Army’s world leaders recognised for 35 years of ‘exemplary’ officership
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill led the presentation of the 35-year service awards to General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham during International Headquarters (IHQ) family prayers on 6 February.
The General and Commissioner Buckingham are officers of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. They were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 1990 in the Ambassadors for Christ session.
They have served in their home territory; Canada and Bermuda; Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand; and the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.
On 3 August 2018, the then Commissioner Lyndon was appointed Chief of the Staff, The Salvation Army’s global second-in-command, and Commissioner Bronwyn as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries (prior to her appointment as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development on 1 January 2021).
They assumed their current responsibilities as General and World President of Women’s Ministries on 3 August 2023.
“The international Salvation Army is grateful for the exemplary service of General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham,” said Commissioner Hill.
“Over the course of 35 years, both have demonstrated great capacity, character, vision, leadership, compassion and boundless energy. It is a privilege for me and the rest of the IHQ team to partner with them in carrying forward the sacred mission and spiritual life of The Salvation Army.”
Commissioner Buckingham was presented with her award by Commissioner Shelley Hill (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) and the General received his from Major Wendy Mouland (Private Secretary to the Chief of the Staff).
Resources available for children and youth
Resources for the International Day of Children and Young People are now available! The celebration – with the theme LOOK UP! – takes place on Sunday 27 April.
The resource pack includes family devotions, ideas for Sunday worship, fun games, and more. It’s also available in multiple languages.
In a world full of distractions, including screens, social media and the pressures of daily life, the theme LOOK UP! encourages children and young people to lift their eyes away from the things that pull them down or distract them and focus upward on God and outward toward others.
Within the theme, based on Psalm 21, the resources will explore four key sub-themes that help us find connection and purpose:
· Look up to God for help and perspective.
· Look up from distractions.
· Look up at each other.
· Look up for hope and faith.
This year the materials have been created by the Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory.
A team of talented and creative people under the leadership of Captain Thea Karlsdóttir Welander have created materials for all ages:
· a video clip with the theme song 'Look Up!'
· an instruction video for the theme song choreography
· devotions for different ages
· a meeting plan and sermon outline
· icebreakers, games and activities
· prayers for children and teenagers.
To view and or download the resources, click here.
Help shape IHQ’s website
International Headquarters in London is asking for those interested to “Be a part of something impactful and help us shape the future of The Salvation Army International website!”
The information technology team is searching for enthusiastic volunteers to help test its new website design.
Initial user testing will involve volunteers completing several scenarios on a prototype website and sharing their invaluable feedback. The session will take approximately 45 minutes and be conducted remotely via video call.
“Your insights will help us create a seamless online experience for everyone!” the team said.
If you’re interested in participating, click on the Survey Monkey link here.
‘Talking Table’ to tackle loneliness
In the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, a ‘talking table’ has been placed at the Imagine More café in Strawberry Field, Liverpool, to serve as a place for the community to come together.
Major Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field, said: “In Liverpool, we love to talk, and often do to complete strangers in the lift, on the bus or at the shops. For some, sadly, this may be the only opportunity in the day to socialise with others. The ‘talking table’ is a gentle way of encouraging strangers to become friends, and above all to help others fight the daily battle against loneliness.”
The ‘Talking Table’ is in operation seven days a week, 10am-4pm. Everybody is welcome.
The comforting power of a furry friend
The Salvation Army Centre of Hope in Windsor, Canada, recently welcomed a furry friend – Bentley, a Great Dane therapy dog who has become a beloved source of comfort for residents, staff and volunteers.
Bentley’s presence has been transformative for 64-year-old Freddie, who has lived at the Centre of Hope for five months. A self-proclaimed big-dog lover, Freddie felt connected with Bentley’s calm and reassuring presence.
“When I got up and walked away, Bentley followed me,” Freddie recalls. “I started rubbing his back, and he melted into my hands. You could tell how relaxed he was – he went right down to the floor on all fours.”
The time spent with Bentley, all thanks to St John Ambulance, offers more than companionship for Freddie. It helps him keep his mind off his cancer diagnosis, which is now in remission.
“I just thought it was awesome because an animal is very non-judgmental,” he says. “They just love you, and you love them, and there’s no in-between.”
Housing manager Marwa Al-Sahar introduced the program, which positively impacts the health and well-being of Centre of Hope residents.
“Many of our residents don’t have family or pets, so Bentley’s visit was truly special,” Marwa explains. “Therapy animals have an incredible ability to ease loneliness and lift spirits, perfectly aligning with our mission of holistic care.”
The initiative began after Marwa partnered with a St John Ambulance volunteer who regularly brings Bentley to community programs each month. If interest continues, more therapy dogs may be added to the program.
“Bentley’s visits are a simple reminder of the love and hope animals bring,” says Centre of Hope community engagement specialist Shannon Barnwell. “Our residents light up when Bentley walks in. For those who often feel isolated, these moments remind them they’re cared for and never alone.”
Read more: Bandit the Barwon therapy dog
Ukraine marks three years of war
Since the start of the war in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, more than 6.3 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country as refugees and around 3.7 million people are internally displaced.
At least half of the country’s children have been driven from their homes, and it is estimated that more than 14 million Ukrainians need humanitarian assistance and protection (United Nations news report, January 2025).
The Salvation Army in Ukraine is working to create safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported.
To learn how The Salvation Army is providing emotional support, click here.
For more photos from Ukraine, click on the arrow below.
