Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Singapore, Malaysia,
Myanmar & Thailand Territory
Petronas Towers - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.”
Psalm 91:1-2, 13-16
Prayer
"Lord, I ask that You protect our minds. Father, the mindset on the flesh is death, but the mindset on the Spirit is life and peace. O God, set our minds on You. Let us not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what Your will is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Help us by the power of Your Spirit to think on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let our minds dwell on these things.
Strengthen us in the power of Your might, O God. Dress us in Your armor so that we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
You are our keeper, O Lord, the shade on our right hand. Protect us from all evil and keep our soul. Guard our going out and our coming in. From this time and forever. In Jesus' name, Amen." (Prayer by Lynn Cooke)
This video is a recording of the Founder’s Song, “O Boundless Salvation,” featuring Salvationists from the four countries in the territory in the eight languages in use to proclaim the gospel.
Background of the
Singapore, Malaysia,
Myanmar & Thailand Territory
Four very different countries comprise the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar & Thailand Territory. In them you see a very real cross section of Asia itself.
Singapore: Singapore is a true city-state largely crowded on an island that is 31 miles (50 km) long and 17 miles (27 km) at its widest point. A former British colony until 1965, it skyrocketed from poverty to one of the wealthiest nations per capita and highest standard of living by a strong and visionary government. Part of what has allowed the prosperity has been the government’s strong control, including maintaining racial and religious harmony. Freedom of religion is guaranteed but provoking other religions is forbidden.
Christianity has blossomed since independence, largely among the most educated. There is great unity among Christian believers across all denominations and a strong sense of mission so much so that Singapore believers see themselves as a headquarters for mission activity for Asia. Many migrant workers provide a ready population within Singapore itself for mission activity as well. What undermines the church, however, is the prosperity of Singapore has resulted in a materialism among believers, resulting in fewer being willing to heed the call to ministry.
Malaysia: Malaysia is divided into two sections: East Malaysia is a peninsula that extends into the continent of Asia while West Malaysia is on the northern third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia. It achieved independence from Great Britain in 1957. Its economy is based on exports of rubber, palm oil, petroleum, forest, and other agricultural products. More recently, industrialization and exploitation of its natural resources has enhanced its economy as the nation continues to develop.
Sunni Islam is the official religion of Malaysia although other religions are allowed to exist. Over time, discriminatory laws and practices have crept in. All those of the Malay race are by law born Muslim and it is illegal for them to convert to another religion or for anyone to try to convert them. However, there are no laws preventing conversions of those of other religions and/or races.
There have been periodic times of oppression against Christians, not overly severe but enough to intimidate. In parts of Malaysia the existence of radical Islamic groups is a threat. Christians are cautious as a result, perhaps more so than they need to be even among the populations that they are allowed to evangelize.
Myanmar: Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar was under British rule until 1948. It has vast resources including teak forests, fertile soil for agriculture, precious gems and mineral deposits, offshore oil, and gas deposits. But despite this, most people live in desperate poverty at the subsistence level because of the corrupt government dominated by the military junta. Complicating this, vast areas of the countryside are under the control of militias that are fighting against the government. As the forces engage each other, they show little concern for who might be caught in the crossfire.
Buddhism is recognized by the government as having special status. Freedom of religion theoretically exists but Christianity and Islam have both been suppressed. Christianity continues to grow despite poverty and opposition. This is particularly true in the northern area of the country.
Thailand: The Kingdom of Thailand, a country since the 13th Century, enjoys the distinction of having never been ruled by any outside power. The king of Thailand is a unifying figure for the constitutional monarchy even though there have been numerous military coups and political turbulence. Despite this, Thailand has been able to develop a strong economy based on a free market, fertile land – Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice – and aggressive industrialization that has led to strong exports of textiles, jewelry, and electronics. Tourism has made Thailand a major destination for world travelers.
But there are problems as well. Unfortunately, there is a booming sex trade that involves women, men and sadly, children. There are over one million children are involved in child labor, particularly in the rural areas. HIV/AIDS is a major issue, although this has declined recently after a massive government education program. Thailand has traditionally and continues to host large numbers of refugees from neighboring countries.
Although Buddhism is by far the prevalent religion, freedom of religion is guaranteed. Christianity is growing, increasingly led by Thai Christian leaders. There is a high standard of church life as well as a deep commitment to evangelism.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army began in what was Burma in 1915 by Adjutant Taran Das (Reuben Moss). Originally attached to India, Myanmar in 1994 was joined to the Singapore and Malaysia Command.
The Salvation Army was opened in what was Malaya when Major Herbert Lord began the work in Singapore in 1935. It spread to Panang (1935), Melaka and Ipoh (1940) and Kuching in Sarawak (1950).
Thailand was officially opened in 2023 in Chiangmai. The command was elevated to territory status in 2005.
Facts, Stats and Leadership of the
Singapore, Malaysia,
Myanmar & Thailand Territory
- Total population to fish and disciple: 162,214,688
- 145 officers, 4 envoys, 20 cadets, 864 employees
- 39 retired officers
- 57 corps, 12 outposts
- 2,837 senior soldiers
- 380 adherents
- 455 junior soldiers
Leadership
Territorial Commander – Colonel Hary Haran
Chief Secretary – Lt. Colonel Nigel Cross
Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries – Lt. Colonel Stacy Cross
Prayer Requests for the
Singapore, Malaysia,
Myanmar & Thailand Territory
Singapore
Pray for Singapore Region as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary in 2025.
Pray for God’s continuing favor with His Spirit leading, people coming to faith and soldiers called into officership.
Malaysia
Pray for The Salvation Army’s programs and services to effectively address the needs of the marginalized, such as the elderly, children, youth, and families in crisis, and for further integration of Social and Corps Ministries.
Sustainability initiatives to provide needed resources.
Myanmar
Giving thanks for God's protection and health during these difficult times, enabling us to continue His ministries amidst hardship. Nine Quarters unsafe and 2 Corps buildings burnt.
Praying for the smooth continuation of our work and ministries with all employees and officers this year especially planning future Corps openings.
Thailand
Continued growth of the Corps in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with further expansion.
To increase the number of new soldiers in Thailand.
Please pray for us as we work to establish a corps in Bangkok and develop our social ministry.
USA Southern Territory
Prayer Requests
- The family of Al Haworth, father of Lt. Victor Haworth, who was recently Promoted to Glory
- The family of Merle Sager, brother of Major Mary Kay Hearne, who was recently Promoted to Glory
- The family of Kenny Gower, son of Major Alma Gower, who was recently Promoted to Glory
- Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Program Secretary
- Business Administration
- Timothy Burleigh, Territorial Worship Arts Production Specialist, Music Department
- Brian Pueschel, In-house Counsel for Contracts, Legal
- Valencia Howard, Grants Management Specialist, Social Services
- Captain Kelsey Bridges, Director of Curriculum, Evangeline Booth College
- Cadet Jeremy Warf
- Captain Josh Keaton, Divisional Candidates’ Secretary, Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi Division
- Lt. Colonel Mark Harwell, National Business Administrator and National Treasurer, NHQ
- Lt. Colonels Kent & Melody Davis, officers, employees, and volunteers of the Florida Division
- Young Adults
- Liz has asked for prayer for her studies and her son, Paul’s studies.
Something to Consider
Imagine going into a restaurant and the server brings you the customary glass of water. As you prepare to drink, you notice that there is a big spot of something clinging to the inside of the glass. Calling the server over, you politely ask for a replacement glass of water.
“May I ask what’s wrong with this one?”
“The glass is dirty. So, I’d like to have you replace it.”
Picking up the glass, your server turns it around, looking at it from several different angles. Putting it back down, she finally says, “You are right that there is something on the inside of your glass. But most of the glass is clean. My guess is that it is about 97% clean. I don’t see any discoloration in the water. You should be fine. Go ahead and drink it.”
Recovering from this unexpected turn, you might say, “I’m not drinking out of that glass! Even though 97% may not have any spots or dirt, the 3% that does is enough to pollute the whole thing. Take it away and get me another one.”
The next thing you would probably wonder about is if that is the attitude of the serving staff, it might be of the whole restaurant. What other things being served might be spoiled or prepared with dirty hands or surfaces? Why would I want to eat in a restaurant like this? How could I feel comfortable with anything they served?
If we are so concerned about the cleanliness of a restaurant, our dishes, or the way our food is prepared, how might God look at us as a vessel meant to serve Him? As we carry grudges or nurse a favorite sin, does He look at us and think, “How can I use this one who is tainted? How can I serve up my gift to the world when this one has dirty hands?” Should we not go before our Father and ask Him to examine our hearts, reveal to us anything that is unclean, displeasing or makes us unfit for His service?
God has entrusted the world’s salvation to us. But are we usable? Are we ready? Or do we content ourselves with being mostly clean? Maybe some of us have not been used by God because He simply can’t overlook the dirt.
Benediction
Lord, cleanse me so that in this day I am usable for Your service. And in being made usable, I place myself in Your hands for Your glory. Amen.
This praise and worship song reminds us that our Lord is the “Waymaker.”