There are some things that are the same the world over: officers concern for current and future appointments, the desire for a bargain and human need. We have witnessed all of these today.
Sharing with the officers of the BA division it is obvious that all of them are passionate about what their ministry is and that through their officership it will include much variety. Most officers have more than one appointment: Corps and institution or divisional role is common, some have three roles and they seem to relish the challenge that comes with the complex approach to ministry. They are very committed with many of them living next to or above either their Corps or centre. They are understandably nervous as farewell orders are due next week. Our prayers are with them.
Their testimonies are authentic and full of faith. It is a pleasure to share with them even though divided by language we understand the love of God.
From the DHQ/THQ/Central Corps building we head to a bohemian area, Boca, street art and performance is rich and entertaining. One of the group gets unwittingly caught up in a tango!
Heading to the thrift store near Boca we witness a slick operation of collection, sorting and redistribution of goods - serving local people with bargains and the Salvation Army with financial support. 30% of the social service budget is provided by this one unit. But think big - it is a store of football pitch proportions with a staff of fifty. Of note is the standard of goods which are donated and sold - they are indicative of a poor city.
Further evidence is provided, if it were needed, by a visit to two women's shelters and on mans shelter. These are dormitory style night shelters that accommodate many people who are workers but who cannot afford their own accommodation. We speak to individuals - one lady is a former ballet dancer, another man introduces me to his brother who finds himself in equally trying circumstances as his sibling.
The women spend time talking, reading and occasionally playing games. One lady says that she likes it here as she has friends to spend time with. The walls are peeling, the mattresses frequently worn or ripped. There is an absence of natural light in this former electricity company building. The tables are unstable and the chairs worn out plastic garden furniture. Yet the presence of the officer in charge brings physical hope and through her ministry there is a spiritual presence.
At the mens refuge things appear a little better - this is a purpose built refuge - and has been for 102 years! Very little appears to have changed in that time. The condensation so bad that the walls need painting every years - they do not,however, get it. The men sit around in small groups. We go into the working mens dorm where there are three men: one asleep, one dressed in a suit and tie and one preparing for the evening meal. As is now our practices we move around, shake hands and greet with 'hola!'. The man with the suit hold up his hand to shake and it is clearly swollen to the point of pain. He still shakes hands with us albeit delicately. One by one other men enter the room, curious about the visitors and yet not willing to make the first move. Some light hearted football banter is had, many hands are shaken and even a couple of photographs. The men are significantly more private than the women. This is a very masculine culture and this is evidenced in this place - clearly in a beautiful but dangerous area, some of these men are here from need and, I guess, some for protection from the alternative.
There is a principle of relativity that is in evidence today: what you have is relative to that which others have around you. For, in truth, very little of what we have seen today in terms of refuge provision or the goods sold in the thrift store, would be permitted in the UK. The buildings would be declared unfit and the goods only fit for rags. Relative to those around, however, there is a richness that only comes when you realise how little you have.
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