The Salvation Army needs more music. That simple truth was brought home to me some years ago through the inspired insight of a young Salvationist.

One Saturday morning, my son brought Squibby to my home and an unexpected friendship formed.

Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, and the Canadian Staff Band (CSB), accompanied by a team of officers from the Quebec Division, travelled to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, in July, where they encouraged Salvationists at camp meetings.

I’ve noticed an alarming trend in The Salvation Army, and the church in general. When young people in our corps reach a certain age—usually around 16 to 18—more and more are simply vanishing from our doors. They might reappear from time to time, but they never stay. Why are we losing this generation? A generation that will one day run our Army? 

Are Christians today still people of the good news? Or have we reduced the gospel message to include only those who look and think like us? These are questions the church needs to wrestle with, and in doing so, we can find a helpful guide in Bruxy Cavey’s new book, Reunion: The Good News of Jesus for Seekers, Saints and Sinners.

Every summer, thousands of children and youth from across the territory board buses to go to Salvation Army holiday camps for a week of fun, friends and food, along with a strong spiritual component. Some are anxious, but most are filled with excitement as they look forward to activities such as swimming, sports, hiking, drama, and arts and crafts. For many, canoeing, archery and rock climbing are first-time experiences

My brain is freezing up! My brain isn’t wired right.” A cry of frustration from a man who has always been able to express himself and his thoughts with clarity. Many people sometimes have trouble recalling names, dates and places as they age, but this was much worse, with whole blocks of knowledge seemingly erased from memory.

Mark Carlos wasn't nicknamed "the Hammer" by his biker associates for nothing.

The Lord’s Prayer includes the petition “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11 NRSV). I have usually interpreted “daily bread” as our requirements for physical survival—food, shelter, drink. Our petition, then, is that God would be faithful in providing the basic necessities of life. But on further examination, I have found that this request has a rich background that casts it in a different light.

Jesus Christ alone empowers his followers to give hope and lead people to life-change.