International News Briefs - 24 November
International News Briefs - 24 November
General Brian Peddle enjoys a lighter moment on stage during his recent visit to the Japan Territory.
Salvation Army world leaders visit Japan and Brazil
General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, recently visited the Japan and Brazil territories.
Colonels Stephen and Wendy Morris, Lieut-Colonel Tamotsu Nishimura and Major Kazue Nishimura lead the Japan Territory. “Japan has a history of excellent mission and ministry and though there are challenges, there is evidence of great faith for the future,” wrote General Peddle.
“Our meetings took place with an ongoing impact from COVID-19. Mask-wearing and social distancing remains. I think I missed a lot of smiles. We were welcomed by beautiful hospitality and embraced by a people who were delighted to welcome us as leaders.
“Pray for Japan as a territory and a nation. Pray in particular for candidates for officership, as needs are already evident. God bless the Salvation Army in Japan.”
Commissioner Rosalie Peddle is happily surrounded by colourfully dressed delegates during the Brazil centenary celebrations.
The international leaders joined the Brazil Territory in celebrating its centenary anniversary earlier this month. “The meetings have been marked with passionate worship, resulting in many seeking the Lord in each of the gatherings,” wrote the General. “The desire to reach others and expand the work was clearly expressed in the messages from leaders.”
The Brazil Territory is blessed with many young people, passionate about being a part of this expansion.
“Brazil is a territory with many who are gifted and well positioned to be a light in the darkness and messengers of hope to those who need to hear the good news,” wrote General Brian Peddle. “Please pray for our Salvation Army family, for Brazil and for the territorial leadership. There are many challenges, but in Brazil there is a Salvation Army that is filled with faith and a people belonging to God, who are willing to step out in faith. God bless the Brazil Territory and its future ministry.”
First Army charity shop opens in Poland
The logo for The Salvation Army charity shop in Poland.
The Salvation Army in Poland has opened its first ‘charity’ shop. This shop is a project of The Salvation Army Foundation, which works to assist the elderly, people with disabilities, children and youth, and other vulnerable people.
For now, the shop is only online, but plans are underway to establish a physical facility. Various items, including clothes and shoes, are new or in excellent second-hand condition. Most of the items are brought in from other countries. The Salvos team encourages people to purchase from the shop to help those in need.
If you’d like to check out their sites, some of the content is in English or can be translated at the click of a button.
For the Facebook page, click here.
For the charity shop, click here.
Singapore program helps children with incarcerated parents
The Kids in Play (KIP) program, which comes under The Salvation Army’s Children and Youth Group, works with children and their families who have one or both parents in prison.
As part of KIP’s programs, these children attend educational outings and community events, which they would otherwise not have the opportunity to do. EMPower group sessions also help the children cope with their parent’s incarceration, as well as assisting grandparents find support through Caregivers’ Connect sessions.
The KIP programs work with families of children whose parents are in prison.
The Salvation Army supports children of incarcerated parents and journeys with them through the difficult period of separation. There is also a safe space for the caregivers to be open about their challenges so that they can draw strength from one another and gain confidence to be better caregivers.
John* and his wife are the loving grandparents to five children. After their daughter’s incarceration, they took over the care of their grandchildren. It was a financial challenge for them. As the couple was embarrassed by their daughter’s incarceration, they did not share their situation with relatives and struggled to cope.
In 2021, John registered his grandchildren for the KIP program. Before they joined, the children did not visit their mother regularly due to the limited number of permitted visitors. Now, the children connect with their mother on a regular basis through KIP’s virtual meetings and open visits in prison. Open visits held during KIP’s Family Bonding Program allow the children to hug their mothers without any physical barriers.
Sadly, as the situation was improving, John’s wife was diagnosed with cancer, and the couple was devastated. KIP provided counselling to them, and with support, they eventually found the courage to share their real struggles with their relatives.
*Name has been changed, and a volunteer model used in the photograph.
Anti-Human Trafficking network holds COP meeting
Anti-Human Trafficking Network contacts meet in the red-light district of Amsterdam.
The Salvation Army Anti-Human Trafficking Europe Network recently hosted a Community of Practice (CoP) meeting, ‘Greater Depths’ in the red-light District of Amsterdam.
It was the first time in more than two years that national contact people from across Europe could meet together, due to pandemic restrictions.
The Salvation Army runs a drop-in centre in the red-light district where the vulnerable who work there can receive material and legal aid, as well as mental health support.
More than 40 million people are trapped in sexual and work exploitation across the world.
Czech Salvation Army resumes 'Night Voucher' winter program
The ‘Noclezhenka’ or Night Voucher program, designed to help those sleeping rough in the Czech Republic, is again part of The Salvation Army’s winter campaign in this central European nation.
Night vouchers to help the homeless are part of the Salvos winter campaign.
Anyone can purchase one or more night vouchers – valued at 100 Czech Koruna (AUD $6.50) each, which enables one person experiencing homelessness to spend a night in the warmth of a Salvation Army hostel.
As well as safe and comfortable overnight accommodation, the voucher also enables the person to access other Salvation Army services such as a hot meal, shower and, in some cases, a basic medical check.
The person can also meet with a Salvation Army social worker who will assist them with immediate issues they may be facing. There is also the possibility of extended casework and support to help the person get off the streets long-term and be self-sufficient.
The Salvation Army distributes the vouchers, and donors are notified when their vouchers have been used.
The Czech Republic is part of the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory.
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