Lani gets her hug as Blackburn rolls out an ocker Aussie welcome
- deansimpson7
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY DEAN SIMPSON
Colonels John and Lani Chamness received a cracker of an Aussie welcome earlier today at a “fun and buzzing” chapel service at Blackburn Territorial Headquarters in Melbourne.
The officers of the USA Western Territory are settling into their new roles Down Under, John as Chief Secretary and Lani as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Officer Leader Development.
“There was a real vibe of excitement at the welcome service,” said one THQ staff member. “The place was buzzing, and the atmosphere was amazing – a sense of fun and joy in the room.”
An Aussie flavour permeated the service, with Major Kim Haworth and Major Stuart Glover leading the way.
They presented the Chamnesses with an ‘Australian Survival Kit’ highlighting what is needed not only to “become part of the Australian context but to survive” – a large blow-up bat to keep the mozzies away, a can of Aerogard, stubby holders, boomerangs, Aussie socks, koala plush toys and cork hats. The Chamnesses drew laughter with their response: “What’s a mozzie?”
During her introduction, Kim said John and Lani were “the right people for this time ... and they get us and our lingo! But you can feel the love of Jesus when speaking with them.”
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, in her welcome address, made it clear which AFL team she wanted the Americans to support, handing them Geelong Cats hats to the obvious disgruntlement of many in the congregation.
Annemarie Watt, Head of Internal Communications, speaking on behalf of employees, offered some ‘Aussie advice’ to the Chamnesses, as an expat herself.
She told the Chamnesses to remember that “Everything is abbreviated. So here you can head to the beach in the arvo, with your thongs and your esky, your lollies and your mates. You might want to pack the barbie and some sausages to make some snags. Don’t forget your swimmers and your brolly. Stop at the servo on the way for some Maccas, and when you get there, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap.”
On a serious note, she added, “But what makes this country so great is the diversity and the people. Much like the Salvos and the people you see in front of you today. United in purpose and dedicated to the mission of The Salvation Army here in Australia.”
Major Adam Peterson, speaking on behalf of officers, continued the Aussie theme by addressing Lani and presenting her with Caramello Koalas: “Lani, you wanted to hug a koala ... consider these Caramello Koalas a gateway to koala-cuddling, but if you want to hold an actual koala, there are a few places in South East Queensland you can go to.”
After the service, Lani took a step closer to achieving her wish when she and John encountered The Salvation Army’s Kidzone mascot, Cousin Koala. And, yes, Lani got her hug.
The service also included meaningful worship led by Tim Lynn and Mel Fisk, and John and Lani were given an opportunity to respond to the warm welcome.
Lani shared a story from her time in the Marshall Islands, when, as a young mother, she and her family were without water during a drought. An elderly woman told her, “Don’t you worry, the Lord will provide.” “And he did,” Lani said, explaining that this story encouraged her to live her life now trusting that the Lord will provide.
Lani also sang the song ‘I Will Hope in My God’, inspired by her mother’s favourite Bible verse, Psalm 121.
John said his many experiences as an officer had taught him the importance of being “willing to understand and learn from the people around us”. He shared a story about an appointment he had at the Croc Community Centre in Idaho (USA), and how people came alongside them to support them because of the trust they placed in The Salvation Army.
He said he felt privileged to be a part of the Australia Territory and spoke of transformation and the need for people “to love each other deeply, use their gifts, speak the very words of God ... and what you do does matter”.
An Aussie morning tea followed, consisting of lamingtons, Tim Tams, Barbecue Shapes and Aussie party pies. An American treat, Reese’s peanut butter cups, was added to give the Chamnesses a taste of home.
