Develop Magazine - Spring 2019

DEVELOP SPRING 2019 [ ISSUE 02 ]

REVISITING

TURKANA Working together to rise up out of poverty

UNITED TOWARDS A CHANGE

JOINT LEARNING INITIATIVE

Giving hope to domestic violence survivors

International collaboration on evidence for faith groups

International International Development Development UK UK

salvationarmy.org.uk/ID

I SS U E 0 2 ~ S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

CONTENTS 05

EBOLA RESPONSE

06

UK ENGAGEMENT

07

09

16

19

THE TIME IS NOW

UNITED TOWARDS A CHANGE

MAPPING INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

JOINT LEARNING INITIATIVE

23

29

31

STRONGER TOGETHER

JUST GIFTS

FUNDRAISING FOR THE ARMY

All photographs are used with the permission of the photographer

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REVISITING TURKANA Working together to rise up out of poverty

WELCOME TO DEVELOP A message from our Team Leader Benjamin Gilbert

On a recent visit to Bangladesh I was challenged in my understanding of The Salvation Army’s impact into people’s lives. I was visiting one of our anti-trafficking projects that funds a centre for sexually exploited women. While I was there I met Jani* who had been through the centre and had now started her own tailoring business.

I learnt that she had first come into contact with the Salvation Army centre in 1996! Through what was literally years of gentle but persistent love and contact with the project staff and officers, Jani had now managed to set up her own independent business. She was beaming with pride as she told me that her daughter was about to start university.

What a change! What an impact! But it had taken 23 years.

In the demand for annual budgets and regular reports, it’s very easy to forget that genuine change can take time, sometimes longer than our reports or budgets can easily ‘see’. But I take great encouragement in trusting in God’s perfect timing for everything we commit to him, for ‘a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by’ (Psalm 90:4 NIV).

We regularly revisit some of our ongoing projects in Develop, often to highlight the longterm impact. In this edition you will read about Esther in Kenya who describes how her women’s savings group has managed to thrive despite the challenges over the last five years.

Another way we are trying to ensure our programmes are having a lasting impact is by strengthening the local corps that are linked to our emergency response work around the world. You can read about how we did this in the Democratic Republic of Congo in our response to a recent Ebola outbreak.

You will also read about how corps and centres around the UK have raised funds and awareness to address the negative impact of climate change, as well as how The Salvation Army is supporting women and children in Argentina who have experienced domestic violence.

I hope you enjoy these stories of impact, and that they will inspire and challenge you to continue to support the fight against poverty and injustice. *Name has been changed

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NEWS

RESPONDING TO THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC In August 2018, an Ebola outbreak was confirmed in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

By the end of the year at least 420 cases and 240 deaths had been reported, making it the second largest Ebola outbreak on record.

In response, The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services team initiated a project which aimed to limit the spread of the virus (by promoting and improving hand washing), improve understanding about the epidemic and reduce the stigma for affected families and communities.

Alongside the work undertaken by other charitable and faith organisations such as Oxfam and UNICEF, the project has brought together 120 churches and 320 schools in the affected region. Each was equipped with adequate hygiene facilities (water tanks with taps, basins and soap) and hand-washing kits to contain the propagation of the virus.

‘Train the trainer’ workshops have been provided to local religious leaders, school workers and healthcare workers. Trainees were also each expected to train 10 church leaders, school and health centre representatives.

Many of such trainings have now taken place.

Additionally, training on the identification and care for affected people and their families has also been provided to more than 300 community leaders.

The overall reach of this project through the provision of training and facilities includes 600 institutions, including health centres, schools, churches and mosques, and more than 6,000 local leaders including teachers, health workers and church personnel.

Going forward, The Salvation Army in DRC is working to strengthen its resilience to such outbreaks and respond to the ongoing impact of the Ebola epidemic by improving the facilities of the local Salvation Army corps in Goma which neighbours the epicentre of the Ebola virus epidemic.

Using funds raised by corps in The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory through its annual Self-Denial Appeal, a Mission Support* project has been approved which will enable extensive improvement to the corps facilities. The project will include the installation of a water tank, construction of a perimeter fence, new toilet facilities and the provision of solar electricity for the compound.

With these improvements to the facilities, both the corps officers and members will be better equipped to serve their community and support one another to address the impacts of the devastating Ebola epidemic. *Read more about Mission Support projects on p.23

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NEWS

UK ENGAGEMENT Our team have been travelling around the Territory to share about The Salvation Army’s international work.

The Salvation Army is doing globally to respond to issues of poverty and injustice, just as our movement has been doing throughout its history.

We also enjoyed being part of the final day of the ‘Transformers’ course which saw young people from three divisions (Anglia, Central East and Herts & Essex) journey together through a year-long discipleship programme. We discussed what mission looks like in different contexts and how we, as individuals and as a church, can use our skills and interests to be part of transformational mission in both local and global communities.

We would love to visit your corps or group to speak about The Salvation Army’s international community development projects. For more information, email us at id@salvationarmy.org.uk.

For The Salvation Army International Development UK (SAID UK), 2019 has begun with a number of interesting engagements which have taken us to various corners of the UK and Ireland Territory.

Along with others in the Mission Service team, SAID UK had a stand in the exhibition space at the Ireland Congress in Belfast. Over two days, corps members from across the Ireland Division came together to share in worship, reflection, celebration and learning under the theme Reclaim! It was fantastic to meet with people of all ages and share a little of The Salvation Army’s work around the world.

A few weeks later we joined Glasgow City Centre Corps as they celebrated the 140th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s presence in the city and in Scotland as a whole. As part of their celebrations focused on ‘Kingdom Building’, we shared about the work

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NEWS

THE TIME IS NOW From turning hearts green to rallying around Parliament, now is the time to Show the Love for all that we want to protect from climate change.

Devastating coastlines, destroying rainforests and disrupting weather patterns, climate change is already having an impact on our world. And it is those who rely on the land – on agriculture and subsistence farming – for survival who are the most vulnerable to the effects caused by a rapidly changing climate.

The Salvation Army International Development UK’s vision is ‘a world without poverty and injustice’.

Climate change and its impact on the world’s poorest is an injustice that must be stopped. As a member of the Climate Coalition, each year Salvation Army corps ‘Show the Love’ to start conversations and spread the word about the need to take action on climate change for our local communities, our global brothers and sisters, and for future generations.

During February, corps and centres across the Territory got involved in a variety of ways: Hadleigh Training Centre in Essex held a number of activities for children during the half-term break, with trainees helping the young people to make heart-shaped pizzas and rag-hearts which were then displayed around the centre.

At Sedgemoor Hub’s dementia-friendly worship service, the group spent time reflecting on God’s heart of love for all of his created world. They then crafted green hearts and considered the small actions we can all take to make a difference.

Stepney Corps in East London themed their first Messy Church meeting around Show the Love with participants of all ages working together on numerous green heart creations!

At Davidson House in Edinburgh, residents and family members engaged in a flurry of activities around the Show the Love theme, from creating green heart bunting and a Show the Love timeline to holding discussion groups and Bible reflections about climate change.

Stratford’s Messy Church in East London also followed the Show the Love theme where they used ‘Godly Play’ to think about God’s creation. They also planted flowers, registered as an eco-brick church, created a green collage and made green love heart bracelets to remind themselves to keep showing the love. They also made cupcakes which were shared at the night shelter and day centre.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that Salvation Army members have engaged with Show the Love this year. These events are wonderful opportunities to start conversations and spread the word about the issue of climate change. But what next?

This summer, the Government will decide whether to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by committing to a net zero emissions target. They will also have the chance to end nature’s decline by committing to a strong Environment Bill. Now is the time to push for bold action.

On Wednesday 26 June, thousands of people from every corner of Britain will take this message straight to Parliament and come face to face with their MPs to tell them about the climate and environment issues they care about, and that The Time Is Now for action.

Sign up for the Lobby at thetimeisnowmap.co.uk If you can’t make it to London, why not get your community together to organise a regional meeting with your MP.

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Hayley Still

UNITED TOWARDS A CHANGE Women experiencing domestic violence are given comfort, support and hope through group therapy sessions at The Salvation Army in Tres Arroyos, Argentina.

Tres Arroyos Corps is located in the city of the same name in the Buenos Aires Province, around 600km south of the national capital.

Domestic violence is a universal issue affecting people of all ages, social situations and genders, though the majority of cases involve male violence towards women. It continues to be a massively under-reported crime. In Tres Arroyos it is believed that reported cases represent only 25 per cent of the true total.

In general, female victims of domestic violence are abused by their partners who have an economic hold over them.

This means they are obliged to stay in their homes with little hope of escape, or opportunity to protect themselves. In Argentina, women and girls aged between 15 and 24 years old represent 69 per cent of reported cases.

In Tres Arroyos there is a one-on-one

counselling service which exists to support women experiencing domestic violence.

However, with a large number of women reaching out for support, the demand far exceeds the capacity of the service and it is unable to offer long-term recovery support.

In response to the growing need, The Salvation Army has established ‘Unidas hacia un Cambio’ (United Towards a Change) groups to support women experiencing violence in the home. The group therapy sessions are facilitated by the corps officers along with a local psychologist and paediatrician who both specialise in domestic violence cases.

These groups provide a space of mutual support for women who are, or have been, victims of domestic violence. Women are cared for and listened to by the team and by the other group members. Whilst each woman’s story is different, they all have the

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“ I feel better here, I feel good

� opportunity to speak out and share their experience in a safe and comforting environment.

Sharing is the start of the healing process. As the women go on this journey, they can identify new perspectives and potential solutions to the problem, share resources which have helped them personally and dare to break down the cycle of violence that they are immersed in.

The emotional support network that group members create for one another is a lifeline for the women involved.

Understanding that others have had similar experiences, yet have survived and flourished, is vital in bringing an end to the

social isolation they have been living in.

Sofia* is a 34-year-old mother of two.

She lives and works in Tres Arroyos.

Sofia had been living with her partner and their child for three years when he started to become increasingly verbally abusive. After an incidence of physical violence, they separated.

They were apart for nine months before reconnecting and having a second child together. But the violence got worse.

During the pregnancy Sofia had to deal with rejection and violence from her partner who was constantly verbally abusive and beat her numerous times.

Eventually, Sofia was able to escape the

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abuse. She said, ‘I don’t know how, but after six years I made the decision to leave.

But I never told anyone that he beat me.’

Sofia’s mother saw a brochure for the group counselling held at The Salvation Army centre. Her mother encouraged her to attend as she was afraid that Sofia would go back to her partner.

Sofia struggles with guilt that her children will grow up without a father.

But through attending the group she has recognised that she and her children are much safer now. She says: ‘The group gave me guidance and people listened to me. Sometimes it was difficult for me to come, but they are always encouraging and want to know what is going on with me. I want to keep coming to the group because I feel better here, I feel good. I am very shy but I feel very good being in the group.’

Another element to the project is the ‘Learning Through Playing’ programme for children aged 7 to 14 years old. The programme uses activities to highlight issues around violence and encourages the young people to find non-violent alternatives to respond to different situations. Through the activities, young people are shown a better way to relate to others and express their feelings.

In this safe space, children, some of whom will have experienced violence in their own homes, are given the opportunity to develop healthy relationships and find positive role models. Through fun and engaging activities the project is working to help the next generation to break the cycle of violence within their families. * Name has been changed & stock images used to protect identity

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Violet Ruria

REVISITING TURKANA We travel once again to Turkana to visit the women who are working together to lift themselves out of poverty in the face of cultural limitations and ecological challenges.

Turkana County is one of the poorest and most marginalised counties in Kenya. Prone to persistent drought and unpredictable rainfall, food shortage is a recurrent challenge for community members.

According to the World Bank (2011), ‘When women control more of the household income… children benefit as a result of increased spending on food, healthcare, home improvements and education.’ Yet for the women of Turkana, the realisation of their God-given potential is hindered due to limiting cultural norms, low access to education and the burden of providing food for their households despite the harsh environment in which they live.

The Salvation Army is supporting 15 women’s savings groups to bring transformation in the lives of families and communities living in Turkana County.

Through these groups, women regularly contribute a small amount of money to build up a communal fund. They can then each take loans

from this shared pot to start or grow their business.

Naanam is a small, rural and marginalised village located approximately 80 km from Lokichoggio town in Northern Kenya and bordering the South Sudan. Here, the majority of people depend on livestock keeping for their livelihood.

It was here that five years ago I first met Esther Akiru as the women’s savings group project began.

With temperatures in Naanam reaching around 30ºC for most of the year, Esther is well acquainted with the harshness of living in a dry, dusty and hot environment. In her community, water is rare and women and girls have to walk long distances in search of it.

Esther does not allow the challenges that she faces to hinder her dream of a better life for her family and community. As chairlady of the Naanam Women’s Group, Esther is actively involved in trying to improve the experiences

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and opportunities for people in the community.

She shared the progress that her group has made: ‘From the women’s savings, we have now accumulated our funds to over KSH 200,000 (£1,500). We have also registered our group with the government Ministry of Social Services to ensure we are legally recognised.’

Esther shared that the training sessions the group have received through the project have equipped the women to gain confidence and start investing in small businesses. The group also work together on a collective business creating and selling ornaments, the profits from which they share amongst themselves.

Over the years, the savings group has been a stable and constant source of comfort and practical support for the women in a climate of change and uncertainty.

As the women spend time and share together whilst making the crafts, relationships have been strengthened. Together, they discuss their home lives and family health as well as

teach each other how to perfect their bead-making and share the challenges that they may be facing. This safe space also enables the women to discuss some of the cultural practices that inhibit their progress and how to address them.

Reflecting on the difficulties of the hot and dry conditions in her location Esther said, ‘Despite the drought since last year, we have been able to make some progress in our lives. We purchase beads as a group and make jewellery which we sell and share the profits. We also purchase goats when they are young and rear them to sell when they are mature. This also gives us some profit.’

As part of the group, Esther was able to take a loan of KSH 20,000 (£150) from her group and repaid this in addition to 10 per cent interest of KSH 2,000 (£15) which also helps to grow the communal fund. ‘I used the money to purchase grocery items at a wholesale price,’ she said.

‘Later, I sold the groceries to the people in my

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“

My children have never lacked food or school fees since I joined the group and learnt how to start my small business.

”

community, making some profit.’ Esther also told me that she is now able to provide food, school fees and medical fees for her children. She said that this could not be possible in the past before joining the group.

Esther, as a strong and resilient woman, is an important role model in her group as she works hard and overcomes challenges to make progress in her life. She is also a source of empowerment to women as she provides leadership in her community which is highly patriarchal.

The Naanam group is just one of 15 groups in Turkana County, and many other women are benefiting from working alongside The Salvation Army in this project.

Ingolan Ekai (pictured) is one of the 15 members of the Narikodapal women’s group.

Discussing the benefits of being a member of the group she said, ‘When my child is sick, I do not have to worry much since I can get some money from the group and purchase medication… Since I joined the group, I have been able to make a

profitable business of selling flour, maize and cooking oil in my small grocery shop. My children have never lacked food or school fees since I joined the group and learnt how to start my small business.’

Major Agnes Loruwa is in charge of the Women’s Ministries in the Turkana Division of The Salvation Army. She plays a key role in encouraging women to join and participate in the savings group project. She said, ‘These saving groups are uniting the women as they help and support each other. Their lives are improving.’

The Salvation Army continues to support savings groups around the world. Through the 2019 Helping-Hand Appeal, Community Shares, you can stand alongside communities as they work together to overcome poverty. Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/communityshares to find out more, or make a donation to support this work by using the form at the back of this magazine and selecting ‘Income Generation’.

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PROJECTS MAP

MAPPING INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

KEY Anti-Trafficking Clean Water

GERMANY, LITHUANIA & POLAND

EASTERN EUROPE

RUSSIA

Anti-Trafficking Prevention and Action - Phase 1 £110,968.70

Life Skills for Vulnerable Young People Technical Support Only

Anti-Trafficking Awareness Raising £24,658.97

Anti-Trafficking Prevention and Action - Phase 2 £174,254.58

PAKISTAN

Mission Support (Various) £74,854.20

INDIA SOUTH EASTERN Cyclone Relief (Kenyakumari District) £21,385.50

MEXICO

Training for Officers (Community Work) £103,511.64

MALI & BURKINA FASO Literacy and Income Generation Phase 1 £52,222.14

GHANA & TOGO Mission Support (Various) £74,656.49

NIGERIA

Community Awareness and Recovery Nigeria £160,915.98 Mission Support (Various) £763.36

SOUTH AMERICA EAST Flood Relief (Saenz Pena) £3,290.84

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Reintroducing Edible Caterpillars £55,970.99

Flood Relief (Charata City) £6,755.73

Spring Protection and Rehabilitation £181,424.43

Bee-Keeping Training £74,347.33

Group Therapy for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence £8,356.49

Ebola Response £132,541.22

Mission Support (Various) £34,732.82

Emergency Response Food Security Gender Justice Income Generation Mission Support & Institutional

INDIA CENTRAL

INDIA EASTERN

BANGLADESH

HONG KONG & MACAU

Evangeline Booth Hospital Redevelopment £327,502.29

Anti-Trafficking Awareness £45,494.08

Support to Sexually Exploited Women £133,735.88

Greenhouses for Vegetable Growing (Yangbi) £21,075.57

Social Enterprise for Vulnerable Women and Trafficking Survivors £40,891.72

Solar Lights to Rohingya Refugees £220,584.02

Livelihood Support and Development (Sichuan) £110,098.47

Mission Support (Various) £19,248.60

PHILIPPINES

Community Awareness and Recovery Philippines £127,879.88 Typhoon Ompong Response £29,359.92

INDONESIA

Earthquake & Tsunami Response £15,267.18

Emergency Provision of Hospital Generator £51,217.56

KENYA EAST WASH, Food Security & Resilience £242,458.02 Kilome Corps & Community Sand Dam £20,643.51 Kabete Children’s Home - Social Worker Support £65,744.34 Nairobi Investors £20,354.96 Mission Support (Various) £6,735.11

KENYA WEST Turkana Integrated Livelihood Development £107,311.45

MALAWI TANZANIA

Mchinji Centre for Trafficked Children £51,527.48

Education and Psychosocial Care for Vulnerable Children £126,625.19

Malawi WASH and Food Security £236,641.22

ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA

Food Security, Savings and Loans and Literacy (Ekwendeni) £5,333.59

MOZAMBIQUE

Improved Farming for Sustainable Food Production £90,174.81

Mission Support (Various) £125,190.84

Mission Support (Various) £128,710.69

Women’s Savings and Micro Loans £110,473.28

Figures represent funds sent in 2018.

Representatives of UN Member States, civil society organisations and UN entities gather for the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2019 at UN headquarters in New York.

Geertje Schorer

JOINT LEARNING INITIATIVE The Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities is an international collaboration on evidence for faith groups’ role and contribution to achieving humanitarian and development goals.

Founded in 2012, the leadership of the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities (JLI) came together with a single shared conviction: there is an urgent need to build our collective understanding of the potential of local faith communities.

The JLI serves as an open-source, non-partisan knowledge-sharing platform for all sectors. Working through learning hubs, the JLI utilises publications and meetings to engage partners, and supports faith groups to use their knowledge, skills and assets to realise a world without poverty.

The JLI is divided into four Learning Hubs: • Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery • Ending Violence Against Children • Gender-Based Violence • Refugees and Forced Migration The Learning Hubs are collaborative learning platforms in which practitioners, policy makers, academics and other experts from a variety of sectors and disciplines can share best practice, learn from one another and work together to engage key

stakeholders in faith communities. Leading experts from different sectors co-chair each Learning Hub which further embeds the collaborative process.

Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Hub The Salvation Army International Development UK is a member and co-chair of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (AHT-MS) Hub. This is a horizontal evidence-based learning community that links academics, policy makers and governments with local faith communities in order to combat human trafficking and modern slavery.

We believe that local faith communities can make a huge difference in tackling trafficking by virtue of their faith. However, there is currently nothing in the academic or political space that verifies this. Research carried out by the JLI aims to establish clear evidence-based links which will serve to enable faith communities to do vital work

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with survivors, both locally and nationally.

Members of the AHT-MS Hub can connect with colleagues around the world to share resources, create and strengthen connections and bring together their expertise on how faith communities can most effectively engage in the fight to end human trafficking and modern slavery.

The JLI recognises the inherent value of a collaborative response to a multi-faceted, global issue such as human trafficking. Therefore, members are encouraged to gather knowledge and support one another in a joint effort to inform and improve policy and practice between faith groups, humanitarian and development communities.

“

I have become the teacher in my village and have helped all my neighbours learn how to use these methods

Scoping study The JLI is currently working on an AHT-MS Hub scoping study which aims to establish, from existing published sources as well as interviews with representatives from NGOs and academics from the sector, the impact that local faith communities have in responding to the issue of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Knowledge and understanding around the issue of human trafficking varies around the world. Whilst some communities may be aware of human trafficking and modern slavery but not know the scale of issue and the extent of its impact, others are unaware that trafficking and slavery exist at all. In some instances, communities may not recognise certain situations as trafficking but find other explanations for certain issues – for example, runaway children.

The work of faith communities in responding to the injustice of human trafficking largely goes unrecognised with few people understanding the involvement that such communities have in trying to address the issue.

A key challenge some communities face is a lack of trust in faith-based organisations, with some believing they do little to prevent trafficking

� or even actively support it. An important aim of the scoping study, therefore, is to dispel such myths by highlighting the anti-human trafficking work being carried out by faith groups. The scoping study will explore the role that groups from a variety of faith traditions play, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. The JLI is committed to enabling this diverse group to work together to respond to the global issue of trafficking.

As the scoping study comes to an end, the JLI AHT-MS Hub will disseminate the findings and seek to implement relevant changes to policies as a result.

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Representatives of UN Member States, civil society organisations and UN entities gather for the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2019 at UN headquarters in New York.

The anti-trafficking sector is currently at a critical time in which governments around the world have been called to action and are redrafting and revising their trafficking and modern slavery legislation. The JLI has an opportunity, with its scoping study, to create academic literature with which local faith communities can approach their governments and request their inclusion in advisory processes as well as service delivery.

Furthermore, a growing understanding of the unique role and impact that faith communities can have in responding to issues of injustice will not only inspire others to act and join the movement,

but will also give us the conviction to continue using the strengths of our faith to do good in this world.

As we have written previously in Develop, The Salvation Army International Development UK firmly believes that the global issue of human trafficking requires an integrated, networked response. This means working alongside our partners within The Salvation Army globally as well as with other faith organisations, NGOs, and partners from a variety of sectors.

For more information about the JLI and to join as a member, please visit: jliflc.com

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Pamela Hunter

STRONGER TOGETHER Pamela Hunter (International Development Services) explains how the Mission Support programme is helping to strengthen the infrastructure of The Salvation Army around the world.

I remember, many years ago, as a junior soldier in the Salvation Army Sunday school, learning about Chikankata Hospital in Zambia and being encouraged to save my pennies in the ‘Self-Denial’ money box we were given.

The Self-Denial campaign is something The Salvation Army has run every year for more than a century, with its 1.6 million plus junior and senior members, along with others who attend The Salvation Army, being encouraged to donate money that can be used to expand the Army’s mission around the world. In the UK – where The Salvation Army began – the initiative is still called Self-Denial, but in some of the other 131 countries where the Army is at work it is known as World Services.

Having this personal history, then, in 2006 I felt very privileged to visit the Chikankata Mission and to see for myself the fantastic work being done through The Salvation Army. I had a much better appreciation of

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the difference my money could make in supporting the Army’s work, and my eyes were opened to the Army world that existed outside of the UK. And now I find myself working within the International Development Services section of the Programme Resources Department at International Headquarters (IHQ), where I co-ordinate Mission Support projects for territories all around the world, funded by the annual Self-Denial Appeal.

Often when people think of ‘projects’ within an international Salvation Army context, they think of hospitals like Chikankata, or maybe kindergartens, schools, feeding programmes, community empowerment programmes and other such similar initiatives which The Salvation Army supports worldwide.

However, the portion of funding from the Self-Denial Appeal specifically identified for Mission Support projects does not fund such things. The aim of the Mission Support programme is to support Salvation Army territories in a way that helps them to move towards financial self-sufficiency and strengthen infrastructure. Essentially, the Mission Support process helps to fund the work of the ‘church’ rather than the community. This might be in a territory, division or local corps (church) setting. This then enables the church to be present in the community and to engage further with its local community through what most people understand as development projects.

Each year, the Mission Support fund amounts to around US$10 million, and territories are given an allocation of funding for which they can submit proposals to IHQ to utilise their allocation. There are guidelines for expenditure, with projects

“

The aim of the Mission Support programme is to support Salvation Army territories in a way that helps them to move towards financial selfsufficiency.

�

relating to investment or advancement within the territory being the main priorities to be funded.

This might be a new corps building, an officer’s quarters or a vehicle. It may be a project aimed at increasing spiritual development among soldiers, or perhaps a leadership development course for young people. It could be a project to buy a piece of land in a new area in order to establish an outpost, or funding to enable regular campaigns in a town where there is currently no Salvation Army presence.

Additionally, projects that help to build the capacity of the territory in specialised areas such as finance, property, child protection, or governance and accountability, can be submitted for funding through Mission Support.

Many territories are supported financially with their day-to-day running costs through an operational grant administered by IHQ, and they are being encouraged to generate local funding within their territory to support this in future years. Therefore the Mission Support funding may also be used to fund income-generation projects for a territory as it seeks to find new ways to raise this money. In line with this initiative towards self-sufficiency, the Mission Support funding is restricted in its use for operational items, with a maximum of 10 per cent being available for this purpose.

The Mission Support process aims, where at all possible, to match projects within ‘Partners in Mission’ groups. Where you are located in the world will determine who your Partners in Mission territories are. (Territories

“

The aim of the Mission Support programme is to support Salvation Army territories in a way that helps them to move towards financial self-sufficiency.

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from the developing world are linked with those from developed countries so that funds can be shared round as fairly as possible.)

The Partners in Mission may be featured in the Self-Denial / World Services promotional material prepared by a particular territory, or they may choose to show a wider range of projects from all around the world, giving some great examples of the work being done through The Salvation Army. I would say to Salvationists and friends internationally that, whatever is shown in your particular materials, be encouraged that these projects only happen through the generous giving of individuals connected with The Salvation Army, whether that be officers, soldiers,

adherents, junior soldiers or friends.

I pray that as people grow in understanding of how the Self-Denial / World Services initiative is managed, they will prayerfully consider all that God has given them, and that they will give as much as they are able to extend God’s Kingdom here on earth through the work of The Salvation Army.

Pamela Hunter is Mission Support Co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s International Development Services.

This article first appeared in the October–December 2017 issue of All the World, The Salvation Army’s international magazine (salvationarmy.org/alltheworld).

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JUST GIFTS: THE GIFTS THAT GO FURTHER Just Gifts is not just for Christmas.

Those who have followed the work of The Salvation Army International Development UK for a number of years will be very familiar with our Just Gifts catalogue. Though the design may have changed over time, the idea remains the same. Just Gifts is a selection of ‘virtual’ gifts which represent the international community development projects that The Salvation Army supports around the world. Buying Just Gifts is a simple way of making a contribution towards this work, and in return for your donation you receive a card and voucher which you can either keep or pass on to a loved one.

Over the years we have seen people purchase Just Gifts for a variety of reasons: a present for a relative, an alternative to church members buying one another Christmas cards, a fundraising target, or to be part of a gift bag on Mother’s Day. There are so many ways to use Just Gifts and at so many times throughout the year. Unsurprisingly, most people purchase Just Gifts at Christmas. With a variety of gift options – from ‘Caterpillars’ and ‘Clean Water for Life’ to ‘Stationery Set’ and ‘School Toilets’ – as well as a price range to suit any budget, they can be a great option as a stocking filler, or a gift for that friend who has everything.

But just as the projects that these gifts support continue throughout the year, so can people’s buying of those gifts.

As well as birthdays, Easter, weddings or other traditional gift-giving events, there are lots of ways to think creatively about how you can support The Salvation Army’s international work by choosing Just Gifts.

Could the £170 ‘School Toilets’ gift be a fundraising target for your school, church or group? Perhaps you could commit to purchasing a different gift each month for a whole year. If you are keen to help us promote Just Gifts, you could buy the Just Gifts magnet and display it proudly on your fridge or desk.

The gifts in the catalogue are examples of the work we do, taken from projects that we are currently running. Any money raised through Just Gifts is used to fund future projects which fall within our five thematic areas: Anti-Trafficking, Clean Water, Food Security, Gender Justice and Income Generation.

We hope you will consider choosing Just Gifts throughout this year, and help us to spread the word about the work that the gifts represent.

Please contact us if you would like to order a free catalogue, or you can find all of the gifts online at www.sps-shop.com or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/salvationarmyid/shop.

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Would you be interested in raising funds for our international community development projects?

Angela Carlucci

FUNDRAISE FOR THE SALVATION ARMY The Salvation Army’s Events Team has a variety of activities you can choose from to support our international work.

You could undertake the challenge of an overseas trek, run the Virgin Money London Marathon and enjoy some of the famous landmarks of the capital; or experience the exhilaration of doing a skydive. We can offer you the opportunity to get involved in these and other exciting activities and be part of #TeamSallyArmy. But if this sounds too energetic, you could take part in Doughnut Day or the Big Tea Party.

We can also support you if you want to arrange your own fundraising, be it shaving your head, arranging a charity football match – or whatever else takes your fancy!

Whatever you decide to do, we will be here to guide you

throughout your fundraising journey.

From our Fundraising Pack filled with top tips to our admin (and moral!) support, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way. Running or cycling? No problem – we will send you a specially designed top which can be personalised with your name. We will help ensure that your training and fundraising journey is successful, and in the meantime you will create some memories for a lifetime.

By becoming part of #TeamSallyArmy you will be helping the most vulnerable people around the world, providing hope to those who need it.

Learn more about our events by visiting the website address below or emailing the Events Team at: challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/fundraise-for-us

Connect with us: @salvationarmyid

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id@salvationarmy.org.uk

The Salvation Army International Development UK 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4777

salvationarmy.org.uk/ID The Salvation Army is a church and registered charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399)