Global Link - Fall 2026

SALVATIONIST.CA/INTERNATIONAL-DEVELOPMENT

GLOBALLINK TERRITORIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN CANADA AND BERMUDA

Kids having fun

at the Mary and

Martha Childcare

Centre in Port M

FALL 2026

oresby, Papua N

ew Guinea.

INCLUSIVE OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACE COMING TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA

By Jessica Lam

F

or many children with disabilities, the simple joy of playing alongside their peers is not always possible. In fact, nearly half of parents report that their children with disabilities are excluded from play due to a lack of accessible outdoor equipment. These barriers not only limit opportunities for play but also affect children’s social, emotional and educational development.

The Salvation Army’s Mary and Martha Childcare Centre in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is working to change this by developing a new, inclusive outdoor learning environment to welcome children with diverse needs.

The upcoming space features secure

fencing, safer play zones and fully accessible structures. Young learners will also enjoy dedicated outdoor classrooms, hands-on gardening areas and engaging educational resources that promote exploration and growth.

Every child deserves an equal opportunity to play and build friendships alongside their peers. By removing physical barriers to participation, this initiative aims to create more inclusive environments where every child feels

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welcomed and valued. Because true inclusion requires more than just structural changes, the project also focuses on strengthening teacher capacity. Through specialized training, educators will be fully equipped to guide young learners through hands-on, accessible activities.

This initiative directly advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities. By breaking down physical barriers and empowering local educators, The Salvation Army is ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has a safe and equitable space to learn, grow and belong.

A BRIGHTER PLACE TO LEARN, REST AND GROW

A

s I begin this new chapter of leadership in the international development department, I do so with sincere gratitude.

I want to express my sincere appreciation and respect for Colonel Brenda Murray, whose faithful leadership strengthened our territory’s commitment to international development and established an exceptional team dedicated to serving and supporting Salvation Army ministries worldwide. It is a privilege to continue building on that strong foundation.

The stories in this edition of Global Link remind us that international development is the love of Christ expressed through practical action. Whether creating an inclusive learning environment for children in Papua New Guinea, responding to families affected by cyclone Montha in India, or improving the lives of girls at a Salvation Army home in Myanmar, each project restores dignity, nurtures hope and creates opportunities for individuals to flourish.

These stories reflect Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25-37).

He did more than notice someone in need; he responded with compassion and action.

This embodies The Salvation Army’s missional roots; our faith lived out through mercy, justice and service to others.

William and Catherine Booth shared this conviction, believing that the gospel transforms lives and communities. That same mission continues today through trusted partnerships with local Salvation Army leaders worldwide.

Thank you for your prayers, generosity and partnership. Together, we are helping communities experience hope, dignity and the transforming love of Christ.

Sincerely,

Major Deana Zelinsky Director of International Development

By Kyle Mangio

F

or the 30 girls living at The Salvation Army’s Girls’ Home in Myanmar, everyday comforts can make a world of difference. Thanks to a recent project supported through the Canada and Bermuda Territory, the girls now have a safer, more comfortable and more sustainable place to call home.

Before the project, many of the home’s mattresses, pillows, blankets and bed linens were worn out from years of use.

The building also faced frequent electricity challenges, making it difficult for the girls to study, move around safely at night and enjoy a stable living environment.

Through this initiative, all 30 residents received new mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, blankets and curtains, greatly improving their comfort, hygiene and overall well-being. At the same time, solar panels and a battery backup system were installed, providing a reliable source of renewable energy for the home. This ensures consistent lighting and power, even during periods of electricity disruption.

The impact has been immediate. The girls now have comfortable places to rest, brighter spaces to study and a safer environment in which to live and learn.

The renewable energy system will also continue to benefit the home for years to come, helping to reduce ongoing energy costs while providing a dependable source of power.

By meeting both practical and long-term needs, this project has created lasting improvements in the girls’ lives, helping them thrive in a space where they can learn, grow and look toward the future with confidence.

HOPE AFTER CYCLONE MONTHA:

Emergency Relief in Bapatla and Tenali Division

By Major Elaine Locke

T

he devastation caused by cyclone Montha brought immense hardship to communities throughout the Bapatla and Tenali Division in the India Central Territory.

Torrential rains and severe flooding left a trail of destruction, affecting homes, infrastructure and essential services, while placing countless families in vulnerable and uncertain circumstances.

Roads were completely damaged and submerged, making transportation nearly impossible. Fallen trees further hindered access to affected communities, while collapsed electrical poles caused widespread power outages. For many families living in traditional thatched homes, the relentless rain penetrated their roofs, causing water to accumulate inside their houses and rendering them unsafe and uninhabitable. The flooding also caused significant damage to sanitation facilities. Mud and debris clogged toilets and septic tanks, contaminating local water sources and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases in the communities.

Amid this crisis, government authorities worked alongside local agencies to evacuate families from their homes and relocate them to safe shelters. Primary health workers also played an important role by providing essential medical kits and health-care support to those in need. Responding with compassion and care, The Salvation Army opened its churches to the public, transforming them into rescue and support centres where individuals and families could find safety, comfort and encouragement. The Salvation Army provided essential food supplies, including rice, oil, toor dal (split pigeon peas), tea packets, tamarind, salt and chili powder. Soap was also distributed to help promote proper hygiene and maintain sanitary conditions in the aftermath of the flooding.

For many families, this assistance arrived at a time when hope seemed distant. Recipients expressed gratitude and were deeply moved by the kindness shown to them. The relief provided not only met urgent physical needs but also brought renewed hope, comfort and reassurance that they were not facing this crisis alone.

Through this emergency response, trust was strengthened, lives were touched and communities were reminded that even amid devastation, compassion can shine brightly. As families begin the long journey of rebuilding their homes and restoring their livelihoods, this project stands as a testament to the power of hope, service and the unwavering commitment to stand alongside those in need.

In the face of tragedy, hope was restored—and communities found strength to move forward together.

GLOBAL LINK – FALL 2026

salvationarmy Published by The Salvation Army International Development Dept.

Territorial Headquarters for Canada and Bermuda 2 Overlea Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4 Phone: 416-422-6224 Email: SAID@salvationarmy.ca To learn more, visit: salvationist.ca/international-development un.org/sustainabledevelopment © 2026 The Salvation Army. All rights reserved.