On the morning of February 25, the international leader mission of the Salvation Army visited Shanghai CC&TSPM. General André Cox, the current leader of the international charitable organization, introduces its vision and quasi-military structure on his first time to China.
Rev. Shen Xuebin, Chairperson of Shanghai CCC&TSPM, introduces the Shanghai Agape Foundation to the mission, showing that Chinese Christians are practicing the love of the Lord and helping groups in difficulty.
André Cox, elected as the 20th General on 3 August 2013, says that the Salvation Army aims at "physical assistance---clothes and clothing; spiritual care---the Gospel". Rev. Shen Xuebin says compared to overseas social service, China's is still in its infancy and the visit is a precious chance for Chinese churches to learn from foreign organizations.
The two sides also exchanged the refugee crisis problem in the West and the situation about the large population of the poor in China.
The Salvation Army, founded in 1865 in England, has become an international movement running projects in 109 countries. It carries the mission to preach the gospel and to serve society. In some of the richest countries in the world, it constantly helps vulnerable groups such as the homeless, and in many developing countries it aids disaster-relief and development projects.
In 1996, the global organization set up an office in Kunming, Yunnan Province to oversee its increasing projects in southeastern China. Currently, several rural development projects are ongoing, combined with fundamental education and AIDS prevention.
In 2001, its second office in mainland China was established in Beijing, which is responsible for projects in northern China. Forestry projects for community development are running in Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Hubei, Anhui, etc.
