Last night a team of seven passionate Salvationists from across Canada and Bermuda departed for Nuremberg, Germany, to participate in the 'Kickoff 2006' campaign. A campaign where Christians from around the world bring God's love to the people of Germany and those traveling to Germany for the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament.
Team members, under the leadership of Major David Ivany, territorial youth secretary, are:
Leone Bosse, 19, Cariboo Hill Temple, B.C., Asst. Rec. Director, Camp Sunrise
Curtis Robinson, 19, Saskatoon Temple, S.K., Armed Forces Reserve
Captain Louise Wareham, 33, DYS Saskatchewan Division
David Cole, 25, St. John's West Corps, Nfld., student
Candice Cryderman, 24, Saskatoon Temple, S.K., student
Angela Stewart, 35, Bermuda North Street Citadel, Insurance worker
For the next 2 ' weeks the team will be situated in Nuremberg City, home of one of the twelve stadiums hosting the World Cup. This city boasts a unique mixture of tradition and modern times. It has a population of 500,000. The area is marked by a multi-cultural character and many migrant families are mostly from a Muslim background. The group will be living at The Salvation Army Social Institution (hostel), which houses 250 clients and is operated by 100 staff. The team's areas of ministries include:
The Salvation Army Social Institution (hostel) in Nuremberg
Since 1953 this institution has offered help and care for people dealing with addictions and homelessness. It began as a house for young males, which emerged into an emergency shelter for the homeless. Over time more people with addiction issues arrived and social workers were hired.
Through constant adaptation and keeping pace with the changes in society, more and more mentally ill clients came. They required further education and professional help. Medical and psychological experts were signed up.
Today, The Salvation Army 'Social Work Nuremberg' is the largest institution in Northern Bavaria. It is well known in professional circles for its work with the homeless and its individual-oriented approach to getting clients the help they need.
The team will share life with the tenants of the hostel, support the hostel employees and aim to create an interest for a relationship with God.
The hostel's drop in caf' will be transformed in into the Kickoff Caf'. Its doors will be open every afternoon to clients of the institution, members of the public and international tourists in town for the games. Every day at least one match will be broadcast live on a big screen. Team members will welcome international visitors and take part in the Caf's leisure time activities.
Salvation Army visibility
The team will promote Army visibility in Nuremburg. They are volunteers at the 'Festival for Football friends' and are part of the festival's welcome team. Salvation Army souvenirs will be handed out. I.e. pens, stuffed bears, bumper stickers and wristbands (yellow, red and blue with the printed words 'The Salvation Army believes in action.')
Nuremberg corps
The corps in Nuremberg consists of approximately 25 to 30 Salvationists, adherents and visitors. The average Salvationist is female and over 65. There are weekday activities such as home league, kids club and songsters. Corps folk will come alongside the team in their various areas of ministry according to their individual interest and strengths.
Pray for this team. Relationships they will build, their safety, the language barrier they will face and for encouragement as many step outside their comfort zone.