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Sweden to host World Youth Convention.
From across the globe, 1,000 young Salvationists will attend a World Youth Convention in Stockholm, Sweden, July 15-18, 2010. Led by General Shaw Clifton with Commissioner Helen Clifton, the event will take place at Aula Magna, part of Stockholm University. Delegates will stay in youth hostel-style accommodations nearby.
Under the theme “Raised Up,” the focus will be Salvationism, with discussion topics to include realism, idealism, inclusiveness, compassion, simplicity, internationalism, and visible and audible.
The full convention schedule includes an outreach event in Stockholm city center.
General’s call to prayer
The General writes: “I invite all Salvationists to be in prayer for this historic occasion. God has blessed us with fine young people all over the world. May those who attend the World Youth Convention be deepened in their commitment to Christ and to serving a broken and hurting world.”
Delegate qualifications
The Army’s territories will choose the delegates. Each territory has been allocated places according to its number of soldiers. The US Western Territory will send 18 delegates.
The attendees, aged 18 to 28, must be soldiers or adherents who demonstrate a commitment to future service as Salvationists. During the convention they will study and debate the General’s book New Love, which they are encouraged to read ahead of time. The book includes contributions by writers from all over the Salvation Army world and seeks to show that Christian holiness is relevant to every human situation, including the major global issues of the day.
Using technology to connect worldwide
Because the convention is restricted to 1,000 delegates, territories and commands are encouraged to organize youth events to coincide with the convention. Some of these may be linked to the convention via satellite, enabling the General and others to address as many young people as possible around the world. Internet technology will allow Salvationists worldwide to feel a part of the convention. A World Youth Convention website—to be launched soon—will enable Salvationists throughout the world to be fully informed of conference plans and to share in the virtual experience before, during and after the event.