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MEXICO—Currently completing its 10th year as a Salvation Army territory, Mexico is planning a celebration for 2012, which will be the 75th anniversary of the official beginning of the Army’s work there (Oct. 1, 1937), following about three years as “La Patrulla Salvacionista” under Alejandro Guzmán. Events will include a 75th Anniversary Congress with General Linda Bond.
“We give thanks to God for the souls that have come to know him through the work of The Salvation Army in these 10 years since Mexico became a territory,” said Western Territory officer, Lt. Colonel Doug Danielson, who serves there as chief secretary. “The trailblazer spirit of ‘La Patrulla Salvacionista’ first, and of the Ejército de Salvación after, continues to be alive in Mexico through all the Salvationists today.”
CZECH REPUBLIC—Earlier this year, the ShantyPlus Choir of Zwolle Corps, the Netherlands, visited the Czech Republic. The choir is noted for its “sailor songs,” as well as Christian songs. In fact, the group welcomes anyone who enjoys singing sea shanties and often is a first introduction to The Salvation Army.
The choir sang in the worship service at the Prague Corps and gave an open-air concert. During the service they presented a check for almost CZK 50,000 (US$2,300) to national leader Major Mike Stannett. Choir members had collected the money at different activities to support Salvation Army projects.
From Prapor Spásy, September 2011
NIGERIA—The Salvation Army responded to floods affecting areas around the capital city of Lagos. More than 500 families (over 3,000 people) received assistance, with funds provided through the Army’s International Emergency Services.
Each family received enough food for a month and non-food items including clothes, baby clothes, boots, slippers and toiletries. The total relief effort cost about $60,000.
From salvationarmy.org
UKRAINE—The Salvation Army in Ukraine is spending the month of October in continual prayer, following the recommendation of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The Army began the month with a gospel weekend focusing on worshipping God, equipping leaders and evangelizing in the community.
Learn more and watch a video on Facebook at Salvation Army Ukraine.
KENYA—The two Kenya territories continue drought relief, seeking relevant, innovative responses to the crisis.
Kenya West is concentrating on Turkana, a desert area in the north, where one Salvation Army project will provide all 17 secondary and high schools with food, benefiting 5,886 children. In exchange, the school officials have agreed to waive fees for the coming term, thereby benefiting the schools, which can concentrate resources on teaching materials, and the children, who can continue school knowing they will get at least one good meal a day.
The Salvation Army has met with the Ministry of Water, the Ministry of Education, Oxfam, World Vision, the Kenyan Red Cross, the World Food Program (WFP) and other groups. Elizabeth Nabutola, head of WFP’s Turkana Office, said, “No one is targeting secondary schools. The Salvation Army would really fill a gap.”
Read more about the Army’s efforts in Kenya at https://tiny.cc/6lfjf.
