Divisional Spotlight: SNE
by Colonel Richard Munn
Imagine a vineyard in God’s kingdom with an outstanding cultural heritage, a diverse population, and rich natural resources, and voilà, you have Southern New England.
Bridging the mega cities of New York City to its south and Boston to its north, Southern New England is a fusion of cultures, housing wealthy Manhattan commuters in Fairfield County and small-town residents in idyllic New England settings.
From the region’s powerhouse UConn basketball teams, Yale University, Newport mansions, and the insurance industry to the Newport Jazz Festival, national submarine and Coast Guard bases, and international ocean sailing, there is much to engage and inspire.
How about our Salvation Army? What are we up to in Southern New England these days? To gain a current snapshot, SAconnects managed to catch up with divisional leaders Majors Richard and Linda Lopez to get the story behind the story.
How would you describe the personality of the division?
The Southern New England Division is warm, community-focused, and mission-driven. Our personality is that of a family that supports one another and extends itself in times of need. We are small in size but have a strong sense of resilience and hope. None of us are satisfied with the status quo; we want to see people choose Jesus and grow.
We are also eclectic, representing so many cultures and backgrounds. We have corps filled with traditional Salvationists who are theologically advanced, but also corps with newborn Christians who are learning the basic concepts of Salvationism, and younger corps where creative arts and music predominate.
What are your divisional statistics: number of corps, senior and junior soldiers, officers, employees?
The Southern New England Division is made of:
- 22 corps
- 2 area services (Greater Hartford; Rhode Island State Office)
- 44 service units
- 3 emergency shelters
- 2 preschools
- 1,244 senior soldiers
- 238 junior soldiers
- 49 officers
- 165 employees
Click to view full breakdown of the Southern New England Division.
What is the geographic and cultural landscape of the division?
The Southern New England Division is made up of two beautiful states: Connecticut and Rhode Island. Connecticut, with a population of about 3.6 million people, known for its charming coastal towns and rich history, offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with major cities like Hartford and New Haven.
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., with a population of roughly 1.1 million people, is famous for its stunning beaches, magical seaside communities, and maritime heritage, with Providence being its capital.
Despite their small size, both states are known for their vibrant cultures, delicious seafood, and beautiful natural scenery. Both states have diverse populations, from New Haven’s Italian traditions to Hartford’s West Indian, African American, and Latino roots. Rhode Island is home to an array of communities and cultures, including large immigrant populations.
What especially notable expressions of ministry exist within the command?
The most notable expressions of ministry within the command are our food pantry ministries. These play a vital role in serving diverse groups and communities, offering love and care to those in need. These ministries provide essential food items to people facing hardships, demonstrating compassion and support for all. Beyond nourishment, many food pantries also offer resources such as hygiene kits, emotional and spiritual support, and connection to other community services.
Additionally, youth programs within our division empower the younger generation, fostering leadership, teamwork, and a sense of service. Youth programs provide valuable opportunities to engage in volunteer work, learn life skills, grow in faith, and make a positive impact on communities for the future.
What brings you the greatest joy?
We have a strong sense of joy when we see the inclusion and involvement of young people in areas of worship and service. Everyone has a place and a voice; there is enthusiasm and a fresh approach to ministry. It always blesses our hearts when we are able to be together.
SNE empowers and releases its officers, soldiers, and volunteers to be about kingdom business, with opportunities to fellowship and the inclusion of Spanish tracks for corporate worship.
The faithful service of our soldiers and seeing God’s faithfulness to SNE: This brings joy.
What is God up to in the division these days?
God is on the move! There is a buzz of excitement with the youth in this division, many of which have received calls to officership. God’s work of getting the unsaved saved, growing the saints, and harvesting leaders so that they lead others is what’s up in SNE.
God has been guiding our division through a period of deepening growth and revitalization. We see this in a renewed focus on Camp CONNRI and candidate discipleship, in new funding initiatives, and in our investment supporting local outreach programs and incentivizing ministry opportunities.
Any final insights or thoughts for our readers?
The Southern New England Division is blessed to have committed soldiers and officers (active and retired). Everyone plays a vital role in moving the mission of the Army forward: to serve others and to preach the good news of Jesus Christ without discrimination.
How can we all pray for the division?
Our prayer is Colossians 1:9–12, that we “may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (verse 10). Also, help us pray for fiscal resources to help cover the cost of ministry and new programs.
Thank you, Linda and Richard — God is blessing you all in the great work of Kingdom ministry. Be sure of our interest and support. An army is praying for you.
