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Elsewhere in the world
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Zambia—Western officer Major Beryl Pierce is adjusting to her new position at Chikankata Mission and Hospital; she has received her official welcome as the Mission corps officer. The Chikankata compound includes the Mission, health services (administration, AIDS management training, community health and development, nursing education, hospital chaplain, medical clinics and youth projects), Chikankata High School, Old People’s Home, vocational training center and preschool groups. Pierce anticipates many challenges at this busy compound and trusts God to equip her for the task.
Jamaica—Last year, on behalf of The Salvation Army, Commissioner Raymond Houghton, territorial commander in the Caribbean, received the Key to the City of Kingston, the city’s highest honor. In his remarks, Mayor Desmond McKenzie lauded the Army for its service to the poor and destitute in Kingston.
The Salvation Army has its territorial headquarters and training college in Kingston, where it also operates a men’s night shelter, hostel for working women, drug rehabilitation center, School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a children’s home, a feeding center for street people serving over 500 persons daily, day care centers, basic schools, a clinic, a senior citizen residence, school sponsorship program for inner-city youths and five worship centers.
Accepting the award “on behalf of the work being done by our people,” Houghton vowed to continue to work towards building a “city with foundation.”
From the Caribbean Territory’s War Cry, Sept./Oct. 08
Greece—In Oct. 2007, Captains Maria and Polis Pantelidis began The Salvation Army’s work in Greece. Since then they have built strong relationships with many people: on the streets, in prisons and hospitals, with social services and local government officials.
Captain Maria got involved with Open Doors, a group of women who minister in the city’s red light district. One of the prostitutes was rescued from the brothels and, with Maria’s help, found rented accommodations and a new job as a nurse in a private clinic. Maria and the team are helping others this way. Since September, the ministry of Open Doors has come under the umbrella of The Salvation Army.
The Pantelidises have conducted prayer groups and soldiership preparation classes, and enrolled a couple as new soldiers during the first public meeting of The Salvation Army in Greece. They hold Sunday evening meetings in their quarters and have rented accommodation, including a hall for about 20 people and a small office, in the center of Thessalonica.
France—The floating hostel is back! The Army’s barge in Paris, which used to serve as temporary accommodation for homeless people, was sold some time ago. Due to increasing demand, however, the Army has bought a new boat on the Seine, a former floating restaurant that is in good condition. It has three levels with a kitchen, dining room for 110 people and 40 cabins, each with a porthole, a shower and toilet. After refurbishment, La Péniche (“The Barge”) will welcome homeless people for long-term stays.
