Kyiv kids, General in Hungary, climate resilience: International news briefs
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Kyiv Mayak (Lighthouse) Corps in Ukraine continues to operate the After-School Program throughout the (northern) summer.
Last week, the children “experienced a real fairy tale”, said the youth leaders, thanks to the generosity of the local amusement and adventure park – Shumiland. The children were able to forget about living in a warzone for day and just play and have fun.
“We are sincerely grateful to the administration and the entire Shumiland team for the warm reception, attentive attitude to every child, and for creating such a special holiday atmosphere,” the leaders said. “Your caring attitude makes the world kinder, and the hearts of our children brighter. Together we create happy memories.”
The Salvation Army across Ukraine has a special focus on children. Each of the seven corps and one outpost runs an after-school program for primary-aged children, providing help with homework, extra educational and fun activities, a hot meal, time with a psychologist, and a caring, supportive atmosphere. The children, most of whom are internally displaced due to the war or come from poor and vulnerable families, thrive in this environment.
Building resilient communities in a changing climate
The Salvation Army Australia International Development (SAID) is working to help communities build real resilience in the face of a changing climate.
In Malawi, farmers like Pricila rely on a single rainy season and face declining soil health, leaving one maize harvest to determine their food and income each year.
Through SAID-supported projects, Pricila and other farmers receive targeted training in conservation agriculture and ongoing mentorship that equips them with practical, climate-smart skills.
Farmers like Pricila (right) are being equipped with practical, climate-smart skills.
With this support, farmers are forming Village Savings and Loans groups, building compost systems to replace chemical fertiliser and adopting soil restoring practices such as mulching and planting nitrogen fixing trees.
As a result, maize yields are increasing, food security is improving, and families like Pricila’s can earn income from surplus crops.
This project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and Sida - Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete (Swedish Government) though the Swedish Mission Council.
To find out more about the work of SAID, see their website here.
World leaders attend spiritual day in Hungary
Officers, retired officers, cadets and social institution leaders in Hungary gathered at Józsefváros Church to welcome General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham on 1 July 2026.
The day included worship, teaching, a question-and-answer session on the worldwide Salvation Army and a visit to New Hope House, the men’s shelter program first opened by The Salvation Army in 1927.
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham shared a moving testimony, speaking of the hope she has found in Christ even through difficult seasons. “This is our time to lift our eyes above what we are seeing or experiencing,” she said. “Now is the time for our lives to express confident hope in Jesus Christ.”
During an afternoon question-and-answer session, Commissioner Buckingham reflected on her aspirations for The Salvation Army. “My dream is that the Army will be the place the next generation of young people choose to make their spiritual home,” she said.
She also spoke about the importance of leadership across the movement, adding: “I want to continue on the journey we are on, that our women leaders are appointed as appropriately as our men leaders.”
In the opening meeting, the General shared a message drawing together the imagery of shepherds, sheep and the Good Shepherd.
Reflecting on Psalm 23 and Paul’s words in Romans about the whole of life being an act of worship, the General reminded those gathered of the care and restoration found in God. “You restore, you feed, you make me whole,” he said.
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham both addressed those gathered for the Spiritual Day.
Drawing on the words of 1 Peter, the General challenged leaders not only to follow the Good Shepherd, but to recognise their own calling to shepherd God’s people. “Be an example to the flock of what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
The challenge led to a time of prayer and rededication, as people responded by praying for one another and for Salvation Army leadership.
The Buckinghams, together with territorial and regional leaders, were surrounded by those gathered as prayers were offered for their spiritual leadership and ministry.
World Service Office launches 2026 Annual Report
In 2025, The Salvation Army World Service Office invested more than $50 million across 152 projects in 69 countries, helping communities develop sustainable solutions to poverty, disease and despair.
Each project reflects a commitment to strengthening local capacity, building financial independence, and supporting long-term, community-led change through The Salvation Army’s global network.
Our 2026 Annual Report shares the impact of this work and the lives it touches around the world.
Read or download the full report at the SAWSO Facebook page here.
