(Above) A heartfelt sign of gratitude from Sandra, who helps run the Vila dos Pescadores children's program in The Salvation Army Brazil Tty. (Photo: Michelle Watts, Australia Tty)

In 1985, the U.S.A. Central Territory hosted the international youth congress in Macomb, Illinois. It was as a delegate at this congress that I realized I was part of something so much greater than my corps, division or territory. The theme of the congress was “Building a New World,” and as I sat in the bleachers along with thousands of young Salvationists gathered from around the world, my eyes were opened to the rich diversity of this global, missional movement.

Thirty-six years later, through the faithfulness of generations, The Salvation Army continues to march, spreading the gospel message and meeting human needs within local communities.

As you read through this photo essay, I pray that you will see the joy in ministry; that you will catch the excitement that I experienced, knowing we are a small part of God’s wider plan; and that you will have a deeper knowledge of some of the ministries we are involved in around the Army world.

Together, we continue to “build a new world.”

Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray is the director of international development.

ZAMBIA TERRITORY

Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray with Zondiwe Mweemba Ngalande
There is joy in serving.
When we love what we do, it shows in our encounters with others. Zondiwe Mweemba Ngalande (left), here with Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, is the head of The Salvation Army’s Chikankata College of Nursing and Midwifery in Zambia. Ngalande has worked at the college for 14 years, and her passion for her work radiates through the warmth of her smile. “I have a heart to serve the vulnerable and the poor,” she shares. She is delighted to work at a college whose “mission is to serve God and to serve people.” Ngalande is an inspiration. (Photo: Mark Yan)

Chikankata College of Nursing and Midwifery graduation in October 2021
Health care is a right, not a privilege.—Edward “Ted” Kennedy
An impressive sight as more than 278 nurses and midwives graduate from the Chikankata College of Nursing and Midwifery in October 2021—the college’s 70th graduation ceremony. It was officiated by Colonel Ian Swan, territorial commander, and attended by government officials and other invited guests. To God be the glory! (Photo: Mjr Clayford Matepeta)

Photo of hands holding an open Bible
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
The sound of the singing, the playing of instruments and drums, the spoken message and prayers of the people are heard across Zambia as Salvationists gather for worship services. It is in times of worship and fellowship that our faith is strengthened. It is in coming together as the body of Christ that we are edified for mission. (Photo: Mark Yan)

Photo of a tree stump painted with an environmental message
An important message can be conveyed using any available surface—even a remaining tree stump. Reading the message, one quickly realizes that the roots of the environmental crisis run deep throughout all cultures, weathered by the elements, cut down for reasons we may not understand and negatively impacting society. We have a responsibility to work toward a clean, safe environment and combat disease. (Photo: Mark Yan)

Active Officers 244
Retired Officers 70
Cadets 24
Corps 156
Outposts 286
Senior Soldiers 33,806
Junior Soldiers 9,593
Adherents 2,498
Employees 598
Zone: Africa
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Chibemba, Chinyanja, Chitonga, English, Kaonde, Lozi


CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE) TERRITORY 

Women in the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory after a baking lesson
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry,
and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”—John 6:35

A loaf of bread brings smiles to all. Here, the women have just had a baking lesson and will enjoy the fruits of their labour. When we support individuals, we need a holistic approach—body, mind and soul. The bread will nourish the body, and the skills learned will provide opportunities for women and their families to thrive. (Photo: Eric Baudrey)

Women learn new skills in tailoring at a vocational training program in the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.—John F. Kennedy
Women learn new skills in tailoring at a vocational training program in the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory.
The women’s ministries department is heavily involved in this program as they identified a need within their community. (Photo: Eric Baudrey)

A woman celebrates at the vocation training centre graduation
A time to celebrate the efforts of the women at the vocational training centre—they are graduates now. The energy in the air is high as family and friends come to celebrate the students’ achievements. With new friendship smade and employable skills, there is much joy. (Photo: Lt-Col Brenda Murray)

Active Officers 385
Retired Officers 91
Envoys 4
Auxiliary-Captains 2
Cadets 35
Corps 120
Outposts 121
Senior Soldiers 25,176
Junior Soldiers 13,026
Adherents 3,812
Employees 172
Zone: Africa 
Languages in which the gospel is preached: French, Kikongo, Kituba, Lingala, Vili


THE SALVATION ARMY IN INDIA

Lt-Colonel Murray shares a moment with a woman at a Salvation Army Home for the Aged in India Central Territory
Lt-Colonel Murray shares a moment with a woman at a Salvation Army Home for the Aged in India Central Territory. The Salvation Army in India serves the community in many ways—through hospitals, hostels, children’s homes, feeding programs and seniors' homes, to name but a few. Salvationists take to heart and practise the “heart to God, hand to man” approach to ministry. It is the outward expression of our faith to “love our neighbour as ourselves.”  (Photo: Mark Yan)

Photo of two young boys praying
Prayer is a central practice of our faith. Children learn at a young age that they are created in God’s image, that they are loved and cared for, and that they are special. Every child matters! (Photo: Courtesy of The Salvation Army in India)

Staff at the Evangeline Booth Hospital
Evangeline Booth Hospital, India Central Territory (Photo: Mark Yan)

Active Officers 2,313
Retired Officers 1,251
Envoys 10
Auxiliary-Captains 51
Cadets 77
Corps 275
Outposts and Societies 1,517
Senior Soldiers 320,639
Junior Soldiers 35,377
Adherents 17,962
Employees 1,624
Zone: South Asia
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Adhibasi, Bengali, Bru, Burmese, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Hmar, Kui, Malayalam, Manipuri (Meitei), Marathi, Mizo, Nagamese, Nepali, Oriya, Paite, Punjabi, Santhali, Simte, Tamil, Telegu, Thadou, Vaiphai

Including India Central Tty, India Eastern Tty, India Northern Tty, India South Eastern Tty, India South Western Tty, India Western Tty


MALI REGION

A junior soldier in Burkina Faso
The work of The Salvation Army unofficially commenced in Burkina Faso in 2012 but officially opened on June 12, 2018. Since then, the Army has been marching through communities, sharing the love of Jesus one person at a time. Today, the ministry in Burkina Faso is vibrant and hopeful for continued growth. (Photos: Courtesy of The Salvation Army Mali Region)

 the home league members are taught how to cook attieke, a local meal enjoyed in West Africa
Ministry to women takes many forms around the Army world. Here, the home league members are taught how to cook attieke, a local meal enjoyed in West Africa. This income-generating activity empowers women by providing an employable skill to sustain their families. “Together, we can reduce poverty,” says Captain Nana Fatouma Togo.

A group photo of a women’s ministries Bible camp in Bamako, Mali
We are bearers of good news!
A family photo after the women’s ministries Bible camp in Bamako, Mali, which focused on the theme: “Good news gives health to the bones.” “This was an important gathering because it was the first time more than 100 women gathered for fellowship and to study the Word of God,” says Captain Nana Fatouma Togo, regional secretary for women’s ministries.“ At the end, each corps received a home league flag.” The Salvation Army Mali Region believes in growing saints.

Active Officers 17
Envoys 9
Outposts 14
Senior Soldiers 660
Junior Soldiers 277
Adherents 131
Employees 3
Zone: Africa
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Bambara, French


BRAZIL TERRITORY 

Angela practises a martial art at the Vila dos Pescadores program in The Salvation Army Brazil Territory
Angela is mobilized for mission. Exercise of body, mind and spirit is important for our development. The Salvation Army Brazil Territory developed the Vila dos Pescadores program. Through arts, dance, films and various other activities, this program for children ages 7-15 addresses themes of structural racism, sense of belonging, violence, trafficking, environment and abusive relationships. (Photos: Michelle Watts, Australia Tty)

Children play a game at the Vila dos Pescadores program in The Salvation Army Brazil Territory
The Vila dos Pescadores program in Brazil offers a safe haven for children to grow and flourish. Play is integral to every child’s development, as it teaches concepts of sharing, communicating and learning together. Here the children are having fun in an activity organized by the staff who are committed to these young people.

Pedro, Pamela and their mother, Sandra, lead the Vila dos Pescadores program
From left, Pedro, Pamela and their mother, Sandra. Together, they have a passion for serving God and their community and are making a difference in the favela (informal settlement), running a vibrant children’s program at the Vila dos Pescadores.
Pedro is continuing his ministry as a cadet at the training college in Brazil.

Active Officers 120
Retired Officers 46
Cadets 6
Corps 42
Senior Soldiers 1,638
Junior Soldiers 424
Adherents 142
Employees 439
Zone: Americas & Caribbean
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Portuguese

*Statistics from The Salvation Army Yearbook 2021

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Comment

On Monday, April 4, 2022, Arlene Holland said:

Wonderful photo graphs. Saw some of them at church, they fill me with joy. Love and blessing to everyone. God loves you.

On Friday, February 11, 2022, gwenyth redhead said:

It was the privilege of my husband and me to visit Brazil, especially as some of the officers were the daughters of cadets whom we had helped to train at the International Training College, UK, and who had become officers of that territory.

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