In a significant development for the newly established ministry in Mongolia, The Salvation Army has opened its first building. The opening ceremony included the participation of Salvationist personnel from Korea who have supported or sponsored the establishment of Army work in Mongolia.

The International Secretary for South Pacific and East Asia, Commissioner Robert Street, and the Territorial Commander for Korea, Commissioner Chun, Kwang-pyo, jointly cut the traditional yellow, red and blue tape to visually declare the building open.

Final building work is continuing on the building but, when completed, the premises will accommodate administration offices, a worship hall, living accommodation and multi-purpose rooms for outreach programmes, including a feeding programme for the homeless.

In the celebration meeting that followed a tour of the premises, Commissioner Street encouraged the Mongolian congregation to enjoy the sense of purpose in working together to build up God's work. As the Mongolian work has been established from the Korea Territory, Korean initiative and leadership were warmly acknowledged.

Commissioner Chun, Kwang-pyo thanked divisional leaders of the Seoul and Seoul South Divisions for their continuing practical involvement and made a special presentation to officer-in-charge Captain Lee, Min-ho, who with his wife, Captain Chang, Mi-hyun, has played the major role in establishing the Army's presence in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. Korea's deputy-ambassador voiced his appreciation of this initiative from his country as did Mr Kim, Dong-jin, chairman of the Korean Missionary Society.

Of particular encouragement were the participation of a Mongolian Salvation Army vocal group and the presence of Mongolia's first applicants for officership.

During the visit of the International Secretary and Commissioner Janet Street, official talks were held with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr Miyeegombyn Enkhbold, who has ensured the provision of land in Tov Aimag Province for a Salvation Army social welfare centre. The visiting party was also able to view recently established water projects in the area and the Solongos Kindergarten run by the Army on an estate in Ulaanbaatar for the children of people who have no means of supporting their children's education.