Issuu

Refugees are at home in NORWAY BOUNDLESS 2015 – one year on A place of change in AUSTRALIA GO! – poster reveals 127 countries

VOL 54 NO 3

Reaching out Paraguay clinic takes care into the community

JULY–SEPTEMBER 2016

CONTENTS

JULY–SEPTEMBER 2016

Visit ALL THE WORLD at: www.salvationarmy.org/alltheworld

UPFRONT From the Editor

REWIND Remembering Boundless 2015

AUSTRALIA A place of transformation

HOME AND AWAY Thoughts from here and there

FACTFILE Vital statistics from Paraguay

PARAGUAY A clinic that reaches out

ITALY The power of social media

NORWAY No longer refugees

SNAPSHOTS News from around the world

11 08 15

13 20

Cover photo by Ruth Samuels

Subscriptions All the World subscriptions can be ordered online from www.sps-shop.com. Go to http://sar.my/atwsubu (UK subscribers) or http://sar.my/atwsubo (rest of the world). OR fill in this form and send to: Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate Wellingborough Northants NN8 2QH United Kingdom For enquiries telephone [44] (0)1933 445451 or fax [44] (0)1933 445415 or email subscriptions@satcol.org

All the World may also be ordered through many territorial headquarters. In the UK, subscribers can purchase All the World through the local Salvation Army corps at just 80p per copy.

Name

(Miss, Mrs, Ms, Mr)

Address

Postcode Email Annual subscription rates (including postage) UK £5.60 Non-UK £12.50 (Costs may be lower if ordered with UK publications) Total: £

I enclose payment by cheque

(Please make cheques payable to: SP&S) Please debit my Switch/Mastercard/Visa/American Express/Maestro card Card No Start date

Expiry date

Issue No (Maestro and Switch only)

Security No

FROM THE EDITOR

Dare to Kevin Sims, Editor

THE world today seems to consist of two groups of people – those who fully embrace social media and those who view it with fear and uncertainty. There are some people in the middle ground, admittedly, but I can think of few other subjects that cause such a clear love-hate divide among friends, family and colleagues. So, which group is right? Does social media provide new opportunities for witness and ministry? Or is it a distraction, a place for people to sink energies that could more usefully be pointed into doing something genuinely worthwhile? I guess the answer has to be ‘both’! But, like many opportunities provided by advancing technology, we have two options – ignore it and hope it goes away, or learn to use it well. Suspicion of ‘modern’ technology is not new. We take for granted the convenience of the high-speed train, but when steam trains were first introduced there was worry about the potentially devastating damage to people’s bodies of going at more than 50 miles per hour! The initial uptake of electricity was also viewed with great suspicion. An early Edison Electric Light came with a sign that warned the user not to light it with a match and included in small print the comforting words: ‘The use of Electricity for lighting is in no way harmful to health, nor does it affect the soundness of sleep.’ I would describe myself as only a light user of social media. I’ve not yet ventured onto Facebook but I enjoy keeping up to date with various interests and people on Twitter – but not to the detriment of my everyday life!

‘Social media can be a curse, but should be a blessing’ I have great admiration for people like Major Estelle Blake, whose social media use is featured in this issue of All the World. She is certainly not lacking in her practical ministry yet she sees the potential and power of social media. Her social media presence works so well because it’s not trying to be something she isn’t! What you read on Estelle’s Facebook or Twitter accounts is a sample of what you’d experience if you met her in person. A few years ago, then-General Linda Bond suggested that ‘online’ witness could be the new ‘open-air’ witness. She wasn’t saying that Salvationists should stay off the streets and hide behind their computers. Rather, she recognised that people were increasingly shutting themselves away behind double-glazed windows, meaning that some styles of witness were becoming less effective. Online witness and ministry come from a different place. If you talk about your faith or prayer on your social media account – not in a preachy way, but as a natural representation of you being you – then your friends see it and are influenced. You’re not outside, hoping to be invited in – you’re already in their homes, or on their phones. Of course,

it works the other way too – if you’re open about being a Christian but fill your Facebook with unpleasant remarks, moaning and gossip then that has its own influence. People tend to feel comfortable sharing personally on social media – sometimes in a way they wouldn’t in person. How many non-churchgoers are happy to share a #PrayFor ... message when people or situations are going through tough times? Yet how many would feel comfortable to pray in person with other people at work or school? For me, social media can be a curse, but should be a blessing. And when it comes to engaging in practical or online ministry, it shouldn’t be either/or, it should surely be both! Take this magazine, for instance. Because it’s a physical item the printed version can be passed on to a neighbour, put in a library, left on a bus for other passengers to read. All these are good ideas (once you’ve read it yourself, of course!). But the online version (at salvationarmy.org/ alltheworld) can gain another life of its own – mentioned in a timeline or shared with followers, it can reach hundreds or thousands of friends and colleagues, including some who would maybe not consider themselves Christians. So this is a challenge for all readers of All the World. Read it and then share it – in person and online. (Maybe even order some extra copies to give out!) Because the stories of God at work through his people won’t share themselves! The sharing of All the World is in no way harmful to health, nor does it affect the soundness of sleep.

Editor Kevin Sims

Founder William Booth

design and Artwork Berni Georges

General André Cox

Editorial Office The Salvation Army International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom

COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY Major Brad Halse

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Martin Gossauer

Tel: [44] (0)20 7332 0101; fax: [44] (0)20 7332 8079

Published by André Cox, General of The Salvation Army

Email: IHQ-alltheworld@salvationarmy.org

Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd

J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

COUNTRY OR THEME

boundless REWIND

It’s difficult to believe that it’s already a year since 16,000 Salvationists and friends from 126 countries gathered at The O2 in London for The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary International Congress, Boundless – The Whole World Redeeming. Now that the dust has settled, All the World contacted Lieut-Colonels Eddie and Kathy Hobgood, the coordinator and assistant coordinator of the event, to discover what their highlights were, but also to find out what they have witnessed of the legacy of an event that – through delegates at The O2 but also through live-streaming and online resources – reached more of the world than a Salvation Army congress has ever reached before.

So, thinking back 12 months – and beyond – what was your Boundless 2015 highlight? Eddie: It’s impossible to give just one! Pre-congress for me was the work I did with the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint when they granted The Salvation Army a commemorative coin. It was a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for me to go to the Royal Mint and actually mint the first coin. But then I had the privilege to stand in front of the staff of the Mint and tell them about the work and ministry of the worldwide Salvation Army. I also got to hear their stories of interactions with the Army and about their connections through their grandparents, for instance. During the congress itself, it had to be every time we had a parade of 4 | ALL THE WORLD |

JU LY–SEPTEM BER 2016

the nations. To see the flags from 126 countries and to see people’s beautiful national dress was awe-inspiring. The climactic scene on Sunday morning of Nick and Roberta Simmons-Smith’s interpretation of the song ‘They Shall Come from the East, They Shall Come from the West’ gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. There we were – the entire Salvation Army represented in that one room. Amazing and never to be forgotten! Kathy: It was an honour to be a part of the team that brought the statue of Catherine Booth to the East End of London, where The Salvation Army began in 1865. It was hard work and often frustrating finding our way through all the red

Above: Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood mints the first commemorative coin at the Royal Mint

tape but, in the end, it was absolutely worth it to see Catherine take her place across from William Booth, reminding the world that she was the co-founder of The Salvation Army. It was also significant in that the East End is predominantly Muslim now. For the women of that community to see this strong role model sends a very powerful message to them and the community. I also have to say another highlight was the experience of working with the congress team. There were 14 of us at International Headquarters and four from UK Territorial Headquarters who ate, breathed and slept Boundless. We

BOUNDLESS REWIND

Left: unveiling the statue of Catherine Booth in the East End of London; above: an acrobatic interpretation of ‘They Shall Come from the East’ Above right: part of the Parade of Nations at The O2 Below: the 14-person International Headquarters Boundless team

‘It was honestly a miraculous feat to have accomplished something so significant with such a small team’ became close friends and shared in something that will never be repeated in quite the same way. It was honestly a miraculous feat to have accomplished something so significant with such a small team but, by God’s grace, we did! Go Team Boundless! And the legacy? What effect is Boundless having today and for the future? Kathy: We recently had the privilege to address a large group of retired officers who asked us specifically to share wwfor an hour or so on ‘The Making of Boundless’. Through this, we relived so much of the exciting journey again, but we also got to hear from many of the retirees (some of whom were at Boundless and others who watched online) about how moved they were by the entire experience. Those who watched

online shared how they even got up in the middle of the night to watch the sessions as they didn’t want to miss a thing or wait for the archived versions! These retired officers, who often feel like life in The Salvation Army is passing them by, were keenly interested in everything that took place and – through the webcasts – were able to feel like

they were right there and in the middle of the celebration. Eddie: Upon our return to the USA, we were delayed in taking our new appointment due to a health issue and so we missed our first Territorial Executive Conference (TEC). At the following one (six months after Boundless), we were welcomed back to TEC and the programme basically consisted of divisional and territorial leaders sharing with us what Boundless had meant to them and their people. This was supposed to last only about 15 minutes, but person after person stood up and shared the lasting power of those five days together in London. They told story after story of lives changed through the event – even of those who watched it on the Internet. This went on for almost an hour – I’m not sure Kathy and I had any tears left when it was all done! This was the ‘paycheck’ for us – to know that men and women had come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; to hear that Salvationists had recommitted to the mission of our Army and fallen in love with it all over again. This made everything we experienced during our time in London absolutely worth it! Lieut-Colonels Eddie and Kathy Hobgood are leaders of the North and South Carolina Division, in The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory

J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

CO BO UU NN TD R YL EO S SR RTEHW EM I NED

The ‘Boundless 8’: (clockwise from top left) Alexa Morris, Cameron Millar, Carmen Magdaleno, Jeremiah Hinson, Mejee Lutcher, Jodianne Lutcher, Suzanne Barink, Kelly Zvobgo

Boundless 2015 would not have been possible without the congress office staff and particularly the ‘Boundless 8’, a group of Salvationists from the USA, The Netherlands and New Zealand who worked for free for a year as interns in the congress office at International Headquarters (IHQ) in London. In this online exclusive content, they share their highlights from the international congress and write about the event’s long-term effects.

Highlights

Carmen Magdaleno

Alexa Morris

USA Western Territory

There are so many great things that went on during Boundless that it makes it a little hard to choose one. However, I think my favourite part was the parade of nations in Session One (Wednesday 1 July 2015). It was something that hadn’t been done at a congress before and to see all of the 126 countries The Salvation Army then worked in represented – and also, throughout the week, to witness them all share fellowship, encourage and pray with each other – was such a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Boundless 2015 wasn’t just 1-5 July 2015. Boundless 2015 for me was each month, week and day of August 2014 to July 2015. Living and working abroad held its own victories and challenges. One of my highlights during the congress was singing ‘O Boundless Salvation!’ for the final time during the Sunday morning session and looking around at all the people in the arena. It was pure joy! I am forever grateful to [congress coordinators] Lieut-Colonels Eddie and Kathy Hobgood for giving me an experience of a lifetime. The Hobgoods were the Boundless 8’s biggest fans! They worked alongside us in the office and would always advocate for us. I could not have asked for better people. 6 | ALL THE WORLD |

JU LY–SEPTEM BER 2016

Cameron Millar New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory

My highlight from Boundless was hearing the delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo singing

as they made their way to the prayer meeting each morning. It always made me feel that the mountainous task of the day ahead seemed possible. Kelly Zvobgo USA Western Territory

Boundless 2015 felt like a week of highlights! If I must choose one I would have to say translating Major David Vandebeulque’s sermon from French into English during the Friday evening main session. It’s unlikely that I will ever have another opportunity to speak to an audience of almost 16,000 people, and many others watching from home. It was an incredible experience.

Long-term legacy

Alexa: I had no idea that I would gain a family during my year in London. I made lifelong friends in the congress office. And today I can’t imagine my life without them. The experience I gained working and collaborating with my co-workers is something I miss very much. The office was such a creative environment, which I didn’t realise until I was gone. My experience working on communications in the congress office

BCOOUUNNDTLRE YS SORRE W T HI N EM DE

Left: African delegates dance their way to worship; below: Kelly Zvobgo translates for Major David Vandebeulque; bottom: Jeremiah Hinson distributes doughnuts that had been provided for free by Krispy Kreme

‘The lasting impact for me is that we have such an amazing international family where there is unity in our diversity’ led me to my current position – Web and Social Media Manager for The Salvation Army’s Cascade Division (Oregon and Southern Idaho) in the USA Western Territory. I look forward to continuing my professional development in order to serve others to the best of my ability. Carmen: The congress showed me that the work of The Salvation Army is not done yet – it’s only just beginning. Working in the congress office, and talking with officers and employees at IHQ, opened my eyes more to the different types of ministry taking place throughout the world and how we could work with each other to expand those

How did the congress change your understanding of The Salvation Army – and even your life? Share your thoughts and Boundless highlights online at http://sar.my/boundlessmemories

ministries/projects and create new ones to reach more people. It challenged me to find my role in our mission and encourage others to roll up their sleeves and do the same. The social media reach for Boundless topped something like 16 million people. Something I hope and pray becomes a long-term effect from the congress is that the Army is able to expand to the 30 countries that it is not currently serving in but that viewed Boundless online via social media and live streaming. At the next congress the parade of nations could have flags from 156 countries – and still be reaching more! Cameron: The lasting impact for me is that we have such an amazing international family where there is unity in our diversity. Every country, community and person has something of value to offer The Salvation Army as a whole and we all can be part of that as we head into the next 150 years together.

Kelly: There are three main long-term effects the congress has had on me. Personally, through the internship at IHQ, and as clichéd as it might sound, I gained lifelong friends. Professionally, my ability to think and work quickly and effectively in a high-paced environment was enhanced. And, spiritually, my faith was reaffirmed as I saw the gospel in the flesh – a body of believers from diverse backgrounds, speaking different languages, dressed in every colour under the sun, united by a common message and ever-ready to share news of the Saviour.

The other members of the Boundless 8 were Suzanne Barink (The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory), Jeremiah Hinson (USA Southern Territory), Jodianne Lutcher and Mejee Lutcher (both USA Western Territory). Video footage, photos and more are still available on the congress website www.boundless2015.org

J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

REHABILITATION

AUSTRALIA

A place of transformation by Envoy Craig Stephens

At The Salvation Army’s Dooralong Transformation Centre, Australia’s largest residential centre for addictions treatment, the 2,000-year-old Bible verse: ‘And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved’ (Acts 2:47) has become a reality today.

n March 2013 The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern Territory commenced services at The Dooralong Transformation Centre, described by the centre’s manager, Envoy Craig Stephens, as a ‘state-of-theart facility which was once a five-star luxury resort’. The Transformation Centre is a 150bed facility located on the New South Wales coast an hour-and-a-half north of Sydney. ‘The Army, since its earliest days,’ explains Envoy Stephens, ‘has been engaged in helping alcoholics and addicted people find freedom. The Salvation Army continues to offer services which assist people to live free from addiction. And in Australia, the Army has made a strong statement about the value of recovery services in its purchase of the property in the Dooralong Valley. ‘The Army is saying: “For those people desperate to experience a new life free 8 | ALL THE WORLD |

JU LY–SEPTEM BER 2016

from addiction and all that enslaves, we value ministry to them. We are placing the highest value on that individual, affording him or her opportunity to journey in transformation, to find freedom, in the beautiful surrounds of the Dooralong Valley.”’ On 380 acres of land, the Dooralong Transformation Centre features timber cabins which are comfortably fitted out with wood floors and brass fittings, as well as motel-style accommodation in ‘The Lodge’. There is an on-site cafe and conference centre as well. Recreational opportunities are an amazing feature of the centre. A full-time recreation officer has been employed to ensure that opportunities are available for those in the programme. There are courts for tennis and basketball, a swimming pool and facilities for horse-riding and canoeing. The centre also boasts its own aqua golf facility and archery range. The Salvation Army’s internationally-

acclaimed Bridge Programme is offered at Dooralong. It’s a 12-step framework which includes individualised case management for every participant, group therapy sessions, counselling and work therapy activities. A multidisciplinary staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, registered mental health nurses, caseworkers and others. The method of care delivery is described as being through a modified ‘therapeutic community’. The Bridge Programme is enhanced at the Transformation Centre by Recovery Enhancement Groups (REGs), which are niche speciality focus small groups facilitated by staff and community volunteers. Currently there are in excess of 30 REGs available to participants in the centre’s care. REGs are extremely diverse and range in focus, offering such activities as: Formal training opportunities – literacy classes; tertiary/vocational training courses through TAFE NSW (Technical and Further Education, New South Wales), the largest vocational education and training provider in Australia, including certificate and diploma qualifications; sustainable gardening/horticulture courses.

AUSTRALIA

Photos show the beautiful setting at Dooralong and some of the accommodation and activities

Complementary therapy-based opportunities – positive parenting course; anger management; co-dependency and healthy living, ‘boundaries’ course. Ministry opportunities – ‘Holy Spirit Soaking’ ministry; Alpha Course; GRACE seminars. Recreation opportunities – Horse riding (trail rides); motorcycle club; swimming lessons. But what marks the Dooralong Transformation Centre out from other similar facilities? It is a stunning amenity with breath-taking scenery and an awardwinning programme, but what sets it apart from other centres is that its staff not only have professional credentials, but they are also passionate followers of Jesus. These are the factors which make the centre a hotbed for recovery, liberation, transformation and revival.

‘The Army, since its earliest days, has been engaged in helping addicted people find freedom’

People who access treatment centres looking for freedom from addiction are desperate for good news. As a ‘salvation people’, Salvationists and other Christians have the gospel – the good news given by Jesus. When they work through the power of the Holy Spirit, they can do more than they could ever accomplish alone. Here’s how it happened for one participant, Mark. On his first full day of treatment, while attending his initial group therapy session, he identified himself with: ‘Hi, I’m Mark – and I am a satanist!’ By 8.30 that evening Mark had chosen to be present at a voluntary prayer night and, through tears of repentance, cried out in prayer. With arms stretched out wide he declared: ‘Jesus, I surrender everything to you.’ He promptly threw his pentagram in the lake and has been living as a free man ever since. Daniel (a graduate of the Transformation Centre), also identifies with the grace of repentance washing over him. He was a self-professed lifelong atheist. He had been in the Transformation Centre only a couple of days and found himself surrendering his will and handing his life over to Jesus Christ. Daniel recently testified to a group of more than 300

people at a civic leaders’ forum that ‘since that moment of salvation I have known the Holy Spirit’s presence with me. I’m calm and unafraid.’ Amanda (another graduate) was the girlfriend of the president of an outlaw biker gang. She had trained as a registered nurse but – because of her drug use and the affiliations with organised crime which defined her life with the club – she lost her registration, her career, her partner and child. In desperation Amanda called out to Jesus as her only hope. In that moment Jesus brought the boundless salvation known only through Christ. Today Amanda worships and serves in the local corps (church), inspiring others in their journeys to freedom. The Transformation Centre is a place where God’s beautiful grace constantly floods hearts and minds. His gift of kindness, packaged up in repentance, leads participants to savour and celebrate the wondrous all-encompassing salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Envoy Craig Stephens is the manager of Dooralong Transformation Centre, in The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern Territory J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

HO U MN E TARNYDOARWTAHYE M E C

A series looking at the thoughts and experiences of people working for The Salvation Army in their country of birth and others giving service abroad

Major maureen WIFFIN Major Maureen Wiffin is a British retired Salvation Army officer working at International Headquarters in London

What is your role in The Salvation Army? I am a retired Salvation Army officer, but in my retirement I work as a receptionist at International Headquarters (IHQ).

HOME

What would be your typical day? When I’m working I leave home very early to travel to IHQ. Work on the reception desk can be varied, but usually involves answering the phone and greeting people who visit the building or come for appointments. How did you meet The Salvation Army? I was brought up in the Army, attending the meetings every Sunday, and very involved in various sections and activities at my home corps (church). As I was approaching the time of leaving school and considering what to do, I felt very strongly that God was calling me to become a Salvation Army officer. So apart from two years when I left school and worked at a local hospital before entering the training college, I have only known the Salvation Army! Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’? I cannot name anyone in particular, but I have heard and read about many Salvationists and other Christians who have gone through very difficult situations because of their faith. To me they are all heroes of the faith. What is your favourite Bible verse? There are so many verses that I like, such as those of Psalm 121, which speak of God as our helper who we can always turn to and who watches over us day and night. What is your favourite Salvation Army song? Again, there are so many songs that I like that it is hard to choose one as a favourite! I do like Song 843 in The Song Book of The Salvation Army, which says: ‘I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me he hath made known’, and particularly the chorus: ‘But I know whom I have believèd, and am persuaded that

10 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM J ULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

he is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.’ How do you think that working in the UK – and particularly at IHQ – differs from working elsewhere? It differs in that I have been able to meet many Salvationists from other countries and I see that this is really an international army. Salvationists and friends from other territories love to come to IHQ. At the Boundless congress last year so many people from around the world came to visit and I would not have met them anywhere else. What do you like most about the UK? Our countryside, and our cities and towns. I particularly like the pageantry we have for our special events, especially our royal events (I am a bit of a royalist!). If you were elected General, what would be the first thing you would change? This is difficult! Perhaps we could make Founder’s Day (2 July) a closed date so it can always be celebrated in some way. What skills do you use most in your work? Listening is one skill I use; also trying to be adaptable. What’s so special about The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army has so many programmes and ways in which we can all serve and we can serve all! From our corps and work in the community to our social services centres and our emergency services. There is such variety, even including music ministries and work with young people and children – and all happening right around the world. The ministry is so vast yet of great value, including everyone.

away

Major Valeriu Lalac Originally from Moldova, Major Valeriu Lalac is currently working with his wife – Major Victoria Lalac – in The Salvation Army’s United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland

What is your role in The Salvation Army? I am a support officer at the London South-East Divisional Headquarters. What would be your typical day? A mix of being in the office and visiting different corps (churches) within the division.

Do you have a ‘claim to fame’? Everything I do, I do it for God’s glory. [Editor’s note: Valeriu is too modest to reveal that, in 1999, then-Lieutenants Valeriu and Victoria Lalac were appointed straight from training to begin The Salvation Army’s work in Romania, opening an outpost in Bucharest.]

&AWAY

How did you meet The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army ‘met me’ when it started its mission in Dubossary, our town in Moldova. I was looking for my place in this world after perestroika [the fall of communism in eastern Europe].

Above: Majors Victoria and Valeriu Lalac at the 2015 International Congress in London; below left: Major Valeriu Lalac leads worship from the keyboard

Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’? William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, is one of them.

(Anglican). In the countries of Eastern Europe the Orthodox Church is not always friendly to us!

What is your favourite Bible verse? Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me’ (New Revised Standard Version).

What do you like most about the UK? There is green grass all through the year. I also like its democratic style of politics and its people.

What is your favourite Salvation Army song? ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers’ (971, The Song Book of The Salvation Army).

What do you most miss about Moldova? The mountains, culture (traditions, music and language) and the Moldovan Salvation Army.

How do you think that working in the UK differs from working elsewhere? Even though The Salvation Army is one, it is different in different countries. The worship style is different here in the UK, based on many traditions. In the countries that make up my home territory of Eastern Europe (Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Georgia) it is more modern. Here The Salvation Army has an open relationship with the main church

What aspects of another country’s culture do you wish were present in the UK? Passion for the good news of the gospel, faith and an open expression of ministry. If you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose? I am open to working in any country, whether The Salvation Army is developed or only at the beginning. The most important thing for me is to love the country, to appreciate The Salvation Army’s history and experience there and to be useful for its new stage of development. This is what I do now in the UK. What skills do you use most in your work? Servant leadership, strategic vision, music and worship. What skills do you have that you would like the opportunity to use more? I would like to grow in the Spirit and God’s guidance and to receive from him clear vision and strong passion. How would you like to be remembered? As a person who made a strong impact in people’s lives and in their transformation. What’s so special about The Salvation Army? In all its various guises it is about people’s salvation!

&AWAY

UL –SSETH EPPTE BE 2016 | | ALL JJUL M YY–ON –TE MMM ON BE TH RR2016 2012 ALLTHE THEWORLD WORLD | |

11 11

FACTFILE

The flag of Paraguay is unusual because its front (obverse) differs slightly from its back (reverse). Both sides contain three bands of colour: (from top) red, white and blue. On the obverse side, the national coat of arms sits in the centre of the white stripe while on the reverse this location is taken up by the treasury seal, which includes the country’s motto.

PARAGUAY

The flag has been almost unchanged since 1842 apart from some small alterations to the coat of arms, which was most recently simplified in 2013. The motto of Paraguay is ‘Paz y justicia’ (‘Peace and justice’).

• The region that makes up modern Paraguay

has been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years.

• Spanish explorers arrived in 1516 and

Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay

Paraguay is one of only two landlocked countries in the whole of the Americas. The other is its northerly neighbour, Bolivia. The name Paraguay is said to mean ‘crowned river’ after the Guaraní words for water and palm crown – but no one is certain! The Paraguay River, which divides the country in two, is South America’s secondlongest (after the Amazon). The population of Paraguay in 2015 was 7,012,433. Just over half a million people live in the capital, Asunción. Paraguay’s literacy rate is higher than that of the United States. Ninety-four per cent of citizens aged 15 and older can read and write, compared to 86 per cent for the USA. More than 89 per cent of Paraguayans are Roman Catholic, six per cent Protestants, one per cent ‘other Christian’ and two per cent follow other faiths (including indigenous). Only two per cent of people class themselves as being atheists or agnostics, making Paraguay one of the most ‘religious’ countries in the world.

12 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

Juan de Salazar de Espinosa founded the settlement of Asunción on 15 August 1537. The city eventually became the centre of the Spanish colonial province of Paraguay and is now the country’s capital.

• The local Spanish administration was

overthrown on 14 May 1811, with power soon seized by the first of a number of dictator presidents, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, who ruled Paraguay from 1814 until his death in 1840.

• In 1864, President Francisco Solano López

led the nation into the disastrous Paraguayan War against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. More than half the population died in the conflict (some reports suggest that more than two-thirds were killed) due to fighting or starvation. It is suggested by some writers that only around 25,000 adult males survived the war – not much more than 10 per cent of the post-war population.

• The first half of the 20th century was a time

of political instability, with 31 presidents taking office between 1904 and 1954. Many were removed by force.

• A civil war that began in 1947 led to the seizing of power by Alfredo Stroessner, whose dictatorship lasted until 1989.

• Following a military coup in February

1989, General Andrés Rodríguez took the presidency and began a series of reforms, leading to a new constitution being implemented in 1992 which brought in a democratic system of government.

The Salvation Army in PARAGUAY Salvation Army ministry in Paraguay began in 1910 with a three-month exploratory mission by Adjutant Thomas Frisch, from Uruguay. One of the first people to greet Adjutant Frisch was the President of Paraguay, Emiliano González Navero, who spoke warmly about The Salvation Army. The first corps (church) was opened in Asunción, followed two years later by a second in Villa Rica. Villa Rica was also the location of a fruit farm that was bought to rehabilitate, in the words of The Salvation Army’s official history (volume five), ‘the wrecks of society who came nightly to the shelter for the homeless’. Today there are 318 Salvation Army senior soldiers in Paraguay, 111 adherents and 98 junior soldiers. There are 15 officers, seven corps (churches) and two outposts. The Salvation Army’s practical outreach in Paraguay includes one children’s home, one medical clinic, two students’ homes and six community and day care centres. Today, Paraguay is part of the South America East Territory, along with Argentina and Uruguay. Territorial headquarters is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The gospel is preached in both of Paraguay’s official languages – Spanish and Guaraní (an indigenous tongue). Recent figures show that Guaraní is understood by 95 per cent of the population but Spanish by only 90 per cent – and this figure has risen by 15 per cent since the late 1980s.

PARAGUAY

Making an impact

HEALTH

Words and photos by Ruth Samuels

For 17 years, The Salvation Army’s Tekokatu Medical Clinic in Paraguay has been at work in the neighbourhood of Laurelty, San Lorenzo, less than 10 miles from the capital, Asunción. Tekokatu is held in such high regard that one patient continues to return to the clinic for check-ups and treatment, despite having moved almost 200 miles away. I recently had the opportunity to visit the clinic, and to witness first-hand the work that impacts the lives of so many people in the surrounding communities. Alcira Chaparro has worked as a nurse at Tekokatu Medical Clinic for three years. Once the patients have registered at the clinic reception, they are assessed by Alcira in the nurse’s office. Each patient will be weighed, have his or her blood pressure taken,

Above: Nora, the host of a deworming workshop in Porvenir; below: Alcira Chaparro, a nurse at Tekokatu Medical Clinic

and be assessed for other illnesses such as fever. Part of Alcira’s role at the clinic is to educate patients – and members of the community outside the clinic – about various illnesses and health problems. She shows me a jar on her bookshelf J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

PARAGUAY

which looks at first glance like it is half full of water and beansprouts. ‘This is a worm we took from a oneyear-old child,’ she explains, holding the jar. ‘It was taken out from the baby’s nose and mouth. Seeing children with parasites is a daily problem.’ My stomach churns at the thought of the gigantic worm being anywhere near my nose, let alone being removed from it! I can only imagine just how malnourished and weak its young host must have been before receiving treatment. AFTER THEIR initial assessment with the nurse, patients then move on to seeing the doctor, psychologist or gynaecologist for further diagnoses and prescriptions. Dr Floria Sanchez, who has worked at the clinic throughout its 17-year history, has seen the health care priorities of the area change over time. At present, the biggest health concerns are malnutrition – particularly among children – and parasitic infections, the dengue fever epidemic and frequent intestinal infections and skin conditions within the communities living along a contaminated stream. Dr Sanchez also sees that the local communities are experiencing a rise in the number of teenage pregnancies, and she finds this very concerning. ‘This is a cultural issue,’ she says. ‘I am really worried about the circumstances of these young mothers.’

Top left: children in Porvenir community inspect a jar of intestinal worms; above: the youngest son deworming workshop host Nora; left: Dr Floria Sanchez, who has worked at Tekokatu Medical Clinic for 17 years

As well as seeing patients at the clinic, the team at Tekokatu is passionate about working in the surrounding communities. The clinic sees the importance of not only diagnosing and treating illnesses, but also educating communities in illness prevention, and social issues such as domestic violence and human trafficking. Ana María Cabrera has worked at the clinic as a social worker for 10 years. She facilitates community workshops on themes including deworming, nutritional health, sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, hygiene and the prevention of chronic illnesses. The 14 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

sessions are taught in both Spanish and Guaraní – the indigenous Paraguayan language – to ensure that all participants can understand. Each workshop is hosted by a member of the community, with participants gathering under trees next to the host’s home, each bringing his or her own seat. This may not seem like a big idea, but establishing hosts within the communities has led to greater engagement and understanding of these issues, and has increased the clinic’s reach to encompass those who might not normally visit the permanent facility.

PARAGUAY

‘Establishing hosts within the communities has led to greater engagement and understanding of these issues’

Left: Ana María Cabrera, social worker at Tekokatu, in the demonstration kitchen at the clinic. This space is also used by Servicio Nacional de Promocion Profesional (SNPP) – a government organisation – to facilitate vocational skills training sessions with patients and other members of the community; above: Ana María begins a nutrition workshop in the community of Cable Guy (a Guaraní name pronounced ‘Cablay Wee’); below: teenager Angels (left) with his grandmother, mum Sandra and one of his brothers. As a two-year-old, Angels was treated at the clinic for malnutrition

Community workshops serve to reinforce and elaborate on information received at the clinic through consultations and clinic programmes. Each year, the clinic’s ‘Milk and Oats’ programme works with 20 malnourished children, from babies to five-year-olds, to improve their nutritional health. The children receive weekly supplements of milk, oats, fruit and eggs to increase the nutritional value of their diet, and to improve their overall health. The parents of the children on the Milk and Oats programme are also invited to attend community-based nutritional health workshops in order to learn about balanced diets, gaining an understanding of which foods promote good health and how to make nutritious meals and drinks using soya. Angels is testament to the impact these programmes have had upon the community. At two years old, he was so weak and thin that he was unable to stand or walk. A neighbour who was concerned for Angels’s health recommended that his 17-year-old mother take him to Tekokatu Clinic to receive help. After being assessed at the clinic, Angels joined the first group of children to take part in the Milk and Oats programme, receiving milk and nutritious food. His improved diet led to him making a significant recovery over the following years. Fourteen years on, and Angels is a tall, healthy and ambitious teenager, but he still remembers attending the J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

PARAGUAY

‘It was easy to see the impact the clinic has had on the surrounding communities over the past two decades’ clinic as a young child. He now has his sights set on studying for a mechanical electronics qualification. His mother, Sandra, has continued to attend various programmes since being introduced to the clinic when she was 17, and is a big advocate for the nutritional health workshops. ‘Our whole family [my four sons and my mother] are big fans of soya!’ she says. ‘I still put into practice the things I learned in the workshops years ago.’ In the short time I spent at Tekokatu, it was easy to see the impact the clinic has had on the surrounding communities over the past two decades. What has been developed is not just a building that people come to in order to receive treatment, but an environment within 16 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

a community where people are active participants in their long-term recovery. Outside of the clinic’s four walls, community members are included in a learning process that reaches beyond their own individual illnesses and treatment. Above: Liliana – the host of a nutrition workshop in Cable Guy community – with her youngest daughter; right: cheese balls, made with soya, being cooked during a demonstration at the workshop; below: Tekokatu Medical Clinic, in the community of Villa Laurelty, near San Lorenzo, Asunción

PARAGUAY

Left: a young mother, with her baby, waits for a nutrition workshop to begin in Cable Guy community; above: a boy sits with his mother and friends during the workshop; below: fiveyear-old Luz-Fabia, oldest daughter of Liliana who hosted a nutrition workshop in Cable Guy

Above: Majors Gladys and David Barrios. As well as running San Lorenzo Corps (church) with her husband, Major Gladys is the director of Tekokatu Medical Clinic

J UL Y â€“ S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

SOCIAL MEDIA

ITALY

Real lives in a virtual world

With more than 600 Twitter followers, around 550 Instagram followers and almost 1,800 Facebook friends, Major Estelle Blake has a worldwide audience with whom to share her ministry, faith and life. Originally from the United Kingdom, Estelle has served in her home country and in Italy. She is currently National Coordinator for Anti-Human Trafficking and Green Light Project Ministries in The Salvation Army’s Italy and Greece Command. At the time of this interview – with International Headquarters Web Manager David Giles – she was also Associate Officer at Rome Corps (church) but was preparing to move to Florence. She shared with David how her social media ministry is having a practical effect in her everyday life and in the lives of people from around the world.

You’re clearly comfortable talking about your faith, but also a prolific user of social media. How do you use it, and what platforms do you use? I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I use them differently. Facebook I use a lot – it’s a personal thing, but an informative thing as well. I can have incredible conversations, but also find that there are people who use it as a place to moan! I want to make sure that when they see something I’ve put 18 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

on, it’s going to be a positive post. I love Twitter for catching up on sound bites, and use that much more as a professional thing. It’s a good way to follow politicians as they have to say something in a short space of time, rather than be longwinded! I went to a hustings [debate] a couple of UK elections ago, and I’d been following our candidates. I asked a question, and the first thing the candidate said was: ‘You’re the person

on Twitter who asked me that question.’ I’ve found it’s given me the chance to connect with politicians and people of different influence in a safe way – for them and me! And then Instagram ... I have an absolute passion for photography, and I tend to use Instagram to give people a glimpse of my work, but also my life. Everyone has an image of Rome. It’s good to be able to show the opposite side of the city. The area of Rome I live in is filthy – that doesn’t worry me. It’s also a communist area – that doesn’t worry me. It’s full of students – that doesn’t worry me. But it’s full of everyday people. [Showing this through Instagram] gives another option of what Italy’s like as a place. It’s about helping people to see the reality of a beautiful city. I have the utmost respect for Salvationists in Italy, because when

ITALY

The images on these pages are samples of what Major Estelle Blake shares through her social media accounts – Italian life (the beauty and the ‘dirt’) plus her everyday ministry and the role she plays in the fight against human trafficking

you’re a small Salvation Army – and I don’t say this lightly – I feel there is a responsibility to say ‘[The Salvation Army in] Italy may be small, but it’s a huge part of belief – and we’re doing amazing things!’

it shines on those beautiful colours and they change shade. So there are beauty spots around, even in the muck and junk. I was always brought up [to appreciate that] even in muck and junk, there is beauty.

How do you try to achieve the balance of providing a ‘positive’ experience for people in your posts with the reality of the situations you’re describing? The reality is that I will post pictures of the dirt. I don’t see any point in hiding any of that. But I also point out that within the dirt and the muck, there’s beauty. One of my favourite things about Italy is not the architecture, but the colour of the architecture. It’s the fact that everyday buildings are painted pink and orange and yellow and brown. And then they get dirty, and the paint fades, and there’s no money to repaint them. But when the sun shines on them – with the old dirt and the wrecked old building –

So where does faith appear – among the beauty or the dirt? It has to be in both. One of the ways I’ve used Facebook and Twitter quite powerfully is to show the work that we do here in the Green Light project in Rome [an outreach to women in prostitution]. What I often share is words. And I use it as a prayer place. For people who commit to pray for us we use it to post updates: ‘Would you please pray for this situation?’ ‘Can you pray not just during, but after?’ And it’s one of those places where I’ve found the beauty in the dirt. I was talking to someone here yesterday – a social worker working with women in prostitution – and she said:

‘I was always brought up [to appreciate that] even in muck and junk, there is beauty’

‘The difference is you go and offer them faith, you offer them Jesus. We used to go and tell them they had to leave the work and all the legal stuff. You say to them: “If you want to come [and see us], we can help you.”’ Obviously, that’s the difference. We don’t say we can fix anything, but if they need help – we’re there. We’re trying to show Jesus by being Jesus. I used to say this to cadets [trainee Salvation Army officers] in the UK Territory all the time: ‘We’ve got very good at “doing” Jesus but we’ve not been very good at “being” Jesus. And J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

ITALY

good at “doing” Jesus but we’ve not been very good at “being” Jesus. And now is your chance to “be Jesus” in all things.’ Have you received any encouragement on social media? Some old schoolfriends, not Christians, had the courage to write to me about private issues and ask me to pray for them. Nothing to do with my work. No connection at all. But they know that I won’t judge them. And that’s because of my posts. While I’ve been here in Rome, I’ve had the use of vehicles. But my appointment in Florence is a new outreach, so I put on Facebook ages ago that I was moving to Florence, praying that I would somehow get a vehicle – and that was the end of it. No discussion. About four days later, a woman I know said: ‘Estelle, you’ve got lots of friends – if we all gave £3, you could get your car.’ So I wrote back and said ‘I can’t just do that.’ I spoke to my bosses – they didn’t see any issue, as long as we made it clear it was personal. And I was a bit hesitant, but a friend from Twitter who I’m now friends with on Facebook – strangely enough we’ve never met, but we have an awful lot in common – said: ‘You should do this.’ And I said: ‘Don’t be so stupid – nobody’s going to give me any money.’ So we started this GoFundMe thing, and – incredibly – within 24 hours the total was €3,500! I was shocked! My friend had said to me: ‘I’m not getting out of bed until it hits a thousand!’ She was really annoyed, because she had to get out of bed a lot earlier than she thought! Within 31 hours, we’d hit €5,000. The total as it 20 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

currently stands is nearly €6,000. I’ve also had offers to pay for the maintenance of the vehicle. It’s been crazy – but that’s the power of social media at its best. What do you put it down to? I put it down to God’s inspiration. I put it down to God’s time being right. I put it down to social media! I have been open about my ministry. I keep telling people I’m not a superhero, and I’m not! People say to me: ‘I couldn’t do what you do – you’re so brave.’ I don’t know what they think is brave. All I do is get in a van and get out and talk to someone and say: ‘Do you want a cup of tea?’ I’ve allowed people to share in the ministry and I’m allowing people to share their faith and share in a way that they can. I’m half-thinking of making a sign that says ‘thank you’, with the names of the people who have given, and sticking it in front of the car when I get it. Because actually it’s not my car, it’s theirs. Maybe it’s their way of being practically involved in ministry. Do you think there is a role for doing ministry on social media too? There is. There’s an officer in the UK who has severe health issues, but her ministry on Facebook – sending Scripture verses and encouragement – is out of this world. Does social media help you as an ex-pat – enabling you to maintain links with the UK? Definitely. It’s notable the difference between the first time I came here when there was no Internet (there was a fax machine!) and this time. It’s been a great way to connect with family and friends – especially friends who are

social media people. And it’s made it a lot easier for me to connect with people internationally who are doing the same work as me. Would you say that in some ways you’re also a ‘faith ex-pat’ living as a minority denomination in a majority Catholic population, and does social media help with that? Definitely! Intriguingly enough, most of my connections with other Christians here are with American or Canadian missionaries, because social media is so important to them. A ‘faith ex-pat’ is a strange way of putting it, but it’s very much the truth – it’s a way of showing a different side of what Church is about.

Major Blake’s anti-trafficking work and ministry to people in prostitution are described in an article in the July – September issue of Revive magazine.

See www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/revive for details of how to order.

NORWAY

REFUGEES

A new home Sam Roen, a Salvation Army soldier engaged in a ministry to refugees, tells how he and his wife fled from Afghanistan and found a new home in Norway. On the way, he explains, they also found a new faith and a new purpose in life.

WAS born into a Muslim family. When I was only an infant, my family fled from Afghanistan to Iran because of war. Then, in 2001, we decided to return to Afghanistan. I went to university and earned a bachelor’s degree. Then I moved to the capital,

Kabul, to work for the government’s civil service commission. During my time there, I met Sara, who came from southern Afghanistan to work for the same government service. We had a traditional Muslim wedding and began to build our life together as a newly

Above: Sam and Sara Roen

married couple. We planned that once the war had finished, we would buy a house. That was the plan. All of a sudden, life was in turmoil. We were in danger. We had to leave the country immediately. We had to abandon everything – our families, our jobs, our friends – or face death. We needed to find a new home abroad. Except for our rucksacks and the clothes we stood up in, we had nothing. We flew J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

NORWAY

Left: the Salvation Army corps (church) in Raufoss, Norway, where Sam and Sara Roen provide assistance to refugees; below: The Salvation Army helps refugees – mainly from hot countries – to cope with the bitter Norwegian winters

‘We had to abandon everything – our families, our jobs, our friends – or face death’ to Mashhad in Iran and then took a bus to a town near the Turkish border. There were about 120 of us trying to make our way to Europe. It took us 22 hours to walk from Iran to Turkey. We had to hike through mountains and forests, rain and mud. It was dark and bitterly cold, but we could not stop. Once we were in Turkey, we knew that, if the police found us, we could face deportation. But there was no life for me and Sara back in Afghanistan. As terrified and cold as we felt, turning back was not an option. In Turkey, our goal was to get somewhere safe. We hid in a forest, where we stayed for two nights. The first night, the police came and found many of our group. We all scattered, afraid of being captured. Sara and I hid under the trees. The darkness protected us. We were utterly terrified and our clothes were soaked with mud. After the police left, it was quiet. Sara and I walked with other migrants during the night towards Greece. Along the way, we met some Kurdish people who helped us to get closer to the Greek border. Before we could enter Greece, we had to cross a river. Our Kurdish helpers offered us a boat. We boarded the vessel, but just as we began to get across the river, we heard the police shouting behind us: ‘Stop! Stop! Stop!’ At once, everyone jumped in the water and started to swim. It was very, very horrible. 22 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

The water was deeper than me, and neither Sara or I could swim. We clung desperately to our rucksacks, which were full of air, and kicked for the riverbank. We met people who lost family members and children there. It was really a miracle that we survived. Once we arrived on dry land, we had to abandon our rucksacks. They were full of water and had become too heavy to carry. We arrived in Greece with nothing, only the clothes on our backs. We were exhausted. The journey from Afghanistan had taken 23 days. In Greece, the police found us and took us by bus to Athens. They registered us and placed us in a refugee camp. They placed us in a temporary shelter. We felt relieved to be alive and ready to make a fresh start. While in the camp, Sara and I began a different journey – this time focused

on exploring the Christian faith. My fascination with Christianity started while I was living in Iran, where I was able to question and search for God in my own way. In Afghanistan, however, the Christian faith was not something I could explore. I had to attend mosque at least once a week. In Athens, my continuing curiosity about the Christian faith motivated us to visit churches in the city. We visited a church that was run by people who spoke Farsi. As we could speak the language we kept going back. They gave us food, clothes and, most importantly, love. We felt that the atmosphere in the church was full of good energy. One man came up to us and asked for our names so that he could pray for us. His kindness caught me by surprise. I thought, why is he doing something like this? Why are these people so kind to us?

NORWAY

Right and below: Sara and other team members at Raufoss Corps provide refugees with fresh food and other necessities

Sara and I began comparing our experience of living as Muslims in Afghanistan with this new Christian way. Every Christian who came our way had something valuable to teach us. We stayed in Greece for almost two years, but we knew that we could not stay permanently. There was no future for us there. We couldn’t work and we could live only in temporary shelters. We were stuck. With financial support from our families in Afghanistan, we made our way to Norway. It was not easy and it took a long time but, in the end, we made it. Shortly after our arrival, while we were walking through town, Sara and I noticed an announcement board outside a Salvation Army building. Curious, we walked in and asked about it. The people inside welcomed us and explained that they were a church. We went to a service there and were happily surprised at the style of worship.

There was music and dancing. People were worshipping God with joy, not fear. We were greeted with kindness and love. Although we were strangers, we were welcomed like family. In response to the kindness we received, Sara and I decided to become members of the church. We began to study the Bible and learn about Jesus Christ and his message of love. I was touched by the story of how Jesus, in his last days, washed his disciples’ feet. I thought, this is the real thing. If everyone in the world thought like Jesus, we would have no more war or conflict. It would be like Heaven on earth. Over the next few weeks, Sara and I dedicated our lives to following Jesus. But we were afraid. Then, one day, a man came to us and said: ‘I feel that you are very worried. I want to tell you, don’t worry. You are in safe hands now. You are in God’s hands and no one can harm

‘There was music and dancing. People were worshipping God with joy, not fear’

you.’ When he said that, at once we both felt safe and relaxed. Over the next year, Sara and I became more involved in Salvation Army activities. During this past winter, we have looked after a food bank and drop-in centre for refugees. We have met people from Syria, Nigeria, Congo, Somalia, Eritrea and Iraq. Their stories are similar to ours. Most of them fled from their home countries because of war. We feel proud to be part of The Salvation Army. The church is like a second home to us. We will not forget the days that have led us to our new life in Norway. Every step was an important piece of the puzzle to get us to where we are now. We were hopeless in Afghanistan, but God brought people into our lives to lead us to where we are today. At last, we have found a new home. This article first appeared in The War Cry, published by the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. Photos from the Norwegian Salvation Army periodical Krigsropet (credit: Krigsropet Norway/ Kristianne Maroy).

For the latest on The Salvation Army’s Europe refugee response – including videos featuring Sam and Sara – go to: http://sar.my/europerefugees J UL Y – S E P TE M BE R 2016 | ALL THE WORLD |

COUNTRY OR THEME

SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Australia

Drawn to spirituality In what is almost certainly a first for The Salvation Army, Salvo Publishing in Australia has produced a colouring book – for adults. Taking advantage of the ‘mindfulness’ colouring craze that has swept the developed world, Blessings of the Righteous by Jo Brookshaw is a colouring book that helps the reader/ colourer (if there is such a word!) to travel deep into Psalm 112. Jo, a Salvation Army officer who runs Craigieburn Corps (church) with her husband, Peter, told On Fire magazine that she believes art gives people different options for connecting with God because it bypasses logic and thinking and hits the heart, helping people to get away from words. The magazine explains that Jo began designing adult colouring sheets as a creative assignment for one of her final subjects, Psalms, as part of a degree through Catherine

United Kingdom

Laying down the law A free legal service run through The Salvation Army’s Gloucester Corps (church) is gaining recognition from across the region. The weekly clinic, operated by local law firm Wallis Solicitors Limited and supported by The Salvation Army Trading Company Limited, offers assistance to people who could not afford to pay for

Booth College. The colouring book craze was in full swing and she was interested in doing some for her congregation. Also, there was interest on Facebook for the snippets she posted, so she approached Salvo Publishing. As the reader/colourer works through the book, he or she is faced with questions relating to the text. The intention is that people will not only read and colour, but they will actually become part of God’s story – a story that is relevant to people’s lives and the issues they face today, despite being written thousands of years ago. The suggestion is that people should grab a colouring ‘weapon of choice’, find a peaceful space, quieten their hearts and – beginning with prayer – immerse themselves in a world of God’s own colours.

legal services, covering areas of law including crime, benefits, housing, family, access to children, setting up businesses and elderly people. Since the clinic was started in 2010, more than 500 people have been helped, with the number growing by about eight every week. The area where the corps is located is multicultural, and is also the poorest ward in the county of Gloucestershire. There are many people who do not speak English, so the clinic has interpreters available to

Blessings of the Righteous costs AU$10 plus postage from commerce.salvationarmy.org.au/

translate from and into Polish, Urdu and Gujurati. The service that the Free Legal Clinic provides has earned the respect of the Gloucestershire High Sherriff, the Mayor of Gloucester and also local members of parliament (MPs), all of whom have given their support. The clinic works holistically within the Gloucestershire community, receiving referrals from MPs’ offices, other law firms, the courts and community centres. As well as providing a vital service to the community, the free clinic offers work experience to law undergraduates from the local university, providing students with the opportunity to gain practical, realistic experience of helping people with a variety of issues. This experience allows law students to gain key achievements which will help them to find employment after graduation.

‘Since the clinic was started in 2010, more than 500 people have been helped’ 24 | ALL THE WORLD |

JULY–SEPTEM BER 2016

SNAPSHOTS

South Africa

Webby Well Done! A SALVATION Army domestic violence awareness campaign that drew interest and admiration from around the world has been honoured with a Webby People’s Voice Award. The award – one of the Web’s most prestigious accolades – was the result of a vote by two million members of the public. As was reported in the April– June 2015 issue of All the World, Johannesburg-based advertising agency Ireland/Davenport worked with The Salvation Army’s Southern Africa Territory on a campaign that picked up on worldwide interest in a photo of a dress that appeared black and blue to some people but white and gold to others. The creative team at Ireland/ Davenport swiftly designed a print and online campaign – at no charge to The Salvation Army – which used a powerful photo of an apparently bruised

ONLY

£5

model wearing a similar outfit, posing the question: ‘Why is it so hard to see black and blue?’ and highlighting the startling statistic that – in South Africa – one in six women is a victim of abuse. The work of The Salvation Army’s Carehaven residential centre for abused women was also featured in the campaign. Launched on 6 March 2015, within 24 hours the campaign had been seen by 30.6 million Twitter users and additional media coverage achieved a reach of 640 million people. Data suggests that the total potential audience was 5.3 billion people in 179 countries, making #TheDress the most successful and most-shared public service campaign in South wAfrican history.

Major Carin Holmes, Public Relations Secretary for the Southern Africa Territory, explains: ‘By focusing the social media conversation at exactly the right time, Ireland/Davenport managed to create a viral sensation – asking the important question as to why the world was so interested in the colour of a dress rather than the experience of the woman wearing it.’ The Webby Awards – often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the Internet’ – received 13,000 entries from agencies in 65 countries in 2016.

First anniversary special offer!

PLUS POSTAGE

Relive The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary celebrations through Boundless – The Experience, a stunning 160-page photo book of the 2015 International Congress. Now on special offer by post or to personal callers to International Headquarters. Worldwide postage only £3

PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO ‘THE SALVATION ARMY’, ADDRESSED TO: Communications Section, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom Please include your name and address Salvation Books publications are also available from territorial trade/ supplies departments and on www.amazon.co.uk, although prices may vary.

Email IHQ-Communications@salvationarmy.org for further information

ADVERT

HALF PRICE!

‘By focusing the social media conversation at exactly the right time, Ireland/Davenport managed to create a viral sensation’

Colour figures represent the year The Salvation Army first began work in a country

‘Soldiers of Salvation ... here are your marching orders! OBEY!! and upon the pages of “All the World” we will chronicle the miracles wrought and the victories achieved through you by the mighty Power of the Holy Ghost.’ General William Booth, writing in the first issue of All the World, November 1884

(Mar

k 16:

1865 United Kingdom 1879 Guernsey 1879 Jersey 1880 United States of America 1880 Republic of Ireland (Eire) 1881 Australia 1881 France 1882 Canada 1882 India 1882 Switzerland 1882 Sweden 1883 Sri Lanka 1883 South Africa 1883 New Zealand 1883 Isle of Man 1883 Pakistan

1884 St Helena 1886 Germany 1887 Italy 1887 Denmark 1887 The Netherlands 1887 Jamaica 1888 Norway 1889 Belgium 1889 Finland 1890 Argentina 1890 Uruguay 1891 Zimbabwe 1894 Indonesia 1895 Guyana 1895 Iceland 1895 Japan 1896 Bermuda 1898 Barbados 1901 Trinidad and Tobago 1902 St Lucia 1902 Grenada 1903 Antigua

1903 St Vincent 1904 St Christopher Nevis (St Kitts) 1904 Panama 1907 Costa Rica 1908 Korea 1909 Chile 1910 Paraguay 1910 Peru 1913 Russia (1991) 1915 Belize 1915 Myanmar 1916 China 1916 Mozambique 1917 Virgin Islands 1918 Cuba 1919 Czech Republic (1990) 1920 Nigeria 1920 Bolivia 1921 Kenya 1922 Zambia 1922 Brazil 1922 Ghana

he t h c

l to e p s

15 Ne

w Int

ernat

ional

Versi

ll t

on )

es: l p i isc

or w e h

pr d n a

‘Go

a into

is d

Jesu

h told

In 1884, when The Salvation Army was at work in 17 countries, its Founder – William Booth – held firm to the biblical mandate to preach the gospel to ‘all the world’ and started this publication to bear witness. Today, with a ministry in 127 countries, the calling to ‘Go!’ is as strong as ever!

1980 French Guiana 1985 Angola 1985 Ecuador 1985 Marshall Islands 1986 Tonga 1988 Liberia 1989 El Salvador 1993 Ukraine 1993 Georgia 1994 Guam 1993 Micronesia 1994 Moldova 1995 Dominican Republic 1996 Rwanda 1997 Botswana 1999 Romania 1999 St Maarten 2000 Macau 2000 Honduras

2005 Lithuania 2005 Poland 2007 Burundi 2007 Greece 2008 Namibia 2008 Mali 2008 Kuwait 2008 Mongolia 2009 Nepal 2010 Sierra Leone 2010 Nicaragua 2010 United Arab Emirates 2011 Turks and Caicos Islands

2011 Solomon Islands 2011 Togo 2012 Greenland 2014 Cambodia 2015 Slovakia

This artwork is available to download from http://sar.my/atw127countries

1923 Latvia (1990) 1924 Hungary (1990) 1924 The Færoes 1926 Suriname 1927 Austria 1927 Estonia (1995) 1929 Colombia (1985) 1930 Hong Kong 1931 Bahamas 1931 Uganda 1933 Tanzania 1934 Democratic Republic of Congo 1935 Singapore 1937 Republic of Congo 1937 The Philippines 1937 Mexico 1938 Malaysia 1950 Haiti 1956 Papua New Guinea 1960 Swaziland 1962 Puerto Rico 1965 Taiwan 1967 Malawi 1969 Lesotho 1970 Bangladesh 1971 Spain 1971 Portugal 1972 Venezuela 1973 Fiji 1976 Guatemala

on’

ati l cre