Let’s journey back to 1892 in Toronto. A group of Salvationists, known as the league of mercy, dedicates themselves to visiting the sick and isolated, with little but their Bibles, prayers and an unwavering belief that a simple act of care can be a lifeline to someone in need.

More than a century later, that same spirit of compassion continues in community care ministries (CCM). Yet, the world has shifted. Our communities face new challenges, and CCM must evolve to meet them.

A growing number of people are battling loneliness, poverty and health issues. It’s not just the elderly who need care—it’s the young mother, the displaced family, the struggling student. CCM can no longer be a ministry of a few doing visitation. It must become the ministry of many, each finding their unique way to serve.

Commissioner Debbie Graves, territorial president of women’s ministries, reflects on this renewal: “The essence, the values, the purpose of CCM remains the same: showing Christ’s love through action. But now, it’s about widening the circle, allowing each ministry to find its place in this mission and in community.”

The Take a Break group at Oshawa Temple, Ont., is one such example of CCM. For more than a decade, it has been providing purses filled with comfort items for survivors of human trafficking.

“It all started when we invited a police officer to our Bible study to talk about human trafficking in our community,” says Joy Ball, co-ordinator of the group. “Many of us had no idea how widespread it was. That day, we felt called to do something practical to help. It began with a simple phone call to Durham Regional Police, and from there, the ministry took off.”

The group committed to praying for survivors, but still wanted to do more. “That’s how the idea of the purses came about. A small bag, filled with thoughtful items, could serve as a tangible reminder that someone cares and is praying for them, and that God’s love is real,” Ball explains.

Each purse is filled with items meant to bring dignity and comfort—hygiene products, small gifts, a devotional and a note of encouragement or a Scripture card. “For these women, love has often been distorted by abuse and exploitation,” Ball says. “We want them to know what real love looks like—God’s love. It’s not just about the items inside the purse; it’s about the message they carry.”

The ministry also extends beyond the survivors. Volunteers pray for first responders who work in dangerous and emotionally heavy situations, asking God to give them wisdom, strength and protection.

For those looking to start a similar outreach, Ball emphasizes the importance of listening—both to God’s direction and to the community itself. “It’s crucial to understand the needs around you and the resources already available,” she says. “Human trafficking isn’t just a distant problem; it’s happening in our own neighbourhoods. By paying attention to what’s needed and connecting with local services, we can offer meaningful support.”

This is what modern CCM looks like—meeting practical needs, forming community partnerships and sharing the light of Christ through simple yet profound acts of kindness.

Commissioner Graves affirms this vision: “As we step forward in faith, let us embrace the call to serve with renewed passion and creativity. The world is waiting for the love of Christ, and through CCM, we can be that light in the darkness.”

BRENDAN HILL is the chair of the territorial CCM work group and the territorial Pathway of Hope implementation co-ordinator in the community mission department.

NEW CCM TOOLKIT

To help corps put this renewed vision for CCM into practice, the mission services team (corps, community and social mission) has created a new toolkit, which includes guidance on integrating existing ministries with the CCM mission, ideas for new initiatives and practical resources that can be customized for any corps, large orsmall.

This toolkit is more than a set of materials, it is an invitation—to embrace creativity, explore fresh approaches to ministry and engage every person in the journey of community care ministries. Find the toolkit at Salvationist.ca/community-care-ministries/toolkit/.

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