<P> The Salvation Army (TSA) is a Protestant Christian church and an international charitable organisation . Their mission statement reads: </P> <P> The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church . Its message is based on the Bible . Its ministry is motivated by the love of God . Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination . </P> <P> The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists . Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs". It is present in 131 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless and disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries . </P> <P> The theology of the Salvation Army is derived from that of Methodism, although it is distinctive in institution and practice . It does not celebrate the rite of Baptism and Holy Communion . The Army's doctrine is typical of holiness churches in the Wesleyan - Arminian tradition . The Army's purposes are "the advancement of the Christian religion...of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole". </P>

How many countries is the salvation army working in