08/09/10
My name is Kirill, I am from Estonia and I am 18 years old. My life over the last 10 years has been filled with many trials and temptations, but I am getting through with God. Me and my family, we were a part of one church in my home city, for that moment my dad had 4 kids, I am the eldest. When I was a child my family went to church in our home city. I lived with my parents and my father’s three other children off which I am the eldest. When I was 12 my mom started drinking a lot, and my dad was studying outside of the country full time but still worked about 10 hours a day to provide for my family, because my mom didn't work. During this time the devil started destroying our family and my parents decided to get a divorce. The church we were at wasn’t providing the support we needed so we began to attend The Salvation Army, which had recently begun it’s ministry in our city. After the divorce my dad had to study in The Saint-Petersburg for one more year. During this time he the calling from God to become a Salvation Army officer (pastor), and shortly after that God placed a beautiful woman of Christ in his life. She was already a Captain (ordained pastor) in The Salvation Army herself! Right know I really see Gods plan for my life and how great it is! My dad is Happily married and instead of 4 kids, he now has 5 and one more is on it’s way! My parents just opened a new corps (church) in another city in Estonia and we are truly blessed. One verse that has spoken to me is Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version), “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.” May God bless you and Our Army!
- Kirill Burunov
08/18/09
This summer I had the amazing opportunity to work out at The Salvation Army's Camp Wonderland. When I first got there I was shocked to hear that we would be working with mostly inner city kids. I totally wasn't expecting that and when the kids got there for our first youth camp I was a bit nervous. I prayed for help connecting with the kids and dealing with them and with God's help I was able to do it and I loved it. One of my favorite campers (I know we're not supposed to have favorites, but I couldn't help it) came my first week of camp. Her name was Brandis. She was very shy at first and extremely self-concious. She dressed and acted like a boy and tried to give off a tough vibe. But once I got to know her I discovered she was a really sweet girl. She told me once that she could never turn down a dare so I dared her to never litter again. She almost died when I told her that. Anyways, throughout the week she kept pushing God away and tried to distract everyone during Bible classes and such. I prayed for her every night in the counselor room with my co-workers. Then on the last day she came up to me right before she left and she asked me about Jesus. We had an amazing conversation and she said she'd think about him when she got home. I was nervous for her to leave but I knew God was with her and she'd be okay. A few weeks later I checked my mailbox and I had a letter from Brandis! She told me that she started going to The Salvation Army Corps near her house, and that she still hadn't littered! I thought that was awesome and I praised God for that. I still pray for her everyday, but I know she's got God now and she'll be fine as long as she remains in Him.
- Alison
08/17/09
Just a quick message from what I have experienced over the last week or so. I just returned from The Salvation Army's Central Music Institute which is a gathering of young musicians from the 11 midwestern states of the US. It was an amazing experience. I went out to play percussion in the Brass Band track as well as to play my guitar in the House/ Jazz band. I only expected musical growth but God had much more instore for me! Our special guest was James Curnow, the world renowned Christian composer/ arranger. I was lucky enough to be a part of his Advanced Composition elective and his example taught me great things. He is a perfect example of God's love in action as he aproached my shaky composition with such a positive attitude, helping me greatly. He also gave us a great role model in the way in which he gives all of the glory to God. I truly believe that his gift for music is directly from God and I thank God for his influence upon me, and my friends.
- Sam (co-founder)
08/17/09
I have recently seen and experienced the importance of prayer in person. At CMI, a very large music camp through The Salvation Army that I go to, my band had to perform. Earlier in the week I had been playing softball, and while the two may seem unrelated, I can explain their importance. I attempted to play softball based on my own judgement and talent (or lack thereof) and I was somewhat pathetic. This, for some reason that will forever elude me, stuck out in my mind. So, I decided that it must be God's way of telling me that I absolutely cannot do anything, no matter how trivial they may seem, without his guidance. So I decided to pray before this concert that I mentioned earlier. I prayed more about it than I have about anything in my life, and I also based my prayer on scripture. I prayed not only for myself, but for the rest of the band, and I know that there is no doubt in any of their minds that something very good happened. Personally, I was not nervous at all, and after the concert, I heard many of the other players talking about their lips feeling better than they ever have. I know now beyond the shadow of a doubt that God truly and completely answers any request we make of him for his glory. Amen
- Jake