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China
Hebei Quake Prompts Army Response
550,000 Feel Earthquake Destruction
The Salvation Army’s response to a major earthquake in China’s Hebei Province, 200 km from Bejing, was immediate and compassionate, according to an IHQ news release by Major Peter B. Callander.
The quake left 550,000 homeless in and around the city of Zhangjiakow, which at one time had housed a Salvation Army corps. More than 50 died in the temblor and victims are now struggling for survival in sub-zero temperatures.
The Salvation Army has dispatched two tons of relief supplies, including warm clothing, blankets, quilts and food to the area. Two of the Army staff went to Beijing to witness the arrival of the supplies, which were then forwarded to the disaster area.
The Hong Kong Post Office, where the goods were packed for freighting, provided much-needed assistance. In addition, Dragon Air and Air China air freighted the goods free of charge and several companies assisted with trucks for local transportation.
Due to the volume of donations, headquarters staff and corps youth have worked long hours to assist. As a result, the much needed goods reached the disaster areas in good time. Another 150 tons of goods was dispatched subsequently.
The Hong Kong government donated HK$2 million and the public has donated in excess of HK $1 million in cash. Collection counters are being manned in various public areas and shopping malls to collect cash for purchasing coal for the victims.
Rader Challenges India’s Calcutta
General Paul A. Rader and Commissioner Kay F. Rader recently conducted a campaign in the India Northern Territory. In his thanks to the garlanded, enthusiastic welcome at the airport, the General shared some of his recent experiences of their visit to Bangladesh. He praised God for the progress of the work and his anticipation for greater things in the future. The Commissioner continued Rader’s thought by saying, “God is going to do a new thing these days.”
They spoke in a country with enormous contrasts of great wealth and poverty, spacious mansions and overcrowded slums, revolutionary Marxism and worship of heathen gods.
With flags waving and shouts of hallelujah, the crowd greeted the visitors for the first public meeting. Mrs. Buntain, president and director of Assembly of God churches, brought greetings on behalf of the churches in Calcutta.
Commissioner Rader encouraged the congregation by urging them to be true to their Savior. She outlined the wish of William Booth that every Salvationist and office should have a world-embracing love. Her understanding of today’s challenge to be a “blood and fire” Salvationist was emphasized by quoting the Scriptures, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
The swearing-in ceremony of five Senior soldiers by the General had a great impact on the people, as some knew little of the practices of the Army. Quoting the pledge of the young Founder, “God shall have all of William Booth,” the General urged the young people to dedicate themselves to God, as he also intends to use them.
The ceremony was followed by a powerful message by the General on the theme of God’s faithfulness. He spoke of the faith of the Chinese Salvationist who, despite times of persecution, wanted to enter Heaven in his Army uniform. He related the story of a woman officer who opened her door to an orphan boy of seven, and how her love and care influenced the boy to become a Salvation Army missionary officer, caring for children in South America.
He appealed to the congregation to commit themselves and be faithful to God, as he has a purpose for their lives. In response to this appeal, nearly 100 people came forward seeking Jesus and promising to be faithful.
–Major Joseph Vijay Boda
Ndoda Admitted to Order of the Founder
There was an ecstatic mood in McDonald Hall, Matabeleland Division, Bulawayo, Africa, recently during an afternoon meeting where almost 1,000 soldiers witnessed the admission of Envoy David Elijah Zenzeleni Ndoda to the Order of the Founder.
Commissioner John Swinfen, International Secretary for Africa, along with Commissioner Norma Swinfen and supported by Commissioners Gideon and Lista Moyo, territorial leaders, made the presentation.
Just before the meeting, the Swinfens had visited the Shelter of Hope Children’s Home, run by Envoys David and Margaret Ndoda.
A surprised Envoy Ndoda could not help trembling as Swinfen pinned on the Order of the Founder badge and presented the certificate. In his response, Ndoda said, “God has been faithful to me through the years.” He was then joined by his wife Margaret, and together they sang, “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul!” Ndoda is affectionately referred to as Reverend, or “Baba Ndoda,” reflecting his role as a counselor, father and pastor to many people.
In addition to many other awards, Ndoda also holds a Certificate in Recognition of Exceptional Service by The Salvation Army, presented in 1983.
He strongly influenced the formation of the first Divisional Songster Brigade in Mashonaland and served as deputy song leader. He was also a founder member of the Student Fellowship in Zimbabwe.
It was while attending a conference at Caux in Switzerland, in 1986, that he had a vision with an unmistakable message, “Look after children.” Though he had actually been doing this most of his adult life, this vision meant a dramatic change in life style and commitment for David and his wife.
Becoming concerned about children sleeping in the streets, he gradually won over the support of local churches, service clubs, etc., to the idea of a home for some of these.
In 1992 the town council provided a location on which stood a small derelict building, occupied by squatters. This became the Shelter of Hope Home. The shelter began with six boys, who then spent much of their time in the grounds of the center, cleaning up, cooking and giving the place a feeling of homeliness they must have craved.
Twenty-six children now live in the home, and the town council has built a hostel to house 12 young women. Now that equipment has been donated, some skills training is given at the center.
–Report from Lt. Col. Robin Dunster
Korea
This Army Provides New Hearts
Over the last two years, The Salvation Army in Korea has been actively involved in supporting patients who need to undergo heart surgery, at the national medical center in Seoul, which they could not normally afford.
A special ceremony was held at the hospital recently to celebrate the 100th successful heart surgery patient funded by The Salvation Army. Represen-tatives of the health services, the government and the medical center were present, along with some 200 people, including some of the patients and their relatives, as well as hospital staff.
The special ceremony was covered by the media and the whole function was organized by Social Secretary Major Son, Myong-shik.
–IHQ News Release
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