FROM THE EDITOR
HOPE IN A LOST WORLD IN recent weeks children have been returning to school for the new school year. Spare a thought for the new ones, who may still be settling in. Many will have attended various pre-school groups, and wearing a uniform – with growing room – might seem exciting, but going to ‘big’ school is quite a leap in the life of a child. I remember once asking a four-year-old boy what he liked best about school and without hesitation he said: ‘Dinner.’ His reply resonated with me because I felt the same way about my first school. Dinner would be closely followed by dancing and band as my favourites. I am reminded that while all children have to manage new beginnings, some have to make huge transitions because of the adults in their world. Scarcely a day goes by when we don’t see and hear more shocking news from Syria. Unicef UK estimates that a million Syrian children are refugees and half of them are under the age of 11. Some have taken refuge with their families in camps in neighbouring countries and others who are orphaned are living on the streets or in orphanages. Many have seen and experienced appalling atrocities and some are receiving counselling as they try to rebuild their lives. Although children are quick to learn and adapt, many need help to deal with deep emotional scars inflicted on their young lives. In addition to the children who have fled from Syria, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Unicef estimate that more than two million children have been displaced within the country. UNHCR António Guterres said: ‘What is at stake is nothing less than the survival and wellbeing of a generation of innocents.’
SALVATIONIST GENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Captain Andrew Stone – (tel) 020 7367 4892 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza – (tel) 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Archie Bagnall – (tel) 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881
The children of Syria are victims of an adult world that has lost its way. Everything might seem quite hopeless unless we remember that God sent his Son to bring redemption to a lost world and is still calling people to the task. There is evidence of this in the testimonies of the cadets of the Heralds of Grace Session featured on pages 12 to 15. Each has a unique story to tell of how God called and how they in turn responded. God’s call also features in God’s Way With Me (pages 10 and 11) as three ICO delegates share their stories of challenge, spiritual awakening, personal tragedy, poverty and God’s comfort, providence and care. Mine to rise when thou dost call me, Lifelong though the journey be; Thine to measure all its windings, Leading step by step to thee. (SASB 510)
MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY
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A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © André Cox, General of The Salvation Army, 2013. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Clive Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Martin Hill
Salvationist 7 September 2013
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