Salvation Army makes room for more training
Published:Monday | July 1, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE SALVATION Army Caribbean Territory on Saturday opened a new training facility at a dedication ceremony which was held at its new home at Mannings Hill Road in St Andrew.
The new building includes a chapel, auditorium, cafeteria, computer labs, and living facilities for children and adults.
Training principal of the school, Colonel Verona Haughton, told The Gleaner that the opening of the facility brought with it a feeling of achievement. She pledged to reach persons wherever they are.
"This is a joy and accomplishment for us. This new facility lends itself to more studying, and we welcome the change in scenery, and it is indeed a blessing," she said.
Haughton said going forward, a huge part of the organisation's mandate would be ministering to the inner city.
"Where we are coming from, we were surrounded by several inner cities, and even though we are a bit farther afield, it is still a priority of ours to reach these people and tell them the good news of Jesus Christ," said Haughton.
She also stressed that religious institutions must make an effort to be relevant.
"I always emphasise to cadets the importance of relevance and being anchored in the rock (Jesus). We have instituted new programmes and activities so that when we offer services, it is done to accommodate everyone and it will also be done with the aim of inspiring others and building hope," Haughton declared.
Full Caption: From left: Vern Jewett, lieutenant colonel, Florida Division, Salvation Army; Martha Jewett, Lieutenant Colonel, Florida Division, Salvation Army; Torbeh Eliasen, commissioner, international secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone; Deise Eliasen, commissioner, international secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone, Salvation Army; Commissioner Onal Castor, territorial commander, Salvation Army; and Commissioner Edmane Castor unveil the ceremonial plaque, which was erected at Phase One of the Salvation Army's new training college. The unveiling took place on yesterday at the organisation's new Mannings Hill Road, St Andrew, offices. - Gladstone Taylor/Photographer