The Salvation Army Shares Message of Hope and Faith During Time of Crisis, Offers Remote Church Service during Holy Week and Easter Holiday
The Salvation Army Shares Message of Hope and Faith During Time of Crisis, Offers Remote Church Service during Holy Week and Easter Holiday
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 8, 2020) – As we engage in one of the most memorable Holy Weeks the world has ever encountered, The Salvation Army continues to rejoice during the Easter holiday through streaming daily devotionals and church service on social media. As the tradition of gathering for worship continues to not be allowed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Salvation Army officers and pastors across Western Pennsylvania are using the means of modern technology to bring communities together digitally. Many locations are also passing out candy and Easter baskets to children through their mobile-feeding programs, as well as Easter themed gifts for nursing home residents.
The Salvation Army ministry is driven by the mission of one word: Others. Now more than ever is a time to engage in faith and be reminded that the death and resurrection of Jesus bring light and purpose to our lives. The thought of not being able to physically attend a house of worship on Easter Sunday can be very troubling if not depressing to the devoted. This particular Easter will not be the same for many, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be celebrated, and The Salvation Army is working to make it just as meaningful.
“Too often we take for granted some of the freedoms that have been hard fought for by those before us. We have hope and look forward to the time when we will be able to meet together again, but thankful that in the meantime we are given opportunities to serve and share an example of the hope that our Lord gives,” said Major Raphael Jackson, Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania. “It reminds us that God has called on us to preach to those in need where they are and bring the message of hope.”
With the mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination, The Salvation Army continues to serve those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic through the distribution of 45,700 meals and 19,837 bags of groceries to individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania. The organization has also launched a toll-free national Emotional and Spiritual Care hotline for those feeling lonely, isolated or fearful during the Covid-19 pandemic.
To watch daily devotionals or church service visit www.youtube.com/SalvationArmyPGH/videos or visit their Facebook page at @SalvationArmyWesternPA. To find out what your local Salvation Army is doing for the Easter Holiday or to request assistance, visit their Facebook page or go to www.salvationarmywpa.org.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. The Western Pennsylvania division has 110 locations, covers 28 counties and serves every zip code in the region. For more information, visit www.salvationarmywpa.org. #DoingTheMostGood
Wednesday was a special night... The Easter Bunny accompanied the Captain Joel and Sue Thwaite while they make their rounds to hand out 600 meals to 200 children in the Monessen area. In additional to meals, the Easter Bunny gave each child a bag of candy and a special gift for the girls and boys in need. The gifts included toy cars, barbie dolls, footballs, board games and jump ropes, an extra blessing to help kids who are quarantined during this time and provide a little happiness as they celebrate the Easter holiday.
“Easter is an important season,” said Captain Sue Twaite. “It’s a season of hope. We wanted to give all 200 kids we saw toady hope.”
Each child received three heat and eat meals, a supplement to what the school district is providing. The goal is to help stretch their finances during this critical time, while helping people take care of their families.