General adds signature of support for women’s rights in Afghanistan

General Brian Peddle signed an open letter to the United Nations (UN) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressing significant disquiet about the rights of Afghan women.

Exhibit showcases pandemic response

On Jan. 12, a new exhibition was launched at Gallery 101 at International Headquarters (IHQ) entitled “Everyone Needs an Army.” The exhibit featured a 15-minute documentary film produced by the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s communications team and advertising agency Grey Canada, along with corresponding display panels that showcase stories of Salvation Army community response and service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic across Canada and Bermuda.

The exhibition was opened by General Brian Peddle, who commended the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s pandemic response and highlighted The Salvation Army’s compassionate presence around the world. “As we declare this exhibit open,” he said, “may it be something that encourages our hearts, helps us celebrate a difficult time in our history and gives us great hope for the future.” NFC

Sunflower Cafe supports Ukrainian refugees

The Sunflower Cafe and Hub at the Scarborough Corps in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, offers a meeting place for people who have fled the war in Ukraine.

“Our aim is to make them feel welcome here, as well as help build relationships with people in the town,” said Scarborough Corps Officer Major Stephen Noble. “Ukrainians will be able to enjoy some of the tastes of Ukraine with dishes cooked in the cafe. The hub will offer language classes, practical assistance and training with the aim of helping them secure employment.”

The Salvation Army is partnering in the initiative with Scarborough Sunflower Appeal, a group that supports Ukrainian refugees. Over the past year, Scarborough welcomed more than 120 refugees to the area. NFC

EDS teams respond to tornado in Georgia

In the USA Southern Territory, The Salvation Army responded following destructive tornadoes that wreaked havoc across Georgia’s Henry, Meriwether, Troup and Spalding counties Jan. 12.

Six canteens responded to areas affected by the tornadoes, serving 5,825 meals, 5,547 drinks and 5,571 snacks as of Jan. 18.

“When responders and others return from their physically and mentally exhausting shifts, we’re often the first people they see,” said Lanita Lloyd, Emergency Disaster Director for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “And we do our best to make sure their needs are being met during these difficult times as they serve their communities.” NFC

The letter, signed by faith leaders and other global leaders, highlights “deep concern” about the latest developments in Afghanistan where the higher education ban for women was reaffirmed and announced on Dec. 20 2022. By Dec. 24, the ban on women working in non-governmental organizations and international non-governmental organizations was also announced.

The letter asks António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, and other officials of the organization to note this “calamitous regression in human rights.”

Swiss officer on the road

After 10 years serving The Salvation Army as an officer in the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, Captain Christoph Lässig embarked on a yearlong traveling sabbatical in July 2022, aiming to return to officership restored, having connected with God and others in different settings, with fresh ideas fueled by new connections. His sabbatical is possible thanks to the international collaboration of The Salvation Army, now active in 133 countries.

“The experience, ideas and contacts I get will help me to better fulfill the mission of The Salvation Army,” Lässig said. “I am convinced that it would be a blessing for The Salvation Army if more officers and employees could do an internship from time to time in an area that is foreign to them. It could be short, like one month. This would promote mutual understanding and enhanced networking.”

Peddle said, “The Salvation Army is an international Christian movement and, as such, our International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) based in New York is represented at the UN. Our role is to advocate for human dignity and social justice with the world’s poor and oppressed. It is in this capacity that I have signed this letter. It is essential that international organizations use their positions to be a voice for the voiceless.”

The letter concludes by thanking the UN and the OIC in advance for their cooperation which should then, “help history to document how your esteemed organizations, representing all of our governments, continue to honor basic obligations towards human welfare, in the most troubled times humanity faces.” NFC

Lässig spent two months in the USA Western Territory—December 2022 at Territorial Headquarters (THQ) with the Multimedia Department and January at the San Diego Kroc Center. While at THQ, he met Colonels Kyle and Lisa Smith, now serving in the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory as Chief Secretary and

International leaders visit India

The Salvation Army’s international leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, traveled to India in January and February, where they engaged in public meetings, youth rallies, women’s congresses, marches of witness and Officers’ Councils.

While in the India Northern Territory, the Peddles participated in an ecumenical meeting in Chennai with church leaders and para church leaders, including the president and secretary of the National Council of Churches in India.

At the end of January, after a week in the India Cen-

Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, respectively. Through them, he was able to pin down his next destination—Malaysia— where he will spend time in several Salvation Army-run children’s homes.

Lässig is chronicling his journey on YouTube, @captainchrisontheroad. NFC tral Territory, the General commented on the large crowds that gathered for the meetings and the enthusiastic response to his messages.

“The future of the Army in this part of India is very promising as its witness and impact finds its place in countless communities,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “I suggest as we think we know the story of a nation but when you encounter the people you find another story… often a better one.

“God bless India and its people.” NFC

This Lent, consider removing one item from your home each day of the season, from Ash Wednesday through Maunday Thursday, all culminating in donating the collection to your closest Salvation Army Thrift Store following Easter. Your efforts will help people seeking recovery from drugs and alcohol receive six-months of no-fee programming designed to help each individual move forward in life without addiction. Plus, you’ll have more space in your home!

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