Press Release
The following Press Release has been issued to the media this week:
SALVATION ARMY TERRITORIAL LEADERS TO VISIT MEDWAY
Commissioner John Matear, the Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland will visit Chatham on 16/17th January 2010. He will be accompanied by his wife, Commissioner Elizabeth Matear, Territorial President for Women’s Ministries.
Commissioner John Matear
Commissioner Elizabeth Matear
The Territorial Commander will be opening the Army’s new Community Café in Church Street on the Saturday afternoon and leading a regional celebration in the Salvation Army hall the same evening. Sunday worship will be led by the Commissioners at 10am and 4pm.
Scottish-born Commissioner John took up his present role in April 2006, his previous appointment being in the Caribbean, where he led mission across 15 countries including Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada and the Bahamas. During his time there the mission grew greatly, with a huge 22% increase in adult membership.
Commissioners John and Elizabeth Matear became Salvation Army officers in 1977/78. They have taken on appointments in youth work, church growth, evangelism and personnel, and prior to leaving for the Caribbean were Divisional Leaders of The Salvation Army in the East Midlands.
The Salvation Army’s local leader, Major Drew McCombe, said ‘We are pleased to have our national leaders to open our refurbished foyer/café area – this facility is part of a phased refurbishment and part rebuild of our premises making them fit for purpose and to become a Community hub – to enable us to serve the community for years to come’