How one Salvation Army officer is helping young people access support and community
The Salvation Army is celebrating its International Day of Children and Young People on 26 April 2026 with an exploration of the theme of light, reflecting our shared vision that every child and young person is loved and chosen by God, living as light in the Lord. All the World is showcasing a variety of stories demonstrating how we impact the lives of children and young people. Our stories include hearing from young people themselves.
Growing up in today’s world can be tough. Especially with a backdrop of conflict and loss. It can be hard for young people to share their worries and thoughts – regular worship might seem too religious or stuffy, for example. Captain Oleg Samoilenko came up with an ingenious solution that enabled many young people to access support and community. He shares the journey here.
This story started in 2022 when one public school invited me to lead an anti-human trafficking workshop for students.
The pupils were so excited to hear about The Salvation Army and asked if we had something appropriate for their age group. And here was the problem. Our church only had social activities for adults and the regular Sunday service. So, I made quick decision and invited any interested young people to attend a board games night.
One boy said to me that he had so many questions about faith but no one to ask about it. Another girl told me she had always felt the existence of God but didn’t know how to have a relationship with God.
Small beginnings
Two of them came and, very honestly, shared with us that they were sent as spies to check out The Salvation Army. Who are we and what are we about?
We all had a great time that night. The following Friday, 10 young people turned up. From the very beginning we tried to give them different things to do in our church, involving them in our programs. They obliviously knew that we are Christian movement, but we never forced them to attend Sunday service or prayer meetings. Relationships were very quickly and organically developed that the young people then decided that perhaps they might like to become more than just visitors and get involved.
Young people engaged in rock climbing activities
Online support group
They made an online group on messenger called: ‘Salvation Army’ and added me there. Every day they discussed different topics that young people are concerned with including, parents, love, school but then, suddenly, God. One boy said to me that he had so many questions about faith but no one to ask about it. Another girl told me she had always felt the existence of God but didn’t know how to have a relationship with God.
Conversation Club
We all have many questions about life and faith, but as young people it’s harder to find the answers, especially when it’s so much information and ‘disinformation’ on the internet. So, our group became the conversation club for questions and answers. Sometimes we had really long discussions.
From left: cooking together; group outward bound activities
I asked them what they love the most about The Salvation Army and their answers were precious: ‘Here is my second home’; ‘Here no one has judged me’ and ‘Here we feel accepted and loved’.
From virtual discussions to church participation
After about a year and a half of playing board games, some of the young people started asking about our Sunday services and asking what actually happens at them. So, we invited anyone interested to attend a service. I was worried we might scare them off with our songs and the sermon, but after the service, they all told me they liked it so much and were planning to attend again the next week. It made me think that so often the only limit is our imagination. Perhaps sometimes, we forget that God has a plan. He knows the right time and place for everything.
The youth club today
Today our youth club has 20 regular participants. From our humble beginning of playing board games, we were awarded money from the local government and now also go swimming, climbing and enjoy cooking.
We now also have a Bible study group and 17 of the young people have recently become ‘soldiers’, in other words, active members of our church. I never would have predicted this outcome. It was driven by the young people themselves who asked for recruits’ classes to prepare them to become soldiers in The Salvation Army.
I asked them what they love the most about The Salvation Army and their answers were precious: ‘Here is my second home’; ‘Here no one has judged me’ and ‘Here we feel accepted and loved’.
I am so proud of these young people. They are amazing and inspiring, and they bring our church alive with their light and sparkle.
Understanding young people
How often we only hear the negative side of youth today, that they behave badly and only spend their time gaming. But perhaps they are just looking for acceptance and someone who will listen to them? Often, they make mistakes and sometimes don’t think about consequences. We must remember the fast pace of life, the challenges they face. We must try to put ourselves in their shoes to understand them.
For example, they might see prayer or worship in a different light from older generations. When I was on a preparation class for young members of The Salvation Army (many years ago) we had a six month’s course with exams, which I didn’t pass the first time. Do I still remember what we learned? Not really! For the youth of today, practical application is so much more important than lots of theory.
From left: young people collecting funds during a Christmas kettle campaign; group outing
A bright future
I am so proud of these young people. They are amazing and inspiring, and they bring our church alive with their light and sparkle. Maybe they are loud? Maybe they have crazy ideas? But they are real and this is what The Salvation Army needs today!
Maybe your church is struggling with youth ministry? I would advise really listening to young people. Give them a safe space to feel comfortable to express their ideas without judgement and to give them a place to shine. My words probably sound quite simple but really it is about giving young people that feeling of safety and ‘family’ in the world that can often be a very dark place.
Link to the new materials available on the website
Click on the link below to Join the online celebration on 24 April, 2026 at 7:00 PM PS:
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