Salvation Army youth from the Greater Toronto Area have established a Youth Justice League, which exists to promote issues and opportunities around social justice. In their inaugural meeting, they gathered together for a chocolate party and discussed the importance of eating fair trade chocolate.
As the group enjoyed their chocolate fondue, Zoe Fay, Ignite Program Coordinator, stated that “Chocolate makes me sick.” She shared that in many cocoa farms, the workers are child slaves who have been taken from their homes and families to harvest the product that comes to us as a luxurious treat. Children's suffering is the packaging that wraps the treats we enjoy unaware.
In response, Sharon Hann, one of the organizers of the Youth Justice League, introduced the mission and vision of the team. Familiar words of Scripture were interspersed with passionate declarations of the need for justice and the privilege every believer has to be a catalyst for peace. The Youth Justice League states their purpose as:
“Whatever we do, we do it because we love God, and we believe that he requires more from us than simply basking in his love without spreading it around: "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
The synergy in the room was evident; the call from God clear. The youth committed to begin/continue/expand their efforts to demonstrate God's great love for all humanity by reaching out to those most in need.
Trailblazers
First session of cadets completes revised officer training program.
by Major Margaret McLeod FeaturesIn June, nine Champions of the Mission cadets—fondly described as trailblazers—were ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers. This session was the first to complete the revised training program at the College for Officer Training, which was relocated from Winnipeg to Toronto in July 2023.
One Child at a Time
Opening doors to education through the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program.
by Major Heather Matondo FeaturesInternational Development
Around the world today, nearly 25 million children are not attending school—a staggering number that reflects not just a crisis in education, but in opportunity, equity and hope. The reasons behind this are complex and varied. In some communities, families cannot afford the cost of tuition, uniforms or basic school supplies. In others, children
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Breaking the Mould
God used camp to teach Matthew Zimmerman an important lesson. Now he does the same in youth ministry.
by Abbigail Oliver Features
Though he grew up in a Salvationist family, attending Oshawa Temple, Ont., Matthew Zimmerman never liked going to church. “I hated it, honestly,” he admits. “I didn’t fit in.” But one summer, after reluctantly taking a maintenance job at Jackson’s Point Camp, Ont., he met a young camper who made all the difference. He felt God moving in his life
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