Colonels John and Lani getting into the Aussie swing of things
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
BY LERISSE SMITH
Many deadly creatures call Australia home.
But newly arrived Colonels John and Lani Chamness, from the United States, aren’t letting Aussie creepy crawlies stop their big mission. They’ve hit the ground running, criss-crossing the country and settling into their new appointments.
Last Sunday, it was Melbourne’s turn to officially welcome John, the new Chief Secretary, and Lani, the new Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development – Officers.
The special public event, held at Camberwell Corps, was a celebration of exciting new beginnings, laughter, friendship and fellowship.
Camberwell Corps Officer Major Matt Reeve and Assistant Chief Secretary Major Kim Haworth brought welcome greetings to the Chamnesses.
“It’s so wonderful to formally welcome John and Lani here to Australia,” Major Kim Haworth told the congregation.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of having John and Lani with us here in Australia, and we’ve conducted some welcome chapel services at Blackburn and Redfern. We’ve had the opportunity to educate John and Lani by providing them with survival kits. One of them was all the great Australian food … and also an Aussie survival kit, which had clothing and other apparel because we know in Australia, apparently, there are about 16 different things that can kill you!”
Kim described the couple as the ’real deal’.
“They are authentic, wise, loving and kind,” she said. “They share a deep and beautiful faith and bring a wealth of experience to us here throughout their officer journey through many varied appointments. We have a real sense that we are in very good hands under their leadership.”
A standout moment came when a young voice took centre stage.
Young Salvationist Annabelle Greenaway spoke to the Chamnesses on behalf of the territory’s youth.
“We’re really glad that you’re here now,” she said.
“Moving to a whole new country is no small thing, new culture, new rhythms, new slang. But more than that, stepping into leadership in a new territory requires courage, faith and trust in God’s leading, and we honour that in you. As young people across the territory, we want you to know that we are expectant.”
She spoke of a generation already stirring.
“We believe that God is moving in Australia,” Annabelle reflected. “We see it in our youth groups, in our schools, in our local corps and in our camps. We see young people encountering Jesus, discovering their calling, stepping into leadership and choosing lives of faith and integrity.”
And young people are changing. They want to develop and grow in their faith journeys, a generation that cares deeply about authenticity.
“As you begin your ministry here, we want you to know that the youth of this territory are not just the future of the Army. We’re a part of its present,” Annabelle emphasised.
“We are ready to serve and ready to lead. We’re ready to stand for Jesus in our communities and in our everyday lives. We hope that you will see energy, creativity and faith in us. We hope you will hear our ideas and continue to create spaces where our young people can flourish.
“We’re excited about what God will do through our leadership and through your leadership, and we’re committed to being part of that journey.”
“Colonels John and Lani, thank you for saying yes to this appointment, and thank you for the sacrifices that came with it … know that across this territory, young people are praying for you, cheering you on and working alongside you. Welcome to Australia. We’re glad you’re here.”
Humour also punctuated the service.
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas asked Lani and John what Aussie saying they had learned. Lani smiled and replied, “I want to chuck a sickie.” John added “Geelong Cats!”
Laughter followed, along with the reminder that this couple, parents of three grown children, have crossed oceans before, revealing that their experiences in transition have shaped them.
Other memorable moments that formed part of the Welcome Service included Commissioner Miriam Gluyas highlighting Lani’s gift of discernment and John’s apostolic heart.
“They are great people, beautiful hearts,” Miriam said. “We are rapt to have them here.”
Lani also shared her musical talents, singing and playing the guitar. Musical items were also brought by the Melbourne Staff Band and the Melbourne Staff Songsters.
Lani sang and played the guitar before John brought the mesage.
John then delivered a sermon on Acts chapter four, highlighting Peter and John, their boldness, and the transformation that took place in their lives.
“As Lani and I arrive among you, we are deeply aware that this is not just a new appointment,” he remarked.
“It’s a holy moment, not because of us, not because of our titles, but because we belong to this missional movement of God that began in moments exactly like what we read in Acts chapter four.
“Peter and John moved from fear to courage … Acts chapter four is not a story about church administration. It’s not about strategy or branding or structure. It’s about what happens when ordinary people are filled with the Spirit of God and refuse to stop talking about Jesus.”
WATCH MORE: View the entire Welcome Service here
Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the service:
