Listen to this article
DENMARK—Colonel Birgitte Brekke, an officer of the Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory, who served as World Youth Convention Organizer at International Headquarters, is appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Denmark Territory, effective Nov. 1, 2010. Originally from Denmark, Brekke served with her husband, Colonel Bo Brekke—who was promoted to Glory in September 2007 while the couple served as territorial leaders in Pakistan—in various overseas appointments, developing a passion for Fairtrade. The Brekkes visited the Western Territory as guests at the Life Service Conference (now called Future Officers Fellowship).
PAPUA NEW GUINEA—The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea responded quickly to Reverend Neke Misina, a ministerial leader on Fisherman Island (Queensland), who requested nutritional and financial assistance.
Captain John Kerari, public relations officer, and Major David Temine, disaster and emergency services officer, donated almost $2,000 worth of food for distribution.
A recent outbreak of cholera devastated the island, which relies on income from fishing sales.
Since the outbreak, consumers are not purchasing the fish because they fear it may be contaminated with the disease. Fish sales have dropped by 80 percent, seriously affecting the island’s economy.
Although the Army’s donation did not “fix” the situation, Misina said, “We are witnessing the manifold grace of God and quantity does not matter at all.”
From Tokaut, Papua New Guinea Territory, July-August 2010
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)—Months after the May 16, 2010, volcanic eruption of Mount Kirisimbi in the eastern DRC, many people remain in desperate circumstances, living with host families or in camps. They won’t be able to return to the area they previously inhabited—it is destroyed.
The local government has allocated land for 240 families and The Salvation Army is evaluating how it can support the new community. The Army has a good reputation and experience with other projects in eastern Congo; Lieutenant Jean Marc, the local Army officer, and Project Officer Captain Tsilulu have many ideas about how they can help.
Donations may be made to the “Africa Disaster Fund” at salvationarmy.org.
From a Salvation Army international news report
HAITI—After eight months of emergency response to the 7.0 earthquake, The Salvation Army has moved to a new phase of recovery and long-term development with the establishment of the Haiti Recovery and Development Office. Under the leadership of Haiti’s Divisional Commander Major Lucien Lamartiniere, Major Ron Busroe will direct the office, coordinating a team of five Army officers in directing all post-earthquake and development initiatives through one plan that incorporates the needs of the community and the mission of The Salvation Army. In due course the team will add members from the local Haitian community.
Lt. Colonel Heidi Bailey was recently appointed International Haiti Earthquake Response Director at IHQ. She directs and coordinates all Haiti earthquake support and will liaise with Salvation Army leadership in Haiti and donor offices around the world.
Donate to the “Haiti Appeal” online at salvationarmy.org.
From a Salvation Army international news report
CANADA—On Oct. 16, thousands of Christians will join in prayer and fasting to raise awareness that hunger in a world of abundance is a matter of injustice. More than a billion people are chronically malnourished. Followers of Jesus are called to respond in prayer and action; Jesus’ command to “feed the hungry” is not a metaphor.
Fast for Change 2010 challenges Christians to consider why so many in the world are hungry and then to act in solidarity and love. Developed by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank—a partnership of Canadian churches (including The Salvation Army) and church-based agencies working to end hunger in developing countries—the event seeks to:
• increase and deepen the involvement of Canadians in efforts to end hunger
• support partnerships and activities to reduce hunger on an immediate and sustainable basis
• influence changes in public policies necessary to end hunger
For more information, visit fastforchange.ca.
From Salvationist.ca
