Five minutes with…Irwin Jeyasoorya 

Can you tell us about yourself; where do you live? Where do you work/study? 

My name is Irwin Jeyasoorya and I live in Vellore, a city in India between the better-known bigger cities of Chennai and Bangalore.  

I work as a consultant to the South Asia Zone of The Salvation Army for the ‘Return and Reintegration of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) Survivors’.  

In my current role I advise our MSHT response workers to implement our strategies efficiently and effectively to move forward towards our goal of a world free from modern slavery and human trafficking 

From left: map showing the location of Vellore in Southern India; scenes of Vellore city

What does a typical day look like for you? 

Most of my days are filled with meetings with the MSHT responders for exchange of information and ideas, review of developments and the rollout of training within The Salvation Army. I also meet with our partner organisations to utilise their services wherever our reach is limited 

What’s something you’re currently working on that excites you? 

Currently, I am working on a project called ‘Return and Reintegration of MSHT Survivors of African Origin in India’. This involves many MSHT Responders in South Asia and Africa. It is so exciting to see the hand of God snatching these victims from the hands of the traffickers and restoring dignity and value to them.  

I am so grateful to God and The Salvation Army for allowing me to play my role in this work of ‘Return and Reintegration’. I had the opportunity to witness personally the full reintegration of two of the MSHT survivors I sent back to their home countries of Sri Lanka and Uganda, which was so exciting! 

I believe that God is calling The Salvation Army to focus on giving hope to the hopeless and to be the hands of Jesus in restoring beauty for ashes. 

How are you connected with The Salvation Army? 

I am a third-generation Salvationist. I have been working for The Salvation Army in this MSHTR work for the last 16 years including 15 years in the Middle East until last year when I returned to India.   

 How do you participate in your church?  

I get involved in a men’s fellowship group, Bible study and outreach programs. I have also taken opportunities to talk about the work of The Salvation Army, particularly about modern slavery and human trafficking, in other churches.   

Tea or coffee? 

Coffee, mostly… 

What steps do you take to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? 

I seek God through systematic Bible reading and meditation. I surrender each day to his will and leadership in my life for every major and minor decision. This has greatly strengthened my relationship with Jesus. I also actively participate in small group Bible study and apply the lessons learnt in my life.  

Irwin in his office

What Bible verse is on your heart today? What does that mean to you? 

Micah 6:8, ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?’ 

This verse is a constant reminder to me, calling me to do my part to bring justice in unjust situations, to have compassion on the afflicted and suffering without casting aspersions and to be humble in my walk with God. 

I hope to see a world free from slavery of any kind, including human trafficking.

How do you stay grounded when life feels overwhelming? 

I lean on the promises of God and look back at the many overwhelming situations through which God led me to safety and security in him. 

Early bird or night owl? 

Early bird. 

Who or what has been your greatest influence? 

God used many people in my life including my parents, grandparents, Salvation Army officers and God’s servants to shape my life. If only one person is to be chosen, I would choose my mother. 

How would you describe the heart of The Salvation Army in one word? 

‘Others’! 

What do you believe God is calling The Salvation Army to focus on in this season? 

I believe that God is calling The Salvation Army to focus on giving hope to the hopeless and to be the hands of Jesus in restoring beauty for ashes. 

Have you experienced any failures or setbacks that ended up being blessings in disguise? 

When Booth House in Kuwait (where I worked as the Director for 15 years) had to down its shutters, I returned to India, least expecting to continue the MSHTR work. But God opened a door of opportunity to use me as a blessing to many in his vineyard. 

How do you unwind or spend your free time? 

I like traveling to new places. A walk in the garden and listening to music help me unwind. 

What do you hope to achieve in the next five years? 

I hope to see a world free from slavery of any kind, including human trafficking. Even if it is not fully achievable in the next five years, I would like to spread awareness to as many as I can, about this evil that is lurking all around us, not only spot the rot, but do something about it. 

The Salvation Army is committed to ending modern slavery and human trafficking across the globe.
Click here for more information about our work and here for the signs to watch out for.