Officers’ Support Endowment Fund
What is the Officers’ Support Endowment Fund?
The Officers’ Support Endowment Fund helps provide for Salvation Army officers in low and middle-income Territories and Commands around the world. The concept for the fund emerged from the International Conference of Leaders in 2004, at which the leaders agreed that all officers’ basic financial needs should be met.
This includes:
- Essential health care for every officer and their dependent children
- Education for all officers’ children, up to the normal school-leaving standard for the country of residence
- Full authorised allowances for every officer
Why is the Officers’ Support Endowment Fund needed?
The cost of living in many parts of the world where The Salvation Army faithfully serves is significantly above the officer allowances. In many Territories and Commands where tithing or government support for programs is low, the local income is too small to pay the full wages of its officers. This could be due to the country’s wealth or because Christianity is a minority faith.
This leaves more than 9000 officers struggling to manage their basic needs on less income than they are eligible to receive.
When it comes to school fees, extra schooling costs such as exams or uniforms, medical emergencies, chronic sicknesses, home repairs or bereavement, this shortfall is even more noticeable.
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How has the Officers’ Support Endowment Fund changed lives?
When officers are supported and their needs are met, they are better able to fulfil the mission of The Salvation Army. The Officers’ Support Endowment Fund changes the lives of our officers and their families, and also changes the lives of those they serve.
Captains Simon and Rose Musungu are parents to four children and are serving at a corps in Tanzania. Captain Simon shares he has felt the burden of paying for his children’s education and, because the corps is in an area where people’s living standard is low, the corps cannot meet the family’s financial needs.
“Were it not for endowment, my children would have dropped out of school,” he shares. “Having settled minds, we’ve been able to perform our God duties well in the corps. Our God-given mission is carried on with ease as we work hard in expanding God’s ministry. We thank our donors for their tireless effort in ensuring that they reach those in need.”
“I thank God for the help you gave me while I preached the Good News” (Philippians 1:5, NCV).
How can I support the Officers’ Support Endowment Fund?
The Officers’ Support Endowment Fund is made possible through the generous and sacrificial gifts of our active and retired officers, as well as soldiers and employees.
Please prayerfully consider furthering the life-transforming work of God by supporting Salvation Army officers in other countries through the Officers’ Support Endowment Fund. Every financial gift can have a life-changing impact on our partners in mission around the world.
You can make a regular gift to this fund through payroll deductions (officers/employees only) or from your personal bank account. Gifts are non tax-deductible and can also be made as a one-off.
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