“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
3 John 1:2 NKJV
Over the past few days, together with all the Officers of the Territory, we have enjoyed a time of deep reflection on the state of our soul and our heart. Through moments of meditation on the Word of God, we were invited to explore our inner life: those things we do not usually show, wha remains hidden, what lies in the “attic”of our soul. We had the opportunity to pause, reflect and examine ou personal condition as children of God, and as ministers an leaders who guide the people of the Lord in circumstance that are, generally speaking, neither optimal no exceptional according to our expectations As we look at our lives, always in the light of Christ, w realise that at times we are not well; that our soul is no prospering as the Apostle Paul writes to Gaius. We may fin ourselves emotionally and spiritually unwell, unable t manage certain emotions and demands adequately. Many times, we think that being mature Christians consists solely of praying, reading the Bible and serving in the church. However, God is deeply concerned with our heart, our emotions and our wounds.
The Lord does not only desire that we serve Him, but that we do so from a healthy heart
We cannot grow spiritually while ignoring what is happening within us. Jesus is the first to be concerned about our inner wounds. Throughout life, we all carry difficult experiences: rejection, loss, disappointment and fear If we do not surrender these to God, we are likely to store them away in some corner of our soul, and they will eventually affect the way we love, serve and relate to others For this reason, God invites us to look at our story with Him, allowing Him to enter those deeply private and painful places to bring healing and restoration.
He grants us balance, rest and renewal We must care for our spiritual life by acknowledging that we are vulnerable, fragile and imperfect. When we recognise our limits, we are able to ask for help, to delegate, or simply to walk alongside others. We need to learn that our weaknesses are not a limitation; rather, when we are honest with ourselves, they become an open door for God to work with power
Being authentic makes us sincere Christians, without deceitfulness, more real and genuine, because in the end God seeks hearts that are surrendered, healed and dependent on Him If we wish to impact this world through our lives and ministries, our inner life must glorify Christ Jesus.
In these districts, close‐proximity work has been essential for identifying high‐risk situations and referring cases that require continued follow‐up Active listening, human support, and a constant presence on the ground are central pillars of this intervention.
The Salvation Army has also been collaborating with other local entities, including municipalities, social services, and civil society organizations. This coordination enables a more effective and streamlined response, avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring that support reaches those who truly need it.
Another relevant aspect of the ongoing work is the support provided to help affected families gradually regain their autonomy. In addition to immediate assistance, initiatives are being promoted to strengthen resilience, helping people rebuild their lives with dignity and hope
The Salvation Army is playing a central role in supporting families and the general population affected by Depression Kristin, which caused significant social and material impacts.
From the very first moments after the passage of this adverse weather phenomenon, The Salvation Army has been on the ground, mostly in Castelo Branco and Leiria, reinforcing its mission of supporting the most vulnerable. Depression Kristin left a trail of difficulties, with damaged homes, loss of essential goods, and increased emotional instability among many families. In response to this situation, The Salvation Army mobilized local teams and volunteers to quickly and effectively address the most urgent needs of the affected communities. Among the main actions carried out, the distribution of essential goods stands out, such as food, tarpaulins, hygiene products, and other basic support items. These immediate responses helped ease the pressure felt by many families who, from one moment to the next, saw their routines and living conditions deeply affected.
In addition to material support, The Salvation Army has given special attention to the social, spiritual, and emotional care of those affected Depression Kristin not only caused visible damage but also had a significant psychological impact, especially on older adults, children, and individuals in situations of greater social vulnerability
The solidarity demonstrated by volunteers and partners has been crucial to the continuity of this mission. The involvement of the local community has made it possible to expand the reach of the responses and strengthen mutual support in the areas most affected.
Together, Serving Others.
TOY DISTRIBUTION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
LA CORUÑA CORPS
At The Salvation Army Corps in La Coruña, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to the local community, especially to families and children facing greater vulnerability In times as complex as those we are living through, we understand that the Church is called to be a space of practical help, closeness, and visible hope
During October and November, a campaign to collect charitable toys was carried out, receiving a generous response from the community Thanks to this initiative, around sixty toys were collected for children aged up to 14. Part of the donations were made in the form of monetary contributions, which allowed for a fairer and more suitable selection according to the children’s ages and actual needs, reinforcing a responsible and dignified support. On the 20th of December, La Coruña Corps opened the doors of its church to welcome families from the neighbourhood for a festive Christmas event filled with joy and hope. For an hour and a half, children were able to enjoy a free space for games and fun, followed by a time dedicated to sharing the message of salvation During this gathering, 35 toys were distributed, but above all, a safe environment was offered where God’s love could be expressed in a simple and approachable way
Her love for helping those in need stems from her childhood, when she shared the little she had with other children in her native Peru. Her participation was key in creating an atmosphere of joy and closeness, putting her talent at the service of others.
The work of The Salvation Army did not end with this event. Some of the collected toys have already been donated to a local nursery, and others will soon be given to children undergoing hospitalisation at CHUAC (University Hospital of La Coruña city) During these visits, the Corps Officers of La Coruña, accompanied by church members, aimed not only to bring a toy but also a ray of hope, encouragement, and the message of salvation to the youngest and their families
We give thanks to God for the faithfulness and commitment of those who make this work possible: donors, volunteers, and partners who trust in the work carried out by La Coruña Corps We continue to believe that every act of mercy matters, and that when the Church steps out into the streets to walk alongside its community, hope is made present and lives are transformed
This initiative was made possible thanks to the selfless collaboration of Aluxa Cotrina, an influencer and clown with a broad social media presence, accumulating more than 1.6 million “likes” and 77,700 followers on TikTok, not to mention her presence on other platforms.
KINGS DAY LUNCH CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTRE
On January 6th – Kings Day – The Salvation Army – Central Community Centre celebrated this very special day with a joyful and unifying event. The space was filled with good spirits, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt part of one big family It was a day to honour tradition and strengthen the bonds that unite our community.
From the very beginning, fun was guaranteed. Lively conversations, laughter, and moments of sharing marked the afternoon, fostering meaningful fellowship and positive energy. The activities prepared for the occasion added a special touch to the celebration, making it inclusive and unforgettable for all who attended.
MISSÃO CONTINENTE SUPPORTS THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army would like to thank Missão Continente, the management teams of the Continente stores, their staff, and the entire community who purchased the solidarity vouchers, for all the care, dedication, and commitment shown towards our vulnerable families. This contribution will undoubtedly help ease the economic hardship they are currently facing in their lives.
Once again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Together, Serving Others
One of the highlights was the delicious lunch, carefully prepared to please all tastes Around the table, the spirit of fellowship grew even stronger, turning the meal into a moment of sharing and gratitude. Every dish was served with care, reinforcing the importance of looking after one another
To conclude the celebration in the best way, there was the much-anticipated gift distribution. This gesture brought smiles and emotion to the room It was a symbolic act that reflected the true spirit of Kings Day: generosity and hope Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who made this celebration possible, to The Salvation Army Leadership for their support and dedication, and to our partners Serve The City for their tireless partnership. Thanks to this joint effort, the event was a true success, filling hearts with joy and renewing hope for the new year
