Partners in Mission: India Western Territory

After 43 years of service within the ranks of The Salvation Army, I can say with ever-increasing confidence that it was God’s calling that placed me in this worldwide movement to serve Him. My journey has truly come full circle: from being raised in a Salvation Army orphanage and boarding school in my home territory of India Western to concluding my active service as the Zonal Leader for South Asia in 2024.

It was through the love and care I received in a Salvation Army orphanage and boarding school that the seeds of faith were planted. This foundation led to a personal encounter with my Savior, Jesus Christ, in my youth which truly transformed my life. As I surrendered to the power of the Holy Spirit, He brought me back to The Salvation Army to serve, making me a part of this global family. Although I am now retired from active service, I remain a part of this family until the day God promotes me to His Heavenly glory by the grace of Jesus Christ.

One of the most unique aspects of The Salvation Army is its international identity as a massive spiritual family. It gives soldiers and officers a true sense of belonging and unity in Christ. Whether coming from the East or the West, we are engaged in one purpose: to save and serve humanity in Jesus’ name. As an officer, I have experienced mutual support across many territories. This support comes through financial aid, the sharing of resources, and the building up of each other’s capacity to do the most good.

The India Western Territory has been a partner in mission with the USA territories for a long time. I am thankful to God for the many ways I was personally blessed, strengthened, and equipped to serve the Lord through this partnership. As Paul spoke regarding the church in Macedonia: “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord,” (2 Corinthians 8:3).

With a grateful heart, I share how the support received from the USA and other financially stable territories has impacted my life, my wife’s life, and our ministries.

Both my wife and I benefited from the international Salvation Army sponsorship program. This program supported the orphanage in Mumbai and the boarding school that provided us, and many other children, with everything a child needs to grow with dignity. At our wedding, I received a cash gift from an unknown person. When I inquired, I was told it was from my sponsor, who had supported me from my early school days through the completion of my education. To my surprise, I discovered she was my own age; she had sponsored me since childhood using her own pocket money and “self-denial” savings. She may still be unknown to me, but what she did has never gone unnoticed by our Heavenly Father. Her example humbled me and taught me to live selflessly for others.

Later, in response to my calling to officership, I had to discontinue my formal education. However, I was blessed to receive various trainings through programs run by The Salvation Army World Services Office (SAWSO). These programs helped me develop skills that gave me the confidence to conduct my ministry with greater meaning and purpose. I was so well-equipped that I was able to transfer skills such as management, communication, and counseling to other officers and soldiers through my own teaching. This was only possible because of the training I received.

In the early eighties, my wife, Martha, and I were appointed to a small village corps in India. This was our first village experience, and our one-room quarters had no bathroom or toilet facilities. It was very difficult to live in such conditions. We are so grateful to God for the funds received from the USA Southern Territory, which enabled us to build bathrooms and toilets in all ten corps within the Ahmednagar division of Maharashtra.

Sometimes we have great passion and ideas to help suffering communities, but we struggle with a lack of resources. I know firsthand that we were able to respond effectively because of the financial support, wisdom, and knowledge shared by the USA and other territories. This was clearly evident in our responses to the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics.

These are just a few of the many incidents where we experienced practical support from the global Salvation Army family. Nevertheless, our God-given mission still requires this partnership, now more than ever. The India Western Territory is facing new challenges, including growing opposition to evangelism, religious discrimination, financial instability, and the fear of persecution. We need support to stand firm and continue the work God has raised us for.

It is my everyday prayer that more practical partnerships are built across the Army world through prayer and ministry. We need mutual support through shared resources, constant visits from leaders to listen and understand one another, and the sharing of expertise for more meaningful decision-making. Most importantly, we must hold each other accountable in all we attempt.

As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality,” (2 Corinthians 8:14). It is my prayer that these practical partnerships continue to grow, ensuring that our abundance always meets the needs of the mission.