Social Services programme by the Salvation Army Church has arrived in Samoa. 

The Salvation Army Church will commence its mission this Sunday at their Worship and Community Centre, Salenesa Road, Moto’otua.

The Salvation Army operates in 128 countries around the world, including Fiji and Tonga. 

At the invitation of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, Samoa will be the 129th and latest country to welcome the Salvation Army’s mission of caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society, said Lt Colonel Rod Carey to the Weekend Observer. 

“The Salvation Army’s first social service programme will be helping the growing number of people struggling with Drug and Alcohol problems.

 “They will be partnering with the Samoa Drug and Alcohol Court to help people overcome alcohol abuse and addiction. 

“Two qualified and experienced Pacifica Drug and Alcohol clinicians from New Zealand will be arriving in June to commence this much needed treatment programme.” 

Lt. Colonel’s Rod and Jenny Carey, regional officers and Pastors, are excited about the work starting on Pentecost Sunday. 

“What a great day to start our work, the day we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.” 

Lt. Colonel Rod says the people may not be aware that the Salvation Army is a Church as well as one of the largest providers of social services in New Zealand and Australia. 

“We are an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. 

“Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.”

They are also partnering with the Goshen Trust Samoa Mental Health Services to help people struggling with mental health issues and assist in the development and growth of Goshen Trust.

“Our vision statement is, ‘The Army that brings Life’,” says Colonel Rod Carey. 

“Life in all its fullness, we are an army that cares for the least, the last and the lost. There are no guns in God’s Army. We fight with love, prayer, God’s Word, and serving people so they can be free from addiction, poverty, brokenness and despair.”

Lt. Colonels Rod and Jenny, assisted by Captain Miriama Simanu, plan to commence other programmes to help people in need after assessing the gaps in the community. They are looking at opening a family store, a shop that sells donated clothing and furniture like the many the Salvation Army runs in New Zealand.

“We are looking for more volunteers to help us in our work,” says Colonel Carey.

They are extending the invitation to members of the public who are interested in finding out more about serving in the Salvation Army, to come along to their first Church service this Sunday.