The Salvation Army is now officially recognized in 126 countries worldwide.
General Linda Bond announced that Salvation Army work officially began in the Kingdom of Cambodia as of Nov. 22, increasing the total number of countries in which the Army is officially recognized to 126.
Leaders at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters considered the potential for Army work in Cambodia—a relatively small country in the middle of South East Asia—since 2008, when the Korea Territory expressed an interest in developing a mission outreach there. In 2009, a small team from the Korea Territory began a short-term ministry program to Cambodia. A member of that team, Young People’s Sergeant-Major Kim, Hong-soo, later returned to the country to start a ministry with university students in Phnom Penh.
During the 95th corps anniversary celebrations at Ah Hyun Corps in the Seoul Division of the Korea Territory, the vision was declared, including a commitment to plant a corps in Cambodia.
Korea territorial leaders Commissioners Park, Man-hee and Kim, Keum-nyeo conducted the official opening in Phnom Penh on Nov. 22. Forty-five officers and soldiers from the Korea Territory accompanied them. The officers appointed in charge of the new work are Captain Shin, Jin-kyun and Captain Lim, Hyang.
Civic dignitaries, including the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, attended the inaugural meeting, along with local church and business leaders.