World Scouting Foundation visionary and co-sponsor of the Messengers of Peace (MOP) program, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia passed away peacefully Thursday, January 22, 2015.

Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock commented, “With sadness the BSA reflects on King Abdullah’s passing. He heralded World Scouting, and his work serves as a challenge to Scouts across the globe to serve others and better their communities.”

Since 2012, the BSA has collaborated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement to help empower Scouts from dozens of countries to solve conflicts in their schools, bridge divided communities, educate peers about health and wellness, and repair environmental damage.  Through MOP, Boy Scouts of America have proudly worked alongside Scouts from other nations to help create a better world.

“The Scouting world has lost a great friend. King Abdullah saw the higher spiritual forces behind the mission of Scouting,” said Rabbi Peter Hyman, national chairman, Messengers of Peace, BSA.  “As a result of his insight and vision he gifted to the scouts of the world a program that allows youth to help change the world for the good.”

As the BSA remembers King Abdullah and his work, please watch the following video  and encourage the Scouts in your life to learn more about Messengers of Peace.