Youth Action Committee

The Youth Action Committee (YAC) gives youth and young adults a voice in the creation and development of children and youth programming across the territory.

At the recommendation of the territory's Divisional Youth and Children's Ministries Secretaries, we have chosen 11 young adults to offer their creativity, experience, and passion as members of the Youth Action Committee.

The YAC theme verse comes from 1 Peter 1:13 (ESV):

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

A call to active holy living.

GRACE HOFER

Newmarket, ON

What's your favourite Bible verse?

John 14:27

Why are you involved with the Salvation Army?

Coming from a non-SA church I didn’t know much about what The Salvation Army did other than Christmas kettles. Over summers of working at multiple SA camps and becoming more involved at a Salvation Army church I’ve come to understand the full involvement the Salvation Army has on any community they are in. I also love the community I have found for myself since becoming involved with the Salvation Army and it has encouraged me to be involved in my own community and strive to make it better.

NATHAN THOMPSON

Burnaby, BC

What is your favourite Bible verse?

One of my favourite Bible verses is Matthew 27:46 “about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which mean “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).” The reason why I like this verse so much is because Jesus is making a reference to Psalm 22 while on the cross in front of people that knew the scriptures very well. And it starts with “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and continues on about why he has been forsaken. But further on in the Psalm it switches to a realization that God has not forsaken. “For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one.” And at the end, “They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” I just love how Jesus makes this reference to the people watching him die, basically saying that God has not forsaken His people and this is the plan to redeem the world of sin, that He has done it!

Why are you involved with The Salvation Army?

I have been involved with the Salvation Army ever since I was born. My parents are currently the officers in Vernon, BC, but before they were officers our whole family was very active in our home corps in Vernon. For years I ran the sound/PowerPoint for Sunday services. I’ve taken a bigger step into the Army in the past year, as I went to work at Camp Sunrise for the first time in 2022. There I had a life changing encounter with God and He told me that He wanted me to dive deeper into the Army by becoming a soldier. After last summer I got an inspiration from God to start up a young adults group in Vernon and invited my friends to that. Sometimes it was disappointing having only a few people show up but I stuck with it because I knew that’s what God wanted me to do. I was invited to be on a BC young adults committee and we planned a young adults retreat with people from all over BC in the Salvation Army. Now I’m working at Camp Sunrise again as the male Head Cabin Leader and have been super grateful to be able to pour into all of the campers’ and staffs’ lives. I can’t wait to see what God does in the rest of 2023 and 2024!

KRISTEN DE BEER

Abbotsford, BC

Why are you involved with The Salvation Army?

I've been involved with the Salvation Army since I started attending the Willows in Langley, BC, when I was 7 years old. The majority of my involvement has taken place at The Salvation Army's Camp Sunrise in Gibsons, BC, as a camper, volunteer, LIT, and eventually staff. I love being involved with the Salvation Army because I align deeply with the Army's mission to share Christ's love by tangibly meeting people's needs through purposeful action.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" - 2 Corinthians 12:9

BRAM ROBERTSON

London, ON

What is your favourite Bible verse?

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Why are you involved with the Salvation Army?

I am involved with the Salvation Army because growing up it was an amazing place for fellowship, community, musical opportunities, and most importantly Christ. Through church, camps, and volunteer opportunities my faith in Christ and love for helping people in a Christ-like way has grown immensely. I would love for there to be many opportunities for future generations to receive the blessing God has given me through what the Salvation Army has offered me and will continue to offer.

CARLOS CUELLAR

Burnaby, BC

My favourite Bible verse is Psalms 4:8.

Why are you involved with the Salvation Army?

When my family and I moved to Canada we had no relatives or prior community connections in British Columbia. The Richmond Salvation Army Corps welcomed my family with open arms and provide spiritual support. The Salvation Army became a more impactful part of my life as I started to work at Camp Sunrise. I am actively involved in the Salvation Army so that we can positively impact our community in more inclusive ways.

JILLIAN HASKEY

Calgary, AB

What is your favourite Bible verse?

2 Timothy 1:7 – “for the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”

Why are you involved with the Salvation Army?

I was raised as a part of the Salvation Army! I my grandparents were officers and both of my parents attended various Salvation Army churches all their lives. I attend the Glenmore Temple church in Calgary because I love how supportive and loving the community is!

KELSEY CAMERON

I am involved with The Salvation Army to show the love of Christ to the world and to be a transforming influence in the communities that surround me! I grew up as the “Typical Army Kid”: going to junior soldier & corps cadet classes, learning a brass instrument to play in the junior & senior band, and singing in the worship team. The church is not only where I found God, but also where I found a sense of belonging. Now, as a young adult who is firm in her relationship with Christ, I want to be able to share that love with ANYONE who will listen to me. I want others to experience the love, grace, and acceptance that I experienced and continue to experience daily.

Where do you live? I currently live in Moncton, New Brunswick (I am an undergrad student at Université de Moncton), but I am from Thorburn, Nova Scotia, just 5 minutes away from beautiful Scotian Glen!

What is your favourite Bible verse? My favorite Bible Verse is Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NIV). This Bible verse was first shared with me at my second Officership Information Weekend (2021) by Lt. Brent and Melissa Haas, and it has followed me around for two years! It is always a good pick-me-up verse when I am questioning decisions, studying for exams, or just going through a season of anxiety.

BROOKE SAWATSKY

Saskatoon, SK

What is your favourite Bible verse?

My favourite Bible verse is Phillipians 2:4: Don't be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. (ERV)

Why are you involved with the Salvation Army?

I have been involved with the Salvation Army since I was a child, and I agree with our mission to meet human needs while bringing the love of Jesus to others. I have also found a wonderful church family with the Saskatoon Corps.