General André Cox elected as the new International leader of The Salvation Army
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HAVE WE SEEN THE LIGHT?
IN the world today we often see people choosing to ignore the true meaning of the Christmas message. For many it is a very busy time of the year, with so many activities to rush between. Countless demands and pressures seem to be placed upon us, with a myriad of preparations to make. Within self-gratifying materialistic and consumer-driven societies many, sadly, will be caught on the arduous treadmill of Christmas parties, shopping and concerts. Why, though, should that concern us? When asked which the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments’ (Matthew 22:37-40 New International Version). At a time of year characterised too often by excess and over-indulgence by those in the world fortunate to have so much, we have an...
THE GENERAL AND POPE FRANCIS SHARE IN PRAYER AT THE VATICAN DURING FIRST-EVER PRIVATE MEETING
THE first-ever private meeting between a Salvation Army General and a Pope was an occasion where the grandeur of the surroundings of the Vatican was in contrast to the informal warmth of the interaction between the world leaders of The Salvation Army and the Roman Catholic Church. The meeting was the culmination of conversations held between Salvation Army and Vatican representatives from 2007 to 2012 – newly published in a book – but also the expression of the desire to continue these conversations. The day had not started in the best way, as a general strike had blocked roads and public transport in Rome, with huge groups of protesters occupying the main streets. Monsignor Gregory J. Fairbanks, from the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, had to walk through the crowd in order to meet the Salvation Army party which consisted of General André Cox, Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries), Commissioner William Cochrane (Internat...
AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLGIRL DEMONSTRATES TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
MOST children write a Christmas wish list in the hope that Santa will come good for them on Christmas morning. But not Reshmi, who lives in Sydney, Australia, where she attends Blacktown Salvation Army Corps (church). Two years ago her wish list looked a little different. Instead of wanting presents for herself, this 12-year-old asked her family and friends for gifts she could give to orphans in Sri Lanka. Supporting her request, on Christmas Day in 2012 Reshmi’s family and friends wrapped presents for her to give to orphans. The following Christmas, Reshmi and her family flew thousands of kilometres from Sydney to personally hand out gifts to children at The Salvation Army’s The Haven and Sunshine Homes in Sri Lanka. 'I didn’t get Christmas presents but that didn’t really matter after seeing [the children's] faces,' says Reshmi. 'And just a little thing such as a teddy bear brought so much joy to them.' Reshmi’s spirit of giving stems fro...
Working With Mitie To Help Unemployed People
[Left to right, Carol Collman, Russell Hurst, Gina Smith and Matthew Dennis] People who are unemployed in Southend-on-Sea are experienced transformation through a joint initiative with FTSE 250 strategic outsourcer Mitie’s Environmental+ business. A number of individuals facing specific barriers to employment who were willing to take on training have been placed into work in the area. A team of cleaners and a supervisor for ODEON were recruited and within six weeks all members of the team had excelled in their roles and become indispensable to ODEON and Mitie. Salvation Army Employment Engagement Co-ordinator for Southend Julie Bakonyvari said: ‘Each year, The Salvation Army helps thousands of people back into employment, enabling them to achieve their full potential and transform their lives. Our tailored support means we can help people meet their goals and aspirations, while identifying barriers preventing them from achieving these. We have been fortunate to forge links ...
MET IN THEE
The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters Communications team is planning to release a video highlighting the movement’s vital and varied ministry at this important time of year. With a focus on Jesus – the everlasting light – the video will include the popular carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ as its soundtrack. Here are some of the entries so far - scroll down the page to see how your music group can be part of it!