A significant milestone has been reached in The Salvation Army's ongoing response to Cyclone Pam on Vanuatu with the completion of the first shelter. Three remote villages on Tanna Island are initially being provided with 15 shelters each, with more to be constructed elsewhere. The project is one of a number implemented by The Salvation Army in partnership with Liberty for the Nations, a Christian relief agency that has been working on Tanna Island since the early 1990s.

Salvation Army International Emergency Services team member Captain Dale Murray, from Australia Eastern Territory, visited Tanna Island to monitor the progress of the project. While there, he had the privilege to see the first shelter completed and meet its new occupants – David, his wife and three children.

Captain Murray says: "It was great to see the first shelter built. This project has been a team effort with a number of logistical challenges due to the remoteness of Tanna Island and the three villages. The joy on the faces of David and his family was priceless – something I will remember for many years."

Speaking to Captain Murray through a translator, David said: "Our home was completely blown away by Cyclone Pam [in March 2015]. We did not know what we were going to do and we lost hope. Now we have hope thanks to The Salvation Army and Liberty for the Nations. We give all glory to God."

It is anticipated the remaining shelters will be built by Christmas 2015.

Donations for this cause can be made at salvationarmy.ca/donate-now