Oasis Ball Sleepout participants before bunking down in the WA Divisional Headquarters carpark. National Youth Week in Australia in 2025 is being held from 9-17 April with the theme ‘We are the future, and the future is now!’ BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Western Australia Divisional Headquarters recently hosted the inaugural Oasis Ball Sleepout in its Perth carpark, raising more than $60,000 to support The Salvation Army’s Youth Services in WA.   About 50 participants from media and advertising businesses gathered for the sleepout event on Friday, March 28. The event provided an experience of homelessness and an understanding of its human impact.   “Nearly 40,000 children and young people have nowhere to live across Australia ... around 9500 are aged between 15-17,” says Guy Rees, Social Mission State Manager from The Salvation Army.  Oasis Ball Sleepout participants were tasked with raising $500 each to support The Salvation Army’s services aimed at assisting homeless youth across Australia.   The Salvation Army Oasis Project, supported by the funds raised, provides crisis support, transitional housing, and pathways into community housing and private rental for young people.   “Over 30 per cent of the children and young people (experiencing homelessness) identify as First Nations,” Guy said. “These 40,000 children and young people have presented at homelessness services across the country with over 44 per cent accessing homelessness services are still homeless after initial support.” The Salvation Army mobile catering vehicle provided refreshments for participants during the sleepout. Participants at the sleepout heard from a person with lived experience of homelessness. They were then led on a tour of the hotspots within the CBD, concluding with a visit to The Beacon.   The Beacon is The Salvation Army’s largest residential homelessness facility in Australia, a 116-bed accommodation facility for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Participants also got to experience the services provided by the Salvos Outreach Service Team.   “WA youth service provides invaluable holistic support to children and young people experiencing these challenges,” Guy explained.   “We provide crisis support, transitional housing and pathways into community housing and private rental, education and training. Our model of care 'journey to independence' enables us to walk alongside young people, meeting them where they are and journeying together to a safe and brighter future.”   The Salvos appreciated a visit from Hon John Carey MLA and Crown Resorts Foundation, which made a further donation for each participant.   The original goal was $30,000, but nearly $61,000 has been raised. Those wanting to support the campaign can contribute online .

To read the Appointment Change Bulletin, click here

Each week throughout 2025 year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week ( 14-20 April ) we are praying for Holy Week. Prayers for Holy Week Welcome to Holy Week. This week, we take a pause from a normal rhythm of prayer as we journey towards the cross. Join with Salvationists around the world as we remember Christ’s sacrifice, embrace his grace and walk in the hope of his resurrection. You may want to use these written prayers: ·   Monday: Lord, as we begin this Holy Week, help us to walk in humility and obedience, just as you did. When challenges arise, give us the strength to trust in your plan and the grace to follow wherever you lead. ·   Tuesday:  Jesus, in a world full of distractions and temptations, open our hearts to your truth. Help us to recognise what is right, stand firm in faith, and boldly live as your disciples, even when it is difficult. ·   Wednesday:  Lord, cleanse our hearts of anything that betrays your love. Free us from selfishness, doubt, and fear so that we may remain faithful to you in all circumstances. ·   Maundy Thursday:  Jesus, as you knelt to wash the feet of your disciples, you showed us that love is found in humility and service. Teach us to love as you love, to serve as you serve, and to give of ourselves generously to others. ·   Good Friday:  Lord, today we stand at the foot of your cross, overwhelmed by the depth of your sacrifice. Thank you for your boundless mercy and love – may our lives be a reflection of the grace you poured out for us. ·   Holy Saturday:  In the stillness of this day, when the world waited in silence, teach us to trust in you even when we cannot see the way forward. Fill us with patient hope as we await the joy of resurrection. ·   Easter Sunday:  Jesus, you are risen! Death is defeated and love has triumphed! Fill our hearts with the joy of your resurrection and the power of your Spirit, that through our words and our actions, we may share the Good News with the world. Worldwide Prayer Meeting This Holy Week, we invite you to pray for our movement: ·  Thank God for the incredible sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his glorious resurrection. Pray that our people will truly grasp the depth of Christ’s love for them and the power of his victory over sin and death. Pray that this Easter will lead us to greater gratitude, sincere worship and deeper commitment to following Jesus in all areas of life. ·  Pray for The Salvation Army to stay centred on Christ, so that all we do flows from his love. Ask God to help us reflect his heart to the world. ·  Pray for our faith to be strengthened so we can stand firm and serve boldly. Ask God to help us trust him no matter what we face. ·  Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our movement, that our people will experience deep spiritual renewal and be filled with fresh passion for mission. ·  Pray for courage and boldness to share the message of Christ’s love and resurrection, especially during this Easter season. Ask God to open hearts and prepare the way for people to receive the gospel. May we be empowered to witness fearlessly and compassionately, reaching those who need to hear the hope of salvation through Jesus with our words and actions. ·  Pray for Easter campaigns, worship gatherings and outreach events that will take place all over the world this week. Pray for lasting fruit from these ministries as many are led to faith and renewed in their walk with God. May his presence be evident in every gathering and may the love of Jesus be shared with those in need of hope. ·  Pray for The Salvation Army to be a light in dark places. Ask Jesus to use us to bring the message of hope, justice, and salvation to all. ·       Pray for people living in places of war and conflict, that they may know God’s peace and love for them. Ask God to bring healing, justice, and an end to violence. For the Holy Week and Easter reflections, Raise!, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Singer-songwriter Ronan Keating and his band performed for The Salvation Army to promote the upcoming Red Shield Appeal. BY LAUREN MARTIN Irish singer/songwriter Ronan Keating performed an intimate concert for a small group of Salvation Army workers, volunteers and community members in Sydney recently as part of his support for the Army’s upcoming Red Shield Appeal.   The concert, which was filmed, included a question-answer session in which Ronan spoke about his judging spot on Australia’s The Voice , the importance of kindness, and why he’s passionate about the work of The Salvation Army.   “Many people in this room have suffered and struggled, and I hope people have been there for them. I know The Salvation Army is that for so many people. Which is why it’s such a recognisable brand ... why it’s a brand people lean on and need,” he said. NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black thanks Ronan Keating for his performance for the Salvos. He spoke about the recent death of his brother, which impacted him greatly, saying that through it, he discovered the importance of being weak. “You shouldn’t be strong in those moments; you need to be weak. Because if you don’t learn from what you’re going through and if you don’t deal with your grief, you’re never going to be able to deal with the weight and the sadness.”   He said the Salvos assist people in many ways and that the organisation is needed “more now than ever.”   The Salvation Army filmed the concert and will air clips from it and Ronan’s interview on its national social media pages. The event also generated positive news coverage for the Salvos. Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the concert.

All Salvation Army officers are occasionally called on to do something that is way, way, way outside their position description. We do it as part of our service to God and to others, and then we sit back and think, “What on Earth was I thinking?”   At one corps, I received a phone call one afternoon from an elderly single lady at our corps – let’s call her Kate – who lived just a minute’s drive away from the hall. Kate was quite frantic and said that there was a snake in her backyard. Could I come and kill it? She was worried that her dog would go outside and be bitten by the snake. Apparently, Kate wasn’t too worried that her corps officer might be bitten by a snake, just the dog.   I told her I’d be there in a moment and grabbed our youth worker, Jim, on the way out, telling him to come with me. On the drive, he asked what we were doing, and I told him we were going to confront a low-down, filthy, dangerous snake. Jim said, ”Anyone I know?”   We arrived at Kate’s house and went in. She showed us through to the backyard and pointed out where she’d last seen the snake. She said that she occasionally had one come up from the river behind her house. She said it only looked small, maybe two feet long (sorry, young folks, 60cm), and she couldn’t identify what sort of snake it was.   Jim and I approached cautiously and could just glimpse the snake behind a piece of wood resting against the fence. I took charge quickly … because I wanted to be at the opposite end of any potential snake action (sorry, Jim).   “Alright, Jim. We leave the wood there because it means he can only exit front or back. I’ll thump the ground with my shovel at this end to shut off the exit, and then he’ll have to leave out your end. When he does, whack your shovel straight down on him.”   Jim: “Doesn’t it say in the Bible that in faith we can pick up serpents in our hands?” Mal: “Do you want to hug it or whack it with a shovel?” Jim: “You’re my spiritual leader; let’s swap ends and you can pick it up. I believe in you.” Mal: “The Bible also says we have authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, so feel free to jump on it if you want to.” Jim: “I’ll stick with the shovel.”   We readied ourselves; I did a silent ‘1,2,3’ count and slammed my shovel down. In a blur, the snake bolted straight down the fence line and was gone. Leaving Jim whacking his shovel down all over the place to try and get him.   We looked around a bit but assumed the snake had headed back to the river – that was the direction he went in – and that Kate and the dog were all safe. After chatting with Kate, we departed, and no further reports of the snake were made. Clearly, our efforts to intimidate the snake had succeeded.   On the way back to the hall, Jim asked if we were allowed to kill a snake anyway. I said that we weren’t and that God had protected us from facing potential legal action by allowing the snake to escape our cunning plan. Jim said, “But what if I had killed the snake with my shovel?”, and I replied that I was just doing some gardening for Kate with a shovel and couldn’t be implicated in his deadly and illegal actions. Jim told me I was craftier than a snake. I said while that may be so, he was so slow with a shovel that I had nothing to fear.   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

The Salvation Army is helping to meet the needs of earthquake-impacted families in Myanmar. Measuring 7.7 on the Richter Scale, the Myanmar earthquake was the largest in the country for more than 100 years. The death toll has passed 3600 and is still climbing. A situation report issued late on Monday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that more than 17.2 million people were living in affected areas, and urgently needed food, drinking water, health care, cash assistance and emergency shelter. From Yangon to Mandalay, Salvation Army teams have been assessing the situation and are committed to ensuring life-saving assistance reaches those in desperate need. They are delivering essentials including food, clean water, shelter and hygiene items. The team and leaders in Myanmar ask Salvationists around the world to continue to pray for those affected by the earthquake and the response teams. “Let’s unite in support of the people of Myanmar during these challenging times,” they say. For more photos, view the slideshow below by clicking on the arrow.

Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett officially opens the new Salvos housing project, Tandarook House.  (Photo courtesy of WD News Publications) BY LERISSE SMITH Exciting new transformative housing projects have emerged in Victoria, with Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) at the forefront of these innovative ventures. A former 10-bedroom aged care facility, known as ‘Tandarook House,’ has been transformed into six social housing units in south-western Melbourne. Meanwhile, a youth housing project is underway in the western metro region of the city and is due to open mid-year. The refurbished aged care units in Cobden, south-west Melbourne, provide safe and secure housing for people over the age of 55. Homes Victoria funded this $1.7 million redevelopment as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build initiative to grow social housing and support local economies. “Safe, secure and affordable housing is one of the most basic human needs,” says Chris Karagiannis, CEO of Salvation Army Housing. “Yet we see too many Victorians facing daily challenges accessing long-term housing in regional areas. We believe this project will help support vulnerable people in the region and provide them the opportunity to transform their lives and give them a place to call home.”  Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merritt (left), State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing Irena Baric, and Mission Engagement Officer Major Mark Kop, cut the ribbon at the official opening of Tandarook House. (Photo courtesy of WD News Publications) The Salvation Army is the largest provider of homelessness services in Australia. SAHV is a community housing organisation that provides homes for families and individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, on low incomes, or with specific support needs. Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett recently officially opened Tandarook House. “We welcome this much-needed project,” Kelvin said. “And the support of the Victorian Government to help address some of the daily difficulties our regional clients face in securing safe and affordable housing. Housing and support have always been central to The Salvation Army’s fight against hardship and injustice across Australia.” The SAHV acquired the aged care facility located in the Shire of Corangamite six years ago as part of an agreement with the Shire through a land swap with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to redevelop it for long-term social housing. The funding for the development was secured in 2022 and completed at the end of December last year. It was tenanted within six weeks.  (From left) Project Coordinator Connie Osborne, State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing Irena Baric, Housing Worker Rebecca Hughes, Warrnambool and Hamilton Corps Officer Major Brett Allchin, Salvos Housing Chief Executive Chris Karagiannis, Wimmera South West Manager Homelessness Lindsay Stow, and Salvos Housing General Manager Property Infrastructure Glen Plummer, at the Cobden property. Victorian Government Shadow Minister Richard Riordan visited the facility, expressing enthusiasm for the much-needed community initiative. The new facility provides a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and features a 7-star energy rating and a 5-star green rating. It aligns with accessibility standards in Sliver Level Liveable Housing Standards and NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Improved Liveability Standard. Additionally, the properties situated at the north-east end of the Tandarook Botanic Gardens also feature outdoor courtyards, encouraging tenants to immediately feel part of the heart of the rural township. Chris said finding affordable rental housing was even more challenging for aged pensioners who were single, with only 0.1 per cent of listings considered affordable, and thanked Colonel Kelvin Merrett and Mission Engagement Officer Mark Kop for their passionate support in making the project a reality and transforming lives. Furthermore, he thanked Program Delivery Manager Tuyet-Anh Le and Housing Worker Connie Osborne for their dedication to bringing the project to life and Salvation Army Emergency Services for catering at the official launch. Youth housing project underway Salvation Army Housing CEO Chris Karagiannis (right) and a group of delegates take a look at the exciting new youth housing facilities nearing completion in western Melbourne. The other exciting new SAHV venture, a two-townhouse youth-specific housing project, is due for completion soon and will provide stable housing for local young people. The properties in Melbourne’s MetroWest will cater for five residents in each home. A tenancy life program has also been implemented for young people to build extended life skills. The aim is for the young people to be self-sufficient and independent, said Irena Baric, State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing. She said SAHV always worked closely with The Salvation Army’s social mission stream and was excited the community could benefit from its new housing projects. “There’s never enough housing,” Irena remarked. “What Salvation Army housing does is social and affordable housing. It is only 25-30 per cent of someone’s total income that is charged towards rent. All of this highlights the power of community and the power of succeeding in partnership with The Salvation Army’s homelessness service and youth, and through external stakeholders. “It is only then that we can really bring our mission to life because we focus on social housing and people most in need. It is through the public community we are able to transform lives.” Walking through the incredible youth space, Chris said the Salvos housing team could already imagine the transformations that would take place, with young people finding stability, support, and a future full of possibilities. “These homes are more than just bricks and mortar,” he said. “They are a launchpad for brighter futures!” The youth housing project is nearing completion in Melbourne’s MetroWest..

Mayor Jerry Clune (left) and Corps Officer Captain Tim Size with the new cooking facilities at the Geraldton Salvos’ Emergency Accommodation Units. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The City of Greater Geraldton has funded new cooking facilities in The Salvation Army’s Emergency Accommodation Units in Western Australia.   Jerry Clune, Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton, offered the gift of a new stove to better support those needing a safe place to stay and a new start.   “We have crisis accommodation on site here, and we were doing up the kitchen in one of our units,” says Tim Size, Corps Officer of Geraldton Salvos. “I asked the mayor if he would be able to help us buy a stove, and he said he would be happy to help.”   The cooking facilities were funded through a discretionary fund, the request following a past site visit with the mayor.   The housing crisis has seen homelessness increase across the country. The need for accommodation is on the rise not only in the metro Perth area but also in the regional areas. Geraldton Salvos have worked for over a year to build relationships with the local council and city leaders in this time of need.   “The mayor saw the value of our crisis units and the way we can help people into more stable living,” Tim says.   “This type of intervention has a great value to the community. It is training people to be more valued members of the community with our support.”   READ MORE: Meet the Officer: Captain Tim Size The Salvation Army offers various services and housing for individuals facing homelessness in three regions of Western Australia: Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, and Geraldton. Geraldton Salvos and Christine Offer, Team Leader with the Emergency Accommodation Referral and Support Service, have welcomed this generous support.   “The mayor also expressed an interest in helping us again in the future,” says Tim. “A quote I used with him is that ‘communities are better working together’.”

The Green Light Project team in the red-light district of Athens is fighting against human trafficking and modern slavery and is seeing a positive impact on victim-survivors. The Salvation Army’s International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council has released its annual impact report, Embolden Hope . The digital report shines a light on The Salvation Army’s commitment to dismantling and responding to modern slavery and human trafficking and celebrates those at the heart of its response who, through their unwavering dedication, embolden hope in countless lives. “This report highlights the vastness of the work that is being done around the world and the incredible difference that is being made to bring freedom and hope to precious individuals,” writes Commissioner Kelvin Pethybridge, International Secretary for Administration and Personnel, International Headquarters, in the foreword. EMBOLDEN HOPE REPORT: To read the report click here The Salvation Army DNA The report shares that The Salvation Army’s first documented response to human trafficking was in 1885, long before the terms ‘modern slavery’ or ‘human trafficking’ were defined, when Salvation Army officers in London led a bold and successful campaign to change the age of consent from 13 to 16. The report also states how this early crusade “is a powerful reminder of how responding to modern slavery and human trafficking is woven into our DNA as a global church and charity”. It continues: “What began 139 years ago as a local response to the sexual exploitation of women and girls – restoring their God-given dignity – has since evolved into a global strategy committed to dismantling modern slavery and human trafficking holistically. Since ... 2020, we have journeyed alongside over 40,000 survivors and supported more than 100,000 vulnerable individuals across 134 countries. Each of these lives represents a story of resilience, courage and hope rekindled.” Figures representing the meaningful change happening in communities around the world are also included. In 2024, more than 165,500 people were vulnerable to modern slavery and human trafficking, and 14,552 survivors received support from The Salvation Army. Additionally, more than 12,000 community awareness events were organised. Stories of impact The report shares stories of global and local impact, showcasing the resilience of survivors, the strength in collaborating with other organisations and the steadfast dedication of those actively engaged in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. Here, we share G’s story, one of many inspiring accounts from Embolden Hope: G experienced much loss throughout her life. As a child, she became displaced during the genocide in Rwanda and lost her support network and family. As an adult, she followed prospects of a job overseas, but was exploited and became very unwell. She was supported by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that helped her to return home and be reunited with her daughter. The NGO contacted The Salvation Army’s national contact person (NCP) for modern slavery and human trafficking in Rwanda to identify support for G. G was referred to a specialist shelter to meet some of her basic needs on arrival and to access counselling. However, the shelter could only assist her for one month. The NCP developed a reintegration plan with G to meet some of her ongoing needs, and supported her in her ambition to set up a hair salon, in which she had previous experience. G shares: “The Salvation Army was incredibly helpful in providing me with the materials to start my salon. They provided me with a grant to rent a house for three months and paid for my health insurance. They continued to offer support and guidance throughout the process of starting and running my salon. They encouraged me and helped me to stay focused and motivated.” The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory’s Beyond Programme provided funds for G to set up the salon. G has been successfully running the salon for more than six months, and her customer base is growing, giving her enough income to pay the rent and meet her basic needs. To help with ongoing future requirements, G is also saving through a local savings group. G has access to free health care now and peer support. The Salvation Army continues to encourage her in her journey of reintegration as she dreams of getting a bigger salon to meet the demand. The NCP reflects: You cannot believe the G we met initially with the G we see now – she is a different person." The Salvation Army observes her resilience and determination in this challenging and ongoing process of reintegration, and has welcomed working in partnership with different organisations across borders seeking to support her. A global problem More than 65 million people are enslaved across the world today. The Salvation Army adopts a holistic approach to modern slavery and human trafficking that addresses the underlying social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability and exploitation and drives community-led efforts to counter modern slavery and human trafficking in the 134 countries in which it serves. The International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council comprises global Salvation Army representatives. It releases an impact report annually. The 2023 report and more information are available here . Further enquiries can be addressed to Priscilla Santos, International Coordinator, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response, IHQ ( priscilla.santos@salvationarmy.org ).

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Lorraine, click here

(From left): Aux-Lieut Bryan Bartlett, then-Area Officer Major Dean Clarke, Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Councillor Chris Hanna and Aux-Lieut Debbie Bartlett in front of the new Cooma Community of Hope. BY LAUREN MARTIN   When Auxiliary-Lieutenants Bryan and Debbie Bartlett were appointed to the NSW Snowy Mountains town of Cooma in January 2024, they arrived at a location without a building. Since then, God has been directing their hearts towards an unmet need.   When the Bartletts moved to town, the Salvation Army was celebrating its 70th anniversary since Major and Mrs. Gordon Fletcher arrived in Cooma to begin operations in the district with the Snowy Mountains Field Unit.   The Army did have an earlier flurry of ministry way back in 1887 when Captain H.B. Steven rolled The Salvation Army Cavalry Fort ‘Aggressive’ into town, with ‘converts rapidly increasing in number’, according to the then Salvation Army publication Full Salvation . But the fire didn’t last, and the Bartletts took on a ministry that really got underway in the 1950s, with the first corps building opening in 1959.   Over the past five years, it has been identified that the physical distance between the Cooma Corps building and the main areas of Salvation Army mission and ministry was creating a barrier to effective ministry.   The former corps leaders, Auxiliary-Lieutenants Anthony Barford and Sandra Mortimer, took on the project of relocating The Salvation Army’s presence from an outer suburban property into the heart of Cooma township – in a building right next door to the newly relocated Salvos Store.   The Cooma Community of Hope is located right next door to the town’s Salvos Store. COVID-19 lockdowns and building delays meant that the new Cooma Community of Hope wasn’t yet complete when they received farewell orders to Katherine in the Northern Territory.   Enter the Bartletts.   “The fact that the building wasn’t yet open gave us time to build some really good foundational contacts within the community,” said Bryan. “Which I don’t think we would have had if we were running programs straight up.” “We want Cooma Salvos to be a safe space, no matter your background, beliefs or life journey – if you are in crisis, then this is a safe place for you and a listening ear.”   It also gave them space to pray, dream and ask God to give them a vision for what he was planning for Cooma Salvation Army.   “Debbie and I believe that we are called to the marginalised,” said Bryan. “If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us.” But what did that calling look like in Cooma?   During a strategy day, the Bartletts’ then-Area Officer, Major Dean Clarke, mentioned ‘Empowered Faith Communities’ – an organisation passionate about assisting churches in developing faith communities with people on the margins. The Empowered Faith Communities website says these communities are centred on “community gatherings in and amongst people living in poverty. Empowerment is central to the model, underpinned by proven principles for sustainable, long-term human flourishing.”   This spoke directly to Bryan and Debbie’s hearts, and they contacted the organisation and attended an information session. They have since had an opportunity to visit a practising Empowered Faith Community at Rosebud in Victoria, which runs in partnership with the local Baptist Church.   “We want Cooma Salvos to be a safe space, no matter your background, beliefs or life journey – if you are in crisis, then this is a safe place for you and a listening ear.” Auxiliary-Lieutenant Debbie Bartlett speaks at the opening of the Cooma Community of Hope. Fast-forward a few months, and Bryan and Debbie are in full swing with their Empowered Faith Community Training, and the new Cooma Salvos Community of Hope building has opened its doors! The opening, in December 2024, was attended by community members, people from other local services, staff and volunteers from Salvos Stores and Employment Plus. The Cooma Community of Hope is now open four days per week, offering financial assistance through SAL Connect, referrals, and a welcoming place where people can chat, relax, play games and have a cuppa. “We have a lot of community support workers here in Cooma and there are not a lot of places to take their clients. We have one worker coming in regularly with his client just for coffee and a chat,” says Bryan. “Other people are just walking in off the street wanting to know what we’re doing. We are having some great conversations.”   At this stage, Bryan and Debbie believe the Empowered Faith Community, to be launched next year, will be held on a weeknight and centre around a meal and what Bryan calls “couch church”. Former Cooma Corps Officer, retired Major Louise Nicholson, attended the official opening of the new Cooma Community of Hope in December 2024. Several people within the community and members of other churches have expressed a desire to be involved. The Bartletts would love to see members from all of the different churches in the town of 7500 people come together to support the Empowered Faith Community, which will be held on a day different to the traditional Sunday worship and positioned towards people in the community who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional church setting.   “We are wanting to create a safe, healthy place for people to belong,” said Bryan. “Everyone can be part of that.”

The 10 adherents enrolled at Kwinana on Sunday 6 April alongside Colonel Winsome Merrett (far left), Captain Dean Hill (holding flag), Major Andrew Jarvey (Southern WA Area Officer) and Major Scott Ellery (Kwinana Corps Officer) . BY DEAN SIMPSON Kwinana Salvos have welcomed 10 new adherents into membership of the thriving corps in southern Perth (WA). Corps Officer Major Scott Ellery conducted the enrolment ceremony while Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett presented the certificates and congratulated the corps’ newest members.   Adherents are Christians who pledge to support their local Salvation Army corps, declare their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, and seek to follow him. They participate in worship, fellowship, and service at a local Salvation Army corps, identifying with the mission of the Salvation Army. The new adherents at Kwinana are Rosie Teasdale, Angela Jackson, Suzie Stan-Bishop,  Joan Barrett, Debbie Whale, Kathy Crombie, Julian Crombie, Marlene Humphreys, Vern Owen and Carol Russell. “Colonel Winsome Merrett was across from Victoria and requested to special at a corps here in WA,” Scott said. “Kwinana was blessed to be chosen, and we took the opportunity to enrol the adherents.   “During a Sunday meeting a few weeks previously, I had opened the opportunity for anyone interested in exploring membership within The Salvation Army Kwinana to attend a Membership Afternoon.   “At the afternoon, we discussed the two avenues of membership – Adherency and Soldiership – and explored the wonderful missional organisation that they were considering officially joining.   “Several of the people who became adherents are considering exploring soldiership and will take part in a five-week discovery series in the coming weeks. Another two people are intending on becoming adherents but were unable to attend on the day.” “It was incredibly moving to hear from new members about the divine guidance that brought them to the church.”   Among those who shared their stories with the congregation were Rosie and Julian.   Rosie spoke about how proud her father would have been of her joining the Salvation Army. Although he wasn’t a Christian, Rosie said, he highly respected The Salvation Army's support and engagement with soldiers during the war.   Julian spoke about the powerful leading of the Holy Spirit, which guided him and his family to move from Tasmania to WA and engage with The Salvation Army “just up the street from his new home”. He never thought that he’d be a Salvo, he said, but loves the Christ-centred, Spirit-led, missional heart of the Army. Area Officer Major Andrew Jarvey and Faith Communities Development Secretary Major Dianne Jarvey also attended the service. During the enrolment ceremony, Andrew prayed a prayer of blessing, echoing the reassuring words of Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “It was incredibly moving to hear from new members about the divine guidance that brought them to the church,” Dianne said. “They shared their excitement about how they believe God has a unique plan for them through the Salvos. Great days ahead here at Kwinana.”