Youngsters fly in as part of project
A group of young people flew in from the USA to support vulnerable adults and families in Shotts as part of an international mission project.
During their two-week trip, the six young adults aged between 18 and 24 will be part of the Salvation Army’s outreach work.
The mission trip has been organised by the Salvationist Service Corps (SSC) – a programme run by the Salvation Army’s Southern US Territory that gives young people the chance to work in locations around the world.
Missionaries are chosen based on recommendations from their church and youth leaders, spiritual maturity and willingness to go and serve wherever they are sent.
Lieutenant Amy-Jo Battersby, who leads the Salvation Army community church in Shotts, said:“When we heard that the mission team were looking for a community to work in we got in touch and we showed what the team could do here in Shotts. We’re delighted to welcome the young adults and are looking forward to having them support our work with families.”
One member of the mission team is Bernita Benjamin, from South Carolina. Bernita, 20, said her church had raised over £500 towards her trip and added:“I joined the SSC to experience different things, step out of my comfort zone, help others and do mission work for the Salvation Army. I’m looking forward to visiting Scotland and getting involved in the outreach work there.”