The Solomon Islands, European Parliament and robotics in Ukraine
COMPILED BY SIMONE WORTHING
Aussie officers visit village churches in Solomon Islands
Australian Salvation Army officers, Captains Brad and Joycelyn McIver, recently completed a “fruitful mission trip” to Malaita, the second-largest island in the Solomon Islands, where they serve as Regional Leaders.
Accompanied by Auxiliary-Captain Wency Ramo’oroa, Brad said the mission trip strengthened fellowship, worship, leadership development and community engagement across The Salvation Army’s three community church fellowships – Gateway, Kafomauri and Rauai – in the north of the island.
“The team received a warm welcome at each location and enjoyed meaningful opportunities to share in worship, prayer, fellowship, and ministry with local Salvationists and community members,” Brad said.
The visit provided valuable time to encourage church leaders, build relationships, and support the ongoing mission of The Salvation Army in the region.
“A significant highlight of the trip was the delivery of Salvation Army Child Protection Training in partnership with local leaders. To ensure understanding and active participation, the training was presented in three languages, allowing leaders and church members from different communities to engage fully with this important material.”
A snapshot of corps activities during the McIvers’ visit.
“Another special feature of the visit was the combined worship gatherings that brought together surrounding churches, pastors, and congregations.
“Alongside the ministry activities, Captain Joycelyn spent time with women from the local communities, teaching practical skills in making reusable tote bags from fabric and recycled rice bags. The workshops were well received as participants learned simple, creative techniques that can be used to produce marketable products. It is hoped that these skills will provide opportunities for women to generate additional income for their families while promoting resourcefulness and sustainability.
“The mission trip was a wonderful example of holistic ministry, combining spiritual encouragement, leadership development, child protection education, and practical community empowerment.”
Salvation Army officer speaks at European Parliament
Captain Oleg Samoilenko, Corps Officer in Warsaw, Poland, received an unexpected invitation from the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, to take a part in the panel discussion about children and youth in Europe this week.
“Only 12 guest speakers from different EU countries were invited, and I was recommended as a voice from Poland,” Oleg said.
Oleg’s first presentation focused on children’s safety in the real and digital world, health and education. The panel discussion was centred on the difficulties and challenges facing youth and children in the EU, including human trafficking and poverty.
“The most important part of this was what we can do to solve these problems,” Oleg shared. “I did my best to be a voice for children and youth, and also used the opportunity to talk about The Salvation Army and what we do in the human trafficking space.
“A month ago, I could not even imagine that I would be in such an important place and that my opinion would carry such weight. God gives us amazing opportunities, and I hope I made the most of this one.”
Oleg is Ukrainian and trained as an officer in the Eastern Europe Territory. The Warsaw Corps runs groups for children and youth – many who have come to the country from all over Europe, and beyond.
Captain Oleg (centre) was part of a panel discussion in the European Parliament.
Educational opportunities in Kuching, Malaysia
The Salvation Army after-school program in Kuching, Malaysia, gives children from low-income families the opportunity to catch up with their studies through tuition classes, run by volunteers.
Malaysia is part of the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory.
Robotics classes in Lviv, Ukraine
Despite the challenges of war, children associated with the Lviv Corps in Western Ukraine, are continuing their robotics classes, led by teachers from the after-school program.
"The children are learning, not just to play with Lego, but also how to program it," one of the teachers explained.
