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Elsewhere in the world
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PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG)—In mid-August, a Salvation Army emergency response team flew by military aircraft to the site of an Airlines PNG crash near Kokoda that killed all 13 passengers. Team members supported rescue personnel at both the crash site and Jackson’s Airport, where the bodies were shipped.
The Army offered refreshments, counsel, and a calming presence to all those involved in the retrieval operation, including Airlines PNG staff and the PNG Defense Force. Food drops nourished the PNG police working at the crash site.
Response of The Salvation Army was a déjà vu experience. Nearly 70 years ago—during World War II—The Salvation Army served Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Track. The Australian crash victims had been en route to walk the track in memory of the courage and commitment of Australian soldiers in WWII.
From the Sept.-Oct. issue of Tokaut
INDONESIA—The Salvation Army continues to assist with relief work following several earthquakes—first in early Sept. on Java, and most recently two on Sumatra. Thousands have died; others are missing and presumed dead. Tens of thousands have been displayed, their homes destroyed.
The Salvation Army, already at work on Sumatra, quickly joined the relief effort. The Governor of Sumatra requested priority be given to children’s care and health services, so The Salvation Army also sent a medical team to participate in a united effort. The distribution of items for babies and children and the provision of medical care are the priority, but Army emergency teams are also providing temporary shelter and distributing food, clean water and bedding.
The Salvation Army remains flexible in its approach and constantly reviews its work to ensure that it complements that of other agencies—that way all communities receive the assistance they need.
Donations to the South Pacific and East Asia Fund may be made online at www.salvationarmy.org.
TAIWAN—Since typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan, The Salvation Army has provided volunteers to clean up, support the homeless, and help families who lost everything, with an emphasis on getting the youth back into school.
The Army’s hope is that by returning children to the routine of attending school, they will be better equipped to cope with the devastation of Morakot.
Major Michael Coleman, officer commanding of The Salvation Army in Taiwan, said The Salvation Army’s concern goes beyond meeting material needs. “Some of these children are still living in very chaotic home situations, but at least we know they will have some stability in their school life,” he said.
In addition to disinfectants, sleeping bags, and many volunteer hours, the Army also provided over 1,600 school-age kids with clothes, shoes, bags and other educational supplies.
From www.salvationarmy.org
