Steps away from the territorial headquarters of The Salvation Army India West Territory in Mumbai are the slums featured in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. As a country, India has become an economic powerhouse and many people have benefited from its economic growth. But just as many have been left behind, with little hope of bridging the gap between the impoverished and the middle class.

But thanks to the Army's work on the streets on India, despair is being replaced with hope for a better future.

A Different Life
The Jeevan Asha project opened in 2004 as a drop-in centre for women and children in prostitution in Mumbai's infamous red-light district. Counselling, health education, literacy classes and vocational training are offered to women desperate to provide a better life for their families. The project pays particular attention to the children of the women, offering schooling, meals and a safe place for them to be with caring staff members. Property in Mumbai is expensive to rent and own so the Army operates a small school in the loft of its office in the heart of the red-light area.

The Jeevan Asha project works in partnership with the Aruna Children's Shelter. Sex-trade workers usually have few options for the care of their children, especially when evening falls. In addition to their exposure to the sex-trade business itself, the children often witness their mothers being abused and beaten. At the shelter, the children—primarily girls—are given a glimpse of how different life can be away from the sex trade. Within the safety and security of the shelter, the children learn that they are precious to God.

Sincerity of Faith
At the opposite end of the spectrum of vulnerable people are the blind. The Blind Working Men's Hostel cares for an often-overlooked group who have little family support and who have been left to fend for themselves.

Most of the men have been blind from birth. Ostracized and neglected by their families, some were dropped off as children to a Christian organization. Others were thrown out of their homes with little thought as to how they would survive. That is what happened to Javed Warsy. An embarrassment to his family, Javed was still a child when he was no longer welcome at home. He has lived at the hostel for nearly 12 years and has blossomed. When a local organization provided the hostel with a special “speak-easy” computer for the blind, Javed was the first to teach himself how to use the new technology.

The 2010 Partners in Mission Campaign, launched in February, is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our generosity. The money raised will be distributed through International Headquarters to ensure that the Army's mission remains strong in territories with limited opportunities to raise the funds necessary for their ongoing ministry. Without our financial support, The Salvation Army in many parts of the world would face significant financial burdens as they minister in Jesus' name. Thank you for supporting the 2010 Partners in Mission Campaign.

Top photo: Children join in song at the Jeevan Asha project school in Mumbai; middle: Blind men find a home and security at the Blind Working Men's Hostel; bottom: Mjr Gillian Brown distributes new clothes to the children at the Aruna Children's Shelter

Major Gillian Brown is the associate director of World Missions. For more information, visit Salvationist.ca/partnersinmission