All The World (April-June 2018)

Coming in from the cold CARING FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE IN GREENLAND

Less-than-exciting EMERGENCIES! ONLINE sharing of refugee response Caring in the CZECH REPUBLIC

APRIL–JUNE 2018

VOL 56 48 NO 2 4

INDIA – education breaks barriers

CONTENTS

APRIL–JUNE 2018

Visit ALL THE WORLD at: www.salvationarmy.org/alltheworld

04 07

03

UPFRONT From the Editor

04

KENYA/ETHIOPIA Everyday responding

06

HOME AND AWAY Thoughts from here and there

08

REFUGEE SUMMIT Online conversations

09

CZECH REPUBLIC Health care for the dispossessed

11

INDIA Cutting through cultural barriers

15

GREENLAND Northern pioneers

20

THE WHOLE WORLD Images of Mobilising

22

SNAPSHOTS News from around the world

08 15

12 20

22

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Cover photo by David Giles

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FROM THE EDITOR

I AM by nature questioning, sometimes veering towards suspicion and cynicism (I would call my outlook ‘realistic’, but that’s another discussion …) and I can be pushed to grumpiness – especially by my teenage sons! But despite this I am, on the whole, a happy, hopeful, positive person.

Happiness is subjective. It’s a feeling, a state of mind. It can be affected by circumstances but also by a reaction to those circumstances. Some people seem to have a natural tendency to be happy.

Another person placed into my life for instance, may be even happier – maybe less inclined to be annoyed by the perceived ‘silliness’ of others! – or he/ she could be unhappy, perhaps with an ambitious streak that would gain great frustration from staying in the same job for more than 19 years while colleagues come and go at a rapid rate.

So here I am, generally happy and satisfied with my lot. But what, I wonder, could cause my happiness to disappear? There’s the usual suggestions, of course – death of a loved one, illness for me or someone close to me, stressful situations because of circumstances or finances. Any of these could theoretically tip the balance.

I realise when I’m working on All the World just how fortunate I am. I live in a country with great freedoms, where the sick are cared for (irrespective of how much money they have) and education can be taken for granted.

Natural disasters are rare, and usually on a relatively small scale in comparison to those faced on a regular basis elsewhere.

But still, many people seem to be unhappy.

When I look at some of the people around the world who are working with The Salvation Army to improve

Kevin Sims, Editor

Happy and

their lives, I’m amazed that more aren’t utterly miserable! They face every day the circumstances that could drag me off my happy perch into a hole of despondency.

But would they? The truth is that people – and I include myself – are resilient. Also, as a Christian I have the advantage of not putting all my eggs of happiness in one basket of wordly success. I am called to a higher purpose, with a promise that however hard this life may be, the next will be unimaginably great!

The apostle Paul is not necessarily known for his cheerful disposition, but – shortly after he had been imprisoned for his faith – he wrote to the church in Philippi: ‘I’m glad in God, far happier

‘We have hope – hope in things we cannot see but still know to be true’

EDITOR Kevin Sims

FOUNDER William Booth

DESIGN AND ARTWORK Berni Georges

GENERAL André Cox

EDITORIAL OFFICE The Salvation Army International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Martin Gossauer

than you would ever guess … I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am’ (from Philippians 4 The Message).

Like Paul, we who believe in Christ can access happiness that isn’t dependent on circumstances. We have hope – hope in things we cannot see but still know to be true; hope that we never have to face a problem alone; hope that this life is not the be-all and end-all. We have reason to be happy.

Surely this is an advantage The Salvation Army has over some other organisations and agencies. We don’t only offer help, we offer the source of lasting, overarching hope.

So today, whether we are faced with the good or the bad, may we all try to share at least a little happiness, alongside a large helping of hope-iness.

© The General of The Salvation Army 2018

Tel: [44] (0)20 7332 0101

Published by André Cox, General of The Salvation Army

Email: IHQ-alltheworld@salvationarmy.org

Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd

A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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EMERGENCY

KENYA AND ETHIOPIA

The life of a relief worker isn’t always exciting!

by Damaris Frick

T

HE alarm clock on my mobile phone rang at 4am.

Not a great time to get up but the driver was ready to take Richard Bradbury – Project Officer for The Salvation Army’s Kenya East Territory – and me to the airport to catch a plane from the Kenyan capital Nairobi to its Ethiopian counterpart, Addis Ababa. This ‘early bird’ behaviour was nothing new – the day before we had to leave the house at 6am ahead of a several-hour car ride to a project location.

People sometimes assume that being a humanitarian worker – especially as part of The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services – is rather glamorous and that we spend all our time racing from place to place, perhaps leaping in and out of helicopters, before handing out rice in a community or pitching tents for displaced people; digging boreholes or repairing damaged buildings.

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The reality is often more ordinary (maybe even dull!) with countless hours spent at airports or on planes, in cars or on trains.

Another aspect of my work that people don’t really imagine is the hours I spend in meetings! In Ethiopia, where The Salvation Army is not yet registered, Richard and I spent two full days meeting various stakeholders, such as the non-governmental organisation (NGO) registration office, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Ethiopian Red Cross and several others.

In order to gather information, avoid duplication of services and generally provide the best possible support to disaster-affected communities,

organisations such as The Salvation Army have to make an effort to coordinate, network and partner with each other.

It is a vitally important part of my work to ensure that – as an organisation – we coordinate well but, again, it sounds much less exciting than what people might believe my day-to-day job to be!

There are also a lot of administrative elements to the job in order to make sure that disaster-affected people get the school meals, bags of rice or other relief items they so desperately need.

Many questions need answering before you can even start the work: • Who is affected and how many people or families are our organisation dealing with?

• How do we find out what people actually need and what things are already provided by other organisations?

• What do people actually eat and how

‘After 11 years as a humanitarian worker I still love my job’

KENYA AND ETHIOPIA

Opposite page: Damaris (centre) with Haimanot Kabede (left) and Mulugeta Terfa from Concern Worldwide, in Ethiopia; left: a Salvation Armyinstalled water harvesting system at a primary school in Kitai County, Kenya; above: a school cook prepares meals on an energy-saving stove

much does one person need per day?

(There’s no point supplying rice if people can’t cook it, for instance.)

• Who is going to pay for it?

• How do we get money into that country?

• Where can we buy the relief items?

Will the supplier have the quantities we need?

• How do we ensure the quality?

• Where do we get beneficiary lists and how do we involve the affected communities in decisions that affect their lives?

• What about storage, transport, security concerns and the challenges of actually organising a distribution?

• How do we ensure transparency and accountability?

• What about reporting and dealing with finances?

• What about the long term? Will our actions have a negative impact on ongoing development efforts or communities’ resilience?

As you can see, lots of aspects need to be considered in order for the ‘bags of

rice’ – or other appropriate relief items – to reach their intended target population.

Don’t get me wrong, I do sometimes do the ‘exciting’ work, like distributing food. As a matter of fact, on the early-start journey I mentioned at the beginning of the article, we went to visit some project locations including schools that provide meals to children in a drought-affected area.

Most of it was handled by the cooking women – as happens normally – but they did ask me to serve food for a while (keeping a sharp eye on me to ensure that the portions were neither too big nor too small!).

The relief programme in these communities in Kenya will only be going for a few months to bridge the current drought situation but it runs alongside an ongoing WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene promotion) programme which has installed water harvesting units, built toilets and enhances the hygiene and health in several schools.

For many of these kids the school lunch might be the only meal they receive that day so it was great to see the implementation and hear stories from the

children, their parents and teachers. They shared with me how the children’s health, school attendance and performance have improved in the past term due to nutritious food, safe and sufficient drinking water and the promotion of hygiene.

After 11 years as a humanitarian worker I still love my job, knowing that I am privileged to be involved in this amazing and humbling area of work.

Yes, there is paperwork, tiresome journeys, often on very bad roads, and seemingly endless meetings, but there are also moments when I am directly involved in the implementation of projects or when I get to see the hard work done by my local colleagues all around the world.

There are the occasions when I meet some of the people benefitting from this work and when I get to see how the lessexciting parts of my work are changing their situation for the better.

I am inspired and blessed by the goodness and resilience I see in people – and this makes every minute that is spent completing mundane but vital tasks completely worthwhile.

Damaris Frick is Deputy Coordinator of The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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HOME AND AWAY

A SERIES LOOKING AT THE THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WORKING FOR THE SALVATION ARMY IN THEIR COUNTRY OF BIRTH AND OTHERS GIVING SERVICE ABROAD

BARB HIGGINS USA CENTRAL TERRITORY

Barb Higgins was born and raised in the USA, where she works for The Salvation Army’s USA Central Territory What is your role in The Salvation Army?

Having retired from a 34-year career in teaching, I now work for The Salvation Army at the USA Central Territorial Headquarters as Director of Youth Ministries and Youth Leader Development Coordinator. I am also a soldier at Rockford Temple Corps (church).

HOME

How did you meet The Salvation Army?

In kindergarten I was invited by a friend named Shirley to attend a character-building programme called Sunbeams at Rockford Temple. A love for The Salvation Army and its people grew very quickly. When I was 14 years old, I asked my parents if I could become a Salvation Army soldier, which would mean having to leave the Swedish Lutheran church I was raised in. I am eternally thankful for the wisdom of my parents to allow me to leave the family church and join The Salvation Army. For the past 50 years, Shirley and I have been actively involved at Rockford Temple Corps. We have grown in our love for Jesus together, and for that I am so thankful.

Do you have a ‘claim to fame’?

In 1985, the Teen Track of the territory’s annual Central Bible and Leadership Institute (CBLI) began under my leadership. It started with 15 students and has grown to more than 200. This has been one of the most exciting and memorable programmes I have been involved with throughout my ministry.

Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’?

My corps officers, Brigadiers Gunnar and Esther Erickson, mentored me and my family. They loved us unconditionally. They lived out their faith with consistency and joy. They never gave up on me and always believed in me. Through their discipleship they brought me to a saving, keeping knowledge of Jesus Christ. When the time came for me to be enrolled as a soldier of The Salvation Army I was prepared, excited and ready to make a lifelong commitment.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

Philippians 3:13-14: ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus’ (King James Version).

What is your favourite Salvation Army song?

I love the theological progression in so many of them.

I read the songs as a devotional because the writers have expressed my deepest feelings in words. ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!’ (31, The Song Book of The Salvation Army) is the foundation upon which I build my life. ‘This is my Father’s World’ (66) gives me hope

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APRIL–JUN AP RIL–JU N E 2018

Barb with young people at the [USA] Central Bible and Leadership Institute

through the words of the third verse: ‘This is my Father’s world; O let me ne’re forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.’ I could go on ... to pick a favourite is very difficult because I love so many of them!

How do you think that working in the USA differs from working elsewhere?

In the USA, we are blessed with an abundance of resources.

We have freedoms that give us a voice. The Salvation Army is respected throughout the country and gives us presence in communities across America.

What do you like most about the USA? The diversity of landscapes and people makes this country a jewel among nations. Also, it is the land of opportunity.

You can hold on to your heritage or reinvent yourself as you choose. In my corps there are French-speaking people from Congo, Spanish speakers from many different countries, Swedish and Norwegian speakers as well as people from the Far East.

What aspects of another country’s culture do you wish were present in the USA? We are a fast-paced society. It would be nice to slow down and experience the kinder and gentler times that so many other countries have. Coffee at outside cafes on tree-lined streets, siesta in the middle of the day, walking and noticing the world around you are a few of the things that would make life richer.

If you were elected General, what would be the first thing you would change?

I would change the communication process. Just call me – let’s talk!

If you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose?

I really love working with The Salvation Army right here in my country. There are so many teens that do not know Jesus. I want them to know him as the Lord of their lives. I want them to walk through life telling their friends about their Saviour.

Having said that, I would work for Jesus wherever he needs me. There is no place I would rather be but in the will of God. So where would I like to work? Anywhere he leads me, I will follow!

&

away

COLONEL DEBBIE HORWOOD Originally from the USA, Colonel Debbie Horwood and her husband, Colonel Ted Horwood, are currently appointed to The Salvation Army’s Brazil Territory

What is your role in The Salvation Army?

I am the Territorial President of Women’s Ministries for the Brazil Territory, which means I give pastoral leadership and support to our officers/employees, and I specifically give leadership for the Army’s ministry to women and girls.

&AWAY

What would be your typical day?

Does any officer have a typical day? My prayer and desire each day is to be open to the leading of the Lord and represent him well in whatever I do and with whomever I will be with.

How did you meet The Salvation Army?

In high school (secondary school), I was going through a really difficult time and a classmate who lived up the street invited me to a party at her house. It turned out to be a Salvation Army youth group meeting.

Everyone was so friendly that I kept coming back. Somewhere along the way I was invited to Sunday meetings where I learned of God’s unconditional love and grace. I accepted it and my life has never been the same.

Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’?

No. I do not have one hero of the faith … but hundreds! I have a strong sense that we are all interconnected to be living heroes of faith for each other as we journey on. I am truly inspired by so many people – past and present. However, because over the past weeks I have been meditating on the life of David, as told in the Old Testament, I can easily say that I have been amazed and inspired by his love, courage, humility and desire to please God. What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8).

What is your favourite Salvation Army song?

Number 241 in The Song Book of The Salvation Army: ‘And Can It Be?’

&AWAY

How do you think that working in Brazil differs from working elsewhere?

A good portion of our officership has been spent in Africa, where we primarily worked in rural communities. In Brazil, we are learning how the Army makes an impact in vulnerable urban communities that are densely populated and rife with violence. Also, the need to speak the local language – Brazilian Portuguese – is essential, which is different to many countries around the world where English is the business language. Fortunately, Brazilians exercise a lot of patience and extend a lot of grace for a mutilator of a beautiful language like me!

What do you like most about Brazil?

I have only been in the country for a few months, but I have been incredibly impressed by how warm and friendly Brazilians are. I love the diversity and inclusivity of Salvationists and the value they have for inter-generational relationships. Oh, and I love that they have a coffee culture!

What do you most miss about the USA? Our children, our family and our friends top the list in bold letters!

What aspects of another country’s culture do you wish were present in Brazil?

I love learning about cultures and value local culture, so I am super excited to be in Brazil and have the opportunity to learn what makes Brazil unique. The only culture I desire to see more of in Brazil will be the culture of God’s Kingdom, which will only make Brazil’s culture shine more.

If you were elected General, what would be the first thing you would change?

I believe The Salvation Army has the history and the experience to make a much larger contribution to the body of Christ around the world in the integration of our evangelical and social ministry.

I wouldn’t change things, but would emphasise and invest more energy in prayer, faith and resources, believing God will transform communities wherever the Army’s presence is. But, I recognise the General can’t do that on his/her own. This needs to become the vision and passion of all Salvationists.

If you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose and why?

I’d love to go back to our first appointment on the island of Guam and use all the skills and maturity of these past 25 years of ministry to minister there and throughout Micronesia! But for now I’d really like to stay in Brazil!

What skills do you use most in your work?

Listening, observing, discerning, facilitating conversations, working as a team … basically leadership skills. There is always a lot of administration, intentional learning, creative thinking and organisation. Probably most of all, I pull from my life experiences and confidence in God’s ability to ‘do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that works within us!’

(Ephesians 3:20).

What skills do you have that you would like the opportunity to use more?

I’d like more opportunities to pastor/serve within the local community. As I learn Portuguese I will better be able to get involved at the local level. I look forward to that.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a woman who loved the Lord and was faithful to him.

What's so special about The Salvation Army?

I love being a Salvationist because we are blessed with a unique calling to be a holy people set aside for God in this generation in order to bring his love and light to the world. The doors are open for all of us to reach the lost, help the vulnerable, challenge injustice and fight for what is good and right.

&AWAY

PRIRIL–L–M–JON JUN UN 2018 ALLTHE THEWORLD WORLD | | M ON AAPTH TH EE2018 2012 | | ALL

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REFUGEES

ONLINE SUMMIT

Left: Major Kerry Coke chairs session 2 from London, assisted by online reporter Major Gerardo Gochez, while participants Lieutenant Lizette Williams and Major Cedric Hills (on the screen via Skype) look on; above: the studio set-up in New York

Online event inspires and energises

T

housands of people from around the world watched and participated in The Salvation Army’s Global Interactive Summit on Refugees and Displaced Peoples, an online event hosted in New York and London by The Salvation Army’s New York-based International Social Justice Commission (ISJC), working in conjunction with the Communications Section from International Headquarters (IHQ). The aim of the summit, according to ISJC Director Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant, was ‘to mobilise Salvationists and other Christians to engage with one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our age’.

General André Cox, The Salvation Army’s international leader, encouraged people around the world to participate in this innovative endeavour. In a short video message he said: ‘Fear and hatred of foreigners – and particularly refugees – seems to be growing, rather than the love and compassion that are more appropriate responses. These vulnerable people have suffered enough ... This Colonel Lisbeth Welander prepares to chair session 4 from London with online reporter Kevin Sims

online event is not just for academics or experts – anybody with an interest in the subject, or a desire to understand how best to respond, is invited to take part.’

The summit took place over two days, with three 90-minute sessions held on each day, at a variety of times so that people from as many countries as possible could catch at least one session at a convenient hour. The sessions were streamed via Facebook Live, meaning that costs were kept to a minimum and also allowing for easy interaction, as anyone with a Facebook account could join in the discussion.

Each session was headed by a chair, whose main role was to link the narratives of the other participants, some of whom were in the ‘studio’ and others who joined in via Skype video calls. The chair was supported by an ‘online reporter’, who was able to share comments and questions that were added by people watching the session around the world.

Session 1 considered the Theology of Migration and Reception, session 2 took the theme Reflecting on Experience and session 3 looked at the issues raised in Working with Governments, Other Faith Groups and NGOs in Refugee and Migration Situations.

Day 2 began with session 4, which focused on Camp- and CommunityBased Responses, followed by session 5 on Church-Based Responses and finally session 6, which considered Tackling Critical Issues.

Salvation Army representatives from IHQ and a varied selection of other locations, such as Australia, north America, Africa, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Europe – including eastern Europe – shared their experiences and knowledge.

Expertise was also provided by members of other organisations working with displaced people, including a director of World Vision, a professor from the University of Toronto and the world-renowned writer, theologian and broadcaster the Rev Dr Sam Wells.

Session 3 was chaired by Nick Bryant, whose face is familiar to millions of people as the BBC’s New York and United Nations Correspondent.

A day after the summit ended the six sessions had been viewed more than 22,000 times on Facebook, with in excess of 800 user-generated comments.

Lieut-Colonel Pallant says: ‘We are continuing to get a very positive response from around the world to the summit.

Emails are coming in – many from Salvation Army personnel in influential roles – saying how much the summit has inspired and energised them. Let’s continue to pray that this summit will result in action and greater engagement across The Salvation Army to the plight of displaced people.’

All the sessions can be watched online (and comments can still be added) at www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/refugee-summit-sessions.

Information and photos can be seen at sar.my/refugeesummit.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

HEALTHCARE

Health and healing for the whosoever

by Major Attie van Wagtendonk (with additional content from an interview by Iva Folajtárová)

A

HEALTHCARE project opened by The Salvation Army in Ostrava is the first such programme in the whole of the Czech Republic. The practice, overseen by Lieutenant Andrea Pekárková, is for people who are socially deprived – including homeless people and asylum seekers. Because they do not have insurance, normally these people have no access to healthcare.

That there is a need for such a project was demonstrated in the figures Lieutenant Pekárková presented during the official opening on Wednesday 26 January. The practice had already been running since 2 January, during which time 80 patients were treated.

For the lieutenant, the opening of the centre is a dream or, perhaps more accurately, a calling from God come true.

When Andrea and her husband, Frantisek, became Salvation Army soldiers in 2010, she said in an interview: ‘I want to become a medical practitioner specialising in [healthcare for] homeless people. They need it and I can do what the Lord asks from me.’

She later revealed that she had witnessed occasions where medical staff had treated homeless people roughly and unprofessionally. ‘I believe that through these situations,’ she says, ‘the Holy Spirit revealed God’s will for me, as well as a vision for healthcare for homeless people.

I accepted service to the homeless people as part of my mission.’

Above: Lieutenant Andrea Pekárková

A lot has happened in the years since.

Andrea finished her studies, specialising in general practice with a particular focus on homeless people. She and her husband also became Salvation Army officers and were appointed to Ostrava Corps (church).

In July 2017, Lieutenant Andrea received the special appointment as Doctor of the ‘Health Practice for Homeless People in Ostrava’ – although she recognises that the beneficiaries will not all be homeless, explaining: ‘It is a general practice for adults, focused on socially excluded groups. These include homeless people, other street residents, asylum seekers, [people from] ethnic minorities. In short, all who have limited access to healthcare.’

She says she has sometimes found it difficult to deal with the harsh realities of A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Below: Major Teunis T. Scholtens cuts the ribbon to open the centre; right: Lieutenant Pekárková speaks at the opening ceremony

life on the streets, even if she recognises that some people are choosing to live there: ‘It always strikes me when someone dies on the street ... it hurts me even if I try to understand people more and more, I still can’t fully understand what they are experiencing and what they need.

‘Our worlds will meet for a while and then remain separate. I’m going home to a warm bed and they stay with their illnesses on the street ... However, I have also been struck by the faith and trust in God some homeless people have. Maybe they are still on the street, maybe they sometimes drink, but they talk to God every day and realise their dependence on him.’

The new facilities provide a place of safety and care while also creating opportunities to deal with some of the patients’ health and social issues.

Lieutenant Pekárková explains: ‘It looks like a normal general practice, with a nurse, a doctor, compulsory equipment

‘It always strikes me when someone dies on the street ... it hurts me’ 10 | ALL THE WORLD |

APRIL–JU N E 2018

... We want to try to understand the specific needs of our patients and help them set priorities in their social and health situations. We even go out to meet our patients in their natural social environments – on the streets, in the woods, in tent towns, shelters or garages.’

Most patients first attend the practice because of acute problems such as wounds or various pains. After forming a relationship with the patient, Lieutenant Pekárková says that she and her team move on to ‘preventive examinations and the discussion about lifestyle. On the streets I often meet people who are addicted to alcohol or other substances.

This makes me the most concerned, because until the addiction is resolved, nothing else is properly solved.’

The project became possible because of cooperation between the Moravian Silesian Region, the city council of Ostrava and The Salvation Army – all of whom were represented at the opening ceremony. As well as grants, there were also several gifts from donors which made things possible. In her speech at the official opening, the lieutenant thanked everyone for the donations and cooperation. She also thanked The

Salvation Army for the opportunity and, above all, she thanked the Lord for answering prayer.

Major Teunis T. Scholtens (leader of The Salvation Army in the Czech Republic) reminded the people gathered for the opening ceremony of the parable Jesus told of the Good Samaritan, who stopped to help a wounded traveller. He linked the parable to the new project, saying that Christians should take responsibility for people on the side of the road.

Having thanked the town and region for making it possible for The Salvation Army to be able to give healthcare to those who would otherwise miss out, the major handed over a Salvation Army flag to Lieutenant Pekárková.

The last words go to the lieutenant, who says that the opening of the new facilities ‘isn’t my human work, but the fulfilment of God’s plan. It’s on my heart that people meet God’s love and mercy through my service ... I wish our medical office to become a place of God’s healing and advocacy. I do not want to promote health as the highest value, but the relationship with the living God, whether here on earth or in eternity.’

Major Attie van Wagtendonk is Editorial Manager (Czech Republic) for The Salvation Army’s The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory

INDIA

EDUCATION

The unexpected faces of INDIA

by Ruth Samuels

T

HERE is a big difference between knowing about someone and really knowing who they are. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot about my colleague’s children. I know about their after-school activities, and I’ve heard how kind and funny they are but – as we have never met – I can’t really claim to know them at all. All I have is a little picture, painted by their doting father, to help me imagine what they are like.

It can be much the same, I am finding, with countries! Just as people have complex personalities and different ‘sides’ to them that emerge over time and with closeness, so too countries that seem familiar and known will surprise and cause you to amend the ‘little picture’ in your mind. Never has this been more the case for me than with India.

I discovered when I visited last year that there is no single language that links all Above: Learning Pathways participants Captain Aseervadam Cheeli and his wife, Captain Latha Ashir

the peoples of India. Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Urdu, Marathi, Tulu, Hindi, Konkani and Kodava Takk are the 10 languages spoken in the three states that make up The Salvation Army’s India Central Territory. Just one territory!

‘Actually,’ Major Suneetha tells me as we eat lunch, ‘around 3,000 languages are spoken in India.’ Three thousand? In one country?

What we often don’t realise about India is that, in reality, it is more like multiple different countries than one homogenous nation. It’s little wonder that most of the people I met during my recent, brief visit spoke three or four languages, with English added on top as a bridging language that is understood by people across the country.

As well as differences in language, India has vast cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.

I had experienced some of this diversity during my first visit to the country back in 2012. India Eastern Territory – which I visited then – was also not the India I had been expecting!

Having grown up with families of Indian descent, watched a ton of Indian movies and learned about the country through books and documentaries,

the north-eastern states of the country opened my eyes to a side of India I never knew existed. Even the food bore no resemblance to what I understood to be ‘Indian cuisine’.

The state of Mizoram – a beautifully lush and hilly landscape – has possibly the most striking ethnic difference between its people and what you will find in the rest of the country, which even confuses many Indians.

I remember speaking to the Mizoram Deputy Inspector for Police, who told me he had lost count of the times that he had been stopped at passport control by perplexed officials who believed him to be a Chinese man with an Indian passport.

So, fast-forward five years to late 2017, when I was asked to join a colleague to deliver two workshops in The Salvation Army’s India Central and South Western Territories. I leapt at the opportunity to see the India I still had stored in my imagination.

During my week in the two territories I learned that India was just as I had imagined, and yet somehow not as I expected, and much more than I could CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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INDIA

Photos by Ruth Samuels

This page (clockwise from right): officers from India South Eastern and South Western Territories share in fellowship; Major T. Sarasam, corps officer at Booth Tucker Memorial Church, India South Western Territory, shares a meal with Learning Pathways participants; officers from the India Central Territory share in a selfie; Major Reena Kalvin ties up her hair

‘There is love, respect and representation of all backgrounds in both congregations and leadership’

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INDIA

This page (clockwise from top right): Captain Latha Ashir; Major Reena Kalvin; a Learning Pathways participant in the India South Western Territory; Envoy S. Jancy Reena with her daughter, M. Mathivathani A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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INDIA

Left: Ben Gilbert (standing) watches on as Learning Pathways participants take part in an exercise

believe, all at the same time! Yes, it’s a country of tuk-tuks, beautiful saris and delicious curries, but it’s also a country of many churches and even of verses of Scripture written on walls, thanks to a Christian tradition dating back to as early as ad 52.

Here, in the context of an unjust caste system, the upside-down economics of the gospel shines brightly.

Mainstream Indian media depicts only light-skinned actors and models, and ad campaigns for skin-lightening creams occupy screens and billboards. It would be easy for the majority of the population to feel they are not worth representing, or that their skin is the ‘wrong’ colour.

However, in the Church – I was pleased to see – it is a different story. There is a beautiful array of shades, from pale to the deepest mahoganies, and there is love, respect and representation of all backgrounds in both congregations and leadership. People refer to one another as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’, and they mean it. Counter-cultural living at its best!

Within The Salvation Army in India, the desire to see people succeed and thrive is clear. As well as working to enable vulnerable communities to do this, some territories are now looking to support their staff and officers to do the same, through a new means of capacity building.

The Salvation Army’s Learning Pathways approach is a method of selfmotivated learning, which enables participants to establish their own learning targets and to set out an individualised route towards achieving these targets.

Rather than relying on notes taken from a one-off course, the Learning Pathways journey encourages participants to utilise the support and knowledge of the people and resources around them, helping them 14 | ALL THE WORLD |

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to learn ‘on the job’. This is particularly useful for those who are busily involved in managing or implementing community development projects, or who may not have access to certified training courses due to time, distance or expense.

During our week in India, my colleague Ben Gilbert and I, representing International Development Services, facilitated workshops on how the Learning Pathways method can be tailored to each individual. Differences in learning styles, and even previous levels of educational attainment, are not the determining factors for achieving success through Learning Pathways. Those with no school qualifications are just as able

Below: outside Booth Tucker Memorial Church in the India South Western Territory – part of the complex of buildings that hosted the Learning Pathways participants

to achieve their goals as those with diplomas and degrees. The playing field is completely level, and the achievement is just as valuable to each individual.

Ben has been instrumental in getting the programme up and running. He says: ‘I have seen how Learning Pathways provides a structure that enables people to set realistic targets so they can reach goals that are relevant and important to them.

It’s about providing a “safe space” and developing a culture of learning through encouragement and shared discovery, rather than focusing on people’s mistakes or basic academic achievements.’

Captain Aseervadam Cheeli, Projects and Legal Secretary for India Central Territory, is not someone you would imagine needs to learn anything new.

Having completed Level 1 of the Learning Pathway, he is now embarking on his third Masters degree.

‘I am just very passionate about learning!’ he enthuses, as we drive through the streets of Chennai. If there is an opportunity to gain new knowledge, he is there! Now the captain will help to guide a new cohort of Learning Pathways students in his territory, as they set a course for reaching their own personal targets.

One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to learn about so many different cultures and lifestyles, and particularly what the Church is like in different contexts around the world.

It’s such a privilege because I’m not just meeting new people from all different backgrounds, cultures and experiences; I’m meeting family.

Hebrews 2:11 says: ‘Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters’ (New International Version).

My time in India gave me the opportunity not only to learn about this amazing and beautiful country, but also to get closer to its amazing and beautiful people who are part of this family of faith.

I really hope that one day I will return to India. If I do, I know now that I will go with the most open of minds, fully expecting to experience and learn something completely new.

Ruth Samuels is Community Development Coordinator (Americas & the Caribbean and Europe Zones) for The Salvation Army’s International Development Services

GREENLAND

HOMELESSNESS Seal, soap and salvation

by David Giles Photos by David Giles and Gary Rose

G

REENLAND appears to be something of a misnomer for the Arctic nation when landing on the diminutive airstrip just outside its capital, Nuuk, at the start of winter. There is no grass to be seen (save for a couple of Astroturf sports pitches). There is just a solitary tree and, on closer inspection, even that’s really more of a bereftlooking vine. There are, however, lots of icebergs jostling for position along the inshore waters and a permafrost on the mountains rising dramatically from the

fjords. The average annual temperature here is below freezing, and there’s a light dusting of snow on the ground so we’re glad of our hats and gloves as we leave the warmth of the propeller plane cabin.

Close to the Arctic Circle, Nuuk is the world’s most northerly capital city and also one of the most unusual.

Greenland is the planet’s largest noncontinental island yet also one of the most sparsely populated. With just over 17,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is home to nearly one-third of the country’s citizens.

Much of the interior is enveloped by an incredibly thick and inhospitable ice sheet, so settlements are scattered sparsely along the coast. As is the case throughout Greenland, there are no roads between Nuuk and any other settlement.

The only way out is by plane or on the occasional (and expensive) ferries that ply

Above: an almost-frozen fjord near Qoornoq

the nation’s west coast. It’s not a place for the claustrophobic, but curiously we note a Ford Mustang being driven – perhaps with false optimism – along the highway to nowhere.

An autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is culturally more aligned with Scandinavian Europe than Canada, despite its geographical proximity to the latter. The island was first occupied by the forefathers of the Inuit, and then the Vikings, but what is now Nuuk was founded by Danish Christian missionary Hans Egede in the early 18th century.

The Inuit still represent more than four-fifths of the population, making it a world city with one of the highest A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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GREENLAND

Above: assistant professor Steven Arnfjord outside The Salvation Army in Nuuk, ready to feed the city’s homeless population

indigenous populations. Spiritually, many Greenlanders revere tupilaqs – an Inuit shamanistic carving – and feel that the spirits they represent are talking to them.

Originally called Godthåb (Danish for ‘good hope’) until 1979, when it became Nuuk (‘cape’ in the West Greenlandic Kalaallisut language), the small town became prosperous through the fishing industry. More recently though, this traditional employment has declined and the economy has had to develop to embrace international trade, business, shipping and other industries such as tourism, playing on the island’s natural splendour and the dual draws of the midnight sun in summer and regular sightings of the spectacular aurora borealis – ‘northern lights’ – in winter.

The original name of Godthåb, incidentally, lives on through the city’s airport code, which is GOH.

The Salvation Army established itself in Nuuk a little over five years ago, partly in response to a direct request from the Greenlandic government, which was becoming increasingly concerned about its homeless population. ‘It’s quite simple, really,’ Major Kurt Pedersen tells us starkly, ‘if we don’t feed them, they starve.’

In a rare interview, Asii Chemnitz Narup, the Mayor of Sermersooq (a local government area that includes Nuuk), is frank about the social and economic issues affecting Nuuk. ‘We have a lack of housing – the biggest challenge we have in Nuuk,’ she says.

‘We have people who are not educated … who are affected by unemployment.

Homelessness is a big problem,’ she admits. Her passion for Nuuk is clear, and there is genuine sadness for those who have fallen on difficult times. She continues: ‘The Salvation Army is new in Greenland, but I do welcome you so much … I have visited several times, and feel that everyone is warmly welcomed,

‘We have people who are not educated who are affected by unemployment.

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there’s room for everyone – it’s very, very important. I know [the Army] has built a community between homeless citizens and those who are not. The willingness to work together is perfect. I see with my own eyes how much it means when you sing together and pray together. It strengthens people – it’s touching to me to be there.’

The corps (church) hall is positioned at one end of Nuuk’s main street, opposite some low-grade housing blocks that are somewhat incongruous against the backdrop of the imposing Mount Sermitsiaq which towers above. ‘Several of the blocks are due for demolition and are technically already empty,’ explains Major Pedersen, ‘but when it’s so cold outside, you can understand why many homeless people remain there despite them not really being fit for habitation.’

Later, as we get to grips with the city’s layout, the major shows us that the local authority does provide a hostel for homeless people, but that capacity is insufficient. There are just too many people in need. ‘Homelessness is a problem that is less taboo than in [much of Europe],’ he continues. ‘Most people here will know somebody who is homeless.’ As well as the hostel and the unofficial use of condemned buildings, he explains that ‘some live with friends or

GREENLAND

Above: new-build housing is gradually encroaching on land where abandoned boats provide shelter for homeless people; below: Major Kurt Pedersen prays with a homeless man

family – until they outstay their welcome; some live in tents; some live in shipping containers; some live underneath boats.’

Nooka is one such boat-dweller. He’s no shirker – he works for two different taxi companies – but he’s simply unable to save enough money to afford the rent for Nuuk’s pricey housing stock. He presently lives underneath a boat on the outskirts of town. It offers precious little protection from the elements but it is – for him – home. But the land on which the boat is abandoned is about to be developed. Nooka is concerned that he is about to become, to use his own words, ‘homeless’. And he knows

he won’t be able to get enough capital together for a deposit on one of the newbuild apartments. ‘I don’t know where I’ll end up,’ he says.

Assistant Professor Steven Arnfjord from the University of Greenland shares Nooka’s concern. ‘Is there sufficient affordable housing? No, not at all,’ he tells us. ‘And it’s been a problem for 30 years or so. It’s too expensive. We need more flexible housing offers – short-term stays, shelters, transitional housing.’

His research into homelessness across the Arctic region indicates that a policy shift is required. ‘Everything [here] is just “homelessness” on a general level. What we see in other Arctic communities is a differentiation by government of what homelessness is – different homeless groups. A differentiation of the services provided to each group would be a huge win when we’re talking about social services… There is no one fix, no magic wand that we can wave … but our research is trying to find solutions.’

Steven may be a noted academic, but he’s also hands-on in The Salvation

Army’s kitchen on the night we visit. The menu, which might seem unpalatable to some tastes, includes slow-cooked seal with a rice soup and traditional mustard accompaniment. There’s also plenty of nutritious salads and fruit – expensive commodities in this isolated community.

Every Wednesday, Steven’s organisation Nolni – which partners with The Salvation Army, the Red Cross and other local nongovernmental organisations – provides a hot meal for up to 120 homeless and vulnerable people. There is a buzz about the place as men and women of all ages gather to meet each other and enjoy the shared meal. ‘Community is superimportant,’ he tells me.

The following morning, we join Major Pedersen as he collects food from businesses around town. ‘We have particularly good relations with this bakery,’ he smiles. ‘They commit to always providing us with as much bread as we need. Usually it’s day-old, but if they run out they bake us fresh loaves specially.’ Other Nuuk institutions like the Royal Greenland Shipping Company also A P RI L – J UN E 2018 | ALL THE WORLD |

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Above: a low-grade accommodation block which is soon to be demolished; right: traditional Greenlandic crafting

regularly supply him with ingredients. ‘It can be a bit pot luck!’ he adds with a twinkle, ‘so we have to be creative with the menu.’

Collection run complete, the major sets to work in the kitchen. The Salvation Army opens its Williams Café every weekday from midday. ‘We can seat about 35,’ he says, ‘but regularly see more than double that number.’ As the doors open, it’s encouraging to hear a lively buzz and friendly banter. It’s evident that this is a close-knit group, with genuine concern for each other.

Also joining us today are tuberculosis nurses from Queen Ingrid’s Hospital, as part of another partnership The Salvation Army is keen to encourage. They’re here to offer general advice on health and hygiene, conscious that the homeless population is particularly susceptible to easily-preventable conditions. There are showers available at the hall and, in the worst cases, The Salvation Army can provide blankets and winter coats, but does not presently have any registered accommodation that can be offered.

Meanwhile, Jette Skov from The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters in Denmark is out and about with Major Kurt’s wife and co-leader Major Helle Pedersen. They are exploring potential partnerships with some of the artisan 18 | ALL THE WORLD |

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craft communities that ply their trade to the well-heeled clientele of visiting cruise ships. There are also opportunities to export to Denmark and other European markets. Skov explains that many Greenlanders are creative people. ‘[Together] we can use their craftsmanship and their know-how in that regard to help [the homeless people] regain selfesteem,’ she says. As much as anything, any initiative that develops will be as much about providing transferable life skills such as punctuality, teamworking and basic literacy and numeracy.

Crafting skills are also in evidence at a midweek women’s group that Major Helle returns to lead. Over a hot drink and some cake, the women share fellowship and ponder a short devotional time. ‘This is our church,’ says Helle, with palpable pride in the women who have assembled, some bringing their young children. To more directly address the needs of families, The Salvation Army has recruited a volunteer youth and families worker who is starting to build even more relationships in the local community.

Attending church is, of course, not mandatory to receive the support that The Salvation Army provides throughout the week. But the sense of community witnessed during midweek openings of Williams Café now extends to Sundays too. The worship hall is full to capacity, with people standing around the periphery.

Eighty-five per cent of the attendees are homeless, with many of those benefitting from the Army’s provision during the week choosing to ‘give back’ on Sunday by serving through providing music or performing other roles. Several have

‘Many Greenlanders are creative people ... we can use their craftsmanship and their know-how to help [the homeless people] regain self-esteem’

GREENLAND

committed their lives to following Jesus, with one also having become an adherent of The Salvation Army.

Singing in Greenlandic is something of a linguistic leap, but it’s enormously encouraging for me to be sharing a moment of worship with people of otherwise such a different culture and context.

So what of the future? As our visit concludes, Majors Kurt and Helle share their vision: ‘There’s still much to be done. Perhaps we need to explore the possibility of running an additional

hostel – but it’s all expensive and beyond our means at the moment,’ reflects Kurt.

‘There is a special kind of warmth here,’ adds Helle, ‘people are very welcoming towards us and The Salvation Army – which speaks of the needs we seek to address here. We must do more.’

There’s also the prospect of expanding The Salvation Army to other parts of Greenland, again at the request of the government. ‘We’re particularly looking at whether it is viable to plant a corps or centre in east Greenland,’ says Kurt.

Above left: Nuuk Corps members sharing fellowship after Sunday worship; top: a Williams Café user practises the guitar; above: putting together food packages; below: a colourful member of Nuuk’s homeless community

Conditions on the eastern coastline are, if anything, even more harsh than in Nuuk, and social problems – including alcohol abuse – abound.

Whatever the future holds, the Pedersens are making a substantial difference right now in the lives of hundreds of vulnerable people. They, with the faithful community members who are making efforts here to create a sharing, Acts chapter 2-inspired fellowship, are truly the ‘northern lights’ in this Arctic outpost.

David Giles is Digital Communications Manager at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters

Northern Lights – a film by David Giles and Gary Rose about The Salvation Army’s work in Greenland – will be

premiered on 22 April 2018, after which it will be available to watch online at sar.my/northernlights

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MOBILISING

THE WHOLE WORLD

Capturing captivating Mobilising moments

by Laura Booth

F

OR a month from mid-January 2018, the Mobilising Moments photographic exhibition gave insights into the innovative and imaginative ways in which Salvationists and friends mobilised and were active in their neighbourhoods during 2017. The exhibition of 88 photos took place in Gallery 101, part of the public cafe in The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) in central London.

The exhibition showed how, around the world, Salvationists rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in, meeting the specific needs of their communities.

In India, for instance, refreshing buttermilk and cold water were given to weary travellers during a heatwave; in Mozambique, Salvationists tidied up their neighbourhoods by sweeping the streets and litter picking; in the United States, people linked to The Salvation Army donned mobile drink dispensers and offered conversation and coffee to people living on the streets. In all corners of the world, The Salvation Army was mobilised.

The photos were grouped into eight themes which covered the various aspects 20 | ALL THE WORLD |

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of The Whole World Mobilising initiative, which was launched in January 2017.

Images captured all types of outreach, from street evangelism and marches to the offer of practical assistance, to the spectacular celebration meeting, march and open-air meeting that took place in central London in October 2017. Each theme was introduced with a relevant Scripture verse.

Opening the exhibition, General André Cox prayed that visitors to IHQ would see what God was doing ‘through ordinary people’. He expressed the hope that people viewing the exhibition would be inspired not simply to enjoy viewing some interesting images, but that they would want to engage in outreach too.

‘God is calling us,’ he said, ‘to reach out to a world that is desperately in need of his love.’

The exhibition was put together by IHQ-based Mobilising team members Ester Ellen Nelson and Laura Booth, assisted by

Australia-based Becci Flint and working in conjunction with Berni Georges and Kevin Sims from IHQ Communications, who oversee Gallery 101.

Also part of the exhibition were videos shown on a large screen, examples of items – such as hats, scarves and an umbrella – that were created around the world to encourage people to participate in the Mobilising initiative, and a prayer wall where anyone could add subjects of need and interest.

All of the images from Mobilising Moments can still be viewed on a Flickr slide show at sar.my/mobilisingmoments.

The videos can be seen at sar.my/ mobilisingcompilation.

Many of the images were provided as part of The Whole World Mobilising photographic competition, with others selected from social media.

Across this spread are the three topplaced photos, together with favourites selected by Mobilising team members.

‘The exhibition showed how, around the world, Salvationists rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in, meeting the specific needs of their communities’

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The winners FIRST PRIZE (opposite page) by Chola Simwanza – Simba Mbiri and Mainga Milambo lead a soul to Christ in Lusaka, Zambia.

SECOND PRIZE (above left) by Daphne Nabors – a Houston, Texas, USA, resident is moved to tears by The Salvation Army’s response after she and her neighbours had felt forgotten in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Ester Ellen Nelson, The Whole World Mobilising Project Manager (based at IHQ) selected: ‘Joy’, by Sara Ferreira, which came with the description: ‘Welber Valentim Silva Faria, a soldier and youth leader in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, joyfully plays his guitar!’

Ester writes: ‘This is one of my favourite photos, not only from the Mobilising Moments exhibition, but from the entire 2017 social media campaign for The Whole World Mobilising. I don’t know exactly what is happening here, but I captioned it “Joy” because that’s the heart feeling I get every time I see that smile, eyes raised to the sky.’

Laura Booth, Mobilising Content Producer (based at IHQ), chose ‘Christmas Spirit’, taken

by Dale Willman in Seattle, Washington, USA, which came with the explanation: ‘This photo was taken at an outdoor community event

THIRD PRIZE (above right) by Major Veaceslav Kotrutsa – the major writes: ‘Without heat and water, and having lost the ability to stand, she is confined to her mattress, imprisoned within four walls.

Poverty in Moldova is especially cruel for the disabled. Home visits are a lifeline to those in the villages. We took corn meal, flour and oil, but it is prayer that she asked for. In this place where hope has been seemingly abandoned,

called the Victorian Streetwalk. Salvationists and volunteers dressed in antique uniforms and gave free doughnuts, hot chocolate and coffee. Some unknown elves came for a cup of hot chocolate. Their costumes were not very warm so we let them come inside the mobile canteen truck to warm their toes. After a few minutes their joyous faces went back out into the community to spread joy!’

Laura says: ‘This is one of my favourite photos from the Mobilising Moments exhibition. This comedic snapshot perfectly captures the nature of The Salvation Army – opening its doors to those in need.’

Finally, Becci Flint, Mobilising Content Producer (based in Australia), chose ‘A Simple Home Visit’, taken by Captain Sergiu Nica in Edinet, Moldova.

The caption accompanying the photo says: ‘The Salvation Army goes to [the family’s] door regularly, offering food, clothes and

we kneel. Mighty prayers ascend. Standing alone, a solitary shadow, her husband openly weeps. “It was not always this way,” he says.

“We were not always this. Armata Salvarii, Armata Salvarii ... Slava Bogu! [The Salvation Army, The Salvation Army ... glory to God!]”’

conversation.’ The children have lost their father, and their family is having to survive on less than US$50 a month.

Becci says: ‘I’m not sure if it’s the look of hopelessness on the children’s faces or the humble surroundings they are pictured in, but this photo taken by Captain Sergiu Nica grabs my attention every time. At first glance, my heart breaks. But when I discovered the story behind the picture, I couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of what a mobilised army of believers can achieve. These children are being impacted and transformed by the work of The Salvation Army in Moldova which has become their church family. Amazing!’

UPDATE: the family in this photo began attending Salvation Army worship meetings and, within six months, they say their lives have been transformed. The two oldest girls have now chosen to be enrolled as junior soldiers of The Salvation Army.

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COUNTRY OR THEME

SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

AUSTRALIA

Cafe church The coffee culture in Melbourne, Australia, is world-renowned, and The Salvation Army’s St Kilda Corps (church) is right in the heart of it. Last year, corps officer Major Janette Shepherd felt God calling the corps in a new direction. Why try to get people into your church building when you could meet at a cafe instead?

‘God really challenged me,’ says the major. ‘So, we started moving a few of the activities that we were doing at the church, which was a bit removed from the main drag where people hung out. We started meeting in the coffee shops in our main street and making good connections with the people that work there and some of the patrons.’

Being ‘church’ in these new spaces proved to be both liberating and Godglorifying. Opportunities have arisen to pray with people, give Bibles and share in meaningful discussion. But what did it all mean?

If people didn’t get ‘saved’, or commit to coming to the corps for meetings on Sunday, was it really ‘church’? Was it really making a difference for Christ?

Major Shepherd says it requires some different thinking, understanding that ‘church’ is the body of Christ, not a building. ‘I mean, Jesus didn’t have a

building,’ she says, ‘he just met where people were and the others went along with him!’

A Tuesday prayer group and Friday afternoons playing board games in a local cafe has now expanded to include a Friday prayer group.

Meeting in a public place has allowed the group to share with other locals about why they are gathering and to offer to pray for people. Many locals who work in nearby businesses feel touched to know that the ‘Salvos’ – as Salvationists are known in Australia – are praying for them every week. Everyday conversations with Major Shepherd

are turning more frequently to spiritual matters.

Journeying with people, she says, takes time, and the ability to give over control to God, rather than trying to map-out and take charge of people’s faith pathways.

‘You never know where it’s going to go,’ she says, ‘and you never know where God is going to take it. It’s not all about bringing back to a church [building] space. It can go here, there and everywhere. And that’s OK.’ From an article by Lauren Martin for salvos.org.au

LIBERIA

Learning to appreciate At a public meeting during a visit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Salvation Army ministry in Liberia, General André Cox conducted a special ceremony to honour a former President of Liberia who was the leader of the country for more than a third of that time.

Her Excellency Madam Ellen JohnsonSirleaf (pictured with the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox) was recognised for her contribution towards rehabilitating The Salvation Army’s William Booth School after a devastating fire in 2015. The General presented Madam Johnson-Sirleaf – who was President of Liberia from 2006 22 | ALL THE WORLD |

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until earlier this year, and was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 – with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Liberia Command.

Responding to the honour, the former President said: ‘I want to recognise what The Salvation Army has done for education in our country.

There is nothing more precious, nothing more meaningful and nothing more lasting than education.’

As if to reinforce The Salvation Army’s commitment to education in Liberia, the visit of the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox included a trip

to Kakata in Margibi County, where they dedicated to God and opened a newly constructed 12-classroom building, the Albert Orsborn School – named after the Army’s sixth General.

SNAPSHOTS Photos by Berni Georges

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Sweet Seoul music The ground-floor conference room at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) in London was filled with a new sound when it hosted a lunchtime concert by Korean opera singer Professor Claudio Jung, accompanied by choreographer and dancer Lee, Eun-Sun. Claudio – who studied in Seoul and at Gaertano Donizetti Institute of Music in Bergamo, Italy – is well known in his

home country, where he has performed in more than 60 cities. His international career includes concerts in Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Japan, China, The Philippines and the USA, and he has won prizes in 10 national and international singing competitions.

The concert came about because of discoveries made by Claudio since he started volunteering as an honorary ambassador for The Salvation Army in South Korea. He came across the music of John Gowans and John Larsson, and even added an arrangement of one of their songs – ‘Someone Cares’ – to his concert repertoire, sung partly in English and partly in Korean.

During a visit to England, Claudio asked if it would be possible to meet with one of the songwriting duo, Retired General John Larsson. This was agreed, and Claudio offered to give a short concert at IHQ, attended by staff from the building, visitors, Korean Salvationists serving in the UK and members of the public.

The programme featured classical pieces by the likes of Schubert and Beethoven, concluding with ‘Someone Cares’.

Introducing the song (above), Retired General Larsson revealed that, of the 200 songs he had written with John Gowans, this was the one that both would choose as their favourite.

Watch Claudio singing ‘Someone Cares’ at sar.my/jungfb or download the video from sar.my/jung

USA

Fare’s fair A Salvation Army programme to help housebound elderly people in Alaska, which had to be discontinued due to funding restraints, has now been reopened thanks to a grant from taxi firm Uber. The $5,000 Uber ride credits donated through the 2018 Uber Pacific Northwest Community Impact Initiative will allow senior citizens to receive transport to important events such as medical appointments as part of the Older Alaskans programme.

Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of Alaska’s population, and a growing number are remaining in their own homes instead of moving to a care facility. The Older Alaskans programme works to support the growing needs of seniors who do not have access to transportation.

‘Through the partnership between The Salvation Army and Uber, the Older Alaskans programme can now use the ride credits to transport participants in need to their medical appointments,’ said Robert DeBerry, Communications Manager for The Salvation Army’s Alaska Division, which is part of the USA Western Territory. ‘The loss of the ride programme left a significant gap in our services, so we’re grateful to get it partially back up and running again for those most in need.’

From an article on newfrontierchronicle.org

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This artwork is available to download from http://sar.my/atw127countries