The Salvation Army continues to bring Christ's message of hope and renewal to Papua New Guineans battling endemic poverty, disease, violence and natural disasters.

One story comes from the Port Moresby suburb of Morata (considered an unsafe area), where a community services officer began dispensing clothing in the settlement area. The Army then commenced work there when a local resident opened her home to two mothers and eight children for a meeting that grew into a home league.

Sunday meetings now take place in Morata. The corps originally met in a yard, but now holds its meetings at the top of a hill on a concrete slab covered with a canvas tarpaulin. Salvationists are hoping to build a hall there. COs have initiated literacy classes and an HIV/Aids program. A crusade resulted in the conversion of 67 people and the corps now has 60 adults and 55 children attending.

Almost all the converts were from lives of "rascalism" (mischievous, dishonest people), alcoholism and adultery. Most youth were gang leaders, gamblers and drug addicts.

Former 'rascal' John Wemin, orphaned as a toddler (his father died in a tribal fight), was a previous criminal and troublemaker in Morata - the worst criminal-infested area in the city. Saved in 2004, he is now the corps youth leader and a candidate for officership.