International news briefs - 8 December
International news briefs - 8 December
The Kyiv Lighthouse Corps, Ukraine, organised a children’s show, games and gifts to help relieve the stress and trauma faced by little ones in the war-torn country.
Childhood beyond the war
A summer visit to a farm outside one of Ukraine's heavily bombed cities gave the children respite from the war and an opportunity to connect with nature.
“Children always need the care and support of adults, especially during a war,” said the organisers of recent special events for children at the Kyiv Lighthouse Corps, Ukraine. “This war has broken into their lives and forced them to flee and find refuge far from home. We want to give them a childhood and change the long-suffering faces of these children, who have seen the horrors of war and the loss of loved ones, into happy faces, sparkling eyes and laughter.”
Entertainers captured the children’s attention, and they joined in games, laughed and played. The gifts and small treats prepared for them brought smiles and delight.
“I want to bring you sincere words of gratitude,” said one of the mothers. “For the attention, smiles and joy of our kids!”
Corps throughout Ukraine try to give children in their areas the opportunity to escape the realities of war, even just for a few hours, and provide a place of fun, laughter and hope for the future.
World leaders visit South America
General Brian Peddle with some children and their leaders from South America East Territory.
World leaders of The Salvation Army, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, recently celebrated 130 years of the movement’s work in the South America East Territory – although the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed the celebration by two years!
Regardless, Salvationists and friends from Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina gathered for the occasion, demonstrating joy in seeing each other and a hunger for an encounter with God.
The congress was a great success with opportunities for children, youth, men and women. “We were tremendously impressed by the worship, which was filled with adoration for God and incredible singing,” the General wrote. “It seems that no matter where we travel, our young people stand out, and in South America East, this was an area of great blessing.
“A highlight of the weekend was the ordination and commissioning of five members of the Reflectors of Holiness session of cadets. God bless them as they now take appointments in the territory. Our officers and soldiers serve across three nations – some with unique challenges – and yet I admire their faithfulness and their zeal for the mission of Christ. God bless our leaders, officers and soldiers, and God bless the South America Territory!”
School for the Blind celebrates 95 years
A church service was part of the School for the Blind’s anniversary celebration.
The Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston, Jamaica, recently marked 95 years of service to the community and changing the lives of some of the nation’s most vulnerable children.
Past and present students and Salvation Army officers were part of the celebrations. Activities included church services and a ‘Grand Funday’ for all students.
A delegation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church also visited the school and commented on the work of The Salvation Army among the poor and the servant leadership demonstrated by its officers.
Changing the lives of children
Children from The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home sang carols at the Hompton Hotel in the city.
The Hompton Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, invited children and staff from The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home to sing Christmas carols at a recent function held there. After their “wonderful” singing, the children enjoyed a grand buffet dinner. The hotel also gave a donation to help continue the upkeep of the home.
Also in Malaysia, the Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur enabled The Salvation Army to hold their traditional Christmas Kettle and bell-ringing fundraising efforts on weekend afternoons. The funds raised and the generous donation from the Gardens Mall will help their active social programs continue to change the lives of vulnerable children, families and the elderly in the country.
The Salvation Army in Malaysia is part of the Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar Territory with Thailand.
Christmas under the bridges
‘Christmas under the Bridges’ concerts will take place again this year in Norway.
The space under Norwegian bridges in winter is usually cold, unlit and empty. However, The Salvation Army is transforming these dark places into oases of light, sound, warmth and community – if only for a short while.
This year, ‘Christmas under the Bridges’ will take place in four cities – Oslo, Drammen, Lillehammer and Trondheim.
Concerts will be played under the bridges or where people gather to seek shelter from the cold and give each other warmth. The concerts are free and the concerts’ Salvation Army founder, Jan Harald Hagen, promises an “unforgettable and different concert”.
This year’s singer is the artist Charlotte Holm-Hansen.
PNG launches first staff band
The inaugural performance of the PNGSI Territorial Staff Band.
Each Tuesday morning at the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PNGSI) Territorial Headquarters in Port Moresby, officers and employees gather for devotions.
The devotions this week were different – the music was provided by the inaugural performance of the PNGSI Headquarters Staff Band!
One person commented: “The music provided blessed our souls as we sang selected Christmas Carols from The Salvation Army English songbook, reminding us of the birth of our Lord Jesus as the greatest gift from God. Birthdays were celebrated as usual, and prayers were offered for the Philippines Territory and our national officers.”
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