In the 21st century, the League of Mercy has
grown into Community Care Ministries (CCM).
CCM is comprised of Salvationists and those who
have no other affiliation with The Salvation Army
who perform a myriad of services with the goal of
improving the well-being of those most in need.
CCM draws its inspiration from Matthew 25:40,
"And the King will say, `I tell you the truth, when
you did it to one of the least of these My brothers
and sisters, you were doing it to Me!'" The volun-
teers care for one another in practical, Christlike
ways and reflect God's love. They share their hope
and faith in God, who cares for all.
The ministry is designed to train people to bring
comfort and cheer or practical assistance to the
most vulnerable and forgotten of our society. CCM
demonstrates expanded and diverse ministries in a
rapidly changing world.
There is no limit to ways in which an individual
ministry can address local needs with compassion-
ate, transformational care. During regular visits to
hospitals, nursing homes and correctional institu-
tions, volunteers bring joy and material assistance
where needed; show patients, through sustained
personal interest, that someone cares; throw parties
for birthdays and holidays; conduct religious ser-
vices in wards or chapels as requested or approved
by administrators.
CCM can also be volunteers making a meal for a
grieving family following their loved one's funeral.
It can be a group providing breakfast several
mornings a week to preschoolers. It can be young
people who spend their Sunday evenings delivering
hot meals to homeless individuals and families
living under a bridge (see report on page 19).
CCM's avenues of service include the League of
16
The War Cry | FEBRUARY 2016
Not
Your
Grandmother's
League
of
Mercy
Community Care Ministries:
S
ince the inception of the League of
Mercy in Canada (1892) and the United
States (1905), Salvation Army volunteers
have provided ministry to individuals in
hospitals, institutions, prisons and jails,
often on a weekly basis. This visitation ministry
quickly turned worldwide in scope in the early 20th
century. Individuals or groups of volunteers visit
the homes of shut-ins, the handicapped, the blind
or those unable to take care of themselves.
by MAJOR FRANK DURACHER
16-17_CCMIntro_WCFeb16_Werk1.indd 1
1/8/16 1:49 PM