All The World (January-March 2019) by Salvation Army IHQ

Meeting God in

Georgia

Greetings from the new GENERAL ST HELENA – miles from anywhere! Community help in store in the USA

JANUARY–MARCH 2019

VOL 48 NO 4 VOL 57 NO 1

BRAZIL gives assistance to refugees

CONTENTS

JANUARY–MARCH 2019

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

UPFRONT From the Editor

FROM THE TOP The General

HOME AND AWAY Thoughts from here and there

BRAZIL Meeting refugees’ needs

GEORGIA Focus on a growing Army

ST HELENA Remote but still connected

USA Innovations are in store

SNAPSHOTS News from around the world

Cover photo by Joseph Halliday

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Kevin Sims, Editor

SAMUEL Johnson was not a fan of change. The celebrated 18th century writer – who lived and worked not far from my desk here at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) – wrote in the preface to his ground-breaking dictionary that change ‘is not made without inconvenience’. I agree that change may not always be good, but no change at all is bad. On the surface I may appear to be against change, especially in my professional life. On 11 January 2019 I celebrate 20 years as Editor of All the World. Where has the time gone? I have, as you can guess, seen plenty of changes. I started in a cellular office here at IHQ, a building then shared with the headquarters of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. Within months the territorial headquarters staff moved to a building of their own and a few years later we moved out too. After four years in temporary barracks at the UK training college, IHQ returned in 2004 to a brand-new building. Everything, it seemed, had changed. A dark, austere 1960s building had been replaced by a bright office – built at no cost to The Salvation Army – that was designed to welcome and be shared with the public. Open plan was the new working environment – good to engender togetherness; not so good if complete concentration is needed! And while I’ve stayed in my role – and taken on added responsibilities – the people around me have come and gone like the turning of the tides. Saying goodbye doesn’t get easier – I certainly wish that would change.

I’m now working under General number seven. All have been different and the Army has benefitted from each one. New, it would appear, is good. Change is nothing to fear! After all, the Christian faith that underpins everything The Salvation Army is and does begins with change and newness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: ‘If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!’ (New Century Version). This issue of All the World is packed with many new approaches

EDITOR Kevin Sims

FOUNDER William Booth

DESIGN AND ARTWORK Berni Georges

GENERAL Brian Peddle

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

UPFRONT

FROM THE EDITOR

and innovations from around the Salvation Army world. General Brian Peddle shares the highlights of his first few months in office; in the USA, a Salvation Army grocery store is taking the organisation into fresh avenues of service; in Brazil, Salvation Army teams are seeking out new ways to help refugees from Venezuela; in Georgia, a young Salvation Army is exploring ways to provide practical and spiritual help in a country where it is far from well known; and St Helena is now in touch with the rest of the world thanks to a new airport. (That’s without mentioning a skydiving 94-year-old, a visit from a Greek Orthodox archbishop and a gingerbread Salvation Army officer!) People sometimes ask how I can stay in the same job for so long. It’s simple – every day I learn about something new, something interesting, something innovative. Change is the lifeblood of this amazing organisation. The wellknown phrase ‘Where there’s need, there’s The Salvation Army’ couldn’t be true if The Salvation Army didn’t seek out new and different needs as they arise. One of Samuel Johnson’s most famous quotes is the often-repeated: ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.’ I would say something similar about The Salvation Army: ‘When a man (or woman) is tired of The Salvation Army, he (or she) is tired of life; for there is in The Salvation Army more variety than can ever be experienced.’ Twenty years is a long time, but I truly believe that I’m only scratching the surface. Bring on the next 20!

Tel: [44] (0)20 7332 0101

Published by Brian Peddle General of The Salvation Army

Email: IHQ-alltheworld@salvationarmy.org

Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd

J A N UA RY –M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

FROM THE TOP

THE GENERAL

What does the love of God look like?

General Brian Peddle took office as The Salvation Army’s international leader in August 2018. He writes exclusively for All the World to share what he has already seen and experienced during his travels with his wife, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

HE reality of being the General of The Salvation Army is still sinking in! I count it an immense privilege to have been elected to this office by my peers and am humbled that my covenanted life with God has brought me to this point. It seems a long time since a 16-yearold boy first encountered The Salvation Army in Newfoundland. Little did I know then how the adventure of living for God would play out in my life. Here I am today, a husband, father and grandfather who has served more than 40 years as an officer. All praise to God for his calling, provision, protection and faithfulness. To be honest, there is little that leaves me unaffected as I see what God is doing through the international Salvation Army. My heart is filled with blessings as I meet extraordinary people serving faithfully and sacrificially. My heart is torn when

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I hear stories of broken lives and people being exploited. I am inspired when I hear of and see examples of innovation and creative responses that enable us to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity in a variety of contexts. When Commissioner Rosalie and I visited Cuba we encountered a vibrant Army. These Salvationists remained faithful to God and the Army in the years when Cuba was effectively shut off from the world. During our visit we joined in passionate worship, witnessing people respond to the gospel and a good number of young adults respond to the call to officership. We were able to meet with representatives from government and other churches because the Army is well connected and respected. In September 2018 we visited Kuwait to celebrate a decade of Salvation Army ministry in the Middle East

Region. Despite some restrictions, we found faithful Salvationists who are living out their soldier’s covenant by building community and living in loving relationships. We also found a Salvation Army that is well connected with embassies and business people. In Western society the weekend is Saturday and Sunday, but in the Middle East it is Friday and Saturday. During their weekend more than 80 congregations use a shared Christian compound to hold worship services and there are many house or basement churches in existence too. There is a practical aspect to the ministry too, as we saw when we went to a safe house where The Salvation Army is helping trafficked women who have escaped from servitude. Their stories were heartbreaking, yet for many their Christian faith was strong and gave them hope. Two events we have attended in the United Kingdom provided a clear demonstration of God doing something new in our time. Check out Isaiah 43:18-19 (‘Forget the former things ... See, I am doing a new thing!’) because that promise from God is being answered in these days. The South London Division is diverse, with numerous expressions of Salvation Army

Photo by Dave Bird

THE GENERAL

The many faces of the General: (opposite page) at his public welcome meeting in London, UK; (left) in worship with Salvationists and friends in Kuwait; (below) meeting His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of the Greek Orthodox Church at International Headquarters; (bottom) in Havana, Cuba, with government officials and Salvation Army leaders at the Office for Religious Affairs of the Communist Party’s Central Committee

worship and ministry to multiple cultures and nationalities. Its weekend divisional gathering was a real celebration of community and relationship, where there was something for everyone and we all united in praise to our God. You see, in the family of God there is no divisive nationality, gender or economic status, because we are all one in Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Two weeks later, installing the new territorial leaders in the UK – Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill – provided us with an opportunity to once again experience God’s power. From the humble, prayerful entry of the new leaders who knelt at the mercy seat, God was at work. The numbers of people who knelt at the mercy seat following Commissioner Anthony Cotterill’s Bible message was yet again a clear sign that God’s Holy Spirit is moving, and people are responding. God is doing something new in the UK Army.

‘My heart is torn when I hear stories of broken lives and people being exploited’

And then to Sri Lanka for the South Asia Zonal Conference, where I met intelligent, passionate young professional Salvationists at Colombo Central Corps. As they helpfully led us in worship, you could sense their sincerity and see they were seeking after God’s heart. They recently raised funds for a new sound system in their hall, but they are not solely inward focused. Not that long ago, this same corps instantly responded when a local landfill site collapsed onto people, homes and businesses. The lieutenant in charge of the corps is mission-minded and filled with compassion, which enabled him to mobilise his people to respond to this local disaster and minister in the name of Jesus.

What does the love of God look like? It looks like bottles of water being handed out and flip-flops distributed. It looks like human need being met in Jesus’ name without discrimination. I was privileged to undertake some travelling engagements in my previous appointment as the Chief of the Staff, but there will be significantly more travelling involved in being the General. At the time of writing, The Salvation Army is at work in 131 countries. Our diverse ministry includes corps, antihuman trafficking work, schools, colleges, universities, medical clinics, hospitals, safe houses, addiction programmes, elderly care, after-school programmes, literacy programmes, housing the homeless, feeding programmes ... the list goes on. The sun never sets on The Salvation Army, and around the world faithful Salvationists are engaged in communicating the transforming, lifegiving gospel of Christ in words and by their actions.

J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

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

CAPTAIN CHARLES CHALRIMAWIA INDIA EASTERN TERRITORY

Captain Charles Chalrimawia was born and works for The Salvation Army in India

Left: leading the children’s meeting during the territory’s centenary celebrations in 2017

What is your role in The Salvation Army? I am the Territorial Children’s Officer, Project Assistant and Event Officer in the India Eastern Territory. hat would be your typical day? W I start with a morning walk and personal devotions then spend the day at territorial headquarters, working on my laptop, meeting people and always being open for the new experiences the day brings. ow did you meet The Salvation Army? H I was born and brought up in The Salvation Army, a fourthgeneration Salvationist. It’s in my blood!

HOME

o you have a ‘hero of the faith’? D The apostle Paul. He models to me the true follower of Christ. hat is your favourite Bible verse? W ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20 New International Version). What is your favourite Salvation Army song? Song 940 in The Song Book of The Salvation Army: ‘We’re an Army Fighting for a Glorious King (For the World, Jesus Died)’. All we do is for the salvation of the world.

hat skills do you use most in your work? W Building relationships. It’s all about the expression of our relationship with Jesus in our relationship with others. hat skills do you have that you would like the opportunity W to use more? Nothing else other than building relationships! I want to be authentic in my relationship with others and share the true love of Christ by building closer, greater and wider relationships – heart to heart. I will always seek greater opportunities to do this as I believe that relationship is the beginning of the process of transformation. ow would you like to be remembered? H As God’s favoured child. hat’s so special about The Salvation Army? W Its rich diversity. I feel it gives me a glimpse of Heaven where all shall embrace.

ow do you think that working in India differs from H working elsewhere? Language – although there are six Salvation Army territories in India, none of them speak the same language! hat do you like most about India? W Its rich diversity – I picture it as ‘colour-full’. hat aspects of another country’s culture do you wish W were present in India? Being One Army, I find that we have many things in common, though there may be differences to make it more contextual. My heart’s desire is always to be more resourced financially to meet human needs prevailing in the community. I f you were elected General, what would be the first thing you would change? I haven’t given that a thought yet. If it were to happen one day, I will have to decide as the situation demands! I f you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose? If I could choose, I would say International Headquarters (IHQ) in London. I believe IHQ has a platform where I can exercise my God-given talent in a wider setting – through a multicultural community and also working with different dynamics as part of our One Army. I also believe that I would have a greater impact in my ministry.

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Above: on a monitoring visit to the slums in Guwahati; left: distributing Christmas food hampers

away

COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM Originally from New Zealand, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham is based at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, UK

What is your role in The Salvation Army? I’m the World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

How did you meet The Salvation Army? I was born into it! I have many generations of Army before me but I always say I’m a first-generation Christian. We each need to be one of those as we can’t live off the experience of anyone before us. Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’? I’m inspired by the tenacious, courageous, ‘ahead-of-her-time’ spirit of Catherine Booth. I’m grateful she and her husband, William (Founder of The Salvation Army), were champions for women taking their place in ministry and mission in the Army.

Above: preaching on Christmas Eve at Westgate Corps in New Zealand; below left: preparing to travel to flood-affected villages in northern Myanmar, when the commissioner served in the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory

What is your favourite Bible verse? ‘I am certain that God, who began the good work within you (me), will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns’ (Philippians 1:6 New Living Translation).

What do you miss most about New Zealand? My family and eating fish and chips out of newspaper on the beach.

What is your favourite Salvation Army song? Number 262 in The Song Book of The Salvation Army, ‘Love Divine, All Loves Excelling’, sung to the tune ‘Blaenwern’. How do you think that working at International Headquarters (IHQ) differs from working elsewhere? The rich cultural melting pot of nationalities working in one building and the global, rather than territorial, outlook are two differences I notice and appreciate.

&AWAY

What do you like most about IHQ – and living in the UK? One of the things I appreciate most about working at IHQ is that there is an understanding of what it’s like to be living and working away from your home context – because so many are doing it! People ‘get it’ when you’re having a ‘homesick’ day! After five wonderful years of living in south-east Asia where the climate is the same all year round, I’m loving the distinct change of seasons – autumn is my favourite!

&AWAY

What would be your typical day? I don’t know what ‘typical’ is any more! There are always emails that need to be answered and meetings to attend. My role is to support the World President of Women’s Ministries so, if she is in London, we start each day with a ‘catch-up’ meeting and prayer and I will action anything necessary from there. There is always another event to prepare for so I try to make space every few days to read and gather sermon/testimony material. My office door is nearly always open and people pop in for a chat. Ministry happens – sometimes planned, sometimes not – and the variety keeps life from becoming mundane. My weekdays typically start with my walk to work which I love ... I never grow tired of walking across the Millennium Bridge with St Paul’s Cathedral in sight.

What aspects of another country’s culture do you wish were present in the UK I’m enjoying living in the UK and observe that the diversity of cultures living here each brings its unique richness. We can all learn from each other.

If you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose? My officer journey has seen me serving in the Canada and Bermuda, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territories! I currently have the spectacular privilege of visiting other territories, so I am blessed with a richness of ministry experiences. I would love to serve in my home territory again one day. What skills do you use most in your work? I’m an organised person, with administration being one of my strongest spiritual gifts, so I bring this to my current role. I also enjoy one-on-one interactions and believe this is a skill I bring. What skills do you have that you would like the opportunity to use more? I miss the creative process of planning worship services with a team that I was involved in as a corps officer (church minister). This is a skill that is not regularly practised in my current life. How would you like to be remembered? As one who was a champion and cheerleader for ‘next-generation’ Salvationists. What’s so special about The Salvation Army? Many things! The first that comes to mind is that no matter in the world where you find The Salvation Army, you immediately feel at home. Language and culture may be different but there is a feeling of belonging to an international family. I like that!

&AWAY

NUA UARY RY RC 2019 ALLTHE THEWORLD WORLD | | JJAANM ON TH––MMAA ON RC TH HH 2019 2012 | | ALL

REFUGEES

BRAZIL

We do whatever we can by Lieutenant Paula Mazzini Mendes

E had just arrived in the heat and crowds of the small city of Boa Vista, in Brazil – ‘ground zero’ for the Venezuelan refugee response. We had barely settled into our work when, while walking in the community, we met Juan, a young boy selling handicrafts on the street. We stopped to have a conversation with him. When he saw we were not from the region, he asked the reason for our visit to Boa Vista (which is certainly not a tourist town). We explained that we were from The Salvation Army and that we were beginning our engagement with the refugee response. He introduced us to his sister, who was not much older than him – and nine months pregnant. Both of them, he said. were sleeping on the street under some discarded cardboard. Juan explained that they were renting a room, but when the landlord noticed the

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pregnancy he was afraid they would not be able to pay. So he evicted them. They had no other alternatives, so they ended up on the streets. We had been working with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees), so we were able to refer them to a shelter the same day. What could have been an even greater tragedy than these young people had already faced cost us a taxi trip of two dollars to address. Our ministry in the Venezuela refugee crisis was quickly becoming apparent – we do whatever we can to help those that cross our path. Refugees and economic migration are not unfamiliar to Brazil. Over the years the country has received waves of Germans, Japanese and Italians. Most recently it has welcomed Bolivians, Syrians and Haitians. Over the past year, thousands of Venezuelans have fled their homes and crossed into the little border

state of Roraima, which separates the two countries. The reasons for the largest migration of people in Latin American history are well documented. It is estimated that more than 85,000 refugees have passed through the border – some just to buy food and medicine. But most are trying to find a way to survive. The UNHCR reports that three million people have fled Venezuela, with the majority seeking safety in a neighbouring country such as Brazil. The Salvation Army has been in Brazil for almost 100 years, and in many regions. Until now, however, there was no ministry in Roraima. The nearest corps is in Brasília, accessible only by a fourhour flight. However, as the refugee crisis developed, it became clear that The Salvation Army had something to contribute, and could fulfil the need for a Christian presence in a desperate

BRAZIL

Opposite page: a Venezuelan refugee with his newborn child; left: making bread in a refugee camp; above: refugees wait to take part in a programme run by The Salvation Army

situation. The Brazil Territory stepped out in faith to respond and now, with the support of International Headquarters, the Salvation Army World Service Office and other Salvation Army territories, representatives from Brazil are doing what they can to support their neighbours. The international and Brazilian response to receive the Venezuelans is not insignificant. Ten shelters have been constructed and aligned with military precision, housing a minimum of 500 people each. Coordination and assistance are the responsibility of the Brazilian military in partnership with the UNHCR.

But it is not enough. The refugees and migrants continue to come and we continue to meet them while they are on the streets. The Salvation Army has been invited to work in the shelters. One day we were in a shelter when the manager asked for our help to assist a seven-year-old girl who had recently been diagnosed with severe myopia (short-sightedness). The child simply needed glasses, but the shelter could not help and the girl’s mother had no resources with which to pay. We searched three medical facilities before we found a programme to assist vulnerable children. More importantly, this girl could be a part of the programme.

‘The refugees and migrants continue to come and we continue to meet them while they are on the streets’

The day of the delivery of the new glasses was a time of celebration. We gathered the children of the shelter together and explained the situation. We asked them to be understanding and help their friend to adapt. We wanted to use this as an opportunity to teach children to show respect to one another. We showed them a funny and educational video about people who wear glasses. Then we gave each of them plastic glasses and had a party to celebrate the occasion. Again, we were put into a situation where ‘something’ needed to be done. It cost nearly nothing – just some time to visit doctors and four dollars to buy plastic glasses. The shelters are difficult places. Families are given a tent (which is often divided between two families), water access, general support, food and security. But there is nothing for them to do. The city is impacted with refugees, and it was actually quite underdeveloped prior to the crisis. But those in the shelters are much better off than the hundreds of people living on the streets just trying to survive and waiting for a solution to what appears to be a hopeless situation. Our work is carried out by a small staff of four officers. Because of our specialised work with vulnerable women and children, only women participate on the team. We are grateful for participants of the ELAMI programme in Latin America who have come to help us. We can’t do much to help the refugees to find jobs, return to their homes or find new places to live. So our ministry is to help them through the crisis of these days. We use the CLAVES methodology – which is a Christian curriculum based on strengthening family relationships. We J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

BRAZIL

Above and left: refugee children take part in Salvation Army-run workshops

run workshops for children, teens and parents. The subjects seem simple (body care, hygiene, respect for old people and the environment) but these children and their mothers are living in desperate and high-risk situations. We also provide recreational activities, music and games. ‘You are a real salvation for us,’ one shelter manager said. Our presence in the shelter was the best time of the week for the children. Beyond our intervention to work with children, and the small acts of mercy to those who cross our paths, we are 10 | ALL THE WORLD |

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finalising an implementing partnership with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund). This will be the first time The Salvation Army has been an implementing partner with this agency of the United Nations. Our work will change slightly as we will be concentrating our efforts more specifically on areas of concern within the shelter system. But we will nevertheless continue to look out for those who need help. It’s gratifying to be able to make a difference in the lives of some people, although we are very aware that they

are just grains of sand on a beach of needs. We are constantly reminded that we are in a humanitarian crisis. Each day that we are at the market we are faced with people asking us to include in our shopping some garlic or onions. We know these people need help so we include what we can. We won’t give up. To not get involved with this is to neglect the mission God gave us. I was thinking recently, if The Salvation Army’s Founder, William Booth, was living today and seeing the millions of migrants searching for a better life, would he have included in his ‘I’ll Fight!’ speech a line saying: ‘While there is a refugee crossing the border in search of survival, I’ll fight!’? We’ll never know – but for us, we will continue to fight.

Lieutenant Paula Mazzini Mendes is District Youth Secretary in the Paraná and Santa Catarina District of The Salvation Army’s Brazil Territory

GEORGIA

FOCUS ON ...

he Republic of Georgia isn’t even called Georgia in Georgian (a language spoken nowhere else on earth). Occupying a strategic position on the old Silk Road, in the crossroads between Russia and Iran, Turkey and (ultimately) China, Sakartvelo – as it is known – has both enjoyed prosperity and suffered economic hardship during times of occupation. Geographically part of Asia, but with a culture that looks more towards Europe, Georgia is currently a confident nation, proud of its 8,000-year history of wine-making and its status as a world superpower in the realm of growing walnuts. Anyone who has eaten a Waldorf salad recently has probably consumed one of Georgia’s biggest exports. Christianity arrived in the country in 327ad, with the first church built in Mtskheta – then the national capital, at the confluence of two major rivers. As many as 85 per cent of the population describe themselves as Christian, with the Orthodox Church being the dominant expression of faith. The Salvation Army is a relative newcomer, and in 2018 it celebrated 25 years of Christian ministry in the country with a congress led by the Chief of the Staff (second-in-charge of the international Salvation Army), Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries). Headquartered in the modern-day capital Tbilisi, the Georgia Region of The Salvation Army’s Eastern Europe Territory also defies expectations. This is a young Salvation Army, with young officers and a large number of young people committed to spreading the gospel and meeting human needs in their own communities. Where else can one find a homeless feeding programme which is oversubscribed in terms of volunteers eager to help? That’s the reality of the situation in the Samgori area of the city. Corps officer (church minister) Captain Rezo Bakhtadze explains: ‘We have about 30 young people keen to help with our homeless feeding programme, all between the ages of about 15 and 28. They know how important it is to show love. We’re not just giving food,

F CUS ON

GEORGIA

by David Giles we are giving care and telling [the homeless people] stories about how Jesus loves them.’ Many of those being served through this programme are older mothers who, for various reasons, have been unable to maintain connections with their family members. They congregate around the city’s main railway station and metro stops after dark, and are particularly vulnerable during the harsh winters that can see average temperatures dipping below freezing. ‘Why wouldn’t I help?’ exclaims Valeria, when I ask why she’s chosen to spend an evening driving around the streets in a minibus. ‘These are people who need support in our community.’ Tbilisi is historically known for its communal baths and steam rooms, where

‘Why wouldn’t I help? These are people who need support in our community’

Above: young people playing the timbrel outside the Salvation Army thrift store in Megobroba attract a crowd of onlookers, including residents from the apartment block

people have – since time immemorial – been able to bathe in large pools of warm, naturally-sulphurous water. But even priced at just a few lari this is beyond the reach of some of the people with whom The Salvation Army is building relationships. The Samgori Corps, like others in Georgia, provides modern washing and showering facilities to all who need them. The desire to meet local needs in an authentic way is also in evidence at Ponichala, to the south of the capital. Here, Salvation Army members were becoming concerned about the number of accidents caused to pedestrians trying to cross the busy road outside the corps hall. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

GEORGIA

Right: a member of the team of young people from the Samgori Corps undertakes an evening distributing food to homeless people in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi Below: Major Tatiana Shkurina, from Batumi Corps, builds relationships through cupcake ministry

Below: musicians lead worship at a youth meeting in Tbilisi Right: children get fresh air, fun and exercise at Batumi camp

Right: members of Ponichala Corps share a road safety message

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GEORGIA

‘Hope characterises all of The Salvation Army’s ministry across this beautiful and increasingly confident nation’ Top: Major Yuri Pomytkin tends the vegetables in a new agricultural project at Lagodekhi Corps Above: one of the first cucumbers to be harvested Left: young people in Megobroba breathe fresh life into a traditional Salvation Army timbrel routine

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GEORGIA

Right: a newly-opened thrift store in the Black Sea resort town of Batumi; below right: bathroom facilities at Rustavi Corps for members of the community who do not have their own

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Lateral thinking – and a penchant for signwriting – saw a team of volunteers formed to establish a crossing patrol to help people safely navigate a path through the heavy traffic. Cost: nil. And the public awareness brought about by the initiative led the local authority to install a set of traffic lights as a permanent solution. Tackling trafficking of a different kind is at the heart of another simple but effective venture in the far west of the country. Batumi, a tourist destination on the Black Sea coast, is popular with Georgians and with visitors from across the nearby borders of Turkey and Russia. As well as all the typical seaside activities, gambling is big business because of the liberal laws here compared with neighbouring legislations. The seedier side of the city also includes massage parlours and prostitution. Conscious that many of the sex workers have been trafficked to Batumi against their will, The Salvation Army is building relationships in a gentle and unobtrusive manner. A fledgling ‘cupcake ministry’ involves walking the streets with coffee and comestibles, and simply striking up a conversation with anyone who wishes to engage. The corps has a small thrift store to further develop links with the local community, provide a reliable source of affordable clothing, and to enable people to discreetly report instances of suspected trafficking. Georgia’s most easterly corps is nearly 12 hours away, in the town of Lagodekhi. This is a much more rural location, neighbouring Azerbaijan in the foothills of the spectacular Caucasus Mountains. Majors Yuri and Irina, the Salvation Army officers here, have been in post for little more than a year, but have worked tirelessly to understand and respond to local needs. ‘Some of the women who attend [Sunday worship] come in their dressing gowns on top of their clothes,’ explains Major Irina. ‘It can be that cold, and these are the only clothes they possess’. The hot showers are a blessing to these women, but also invaluable to the many

campers who visit to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The Army’s campsite plays host to hundreds of young people a year, and there are plans to make much more use of this facility. It already boasts its own al fresco bread oven, which is extremely popular! Behind the campground lies a long expanse of land that was previously overgrown and unloved. Yuri identified an opportunity and, with modest funding, has transformed it into a productive smallholding. The tomatoes are just beginning to ripen in the warm summer sunshine, and he harvests a few delicious cucumbers for us to enjoy during lunch. Pumpkins, potatoes and cabbages are also looking promising in the first year, and there are fruit trees too. The intention is, Yuri explains, to set up a produce stall on the roadside outside the corps, and

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to sell the fruit and vegetables at low cost to help vulnerable members of the community to afford to eat healthily. The youthfulness of The Salvation Army is evidenced again back at Tbilisi Central Corps in the heart of the capital. An evening youth meeting has brought together upwards of 60 young people from across the city, including from a nearby Baptist church. Worship takes place in Georgian, Russian and English (sometimes simultaneously!) and there

GEORGIA

is a tangible intensity to the communal singing and praying. Alexandre the worship leader – a selftaught guitarist of impressive skill – and his wife are about to enter officer training in Moldova. ‘For me worship is not about the guitar and microphone,’ he says. ‘[It’s about] the impulse to praise God and encourage others to worship him with us. We face questions like “what will be next, what will be in the future?” … I don’t know what the next two years hold but I’m sure God has the best future for me.’ All-age worship is the norm at Rustavi and Megobroba Corps, south of Tbilisi, where advancing years are clearly no barrier from being fully immersed in the passionate worship, which incorporates dance and song. Here, too, there are plans to enhance facilities to better serve the local community. Megobroba has recently opened a charity shop, and is considering how to develop its property to support a Sunday morning crowd that regularly exceeds its limited capacity. Rustavi has larger grounds and, as well as growing cherries – a popular local snack – it has identified space for a basketball court and outside play area to transform its offering to local children. Spiritual transformation is evidenced strongly in the powerful testimony of Lieutenant Temo Galustian, a young man who – with his wife Nino – leads The Salvation Army in Didi Digomi on the northern fringes of Tbilisi. Not far away from the corps is Penitentiary Number 8, a notoriously

Above: older persons’ ministry in Ponichala

harsh prison, described by some observers as ‘Georgia’s Abu Ghraib’. A former gang member, Temo was an inmate there until he miraculously encountered God through the on-site Orthodox church and the faithful prayers of his wife (whom he married while still incarcerated). ‘Especially in Georgia, when you are growing up without a father or parents ... the street is the only place where you have something ... [It’s where you] learn and where you have some support and everything else,’ recounts the lieutenant. ‘It was a really hard time ... Home wasn’t my favourite place. On the streets I had everything – power, friends, I was doing what I want. I would sleep at home [but] I was stealing, I was smoking, I was drinking. I tried everything that it was possible to try on the streets of Tbilisi.’ He continues, becoming increasingly animated as he shares his story: ‘I know that I am a new creation.’ Referring to Salvation Army tattoos that cover his former gangland markings, he jokes: ‘When I’m not in uniform, I’m still in uniform all the time!’ Temo and Nino are now returning to Penitentiary Number 8 to serve prisoners being released on probation, working within a framework established by the European Union. ‘It’s many young people,’ Temo explains. ‘People are coming out of the prisons and they still have some years to connect with the probation service. I

want to share my story, I want to share God’s story. Because I know that it works. It can change lives. I can say there is a hope. There is hope in Jesus.’ That hope characterises all of The Salvation Army’s ministry across this beautiful and increasingly confident nation. Every corps has an after-school programme, so children who go to the buildings three or four times a week start to feel comfortable in the church setting, and then start attending worship on Sundays. And it’s not just the young who are introduced to The Salvation Army as a church through its practical offerings. People who wash their clothes at the facilities provided by The Salvation Army feel that there is dignity in going there. It’s not just a case of things being given away, but people are learning that the Army is a place they can go to for support. Leaders of the Georgia Region have been amazed at people’s desire to study the Word of God. Some go to corps two or three times a week for Bible study – anyone walking into the hall will see a faithful group, Bibles open, taking notes. In some corps people will even take notes throughout the sermon. There’s a real desire to learn, to discover what Jesus Christ will do in their lives. Back in Ponichala, one of the older women who has attended the corps faithfully for many years breaks down in tears when asked what The Salvation Army means to her. Despite her health deteriorating, she is active in serving others – young and old. But why? ‘It’s my family,’ she tells me. ‘People care about me here. And it’s where I met God.’ That phrase again: ‘Where I met God’. The Salvation Army in Georgia may be young and may currently be small, but the future holds excitement and adventure as it continues to facilitate people encountering the living God.

To see video and other content featuring The Salvation Army's work in Georgia, go to: http://sar.my/georgiaextra

David Giles is Communications Manager at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

MINISTRY

ST HELENA

‘Saints’ fly the flag in isolation by Simone Worthing The small tropical island of St Helena is home to what is probably the most isolated Salvation Army centre in the world

O most people, ‘isolated’ means being maybe a few kilometres from the nearest town or city. The British Overseas Territory of St Helena, in the South Atlantic Ocean, takes isolation to a whole new level! The island lies 4,000 kilometres east of Rio de Janeiro and 1,950 kilometres west of the Cunene River which marks the border between Namibia and Angola in southwestern Africa. It’s nearest neighbour is Ascension Island, about 1,300 kilometres to the north. The Salvation Army ‘opened fire’ on St Helena in May 1884, when a group of sailors known as ‘bluejackets’ arrived from Simonstown in South Africa on

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board the HMS Opal and conducted a five-day evangelical outreach campaign. It resulted in many people making life-changing commitments to follow Jesus Christ. More than 130 years later, The Salvation Army is still very evident on the 122 square-kilometre volcanic island. Envoy Coral Yon, an islander, is the corps officer on St Helena – the first local after many years of overseas officers being appointed to lead the work. She enjoys her ministry but says: ‘There are many challenges, mostly caused by isolation.’ Until 2017 St Helena was only accessible by boat, usually through a service from Cape Town that operated every three weeks and took at least five

days. The reputation as one of the world’s most remote locations was well deserved! In 2017 – thanks to UK Government funding – an airport opened that provides the opportunity for St Helena to connect with the rest of the world. Today, flights from Johannesburg to St Helena take around six hours. St Helena Corps (church) is part of the Southern Africa Territory. In January 2018, Southern Africa territorial leaders Commissioners Keith and Yvonne Conrad visited the island for the first time, demonstrating one of the benefits of the new flights. Visits by leaders have been very rare because of the amount of time it would take. ‘This and other visits are beneficial and encouraging for me as I work in isolation to the other officers on the mainland,’ says Envoy Yon. ‘It is usually difficult for me to attend officers councils, prayer meetings or training workshops. It is also good for the wider public to see the leaders of The Salvation Army taking an interest in the

ST HELENA

Opposite page: the remote island of St Helena; left: Salvationists of St Helena; below: the hall at Half Tree Hollow

Part of Southern Africa Territory

affairs of St Helena and its Salvationist community.’ The Salvation Army has two halls that are used each week – the Jamestown hall in the capital, and the Half Tree Hollow hall outside the city where most people live. The Jamestown hall also houses a ‘Quality Seconds’ thrift shop which operates on Fridays and alternate Saturdays. ‘Every Friday we run a cafe here where people can stop by for tea and cake and traditional tomato paste sandwiches,’ says the envoy. ‘This is very popular.’ Most of the meetings take place at Half Tree Hollow, with numbers ranging from 40 to 100. ‘The people who come are mostly “Saints” [the name used to describe the islanders] but occasionally

we do get people that are not islanders worshipping with us,’ explains Envoy Yon. ‘There is another hall that used to be an outpost in Deadwood and I am praying that we will eventually be able to get this place up and running again as it is en route to the recently built international airport. For these types of projects, though, finances are always a factor. ‘The Salvation Army on St Helena operates similarly to other corps, but on a smaller basis. We worship every Sunday. We have a 13-strong brass band, a worship group and a ladies fellowship ministry once a month. ‘We visit the hospital and elderly people’s home. As the officer, I sit on the prison visiting committee, the children’s safeguarding board and the disaster group.

‘The Salvation Army is very well respected on St Helena. It’s a beautiful place to live and work and we can worship freely and peacefully’

I also attend the ministers fraternal once a month with the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Seventh-day Adventist clergy. ‘I am also on a rota to do the devotional thoughts for a week via the local radio and a written devotional for one of the local papers. ‘At Christmastime we have a full programme where we go around the island bringing Christmas joy to the community. We also provide presents, parties and hampers for the less fortunate and the elderly. ‘The Salvation Army is very well respected on St Helena. It’s a beautiful place to live and work and we can worship freely and peacefully.’

Simone Worthing is International Editor and Staff Writer for Others, published by The Salvation Army in Australia. This article was first featured in Others and is used here with permission J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

INNOVATION

USA

At the heart of the community by Christopher W. Priest (with grateful thanks to the Central Maryland Area Command)

INCE its founding, The Salvation Army has – by the grace of God – existed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. Historically, when the Army came to town, it adapted itself to the essentials that were most needed. The Match Factory and Labour Exchange programmes that were set up in the Army’s early days come to mind immediately. The North American city of Baltimore, Maryland, is the 21st-largest metropolitan area by population in the USA, and the second largest seaport in the midAtlantic. It has a deeply established and fascinating history, and a large number of historic buildings. Sadly (according to records), anywhere up to 23.7 per cent of the city population lives below the poverty line. Crime and homicide rates are also above average, and the combination of these factors has led towards the gradual establishment of ‘food deserts’ (a lack of grocery stores) in 18 | ALL THE WORLD |

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more impoverished areas of the city, with an escalation following riots and lootings in the spring of 2015. In late 2015, The Salvation Army’s Central Maryland Area Command (incorporating Baltimore and surrounding counties) partnered with the Baltimore Development Corporation to create a sustainable programme to better address the ‘food desert’ crisis in the city. The result – after much prayer, study and research – was that DMG Foods was born! (DMG stands for ‘Doing the Most Good’, The Salvation Army’s brand promise in the USA, taken from a quote by the Army’s fourth General, Evangeline Booth.) DMG Foods is a Salvation Armyowned and -operated non-profit grocery store located in north-east Baltimore. It is the first business model of its kind to combine a traditional grocery store with a social service component. DMG Foods partners with a variety of local farms, retailers and community organisations to provide quality produce,

Above: DMG Foods on opening day; opposite page: Captain Emily Vincent looks over the fresh fruit and vegetables, which are plentiful and reasonably priced

meal solutions, supplemental benefits and workforce development opportunities to the community. The Mission: To provide an affordable place for the local community to purchase fresh and healthy food while expanding their cash and food stamp (government assistance) dollars through nutrition and shopping education, and social services. The Vision: To create a holistic platform to offer fresh, affordable food to individuals experiencing food insecurity within inner city food deserts. The initial impact of the Army’s first permanent (recognised) grocery store in the USA was to expand healthy food options for local residents within a food

USA

desert; create 15 jobs in time for the opening in March 2018; and provide monthly benefits for shoppers who self-identify as living below the federal poverty threshold. DMG Foods currently serves about 500 customers a week. Its Red Shield Club loyalty programme already has more than 3,000 members, half of whom self-identify as living below the federal poverty threshold, granting them monthly supplemental benefits. DMG Foods also expands food availability for the homeless by supporting The Salvation Army of Central Maryland’s FeedMore mobile feeding programme, which provides more than 64,000 meals a year to individuals struggling with street homelessness throughout east and west Baltimore.

By using the commercial kitchen in the DMG Foods grocery store, utilising overstock and limiting food waste, FeedMore recipients now have access to a wider variety of food items such as spaghetti with meatballs, and other protein items, including soups. In line with The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope programme that is established across the USA, DMG Foods provides its customers with tools that increase self-sufficiency by offering nutritional education, job training and supplemental benefits. Twice a week, DMG Foods hosts in-house cooking demonstrations and samples to offer simple, affordable and nutritious meal solutions for its customers. The demonstration area, conveniently located in the centre of the

‘It is the first business model of its kind to combine a traditional grocery store with a social service component’

store, also offers recipes and the cost of the ingredients in one organised area. The meal solutions vary each week and concentrate on recipes that promote a healthy, well-balanced diet while also being cost-effective. Partnerships are a critical part of the DMG Foods story, and it works with a wide variety of organisations in the community. The Maryland Food Bank provides ready-made fresh and frozen meals that are sold at the store. In conjunction with local farms and retail partners, some seasonal fruits and vegetables are provided, and meat items are distributed free to members through the Red Shield Club loyalty card programme. The Maryland Food Bank also provides in-store nutritional education, food demonstrations, and meal preparation through its Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Programme. Partnerships are also in place with the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, France Merrick Foundation and major J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

USA

private donors for capital funding. The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, Center for Urban Families, Living Classrooms Foundation and Humanim all provide employment and workforce development referrals to DMG Foods. Maryland Hunger Solutions and Balti Market provide enhanced social service offerings such as food stamp eligibility workshops. The Baltimore Gas and Electric’s incentive programme provides an increase in electrical capacity and annual service fees at a significantly reduced rate. The Baltimore Development Corporation has also provided guidance in navigating the grocery industry. The concept of DMG Foods has sparked interest in more than 40 media outlets, including The Huffington Post, Delish, National Public Radio and The New York Times. Through email campaigns and the DMG website, customers get the latest updates on its weekly advertisements, discount days, cooking demonstrations, food stamp eligibility workshops and 20 | ALL THE WORLD |

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community events. The website even contains more than 8,000 recipes. As an alternative grocery store, DMG Foods expects to gross a third of the takings of a traditional grocery store in the same floor space. In 2014, the industry standard was US$11.98 per square foot, so DMG Foods would expect to make about $4 per square foot Sales in 2018 are expected to be around $27,000 per week, with a forecast increase of five to seven per cent per year. If this is correct, DMG Foods will take $30,000 a week in 2020 – annual sales of around $1.56 million! As well as offering good food at reasonable prices, DMG Foods has created 15 permanent jobs in the community. Many of the part-time employees have an unstable employment history, with limited job skills, and lack post-secondary education. DMG Foods works diligently with each employee, providing efficient

job training in customer service skills, handling transactions, maintaining quality produce, stocking and merchandising. When employees move on, they will be well equipped to find a place in the job market. DMG Foods is developing a five-week (160 hours) work-study programme that focuses on achieving basic ‘soft skills’ needed to work in a retail environment. Following the completion of the course, each student will receive a review of their skills and a detailed evaluation that will be provided to local grocery

USA

store managers for full- and part-time employment. Plans are also in place to launch a free meat cutter training course, in which participants complete a hands-on training certificate programme which will have in-person and online interactive components in cutting and packaging meat. This programme will ultimately prepare individuals for a career in meat cutting in local grocery stores and the hospitality industry. Sheree Williams is the Deli/Assistant Manager of DMG Foods. Despite her 23 years of experience in food retail, Sheree has never held a managerial position prior to her employment at DMG Foods. She previously worked at an East Coast supermarket chain for 13 years, where she acquired a variety of skills including as a cashier and in the bakery and deli departments. George Turner-El started working for DMG Foods shortly after the store opened in March 2018. The deli department quickly proved to be the busiest section at the grocery store, and George needed more support. As a result, he reached out to his former colleague, Sheree, and encouraged her to apply for the DMG Foods position. Sheree initially provided customer service in the deli department, but her

work ethic was soon recognised. ‘Sheree quickly took initiative to take on more responsibilities throughout the store,’ says Amanda Knights, DMG Foods’ Front End Manager. ‘She is a valued employee at DMG Foods and her drive did not go unnoticed.’ Just two months after starting work at DMG Foods, Sheree earned the Deli/ Assistant Manager position. Asked how she felt about earning a managerial title, Sheree says: ‘I cried. For once in my life, I was finally able to be a manager. I was so excited.’ Sheree is the mother of 13 children. As an employee, she and her family also benefit from DMG Foods’ Red Shield Club programme. DMG Foods is already a valued part of the community. Staff are acquiring skills that will set them up for life, and the customers recognise that this is no ordinary grocery store. ‘I was there for opening day,’ says Cheryl Moffoletto, ‘and have been back several times. The store is super clean, and the workers and cashiers are so friendly. The fried chicken is delicious! The store has so many items to pick from. They even have gluten-free items! Yay! There’s a parking lot right across the street too. DMG Foods is a great asset to the community! Hopefully they will

Above: Sheree Williams, who holds a managerial role for the first time in her life, serves a customer; opposite page: an aerial view of DMG Foods

continue to grow with the support of the community – but anyone from anywhere can shop at the store!’ Valerie Higgs agrees: ‘We need this store in our neighbourhood. The people there are wonderful they always have a smile. I was asked if I needed prayer and they prayed for me right there. The prices are great. We tried their meats – great quality and price. We will be back.’

The DMG Foods website is at: dmgfoods.org/ A Salvation Army Today news report from the opening of DMG Foods can be seen at: salvationarmytoday.org (13 March 2018)

Christopher W. Priest is Director of Communications for The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory J A N UA RY – M A RC H 2019 | ALL THE WORLD |

COUNTRY OR THEME

SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

UNITED KINGDOM

Leap of faith

This was not a solo jump. Harry’s granddaughters Lianne, 37, and Joanna, 39, and his great-grandson Josh, 23, also took part. Harry is raising money to support the work of The Salvation Army’s AntiTrafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, in particular through international projects aiming to prevent trafficking and slavery at source. At the time of writing, he has raised more than £8,700, including £6,500-plus through his JustGiving page. This is not the last time that Harry will take to the skies. Next year he plans to

AUSTRALIA

A man of great taste A Salvation Army officer in Melbourne, known across Australia for his ministry with the homeless, has had his fame added to by having some baked goods named after him. Major Brendan Nottle – the 2013 Melburnian of the Year – is the inspiration for Gingerbread Nottles, sold through 40 stores run by Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses. The first batch of 2,000 sold like hot cakes (as the phrase goes), with AU$1 from each Gingerbread Nottle going to 22 | ALL THE WORLD |

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jump again, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. ‘I believe we should not withdraw from a challenge,’ he says. ‘Yesterday is not our best – our best is tomorrow.’

Harry’s JustGiving page is at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harry-read

Photo from @salvosau on Instagram

At 94 years of age, most people could be forgiven for enjoying the gentler things of life, like a good, comfy chair or a nice cup of tea. Not so Commissioner Harry Read, former leader of The Salvation Army in the UK and eastern Australia. At an age when most people would be looking for some peace and quiet, the D-Day veteran decided to skydive from 10,000 feet to raise money for The Salvation Army’s antihuman trafficking work! It was not the first time that Harry had jumped from a plane, though the last time was quite some time ago and under very different circumstances – as part of the Parachute Brigade landing in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. To avoid attack during wartime, parachuting would take place as close to the ground as possible. Harry explains: ‘On that morning at 00.50 hours I parachuted into Normandy and 30 seconds later I was on the ground.’ This time, strapped to an experienced jumper, his leap would include around 30 seconds of freefall and a total descent time of more than five minutes. Many major media companies took an interest in the commissioner’s endeavour, including the BBC, meaning that awareness as well as funds were raised. Harry told Sky News: ‘It was amazing to experience the freefall and then cruising down was simply beautiful.’

The Salvation Army’s Project 614 Night Cafe-Safe Space project. ‘We knew the Gingerbread Nottles would be popular,’ company spokesman Steve Plarre told the Herald Sun, ‘but have been absolutely overwhelmed with

the demand to “nibble a Nottle”.’ The promotion began just a few days after a terror attack in which popular restaurateur Sisto Malaspina was killed. So, while Major Nottle is embarrassed to be recognised in this way, he admits: ‘Melburnians have really had a tough time in the last couple of days ... we’re looking to do something good for our city.’

SNAPSHOTS

‘The archbishop paid tribute to Salvationists, who he described as ”soldiers of everyday life – not to kill others but to heal others“’

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Displays of togetherness TWO exhibitions at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London provided opportunities for partnership and ecumenical dialogue. Both were held in Gallery 101, next to Café 101, which is open to the public. The first exhibition, Immortalised by Art, celebrated the 90th birthday of His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios who, for the past 30 years, has served as the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain. Thyateira is the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The launch of the exhibition was attended by General Brian Peddle, who took the opportunity to welcome the Archbishop (see photo top right) and to greet more than 100 members of the Greek Orthodox community, including two bishops. Originally from the village of Marathovounos in Cyprus, Archbishop Gregorios moved to the UK in 1959, when he was appointed to the Church of All Saints in Camden, London. In December 1970 he was consecrated as Bishop of Tropaeou (based in north London). Last year he became the longest-serving

Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, having been elected to the role in April 1988. Introducing Archbishop Gregorios, the General said how pleased he was to ‘welcome new friends into this place’. The archbishop responded with words of thanks, recognising that Salvationists are ‘our brothers and sisters … united in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ’. Having thanked the artists for using their talents, the archbishop again paid tribute to Salvationists, who he described as ‘soldiers of everyday life – not to kill others but to heal others’. The next exhibition in Gallery 101 began on 9 November, two days before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Choose Peace, an exhibition to ‘commemorate, celebrate and continue peace’, showed examples of peacebuilding initiatives from around the world. Several organisations were featured,

including The Salvation Army, Community Albums and Lambeth Palace (the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury). Video played a part in the exhibition, with a screen playing messages of peace by 100 people from 100 countries, and another showing peace-building programmes and songs created by The Salvation Army – with Community Albums – in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Pull-up banners gave information about The Salvation Army’s approach to building peace, with examples from today and the early 20th century. Viewers also had opportunity to write their thoughts about peace and share them on a board.

For more information about the participants and exhibition, go to communityalbums.com/choose-peace or follow @ChoosePeace2018 on Twitter