Aussies join Japanese celebrations and emergency relief efforts
- simoneworthing
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Celebrating 130 years in Japan
Commissioners Widiawati and Yusak Tampai, leaders of The Salvation Army’s South Pacific and East Asia Zone, recently led celebrations in Japan recognising 130 years of Salvation Army mission and ministry in the country.
They did so on behalf of The Salvation Army’s global leader General Lyndon Buckingham, who was unable to travel due to an unexpected health condition.
Throughout the visit from 19-21 November, Salvationists across the country prayed alongside the Tampais for the swift recovery of General Buckingham, and for Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries.
Australian officers Majors Daniel and Melissa Templeman-Twells will be returning to Australia at the end of 2025 after concluding their second term serving in Japan.
The 130-year milestone event featured an uplifting ‘Bandraising’ Charity Concert, led by the former bandmaster of the Chicago Staff Band, Dr William Himes, and held at Nihonbashi Town Hall in Tokyo.
The Bandraising Charity Concert (left), led by the former bandmaster of the Chicago Staff Band, Dr William Himes; and soldiers enrolled during the Holiness meeting.
As well as commemorating The Salvation Army’s presence in the country, the theme of the weekend was one of working in partnership to strengthen the movement’s work into the future.
Commissioners Tampai addressed officers from across the territory, emphasising the importance of trusting the certainty of God’s promises and upholding their identity as God’s servants.
During a meeting focused on united worship and commitment, children wearing traditional Japanese dress presented gifts to the commissioners, creating a poignant and heartfelt moment.
The celebrations also brought into focus the importance of younger members of The Salvation Army and their role in continuing Christ’s work in the country. At a Sunday worship concert, well-known pastor and worship leader Takafumi Nagasawa preached passionately on the saving grace of Jesus. Many young people knelt in prayer to seek renewal and demonstrate their commitment to Christ.
To read the full story, click here.
Hong Kong fire response continues
The Salvation Army is working in partnership with the Hong Kong government to provide support to those affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire.
Almost three weeks on, as the ashes continue to settle over the Wang Fuk Court community in Tai Po, the true impact of this tragedy, which caused more than 150 deaths, is now beginning to ripple across Hong Kong.
READ MORE: Ongoing response in Hong Kong
The Salvation Army continues to be supportive in providing psychological and pastoral counselling, furnishing homes with essential items and underwriting funeral costs for families who have endured the most profound loss.
Majors Glenn and Julia Price, and Colonels Deslea and Phillip Maxwell, are serving in the Hong Kong and Macau Territory and have been instrumental in The Salvation Army's fire response and ongoing work.
For the full version of the story, click here.
Teams bring relief in Jamaica
Australian officer Major Peter White has been on deployment with The Salvation Army Emergency Services (IES) to assist with the Jamaica Hurricane Melissa response from 22 November.
Peter is returning from deployment on Monday 22 December 2025.
Peter is the Area Officer for the Hunter and Central Coast region in the NSW/ACT Division.
He is also a long-time member of IES and has been deployed to disaster areas around the world.
READ MORE: Teams respond in Jamaica
Peter has shared ongoing prayer points regarding The Salvation Army’s response to Hurricane Melissa, which hit the Caribbean island on 28 October, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
For The Salvation Army teams – both international and local – as they travel across Jamaica. Pray for safety on the roads, many of which in rural areas remain uncleared or have significant surface damages.
For the officers and soldiers in the West Jamaica Division, where 95 per cent of the corps buildings have sustained moderate to severe damage.
For restoration of essential services, as only 55 per cent of electricity lines have been repaired, primarily in the Eastern Division.
For grace and peace as Christmas approaches, especially for those in Jamaica who are struggling to feel the joy of the season amid these changes.
Jamaica response: statistics at a glance:
As of 1 November 2025, over 185,000 people have been served with 94,000 meal kits; 61,000 hot meals; over 20,000 bottles of water; 16,000 hygiene kits and 8000 food parcels.
The Salvation Army’s international team has included members from Australia, Iceland, Canada, London and the United States.
Of the 29 corps in the Jamaican Western Division, 22 have major to catastrophic damage.
The international team is currently providing direct support to those 22 corps and their surrounding communities with weekly food, water, Starlink and resource deliveries for distribution to survivors.
The Salvation Army currently has base warehouse operations in Kingston, Spanish Town (with Convoy of Hope) and Montego Bay.
The Jamaican Defense Force (JDF) has provided consistent manpower and security at many of our distribution events.
SAWSO (Salvation Army World Service Office), Canada, Sweden, France, Norway and US Central Territory have committed to financing the first round of project requests.
The Salvation Army’s International and Jamaican Response Teams will temporarily pause services from 22 December 2025 – 5 January 2026.
