The Salvation Army’s work began in Latvia in 1923 but was closed in 1939 due to Soviet Union occupation and World War II. Salvation Army work was re-established on November 18, 1990.
The Latvia Region falls under the Sweden and Latvia Territory, which is led by Commissioner Marie Willermark and Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Joao Paula Ramos. Major Christine Bailey is the Latvian regional leader and Lt. Sarah Ilsters is the assistant regional leader. The country includes nine corps, four social institutions, a training college and a camp. There are 21 officers, two cadets and 55 employees.
Most activities take place in the capital city of Riga; however, there is children’s support and a social care center located in the southwestern city of Skangali and a camp located on the coast of the Baltic Sea.
The region consists of 178 senior soldiers, 35 junior soldiers and 216 adherents. The nine corps provide meals for approximately 100 people several days a week and the Riga Social Center has started to hold sewing classes to help people acquire practical skills to find work.
In June 2012 Salvationists from all over Latvia gathered in Riga for congress meetings.
Source: The Salvation Army Year Book
