International news briefs: 3 February
International news briefs: 3 February
The singing from the India South Eastern Territory Jubilee celebrations blended into the surrounding tapestry of Indian nightlife.
World leaders join celebrations in India
General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, world leaders of The Salvation Army, recently joined the India South Eastern Territory for its Jubilee celebrations, followed by a visit to the India Central Territory.
In the South Eastern Territory, the celebrations took place at the Booth Tucker Memorial Church Campus, an outdoor setting where the singing blended into the tapestry of Indian nightlife.
General Peddle awarded the Order of the Founder to Major (Dr) Ruby Samuel during the service.
The leaders also spent time with officers and expressed their pride in the men and women who lead the mission of The Salvation Army in the territory.
“Meeting our youth was (also) inspirational as we witnessed talent, an openness to God’s call and security of the Army’s future in this territory,” shared the General.
The leaders also opened new prayer halls in the Gnaniahpuram Corps and Kannanoor Corps.
The General and Commissioner Peddle were inspired by the youth of the India Central Territory and their openness to God’s call.
A visit to Catherine Booth Hospital was part of the leaders’ itinerary. “We witnessed an ongoing service of medical care while having opportunity to meet men and women who can only be referred to as heroes,” said General Peddle. “Our hospital engages in training with 300 young men and women in full-time studies. They are destined to serve in communities in India and beyond. God bless the India South Eastern Territory and all those who give leadership.”
The General and Commissioner moved on to the India Central Territory for a week of meetings. “The first thing that comes to mind is the large crowds gathered that exceeded all expectations and planning,” said General Peddle. “Every meeting – the Youth Rally, Officers’ Councils, Women’s Congress, public meetings – prompted the need for a ‘standing audience’ in addition to those seated. It was impossible to greet everyone, so we resorted to the Army salute and many shouts of hallelujahs!
“Equally encouraging was the response to the Word as the challenge was given – kneeling areas as well as aisles filled with praying people. The future of the Army in this part of India is very promising as its witness and impact finds its place in countless communities.
“I suggest that we think we know the story of a nation, but when you encounter the people, you find another story – often a better one. By the way, a word of advice, if you travel to India, you will have to surrender your diet plan – the food is amazing!
“God bless India and its people. God bless the Salvation Army in the India Central Territory.”
Warming stations provide support in Canadian winter
For many years, The Salvation Army in Calgary, Alberta, has hosted warming stations for people living on the street during winter. This (northern) season, the stations became mobile, allowing them to be moved around the city for better accessibility. A collaboration with the Calgary Homeless Foundation made this possible.
Salvation Army teams in Calgary, Canada, operate mobile winter warming stations to help meet the needs of people living on the streets.
“We are now able to go where there is a need, as opposed to having folks to come to us for support,” said Hooria Ansari, Resource Specialist for the outreach program at The Salvation Army in Calgary. Hooria believes the innovative warming stations also allow workers to reach more clients in need.
The mobile warming stations are set up in high-need areas around the city. Inside the tents there are heaters, and clients are provided with hot meals, coffee, and even winter gear. The temporary shelters also allow the outreach program to connect with new clients and assess further need for support.
“We do our best to support our friends with a warm meal and with materials that come in through donations such as gloves, toques (beanies) and jackets,” said Hooria. “These are high-need and in-demand items for our clients. A lot of the people we meet are not well equipped for winter conditions.”
So far, the stations have been a success. They have been well received by the community and the clients that make use of them. “Often, we hear from some of our repeat clients that as soon as they see The Salvation Army shield, they immediately recognise that it is a warming station and that here they will be taken care of,” Hooria said.
The mobile warming stations currently run Monday to Friday from 11am to 7pm. The goal is to soon be running seven days a week. The stations will be in place until the end of March 2023.
Football hero to support Salvos programs
Sunderland footballing legend Julio Arca will provide weekly football and fitness sessions to residents at The Salvation Army’s Swan Lodge Lifehouse* in the UK.
Julio, an Argentine national who played as left back and midfield for Sunderland and Middlesbrough in England, will host sessions each Wednesday to help residents boost their fitness and footballing skills.
Sunderland footballing legend Julio Arca (centre) provides weekly football and fitness sessions with interested Lighthouse residents.
“We’ve been running football sessions for our residents for years now and have seen what a difference it makes to them,” said Andy, Swan Lodge support worker. “It not only boosts physical fitness but helps build teamwork skills and resilience and improves mental health. We are all so excited to have an icon like Julio coming to train us. A lot of our residents are huge footy fans.
“Julio will not only be helping our clients hone their football skills but will be providing general fitness training for those who want to improve their health.
“A lot of our residents are used to being ignored or dismissed in life; many have had and are still going through a rough time, so to have someone like Julio give their time every week to help our clients is just amazing. Word has got around that this is happening, and there’s lots of interest from our lads and lasses.”
One of the big events of the year for Lifehouse residents is The Salvation Army’s Partnership Trophy, a footballing tournament that brings Lifehouses from across the UK together, usually held in Manchester in September.
“We’ll be training towards that, and having Julio will give us that extra edge so hopefully we can bring home the trophy this year!” said Andy.
“Swan Lodge will be a formidable team having an international footballing hero as our coach!”
*Swan Lodge provides accommodation for up to 65 adults aged 18 and over experiencing homelessness in the UK’s North East. The service also offers support to help people rebuild their lives.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.