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Articles by Lori Arnold
From garden to empty tomb
The General’s 2025 Easter message. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the empty tomb, Easter represents the most profound moment in human history—the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we contemplate this holy season, we witness divine love conquering death itself, offering humanity the greatest gift imaginable: eternal salvation through our risen Lord.
227 Walking With Jesus: The Resurrection with Dr. Major Terry Masango
Welcome to Walking With Jesus: A Journey to the Cross, as we arrive today at the finale in our series with Major Dr. Terry Masango. Throughout this journey, we’ve walked with Jesus as he searched for the lost sheep, showed us what it means to be a true neighbor through the Good Samaritan, and offered paradise to the thief on the cross. Today, we stand before the empty tomb—the defining moment that separates Christianity from every other faith tradition in the world.
Meet the new Mission Strategist helping shape the West's future
Jim Sparks is The Salvation Army Mission Strategist in the Western U.S. “Why is that causing this?” As the Territorial Mission Strategist for The Salvation Army Western Territory, Jim Sparks often finds himself asking that question. His curiosity serves him well in this position, a new role in the Western Territory. “I always like learning new things,” Sparks said.
Bible Adventure Thursdays bring community, worship to Yuma's disabled adults
Adam Flermoen was losing his circle of friends. After spending years in Special Olympics and other programs to assist with living with cerebral palsy, he was turning 18 and aging out of the communities he’d known for years. His mom, Diana Flermoen, was concerned. “He needed community because he had left all his friends and all his socialization,” she said.
The Salvation Army and AmeriCorps combat rural homelessness in Southern Oregon
Grant provides funding for services in Grants Pass and Medford. Captain Yohani Ortiz has seen some changes in Grants Pass, Oregon, since she and her husband, Captain Taurean Ortiz, arrived just over a year ago to serve the community as Salvation Army Corps Officers (pastors). “The need is significant,” she said. “We’ve seen a 40 percent increase in requests for assistance, often food, but especially rental assistance.
Boots on the ground: An inside look at Southern California wildfire response
On the evening of January 7, 2025, with the Palisades Fire already raging on the other side of Los Angeles County, the Eaton Fire began in Altadena, California. Captains Nick and Becky Helms, corps officers (pastors) for The Salvation Army in Pasadena, had a direct view of the very start of the horrifying fire from the front windows of their home. Evacuating within minutes, the Helms and their children were in the thick of the devastation, unsure if their home would survive.
222: When food is just the beginning with Jenny Hartung
We’re back again today with our Warm Hearts, Warm Homes series, and this time, exploring how food assistance helps create warm, stable homes for our neighbors in need. Food insecurity is a big problem in the United States, as 47 million people—including 14 million children—do not have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Faith and support guide one man’s journey to recovery, inspires him to help others
After struggling with alcohol addiction and hitting rock bottom, Alex Uhl found hope and recovery through The Salvation Army Denver Harbor Light Center and now stands as a mentor to others. Alex Uhl said he knew his family loved him, but they could only love him from a distance as alcohol abuse took over his life. He came close to losing his apartment. He lost close friends, and, most of all, himself. He said he had tried to quit drinking, but nothing stuck.
At The Salvation Army Harbor Light, one man discovers 'recovery could be beautiful'
The Harbor Light is part of The Way Out, The Salvation Army’s initiative to impact homelessness in San Francisco. “I didn’t think I’d ever reach the point where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, but I did,” said Chris Solis, who at 42 had spent most of his adult life in jail before finding his way to The Salvation Army Harbor Light program in San Francisco. Solis grew up in San Jose, California, with his parents and sister.
221: Keeping the heat on with Captain Jon Tollerud
Continuing our Warm Hearts, Warm Homes series, today we’re tackling a challenge that affects countless families during these coldest weeks of the year—keeping the heat on. For many of our neighbors, the choice between staying warm and affording other essentials is a harsh reality. Did you know roughly 11 percent of Americans live in poverty, which is about 36.8 million people, according to the Census Bureau? That means, for a family of four, they are earning at or below $30,000 a year.
Mother-daughter volunteering duo provides translation at The Salvation Army
Volunteering is their love language. Cathy Ramirez’s early childhood memories include spending long days in the cramped quarters of her family’s two-bedroom mobile home across the street from the county jail. One of eight children, her family often shared the space with extended family—at times maximizing the occupancy to 20 people. Her father worked hard and was the sole provider. “I remember that we were the family that was helped,” Ramirez said.
A portrait of Christianity in Kerala, India
Over a century ago, when The Salvation Army arrived in Kerala, a state on the southwestern tip of India, they quickly became known as the only religious institution to accept and embrace those in the lowest castes in Indian society as part of their biblical mission to love and serve all peoples without discrimination. Much has changed since then, but the caste system is still prevalent, and Christians are still an impoverished minority group facing significant challenges.
216: Recognizing collective trauma after disaster with Dr. David Eisenman
In our recent episodes, we’ve explored what it means to lose home—from the immediate chaos of evacuation to the grief of loss, to the challenging work of supporting a community in crisis. Last week, we talked to Captains Nick and Becky Helms, who lead The Salvation Army in Pasadena, California, about ministering to their congregation in communities affected by the Eaton Fire while also processing their own family’s displacement.
Partnership helps Arizonans not have to decide between power and their bills
A partnership between Tucson Electric Power and The Salvation Army supports community and safety during the city’s hottest months. Erica Guiterrez describes the Southern Arizona heat as relentless, like a heavy blanket that’s tucked in from early spring to late fall. “We’re still wearing shorts on Thanksgiving and using our A.C.,” she said. As the supervisor of special plans at Tucson Electric Power, she has a distinct insight into the city’s relationship with the sun.
Last living Salvation Army Brigadier honored for 75 years of service
94-year-old Vivian Rodriguera says, “If you have breath, you have work to do.’ At age 94, Vivian Rodriguera, known affectionately as “Brigadier Rod,” holds a unique distinction: she is the final surviving brigadier in The Salvation Army Western Territory. While no longer used, the title was a special rank given from 1889 to 1974 to officers (pastors) who demonstrated exceptional service or outstanding abilities.
How Uber credits are helping people at the Kroc Center in San Francisco
Uber vouchers help clients and staff travel safely and efficiently to important destinations. When clients at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in San Francisco request help, they’re often looking for housing or job referrals. What they don’t expect is a ride to their destination. Hearing, “We can set you up with Uber,” is a welcome surprise.
215: Helping Others While Also Experiencing Uncertainty with Captains Nick and Becky Helms
Help us love beyond disaster at salarmy.us/socalfire. This is part two of our winter series, “Warm Hearts, Warm Homes.” Listen to part one here. Last week, we explored what home means—those mental souvenirs we collect, the everyday moments that make a space our own, and the devastating impact when that sanctuary is suddenly gone. We heard about The Salvation Army’s immediate response to the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles communities.
Battle Dress: Why The Salvation Army Wears Uniforms
It’s the mid-1800s in London, England. Poverty and overcrowding are at record highs. Society—and the church—have turned their backs on “those poor souls.” Seeing the need, The Salvation Army is founded, to reach the least, the last, and the lost. But they were greeted not with praise, but derision and harassment: By establishment churches for being too radical, and by pub owners and local politicians for being too priggish.
Salvation Army spreads hope to survivors of Southern California wildfires
As The Salvation Army’s Emergency/Disaster Services vehicles deploy throughout Southern California amid historic wildfires, they spread the message “Hope is on the Way.” But how does The Salvation Army spread hope to those experiencing their worst days? Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps Officer and EDS Officer Captain James Fleming starts with a conversation. “We’re asking people their names; we’re making sure we’re having relationship,” he said. “I’m not just feeding people.
Tucson Advisory Council Life Member aims to make 'each person feel special'
Donal Drayne spent much of his career catering to high-end clients at one of Tucson’s most grand resorts. Still, it was an ice cream social benefit on its grounds that introduced the hospitality expert to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. His life has never been the same. “When I go down there and see these kids and a lot of single parents, all they want is someone to give them a laugh and listen to them,” Drayne said.
Christmas Champion volunteers extend the spirit of giving year-round
This holiday season, Santa’s not the only one making a list and checking it twice. Across the Northwest, Christmas Champions are on a mission to spread cheer, rally donations for The Salvation Army and keep the spirit of giving alive year-round. The new Christmas Champion role invites 30 lead volunteers—one from each advisory organization in The Salvation Army Northwest Division—to organize and communicate Christmas activities and plans throughout the year.
209: ‘Catching Whimsy’ with Bob Goff
What better time to talk about whimsy than right now? Everything feels a bit more whimsical this time of year. And maybe you’re after a little more of it? As bestselling author Bob Goff will tell you, we can’t catch what we don’t chase.
'Thanksgiving Blessing' food boxes help those in Alaska's remote stretches
In the parking lot of the Little Chapel in Cordova, Alaska, Alaska Divisional Commander Major Henry Graciani stood, taking the name of each family as they drove up to receive their food box at the Thanksgiving Blessing distribution, which is coordinated through the Food Bank of Alaska, Nov. 21. “I was especially moved by the grateful heart of each person I had met,” he said.
In South LA, a Salvation Army turkey giveaway creates 'a sense of unity'
Volunteers join in to distribute 1,500 Thanksgiving meals. As the sun rose Nov. 14, community members in South Los Angeles lined up around the block of The Salvation Army Siemon Family Youth and Community Center, arriving hours early for a Thanksgiving meal giveaway. Among them was LA resident Irma Vasquez, who arrived at 7:30 a.m., more than an hour before the distribution began. “As a single parent, there are times when it’s hard to put food on the table,” she said.
208: Embracing ‘Infectious Generosity’ with Chris Anderson
Chances are, if you’ve been online at some point over the past decade, you’ve probably watched a TED Talk. You know the format—world-renowned speakers, experts and innovators on various topics take center stage to present one great idea in 18 minutes or fewer. TED Talks often challenge conventional thinking and offer new perspectives. They can be inspiring, thought-provoking, and even controversial—sometimes sparking spirited discussions and debates.
Finding hope in Lahaina
From a church kid to a street hustler, Kevin had seen it all—drugs, gambling, prison. Then, The Salvation Army gave him a shot at something better. These days, he’s helping folks rebuild in Lahaina after the wildfire, turning his rough past into hope for others. With each meal served and every helping hand, he’s rewriting his story—one life at a time. Below is a transcript of the video edited for readability. Kevin Nagasaki: My grandparents used to take care of the church in Honolulu.
Donor uses closeout sales to help children in need 'feel important'
Cindy Goritz provided 500 items of new clothing and shoes she purchased throughout the year. When Cindy Goritz was growing up in the Long Island hamlet of Stony Brook, New York, her family celebrated five seasons: fall, winter, spring, summer and back-to-school. “My parents would always buy us a few new outfits and they’d always buy us a new purse,” she said. “I remember how it made me feel. I felt special; I felt confident.
Why donating time, blood or money to the Red Cross matters
On the night of Dec. 10, Harold Clayton stepped outside his apartment in Leachville, Arkansas to stare at the unusual flickering of lighting filling the night sky. From inside the house, he heard an alert sound on his television, and he ran back inside as his home began to shake. Before he knew what was happening, the windows shattered, and the TV hit the floor. Harold raced to the bathroom to take shelter, just as the tornado ripped open the roof of his home.
When Your Lover Is Non-Monogamous
Remember the documentary March of the Penguins? It’s about the emperor penguins’ annual journey across Antarctica. The movie is a beautiful story, full of tender moments. As we watch a courtship between penguins unfold, the father selflessly protects their egg and the chick struggles to survive infancy. It’s been over ten years since I first saw the movie, but there was one part that always stood out for me.
When Your Lover Is Non-Monogamous (Part 2)
A little over three years ago I found myself in a place I had never pictured myself before. I was dating again after separating from my husband of 12 years, and I had met someone I really clicked with and instantly fell for…and now this person was telling me that he could never been in an exclusive relationship with me. Not with me, not with anyone. I had no idea what to do. I decided to continue seeing him. I had no idea if it could last, or if it should last.
Episode 30: Screen Doors and Porch Swings
When I first came out as an atheist online, it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I still remember how my heart pounded, how I kept the post in my drafts folder for days, trying to decide if I should publish or not. How I asked my then-husband repeatedly if he was okay with me outing us. How I worried about all the people who would be upset, about all the doors that would slam in my face. I ended up posting it in spite of my fears, with shaking hands but an enormous sense of relief.
COVID-19 Prayer Videos Removed from Military Facebook Page after Group Complains
Four inspirational videos seeking to encourage troops during the COVID-19 crisis and posted on an official Facebook page by two Fort Drum, New York chaplains have been removed following a complaint by a national organization known for targeting Christian expression in the military.
'Prayer Was the Difference': COVID-19 Survivor Praises God, Thanks Healthcare Professionals for Saving His Life
Nic Brown, who became the first confirmed COVID-19 patient from his eastern Ohio county, nearly lost his life while isolated in a window-lined ICU unit at Cleveland Clinic. For Brown, it was the window to his world. "I don't know that I've ever seen such selfless people in my life," said Brown, a 38-year-old IT executive, according to CBN News. "I really saw the love of God through these people.
Actor, Filmmaker Tyler Perry Pays for Seniors' Groceries at 44 Food Stores
Nearly 3,000 shoppers taking advantage of "senior hour" at 44 Atlanta Kroger stores were surprised Wednesday morning when actor-filmmaker and local resident Tyler Perry paid for their groceries. He also picked up the tab at 29 Winn-Dixies in New Orleans, where he was raised. Over the weekend, the entertainment mogul also shelled out $21,000 to bless 42 out-of-work servers at his favorite restaurant, giving each of them $500.
Prayers to Help Christians Navigate the Coronavirus Pandemic
Empty basketball and soccer arenas. Fanless March Madness. A bullish stock-market-turned bear. International travel restrictions. Stranded cruise ships. Classrooms turned into homerooms. Disappearing toilet paper. The headlines related to the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, are steady and—at times—unsettling. According to the Whole Health Organization’s Coronavirus situation dashboard, the quickly spreading illness has infected more than 125,000 people worldwide.
Married Lesbian Priest, Bishop Will Lead Worship Service to Protest Ban of LGBT Partners from Anglican Conference
A bishop from New York and a former priest from South Africa, both Anglican, lesbian, and in same-sex marriages, will preside over an inclusive worship service on the eve of the international Lambeth Conference to protest the denomination’s decision to exclude gay spouses from the gathering. The Right Rev.
Lord of the Rings Star Says the World Owes Christianity 'the Greatest Debt of Thanks'
The Lord of the Rings star John Rhys-Davies, a self-described “rationalist” and “skeptic,” says the world owes Christianity “the greatest debt of thanks” for making the world a better place. Rhys-Davies made the declaration on the red carpet at the 28th annual Movieguide Awards, held late last month at the historic Avalon Theater in Hollywood. The awards show celebrates faith and family content in movies and television.
Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel Peters Are Officially Married
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow married fianceé Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Monday in a 30-minute ceremony in her native South Africa, Monday. Tebow, who is now pursuing a career in Major League Baseball and is a college football analyst for ESPN, announced the wedding Monday night on Twitter.
Kanye West Releases New Jesus Is Born Album on Christmas Day
Santa wasn’t the only one who delivered gifts on Christmas. Rapper Kayne West, who has made national headlines with his pop-up Sunday Service worship gatherings, dropped a new gospel album called Jesus is Born on Christmas Day. The album – which West announced via Twitter on Wednesday - was released under the name of Sunday Service, not his own.
Police Officer Shot in the Chest Says Bible in His Pocket Saved His Life
A Bolivian police officer who was shot in the chest during civil unrest over the ousting of Bolivia's now-former president Evo Morales said he was saved by a Bible tucked into his left breast pocket. “Yes, it was a miracle,” the unnamed officer, a devout Christian, told Bolivian media. Pictures of the Bible appeared in local media and on a Spanish-language Facebook post chronicling the incident. The front of the blue Bible shows a small hole about the size of a pencil eraser.
Selena Gomez Opens Up about How God Has Gotten Her Through Difficult Times
Singer Selena Gomez, who just released a new single this week, took to Twitter Tuesday not to promote her latest project, but to share about her faith in Jesus. “Literally just laying down and thanking Jesus,” she posted before going on to reference a difficult season without shedding light on the circumstances. “Where my father has taken me and placing me is exactly where I am meant to be,” she added. “He said to me ‘Selena hold on, I hurt when you hurt.
NFL Player Demario Davis Wins Appeal, Does Not Have to Pay Fine for Wearing 'Man of God' Headband
A New Orleans Saints football player, who was fined $7,017 by the NFL for wearing a “Man of God” headband during a Sept. 22 game, has won his appeal against the league and turned the incident into a fundraising opportunity for a local hospital. “My agent just told me that I won my appeal and won’t have to pay the headband fine,” linebacker Demario Davis posted Wednesday on Instagram.
Does Taylor Swift's New Music Video Generalize All Christians as 'Poor and Dumb'?
A new music video by Taylor Swift that portrays Christian protesters as ugly, hillbilly-types while using celebrities to extol the virtues of the LGBT community is being called out for promoting the same sort of bullying the singer derides in her lyrics.
Fearless in the Face of Industry Barriers
© Westend61 - Getty Images Zoë Horneck knows the frustrations many women experience in the workforce. As a commercial real estate practitioner earlier in her career, Horneck once showed up to a property with her wealthy investor client, and the listing agent asked if Horneck’s broker—presumably a man—would be attending the showing. It wasn’t the only time someone doubted Horneck’s capabilities.
Why I Chose the Atheist Label
Back in 2014 when I finally came to grips with the fact that I was no longer a Christian—and in fact, an atheist—I made the decision to “come out.” A number of reasons supported this decision, even though I knew by doing so I’d be causing pain and anger and risking rejection and disapproval from family, friends, co-workers, and even possibly future employers. (I was both right and wrong, by the way.
Where Do Morals Come From?
Quite often I find myself in conversations with folks who feel that I left my religion simply because I wasn’t asked the right questions. Two of the most common questions I (still) receive are “How do you cope with the difficulties of life without believing in God?” and “If you don’t believe in God, how do you determine what’s right and wrong?” That first subject was most recently brought up at a vulnerable moment by someone who had no idea what my religious affiliations are.
Santa’s Wager: What If You’re Wrong?
Over the past couple of months, my six-year-old son has become more and more interested in parsing out fact from fiction. With the Christmas holidays approaching, the subject of Santa’s existence starting cropping up a lot. He began asking me questions like, “How does Santa get into Daddy’s house if Daddy doesn’t have a chimney?” or “How do the elves make toys like video games?” Like a good skeptic, I kept turning it back to him to come up with those answers himself.
Screen Doors and Porch Swings
When I first came out as an atheist online, it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I still remember how my heart pounded, how I kept the post in my drafts folder for days, trying to decide if I should publish or not. How I asked my then-husband repeatedly if he was okay with me outing us. How I worried about all the people who would be upset, about all the doors that would slam in my face. I ended up posting it in spite of my fears, with shaking hands but an enormous sense of relief.
What the Church Is Doing Right
Warm food for the poor and homeless I work for a humanitarian network, so I spend a lot of time talking about service in the community. At work recently, I participated in a number of meetings with different individuals discussing ways to increase service delivery and the engagement of volunteers. Unsurprisingly, what came up over and over again was people’s involvement in their churches.
When Your Lover Is Non-Monogamous
Remember the documentary March of the Penguins? It’s about the emperor penguins’ annual journey across Antarctica. The movie is a beautiful story, full of tender moments. As we watch a courtship between penguins unfold, the father selflessly protects their egg and the chick struggles to survive infancy. It’s been over ten years since I first saw the movie, but there was one part that always stood out for me.
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