Faith
Salvation Army Urges Scotland to Address Homelessness
Faith Facts
- The Salvation Army in Scotland is urging political leaders to make homelessness prevention a top priority ahead of next May’s parliamentary election.
- Half of the people seeking help from their Homelessness Service struggle with mental health issues, and over 30% arrive without a GP registration.
- The charity highlights the need for deeper solutions, including addiction support, expanded mental health care, and more affordable housing built on Christian compassion.
As Scotland approaches a critical election, faith-driven voices are calling for action with hope rooted in Biblical care for the vulnerable. The Salvation Army’s appeal spotlights the moral responsibility to provide not only shelter but holistic support addressing the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of every individual.
Helen Murdoch, Assistant Territorial Director for Strategic Operations & Development, warned,
“Scotland will never beat homelessness unless we are able to tackle the reasons people become homeless in the first place. Underlying issues such as poverty, trauma, abuse, addiction and mental health issues all increase the risk.”
She urged,
“That is why we are calling on all political parties at Holyrood to make homelessness prevention and wrap around support a priority going into next year’s election.”
Recent data from the charity shows an 87% rise over the past decade in homeless households facing both mental health and substance dependency challenges. This alarming trend underscores the importance of Christian charity, unity, and practical action.
Ms Murdoch explained,
“The Scottish Government, councils, health providers and charities working together, with proper funding, can prevent homelessness before it starts and save lives this winter.”
James, once homeless and now working with the Salvation Army, shared,
“I’m actively trying to get a permanent home after bouts of homelessness throughout my life.”
He continued,
“An integrated approach is needed and a whole load of support measures put in place to help people tackle trauma, criminal justice issues, addiction and mental health challenges like anxiety. All this ought to be addressed together, with the person at the centre.”
He reflected,
“When you’re homeless you don’t have security and it’s hard to project into the future when you’re cold, lonely, hungry and tired – who wouldn’t be anxious, no one wants to live like that.”
The Salvation Army runs Lifehouses and outreach services, offering practical support from emergency shelter to job training, all reflecting Christian love and a commitment to restoring dignity through faith-based service. The rise in average accommodation stay to 338 days and long wait times for permanent homes reflect Scotland’s pressing housing needs.
Ms Murdoch concluded,
“We all know what needs to be done. The next parliament must prioritise addiction support in the evenings and at weekends; improved mental health services in communities; plus increase the availability of affordable homes to give vulnerable people stability, accessible local healthcare and – above all – hope for the future.”
The Salvation Army encourages anyone at risk of homelessness to seek support or contact their local council, standing firm in the call to love and serve our neighbors in need.
Faith Points:
- Gaines served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018 and helped revise the Baptist Faith and Message.
- Under his leadership at Bellevue Baptist Church, the “Bellevue Loves Memphis” initiative mobilized thousands for community service.
- He earned a doctorate in preaching and authored books on the power of prayer and the need for spiritual revival.
Dr. Steve Gaines, a revered former President of the Southern Baptist Convention, entered his eternal rest on Friday at the age of 68.
After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, the longtime Bellevue Baptist Church pastor is now in the presence of his Savior.
Gaines dedicated over four decades to pastoral ministry, leaving an indelible mark on the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.
His legacy is defined by a deep commitment to the Great Commission and the defense of biblical doctrine.
Dr. Richard Land described Gaines as a man possessed of a pastor’s heart and evangelistic zeal who provided decades of service to the Lord’s Kingdom.
“We will miss him greatly and are comforted only by the fact that he’s in a far, far better place now, in the arms of his Savior.”
The Gaines family, including his wife Donna and their four children, continues to covet the prayers of the faithful during this time of transition.
We honor his lifelong dedication to the Gospel and his unwavering stand for the Truth of God’s Word.
Faith Facts
- Iran uses the charge of ‘moharebeh,’ translated as waging war against God, to justify capital punishment for political dissent.
- Human rights monitors report that at least 1,500 people were hanged by the Iranian government last year alone.
- Biblical principles teach that justice requires a fair trial and protection of the innocent from state-sanctioned violence.
The Iranian regime has executed champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and two other young men under the charge of waging war against God.
These executions stem from recent nationwide protests where citizens expressed grievances over economic failure and government oppression.
Reports from human rights organizations indicate these men were denied fair trials and forced into confessions through torture.
This highlights the brutal reality for those seeking freedom under a regime that suppresses basic human dignity and due process.
As believers, we must stand in prayer for those suffering under tyranny and advocate for the protection of life and religious liberty worldwide.
May we remain vigilant in supporting the cause of freedom against oppressive regimes that mock the sanctity of justice.
Faith Facts:
- Bethlehem Church baptized 400 people across its three Georgia campuses during one weekend.
- Leaders linked the event to Acts 2 and the Day of Pentecost, sparked by a prompting from the Holy Spirit.
- The church is now disciplesing new believers through four-week groups to deepen daily walk with Christ.
A miraculous wave of revival swept through Bethlehem Church in Georgia as 400 individuals publicly declared their faith through baptism over a single weekend.
This powerful move of God occurred across three campuses, demonstrating the hunger for spiritual renewal in our nation.
Lead Pastor Jason Britt felt a sudden prompting from the Holy Spirit to call for spontaneous baptisms while teaching a series on Acts 2 and the Day of Pentecost.
The church, which averages 7,000 weekly attendees, saw years of prayer and discipleship culminate in this historic moment of obedience.
“I felt prompted, and I read it with fresh eyes. It says, ‘Repent and be baptized,’ and I felt like the Holy Spirit pressed that on me,” Britt said.
“A Spirit-filled church is full of Spirit-sensitive people, and Spirit-sensitive people obey.”
The church is now prioritizing the Great Commission by enrolling new believers into four-week discipleship groups to strengthen their walk with Christ.
Leaders emphasized that their heart is to walk alongside these individuals as they develop daily spiritual disciplines and intimacy with Jesus.
Witnessing hundreds of souls surrender to Christ reminds us that the harvest is truly plentiful when we remain sensitive to the Spirit’s calling.
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