Last week thousands of officers and soldiers gathered in London, England for an International Congress, celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army. The theme for the gathering was “Boundless: The Whole World Redeeming” based on Ephesians 3:8 – preach to the nations the boundless riches of Christ. Whether attending the Congress in person or watching from home via the Livestream, officers and Salvationists were challenged and inspired as a result of the event. As we shared with and learned from each other, our worldview and perspective were expanded and our faith was encouraged. Here are some of our most impactful memories from Boundless:
- “I dream of an Army where all cultures are equally accepted and celebrated through the spiritual ties that bind us all together.” – General André Cox This statement, shared during the opening session of Boundless, is part of the vision that General Cox conveyed to the 2013 High Council that elected him to office. In your context is this dream a reality? Are all people of all cultures equally accepted and celebrated – young and old, urban and rural, rich and poor, people of all languages, nationalities and races? If not, what can you do to change this?
- “Do something even when it’s not your problem” – Lt. Colonel Dean Pallant. In 2000, as a part of
the Millennium Development Goals, world leaders committed that by 2015 children everywhere, boys and girls, would be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. However, as the deadline for this goal approaches there are still 58 million children who are not in school today and others who receive a poor education. The Salvation Army has joined with millions around the world to sign the Up for School petition calling for world leaders to stick to their commitment that every child has the right to attend primary school and receive a good education. To date The Salvation Army has collected over 67,000 signatures on the Up For School petition. Lt. Colonel Pallant shared that the Salvation Army territories where a good education is really valued and often scarce collected the most signatures while territories where education is compulsory, free and a good standard didn’t collect as many signatures. How can you make a difference in lives around the world, even if the issue isn’t something that seems to affect you directly?
For more information about The Salvation Army’s involvement in the Up for School petition, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/upforschool.
- Regardless of politics, we are united in Christ! While the India Central Youth Singers were performing, several groups of Indian brothers and sisters around the arena stood in support. A group of Pakistani Salvationists also stood to wave their flags in support of the performers. History and global politics would tell you that the people of these two nations, India and Pakistan, are warring cousins. However, being united in Christ, these Indian and Pakistani Salvationists are loving cousins, supporting each other and worshipping our great God together in peace! What can you do to promote peace and unity?
“We have so much to learn from each other and so much that we can share. In the end when we come together in true partnership, we don’t just build a bridge to the other side, we become one.” – Bill Booth Theater Company As an international Salvation Army we are given the opportunity, privilege and responsibility of joining together with Salvationists worldwide in partnership to facilitate the sharing of resources and strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship. In partnership two concepts – tension (the uniqueness we each bring to the relationship) and compression (our sameness – one God, one faith, one Savior) – are both beneficial to the strengthening of a partnership. Considering your ministry partnerships, what do you have to learn and what do you have to share? How can you build bridges in your homes, communities, and around the world?
- Boundless Giving – Give a Little to Change a Lot – The Boundless Giving challenge calls Salvationists to “Do Something” in response to the social injustice in today’s world. Salvationists are encouraged to share their “Do Something” commitment on social media using #BoundlessGiving. Here are some ways Salvationists around the world are giving a little to change a lot:
- Instead of playing it safe inside the Corps – I will go where there is risk and take a stand for Jesus.
- Instead of buying coffee this week I will buy a meal for someone without the means to buy one.
- I will give people my ears to their words, my eyes to their eyes when they speak, so they may know I am listening.
- I will walk slower, I will listen more, I will give more
How will you seek justice for the earth and its people? Do Something!
For more information about the Boundless Giving challenge, visit https://saconnects.org/boundlessgiving/
What are your most impactful memories from Boundless? Email us at [email protected] or respond to us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!
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