In a bid to spread the message about the Salvation Army, the International Leader of the church says that he is hoping to enlighten Bermudians to a whole other world.

General John Gowans, who is visiting the Island with his wife Commissioner Gisele Gowans, said he is looking forward to spending time with members of the local Army chapter as well as members of the community.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette on Thursday from Texas, General Gowans said he hoped to be an inspiration to people who may be examining their spirituality during these recent trying and troubling times.

And he pointed out that the Army's mission is not just to spread spirituality, but also to explain that the Salvation Army expands far beyond the pulpit.

"We want to talk about the Army to people who don't know it well," he said.

"Most people just think that we ring metal bells at Christmas time and feed the homeless - well we do all of that, but also we have schools and hospitals and we have an organisation that is the most effective in finding missing persons around the world."

And as the International Leader General Gowans said that his travels take him to "all corners of the globe" noting that the globe trotting is an "opportunity to talk to anyone who will listen" about the saving grace of Christ.

"Part of my job is to visit as many countries as I can," he said.

"I have just come from Japan and South Africa and now I am in Texas but during our visit, we just want to encourage the fantastic Salvation Army people in Bermuda and in return I am hoping to learn anything that I can.

"We also want to give clear ideas on what the Army should be concentration on, stressing the fundamental ambitions of the Army."

And General Gowans said that part of the Army's "fundamental message" was saving souls, introducing people to Christ serving anyone in trouble and serving suffering humanity without discrimination.

The General also said that in the history 140 year history of the Salvation Army, he believed that its following was stronger than ever, noting that it is in its 106 year in the Caribbean.

"We've spread out all over the world," he said. "We originated in the UK, but we are stronger in other parts of the world.

"We are the strongest in Kenya - there are more Salvationists in the population than any other place in the world.

"We are quite strong - the Army has a lot of friends. There is a lot to be encouraged about."