The Salvation Army’s Work Extends to 130 Countries

Salvation Army General André Cox has approved the official opening of Salvation Army operations in the west African country of Gabon and the west African country of Burkina Faso. This marks 130 as the total number of countries in which The Salvation Army has a legally and officially recognized ministry.

Gabon

In 2005, an interest developed in having some expression of Salvation Army ministry in Gabon. The country, located on the Atlantic coast of central Africa, has a population of close to two million people. Procedures for gaining legal recognition in a country can take a long time and a constitution has been developed that is acceptable both to the government of Gabon and to The Salvation Army. The official opening was July 1, 2018, in the country’s capital city Libreville.

Burkina Faso

The official opening will take place in Ouagadougou on August 25-27, 2018. Included in the weekend’s program will be men’s and women’s rallies, a youth concert and an officers’ (pastors) meeting. Officers from Mali are leading the work in Burkina Faso that includes a corps (church) in the capital, Ouagadougou. In a country whose motto is ‘Unity–Progress–Justice’, The Salvation Army’s ministry will contribute to those aims in the years ahead.