‘Army social work’ always in the public eye

Artwork that appeared in Salvation Army publications showing its devotion to social work.

BY BARRY GITTINS

When you were a child, what was The Salvation Army known for, and what images were seared into the public eye?

Would you say the brass band on the march? The open-air ring, with the corps’ bass drum booming its message of hope?

The girls and women elegantly playing their timbrels? Comrades singing, testifying, giving ‘gospel shots’ (yelling out Scripture verses) to onlookers?

A colourised image of early Salvationists helping someone in need of care.

Those images are certainly true to the memories of many older Salvationists. However, they are often accompanied by other, equally true images of Salvationists dispensing food, a prayer, and a kind word.

The provision of accommodation, counsel and care for vulnerable and homeless people. Bedding, clothing and furniture, donated by supporters, provided free or cheaply by Salvationists to people in need.

Some people mistakenly think social work is a recent addition to the Army’s mission.

But 130 years ago, in a War Cry artwork from 1895 (only 15 years after Salvationists commenced ministering in Australia), an artist portrayed the gifts ‘wanted by our social workers’ to give to those in need.

The 1895 artwork depicting gifts that The Salvation Army required to help those in need.

Those things required?

“Work for the unemployed. Shelter for the Magdalene [sex workers]. Food for the hungry. Clothing for the destitute. Home for the waifs and strays. Friends for discharged prisoners.”

Evangelical endeavours and social work – meeting people’s spiritual and practical needs – have always been inextricably linked in The Salvation Army’s holistic mission.

That all-embracing view of life and love was a characteristic of The Salvation Army, and one emphasis without the other is an incomplete vision.

The public eye sees ‘our’ good works these days. The motivation behind them may be lost in the busyness and business of life lived in a multicultural, multifaith society.

How can we, individually and corporately, share our faith in a kind, invitational manner?