The Salvation Army Philippine Territory

The Salvation Army, an international movement,

is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message is based on the Bible.

Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.

Its mission is to preach

the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs

in His name without discrimination.

The advance of The Salvation Army in The Philippines came at the initiative of Filipinos who had been converted through contact with the Army in Hawaii and then returned to their homeland. During the period 1933-37 they commenced meetings in Panay, Luzon, Cebu and Mindanao Islands. In June 1937 Colonel and Mrs Alfred Lindvall officially inaugurated this widespread work.

It began as a quick question followed by an equally rapid response between two Salvation Army territorial leaders in London at The High Council during 2006.

Commissioner Philip Swyers, territorial commander of the USA Western Territory, asked Commissioner Robin Dunster, territorial commander of The Philippine Territory, “What does The Philippine Territory need?”

“A new territorial headquarters building,” Commissioner Dunster answered.

“You’ve got it!” Commissioner Swyers responded without even first discussing cost, schedule, or other specifics with her. Commissioner Dunster, as the story is told, was stunned and amazed and didn’t know what to think. Later, she spoke with then Chief of the Staff Todd Bassett who quickly assured her that Commissioner Sywers was good for his word.

About three years later, Commissioner Philip Swyers traveled to The Philippine Territory for a number of special territorial events in April. On Monday, April 20, he served as special guest speaker for the groundbreaking ceremonies of a new headquarters building for The Philippine Territory funded totally by the USA Western Territory.

“The reason we are here today is because God promised you and me that he would never fail us and when we have obstacles, they will make us stronger,” Commissioner Swyers said.

“We need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us do what we need to do. It is a spiritual thing with me,” Commissioner Swyers said, making several references to the power of The Holy Spirit during his informal comments.

Saying he was grateful to be part of the new Philippine Territory THQ project, Commissioner Swyers proclaimed “The new building will be built for the glory of God, and for no other purpose. The best is yet to come,” he said, “because this new building is all for the glory of God.”

by Captain Mark Jacobs