Looking back on all that was published in Salvationist, Faith & Friends and Salvationist.ca this past year, here are the editorial team's favourite articles and podcast episodes for 2025.
Who Is This Man?
The religious leaders saw a blasphemer. The broken saw a healer. The Roman soldier saw the Son of God.
This is my favourite article of the year because, no matter what we do, we will always have Jesus. The thought of someone never leaving and giving up on you really means a lot to me.
—Logan Graves, circulation co-ordinator
Top Brass
John Lam reflects on decades of ministry and why music is critical to the Army’s mission.
Read Article | Listen to Podcast Interview
I appreciated this because it illustrates how God has orchestrated his divine plan for John Lam throughout his journey. I love the fact that he realizes that his calling in music is not limited to music alone; it is a form of ministry and evangelism. His God-given talent in music and leadership have deeply impacted many lives on a spiritual level. I believe this truly represents a life well lived as a follower of Christ.
—Rivonny Luchas, digital media specialist
The Kodakid
In the dark days of the Second World War, British children found safety in North America. Salvation Army Major Pam Woods was one of them.
This article tells how Major Pamela Woods’ childhood in England was interrupted by the Second World War and how she found safe refuge in the United States. Major Pamela eventually settled in Canada and served many years as a Salvation Army officer. In retirement, she has been a faithful member of North Toronto Community Church, which is where I met her. Major Pamela has been a constant encouragement to me over the years, and I’m thankful for her life and ministry.
—Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief
Beyond the Highlight Reel
How to resist the temptation of comparison.
I’m gen Z and admittedly spend a lot of time online. I partake in the “doom scroll” often and I'm no stranger to the cycle of comparison that Captain Bhreagh talks about. Today, the word “follower” makes me think more of how many people you know, followers you have or how well your brand is doing. It’s both a metric and a status symbol. But what about being a follower of Jesus? Bhreagh’s article gives great insight into this from the Christian perspective and some practical tips to overcome it (starting with taking a step back from social media ... I'll try it ....)
—Abbigail Oliver, staff writer and editor of Just for Kids
Messy, But Beautiful
As Ian Knight and his mother navigated her final journey, The Salvation Army was there for them.
This article showcases the heart of the Army’s mission: meeting people where they are and providing dignity and care to those who need it most. But it also reminds us that even when situations don’t “resolve” the way we hope they will, God is still present and there is grace to be found. Life is often “messy, but beautiful.”
—Kristin Ostensen, managing editor
Food for Thought
Why is nutrition important in recovery?
I really appreciated the perspective on recovery that I hadn’t heard much before. The different factors of the complex topic that the author lays out for us made for an informative read. I especially dug when she mentions the importance of culturally appropriate food being available.
—Emily Pedlar, junior graphic designer
I appreciated learning about the impact of nutrition on recovery. I remember meeting someone who was in active addiction when I was doing interviews for a story, and he said all he’d had to eat that day was chocolate milk. We need food to live, but food is also so connected to community and culture.
—Giselle Randall, senior editor
Homeless Before Christmas
Unhoused at the age of 72, Brenda joined her voice with other “voices of homeless women” who were being helped by The Salvation Army.
My heart goes out to Brenda who found herself in an unimaginable situation at the age of 72. (I can’t imagine losing my little apartment with all of my “stuff” in it!) Rather than wallow in self-pity or recriminations, she picked herself up and decided to do something about her plight while hopefully helping others in her situation, with the help of The Salvation Army. Brenda is an inspiration. It’s at the essence of the mission of the Army that that person was helped but wanted to pass it along.
—Ken Ramstead, editor of Faith & Friends
A Righteous Man
Who was Joseph, the father of Jesus?
Isaiah Allen expertly explains how Joseph’s love for God and the choices he made as Jesus’ earthly father connected Jesus to “God's redemptive involvement in Israel's history.” The incredible illustration by Rivonny Luchas beautifully depicts not only the relationship between Joseph and Jesus but also their place in the story of God’s people.
—Pamela Richardson, assistant editor-in-chief
Mentoring the Next Generation of Songwriters
Salvation Army program supports up-and-coming composers worldwide.
I love this episode because the songwriting journey is so inspiring, much like the designing process. I like the two songs featured on the podcast, but Maranatha was a highlight for me with its beautiful mix of modern worship and the Salvation Army band. It feels like a powerful expression of how creativity can bridge generations—honouring our musical heritage while giving space for new voices to emerge and flourish.
—Lisa Suroso, graphic design specialist
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