Embracing conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe
GREAT BIG GREEN WEEK
PASSPORT OUT OF POVERTY
THREE YEARS OF WAR
RAISING CHAMPION FARMERS
05 08 20 06 12 24 07 16 28
BEYOND BORDERS
SOUNDING A BATTTLE CRY FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS ISSUE 14 ~ SPRING 2025
NEW HELPINGHAND RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
FUNDRAISE FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
A message from our UK Engagement Coordinator Hayley Still
Three years ago, just a few weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, I sat at my desk to write the Editorial for the Spring 2022 issue of Develop. At that time I expressed my sincere prayer that the violence would have ended by the time the magazine was published. Yet I also acknowledged that even if that were the case, the impact of the conflict would resonate for years to come.
Today, as I write this Editorial three years later, the conflict continues. It is estimated that there have been over 43,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, though the true number is likely to be far higher. Moreover, 10.6 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes, either internally or across borders.
In these challenging circumstances, The Salvation Army continues to provide holistic support to those affected. Turn to page 8 to learn more about how The Salvation Army is journeying alongside individuals to address mental health and emotional wellbeing whilst fostering community connections that help people process trauma and rebuild their lives.
Amidst great devastation and destruction during the past three years, we have witnessed remarkable examples of resilience, compassion and
collaboration. These qualities are embedded in our emergency response and community development projects around the world. In this issue we explore different expressions of these themes throughout various projects.
Turn to page 12 for an update on the Raising Champion Farmers project in Zimbabwe, where family farmers inspire one another by sharing sustainable farming practices.
On page 16 we highlight news from the Kenya East Territory, where a fifth sand dam has been constructed, providing clean water and improving food security for the communities surrounding the Kalumbi Tujiinue Juu river.
We also explore the impact of international collaboration through our Beyond project on page 20. This theme of global solidarity is also reflected in International Women’s Ministries’ ‘Battle Cry’ which calls for women worldwide to respond creatively to social justice challenges in their communities, contributing to collective global action (page 24).
As you read this issue, I hope that the stories of collaboration and resilience inspire you to keep working for a world of justice, restoration and peace.
Throughout this issue of Develop you will see icons alongside the articles referencing the UN Sustainable Development Goal that each article applies to. Here is a refresher of what the goals are.
Great Big Green Week, taking place 7-15 June 2025, will see a million people from communities across the country swapping together for good to protect and restore nature, lessen the impact of climate change, strengthen our communities and demonstrate to politicians that they need to step up and play their part.
From friends and neighbours swapping skills across generations, to businesses swapping waste for circular solutions, every swap creates stronger communities and a better future.
Together we will protect nature, lessen the impact of climate change and show politicians it’s time for real change.
There are so many ways to take action:
• Swaps that improve lives such as cleaner air and warmer homes, or ending our throwaway culture
• Swapping together for good to create community, not division, to protect the environment
• Taking practical action such as planting trees or moving to renewable energy
Get inspired by some of the ways people and communities are making swaps every day to help create a better tomorrow.
Thousands of events will take place under the theme of ‘Let’s swap together for good’ – everything from tours of local wind farms and nature restoration afternoons to mini festivals that celebrate the community and so much more. Visit the Great Big Green Week website to find an event near you!
Find out more about Great Big Green Week and how you can get involved at greatbiggreenweek.com
Teaching children about the different justice issues that impact people around the world is essential for nurturing empathetic and informed global citizens. Sharing stories from diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives helps them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of our interconnected global community. It also helps children learn to recognise and respect the experiences and challenges faced by others.
Passport out of Poverty is a new resource we have developed to help children aged 7–11 to explore these justice issues and the different areas of our work globally. This interactive session provides a space for children to think about global justice issues in a child-friendly way, shows them how The Salvation Army is responding in different parts of the world, encourages them to reflect on what they can do as part of their church, community or school
to make a difference.
The session includes interactive activities, craft and game suggestions, and discussion prompts designed to explore important topics in a fun and age-appropriate way.
The leader’s guide and a set of story posters can be downloaded from our website and printed. The A6 passport, which children can use to make notes, receive a stamp at each story station and take home as a reminder of their journey, can be ordered and sent directly to you. The passport not only enhances the session but also enables children to continue their reflections and add further ideas for how they can take action after the session.
Find out more at www.salvationist.org.uk/ resources/passport-out-poverty
Long-time supporters of our work and readers of Develop will be familiar with the Helping-Hand Appeal. Each year this fundraising appeal supports a different area of The Salvation Army’s international community development work. During 2025 the focus is Food Security featuring inspiring stories from our Raising Champion Farmers project in Zimbabwe. Turn to page 12 to read more.
The Helping-Hand Appeal is a fantastic way to engage your community in supporting The Salvation Army’s international work. Each year we create a series of resources that fit the appeal theme and highlight the projects taking place around the world to help people feel informed and involved.
This year Family Ministries’ Connect resource reflects on the theme of ‘Nurturing Land, Harvesting Hope’, offering opportunities for discussion, prayer and reflection.
For younger audiences, Jump IN! provides Biblebased sessions designed for pre-school children. The
‘Food Security’ session explores this year’s HelpingHand theme through the Parable of the Sower, incorporating songs, crafts and sensory play ideas to make learning interactive and engaging.
To bring the Raising Champion Farmers project to life, we have also created six videos. These give you the opportunity to learn more about the project and hear directly from five farmers who have developed their skills through the project, witnessing its impact on their lives.
Beyond fundraising, the Helping-Hand Appeal is about raising awareness and fostering a sense of global community. Whether through prayer, learning or giving, we invite you to be part of this journey. Together we can stand alongside communities as they strengthen sustainable farming practices, enhance food security, and build resilience for the future.
Find out more and view all resources at www.salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand
Dominika Brodowska
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, six million Ukrainians have been forced to flee overseas as refugees and nearly four million people are internally displaced. Dominika Brodowska (Ukraine Response Unit Coordinator, International Headquarters) shares the impact that more than three years of conflict have had and how The Salvation Army is continuing to respond in Ukraine and beyond.
The prolonged duration of the conflict is resulting in tremendous mental health needs, ranging from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, to insomnia, concentration and memory issues, low self-esteem and problems forming attachments with others amongst others.
The Salvation Army’s corps (churches) in Ukraine are working to create safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported. Programmes promote community and prevent isolation, and creative projects engage participants with activities to aid trauma processing and integration.
This can be through play, sports activities, Scouts, crafts, cooking, the arts, cultural and recreational activities, art-based workshops and religious activities.
These gatherings provide a supportive
environment where people impacted by the war can connect, exchange experiences and acquire strategies to manage stress. This holistic approach tackles psychosocial distress and aims to foster physical health and community cohesion.
The responses vary across different locations within Ukraine and across Europe, with support tailored to meet the specific needs of each community.
Viktoria Moskalenko is a cadet (Salvation Army officer in training) from Dnipro Corps where they are dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of women by fostering community connections. She says:
‘Dnipro Corps organises meetings for women, where they study the word of God, learn about the Bible and the history of The Salvation Army, watch films, read poems, engage in handicrafts, share recipes and prepare meals.
The emotional wellbeing of all people in Ukraine, especially those who have relocated from war zones and whose relatives and loved ones are fighting on the front line, has suffered greatly. People live with constant stress and there is so much sorrow, grief and uncertainty. But there are such limited resources to support their emotional recovery.
As followers of Jesus Christ and servants of the church, we strive to create a comfortable and warm atmosphere so women can immerse themselves in a calm and friendly environment.
The meetings allow women to feel part of the community. They share their emotions and receive support and empathy through encouragement and prayer. Often, solutions to problems come from other members of the group. It is an opportunity to focus on beautiful things (poems, films, music) and physical exercise can support and help improve emotional wellbeing.’
Many women have found solace and purpose through The Salvation Army after being displaced from their homes. Involvement in community activities and volunteering have provided them with a sense of belonging and an opportunity to support others in similar situations.
Datsyuk was forced to leave Mariupol with her family because her home was destroyed. When she learned about The Salvation Army, she started volunteering. She now attends the women’s club and Bible study and is exploring becoming a Salvation Army church member.
Yuliya was forced to leave Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk, with her family. She says: ‘I could not stay in an apartment where there are no windows, electricity or water. We moved after my child suffered a concussion. When I learnt about The Salvation Army, I started volunteering.’ Now she attends a women’s club and helps in whatever way she can.
Of the almost four million internally displaced people, nearly one million are children. According to UNICEF, the impact of the war on children has been particularly devastating. The war has wiped out three years of schooling, playtime with friends and moments with loved ones. Around 61 per cent of children are experiencing symptoms of stress and related traumas.
Salvation Army corps and their teams, both inside and outside of Ukraine, are working to ensure children feel safe, and they are providing psychological care, after-school and homework clubs, language classes, youth/children’s clubs, camps, excursions and craft workshops. Providing fun and educational classes for children helps protect them from the trauma of war, and art plays an important role in their development and wellbeing.
The Salvation Army in Georgia hosts a programme for Ukrainian children who have settled in the capital city, Tbilisi. The supportive environment at the Army’s centre plays a crucial role in helping them heal and adapt to their new circumstances. One of the new elements that children wanted was the addition of music lessons. A corps member started music lessons, with drums being particularly popular.
15-year-old Katja shared the importance of the group for her: ‘Fleeing from Odesa with my twin sister and mum took four days and was terrifying, especially with my dad still there. The Salvation Army’s afterschool programme at their church in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been a lifeline for me. Playing the drums helps me release my anger and tension; it’s like therapy. The music lessons have brought me great joy and a sense of normalcy. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and the support from The Salvation Army.’
More than 250,000 refugees from Ukraine have sought safety in the United Kingdom. Salvation Army corps and centres across the UK have responded to meet the needs of Ukrainians in their area, including with English language learning, access to employment and housing, or providing safe spaces for the community to meet and celebrate and share their culture and language.
The Salvation Army in Ramsgate supports Ukrainian refugees by addressing their emotional, social and practical needs helping them to recover from trauma, reconnect with their heritage and build fulfilling lives.
English classes enhance essential language skills, build confidence and help improve connections in the local community, whilst clubs for teenagers and older people prevent isolation and provide a space to foster relationships.
Community singing, traditional celebrations and shared meals unite people, strengthening cultural identity and providing comfort through familiar traditions. A Ukrainian school helps children maintain their language, heritage and cultural identity, fostering emotional stability and pride.
Training opportunities, such as barista skills, help refugees gain self-esteem, work experience and a sense of purpose, leading to independence and financial stability. Volunteering with The Salvation Army also offers refugees new meaning and a chance to contribute to the community.
Across Europe, Salvation Army corps are providing vital spaces where refugees can find spiritual support, stay connected to their faith and find comfort in community.
Following on from the last issue, we share again about the 2025 Helping-Hand Appeal and its focus on Food Security. In this issue, we meet another farmer from The Salvation Army’s Raising Champion Farmers project in Zimbabwe, exploring the life-changing outcomes of conservation agriculture.
Machanzi Pfumojena, a Raising Champion Farmers project coordinator, trains family farmers in the Bindura Division of northern Zimbabwe in conservation agriculture techniques. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how climate change impacts rural communities and challenges livelihoods. He says:
‘The impact of climate change has been severe. We are experiencing extremes of weather and the rainfall is actually changing over time. The Raising Champion Farmers project is trying to mitigate the severity of the drought in the country. We need to scale up and impact more communities, encouraging more livelihoods to adopt climatesmart agriculture including moisture conservation, crop rotation and maintaining very high standards of production. We need to take action to ensure that the population survives other extremes of these weather regimes that are prevailing these days.’
Family farmers around the world are on the frontline of the climate crisis. In the face of unpredictable rainfall, severe drought and extreme weather events, each day they work hard to nurture the land they depend on.
However, the traditional farming methods they have relied on season after season are no longer yielding enough food to live on. Machanzi has been working alongside farmers to cultivate change.
Across three divisions in the Zimbabwe Territory, 300 farmers have received training in conservation agriculture, a method that emphasises the importance of working with the land to strengthen rather than subdue it. Through techniques such as soil coverage, zero tillage and crop rotation, as well as the use of organic compost rather than synthetic fertilisers, the land is being nourished and restored.
For families who rely on a successful harvest to survive, there is no safety net. A good crop is the difference between life and death.
Knowledge Chiyere lives with his wife Plexadis, their three sons and his grandmother. Some of Knowledge’s neighbours were hesitant to join the Raising Champion Farmers project, unsure about the new techniques. However, Knowledge signed up without hesitation, eager to explore new farming methods. Yet when he began, some of the
techniques felt unfamiliar to him. He says:
‘We used to farm using synthetic fertilisers and chemicals, but through the project we have learned different techniques. We have learned farming practices that don’t use herbicides or chemicals.’
The results have been amazing. Now, Knowledge grows enough vegetables to feed the family and to sell at the market.
‘The difference with the crops and vegetables we are planting now, compared to the crops we used to plant and grow, is that they grow better and are much tastier than before. Even though the rainfall is erratic, we have been getting good yields. The success of the project has generated a lot of local interest.’
The impact is clear – the results are inspiring curiosity in the community. Some of his neighbours who were once sceptical are now asking if they can join the project.
‘People are now admiring the way we are working. We are teaching them the skills we have learned, and people are interested in understanding these techniques. They want to know more about how we are doing it. We can all benefit, and most people are happy with this project. This is good for the community and will help us succeed.’
By adopting conservation agriculture, farmers like Knowledge can build a more sustainable future for themselves and their communities. He says, ‘My dream for the future is to be a master farmer who will be able to help others. That’s my greatest desire. If I can, I want to help my community so that people know how to farm and make their lives better.’
Raising Champion Farmers is fostering change as farmers like Knowledge share their experiences and inspire their communities. By working together, they are adapting to climate challenges, strengthening food security and restoring the land. Each harvest is a step toward a more sustainable future.
It’s not only about growing food – it’s also about nurturing land and harvesting hope.
The Helping-Hand Appeal raises money for a different area of The Salvation Army’s work each year. All money raised during 2025 will fund our international Food Security projects.
There are many ways to get involved in the Helping-Hand Appeal. We have created a selection of resources to help corps, churches and community groups to explore the theme of food security and learn more about The Salvation Army’s projects around the world.
We would love to hear how you are supporting the appeal! Whether you are organising a bake sale, hosting a sponsored event or coming up with your own creative idea, let us know how you’re fundraising and making a difference. Your efforts play a crucial role in helping to support family
farmers to find sustainable solutions to food insecurity. Together we can make a lasting impact.
What your money could do:
• £15 could support a farmer with the cost of seeds for one year
• £150 could buy basic tools and materials (such as hoes and string) for ten farmers
• £1,500 could cover the cost of running the conservation agriculture training course for six months.
How can I donate?
• Give a donation to your local Salvation Army corps or Family Ministries group
• Donate online: salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand
• Scan the QR code
Violet Ruria
Violet Ruria, Programme Adviser for Sustainable Livelihood Development at International Development UK, shares how communities in the Kenya East Territory are building a sustainable future through sand dam technology.
On the banks of the Kalumbi Tujiinue Juu river in East Kenya, Beth Yulu beams with pride. ‘With adequate water from the sand dam, we are now able to grow vegetables. We no longer have to travel to distant markets to buy them – we can produce enough for our families and even sell the surplus. Our community is becoming healthier,’ she says.
Beth is one of many women who actively participated in constructing the Kalumbi Tujiinue Juu sand dam. For her, the project has brought more than just a year-round source of water; it has also improved access to nutritious food for her community. As well as water security, the project fosters food security, improved nutrition and economic empowerment – especially for women like Beth who can now provide for their families and strengthen their livelihoods.
The Salvation Army in Kenya East Territory has been journeying alongside communities in the eastern region of Kenya for years. In these arid and semi-arid areas, prolonged droughts and
erratic rainfall patterns have resulted in severe water shortages, making access to clean water a persistent challenge. Traditionally, women and children – who predominantly bear the responsibility of water collection – have had to walk long distances to fetch water from unreliable sources such as dry riverbeds or distant boreholes, significantly impacting their daily lives.
Throughout the Bible, God uses water to reveal his power, provision and deliverance. As written in Isaiah 35:6-7, ‘Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.’ This powerful imagery of God’s provision represents restoration, healing and transformation. Through sand dam projects, The Salvation Army has witnessed this transformation in various communities, bringing hope and sustainable solutions to water scarcity.
One such community is Kalumbi, a small village in the Nzaui Sub-County in Makueni County of
Eastern Kenya. Here prolonged droughts are a frequent occurrence, wiping out household livelihoods and deepening poverty due to the community’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture. With a changing climate, oncepermanent rivers have become seasonal, further increasing food insecurity and threatening the community’s resilience.
The village also faces significant socio-economic challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, lack of access to credit facilities and ongoing environmental degradation. These hardships have led many young people and men to migrate to urban areas in search of casual jobs, leaving behind women, children and the elderly to struggle with the daily burden of securing water and food.
Globally, women and girls spend approximately 200 million hours every day collecting water. This reality is reflected in Kalumbi, where many women face the relentless burden of fetching water. Often they must scoop water from beneath the sand – a
labour-intensive and time-consuming task that only results in unsafe drinking water.
The story of Kalumbi village began to change with the construction of the Kalumbi sand dam.
By implementing sand dam technology, The Salvation Army is significantly improving access to clean and reliable water while enhancing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
A sand dam, constructed from reinforced concrete or stone across a seasonal river or stream, accumulates sand carried by the river during the rainy season to form a natural reservoir. This innovative and climate-smart water harvesting technology filters and stores water, protecting it from evaporation and contamination. It provides a reliable and sustainable source of water in dry and arid regions, enhances groundwater recharge, reduces water loss through evaporation and helps local communities adapt to climate change. The key benefits of sand dams include:
• Water Security – Sand dams store water within the sand, making it available during dry periods and reducing dependence on distant or
unreliable water sources.
• Climate Adaptation – By replenishing groundwater reserves, sand dams help communities withstand prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, mitigating the impacts of climate change.
• Reduced Evaporation – Unlike open water reservoirs, sand dams minimise water loss due to evaporation, making them highly efficient in arid environments.
• Sustainable Agriculture – Stored water can be accessed through shallow wells, enabling communities to irrigate crops, sustain livestock and enhance food security.
• Ecosystem Restoration – By raising the water table, sand dams promote reforestation and vegetation growth, supporting biodiversity and combating desertification.
• Low Maintenance and Cost-Effectiveness – Once constructed, sand dams require minimal upkeep and can provide water for decades, making them a sustainable solution.
• Community Ownership and Participation – Local communities actively contribute to the construction of sand dams by providing resources such as sand, stones and labour. This collaborative approach strengthens unity and empowers communities to address their own water challenges.
In Kalumbi the community now accesses clean water through a shallow well next to the river, where a hand pump allows them to extract water stored in the sand. This innovative solution has significantly improved water availability, reducing the time spent fetching water and enhancing overall community wellbeing.
The sand dam at Kalumbi Tujiinue Juu is the fifth of its kind in the Kenya East Territory, showcasing the replicability of this innovative concept. With its proven success, we hope to support more sand dam projects in the future, bringing sustainable water solutions to even more communities.
Phoebe Burton
International Projects Coordinator Phoebe Burton shares an overview of the Beyond programme, highlighting its global efforts to support survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, and their families, through internationally coordinated reintegration and family support.
Globally, the Beyond programme supports survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking and their families across borders. A programme of international collaboration, support and connection, Beyond seeks to use its international presence and networks to connect survivors and their families with information and support in recognition that the lives of survivors often go beyond borders.
The programme provides coordination support for two services:
1. The coordination of return and reintegration aid for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
2. Support to separated family members overseas.
Since the launch of Beyond in 2023, the programme has supported a total of 177 cases. The majority (87 cases) were classified as Return and Reintegration support; 58 cases included international support to
a survivor’s family; and 32 cases were categorised as ‘other’. The latter could include enquiries regarding family reunion or family tracing which do not fall within the remit of the Beyond programme. In such instances we signpost to our partners and external organisations.
The Beyond programme welcomes referrals from our designated UK partners. Since its launch, 60 per cent of the cases supported were UK referrals, while 40 per cent were international. Survivors seeking return and reintegration support from Beyond primarily came from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and India. Survivors most commonly sought assistance to return to Burundi, Sri Lanka, Albania and Uganda.
All referrals for international support to a survivor’s family originated from our designated partners in the United Kingdom, with the families predominantly residing in Nigeria, Vietnam, Eritrea, Uganda and India.
Of the total number of cases Beyond has
We are thankful for the connections with stakeholders and trusted partners who support with the running and continuation of the programme.
supported, 115 were from females, 43 were from males, 14 were considered ‘other’, and 5 did not wish to disclose.
Beyond relies on both internal and external connections and partnerships. We work closely with The Salvation Army’s Zonal Coordinators and 134 National Contact Persons situated across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, South Asia, South Pacific and East Asia, as well as local Salvation Army corps (churches). Partnering with external organisations, services and helplines is also essential to the success of Beyond.
We are thankful for the connections with stakeholders and trusted partners who support with the running and continuation of the programme. This cross-collaboration work was particularly evident in a recent case in which Beyond supported a survivor in the UK to reintegrate safely to Romania, ensuring improved protection against re-trafficking.
Beyond received an enquiry from a specialist support worker in the UK who was seeking support for their service user, Yasin*, who wanted to return home to Romania. Yasin had experienced modern slavery in the form of forced labour and hoped that on return he could access shelter and secure employment.
Initially, the National Contact Person in Romania met virtually with Yasin, the specialist support worker and the Beyond coordinator to discuss options for reintegration support on return. The NCP stressed the importance of these online meetings to ‘be able to see what the survivor needed in the reintegration process, and what was possible [for the survivor’s return]’.
Through the support of airport chaplains both within the UK and the Netherlands, assistance was provided to the survivor so he could correctly navigate the airports because this had been a particular concern for him.
The NCP connected us with one of their social workers who supported the survivor with finding accommodation and employment options for his return. The social worker agreed to pick him up from the airport and sort his in-country identification documentation. On return, the survivor was provided with support obtaining rental accommodation, and a National ID card so he could undergo a job interview. Yasin is now working and utilising his strengths and skillset on the job, helping him to grow his independence.
The collaboration between The Salvation Army support worker, the NCP, the social worker in Romania, the UK and Netherlands airport chaplains and Beyond helped to ensure the survivor returned safely with appropriate reintegration support on return.
Yasin’s support worker reflected: ‘It was great working with the Beyond team and international team involved in the service user’s home country. I found it rewarding watching my service user transition from worrying about what would happen to them, to becoming excited and confident that the right support was waiting for them on return.’
The NCP added: ‘We appreciate all that you do and that we could work together for giving a new chance to this survivor.’
The Salvation Army’s Airport Chaplaincy Service supports both staff and passengers at airports across the United Kingdom. Martyn Watson, The Salvation Army’s Chaplaincy Officer for the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber Divisions, shared their passion for this area of work:
‘Human trafficking is a global problem, and so much of it takes place around us even though most of us are not even aware of it. I am proud of the work of The Salvation Army in this sphere, taking a proactive interest in survivors of human trafficking and helping to change the world in this way – one life at a time.’
The Beyond programme is continuing with the influential work being completed through diligent case coordination, ongoing collaborations and research contributions to establish the accessibility of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking across borders.
*Name changed to protect identity
Lauren Westwood
Battle Cry, a Women’s Ministries initiative, calls for creative responses to social justice, empowerment and community development tailored to local needs and cultural contexts. Lauren Westwood, Communications Specialist at The Salvation Army International Headquarters, shares how Battle Cry has inspired women around the world to engage in meaningful actions that address local needs with compassion.
In the thick of a Bangladeshi heatwave, more than 20 women gather in a small room. There are chairs, cushions, and space on a large, patterned rug, but soon every spot is taken. Colourful clothes brighten the dark, crowded room as handheld fans swirl the hot air. Friendly greetings chatter until a big blue book is opened, and the meeting begins.
It was the start of a community self-help group meeting focused on improving financial literacy and providing microfinance, supported by a nearby Salvation Army clinic. I was there as part of my role with the Women’s Ministries team at International Headquarters, having just observed a gender-based violence prevention class for local children in the same room.
As the group continued, I noticed something unusual – several men had arrived, and the group’s attendance was spilling out the door! I learned that what had started as a women-focused and women-led initiative had, over the years, grown into a locally trusted community banking system,
offering savings and loans. The women here were generous with their time, knowledge and resources, and saw value in sharing what they had with the entire community.
The International Women’s Ministries vision statement outlines a desire to envision women who are transformed and empowered by the gospel to lead a Christlike life, enriched mutually through local and global connections and support, equipped to fulfil their potential through lifelong learning and development, and engaged in social justice and action to positively impact the world.
Our work derives from a belief that women play a crucial role in shaping society, especially through caregiving roles within families and communities. Any fellowship of women demonstrating Christian values and offering practical help benefits not only individuals but also families, communities and nations – just like the microfinance programme I visited in Bangladesh.
It is from this position that, in 2023, Women’s Ministries launched an initiative, Battle Cry, to re-engage women’s fellowships with local-level social justice and action. Battle Cry encourages identifying local needs and responding in ways suited to context and ability, serving with love, compassion, and righteousness.
‘When we consider ministry to women in The Salvation Army, we expect nothing less than to see women creatively responding to the needs of others with counter-cultural grace,’ said Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries. This creative response is seen through the various ways that the Battle Cry initiative has been interpreted depending on local need and cultural context. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to social justice, empowerment or community development, making Battle Cry a flexible and responsive ministry.
For example, we hear reports of flourishing ministry to women in the Eastern Europe Territory, comprising Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. In Moldova women have started a knitting club, including many women who have been widowed by the ongoing war. Not only does the group offer emotional support and fellowship, but also a sense of purpose as they knit items for the community during cold weather seasons and send socks to soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
In Romania a gifting programme was established to connect women in Salvation Army corps (churches) with women living in shelters or camps due to human trafficking, gender-based violence or social ostracism. Major Roxy, a Salvation Army officer (minister) based in Bucharest, initiated this programme after noticing that vulnerable women, though receiving essential support through The Salvation Army or other NGOs, rarely received special items or gifts. The programme, now
embraced by more than 500 women, has restored dignity and a sense of value for these women.
‘Each woman corps officer (church leader) embraced the idea and every corps in Romania got involved to send gifts from their women members,’ shared Major Roxy. ‘In this way, we are all connected to what God calls us to do – to love our neighbours as God loves us.’
The Salvation Army advocates for holistic care, addressing individuals’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs. However, this can only happen through partnership. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is not enough to assume that someone else will respond where there is injustice.
‘We want everyone to enjoy life in all its fullness as part of a flourishing community, and the barriers to that look different in the vastly different contexts we are privileged to have a presence in around the world,’ says Joanne Beale, Community Development Lead at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters. ‘Our approach to community development is based on understanding these holistic needs and then finding the most appropriate way for The Salvation Army to respond by also having a good understanding of our own local strengths and capacities. As we seek lasting change in
communities, we encourage churches to form strong local partnerships to strengthen our care for people. Battle Cry is helping to strengthen and reinforce this approach through women’s ministries around the world.’
Whether action is taken through our decisionmaking in the clothes we purchase, the media we consume, the projects we support overseas or the initiatives we champion in our own communities, it is worth remembering that we are responsible for one another. What excites me most about Battle Cry is the re-emergence of women responding to social injustice, and the idea of each person being empowered to bring what they have to the table.
For some, the call may be to connect with people in familiar spaces more intentionally and to show up with more compassion. For others, it could prompt them to build relationships with those outside of their usual networks. For a church group, it might be to step away from the church building, to journey and to pray until you feel inspired to do something beautiful for others. This is community-led, community-focused action and a vision of the Body of Christ.
Learn more about International Women’s Ministries at https://sar.my/wm or on social media @SalvationArmyWomen.
Amy Plummer
Fundraising events provide a meaningful way for people of all ages and abilities to support The Salvation Army’s vital work. Whether you are striving to achieve a personal goal, pushing yourself physically, celebrating a special occasion, or bringing your community together to help those in need, your efforts will make a lasting impact. There are countless ways to get involved!
For those seeking an adrenaline-fuelled challenge, our Jump for Freedom campaign offers the chance to skydive from 10,000 feet while raising funds for survivors of modern slavery. If cycling is more your style, join Team Sally Army for the iconic London to Brighton cycle ride in September and take on a 55-mile journey through stunning countryside down to the seaside.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the Kiltwalk Dundee (August) and Edinburgh (September) provide a fantastic opportunity to walk in support of The Salvation Army’s work. And for those with a bucket list item of running the London Marathon, applications are now open for a charity place in the 2026 event.
If you’re not drawn to physical challenges, there are endless ways to get creative and fundraise! Host a bake sale, give up something for a month – whether it’s fizzy drinks or social media or something else – organise a movie night or quiz night with friends and family, or fundraise for a special occasion such as your birthday or wedding.
Whatever fundraising activity you choose, The Salvation Army will be there to support you every step of the way. From providing a comprehensive fundraising pack filled with ideas and resources to offering guidance and encouragement, we are committed to making your experience as rewarding as possible.
By joining #TeamSallyArmy, you will be making a tangible difference in people’s lives and offering hope where it is needed most.
Would you like to learn more about our events? Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/fundraise-us Alternatively, contact the team directly at challenge@ salvationarmy.org.uk or call us on 020 7367 4819
salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand
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