A message from Colonels John and Lani Chamness

Colonels John and Lani Chamness say they feel deeply privileged and humbled by the opportunity to serve in Australia.

Colonels John and Lani Chamness officially start their Australia Territory appointments today. However, due to a delay in visa processing, they will begin their roles remotely.

John is taking on the role of the new Chief Secretary, following Colonel Winsome Merrett’s retirement, and Lani is the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development (Officers).

The Chamnesses are originally from the USA Western Territory and had been serving as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development in Canada and Bermuda since 2023. 

Major Kim Haworth will continue to hold the Chief’s delegations from Territorial Headquarters in Melbourne until the Chamnesses arrive. Welcome events will be rescheduled.

In the meantime, the Chamnesses have sent a message to the Australia Territory as they start their appointments today.

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Dear friends across the Australia Territory,

We are so excited to begin this new chapter with you, even if it starts from a distance!

While we await the finalisation of our visa arrangements, we’re grateful for the opportunity to begin our appointments remotely and to start connecting with you in heart and spirit.

We feel deeply privileged and humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside you in this vibrant and mission-focused Territory.

We continue to hear about the incredible ministries happening across Australia, and we’re inspired by the stories of transformation and compassion.

In Canada and Bermuda, where we’ve most recently served, the territory has been focused on inspiring Salvationists for mission, a theme that resonates deeply with us.

To be “inspired for mission” means to rediscover the passion and purpose God has placed within us. It means lifting our eyes from the busyness and burdens of daily work to see the beautiful possibilities before us.

The Salvation Army is a force for good, a movement of transformation. We believe that when we stop holding back and lean fully into God’s calling, we can reawaken a passion that changes lives and communities.

Let’s worry less about what doesn’t matter and more about what does, bringing hope, healing, and salvation to the world.

We’re honoured to join you in this mission. Thank you for your prayers, your grace, and your welcome. We look forward to meeting you in person very soon.

God bless you all,

Colonels John and Lani Chamness