Planting seeds of hope in Eastern Europe

I believe in a Salvation Army that is changing the world—and the opportunities have never been greater in Eastern Europe, where the breakdown of the old political system has opened up many possibilities. Individual success and aggressive capitalism are the new motivations for many people. In this setting, The Salvation Army is obeying God’s calling and making a difference.

I was born in Rangiora, studied geology at Canterbury University, and then moved to Australia to work. I became a Salvation Army officer in 1992, married an Australian, and have been serving in the Eastern Europe Territory with my wife, Jude, since 2013. Our respective roles here are Territory Property Secretary and Training Principal/Territorial Education Secretary, based at Territorial Headquarters and The Salvation Army’s Karl Larsson Centre.

Winter in Moscow is very different from Christchurch. Going to work here involves layering several jackets, gloves and hats, opening the front door to minus-25 Celsius, and then digging the car out of the snow. It also involves being confronted by the many homeless people who seek refuge in the subways.

One of the scariest things that Jude and I have discovered about living in this part of the world is the way people drive here. Forget red lights, lanes and pedestrians; this is a race that often turns into a smash-up-derby. The internet videos are all true! When we pray for safe travelling over here, there is always a note of desperation.

Sadly, this same desperate attitude extends to the way that many people treat the poor. The concept of ‘charity’ is alien when, previously, all needs were met by the State. There is now a desperate gap in resources for the marginalised. My hope is that the people of Christ hear the cries of those in need. Scripture teaches that charity is more than giving to the poor; it is a heart condition, a spiritual opportunity.

The Moscow Corps has started a soup run and a drop-in centre that is seeing people’s practical needs met and souls saved. Some of the homeless people greet us at the corps in English because they are having English lessons at the drop-in centre. This work, plus their new-found relationship with God, means they have a new attitude toward the world, their society and their place in it. Speaking English means that they have more job options.

Salvation Army corps (churches) in Eastern Europe are vibrant communities of faith. There is a passion in the worship and great enthusiasm in the prayers. Mercy seats are crowded with people seeking God. Many of the corps buildings are rented and in poor condition, but God is at work.

We change the world by speaking about our saviour, Jesus. We change the world by showing a new way of living, a life that is based on the Bible.

Unique ministry opportunities

The Eastern Europe territory covers five countries: Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. This includes some of the poorest areas of Europe. There are unique ministry opportunities among the many subcultures within this territory; for example, among the travelling people. Poverty also contributes to the tragedy of large scale trafficking of people. We need to do more to help these people find freedom.

Recent political tensions in Ukraine have put our soldiers and officers under huge pressure. Please pray for their safety. Jesus said, ‘God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).

As a New Zealander, it is hard for me to understand a culture that is quick to pick up guns and start a war. The local people spend much time arguing about borders and ownership of history and land. Amongst this reality, The Salvation Army is an international mission that is apolitical. This places us in a great position to be peacemakers in war-torn communities. Our corps are centres of security in troubled times. For one corps, this has meant opening its doors daily for the senior citizens of the city, so they can meet together in safety as well as provide support for each other.

In a part of the world used to religious restrictions for many years, The Salvation Army is in a unique position. It brings strong doctrine, a Christian way of living and urges a return to community. It also teaches a selfless philosophy: Christ gave his life for you and me.

Our concern for the marginalised is desperately needed in Eastern Europe. We are the church for the ‘whosoever’. When people grasp this message, they respond with enthusiasm. I am an officer in Eastern Europe because I believe that The Salvation Army has the answer. However, the reality is that there is resistance from people who are suspicious of the motives of new organisations. It is therefore essential that The Salvation Army demonstrates a practical faith where people can see our obedience to Christ lived out in real action.

Life in Moscow

Living in Moscow is interesting. It is a busy city with a huge population. All of the signs are in Russian and few people speak English. My Russian is very basic, so each day is a challenge and the constant concentration can be tiring. I am told that it takes five years of study to become fluent.

The shops are well stocked, but prices are high and wages are low. When Jude and I first arrived here, grocery shopping was a nightmare. Unless there was a picture on the can of food, we bought the wrong thing. We thought we had bought broad beans only to find, when we got home, that we had bought a packet of gooseberries! We have worked out the good brands of chocolate and ice cream, but I do miss liquorice, sago and familiar coffee—the local coffee is often Turkish style, and the tea here is bitter.

It is also strange to walk down the street and observe the high number of people with physical disabilities. Many of the elderly walk with a limp, and there are many people with missing limbs. One of my friends in Australia has a missing leg, but you would never know until he removes his prosthetic.

Medical care is basic. This is hard to cope with when serious health issues affect our soldiers and officers. In response to community needs, The Salvation Army is running some health care programmes in the most disadvantaged communities. In Moldova, for example, a mobile clinic goes out into the villages and supplies much-needed assistance and care.

This territory has such huge potential! It often seems that finance is the only limiting factor. The hope of The Salvation Army here is to teach a community the concept of charity and care of the marginalised. Our goal is to save souls.

To those living in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, I would say that there is a call for charity and a need to promote peace in this part of the world. Perhaps your own demonstration of love will show in your gift to this year’s Self Denial Appeal—a gift that will support The Salvation Army’s ministry in Eastern Europe and throughout the world. A gift that will change lives by planting seeds of hope.

By Mark Soeters

Go to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/selfdenial for more on the Self Denial Appeal, in which Salvation Army churches in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga are aiming to raise one million dollars to strengthen the Army’s mission in developing countries and those with limited financial resources.