Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Prayer Focus
India Eastern Territory
Male Bengal tiger, swimming and glancing sideways in Sundarban Tiger Reserve, India
“Help me understand when You let it rain for me and drench my life with a quiet shower of grief or criticism, or grayness of trial, trouble or heartache. Then let love glide through my space – love that, when it is lovely, moves without a sound.”
- Colonel Virginia Talmadge
Prayer
Dear Lord, Sometimes I can be so impatient. Sometimes it is with the people I live with or work with. Almost always it is with the people I share the road with. But then there is the computer or the machinery. There seems to be something always getting in my way. Sometimes I think that something should be simple, should only take a minute and then there’s that interruption or delay and hours later it still isn’t done. Remind me, Lord, of Your patience with me. So many things You have wanted me to do, to learn, to understand and yet the days go by, and I am still going around in circles on the same things. Help me also remember the counsel of Your Word that says, “Be still and know that I am God.” You will not be rushed or pushed or held to my schedule. Teach me to cherish those moments when I need to rest in You and remember that You are my source. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The India Eastern Territory Songsters share a great version of “Send the Fire.” They use the traditional tune "Tucker" which is an Indian melody and then switch out. Fascinating.
Background of the
India Eastern Territory
In addition to the nation of Nepal, the states contained in the India Eastern Territory represent the diversity of India’s religious landscape.
The states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal are primarily Hindu. The Bengalis have been the most resistant to the gospel of any of the people groups in India, although there has been some progress seen in recent years. In the other states, the Christianity has shown encouraging growth, even with non-conversion laws in place. It is also in these states where Christians have experienced persecution over many years, often targeted when there is other ethnic and political conflict as convenient fall guys.
The states of Assam, West Bengal have significant Muslim minorities.
The state of Sikkim has a significant Buddhist minority. Sikkim has allowed more religious freedom than almost any other Indian state. Christians have taken advantage of this, which has allowed the church to grow but other religions have advanced as well.
The states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland are primarily Christian or with a significant Christian minority. Most of the conversions have been among tribal people. There has been significant growth through the twentieth century but problems as well with false teaching, divisions, poverty and political strife in these states. Refugees from neighboring Myanmar have sought refuge in Mizoram and there has been a great deal of interplay between believers of Myanmar and Mizoram historically.
Nepal: One of the world’s poorest countries, over one-third of Nepal’s citizen’s live below the poverty line on less than US$1 per day. It is geographically isolated with difficult terrain, poor infrastructure and has suffered from many natural disasters. Until 2008 it was the last of Hindu kingdom, at which time it became a constitutional republic. It suffered from internal conflict led by Maoist rebels that finally ended with the Maoist army being integrated into the national army, a troublesome arrangement.
The first church in Nepal was not organized until 1952 with 29 believers. By 1990, there 200,000 Christians and by 2010 the number had blossomed to 850,000. All this was accomplished in the face of prolonged and determined persecution. But believers have been committed to evangelism and church planting and so the church continues to grow. Although freedom of religion is guaranteed, practically speaking Christians are not protected.
The Salvation Army: Work commenced in what is The Eastern India Territory on April 26, 1917, when Lt. Kawlkhuma, the first Mizo officer commissioned in India, returned to start the Army. He was then joined by a group of believers who shared his vision of an Army like a church very much in line with The Salvation Army. The India Eastern Territory became a separate command on June 1, 1991, and became a territory in 1993. Work was officially opened in Nepal on April 26, 2009.
Facts, Stats and Leadership of the
India Eastern Territory
- Total population to fish and disciple: 176,538,291
- 290 officers, 13 auxiliary-captains, 36 cadets, 170 employees
- 104 retired officers
- 251 corps, 179 outposts and societies
- 42,320 senior soldiers
- 83 adherents
- 10,859 junior soldiers
Leadership
Colonel Lalhmingliana Hmar - Territorial Commander
Colonel Lalhlimpuii Chawngthu - Territorial President of Women's Ministries
Lieut-Colonel Prakash Chandra Pradhan - Chief Secretary
Lieut-Colonel Rani Phula Pradhan - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries
Prayer Requests for the
India Eastern Territory
- In 2025, the India Eastern Territory’s theme is Transformed into Christlikeness based on 2 Corinthians 3:18. Pray that Salvationists and officers of the India Eastern Territory will grow deeper relationship with Christ.
- Pray for the success of The Salvation Army Youth Congress which will take place on 3 – 5 October 2025 at Darlawn in the Northern Division.
- Pray that the seven cadets currently in the Keepers of the Covenant session will complete their training well. Pray for 12 candidates for the Proclaimers of Transformation session, that they will complete the candidates course and be well prepared for becoming cadets.
- Pray for the five-year review of 20 lieutenants (Messengers of the Kingdom session) which will be held on 9 May 2025 and rank recognition service program on 11 May 2025.
- Pray for 18 newly commissioned officers in the Champions of the Mission session, for their new appointments.
- From 21 – 23 May 2025, the territory hosted a Brengle Institute for 20 officers. As these officers return to their appointments after this time of teaching and retreat, we pray they will return with a fresh energy and renewed desire to see the Spirit transform lives.
- Pray for the extension of evangelism and disciple-making ministries among other faith communities and outreach mission areas.
- Pray for the ongoing effectiveness of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme for youth and children led by Community Health Action Network.
- We give thanks for 10 prayer halls, 5 commanding officers quarters and 3 self-support buildings that were opened during the year 2024.
- We give thanks that the Territorial Women’s Ministries team is starting a Tailoring Production Centre from January 2025.
- We give thanks to God for the advancement of our ministries and enrolling new members.
USA Southern Territory
Prayer Requests
- The family of Jerry Walton, Jr., brother of Captain Cornelius Walton, who was recently Promoted to Glory
- Colonel Deborah Sedlar, Chief Secretary
- Territorial Commander’s Department
- Betty Maloney, Administrative Assistant, Personnel
- Luciano Goicochea, Spanish Program Manager, Communications
- Joshua Posey, Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator, Emergency Disaster Services
- Major Carey Richmond, Director of Personnel/Health & Wellness, Evangeline Booth College
- Cadet Jessica Phelps
- Captain Dominique Darby, Divisional Candidates’ Secretary, Georgia Division
- Commissioner Merle Heatwole, USA National Commander, NHQ
- Lt. Colonels Ronnie & Sharon Raymer, officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers of the North & South Carolina Division
- Officers’ Councils
Something to Consider
People often fall into gossip and criticism, not so much from ill will as from old habit. Or they drift along with the current of conversation. Or they want to say something entertaining so as to fit in. If we want to break the habit and avoid these traps, what should we do?
It is wise to replace the old habits with new habits. Make it your practice to think and speak true, positive, uplifting things. When a man seeks to rid his mind of wrong thoughts, he is wise to follow Paul’s advice to the Philippians: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8, NLT).
So practice speaking positively. Try praising others, look for their good qualities. Next time you are in a conversation that turns negative, deliberately insert kind words. You will be amazed at the result.
Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle
Brengle for Today
Edited by Peter Farthing
Benediction
May God bless you as you walk with Him today and seek Him to direct you in your ways. Amen.
It is good to remember some of the old hymns. Here we can listen again to “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.”