• International briefs: 14 March
As the war with Russia grinds into its third year, The Salvation Army throughout Ukraine continues its mission – sharing the Good News of Jesus, distributing material aid and ministering to people spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Corps leaders and officers run weekly Sunday services, Bible studies for adults and children, scouts groups, exercise groups and clubs, art and English classes, and sessions with psychologists. They constantly work with people who have lost loved ones and are traumatised by war.
A small number of volunteers assist with distributing food, clothing and shoes; running soup stations; and meeting a wide range of other needs. “We try to be the embodiment of God’s Word in action,” they say.
Children’s Bible studies continue, including in Dnipro, where a recent study focused on love. “We were talking about LOVE today,” shared Corps Leader Nataliya Rak. “How I want to be loved and how hard it is to love. We solved tasks, competed, made phrases, sang and many other interesting things in order to understand one secret of happiness - ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.”
Corps work hard to provide fun activities for children, as well as regular programs. A team from Dnipro visited Vinnytsia and took the children out for a tour of the town and some fun in the snow. The corps leaders and volunteers shared that, “There were a lot of good emotions, new experiences and no air-raid sirens – a wonderful time with good people.”
Sports ministry is also popular, including volleyball, table tennis and regular exercise classes. The new volleyball outreach in Lviv is already growing. This ministry is attracting men and women of all ages, military personnel and civilians.
Supporting fire relief in Chile
The recent wildfires in Valparaiso, Chile, are believed to be the deadliest forest fires on record in the country, with an estimated 15,000 homes damaged, more than 120 people killed and hundreds still missing.
The Salvation Army has emergency teams on the ground. Officers, staff and volunteers are working hard to provide cooked meals and other support to affected families and those who are contributing to removing the rubble.
The Salvation Army is requesting prayers for the South America West Territory, Ejército de Salvación Chile, and families in Valparaiso affected by the catastrophic fires.
Protecting children of red-light districts
The Salvation Army has programs around the world to ensure that the children of vulnerable women are protected, nurtured and empowered to thrive.
In Mumbai, India, the children born into the red-light districts are faced with the risk of exploitation, abuse and a range of other challenges. The children, and their mothers, also have potential and strengths and worth rooted in their being created in the image of God.
The Salvation Army Aruna Children’s Shelter provides the children of vulnerable women with safe accommodation, nutritious food and access to education. At the shelter, children also have time and space for recreational activities, play and to learn about the love of God.
Army participates in Green Church awards
The Salvation Army in the UK is partnering with the Church of England Environment Program, the Methodist Church and Eco-Congregation Scotland to organise the 2024 Church Times Green Church awards.
The awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and congregations to offset the damage being done to the earth, and to set good examples that inspire others to follow suit.
The awards are open to church groups and church schools of any denomination.
There are seven award categories, with each category having a £1000 ($1935) prize.
The panel of judges will be looking for projects that have made a positive change in the past two years in buildings, outdoors and in the community. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the (northern hemisphere) autumn.
