Spotlight on South Asia Zone
Discover The Salvation Army's work in South Asia at this exhibition, first shown at Gallery 101 in November 2023.
The South Asia Zone is comprised of The Salvation Army’s six Indian territories (Central, Eastern (including Nepal), Northern, South Eastern, South Western and Western), Pakistan Territory, Sri Lanka Territory, Bangladesh Territory and Middle East Region.
The India National Office especially focuses on the consolidation of the legal and regulatory work in India, and the zonal office at International Headquarters recently launched the SALT Learning Centre, which supports officers and employees in their development.
Mission and Ministry across the zone
For the last 15 years, The Salvation Army has been assisting migrant workers in the Middle East who are not always treated fairly – many fall through the cracks, even with laws in place to protect them. The Army has been supporting some of the most marginalised and vulnerable trafficked women by creating an environment where they can begin to heal, take part in meaningful activities and develop useful skills in safety and peace. The Salvation Army has provided food and housing for over 3,000 women and children, as well as medical and legal assistance. Where possible, they are referred to support in their home countries before they are repatriated. The Army has also provided food, practical help and spiritual assistance to men who have been tricked by false promises of work, trafficked and are trapped in debt, who feel helpless and hopeless. The Salvation Army WOW project in Sri Lanka Territory uplifts and empowers the women involved, providing practical training in various crafts and skills, creating job opportunities and market exposure for their products (kitchen towels, tablecloths, cloth bags, pot holders, etc.), which generate income to sustain families. The WOW Bargain Shop opened in 2022 and is a strategic development in the overall project. Income from both ensures a good financial foundation for expansion. The Pakistan Territory responded to the needs of 500 families suffering the devastating long-term effects of the 2022 floods and heavy monsoon rains in 2023 by providing food packages in Umeedabad, Peshawar, and Pishin in Balochistan. People prayed for help and The Salvation Army answered, serving without discrimination. In May 2023, ethnic violence erupted in India’s north-eastern state of Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki tribes, with many killed, wounded and over 54,000 displaced. Homes and church buildings were burned, and there was rioting, looting and rape. The Salvation Army India Eastern Territory responded with the supply of necessities, such as food and water, and Salvation Army officers in Manipur reached out to those in need, despite their own suffering in the crisis. The New Free Feeding Programme in Kolkata started in August 2022, providing free cooked, nourishing meals, Monday to Saturday, for 100 registered beneficiaries from the surrounding slums. Many depend on the daily meal offered by The Salvation Army, which they take home and share with their families. The programme coordinators respect everyone regardless of caste, creed, colour or gender, and officers share God’s love while visiting their communities. The beneficiaries have developed a great respect for Christianity and The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army established its ministry in Kathmandu 14 years ago. Nepal is a majority Hindu country, but the Holy Spirit is opening doors through fervent prayer and gospel effort. The Nepal extension has two corps (churches), four societies and runs leadership training for soldiers, discipleship training, weekly meetings, street evangelism, and shares the gospel through social media. The first Salvationist in Nepal came to faith after attending a Salvation Army service, during which he was deeply moved by the story of William Booth. He now works as an officer at Namchi Corps, Sikkim. An exciting development within the zone is the long-envisioned establishment of the SALT Learning Centre, which will provide much-needed capability and leadership development opportunities for officers and lay personnel in ministry. SALT Learning Centre was launched in October 2023 at the South Asia Zonal Leaders Conference by the Chief of the Staff. The Mission Statement clearly articulates its purpose: ‘The SALT Learning Centre exists to equip officers and leaders in the South Asia Zone for quality online learning, for effective missional engagement, and spiritual development for the service of God within The Salvation Army.’ ‘Explore! Equip! Engage!’ encapsulates the goal for every officer involved with the SALT Learning Centre.Help and Safety
Women of Worth (WOW)
RR PROJECT 317
Crisis Response
Free Feeding
Opening Doors in Nepal
EXPLORE! EQUIP! ENGAGE!
BUILDING A STRONG FUTURE
The South Asia Zonal Leaders Conference 2023, held in Sri Lanka, provided a mandate for our leaders, officers and soldiers to work in unity, being deeply motivated by the love and compassion of Jesus, and advancing in his strength to be:
- better equipped
- wiser in stewarding resources
- more accountable, leaving a good legacy
- more relevant to the needs and the challenges of the present generation.
We are committed to moving forward as we join hands in God’s great mission of compassion and transformation, reaching the most vulnerable people and communities, and impacting the lives of millions in his name, without discrimination.