Ada learned about Hands On, a summer mission opportunity in the Eastern Territory, from her corps officer (pastor). She always knew she wanted to travel and share the gospel. 

Ada traveled with her mission team to Thessaloniki and Athens, Greece. One of her favorite memories includes sitting with the officers and their families at mealtimes. “My favorite memory will always be getting to know the people who attended church through their testimonies, stories and laughter over a meal,” she explains. 

A program that stood out to Ada was The Green Light Project, in which a group of women work hard to free other women from the red-light district. The Green Light Project in Greece includes a community center that helps women who are undergoing exploitation and trafficking. The volunteers and workers care for the women and children and teach them life skills to integrate them into society. “The work [that] the workers and volunteers do year-round impacts these women’s physical and mental health,” Ada explains. “The love and dedication they showed for their community was a wonder to witness.”  

Before departing for the mission, the team prepared a debrief on the service opportunity. Ada remembers the joy of being surrounded by skillful, dedicated Christian young adults passionate about ministry and service. “I made friends that I still reach out to today,” Ada says. Although surrounded by new circumstances, Ada learned to rely entirely on God and count on Him in every step she takes.

Hooping It Up In Harlem

The East Harlem Hoops program at The Salvation Army’s Manhattan Citadel is as strong as ever and making a huge difference in the community.

“We get all kinds of young men from the community here for basketball,” says Lieutenant Alvaro Velasquez, an officer (pastor) at the corps (church). East Harlem Hoops, which started several years ago under Captain Stephen Mayes, is now running its 2024 spring league. Eight teams of about 10 to 12 players each compete every Tuesday and Thursday night at the corps. The corps also hosts leagues in the fall. Each night begins with prayer and a short biblical devotional, Velasquez says. 

He often hears kind words from the players and fans as he runs a concession stand just outside the gym. 

“I always have somebody strike up a conversation with me,” he says. “They tell me, ‘Thank you for the word’ or ‘Thank you for the prayer.’ It’s always a nice segue to remind them we’re a church and that we’re here for them and they can come to us if they have any questions.” By Robert Mitchell 

 To read the full story in SAConnects, click here.

The Salvation Army Pilots New Mental Health Training

The Salvation Army Southern Territory partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to host Mental Health First Aid training for many Emergency Disaster professionals. Lynn Hennighausen, a National Trainer for Mental Health First Aid, was the instructor. 

Mental Health First Aid focuses on providing individuals with the skills necessary to be the first line of support for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Participants are taught to recognize and respond to warning signs and to serve as the vital link between a person experiencing a new or worsening mental health challenge and appropriate professional support, self-help, or other support strategies. 

To learn more, click here.

Centenary Celebrations

In a jubilant spectacle of faith and dedication, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, international leaders of The Salvation Army, embarked on a historic journey to Kenya to commemorate a century of Salvation Army service in the country. Touching down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on February 20, 2024, their arrival ignited a wave of excitement and anticipation across the nation. Their visit wasn’t merely ceremonial; it was a testament to the enduring partnership between The Salvation Army and Kenya. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the serene landscapes of the western region, the international leaders immersed themselves in a whirlwind of worship, prayer and fellowship—all resonating with the palpable spirit of God. By Baraka Mutisya, Assistant Editor, War Cry, Kenya East Territory  

To read more about Centenary Celebrations, click here.