Worship in a warzone – international briefs for 22 May
- kirranicolle
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
BY SIMONE WORTHING
Despite Russia’s war in Ukraine intensifying across the country, Salvation Army corps continue to hold weekly worship services, prayer meetings, youth events and activities that bring hope, joy and friendship.
In Kropivnitsky, a youth recently attended a praise and worship evening – a special, spiritual event for worship and prayer, and to provide the young people with an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God.
Older people also regularly gather to pray. A recent meeting focused on Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which is higher than all understanding, keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As the (northern) spring brings welcomed warmer weather, the corps leaders thanked their hard-working and dedicated volunteers with an outdoor thanksgiving picnic.
“Everyone loved the vibrant time of fellowship, games, God’s word and delicious food,” they said. “It was such a blessed time.”
Salvation Army assisting tornado-struck towns in Midwest USA
The Salvation Army has been on the ground in Illinois and Missouri delivering assistance following multiple tornadoes on 16 May, which killed at least five people in the region and displaced thousands.
Salvation Army teams are offering hydration, meals and places to charge phones and essential equipment for those without power or food.
The teams have served more than 2800 meals and drinks in St Louis, Missouri, and provided emotional and spiritual support to more than 60 people.
As of 19 May, many communities remained without power, and The Salvation Army was communicating with local and state governments as well as NGOs to delegate tasks and distribute resources.
Bulgarian picnic focuses on prayer for youth
The Salvation Army in Bulgaria recently gathered for a (northern) spring prayer picnic – a special time of fellowship, games, delicious food and most importantly, prayer for the young generation.
“This event unites us in prayer and empowers us to go outside the walls of the church building,” said regional leaders, Captains Eduard and Inna Lebedeva.
“God is good all the time! It was a blessed day. We look forward to our next meeting with joy – for the glory of God!”
The Bulgaria Region is part of the Eastern Europe Territory. The work was officially opened there in October 2023. To read our story on this, click here.
UK offers life-changing mentoring support
Mentoring changes lives. Through the BUILD program in the United Kingdom Territory, survivors of modern slavery are paired with mentors who walk alongside them for a year. The program aims to champion personal growth, contribution, and dignity through workshops, mentoring, and integrated partnerships.
From learning tech skills to building confidence and making friends, this support is life-changing. One survivor who participated in the BUILD program says: “It’s been great, they have been with me through my worst times and guided and motivated me. They were like friends and gave me the confidence to make new friends. Talking together helped with confidence and to achieve goals … one day I would like to be a mentor.”
Salvo leaders attend inauguration for Pope Leo XIV
On Monday 19 May 2025, Lieut-Colonels Andrew and Darlene Morgan, leaders of Italy and Greece Territory, joined representatives from other churches and faiths in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican to meet Pope Leo XIV.
“I can see that Pope Leo XIV will also continue with a focus on the gospel and social justice, uplifting those who experience poverty and who are marginalised in society.
“This aligns strongly with the mission of The Salvation Army, and we look forward to our ongoing ecumenical relationship with the Roman Catholic Church," said Lieut-Colonel Andrew Morgan.
To read the full story, click here.
