The first visit by a Salvation Army General to Poland (Sunday 29 September to Tuesday 1 October 2024) brought much encouragement to Salvationists and friends of the Army, who welcomed General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to Warsaw.
Support in a time of desperate need
In a private meeting, the international leaders heard first-hand reports from survivors of the war in Ukraine. The relatively small Salvation Army in Poland (Armia Zbawienia), led by Majors Christian and Anna-Lena Paulsson, has responded valiantly in recent years as millions of Ukrainians fled war and entered Poland.
Captain Oleg Samoilenko (originally from Ukraine, now serving in Poland) presented stark facts and shared powerful testimony. Since the war started, more than 150,000 refugee families have received cash cards for grocery shopping and at least 3,300 individuals have been helped with translation to enable them to access health care and other services. Almost 50,000 food parcels and other types of support have been provided. Two refugees from Ukraine shared their experiences with the Buckinghams and the territorial leaders, Colonels Dean and Eirwen Pallant, who thanked The Salvation Army around the world for all the support given and the love shown during a time of desperate need.
Reflecting the love and light of Jesus
On the Monday evening, Salvationists from across Poland came to Warsaw for a celebration meeting. Young people from the corps in Warsaw presented a dance with lights on their costumes. General Buckingham challenged the congregation to shine like stars and reflect the love and light of Jesus into their communities.
As at many meetings during the visit of the General and Commissioner Buckingham to the Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory, people responded to the invitation to pray at the mercy seat.
