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Major Dennis Gensler, The Salvation Army’s Secretary for Business in the Pakistan Territory, was interviewed today on the current flooding in Pakistan.  He spoke with The Path, a Christian radio station of Cedarville University in Ohio. If you weren’t able to catch it live, visit the station’s website here and click on the ‘News’ section where the segment will be uploaded soon.

You may have already read about the state of Pakistan as seen through Major Gensler’s eyes from a blog post we featured last week. He also has his own blog which he updates pretty often with details about his interactions with flooded communities, along with plenty of pictures. You can follow his efforts at http://majorgensler.blogspot.com/. It provides a more personal view than what you’ll read in most news stories.

Since our last update The Salvation Army conducted its third major Pakistan flood relief distribution of quilts, pillows, mattresses and kitchen utensils to 77 families on Saturday. This took place in Nowshera, which is on the bank of the River Kabul and has been badly affected by the floods.

These seemingly simple supplies are critically needed by drenched communities still wading through standing water and ubiquitous mud. Staying dry is important to combating threats that survivors face in the aftermath such as epidemic illnesses and water-borne diseases.  As a Pakistani flood survivor suggests in a BBC report, aid in the form of dry bedding and clothes may be as important as food.

With so many still in need, The Salvation Army continues to consider how we can best provide help to Pakistan.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s flood relief efforts, you can donate by clicking here.

Yesterday we posted an updated bulletin regarding The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief work in Pakistan in response to the area’s devastating floods.

Today we are sharing the firsthand account of Major Dennis Gensler of The Salvation Army Pakistan Territory as he visited recovering communities. Some of his narrative expands on the events described in yesterday’s bulletin, and much of the narrative provides additional detail exclusive to Major Gensler’s own experience. We hope it will provide you with a more personal view of The Salvation Army’s relief efforts and the plight of flood survivors.

“We left Territorial Headquarters Saturday 14 August at 4:30 am for the four hour trip to Islamabad to pick up other members of the Disaster team before going the remaining two hours to Charsadda.  We were in two vehicles as the plan was to leave the four-wheel drive truck with the Islamabad team for their future visits to the flood areas.

Flood survivors receive supplies and prayer and The Salvation Army's distribution in Charsadda.

We were grateful for the good organization that Captain Asif in Peshawar had arranged.  Each family that was to be helped had a paper with their name and identification number on it and they were numbered from 1 to 100.  After showing their identification card and giving their thumb print they were given a canvas bag with cooking utensils, pots, buckets, plates, cups, and kettles.  They also received a foam mattress, a quilt and a large pillow.  Everyone was very grateful for these very useful items.  We did this in three places for a total of 300 families being assisted and it all ran very smoothly.  We were able to have prayer at each location.  We were joined by a few of the Bishops of other denominations and even a Muslim leader came and shared a few words at one of them.  We also had the MPA (Member of Provincial Assembly) for the Peshawar area Prince Javed participate in one of the distributions.  We are expecting to help at least 3,000 families in this area alone.

After a long day of passing out relief goods we went into Peshawar to spend the night at a guest house.   Peshawar was not at all what I expected.  It’s really a very large and modern place.

Major Gensler took this photo of a group of boys in Peshawar, one of whom is carrying a pistol, but it's unknown if it was real or a toy. The Major said his "heart was aching" for them.

On Sunday morning we did some additional assessments at some of the areas affected by the flood waters.  We visited some families whose small mud homes were missing walls and parts of the roof.  One home had a large hole in a small bedroom where a woman was in mud up to her neck and had to be pulled out by a few men.  They were already working on rebuilding some of the mud walls and in some cases they will use some bricks.  It’s not that much stronger, since they don’t use cement with the bricks – only mud.  One little boy in this area was holding a 9 mm pistol which he seemed to keep at his side, somewhat hidden.  I wasn’t sure if it was real or a toy, but being an American in Peshawar I felt my heart race a bit.  I called him and some other boys near to me for a picture.  It’s hard to imagine the affect that all of this is going to have on the children.  My heart was aching for each of them.

Flood waters left virtually nothing standing in Azhakel.

The really disturbing place that we visited was a village called Azhakhel, which as it turns out was an Afghan Refugee Camp.  As I looked at the map it appears this place is right at the bend in the river.  Another village just to the west is called Pabbi and they were hit just as hard.  As far as we could see in either direction was total destruction.   Villagers told us that there were around 15,000 families in these places, but we couldn’t verify that.

Major Gensler prays with the community members of Azakhel.

The work of recovery and rebuilding here in Pakistan will take years.  They were already so far behind, but this will just send them back even further.  I wish I could rely on the generous gifts from around the world to give what is necessary, but considering how Pakistan has become alienated from so many I don’t see that happening.  I wish more people could see the Pakistan that I have come to see in the last six months.  I’m certain they would give more.”

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Pakistan, you can donate by clicking here.

Pakistan flood survivors in Charsadda sign in to receive relief supplies from The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army in Pakistan continued its initial response to the floods that have are now thought to have affected 20 million people by distributing bedding and cooking utensil packs to 300 families in Charsadda. An assessment team visited Charsadda a week earlier and discovered that the floods had devastated the town, wrecking homes and businesses.

The distribution team included Lieut-Colonel Yousaf Ghulam (Chief Secretary of the Salvation Army’s Pakistan Territory) and Lieut-Colonel Rebecca Yousaf (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries).

The first distribution, to 100 families, took place at Charsadda Bible Church. Lieut-Colonel Ghulam spoke to community members, offering sympathy.

The Bishop of Peshawar arrived during the distribution and thanked The Salvation Army for its work. Members of the local media were also present and asked many questions about The Salvation Army.

The next distribution was in a hujra (an annex to a main building) in Charsadda for two hundred Muslim families. There was a large crowd of people already gathered when the team arrived but the proceedings went smoothly. The chief secretary gave a short message for the community and the bishop offered words of comfort. Local Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mr Javed Prince added a few words of sympathy for the community.

The Salvation Army provided bedding and cooking utensils for survivors whose homes and possessions were devastated by the floods.

One of the recipients in Charsadda was Noor Ali, a student. He told the Salvation Army team that his family fled their home when the waters began to rise. When they returned home the house was full of water.

He said, “We are determined to face this big challenge. We will do hard work to reconstruct our houses. At the moment we are having problems but we are brave and we can fight.”

Imran Azm, a policeman who works in Peshawar, collected supplies for his parents. He told team members that he is determined to provide for his family.

Both Noor and Imran expressed their gratitude for what they described as a ‘token of love’ given by The Salvation Army.

The next day, the team visited Academy Town Corps (Salvation Army church) to meet affected families. Assessment visits were also made to Nowshera, Pabi, Jahangia and Aza khail, all communities near the River Kabul.

In Aza khail the team saw people in desperate need. The community of around 15,000 people was near to the river and its houses were washed away. The people who remain explained that many bodies have yet to be found because they were swept away by the flood or buried under rubble.

The community members asked for tents to provide shelter. The Salvation Army is putting together funds so it can look to buy a large number of tents that will begin to address some of the people’s most urgent needs.

For more information visit The Salvation Army Pakistan’s website at http://www.salvationarmy.org/pak/www_pak.nsf/.

Adapted from a report by Salvation Army Captain Imran Sabir

The Salvation Army continues to respond to the dire situation in Pakistan as communities recover from the destructive floods. Our teams are assessing the damage and working with the government and locals to learn how we can be of greatest support.

A donkey cart plods through flooded streets.

Captain Washington Daniel, The Salvation Army’s District Commander for Islamabad, went to Peshawar to assess the situation and reported:

“ Most houses are damaged badly or have fallen down completely due to the flood water. River water came into many houses, rising to above six feet in some places. People are looking for shelter, going to relatives’ houses or to churches.

People are feeling hopeless. The Government and other non-government agencies (NGOs) have not properly visited them, helped them or prayed with them. They said that people from The Salvation Army are the first to visit and pray with them.

In some areas there is still standing water and people are afraid to go back to see their homes. Their houses and what they owned is mixed with mud. The buildings and houses are cracked and not suitable for living in.”

Salvation Army personnel pray with flood survivors.

Regarding aid efforts, he also said:

“We met with the bishop of Peshawar’s team and they welcomed us, very thankful for The Salvation Army visit and our cooperation.  In this meeting we discussed how we can manage and to start to help these people who have lost so much because of the flood.

They gave us a list of people in different areas in order to avoid duplication in distribution of assistance.  I marked utensils (pots, pans, dishes) quilts, pillows, foam mattresses and gas cylinder burners that The Salvation Army will attempt to provide.  We have identified 3000 families in need of assistance from the list we were given.

Our team also met with MPA Javid Prince and he showed his full support in all matter from government.  For purchasing all goods, I propose we buy from Peshawar to save the transportation expense, because road conditions from Lahore to these areas are not good and for security, safety and for storage where we want to distribute we have no place.”

Salvation Army officers assess flood damage to villages.

The first batch of relief aid to go up to the affected areas – essential goods bought with the initial funding – is being put together and will be sent as soon as it is ready to go.

If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Pakistan:

• visit our secure online donation page at  https://secure.salvationarmy.org/.
• or mail a check or money order to:

The Salvation Army World Service Office
International Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 630728
Baltimore, MD 21263-0728
*Please designate your donation for Pakistan flood relief*

The Salvation Army in Pakistan is preparing to help people who have lost their homes, possessions and possibly even loved ones in the worst floods in 80 years. The raging waters caused by monsoons have devastated many areas, especially in the northwest. It is thought that more than 1,400 people lost their lives in flooding which left 25,000 more trapped and awaiting rescue. More than a million people are thought to be homeless.

News coverage with video can be found here at BBC.com:  Pakistan floods: Rescuers Aim to meet Stranded Victims

A letter posted on The Salvation Army Pakistan’s website reads:

“The government of Pakistan is looking for help from the NGO’s to assist with relief efforts. Our people have been doing some initial assessments and will continue gathering information on the work we will be able to do. We will also coordinate with government officials to fit in with providing assistance where it is needed and not duplicating a lot of services.

The DC (Divisional Commander) in Islamabad and the Corps Officers (Salvation Army leaders/pastors) from Peshawar have identified at least 3,000 families in the areas of Peshawar, Charsada, Noshera, Jhanghira, Tar Nab, and Rasalpur. They are in dire need of food, cooking/eating utensils, and bedding materials.”

Photos courtesy of The Salvation Army Pakistan's website

The Salvation Army Pakistan has expressed their gratitude for prayers and practical support as they ready to serve these communities. The Salvation Army began its work in Pakistan in Lahore in 1883 with Captain Victoria Roberts and a few other officers. Our organization has been living and serving in the communities ever since.

Visit The Salvation Army Pakistan’s website HERE to learn more information or donate to their relief efforts.



Since responding to the massive earthquake that jarred Haiti six months ago, The Salvation Army continues to work side by side the recovering communities. We have transitioned from focusing on the provision of immediate needs, including temporary shelter, food, water and medical aid, to providing for long-term needs that will help survivors get back to a level of normalcy in their lives.

And today, in an exciting step for many displaced Haitians, we’ve completed construction of 600 long-term intermediary housing shelters in Jacmel to help relocate those displaced by the earthquake back to their home communities!

Our Transitional Shelter Program has been a great way to empower Haitians during this reconstruction process. In a nation where more than 2/3 of the labor force is unemployed, more than 400 Haitians have been hired as carpenters and construction crew-members to assist in reconstruction efforts and be actively involved with reestablishing their communities.

The shelters house on average five people and last several years. With Haiti in the midst of hurricane season, the shelter’s design will also enable them to withstand strong winds as well as drain water away from the structure, helping to reduce the spread of water-borne illnesses.

Now that hundreds of shelters have been built in Jacmel, The Salvation Army will work with Haitian government officials to plan the development of another 1,000-1,500 homes in the northern coastal community of Petit-Goâve, which was severely damaged by a strong earthquake aftershock in January.

We are excited by the steps being taken by Haitians and the The Salvation Army to help the country heal and emerge from this disaster stronger than before! As The Salvation Army’s Lt. Col. Dan Starrett stated, “These homes are the first steps of many in that direction.”

To read the full press release regarding the transitional shelters and an update on our work in Haiti over the past six months, click here.

If you’d like to support our ongoing work in the country, you can give via www.salvationarmyusa.org, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and text messaging “HAITI” to 52000 with confirming “Yes.”

Children in Umtata, South Africa show the 'Red Card' to human trafficking.

Have you gotten caught up in the excitement of the 2010 World Cup? Are you soaking up each match as nations battle it out in the Group Stage, vying for a coveted spot to progress to the second round? Have you immersed yourself in World Cup trivia and player stats and even learned about South African culture (with your vuvuzela in hand)?

Whether you’re actively following the soccer games or just happen to catch headlines splashed across the news, almost everyone is at some degree aware of the global rivalry playing out across our TV screens.

At The Salvation Army, many of us have also enjoyed watching the games in our spare time – I was more than just a little happy to see the United States tie with England on Saturday! But The Salvation Army’s interest in the games extends beyond a mere competitive spirit.

The Salvation Army has been working in the communities of South Africa since 1883 to provide feeding programs, homes for babies and children with HIV/Aids, shelters for homeless people, community development projects, and much more.

But of more recent concern surrounding the 2010 World Cup is an increase in human trafficking. This, unfortunately, is many times an unintended consequence of major sporting events which draws a huge influx of tourists and an immense demand for sexual services. Additional factors specific to South Africa also contribute, including widespread poverty and relaxed visa requirements.

The Salvation Army is passing out 'Red Cards' at the 2010 World Cup as a part of our anti-trafficking campaign.

Therefore, The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory has been working tirelessly for more than a year to ramp up their anti-trafficking campaign in anticipation of the 2010 World Cup. Its focus is twofold: Prevention and Awareness.

• Prevention: The Salvation Army is hosting Holiday Clubs and soccer clinics to keep children off the streets, providing them a safe place where they will be less vulnerable to fall prey to traffickers.  Safe houses for women and children are also available.
• Awareness: The Salvation Army has spent the past year and a half educating communities on the threat of trafficking through conversation and teaching. We also launched a toll free number 08000-RESCU (73728), which is a hotline for both victims of trafficking as well as a platform for community members with ‘tips’ about trafficking in their neighborhood.

In addition, we are handing out ‘Red Cards’ warning against trafficking, as well as advertising our message on soccer balls, vuvuzelas, and water bottles.

The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory is also engaged in other outreach activities during the games, including street ministry, soccer clinics, Kids Clubs, and their usual community programs.

To learn more about how The Salvation Army is working to assist South Africans and make the 2010 World Cup safer for everyone, click HERE.

You can also visit The Salvation Army Southern Africa Territory’s website at http://www.salvationarmy.org.za/.

Pacaya Volcano before the eruption

Salvation Army emergency response teams in Guatemala are providing assistance after the country was hit by two major disasters within 10 days.

A state of emergency was declared after the eruption of the Pacaya Volcano – about 15 miles south of the capital, Guatemala City. A television journalist was killed in the eruption and the international airport had to be closed. Some 1,600 people were evacuated from the slopes of the volcano and two to three inches of ash built up on streets in some southern parts of the capital.

Dots mark the path of Tropical Storm Agatha

While the country was struggling to deal with the aftermath of the eruption, Tropical Storm Agatha moved across central America, bringing devastation on a huge scale. Of the 150 people known to have been killed in the region, more than 120 were from Guatemala. These numbers may rise.

Some communities were cut off by floods and mudslides, and the ash clean-up operation was badly affected. At one point a Salvation Army team was stranded after a landslide blocked the roads to a community where it was providing assistance.

Almost 112,000 people were evacuated from their homes across Guatemala and around 30,000 had to seek temporary accommodation in emergency shelters.

The local authorities set up a campaign to provide support and The Salvation Army played its part, delivering coffee and warm meals. Salvation Army officers (church ministers) coordinated the response and other Salvationists worked as volunteers.

The first assistance provided by The Salvation Army was at San Vicente, in response to the volcanic eruption. The number of people seeking help increased because of the storm and support is being given at shelters in Tierra Nueva.

For more information about The Salvation Army visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

As of today, June 1, The Salvation Army is officially serving in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing the total number of nations in which we operate to 121.

The Salvation Army is developing relationships with members of the government, diplomatic and legal communities in the UAE. Together with the formation of an advisory board, these steps will help ensure that The Salvation Army becomes part of daily life in the Middle East.

Less than two years ago The Salvation Army began its work in nearby Kuwait. Before the UAE, the most recent nation to which the Army expanded its work was Nicaragua. We’re encouraged by the growing opportunities we have to serve those in need all over the world!

This news report gives great background to our Million Meals for Haiti relief effort and a quick inside look into how Salvation Army staff and volunteers contributed at San Francisco’s event. Find more videos here.

More than 2,000 volunteers turned out to help The Salvation Army and Numana Inc. pack 1 million meals for Haiti last Saturday, completing the extraordinary feat within 15 hours! Our previous events have always been spaced out over 2 days, so thanks to everyone who worked so hard to help us meet this goal.

Salvation Army staff can't hide their joy after volunteers packed one million meals in less than 24 hours. Photo: SA Western Territory

With the help of UPS and FedEx, these million meals are in the process of being transported to Haiti where we will distribute them to the tens of thousands of Haitians who are being cared for by our teams.

Read the full article at The Salvation Army Western Territory’s Expect Change blog and see recently posted photos at The Salvation Army San Francisco’s  Flickr page.

Learn more about how The Salvation Army San Francisco serves those in need by visiting their website at www.tsagoldenstate.org and stay updated through their Facebook page.

More meal packing events will be taking place around the United States, including one in Philadelphia on May 21 and 22, so stay updated through our blog, Facebook, and Twitter page to see when you can volunteer for the next one in your neighborhood.