‘A lonely rock in the middle of the ocean’ is how some have described the Island of Saint Helena. Just under 2000 km from South Africa and lying in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find this extinct volcanic island, home to over 4000 people commonly known as Saints. And it is here, at the heart of St. Helena, you will find The Salvation Army, celebrating 140 years of impactful ministry.
Although you can now take a weekly airplane from Johannesburg, until recently, it used to take a ship at least a week to reach St. Helena from Cape Town. It was one of these ships that carried a group of newly saved sailors to the island in May 1884. Together with a local, Thomas Woodman, they “opened fire” and began the ministry of The Salvation Army, winning over 50 souls in that first week alone. Over the years, Salvationists from Jamestown, Half Tree Hollow, and Deadwood have reached out to the local communities with the message of salvation and hope.
In May 2024, the Western Cape Divisional Leaders, Major Rob and Captain Juanita Wright, commemorated 140 years of mission with the Saints. The celebrations started with a united thanksgiving service supported by clergy, soldiers, adherents, and friends of The Salvation Army, all gladly testifying to God’s great work through the Army over the years. This extended to an open-air meeting on the streets of Jamestown, radio interviews, newspaper articles, a musical evening, and even a Salvation Army float decorated in red, yellow, and blue at the St. Helena Day parade, with the band and timbrels in full display.
The Divisional Leaders’ two weeks on the island included visiting many soldiers and friends in their homes, as well as those shut-in due to ill health and disability. Over and over, the Saints declared the faithfulness of God in their lives and testified to the many devoted officers who have served over the years, saving souls, growing saints, and serving suffering humanity. These same sentiments were echoed as the Divisional Leaders met with the governor, local clergy, and strategic organizations like the Equality & Human Rights Commission and Community Mental Health Team, who want to partner with The Salvation Army in making a difference in the lives of those on St. Helena.
Beyond the 140 years of ministry, The Salvation Army hosts a weekly thrift shop at the Jamestown Corps, frequented by many in the community who tell us it’s their favourite shop on the island. Sunday services, Bible studies, and practices are held at the Half Tree Hollow Corps each week. The corps band is on duty at every important event on St. Helena, from the visit of royalty to the yearly carolling programmes around the island in December.
We give thanks for the sacrificial ministry of the local officers, Envoy Coral Yon, Treasurer Nicolas Yon, Bandmaster Keith Yon, and many soldiers and friends who partner in the mission on St. Helena. Truly, they are Saints Alive.
We encourage you to pray for God’s favour, strength, and victory for these Salvationists and the mission ahead on St. Helena Island. Give us faith for greater things, O Lord.
It was a pleasure and privilege to meet and share in worship and celebrate with you, Major Rob and Capt Juanita during your stay on island. The island is indeed well blessed having the faithful, friendly and hardworking local leaders and followers of the Salvation Army continuing God’s work in the community, day by day, year on year.