THE SALVATION ARMY - Its History
Founded in London , England , by the Rev. William Booth in 1865. The Salvation Army was originally known as The Christian Mission. Today it is an internationally respected religious and charitable organisation operating in almost 115 countries. As members of an evangelical component of the Church universal with roots in the Wesleyan Arminian tradition, salvationists practice total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and demonstrate their Christian faith and beliefs through practical concern for social well-being of all mankind.

The name and resulting quasi military organisation with uniforms, flags, ranks and terminology, reflected both the recurrent scriptural theme of the Christian Church engaged in spiritual warfare. The Army's international acceptance is the result of its long-standing practice of recruiting and training national officers to work with their own people. That, plus

The Salvation Army's long-standing apolitical policy enables it to co-operate effectively with Governments, and international relief agencies alike. The Salvation Army believes that acceptance of the Christian faith would bring marked improvement in the convert's life style, practical and cost-effective programmes for the social betterment of the poor and poor "in spirit", have always been integral part of the Army's message.

If we ourselves, for want of a better way of speaking, refer to our evangelical work and also to our social work, it is not that these are two distinct entities which could operate the one without the other. They are but two activities of the one and the same salvation which is concerned with the total redemption of man. Both rely on the same divine grace. Both are inspired by the same motive. Both have the same end in mind. And as the gospel has joined them we do not propose to put them asunder' -General Frederick Coutts.

WHY A SALVATION ARMY?
Because Salvationists believe that the organization, discipline, mobility and esprit de corps of a military body can, and should, be adapted to a militant Christian Movement they know from bitter experience that the evil in the world will not yield to pious exhortations, but ­

needs to be out-thought, out-fought, out-lived by people who are as single-minded in their Christian charity as evil doers are in their selfishness.

The aim of Salvationists is to 'fight the good fight' with all their might, in defensive warfare by guarding against temptation, and aggressively by winning men for God, that is, taking prisoners from the enemy.

THE SALVATION ARMY IN NIGERIA
The 5th of October 1920 was an important day for Nigeria . On that day, the first Salvation Army officers landed in Lagos . They were Lt-Colonel and Mrs. George Souter, staff Captain & Mrs Charles Smith with ten (10) other West Indian officers. The first priority was to proclaim and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today you will find over 600 centres for religious worship and hundred of other centres for social and humanitarian work across the country.

The Salvation Army in Nigeria has thousands of members, friends and adherents in all the states of the federation. The Army is an integral part of the Universal Christian Church embedded in the evangelical tradition. It serves the "whosoever and does not discriminate against colour, creed, nationality or tribal origin "Where there is need There is The Salvation Army' is more than a slogan.

THE SALVATION ARMY - How it is Organized
The Army's basic unit is the corps (Church) of which branches exist in almost all the state of the federation.

These corps are grouped into divisions, districts and Sections. These divisions altogether form what is known today as Nigeria Territory with Headquarters at 1-6 Shipeolu Street , Onipanu, Shomolu, Lagos . The Nigeria Territory is one of the many world-wide territorial jurisdictions representing a country, part of a country or several countries that report to The Salvation Army's International Headquarters in London; England.

All of The Salvation Army's world wide operations are supervised by an ordained officer personnel who has been trained in the Territorial Officers' training college also situated in Lagos . The officers are trained, commissioned and ordained to proclaim the gospel while serving as ministers, administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, youth leaders, musicians and in other related disciplines.

The Salvation Army in Nigeria has thousands of members, friends and adherents in all the states of the federation. The Army is an integral part of the Universal Christian Church embedded in the evangelical tradition. It serves the "whosoever and does not discriminate against colour, creed, nationality or tribal origin "Where there is need There is The Salvation Army' is more than a slogan.

THE SALV.ATION ARMY - Its Symbols
The Flag:- The flag was designed by Catherine Booth, the wife of the founder. The central yellow star of the sun represents the fire of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity, the red background symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, and the surrounding blue border, the purity of God.

The Crest:- This is a graphical illustration of the Army's fundamental doctrines at the central to the design is the Cross of Jesus Christ with and entailed'S' signifying Salvation and commitment to the gospel. Crossed Swords imply a determination to fight against sin and social injustice guided by the truths of the gospel represented by seven shorts in the surround. The sun of righteousness represents the fire and light of the Holy Spirit. '-The word 'Blood and Fire' refer to the shed blood of Jesus Christ and refining fire of the Holy Spirit. Grading the device Is a ribbon bearing The Salvation Army. The crown symbolizes the eternal reward for faithful Christian Soldiers.

Uniform: All officers, local officers, and soldiers are encouraged to wear a uniform. Besides presenting a visible witness and universally recognized public testimony of personal commitment to Christian principles and service, the uniform is practical for much of the work being undertaken and extremely cost-efficient.

The Salute:- Raising the right hand above the shoulder with the index finger pointing upward is used to recognise and greet other salvationists as fellow travelers to the heavenly kingdom.

THE SALVATION ARMY - Its Doctrine
1. We believe that the Scriptures of the old and new testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine role of Christian faith and practice.

2. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

3. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead-the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

4. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly properly man. .

5. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness, and that inconsequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.

6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

7. We believe that repentance towards God. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.

8. We believe that repentance towards God. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and that he that believeth that the witness in himself.

9. We believe that continuance in a State of Salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

THE SALVATION ARMY - What Sort of People are Salvationists?
Very little different from most folk! They come from all classes of society and all parts of the world. There are Salvationist dustmen and Salvationist cabinet ministers; illiterate Salvationists and Salvationists with doctorate degrees in most subjects taught in universities. There are Salvationists whose parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were attached to the organization; and there are

Salvationists who but a few weeks or months ago belonged to many different Churches or to none at all. They come from the five continents; they know neither colour-bar nor barriers of race, education, social position or gender.


My Iraqi Experience

* Assisting Iraqi Children

* With American soldier and some foreign aid workers.

* A hotel in Kuwait, a sharp contrast from Iraq

* Silohs built to store food for Iraqi people.