Testimonies of Overcoming

Anne currently serves The Salvation Army as the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Coordinator for the Africa Zone, based at The Salvation Army Leaders' Training (SALT) College of Africa. She is also a member of the International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council.

‘Prejudice and injustice are deeply embedded in the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, crimes that are as old as humanity.

‘The famous businesswoman, Mary Kay Ash, once said, “It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure.” I am constantly looking for opportunities to prevent human trafficking from happening among the communities I work with, to protect those who may have fallen victim already and to engage everyone to participate in responding to this crime in whichever little way they can, and at the very least to offer prayer.

‘I find great strength in a family of passionate and like-minded colleagues, listening to survivors tell their stories of courage, strength, resilience amid what seems like a hopeless situation. Every day I face new forms of this crime in unexpected manifestations, but I know even though the waters are rising, I must also rise. Psalm 46:3-5 reads, “Though its waters roar and foam… There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”’ 

Heidi works as head coordinator at Sammen Grønland (‘sammen’ means ‘together’ in Norwegian), which is a church and community centre in Oslo, Norway. In 2022, more than 1,000 refugees from Ukraine came to the community centre seeking support.

‘I see so much strength and resilience in the refugees who come to us. They are doing their best in a situation that they should never have been in, standing tall on days with news that makes you lose your breath; when you find out that your loved ones don’t have food or electricity, or that a bomb exploded meters away. Instead of worrying alone, they seek people and activities that make you think about something else for a little while.

‘One day, gathered at church, a little Ukrainian girl started crying. She missed her father so much. My heart broke when I saw her draw her whole family, a picture of the three of them together again. I pray that her wish will come true. As individuals we cannot end the war, but we can be there for those who seek support and help.

‘We want to fight loneliness and create a community where people can find their place, maybe also find a home away from home, and a family when you feel alone. We are creating these activities and this community together, not just for the guests. Caring for others and meeting people with compassion is a way to share the unconditional love of God and share hope for tomorrow. We are so much stronger when we do things together.’

Heidi's story was originally reported by Randi Bjelland for Krigsropet, Norway. Photo credit: Mette Randem.

‘My name is Beatrice and I am from Muskowekwan First Nations in Saskatchewan, Canada. I am a mother of eight children and a Kukom (grandmother) to seven grandchildren. I was a part of the Sixties Scoop* being taken from my family and put into a foster home.

‘Growing up I was abused in all ways and lost my identity, experiencing intergenerational trauma. At 14 years old, I ran away from the abuse I was experiencing and within an hour I was being fed drugs and groomed by two traffickers for sexual exploitation. After years of many near-death experiences, I reached a breaking point in my life and at 30 years old, I cried out to God. I did not want to die and just be another statistic.

‘Twenty years later, I am still on my healing journey, but I would not change it for the world. I am in a place now where I can advocate for those that were once where I was. I find empowerment when I am sitting at a table with others that are fighting for justice for those that are in situations of modern slavery and human trafficking.

‘I share my truths with others, especially police officers, judges and lawyers, because they can be a part of the solution when once I thought they were the problem. The reality is that we all can be a part of the solution when it comes to gender-based violence. What brings me hope is that I am not the only one that wants to end modern slavery and human trafficking, and when we all work together with the guidance of our Creator, that day will come!’

*The Canadian ‘Sixties Scoop’ refers to the mass removal of Indigenous children from their families into the child welfare system, in most cases without the consent of their families or bands. It affected an estimated 20,000 or more First Nations, Métis and Inuit children.

Commissioner Martha serves at International Headquarters as the Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries in South Asia.

'When things go against me, I can easily get tense and worried, but I have learned to immediately turn to God in prayer. It is in the listening to and reading of God’s Word where I find my strength. It calms me and reminds me of God’s love that overcomes all anger and fear.

'One of my childhood friends stands as an inspiration in my life. After marriage, she was totally broken. Her husband divorced her. Her children left. She had lost everything, but in her difficult time, she turned to Jesus. Her life changed. She has a heart that loves and forgives, and she is rising with dignity and confidence in herself and faith in God. Nothing of her past could ruin her anymore.

'I always remain thankful to God for giving me a godly husband. He always encourages me to be better. He is my true mentor. He is a good example in finding confidence and trust in God.

'As I grow in my own strength, I pray that more women and girls will grow in their independence, make decisions, be bold in their actions and be willing to take risks. We can’t wait for others to change, we ourselves must take this battle on.'

Grace, 20, is a Salvationist living in Kenya.

‘Education has helped me to understand my rights and gain critical thinking skills and confidence. It has also empowered me to make informed decisions about my life and the future, to break the cycle of poverty and has enabled me to become an agent of change in my community.

‘I am an information technology graduate. It is a field dominated by men and thought to be a career for men only. I had an internship at the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government in Kenya which is a rare opportunity for women. I am glad to have gained additional skills and knowledge and to be appreciated for my hard work.

‘The knowledge I have gained from attending school from an early age empowers me to overcome any kind of discrimination and helps me find strength in wanting to pursue more education and the confidence to offer my thoughts in a project that requires critical thinking.

‘Knowing that I have no limitations in pursuing any profession through education gives me a lot of hope and helps me to be an advocate for my fellow women.’

Major Sandra is a Salvation Army officer, serving as a corps officer (church leader) in the USA Southern Territory. She serves alongside her husband, Ashish, and together they have two daughters. Her story was originally shared as a Women of Hope interview by Ashley, Ministry to Women, USA Southern Territory.

‘We were serving in Australia, thinking that we would be there for a while longer and, because of COVID-19, we had to come home early. It was probably the hardest thing that we’ve gone through as a family.

‘In Australia, I felt like I was living my best life for God. All my passions and skills, all the things that brought me joy in the Lord came together. I thought, as I had in the past, that I would just pick myself up, move and get on with it. We got here [USA] and I couldn’t. I couldn’t just get on with it. I would go to work, I would give my best and smile and I would love on people, then I would come home and cry.

‘My husband, Ashish, and I have this Scripture verse that’s become our family Scripture verse. Based on Ephesians 3:20, “God can do anything, far more than you can even imagine, dream, think, or pray.” That is what hope is, knowing that whatever I’m going through, that’s not the end of the story. Hope is knowing that there is more of my story to come, there are more pages to be written.

‘I am called to be a missionary. I am called to be a foster parent or to adopt. I am called to be a justice-seeker. I am called to be a justice advocate. None of that has changed, even though the location has changed. It’s just a matter of figuring out how I do those things in a new space. Even in the darkest place when I feel like this is the end, God is saying, “No, this is not the end. It’s just going to look different and you need to hold on to that promise that I gave you.”’ 

Due to discrimination against the Roma people in Slovakia, life was incredibly hard for Aneta and her daughter, Darina.

They lived in a Roma settlement under the worst conditions. There was no running water or sewage system and the electricity was unreliable. They were frequently under attack, with stones and petrol bombs being thrown at them by various groups of people and there were days and weeks when Aneta and Darina would go to sleep with their shoes on so that they could escape quickly. Neither women received a primary education because the Slovakian government was, and in many cases remains to be, opposed to granting Romani people equal access to schools, healthcare, employment and housing.

After their encounter with Christ, their lives began to change for the better. They were introduced to The Salvation Army, where they received educational support and became worshipping members at a Salvation Army corps (church). Despite her early struggles, with God’s help, Darina completed her studies at the training college and became a Salvation Army officer (minister). She and her husband are a light and hope for others through their ministry.

Today, both women serve and work in The Salvation Army in Slovakia, where 50 per cent of the workforce – at various levels – is Roma.

The Roma people have been and still are discriminated against in almost all areas of life in Slovakia. Even today, more than 30 years since Aneta and Darina left the settlement, there is only one outlet from which drinking water flows. This water supply serves approximately 800 people.

Khushi lives in Bangladesh. She is employed as an artisan embroiderer with Others, a Salvation Army initiative that uses fair trade principles to create jobs and empower communities through the alleviation of poverty.

Artisans are engaged through relationships with local Salvation Army programmes that focus on economic development in rural and urban settings. Examples include self-help groups focusing on women's empowerment and projects for rehabilitation of sex workers or trafficking victims.

All products are hand-made or include some element of manual work. Some production groups consist of full-time employees, while many consist of part-time workers who are paid on a piecework basis. This inclusivity provides income-opportunities for mothers who need to combine work with child-care. Others is one of the ways in which the international Salvation Army creates employment opportunities for people who would otherwise be at the back of the queue.

‘In my community it is hard for women to go out and find work. We have many responsibilities at home, but most of us are willing to work and contribute to household expenses.

‘My work with Others has given me a way to work from home, so that I can balance work and income with family expectations. I make the embroidered hearts; something I can easily do from my home. The money I make from these hearts has improved my life, as it has for other women in my community.

‘I am seeing the change in myself and in others. We are proud.’ 

Captain Eva currently serves as Assistant to the World President of Women’s Ministries, based at The Salvation Army International Headquarters.

‘When I was young, I did not make friends easily because I was very shy. I preferred to spend time alone reading my favourite books in my room rather than playing with others. As a teenager I tried to open myself up more, but it turned out to be very difficult for me and many times I cried silently.

‘My parents introduced me to Jesus, but they said that I had to experience God for myself. When that personal encounter with Jesus took place, I felt so happy! It brought me such joy to know how God loves me, that he has a beautiful plan for my life, and that I am precious. However, a voice whispered into my heart; “Will you only keep this happiness for yourself? You will be even more joyful if you can share it with others.”

‘I struggled with God, “Oh God, I'm not sociable. I am quiet. I am shy. I can’t speak properly.” Finally, I decided that if it was God’s will, I would surrender myself to him and let him change my life.

‘Even to this day, God is changing me. I still feel nervous and insecure every time I meet and talk to other people. But something has changed! God gives me strength and encouragement, not only within me but also through the people around me. Through his amazing ways, I overcome those feelings whenever they appear. Nothing is impossible for God!’

Lieutenant Emily was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer (minister) in July 2022 and she is the leader of a church in Norfolk. She is ‘blessed with a life of singleness’ and loves being out in nature where she can walk, pray and listen to God in his wonderful creation.

‘I’ve known what it feels like to be lost, to be crippled by loneliness and anxiety; to look for love and acceptance in wrong places. I’ve known confusion about my identity, grief, depression, and I know what it’s like to find ways to numb the pain that comes with a life separated from God.

‘This all changed on one particularly difficult night when I questioned the point and purpose of living, and I heard the still small voice of God saying that he loves me, and he always has. Once I could process this, I asked what I could do in response; he simply said to tell people about who he is and what he has done. From that day on, this remains the anchor in all that I do.

‘God is using the bad things I encountered for his good purpose so that others may see and be drawn closer to him. Through the hard knocks of life, I have got back on my feet and have continued to want to learn. I want to learn about God, about myself, about my purpose and place in this world. I want the courage to live my purpose out to the best of my ability and trust in God for the rest.

‘I recently discovered that I have ADHD which explains so many of the challenges I experienced and poor choices I made, especially in my formative years. I have learned ways to manage this and now have grown to accept, even delight in the fact that my brain works a little differently to others, and that it is not a mistake. I have grown to love who God has made me to be as I continue to learn who that is.’

Commissioner Rosalie serves as the World President of Women’s Ministries and has led the international Salvation Army alongside her husband, General Brian Peddle, since 2018. She champions, inspires and encourages Women’s Ministries across the world, greatly supported by her team of staff at International Headquarters.

‘Ministry to women, women’s ministries, is not a new activity. I firmly believe that back when Florence Booth started the Women’s Social Work, there must have been a great imagining going on in her heart and her head about what The Salvation Army could do in that time. The Home League started in 1907, out of a new imagination of what they could for the women of that generation. Each person needs to know their country, know their context, know their community, see what the need is and go out and do something. Something that will make a difference in women’s lives. That is the reimagining.’

‘In March 2020, when the Women’s Ministries section at International Headquarters issued the challenge for groups and individuals to reimagine what ministry to women looked like in their part of the world, my heart was glad as creative and innovative expressions of mission and ministry unfurled before us! There was celebration as women were empowered to try new things, daring to be different and expanding their horizons of what Women’s Ministries looked like.

‘Now, in March 2023, it is the time to recognise the very real challenges faced by women and girls across our world. These people are the why behind our reimagined ministries. These women are the poor, the abused, the marginalised, the trafficked, the lonely, the grieving, the hurting, the silenced, the stunted. These are the women we are serving. These are the women we commit to journeying alongside. These are the women we see reflected in our present, our past and our future selves.

‘I knew, when we set the challenge of reimagining, that it was not always going to be easy. In fact, it rarely is! Pioneering, ministering, leading, dreaming big and caring for others has its costs. But it also has its rewards and its joy. There will be moments of breakthrough and victorious overcoming. So, we hold firm to our determined spirit and with hopeful hearts we raise our battle cry: “The waters are rising, but so are we! We are not going under, but over.”’

Cynthia is a young woman who has been supported by The Salvation Army in Switzerland.

‘As children in foster care, my sister and I would wait by the fence every weekend, hoping that our mother would come for us, but she never did. She was forbidden from having contact with us. It was like a sad game of hide and seek.

‘As a teenager, I kept running away. I struggled with depression, refusing any offer of therapy. It was hard for me to trust people because I had no reason to believe them. I thought this would always be my story.’ When Cynthia started sleeping on the streets, her mental health hit rock bottom. It was then that The Salvation Army in Switzerland offered her a place in an assisted living apartment. ‘It changed my whole life for the better,’ says Cynthia.

‘I know now, at 20 years old, that accepting help is completely okay. I have been living independently in my apartment for just under a year, but I don’t feel alone. On the contrary, I feel more confident than ever and I know there is always someone there.

‘I have always believed in God, but during the difficult times of my life, I was less concerned with it all. I was completely on the wrong track, but now I’ve found my faith again. This time my faith comes from the bottom of my heart, not just in my head.’

Cynthia is happy in her loft apartment, and continues to be supported by The Salvation Army’s team of specialist carers. This year, she will start her apprenticeship as a carpenter: ‘My hope for the training is that I can become completely independent later. My future is very important to me, and I will give it my all!’

Cynthia's story was originally reported by Irene Gerber for The Salvation Army in Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. Photo credit: Tina Steinauer.

Captain Dorothy serves in the South Asia zonal office at International Headquarters, alongside her husband Captain Christopher.

‘One day, on a visit to the doctor’s surgery, I was told that my both of my kidneys were not functioning well. I went from doctor to doctor, not knowing what was happening or what would happen next! It brought a big question mark over my life and ministry.

‘My husband and I were asking God why such a thing would happen. To be very honest, our faith was almost tested. I grumbled, even in prayers. But in the midst of the storm of my sickness, God gave me the words of Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

‘It changed my perspective towards my situation. Even though at that moment I did not understand the way God was making for me, later I did. It comforted and encouraged me, providing me with courage to face the problem.

‘In April 2019, after more than one year of waiting, my older brother Praful donated his kidney to me. In God’s abundant grace and love, we went through the kidney transplant process with huge success. In this situation I witnessed God’s presence, his divine protection and healing power very closely. Today, I am glad to still be in ministry to God with my husband and grateful that my brother is also doing well. I can undoubtedly testify that even though waters are raising, so am I! I am rising in my faith through my personal relationship with God.’ 

Milliam currently serves The Salvation Army as the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Survivor Leader for the Africa Zone. Her work is based at The Salvation Army Leaders’ Training (SALT) College of Africa.

‘As a survivor of human trafficking, life can get overwhelming, especially while working with other survivors. There is always a chance of being retraumatised despite the support.

‘Having a solid support system is very important. These people could be therapists, colleagues, family or friends. I always count myself incredibly blessed for having The Salvation Army’s anti-human trafficking team in my life. It is a team I always rely on for support professionally, spiritually and emotionally.

‘Survivors of human trafficking from across Africa now participate in various tasks with The Salvation Army, as a form of survivor inclusion. Survivors can share their experiences in a way that is beneficial to them and their journey, as well as the fight against human trafficking on a larger scale. I love that my insights are being shared throughout Africa to help others.

‘I feel empowered in my work by Commissioner Yvonne, Priscilla, Malaika and Anne. These women are a force to be reckoned with, and they always guide and encourage me. We see an increase in human trafficking, but survivor voices are rising up too. We evolve and become victors if we all stand against this social injustice together. The waters are rising, but so am I.’

Around the world, The Salvation Army has been instrumental in providing high-quality education to children and youth.

The Salvation Army’s School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Kingston, Jamaica, ensures no child is left behind. Established in 1927, it is the only school in the entire country that provides an education and a home to youth who are blind and visually impaired. With more than 120 students, this school is a true testament to hope and resilience.

Sashana is an English and Literature teacher at the school. She is also blind and began attending the school when she was five years old. As an adult, she was inspired to return to the school as a teacher because she wanted to give back to the community that raised her.

‘It was a joyous experience,’ she says. ‘This school taught me how to feel included. I wanted students to feel the same way I felt while attending school. I want them to feel loved, accepted and included. When I see students passing their exams and finding work, I can say I did my part.’

Sashana’s story was originally shared with Salvationist, Canada and Bermuda Territory, in a report on international development. Photo credit: Mark Yan.

Until 2021, Yulia served in the Ukrainian armed forces as a military nurse.

She was good at her work and found joy in caring for others and serving her country: ‘I really liked what I was doing because I could combine my nursing skills with military service,’ said Yulia. ‘I had a weapon, but I never used it. My job was to save lives, not to take them.’

When war broke out, having concluded her military service, Yulia fled the conflict with her mother and young son. They were housed in Villa Meyerbeer, a Salvation Army conference centre in Belgium. Upon their arrival, Yulia had trouble getting used to the peace – especially the calm skies. She had trouble believing that the planes flying above them only transported travellers and tourists, rather than soldiers and bombs. She lived in fear, always identifying safe hiding places and nearby shelter.

Over time, Yulia has found a renewed purpose in caring for the other families who reside at Villa Meyerbeer. Together, they share their strength and are united by the tender moments; they all have their own stories of hardship. ‘By taking care of others, I feel useful and forget about my anxieties,’ shared Yulia. ‘Knowing that someone needs me gives me the energy to keep going.’

Today, Yulia can look at the clear blue skies of Belgium and feel at peace. The planes are once again a mode of transport, winging through the sky with the hope that one day she and her family will return home.

Commissioner Yvonne serves at International Headquarters as the Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries for Africa.

'At a very young age, I was sensitised to difficulties faced by women and girls, seeing what was happening in our communities.

'I was watching and listening to a Salvation Army cadet (minister in training) who visited our corps (church), sharing how she was helping young girls in the community. This confirmed my calling; Salvation Army officership was exactly what God had called me to do.

'As a young officer (minister) I faced some challenges, which made me question my calling. I was blessed having leaders around me who always encouraged and shared with me their own vulnerability. It made me strong in knowing that if they could overcome, so could I. These leaders inspired within me the same desire to see our women and girls being encouraged, knowing that they have worth and are valued in the Kingdom of God.

'William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, said: "While women weep…I’ll fight." Women weep for many different reasons today, of which one is the abuse of women and young girls. The face of injustice is not a pretty one, so we need to rise and fight against it. This is an issue that seems to escalate and not diminish. As the waters of injustice are rising, so must we, to fight against it.

'Isaiah 61:1 reads, "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." I thank God for the women I work with who go the extra mile to save others.'

Lauren works as Communications Specialist for the Women’s Ministries section at International Headquarters.

'At 17, I underwent emergency surgery for severe abdominal pain. A surgeon explained the risks and I listened with as much intent as my pain allowed. As I waited in my hospital gown, silently lifting nervous and clumsy prayers to God, I remember feeling a distinct grief at the loss of health, youth and control over my body.

'Four years, two further surgeries and several dismissive medical appointments later, I found validation in a diagnosis: endometriosis. A condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body. Symptoms can include chronic pain, fatigue and infertility.

'When I think of 17-year-old Lauren, I have compassion. I admit, I’m a little proud of her. She brought out a resilience and bravery in me. It is with her that I learned my greatest lessons so far in grace, honesty, kindness and gentleness for myself and others. She chose to press on. She is an overcomer. Most importantly, she went before me and showed what full surrender to God could look like in my life today.

'Now, at 25, I feel like I have lived a lot of life. There are days when the pain and exhaustion are too much. There are days that feel heavy with grief. But the deep and unexpected places my journey has taken me have brought me to a new strength of wisdom, a new store of gratitude, a new measure of empathy and new depths of joy. Today I live comfortably in the truth that God’s got me. He knows my need and he meets me there without fail.'

Endometriosis affects 10 per cent of women worldwide. On average it takes eight years from onset of symptoms to receive a diagnosis in the United Kingdom.

Ingrid works as the Social Media and Resource Specialist for Women’s Ministries in the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory.

‘I went on my first diet when I was 10. Instead of learning how to nourish my body, my teenage years were defined by calories, diets and weight. I developed a disordered relationship to food and with every failed diet my self-loathing grew stronger.

‘Every day I got up, looked in the mirror and said, ‘You are disgusting.’ This was just my normal. And for many reading this, it’s your normal too. It’s so normalised, we don’t even question it. By the time I was in my early twenties, this self-hate had become an ever-present shadow. After another restrict-binge cycle, I literally lay on the floor before God, and said: “I don’t care what happens, I can’t go on like this. God, please save me.”

‘I knew very little about eating disorders and didn’t know who I could turn to, but the Holy Spirit took me on a journey of healing. Every day I woke up with a new instruction God had written on my heart. The first was to look in the mirror and say, “You are beautiful.” It took me six months before I could mumble those words aloud.

‘One day I went for a walk, and God gave me a vision: I saw mountains and waterfalls, the depth and breadth of God’s creation. I saw how every leaf, every plant and every drop of water is different, and that’s what makes it so beautiful. I felt God say, “You are part of this. You are part of my creation. And when you disrespect yourself, you are disrespecting my creation.”

‘I learnt in that moment that hating myself was not normal, or God’s intention for me. In fact, any unloving thoughts I had towards myself were not from God. The voice of God is always loving and compassionate.’ 

Commissioner Shelley serves as Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the Americas and Caribbean Zone.

‘One of the wonderful Salvation Army programmes in the United States is the Adult Rehabilitation Centre, a residential treatment programme for alcohol and drug addiction.

‘During my years of service, I have seen many women enter this programme, most at the lowest physical, emotional and spiritual point of their lives. Though defeated, fearful and a without a trace of hope, many of the women have undergone radical change. Rather than drowning in the waters of despair from the weight of guilt and addiction, the ministry of God through compassionate officers, soldiers and staff has offered an anchor of security to these women, often leading to real transformation and joy.

‘One young woman was Sheila*. Sheila had lost everything of real value due to her addiction, including her marriage, children and dignity. She must have wondered, “Is there hope for me for a second chance in life?” I saw Sheila transformed by God’s grace; she gained confidence in herself, committed to a recovery plan and fixed her eyes toward the future. Among other goals, Sheila became determined to get her family back. Through much prayer and years of personal and spiritual growth, Sheila rose above the waters of addiction that once pulled her down. I am blessed that I had the opportunity to pray with and encourage her in her walk with the Lord.

‘Today, years past our first meeting, I am so happy to share that Sheila has reunited with family, remarried her husband, has a good job with The Salvation Army and earned multiple degrees. Sheila even overcame cancer. The best thing is she has a growing and vibrant faith.

‘We all have a testimony to share and a verse that helps me when the waters of worldly concerns threatened to rise above me is Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Let’s hold fast to God’s word and his powerful presence. He is faithful!’

*Name changed for privacy. 

Commissioner Robyn currently serves as the Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the South Pacific and East Asia Zone.

‘It was just a day like any other, until we arrived at International Headquarters and our world was turned upside down!

‘Early in the morning, just as we arrived at the office, my husband Wayne went into cardiac arrest. The paramedics arrived just as he lost consciousness, performing 45 minutes of CPR and 16 shock treatments before transporting him to the hospital. For me, it was very confronting.

‘It was in this moment I realised that I needed the Lord in a way I never had before. After 30 minutes with no response, I said to the Lord, “If this is your chosen time for Wayne, I will accept it, but if it’s not we need a miracle right now.” Five hours of waiting went, and I was still unable to see him in intensive care. I will never forget the words of the head cardiac doctor, “I cannot give you any hope of recovery.”

‘All my officership I have preached about our miracle-working God and, in this moment, I was pressing in more than ever to this truth! Before leaving Wayne’s bedside that day, I laid my hands on him in front of the medical team and asked the Lord for a miracle. The news spread across the world, people joined me in interceding for Wayne’s healing.

‘God heard and answered our prayers and one week after Wayne’s heart attack we walked out of the hospital together. The astounded medical team also called his recovery a miracle! It has been a beautiful reminder in our lives that we serve a miracle-working God who has much more for us to do in his name!’ 

Today, Victorita is a valued social worker at The Salvation Army’s EU (European Union) centre in Stockholm, Sweden, where she supports vulnerable EU citizens, third-country nationals and adults seeking asylum. Victorita is grateful that she can now financially support Christian missions in Spain and enjoys travelling to her homes in Romania, Sweden and Tenerife.

Growing up, Victorita lived in an abusive household where she was deprived of a standard education to instead work as a launderer at nine years old. As a young adult, she was tricked into sexual exploitation where she developed an addiction to drugs to cope with the ‘pure hell’ of the abuse.

Even after Victorita escaped her traffickers, the addiction remained. Her mental and physical health had sunk to an extreme low. One day, as she walked along the street, a stranger approached her and said: ‘Woman, why are you crying? Jesus loves you.’

After this encounter, Victorita started attending church. Over time, she stopped using drugs and alcohol, found opportunities to study and work, and made the decision to be baptised. Shortly before she was baptised, Victorita participated in a Christian conference where there was a lot of talk about miracles. Victorita remembers how a preacher pointed out that in just three days, three weeks or three months one's life can change. It gave her hope.

Though hard times still come, notably in times of injury and chronic illness, Victorita has a new perspective: ‘I see it as Jesus has saved me several times, not just when I was first saved… Knowing that God’s grace is new every morning has helped me throughout my life. When you make mistakes, it can be easy to judge yourself and find it hard to forgive yourself, but when God forgives us, he doesn't remember the sin anymore.’

Victorita's story was originally reported by Teresia Jansson, Sweden and Latvia Territory.

As well as being the founder and CEO of Footprint to Freedom, a collective of human trafficking survivor leaders and experts, Malaika is The Salvation Army’s Global Specialist for Survivor Engagement and Inclusion, working with The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission.

‘My freedom is not worthy if others are still enslaved. To many, I am known as an uplifter, a feminist, an activist. Once a victim, I am now a strong international advocate for victims’ rights and the founder of Footprint to Freedom.

‘Growing up in a social, political and cultural environment where women were forced to keep silent about their rape because of family honour and stigmatised and blamed for being victims of rape, made me powerless and voiceless. The gender-based inequalities and violence that were normalised and deep-rooted at the core of our societal and cultural values made me vulnerable as a young girl. We had a phrase that would define a good strong woman, “As one who suffers without complaining and believes silence is gold.”

‘At an early age, I resented normalising violence against women and girls. I knew it was my divine calling to speak up against these injustices under the wings of faith – I knew I was safe. When the trafficker used religious language to lure me into bondage, my faith was crushed.

‘What happens when you are too broken to pray? I had to rely on prayers from loved ones to remind me of God's love and my divine calling. Now, I feel blessed to work in a profession that is my passion. I am empowered daily, advocating for justice and equality and journeying with survivors in their healing. I have become the change I once wished to see, using my scars as a badge of honour and inspiration to other survivors that there is life at the end of the tunnel.’

Jessy lives in Atlanta, USA, with her husband, Tyler, her two sons, Everette and Oliver, and their pet snake, Atlas.

Shaped by her upbringing in Kenya during the Civil War, Jessy developed a strong desire to pursue education as a tool to effect positive and peaceful change through future generations. In 2010, she moved to the United States to further her education at Columbia University. Between the culture shock, demanding academic requirements and geographical distance from loved ones, Jessy felt isolated. She began suffering from debilitating anxiety and depression and suicidal ideation; her deteriorating mental health required hospitalisation and psychiatric intervention.

Over time, she received the support necessary to help her experience a sense of hope again: ‘When I was in my deepest place of darkness and defeat, I never imagined that I would be where I am today. I never thought that I would escape the hole of depression and anxiety. God has performed a miracle in my life and put me in a posture of triumph and victory. Every day, I continue to lay the workings of my mind at the feet of Jesus, knowing that he has been and always will be in control of my life and my mental health. While I am not perfect, and the enemy does his very best to drag me back down again and again, the Lord gives me the comfort, healing and love that I need to get back up on my feet.

‘Now a wife and mother to two little boys, I believe that God’s faithfulness to me has and will continue to be a testament to my family that God can handle it all. His arm is strong enough to pull us out of any deep, dark hole that we find ourselves in. He is not afraid of our “impossible” circumstances.’

Commissioner Eva serves as the Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries in Europe.

‘Tests, examinations, doctors and cancer. How does one cope with illness, despair and anger, perhaps most of all fear? They told me I will lose my eyesight. Grief has moved in and impudently left its toothbrush on the bathroom shelf of my soul. A clear indication of the intention of staying put. Even though I know there are no monsters under my bed, I still feel as if they are living inside my trembling body.

‘I’m not particularly unique. Most of us experience this wretchedness at some point in life. The fear of not being able to cope.

‘I go to the toilets at the hospital. It’s as bleak, sterile and unwelcoming as my illness. This was where I went that day when I first got the news. Don’t ask me how it happened, but from that moment he took an unwavering and firm grip on me. God. He explained that life is not only about continuing to breathe. The miracles he performs are not only about perfect health or flawless eyesight. Not even about days free from pain. His miracle for me is to take one day at a time, to be able to laugh in the midst of misery. A miracle of trust in the face of darkness. A miracle of calm when all is chaos. A miracle of being borne. In the midst of everything. Through everything.’

Kenrinie is a Malawian businesswoman, engaged in the supply of raw materials to the food and beverage industry and a manufacturing expert of detergent and environmental health products. She is an advocate for engaging Malawian women in business, running self-help groups and supporting aspiring professionals.

‘I have committed myself to helping others – particularly other women – to overcome life challenges by engaging in business projects. This allows women to be financially self-sufficient and better equipped to support their families.

‘I am happy and humbled to share my business knowledge and experience with The Salvation Army in Malawi through seminars and detergent-making workshops. I once supported a young lady in the early days of her yoghurt-making business. As a result of this investment, she is a successful businesswoman who now owns a manufacturing company that supplies almost all of Malawi with dairy produce.

‘It brings me great hope and joy to see women and young people thriving as a result of my self-help initiative. Many women and young people I have supported have been empowered to challenge the status quo, and their children have then gone on to receive better education.’ 

Ashley serves as the Mission Specialist in the Women’s Department in The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory. She is the creator of the Women of Hope resource and has generously provided three stories from these interviews to International Headquarters.

'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' – Maya Angelou

Having struggled with depression and anxiety for years herself, Ashley wanted to use her professional platform to develop a resource for women that would facilitate safe and helpful dialogue about mental health.

The resource was intended to be just one video and one story, with two goals in mind: one, to create content that exhibited vulnerability and authenticity. Two, that the story shared would allow women who have gone through similar experiences to feel seen and heard. One video quickly turned into 10 in-studio videos, seven virtual interviews, five spin-off podcast episodes and a workbook!

The plans changed, but the goals remained the same. Through Women of Hope, thousands of women have been reached. Women’s groups in churches and centres throughout the territory are watching the series together and having meaningful conversation and connection with one another. Women are seeing and learning the value in their own stories and the healing power it can have when they have the courage to share it with others. Ashley’s motivation is for women to know that no experience in their story is wasted. Even on their darkest days, hope is there.

Meagan is the Assistant Territorial Communications Director in the USA Southern Territory. We are grateful to share her story, originally recorded as an interview with Ashley, the creator of the Women of Hope series.

‘Anxiety has always been a part of my life, but I don’t think I had a name for it.

‘I had anxiety throughout my pregnancy, but that was just normal for me. But after my son arrived, quickly I knew that the anxiety I was experiencing was not what I had ever experienced before and it was not normal.

‘I was diagnosed with post-partum anxiety and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). When I had my diagnosis, I was just honest with people about what was going on with me. I think within a world where we feel the pressure to have it all together, to have a picture-perfect family or house or whatever, we don’t want to share even an ounce of an impression that we’re struggling. My son is three years old now, so it feels like forever ago! Everything through that darkness that I experienced, I can look back and see how it’s made me who I am today.

‘When it comes to hope, if you can just trust in God and know that, “I don’t know what you’re doing God, but I know that it’s going to be good.” Nothing that we experience in this life is wasted and God can do something through it. When we cling to hope and the goodness of God and his plans for us, then we can get through the “hard”. We can get through that hard day, that hard week, that hard season, because truly we were created with a purpose, for a reason and we just have to cling to that.’ 

Megumi is a Salvationist living in Japan. She is retired, but she works in retirement as a support officer at a childhood development centre, helping children and families who are living with disability.

‘Our son, Seiva, was born in a state of fetal distress. We were told that he would be severely disabled. We were in deep despair about what was happening to us.

‘Not long after, I saw a man in the street wearing a Salvation Army uniform. He reminded me of my father, who was a soldier of a corps (church) in my hometown, and I asked the man where I could find the nearest corps. The next Sunday, I took my son to attend a worship service there. In that moment, I realised I could leave myself in God’s hands, a feeling I had not experienced in a long time. God promised me that he would help me whenever I was in need, because he was the one who gave my son, my gift, to me.

‘We moved back to my hometown to start a new rehabilitation therapy for Seiva, and I decided to stop comparing him to other children. I knew that God was in control. This helped us to enjoy every little skill that my son learned. We found hope, and so did our son.

‘Seiva grew to be positive and cheerful. He won a medal at the Japan Karate Competition, and he was a candidate for Japan’s national Cerebral Palsy Football team. He graduated from college and now earns his living working at a public office. When my husband died seven years ago, our son prayed out loud at his bedside. I felt great peace in my sorrow because I saw God’s presence in our son. Every life has meaning.’ 

During the summer of 2022, 200 women, all active Salvation Army officers (ministers) in the USA Western Territory, joined together for four days of worship, teaching and fellowship, under the theme, ‘Flourish’. This report has been prepared by Major Beth, who organised the event alongside the leadership of Women’s Ministries in the USA Western Territory.

After the challenges of the pandemic, many people who serve in positions of leadership, service and community response, have found themselves burned out and in need of retreat. Recognising the pressure their women leaders had endured during the pandemic, the USA Western officers’ retreat brought each person the opportunity to grow, to change, to adapt and to flourish!

The weekend empowered our women officers to just be, and not to do! They were able to come and receive, instead of always being the one doing and giving through the pressures of service to others. The schedule was deliberately left with lots of space for free time and fellowship. Women enjoyed connecting with old friends and making new ones around the meal table, laughing, crying and making memories.

The presence of the Lord was constantly felt. One officer shared how God showed up for her, ‘My experience with God did not come from the meetings, teachings or any deep profound revelations. It came from space, fellowship and a gratitude for all that went into it, even if it was not what I expected. I needed the time to fellowship, to regroup and, once again, to find my rhythm both spiritually and physically.’