Beautiful land, people and message

Global Mission Teams partner with Salvation Army in Chile

by Viki Payton

The Central Territory sent two Global Mission Teams (GMT) in the fall to southern Chile. One team ministered in Chillán from October 15-24, while the other ministered in Angol from October 22-31. Overlapping at the airport in Concepción for about 15 minutes, the teams were able to greet and encourage one another.

Each team would passionately describe their week in Chile as unique, that their experience was extra special with the town and their host officers both being distinct. Although this is true, it’s their commonalities that are most noteworthy.

Small corps, big spirit
Each team was asked to partner with a small corps off the beaten path that suffered greatly due to the pandemic. Because they have few corps members, the corps don’t always have the help and resources they need. Our teams were able to provide labor to do small repairs and renovations like painting, cleaning, yard work, electrical work and organizing storage and wood sheds.

Despite their size, the corps’ devotion to the gospel was undeniable. The members’ participation in programs and community outreach throughout the week was a testament and challenged us all.

The Chillán and Angol corps both have vibrant home league ministries, weekly Bible studies, prayer meetings and children’s ministries. While we were there both corps held social outreaches in their neighborhoods, providing community resources, counseling, basic medical check-ups, food packages, and even spa treatments. The events showed neighbors The Salvation Army is alive and growing.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The GMT to Angol participated in a celebration of the evangelical Christian Church. During a ceremony marking the first time the Christian flag was hung in the municipal plaza, Angol corps officer Lt. Betzaida shared the history and significance of the flag.

Later in the week the team marched with the other Christian churches in the town, singing “Onward Christian Soldiers” in Spanish. The march concluded with a united meeting where our team shared a brief greeting and thanked them for their partnership in the gospel. It was a very uplifting meeting as we worshiped alongside fellow believers from many different denominations.

Both teams helped with home league. They prepared a craft and devotional for the women who sat around the table together for several hours, in no rush to leave. In Chillán, the team participated in a woman’s enrollment in home league. Her joy in becoming part of this international fellowship was evident.

Fellowship and hospitality
It is safe to say, the most meaningful aspect of the trip was forming relationships with our Chilean brothers and sisters in Christ. Every experience with the international Salvation Army makes us aware of how beautiful the family of God is. Both teams had moments of encountering people in southern Chile who they’d met before, who were related by marriage or who were friends of friends. It really is a small world.

Favorite memories include sharing leisurely meals that became sacred times of fellowship, learning about Chilean food and culture, sharing stories, laughing often and enjoying the company of our host officers. The camaraderie was deepened by daily sharing devotions and personal testimonies with each other. Starting each day with our hearts focused on God gave us direction.

In both locations, two corps members offered to open their homes to host “house church services.” The teams divided, with each half going to a different home to spend time worshiping God, studying His Word and praying with corps members and friends they’d invited. Being welcomed into their homes, worshiping the Lord together in this environment and being served Chilean treats was a treasured experience.

It is difficult to choose a favorite highlight from our trip, but the Sunday holiness meeting was exceptional. The mission statement of the World Missions Department is “Partnering Globally for the Sake of the Gospel,” and the holiness meeting really illustrated this. At the meeting’s conclusion, the congregation encircled the team and prayed for us. Once they finished, our team turned around and prayed for them.

Chile is a beautiful country with beautiful people. We are so grateful to them for warmly welcoming our GMTs.