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The Hope and a Future team of PNG runners, mentors and supporters after the race last weekend. BY SIMONE WORTHING “I know it was really hard, but I thank God for giving me this opportunity,” said Haraga, who completed the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 5 July as part of The Salvation Army’s Hope and a Future Program. “I am so grateful to be in the team,” said Jan, another runner. “The team encouraged us with so much work and built us up with our mission to become a great leader in the future. And I am so proud that I’m standing here as one of the leaders who has confidence in herself and who can do anything for Christ. So, thank you for everything.” This year sadly, of the 10 runners in the team, only Haraga and Jan received visas to come to Australia for the event and subsequent leadership training and service. Additional efforts to secure visas for the remaining eight runners were not successful. Jan and Haraga (centre) with mentors Sarah-Jane Alley (left) and Michelle Watts. “We missed the rest of our team, and it was a different, more sober run this year because of that,” said Envoy Bill Hunter, head coach and leader of the Salvos God’s Sports Arena. “We were praying for them, too, but we still tried to make the most of the event. “Many of our Aussie and PNG mentors and supporters rallied and ensured a fun, exhilarating, uplifting, loving and supportive weekend.” These young men and women from Papua New Guinea were trained to run the marathon, mentored in leadership skills and assisted with their education to help them become leaders in their corps, communities and country. These activities are modelled around the four key pillars of the Hope and a Future program – faith, fitness, education and leadership. The program began in 2014. To meet the entire team, click on the video below. Runner testimonies During the debriefing session on Sunday evening after the marathon, runners, mentors and support crew gathered to share their experiences and impressions of the day. Bill and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas – co-founder of the program – led the session. Jan (named after Commissioner Jan Condon) broke the record for the fastest female Hope and a Future runner, completing the marathon in four hours, 21 minutes – just one minute under the time set by fellow marathoner, Mohre, in 2017. Karlo and Rachael, two mentors from Papua New Guinea, were also part of the team. Rachael, struggling with an injured knee, ran the final 10km to mentor in the final stretch of the race. Rachael and Haraga (centre) at the finish line with Stuart Watts, Bill Hunter and Michelle Watts. “Mentoring is not all about running, though,” Bill assured Rachael. “And sometimes our body doesn’t always do what we want it to, but we can work in other ways. So well done today. You should be very proud of how you’ve led and how you’ve mentored.” Karlo ran a personal best time, beating his previous record by 15 minutes. “I enjoyed this run but at the same time, I was sad that I didn’t get to run with my boys [whose visas were denied].” He thanked both the runners and the leaders for helping him to become “a better version of myself”. Karlo also congratulated Haraga and Jan. “I’m so proud of you,” he said. “I’m happy that you completed the 42.2km and smashed it just like that.” “My run today was a bit tough,” Jan shared. “When I came up around the 33 or 34km mark, I doubted myself, but I was praying with mentor Adrian (Adrian Kistan, General Manager Ministry Resourcing and Support). Thank God for having Adrian beside me with Sharon (Sharon Callister, co-founder of the program). And I finished really strong and I was so happy that I broke that record. I appreciate all of you so much. “This race has taught me a lesson. The past six months of training has also taught me lessons. But I was waiting for this day and today I did it! I did it for my country. My community. My church. And most of all, for my family. “Thank you to the mentors who supported me on the training, for Captains Rose and John [Papua New Guinea officers who lead the Hope and a Future program there] for looking after us every day and to all of you for your kind support and your warm welcome.” Haraga also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the team. “You guys encouraged us with so much work and built us up with our mission to become a great leader in the future,” she shared. “And I am so proud that I’m standing here as one of the leaders who has confidence in herself and who can do anything for Christ.” Supporters and mentors surround Jan and Haraga at the start of the Gold Coast marathon. Bill added his congratulations to the runners. “Anyone who has run a marathon knows it hurts,” he said. “It’s just overcoming that. You were so strong from the beginning to the end. And you pushed through the pain. I think that’s what marathons are all about. It’s very rare when everything comes together. You didn’t give up and it was a privilege to run with you. “I loved it at the end, Karlo, when you finished but you kept coming back to wait for the others. And you wanted to be there right at the end when they came. I just thought that was a great mentor type of situation.” Bill expressed his thanks to The Salvation Army leadership and the support crew who don’t run, acknowledging that “we couldn’t achieve what we do without your support. It’s been a deeply emotional day in lots of different ways, but an awesome one!” Additional training This week, after a rest day, the Papua New Guinea team have been receiving training in leadership development from Majors John and Nicole Viles, Team Leaders at Tweed Heads-South Gold Coast. This training is part of the educational pillar of the program. They also shared their testimonies as part of a devotion during the annual Salvation Army Basketball and Netball Carnival, currently underway on the Gold Coast. This weekend, the team will lead worship at God’s Sports Arena in both Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane. Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the 2026 Hope and a Future Program.

Retired General Andre Cox (left) with Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and the new book launched at International Headquarters. BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS A new autobiography by retired General André Cox was officially launched at The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London on Founders’ Day, 2 July. Poacher Turned Gamekeeper: A Life Lived to the Full offers readers a lively, reflective and deeply personal account of General Cox’s life shaped by faith, calling and service. It traces his journey from his early years in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), through his calling to officership, leadership across several territories and election as General of The Salvation Army in 2013. He was the 20th General of The Salvation Army and was world leader until 2018 when he retired. To read the full story on The Salvation Army International website, and for information on when the book will be available for purchase, click here. To view highlights from the launch, click on the video below. (From left) General André Cox, Paul Mortlock and Major Peter McGuigan speak at the launch. (Left) General André Cox signs a book for a guest. (Right) General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (centre) with guests at the launch of the retired General's new book. Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill speaks at the launch.

To read Valerie’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here.

Traditional indigenous dance by the Treenoner Dance Mob formed part of the special NAIDOC Sunday service at Launceston Corps last weekend. BY LAUREN MARTIN Indigenous dancers, a Welcome to Country and a NAIDOC-themed prayer were part of Launceston Corps’ recent Sunday service, celebrating the relationship the corps has with its local Indigenous community. For the past few years, Launceston Corps Community Engagement worker Kelly Brown has been setting aside time every fortnight to have a cuppa and a ‘yarn’ at her local Indigenous Elders activity afternoon. Sometimes, Kelly (along with her mother) will cook lunch; other times, she will just sit and chat. “I really appreciate that it is a safe place that I have been welcomed into,” she told her corps community and visiting guests at last Sunday’s NAIDOC Week Sunday Service. “It’s a comfortable place for me to ask questions about culture and Country, and it’s explained to me in a way that I can understand. It’s not just a safe place but safe people for me up there.” Those connections and relationships built have allowed The Salvation Army Launceston Corps to journey in a deeper way with their local indigenous community, coming alongside to support in a range of different ways. Kelly and Roderick Brown from Launceston Corps were invited to the city’s NAIDOC luncheon. Here they are, photographed with the city’s elders. “We just wanted to be able to seek to understand wherever we can to assist with financial supports including with food relief, to be able to bless the elders at Christmas with a Christmas hamper and provide practical support where we can,” Kelly said, adding that there have been numerous other supports given as a result of personal and private conversations she has been able to have through the building of those relationships. Corps Officer, Auxiliary-Lieutenant Roderick Brown said the way Kelly has journeyed alongside the city’s indigenous community is the way Launceston Corps journeys alongside all communities. “It’s about really trying to understand the deeper need that there is in a community and looking to build that trust and that relationship, and just be people together, and learn from each other.” The Launceston Corps’ NAIDOC Service was led by Chris Waixel and Tahana Turner, The Salvation Army Divisional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinators for Victoria and Queensland. Chris spoke at the event on ‘50 Years of Deadly’, this year’s NAIDOC theme. (Left) Aunty Delia Summers gave the Welcome to Country at Launceston Corps’ NAIDOC Sunday Service. (Right) Chris Waixel speaking on the NAIDOC Week theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’. In addition to hosting the NAIDOC Sunday service, Kelly and Roderick were invited to the annual NAIDOC luncheon, which they said was an honour to attend. “A special part of our NAIDOC week celebrations is being invited to the Elders lunch,” Roderick said. “It truly feels like being home with family as we sit and yarn together, listening to stories, whilst enjoying the wonderful meal prepared.” And Kelly has this advice for all Australian Salvationists on engaging with our local Indigenous communities. “Be the best tourist you can be in your own country! We need to be open, we need to learn, and we need to be inquisitive and respectful. Not just accepting media or mainstream narrative, but seeking to understand the importance of culture of Country. And why that is so important for us all.” Launceston Corps’ NAIDOC Sunday Service featured an indigenous dance troupe, the Treenoner Dance Mob. Photo: Elizabeth Bowman READ MORE: Go to The Salvation Army NAIDOC Week 2026 website here

Major Erica Jones (left), Daryl Crowden and Aletia Dundas were the Australian representatives at the annual Supporting Offices Forum in Copenhagen, Denmark, last month. BY SIMONE WORTHING International Editor Three Australian representatives played an active role at the recent Salvation Army Supporting Offices Forum (SOF) in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1-4 June. Daryl Crowden (General Manager Emergency, Aid and Development), as the current Chair of the SOF, led this year’s gathering. Aletia Dundas (Program Manager - Development) and Major Erica Jones (Program Coordinator - Mission Support, SAID), were also among the 55 delegates – all working in development and emergency response – attending from around the world. The Supporting Offices Forum annual gathering brings together representatives from 10 Salvation Army Support Offices around the world, alongside International Headquarters, to discuss global development trends and priorities, strengthen partnerships, share learning, and improve how teams work together in support of territories and communities around the world. (From left) Fifty-five delegates from around the world attended the forum; Ausralia’s Daryl Crowden led this year’s gathering; The Salvation Army headquarters in Copenhagen. Stronger together This year’s forum in Copenhagen focused on the theme ‘Stronger Together: Aligning Strategy, Resources and Partnerships for Global Impact’. “The agenda explored topics including emergency response, international development strategy, impact measurement, fundraising, resource mobilisation, advocacy, adaptive programming, collaboration and the future direction of support offices globally,” explained Erica. “I attended as Australia's representative for Mission Support within SAID (Salvation Army International Development). My role was to contribute to discussions around    international development partnerships, project support, funding models, collaboration between support offices, and strengthening how we support territories internationally. “The forum also provided an opportunity to learn from other support offices, share Australia’s experiences, build relationships, and identify opportunities for greater collaboration across the global Salvation Army network.” Partnership approach Aletia attended the conference in her capacity as Program Manager – Development, representing the project coordinators and partnerships coordinator. “It was really helpful for me to meet in person several of the contacts from other territories and IHQ who I’d engaged with for several of the projects we support,” she explained. “The sessions on the strategy for the SOF and the changing operating context were also valuable for understanding the intention of the gathering and how we face global challenges together. “I appreciated hearing from those involved in communities of practice in areas such as livelihoods, harmonised MOU [Memorandum of Understanding], climate change adaptation and resilience, and WASH [water, sanitation, hygiene]. “Having just come from a SAID team meeting in Sydney the week before where we’d heard feedback from both implementing territories and support offices on our partnership approach, it was timely for me to learn how other support offices operate and begin to consider ways to improve our practice in future.” Lessons brought home Erica said that there were several informal ‘takeaways’ from the SOF that she has brought back with her to Australia, including “new relationship built and plenty of opportunities”. Erica also outlined the four areas that she found held the greatest significance for her: 1. Stronger collaboration produces stronger outcomes One of the strongest messages throughout the week was that no single support office has all the answers. The greatest impact is achieved when support offices, territories and International Headquarters collaborate, share resources and learn from one another. 2. Locally led development matters Many discussions reinforced the importance of moving beyond simply funding projects and towards empowering local leadership, local decision-making and local ownership. 3. Impact matters as much as activity There was a growing emphasis on measurement, learning and understanding the real difference our work makes, not simply reporting on activities completed. This aligns strongly with Australia's increasing focus on outcomes reporting and impact measurement. 4. The world is becoming more complex Conversations around Ukraine, emergency response, climate resilience, adaptive programming and fundraising highlighted that development work is increasingly complex and interconnected. Future success will require flexibility, innovation and stronger partnerships. Australian applications “For me, personally, applying what I have learned back here in Australia, translates to: Strengthening partnerships: We will continue building stronger relationships with implementing territories, ensuring support is collaborative rather than transactional. Improving impact measurement: There is an opportunity to strengthen how we measure and communicate outcomes, helping us better understand and demonstrate the difference Australian supporters are making globally. This is especially true for the Mission Portfolio and my work going forward. Enhancing collaboration: The conference highlighted opportunities for Australia to work more closely with other support offices by sharing tools, learning and resources rather than creating everything independently. Future-focused Mission Support: As Australia’s Mission Support portfolio continues to mature, there is an opportunity to move beyond project administration and increasingly contribute to learning, strategy, partnership development and global impact. “The conference reminded me that, while we often focus on strategies, systems and projects, the real strength of the global Salvation Army lies in its people and relationships,” Erica said. “Some of the most important learning happened in the spaces between the agenda items, where stories, challenges and hopes were shared across cultures and contexts. That may ultimately be one of the most valuable outcomes of the week.” Australia’s Daryl Crowden leading a session. Reflection: Daryl Crowden One session focused on defining our vision for Supporting Offices (SOF) – what do we want to be known for and do by 2030. Participants highlighted a future in which offices across multiple countries collaborate to support international development initiatives. By 2030, we aim to operate as a coordinated global network of Supporting Offices, working more strategically to access diversified funding sources, including jointly engaging major international foundations. We will strengthen support for partner countries in areas such as operations, logistics, and management, enabling greater sustainability and independence. Our funding decisions will be guided by deliberate coordination, informed by mapping of restricted and unrestricted funding availability, as well as contextual vulnerability. Projects will incorporate local fundraising and income-generating components and be grounded in community-based approaches. We will also engage in both global and local advocacy with a unified and intentional voice. We plugged the key points of this (unofficial and very draft) vision into an AI engine and asked it to write a poem. While it is a bit of fun, the following beautifully outlines (what I believe is) the SOF’s passion and determination to move beyond a ‘colonial donor’ – ‘implementer receiver’ relationship to a trusted and true collaborative partnership framed by and built on a foundation of local capacity and need. One Voice, One World a vision for 2030 Across borders, voices gathered, Imagining what could be; A network not divided by distance, But united in purpose and possibility. Supporting Offices, far yet close, Reaching outward, hand in hand, Linking nations, bridging gaps, Serving needs across the land. By 2030, we will stand Not as fragments, but as one – Coordinated, intentional, Our shared work never done. Together seeking broader paths, Diversifying how we give, Engaging global partners’ strength So communities may thrive and live. Foundations vast, resources shared, Accessed through collective voice, Strategic steps, aligned in action, Guided not by chance, but choice. In partner lands, we walk beside, Strengthening systems day by day; Operations, leadership, Building futures that can stay. Sustainability, independence, Not distant hopes, but present aims, As local hands shape lasting change, And ownership firmly claims. With careful maps of need and means, Of vulnerability, of supply, We guide our funds with purpose clear, Ensuring none are left behind. Projects rooted in the soil, From community voices they arise, With livelihoods woven within, So resilience multiplies. And when we speak – both near and far – Our message carries strong and true: A unified, intentional voice, Advocating what is due. This is the future we envision, A path we walk, a role we own; A global network, deeply local, Together stronger, never alone.

General Eva Burrows demonstrated values of leadership and commitment to frontline service. The legacy of General Eva Burrows continues to champion female leaders in The Salvation Army, with applications now open for the Eva Burrows Australian Leadership Scholarship for Women. Eva Burrows, an Australian, was the world leader of The Salvation Army from 1986 to 1993. She was promoted to glory on 20 March 2015. The 2026 scholarship will be awarded to a woman who has undertaken substantial paid or unpaid work to advance The Salvation Army’s mission over the past two years, demonstrates General Burrows’ values of leadership and commitment to frontline service, and is seeking support to develop her leadership capabilities. A scholarship provides up to $25,000 for study at Eva Burrows College or another institution. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community are strongly encouraged. Applications close on Friday 7 August 2026. To find out more or to apply, click here. READ MORE: General Eva Burrows – born to lead

Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 with the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’, honouring five decades of culture, resilience and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We reflect on the strength of Elders, the power of community, and the voices shaping the future, while recognising the ongoing journey of truth-telling, justice and hope. Join us as we commit to going forward together – acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God. READ MORE: Go to The Salvation Army NAIDOC Week 2026 website here

Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn (centre) flanked by Project 614 and Magpie Nest personnel, with Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hateley (far left) and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (far right). Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Patron-in-Chief of The Salvation Army, recently visited The Salvation Army’s Project 614 in Bourke Street, Melbourne. During the visit on Tuesday 9 June, the Governor-General observed key programs that operate from the centre under the leadership of staff and volunteers. In a press release from the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, it was announced that Her Excellency was invited as Patron and guest of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. In reflecting on the visit, Miriam said the Governor-General was an amazing supporter of The Salvation Army who was “the kind of person who just loves people”. “[The Governor-General] coming to 614 was absolutely delightful,” Miriam said. “What blew me away was she gave so much time to those folk who come to access services, but she was also genuinely interested in the stories of people and exactly what they were going through. “There’s this mutual admiration from us to her and her to us, and any way she can help, she wants to help.” Governor-General Sam Mostyn meeting Project 614 personnel. Image: Supplied Secretary for Communications Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hateley said the event demonstrated the close, aligned relationship between the Governor-General and the work of The Salvation Army. “Such a great morning at Project 614 Melbourne,” he said. “The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn spent the morning with staff and participants, learning about the extraordinary ministry and collaboration that takes place at 69 Bourke Street. Her Excellency demonstrated how care, kindness and respect are at the centre of her role. We are blessed to have her as our Governor-General.” One program that the Governor-General observed was a Salvos Schools initiative called the Homelessness City Tour. This runs as a two-hour session in which school students are invited to attend a classroom component where stereotypes about homelessness are challenged, and students are encouraged to respond to the issue of homelessness with compassion and learn about the support The Salvation Army provides. In the second hour, students are led on a walk around Melbourne CBD, visiting locations where people have slept rough in the past, and their stories are shared with consent. National Schools Engagement Manager for TSA Grace Davidson said the visit was timely, as that day, Year 9 students were working on a project where they had to choose some of the social issues they could observe in the city and develop a written response to them. “It was a wonderful opportunity for Her Excellency to see firsthand how students are engaging with community issues and developing compassion through the program,” Grace said. Grace said when the Governor-General arrived, the students were working on a scenario-based activity. “I think that was a really great activity for [Her Excellency] to come in [during] because it was about elevating student voices, and pushing past stereotypes and digging deeper to come to a place of compassion,” she said. Grace said the following activity involved students having to guess how common each form of homelessness was in Australia. The key takeaway for students was that even though rough sleeping might be the most visible form of homelessness, it only accounts for roughly six per cent of the total of those experiencing homelessness across the country. She said the program was a thoughtfully designed workshop that encouraged students to explore issues critically and bring their own perspectives into the classroom, rather than simply being presented with information. “[Her Excellency] got to see us provide this really holistic engagement,” Grace said. Grace said the Governor-General was also able to share a heartfelt message with the students as well, which included her focus on the importance of community. “What stood out to me, was that the Governor-General really values community and the voices of young people, because when she asked for back and forth and contributions, she was so with them. It was so reciprocal. She heard what they had to say,” Grace said. “For Salvos Schools, it was a really wonderful opportunity to share what we do, and to welcome her to observe how we are investing in the next generation and working to build compassionate, social justice-focused opportunities for young people to step into that space and to grow. “The young people already have those skills and interests and talents, but we’re meeting them where they’re at.” Project 614 staff shared in a Facebook post that the team were “incredibly honoured” to welcome the Governor-General of Australia to the site. “It was a privilege to showcase the vital work being done across our community – supporting those experiencing hardship, providing hope, and creating pathways to a better future. The visit highlighted the importance of compassion, connection, and collaboration in strengthening our community,” the team wrote. “We’re grateful for the recognition of our team, volunteers and partners, whose dedication makes a real difference every day. Together, we continue to stand with those in need and work towards lasting change.” All images supplied.

Allira Fry (front, crouching) and the Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee celebrate young people in the community with a Youth NAIDOC Ball. BY JULIA HOSKING The Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee – like so many others around the country – is passionate about celebrating and sharing their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements. They hope to continue raising awareness of NAIDOC Week and to create events that bring the whole community together in a positive and inclusive way. They are also passionate about creating opportunities for young people to feel proud of and connected to their culture. Many Salvation Army employees and volunteers are members of the Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee: Laurel Baxter, Bayden Clayton, Cree Clayton, Allira Fry and Keely Teariki. The Salvation Army Swan Hill Corps leaders, Major Rob Champion and his wife Wendy, are also big supporters of all NAIDOC events. Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee member Allira Fry, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Worker at Swan Hill Corps (Vic.), located on Wamba Wemba Country, shares her thoughts on NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme – ’50 Years of Deadly’. Why is NAIDOC Week important to you? NAIDOC Week is an important time for our community to come together to celebrate our culture, and to recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a way to honour our Elders and those who paved the way before us. Celebrating NAIDOC Week is also a chance to educate, connect and build stronger relationships across the wider community. NAIDOC creates pride, healing and unity while also keeping our culture alive for our future generations. How can the 2026 NAIDOC theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, capture the spirit of your community? The theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’ reflects the strength, resilience and pride within our community. In Swan Hill, we have many deadly people who continue to lead, support and inspire others through culture, community, work, sport, youth leadership and family connections. The theme captures the spirit of our community by celebrating our past achievements while continuing to empower our next generation to be proud of where they have come from. What has been your deadliest moment, or memory of NAIDOC celebrations gone by? One of the deadliest moments for our community was bringing back the Debutant Ball in 2024 after 12 years. It's a tradition that will now be held every two years. It is a special event that brings families and community together to celebrate our young people, aged 16 upwards, and our Elders. It creates pride for us. Hosting the first Youth NAIDOC Ball was also a highlight, as the younger generation felt recognised and celebrated for their achievements throughout the year. Seeing the community come together to support and uplift our youth was something very meaningful and memorable. What is your hope for NAIDOC celebrations in the next 50 years? Our hope for the next 50 years is that NAIDOC continues to grow stronger each year, with more community involvement, showing our culture pride towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We hope future generations continue to stay connected to culture, language and country as well as to feel empowered to lead their communities. We also hope NAIDOC celebrations continue bringing all people together in respect, understanding and unity. Learn more about The Salvation Army’s commitment to recognising the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by reading our Reconciliation Action Plan here For more information on NAIDOC Week and to download resources, click here

Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (6-12 July) we pray for The Salvation Army in the Spain and Portugal Territory. This territory has 37 officers (29 active, 8 retired); 3 cadets; 1 Envoy; 15 corps; 563 senior soldiers; 75 adherents; 90 junior soldiers; 13 employees Commissioners Colonels Wilson and Nara Strasse lead the territory. Some of the territory’s officers, leaders and senior soldiers. The work of the Spain and Portugal Territory includes: · Homelessness services · Support for older people · Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Praise points: · For the Territorial Men’s Camp held in May, where 70 men shared unforgettable moments of fellowship, Bible study and reflection on God’s Word, being encouraged to remain firm on the Rock. · For the children, youth and teenagers’ gatherings that are being carried out successfully, bringing spiritual growth and encouragement to the younger generations. · For the Parents’ School program, with the participation of parents from the communities where the corps are established, and for the positive fruits that are already being seen. · For the new young soldiers who have been enrolled recently, which shows the fruit of the work carried out over previous years. · For the positive reception and participation in the online workshops for territorial volunteers. · For the enrolments of soldiers that have taken place during the first part of this year. · For the Women’s Ministries groups that remain active and continue to grow. · For the two volunteers serving as NCP (National Contact Persons) SAP for MSHTR (Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response), and for the early stages of work being carried forward through the networks in each country. · For those who continue to show interest in serving as Salvation Army officers. · For our officers, National Director, technical staff and co-workers who faithfully carry out the ministry of care and service in the institutions throughout Portugal, with great commitment and dedication towards every individual and their families. · For the local response and social impact represented by each of our institutions in Portugal, that they may continue to be recognised as trustworthy organisations with a strong and positive reputation within their communities. · For the opportunities God grants us to make visible a Salvation Army that serves and loves others, and for his provision of resources to meet every challenge. · For the work carried out over the past years under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonels Karina and Rafael Giusti. Four of the territory’s 90 junior soldiers. Prayer Requests: · For the summer children’s camps, that the Gospel may be presented with excellence and that many children will accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord. · For effective discipleship of children throughout the territory, ensuring a present generation actively involved in ministry and a future generation of strong, local leadership. · For the Territorial Youth Camp, that the invited guests may be Spirit-filled individuals who can inspire, encourage and motivate our young people through the Word of God, and that there would be a movement of holiness and power in their lives. · For the Women’s Ministries training sessions for local officers, W.M. leaders, and future leaders. And, for the special guests leading the different topics, that these opportunities may strengthen commitment and encourage the development of outreach groups across the territory. · For the four people currently in the candidate process within the territory, that God will sustain and guide them while we await everything being ready for them to begin training in 2027. · For the new Strategic Plan for 2027-2030, that God will guide every idea and objective so that the work in SAP may continue to grow and flourish. · We pray that God will continue calling people to officership, as the territory is facing a shortage of personnel to fill several appointments. · For wisdom and strength to continue providing social support successfully and with excellence, grounded in the Christian identity of our organisation, sharing our biblical principles through our care and service, and in partnership with government agencies and institutions. · For a smooth and blessed transition for the new territorial Leaders, Colonels Wilson and Nara Strasse. To find out more about the Spain and Portugal Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Auxiliary-Lieutenant Colin Sampson (right) with students from Concordia College. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE A Salvation Army corps in the inner-southern suburbs of Adelaide recently collaborated with a private school to raise funds for the Red Shield Appeal. Concordia College in Highgate has had a long-standing relationship with personnel from nearby Unley Corps, where Auxiliary-Lieutenant Colin Sampson is currently Corps Officer. Recently, Concordia College conducted its yearly Sleepout to raise funds for the Digital Doorknock as part of the Red Shield Appeal, and raised more than $7000 through the event, which also included a bake sale and donut sale. For every $500 raised, school staff and Year 12 student leaders had slime poured over them, and with the team exceeding its targets this year, Colin was also slimed. Colin Sampson after being slimed. Image: Supplied Colin said the corps’ relationship with the Concordia team went beyond fundraising, with students from the college volunteering with corps programs and Colin offering religious education at the school and running chapel services twice a year. He said some students were wanting to be even more involved in the faith and spirituality aspects of the corps, with talk of some putting together a choir for Christmas time. “They understand where we [The Salvation Army] are coming from, and not only does it give people an understanding of why we do what we do and why as Christians we really care for this community, but it also sets us up in the future to have people who want to either volunteer, donate or become members of the Salvos,” Colin said. Colin said some of the students were also asking to learn raw data about disadvantage in the local community, and corps leaders were looking to meet this request in age-appropriate ways. “Being able to talk to them about that has been really powerful. And we’re seeing some really, really good, long-lasting relationships [forming in the community],” he said. Concordia College staff announced the results of the fundraiser on the school’s Instagram account, thanking everyone who had contributed. “Our Student Leaders did a wonderful job arranging a special non-uniform day at Concordia Campus, complete with a lunchtime ‘sliming’ event, with more staff being dunked with slime for every $500 raised. To conclude the event, the Year 12 Student Leaders also had their turn getting slimed for charity. In the end, were thrilled to surpass our $5,000 goal, raising over $7,000 for this worthy cause,” the team announced. The Salvation Army Unley Corps will also soon collaborate in an additional Sleepout to raise funds for services alongside Scotch College, another school in nearby Torrens Park.

The Salvation Army’s response in Venezuela is expanding, with teams reaching multiple affected areas. The Salvation Army’s response in Venezuela is continuing to grow, with teams reaching multiple affected communities. They have been distributing essential relief items and offering practical, emotional and spiritual support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. The Salvation Army’s Regional Coordinator, Captain Edicson Sánchez, said: “In the most difficult moments, when communities are facing the pain and devastation caused by disasters, our mission becomes even stronger. Today, more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to serve without discrimination and to be a beacon of hope in the midst of recovery.” With thanks to donations from Canada, USA, France, the Netherlands, Norway and other partnerships, The Salvation Army is now preparing to scale up assistance with the United Nations, local authorities and other organisations on the ground. Next steps include further targeted distributions in underserved areas, ongoing community mapping and needs assessments, participation in UN coordination meetings and development of a larger International Emergency Services-supported response project. Latest government figures report that more than 2295 people have died, with more than 40,000 still missing as of 30 June. Ministry of Health reports indicate that 11,267 people have been injured, while UNOCHA has reported that 15,800 people have been directly affected and 6400 rescued. Practical help on the ground The Salvation Army teams have reached approximately 160 affected individuals across central Caracas, the Historic City Centre, Lecuna Avenue, Bolivar Avenue, Nuevo Circo and surrounding communities and have distributed personal hygiene items and basic relief supplies. Essential food supplies including flour, sugar, rice, canned tuna and other items have also been distributed. In addition, the teams have provided much-needed spiritual care, prayer and encouragement to individuals and families who are dealing with exhaustion, grief and uncertainty. In the Kilometro 24 community in El Junquito, where families are living in temporary shelters, teams have distributed essential supplies including flour, sugar, rice and canned tuna. Storage and distribution operations have been established through Diego Pilar School complementing activities based at Emmanuel Church. Further needs assessments have been carried out in communities around the church currently hosting the response team. Donated items have been unloaded and sorted from a container shipment and the teams have taken part in coordination meetings with other organisations operating in the area. Salvation Army teams are working alongside Civil Protection and rescue teams, providing much-needed meals, hot drinks and hygiene kits to frontline responders who are working long hours clearing rubble. Challenges remain Access across Caracas remains difficult, with congestion, road closures and restricted movement around the main collapse area continuing to affect operations. Flights are now landing in Valencia, around two to three hours from the team’s base, adding further logistical challenges. Ongoing aftershocks also remain a concern. On 1 July, a 4.1 magnitude tremor affected the airport in Caracas. Teams continue to operate under heightened alert while monitoring seismic activity and its impact on communities and response work. A ministry of presence and hope The humanitarian situation remains deeply challenging. Many communities are living with fear, uncertainty and displacement, while large numbers of families remain separated from loved ones who are still missing. Needs are significant across all age groups, including children, older people and vulnerable individuals. Next steps include further targeted distributions in underserved areas, ongoing community mapping and needs assessments, participation in UN coordination meetings and development of a larger International Emergency Services-supported response project. The Salvation Army remains deeply grateful for continued prayers and support. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, families still waiting for news, responders and volunteers working in difficult conditions, and for wisdom, protection and strength for all involved.