General Brian Peddle, international leader of The Salvation Army, has released a new video message in light of the challenges brought about by COVID-19. ‘There is nothing good about COVID-19,’ says the General firmly, but – he asks – ‘what if there are … positive outcomes’ that might result from the effects of the pandemic?
In the impassioned message, the General exhorts Salvationists and friends to consider topics such as mission, creation care and the busyness of daily life. ‘More than anything,’ he postulates, ‘what if God, in this moment, is truly near to each of us?’
The message also brings assurance that the international Salvation Army – with its presence in 131 countries worldwide – continues to meet very real need. ‘Thank God that we still know how to help each other,’ the General declares.
In conclusion, General Peddle reflects on the ‘living hope’ described in 1 Peter 1:3–4, exhorting Salvationists and friends ‘to be faithful in these days, to be faithful in the meantime.’