Tranformational partners with God

IN THE ZONE - Sweden and Latvia Territory

How well do you know The Salvation Army’s Europe Zone? This month we give an overview of the Sweden and Latvia Territory

‘THERE is much that encourages us as we travel around the territory,’ says Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams. ‘We see God’s hand in the innovative and committed ministry; we meet and hear about those who have been transformed by God.’

An example of this transformation is the work in Haparanda, located on the border between Sweden and Finland. Being a border city affects everything. For example, in 2015 Haparanda received many asylum seekers, which means that today there is a flourishing multicultural ministry.

Lieutenant Daniel Lovén moved to Haparanda with his family at the end of June 2019 and has assumed leadership of the corps. ‘To live on the border is both challenging and exciting,’ he says.

‘It is the meeting place for two countries, two Salvation Army territories, two languages and two cultures. Haparanda is not a typical Swedish city nor is its twin city in Finland, Tornio, typically Finnish.’ The proximity and interaction between the countries over the years have created a unique region with its own identity that is neither Swedish nor Finnish but ‘somewhere in between’.

Anti-trafficking conference in Riga, Latvia

Haparanda corps members come from a variety of backgrounds, not only culturally but also denominationally. The diversity of this untraditional Salvation Army includes members from charismatic and Orthodox backgrounds and, although there is some difficulty in relating to the form of the Army – brass bands, marching and uniforms – there is no difficulty in understanding and relating to its function and mission.

Worship at Haparanda Corps

The territory’s philosophy in ministering to people experiencing homelessness is to help them out of their situations rather than enabling their continued life in homelessness. The intention is to help people off the streets into a stable home life by accompanying them on a journey that addresses their problems and teaches them new skills, instilling new perspectives and bringing about transformation. There are four types of centre that are part of this chain of care.

Social centres offer emergency assistance for basic needs: food, clothing, financial assistance, counselling, conversations and fellowship. These operate as drop-in centres.

Emergency accommodation provides people with a bed and breakfast. In the morning they are welcome to remain so they can start dealing with the reasons behind their homelessness.

Support units deal with particular problems – such as ongoing abuse, psychological challenges, financial difficulties and their consequences – in the long term.

Hairdressers make their monthly visit to a homelessness centre in Stockholm

Aftercare and accommodation are offered to people who have been under treatment for addiction. This provides personal accommodation during a transitional period, with help for everyday life via employee housing supporters. In addition to providing emergency accommodation for people experiencing acute homelessness, there is support for people beyond the provision of a bed. The goal is to help the individual out of a life of homelessness. To this end, the social work is extensive and covers a wide spectrum of services to minister to the whole person – physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Working to create long-term solutions, the day centres and support units provide opportunities for transformation to bring stability to the individual.

In October 2019 Halfway House officially opened in Ropsten with 38 apartments for people recovering from addiction. This is an example of aftercare and private accommodation, which helps to reteach many of the basic requirements of everyday living: managing a home and finances, establishing and maintaining contact with authorities, networking and finding suitable employment.

Territorial events include a period of 24/7 prayer, which begins with a national prayer day followed by two months of intense prayer spread across the territory. Prayer is an important component of the work, and a team of prayer warriors meet regularly to pray, share concerns and visit corps to inspire people to pray.

In November this year the territory will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the restart of The Salvation Army in Latvia. During these years ten corps and five outposts have opened and many lives have been changed by the love of God. Keeping the evangelistic and social sides of our ministry together is important, so most corps and outposts have a social expression. Children’s and youth work is also fruitful, with many summer camps taking place. There is a youth discipleship programme and Latvia Salvationists pray that they will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Commissioner Clive is hopeful for the future of the territory: ‘There is an expectant spirit among the people of this territory that greater things are yet to come – that God intends to send a wave of blessing over us. Several prophecies have pointed to this, which confirms what we in the leadership team have sensed from God’s leading. We are pleased and privileged to continue to partner him in the work he is already doing.’

Commissioner Clive Adams opens a new halfway house for recovering addicts in Stockholm

HISTORY

Commissioner Hanna Ouchterlony, inspired by the first Army meeting held on Swedish soil in Värnamo in 1878 led by the young Chief of the Staff, Bramwell Booth, began Salvation Army work in a Stockholm theatre in 1882. The first women’s home and men’s shelter were opened in 1890. Work among deaf and blind people was inaugurated in 1895.

The Salvation Army was re-established in Latvia in November 1990 and, two months later, became a legal entity. In 1994 the Sweden Territory was renamed the Sweden and Latvia Territory.

THE TERRITORY AT A GLANCE

3,601 Soldiers

1,257 Adherent members

170 Junior soldiers Corps

94 Corps

8 Outposts and societies

312 Officers (142 active, 170 retired)

6 Auxiliary-captains

6 Envoys

7 Cadets

1,167 Employees