Message from the Territorial Commander

SEE ALSO: Introduction to Partners in Mission | Territorial Commander’s Message | PiM Resources
Fundraising Ideas | PiM Articles | Francais – Partenaires dans la mission

Dear Friends,

“Who are the people in your neighbourhood?”

Last year, Sesame Street, the popular children’s educational program, celebrated its 40th anniversary. Through the years the characters, both human and puppet, have become familiar friends whether we followed the show as children, parents or grandparents. “Who are the people in your neighbourhood?” continues to be one of the most familiar songs; introducing youngsters to people they may meet in their community.

The teaching of Jesus, especially in the telling of the parable of the Good Samaritan, expands the identity of our neighbours. Our neighbours may be those within reach of our local ministry, as we understand what it means to be a “community church”. Our neighbours may also be those living at a considerable distance yet linked to us as ‘family’ within the international Salvation Army. The essence of the concept of Partners in Mission has been to strengthen the relationships between territories, encouraging a ‘neighbourly’ response.

We are grateful for the generous support from Salvationists and friends across the territory for the 2009 Partners in Mission campaign, a generosity that resulted in a significant increase, the highest in five years. Given that this increase occurred against the backdrop of the global economic crisis is particularly significant.

It is time again for us to respond to the needs of our global neighbours. The Canada and Bermuda Territory has maintained the goal for the 2010 Partners in Mission campaign at $2.2 million. A resource package has already been mailed to every ministry unit, this year introducing our ‘neighbours’ in Bangladesh. Take time to review the material and plan your local campaign.

I urge you to give prayerful consideration to ensuring that we meet our obligations to be good neighbours to our Salvationist comrades in grant aided territories.

Sincerely yours,

William W. Francis, Commissioner
Territorial Commander