So what was the territorial commander of The Salvation Army, commissioner Andy Westrupp doing learning how to play drums from the Venerable Abbess Manshin at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush?
A visit from the top brass of Salvation Army that included territorial leader, commissioner Yvonne Westrupp, chief of staff, colonel Willis Howell, and other high ranking officers along with the local The Salvation Army leaders for Flat Bush, lieutenants Ameet and Jessica Londhe — to the Buddhist Temple was to provide a better understanding of their respective organisations and key activities.
The temple borders the land owned by The Salvation Army, where the Army plans to build its Flat Bush Corps.
Reaching out to each other in order to help the community in Flat Bush, the temple was keen to learn about the initiatives to support children and address poverty.
Territorial commander Mr Westrupp introduced the work they do in New Zealand followed by the heads of various departments present who spoke about varied services The Salvation Army offers.
Both the Abbess and the territorial commander expressed their willingness to help and work together as they share a similar purpose of serving the community in the areas of their need.
An invitation was extended to the Abbess to visit the Salvation Army headquarters in Wellington. Also to visit the Salvation Army in Manukau to understand the different services provided from the Manukau branch.
Lieutenants Ameet and Jessica Londhe shared the demography of Flat Bush and the various initiatives that have been started locally in Flat Bush including social services, Justice of Peaces service, free English classes every Thursday and the Sunday worship services at Baverstock Oaks School.
The meeting ended with the territorial commander praying for the Abbess and the assurance of continuing relationship both on the local and national level.
