do something” at 31st convocation ceremony in April.
