Command Spotlight: Adult Rehabilitation Centers
by Colonel Richard Munn
A truly remarkable expression of ministry and service dotted across the entire USA Eastern Territory is the Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) Command. The volume of transformed lives, from often desperate brokenness to vibrant new life, is a legacy to be proud of. It’s nothing short of astonishing: the drama, the rescues, the personalities, and the gratitude of the beneficiaries. Add the regular contributions of adherents, soldiers, candidates, and senior employee staff, and the overall ARC impact is immeasurable.
The recovery community — people focused on achieving and maintaining long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction as well as other lifelong challenges — is a well-attested part of our broader culture. There are varied strategies to combat such social ills. The Salvation Army ARC posits the one-two offering of new life in Christ and disciplined work therapy. And despite the ever-present pain of relapse, it works through a powerful combination of therapy and gospel preaching, down-to-earth simplicity and divine mystery.
Donated goods from the public are sold in thrift stores, and the revenue funds the recovery program. Quite simply, when we donate our used goods, we help fund the rehabilitation programs that assist people in finding recovery. Salvation Army thrift stores and donation bins are so numerous and recognized that they’re often synonymous to much of the public with the whole movement itself.
Heading this extraordinary multifaceted operation are Lt. Colonels Tim and Willie Mae Lyle, ARC Commanders. SAconnects caught up with them for an up-to-date interview, to get you, our faithful readers, the story behind the story.
What are your command statistics — number of centers, officers, employee staff, beds?
- 26 centers
- 48 officers
- 4 envoys
- 2 employees in charge
- 3,400 employees
- 2,049 beds
Click to view full breakdown of the Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command
How would you describe the personality of your ARC community?
The ARC is a gifted, passionate, earnest, and serving community of faith. There is humor and heartbreak, vibrancy and brokenness, ingenuity and simplicity. Above all we are a community that is constantly amazed at the healing grace of our powerful God who takes recycled donations and transforms lives for eternity. To get the best sense of our personality, come to one of our weekly testimony meetings on a Sunday morning. You’ll be amazed.
What especially notable expressions of Salvationism exist within the command?
There is a distinct and clear connection of the mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need without discrimination. Human needs are being met. Souls are being saved. Adults are being discipled and taught to live out their faith.
What brings you the greatest joy?
Observing genuine conversion and life transformation by the power of God to save and sanctify.
What is God up to in the ARC these days?
God is sending beneficiaries to the ARC. They are engaging in the program and having their lives transformed. They are being freed from addiction and finding new life in Jesus Christ.
Any final insights or thoughts for our readers?
The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center is an especially pure form of mission and ministry work within The Salvation Army. Our founders would be pleased to see the ARC in action. It truly resonates with their “Soup, Soap, and Salvation” message of the pioneer days of the Army.
How can we all pray for the ARC Command?
Pray that our centers will be full and no empty bed remains. Continue to pray for clarity of mission. Pray for increased volume of donations so our financial needs can be met. Pray for our officers and staff who do this tough and gritty work within the Army. Pray for wisdom in these uncertain times. Pray for more opportunities for integrated mission between the ARC and corps.
Thank you, Tim and Willie Mae — we stand amazed at the ministry and service of your very special command. The ARC is a major part of our territory and greatly loved. You can count on our commitment, support, and donated goods. An army is cheering you on.
