1. India (Central) Territory

2. Geography   India is made up of 27 different states: and all have different languages, cultures and customs.   The Salvation Army in India is comprised of six territories (regions).   The India Central Territory is made up of three southern states: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.   90% of The Salvation Army’s work in these states is done in the costal regions of Andhra Pradesh which is frequently hit by natural disasters.

3. The People  With more than 1 billion people living in India, it is one of the largest democratic nations in the world.  80% of the people in India live below the poverty line.  Most people who live in the rural areas are illiterate.  A vast amount of people live in thatched, mud huts with inadequate sewer and drainage systems.

4. A few Salvation Army programs  The Salvation Army has started adult education programs to help those who can’t read or write.  Salvation Army Emergency Disasters Services has helped many residents regain stability after natural disasters such as cyclones and floods have left death and destruction throughout the regions.

5. Living Conditions

6. Persecution   The dominant religion in India is Hindu.   Many state assemblies have passed Anti-Conversion Bills which have resulted in the persecution of many Christians and churches.   As a result of these bills, The Salvation Army cannot conduct public revival meetings.

7. Salvation Army provides emergency relief

8. International Self-Denial World Missions Fund Your ISDWMF gifts helped The Salvation Army:  Construct seven prayer halls in the India Central Territory  Sponsor an India Central officer, Major Raju, to attend the Brengle Institute of Holiness in Chicago, Ill.  Give 13 officers small homes to live in instead of thatched huts

9. What can I do? $$$$1 U.S. can provide a family of four with three meals. PPPPray for Salvationists (members of The Salvation Army) to remain strong despite persecution. PPPPray for the Indian people and government to be open to the Christian faith. HHHHelp The Salvation Army continue to minister by giving to the International Self-Denial World Mission Fund.