While more than 4,000 cups of water were given to Olympic men’s marathon spectators on Sunday, August 12, many visitors had their understanding of the Army expanded.

The Olympic marathon route took runners past The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters building six times, making the area ideal for The Salvation Army to connect with thousands of people.

As well as receiving cups of water, hundreds of adults and children had their face painted with Olympic rings or the national flag of their choice.

During conversation, many people thought The Salvation Army was exclusively a charity; others presumed it to be part of a military army; and most didn’t know that the Army operates in 124 countries around the world.

The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest Christian social-welfare organizations How can we raise its awareness and educate the next generation?