A key topic was Compass, The Salvation Army’s Global Strategic Framework, and its three focuses on People, Mission and Legacy. Delegates examined the framework’s relevance, addressing pressing global and generational challenges and proposing thoughtful recommendations for the movement’s future.
The 31 participants (21 in person and 10 online) were members of The Salvation Army’s International Children and Young People Advisory Group. Over the course of the week, they engaged in in-depth discussions, reviewing each pillar of the Compass framework and exploring how it applies within their diverse cultural and societal contexts.
Despite differences in language, geography and background, common challenges emerged – both within The Salvation Army and the communities it serves. Young representatives collaborated to identify practical responses and strategies to help strengthen the Army’s global mission.
Beyond strategic dialogue, the forum also served as a spiritual journey. Delegates quickly formed bonds rooted in shared faith. Through ‘heart talk’ sessions, many shared testimonies of God’s work in their lives. Daily devotions led by spiritual mentors guided participants to reflect on simple but profound themes such as Wait, Pray, Continue, Receive and Go. These words, accompanied by Scripture, invited everyone to reflect deeply on their personal relationship with Christ. Throughout the week, the young leaders grew closer to God and perceived life differently through a spiritual lens.
A key highlight of the forum was a visit to International Headquarters in London, where the youth representatives joined in commemorating the organisation’s 160th anniversary on 2 July. The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Army’s global leadership and reinforced the importance of its continuing influence and reach.
During the celebratory event, Indonesian delegate Krisna Puspita addressed Salvationists globally: ‘My prayer, and the prayer of many young Salvationists around the world, is for deeper collaboration. We seek your guidance, your wisdom and your mentorship – the invaluable lessons learnt from years of faithful service.
‘But we also ask for your trust and the space to innovate, to sometimes make mistakes, and to learn and grow. When we combine the wisdom of seasoned leaders with the passion and innovative spirit of youth, there are no limits to what we can achieve for God’s Kingdom.’
On the final day of the forum, the delegates had the opportunity to present their reflections and recommendations directly to General Lyndon Buckingham and his team. The General offered words of encouragement drawn from 1 Timothy 4:12: ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers.’ He reminded delegates that they were returning to their territories not just as participants, but as enthusiastic influencers for the King of kings, carrying Christ’s influence under the umbrella of The Salvation Army.
As delegates prepared to return home, mentor Gloria Diavangama (USA Southern) re-emphasised to them the purpose of the week-long gathering: ‘As much as we want to stay, we have to go back. Because if we stayed then there wasn’t any point of having the forum.’
The young Salvationists departed renewed in faith, encouraged and determined to share what they had learnt back in their home countries, and with gratitude to God and Salvation Army leadership for having a platform to be seen, heard and empowered.
