Spiritual Life Director Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane is convening a series of drop-in online hangouts where Salvos can pray, encourage each other and learn new missional skills.  BY LAUREN MARTIN*   The Territorial Spiritual Life Development team has launched a series of online ‘meetups’ for personnel, volunteers and corps members, designed to ‘spiritually unite and invigorate all Salvos in their faith and mission’.   Called Jesus Matters , the bi-monthly ‘lunchtime’ meetings are held online (from midday) and run for 45 minutes.   They are centred around The Salvation Army being ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and hope revealed’ and cover a time of sharing vision, supporting each other, learning new skills and prayer.   “Jesus Matters  was created to offer everyone an opportunity for intentional prayer, faith-building, and spiritual alignment with God’s mission,” said Spiritual Life Director and convenor of the meetings, Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane.   The first Jesus Matters meetup was held on 25 February and featured Australia’s Territorial Commander, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, sharing about the key areas of growth for The Salvation Army, known as ‘The Big 5’ – Discipleship, Evangelism, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, and Salvos on Mission.   Rosy shared about The Salvation Army’s Spiritual Life team’s commitment to listening to God and people, especially through the divisional listening forums that have taken place over the past year (with two more divisions still to come).   A skills section with Major Tracey Davies encouraged participants to practise stopping to ‘Pause, Notice, and Listen’ for God’s direction during our busy days.  One participant, Alison Falliaze, from Marion Corps in South Australia, shared her personal response to this teaching, saying: “Pause, Notice, and Listen was so profound. It helped me immensely and is going to be such a practical tool in my everyday now.”   The next Jesus Matters meetup will be held on 15 April. You do not need a Salvation Army email address to join. To find out how you can take part, click here .   *Content also supplied by Aux-Lieut Rosy Keane

The diverse range of outfits at Merri-bek Salvos on Self Denial Sunday. Image: The Merri-bek City Salvos Facebook page. A church in the inner suburbs of Melbourne celebrated Self Denial Sunday with a special multicultural church service. Attendees at Merri-Bek City Salvos wore cultural dress from Nigeria, India, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, with prayer and singing held in various languages. The Bible reading was delivered in both English and Mandarin. “Most importantly we took a special offering to assist countries in need and spent time wandering prayer stations as we considered the contrast between our lives and others around the globe,” the corps leaders stated on their Facebook page. Read more: Merri-bek Salvos share breakfast with MP The Merri-bek region is very culturally diverse. According to a document released by Merri-bek City Council in 2022, 47.7 per cent of residents in the region had both parents born overseas. To find out more about Self Denial 2025, see here .

The Salvation Army has marked World Health Day (7 April) by giving thanks for a special milestone – serving more than 1.5 million patients around the world.   Through hospitals, clinics, education, psycho-social support, and a range of medical services, including a specialised service at Melbourne’s Project 614 and a free healthcare program for those doing it tough in Glenorchy , Tasmania, The Salvation Army remains a significant provider of faith-based, integrated, high-quality care for the most vulnerable globally. The Salvation Army World Service Office is dedicated to improving global health for the most vulnerable.   Our mission? To provide faith-based support with a special focus on uplifting the poor and marginalised in our communities.

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 ( 7-13 April ] we are praying for the Southern Africa Territory.   The region is made up of 18,129 senior soldiers, 1357 adherents and 3947 junior soldiers. There are 164 corps, 64 outposts, 248 officers (152 active and 96 retired),  2 aux-captains, and 505 employees.   Commissioners Deise and Torben Eliasen lead the Southern Africa Territory.   Pray for Southern Africa Territory Praise points: ·       We thank God for the 10 young people who have committed to serving on the territorial mission team for 2025. ·       We give thanks for the eight cadets entering the college for officer training as part of the Keepers of the Covenant session. Prayer requests: ·  Territorial women's conference (10-13 July). Pray for women to encounter God in ways that renew their faith, strengthen their hearts and encourage their souls. ·  Territorial music camp (6-10 October). Pray for musicians to experience God’s presence, grow deeper in faith and use their gifts to glorify him. ·  Territorial Brengle (27-30 October). Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that leads to deeper holiness and a fierce love for Jesus. ·  People to offer themselves for full-time service. Pray for hearts to courageously answer God’s call to officership as the Holy Spirit continues to call people to full-time service. ·  Spiritual hunger and holy discontent. Pray for a longing for more of God that sparks revival, fuels bold change and ignites faith in every junior soldier, soldier, officer, corps and centre – a holy restlessness that refuses to settle for spiritual complacency. To find out more about the Southern Africa Territory, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

A different column this week, and, unlike others, none of it is mine. Here’s some favourite Christian jokes you can try out on friends, family and colleagues.   A Salvation Army officer was walking down the street one day when he noticed a small boy trying to reach a doorbell at a house. After watching the boy’s effort for some time, the officer walked up to the little fella, knelt next to him, smiled at him and reached up and rang the doorbell. The officer then said, “And what now, young man?”. And the boy said, “Now we run,” and he ran away.   An old preacher was dying. He sent a message for his accountant and lawyer to come to his home. When they arrived, he held out his hands and motioned for one to sit on each side of his bed. He held their hands, smiled and was silent. After a long pause, the accountant said, “Preacher, why did you ask us to come?” The preacher, still smiling and with his eyes closed and grasping their hands tightly, said: “Jesus died between two thieves, and that’s how I want to go too.”   A Salvation Army officer was asked to inform a man with a heart condition that he’d won one million dollars in a lottery. Everyone was afraid the shock would kill him, and he would die. The officer went to the man’s house and said, “Charles, what would you do if you won a million dollars?” Charles replied, “I would surely donate it all to your church.” The officer dropped dead.   One day in heaven, Jesus realised he hadn’t seen his earthly father, Joseph, for ages. He asked St Peter if he’d seen him around. Peter replied, “Sure, he likes to sit under a tree in the park.” Jesus strolled down to the park and saw an old man under a tree, carving a piece of wood. He approached the man and said, “You’re very handy with wood. Were you a carpenter?” The old man said, “Why yes, I was an excellent carpenter.” Jesus asked, “And did you have any children?” “Yes,” replied the old man, “I had one son. But I must admit, I wasn’t exactly his father. You see, he wasn’t conceived in the usual way. He was born as if by magic.” Excitedly, Jesus exclaimed, “Papa, it’s me! Your son!” The old man jumped to his feet and shouted. “Pinocchio!”   A Salvation Army officer and a Catholic priest had a car crash. Both cars were a mess, but they survived uninjured. The officer said: “It’s a miracle we survived. Perhaps this is God’s way of saying we should work more closely together and build mutual respect.” The priest replied, “Yes, I agree. And look, this bottle of wine in my car didn’t even break. Perhaps we should drink it to celebrate our good fortune.” He opened the bottle, took a few big swallows and passed it to the officer. The officer replied, “No thanks.” The priest said, “Oh, I forgot, you don’t drink.” The officer smiled and replied, “Well, that, and I’d rather wait until after the police arrive and do their report.”   Karen, the church gossip and self-appointed arbiter of the church’s morals, kept sticking her nose into other people’s business. The congregation tolerated her but only just. She went a little too far one Sunday, however, when she accused Bruce, a new member of the church, of being alcoholic because she’d seen his car parked in front of the town’s only hotel for a whole afternoon and evening. She said to Bruce, “Everyone knows what you’re doing. Everyone knows what you are doing in there!” Bruce looked at her and then silently walked away. That evening, he parked his car in front of Karen’s house … and left it there all night.   Did you hear about the agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac? He stayed up all night wondering if there really was a dog.   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? Alongside my husband [Lieut.] Shaun, our current mission and ministry field serving as corps officers finds us in Sunraysia, Victoria. (Almost the pinpoint location of a three-state borderline). This is a new appointment for us moving into the new area and role at the start of 2025. So, in essence, what I find satisfying in the appointment now would likely be a different answer in 12 months’ time. But being so fresh into the appointment and learning much about the local area and the people of our community – and jumping straight into what already is – also comes with seeing so much new potential, which can only enhance and continue doing what God has already started in this place. This also might sound like an oxymoron statement, but the fact that we still see brokenness, injustice and people in the community living without God means that we are in the right place. A place where we can continue to show God’s love and compassion and see lives transformed for the Kingdom. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Ah, yes, the possibilities vs the realities of time away from the appointment can be found and enjoyed. I’m a firm believer that ministry starts at home before you walk out the front door. And home for me at the moment is my husband, two-year-old daughter, Hannah, and baby #2 just around the corner (and who knows, by the time this is published, I may have a snuggling little babe in my arms!). We love to make use of our day off to find family adventures and make memories, honouring the precious time we have as we grow our family. When we honour and respect this time ministering to our family, we ultimately are sowing seeds into our community as they watch on and see the characteristics of Christ in our example, which then creates and fosters an intimate opening for those we minister alongside and to. But if I were to answer this also for me personally as an individual, I love to sit in a creative space but not limited to one specific craft, etc. Sometimes it might be the rhythmic motion of the crochet hook weaving a single strand of yarn into a gift of warmth and comfort. Sometimes, it will be repurposing objects and giving them a new life, and other times it will be messy. But in the clean-up process, as long as I remind myself of the joy found in the making of it, is all worth it. This or finding treasures whilst thrift shopping. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? This is a very hard question, and the more I think about it to nail it down to one song, the more and more great songs keep adding themselves to my list. In saying that, I can see at least three common themes from the great list. I love music/songs with a Celtic sound. Some great ones from this Celtic worship space are the Keith and Kristyn Getty and the wonderful Rend Collective Band. I love songs that give us encouragement on the uneven roads. Life, in general, before addition in any form of ministering, isn’t the smoothest road – so listening to songs like ‘Hallelujah Anyway’ (Rend Collective), ‘Glory on the Otherside’ (Nuel/Redman) and ‘Great is His Faithfulness’ (Charity Gayle) all present the challenges of life but are a reminder that when we go with God, there will be life and there can be praise. And last, but not least, I find I gravitate more to the songs that speak who God is and what we can do/bring to Him through our worship and life, rather than the songs that speak first about what we get from God. 4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? Once again, there is a plethora of options one could choose from with this question! My mind mostly gravitates towards many of the inspiring women of the Bible. But maybe towards the top of my list would be one that may not be seen as inspirational than others – Martha, the one who was rebuked and told she wasn’t doing things the right way. I think I’d ask her if she ever did find the balance of service and doing and sitting in the presence and teachings of Jesus and living a devoted life. But I would also encourage her that, on one hand, she wasn’t completely wrong in her doing either. If we keep in mind the cultural and societal expectations of the day, that they had the VIPs in their house, and that she is a mere human, then she didn’t do anything wrong. But if we keep in mind, on the other hand, the lesson of Scripture that God needed us to hear, know and practise of stepping away from expectations of others, and to give him our full devotion, which then provides the wisdom and clarity for what is to come. In her ‘wrongdoing,’ she actually provided key instruction and education by her actions to a world of people to come after her time. God truly has been able to use Martha’s example for His good. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Know your calling and stand firm. If you know you have been called by God to live a life building His Kingdom via the form of officership, then do it and don’t delay. Yes, there are and will be days along the way where you question yourself why? But there will be harder days ahead for you if you know you are called. Don’t do anything with it and see God work through others what he had intended for you. And if this is for you, remember that first day/moment you felt/knew your calling. This will help you stand firm and see you through. And as honest as I’m being in acknowledging the rough days ahead in ones calling, there is also much beauty that too will come living in step with God and according to His will for your life. READ MORE: My testimony, by Cadet Shaun Featherston

In the final week of the Self Denial Appeal campaign, N ew Zealand artist Xarya Tama’ali’I and her father, Mao, bring us their beautiful song, ‘Hope Revealed’. Reflecting the themes of surrender, faith, and overflowing grace, this song perfectly responds to the message of the Self Denial Appeal. Your sacrificial gift can reveal hope in other people’s lives. Your generosity will support the work of the International Salvation Army and impact lives with the love of Jesus.  To find out more and donate, visit selfdenial.info

“Inspirational stories and thoughts from everyday people” is the perfect description of Major Bryce Davies’ Stories of Hope podcast, which this week reached a “terrific” milestone – ticking over 100,000 downloads.   “I am grateful for the support and interest people have shown over the years and for the many wonderful and inspiring guests who have shared their stories,” said Bryce, who hosts the program.   Recent episodes include interviews with Major Sandy McLean ( Faith Communities Development Secretary), Captain Matt Gluyas (Noosa/Coolum Corps Officer), Eunice (a 100-year-old Salvationist who continues to impact many people), and in today’s episode, Marcus, who is recovering from physical injury, isolation and despair after an earlier battle with addiction.   Bryce has also recorded podcasts around having significant conversations, baptism, working as part of an emergency response team, and leaving a legacy.   To listen to Bryce’s Stories of Hope podcast, click here .   Follow Stories of Hope every Saturday on Salvos Online , or on Facebook and Instagram.

NAB staff volunteering for The Salvation Army as part of the Corporate Partnership Volunteering initiative. BY FAY FOSTER In its efforts to support those who need it most, The Salvation Army heavily relies on its corporate partners. These partner organisations not only support The Salvation Army’s work through ethical business relationships and financial contributions, but their staff also assist by volunteering at Salvo centres. The National Australia Bank (NAB) has been a strong partner in many ways, including corporate volunteering, together with funding from the NAB Foundation. In 2024, NAB employees took up 800 volunteer placements with The Salvation Army across Australia, predominantly in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. NAB representatives recently dropped into THQ Melbourne to meet with territorial leadership. (From left) Major Marco Lupis, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Julie Rynski (NAB), Jacinta Brouwer (NAB), Loretta Sallabanks (NAB), Major Stuart Glover, Colonel Winsome Merrett and Brett Moore (NAB), At the Pooraka Christmas warehouse in South Australia, groups of 10 to 20 NAB volunteers unwrapped and organised gifts and material aid for children and families in need, assembled new bikes, and assisted The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) team in preparing lunch for the group. After hearing from guest speakers representing various Salvation Army services, three volunteers signed up to assist with future opportunities at the SAES, which offers catering for emergency services personnel and support for those impacted by disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones. At Sydney City Salvos, NAB employees have volunteered at Hope Dinners for community members. Once a month, from March to September 2024, different teams of volunteers set up tables and then welcomed community members with coffee and soup before serving the main meal. Team members shared the meal and conversation with community members, served dessert, cleared the plates from the table, wiped down the tables and helped with the washing up. Three NAB volunteers who helped out at one of the Sydney City Salvos outreach dinners. “It takes a team to do it,” said Sydney City Salvos outreach worker Danny Salsbury, who is charged with preparing the meals. “The NAB volunteers are great teams that just want to help. They fit in well and work well with our team. “Some of the volunteers have said, ‘I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and NAB gave me the chance – can I do more?’ One man has signed up for regular volunteering and is bringing his wife and teenage kids as well.” “Volunteering is more than serving meals or sorting through donations; it brings teams together to create a deeper bond and sense of purpose that is both rewarding and humbling.” NAB’s Joe Paparella (State Business Banking Executive – Regional and Agri – SA/NT) said volunteering provided him and his fellow NAB colleagues an opportunity to bring to life the bank’s slogan of ‘NAB – More than Money’. NAB’s Joe Paparella at the Pooraka Christmas warehouse. “I walk away from every interaction with the Salvos feeling like I have made a difference in someone’s life through providing some sort of support through my efforts. “Many colleagues find joy and a sense of wellbeing in volunteering with the Salvos –they help the community, and they gain personal growth as well – win-win!” Jen Pendergast, Strategic Relationships Coordinator for The Salvation Army, said, “It is truly an honour to work alongside NAB, and we deeply appreciate their support. “NAB and NAB Foundation’s commitment to our cause is invaluable. The stories and experiences shared through this collaboration are incredibly impactful, and we are excited about the positive difference we can make together. “Understanding the benefit of corporate volunteering and recognising the critical role of volunteer coordination to efficiently manage requests from our corporate partners, the NAB Foundation has generously contributed a three-year grant to secure a permanent resource to enable The Salvation Army to further expand its capabilities in delivering corporate volunteering opportunities across Australia until 2026.” Kate Betts, Head of NAB Foundation, said the funding supports the Salvos with essential resources that further enable the corporate sector to get involved in the community. “Volunteering is more than serving meals or sorting through donations; it’s an experience that enables staff to gain a greater understanding of the importance of how every bit of support really does make a difference. NAB Foundation’s support empowers even more corporate volunteers to turn compassion into action, for the greater good.” For more information on corporate partnerships and the Corporate Partnership Volunteering initiative, click here . NAB staff ‘doing their bit’ for the Salvos by volunteering as part of the Corporate Partnership initiative.

In the lead-up to Altar Service Sunday, Communications Secretary Colonel Rodney Walters shares an inspiring message about the impact of the Self Denial Appeal. Reflecting on the incredible stories of God’s hope revealed around the world, he highlights the importance of giving with a willing heart, trusting that God will multiply our gifts to meet the needs of those who need it most. Your support can be part of something bigger – making a real difference in the world today. To find out more and donate, visit selfdenial.info

Kelly Brown and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Roderick Brown with hospital staff and the gift packs. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Launceston Corps in Tasmania recently donated gift packs to women with babies receiving care at Launceston General Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The corps delivered 20 packs in total, packed by the students from Scotch Oakburn College, a Launceston school that regularly supports the work of The Salvation Army. The packs included self-care items such as nail care sets, toothbrushes and toothpaste, moisturiser and hand sanitiser, as well as $20 vouchers to a nearby cafe. Launceston Corps Ministry Assistant Kelly Brown came up with the idea for the packs while volunteering with Salvation Army Emergency Services teams following flooding in Townsville. Kelly said she was trying to think of who in the community might be facing difficult circumstances who the corps could reach out to support, and mothers with babies in hospital came to mind. READ MORE: Breakfasts, building connections and belonging at Launceston Salvos “It was lovely to be able to deliver some gift packs to the Neonatal Paediatric ICU at the LGH,” the corps leaders said in their Facebook post. “These gift packs are a simple expression of care for mothers and families with babies needing neonatal care at this time, and have been provided through the generous giving of the Launceston community. “A shout out to the amazing team of health professionals who work in this unit and are supporting members of our community through the times when this critical care is needed.”

Jurni Young holds the City of Wollongong’s Rising Star Awards she was presented with in January. *Warning: This story contains details about mental health struggles, including eating disorders. If this could be a trigger for you, please proceed with caution. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Sixteen-year-old Jurni Young is a volunteer with the Kids in the Kitchen program at Tarrawanna Salvos in Wollongong, NSW. She never considered volunteering until her life took some unexpectedly hard turns. Jurni first encountered Kids in the Kitchen as a 10-year-old when she met Tarrawanna Corps volunteer manager Lyn Mather. Lyn heads up the popular children’s cooking program, founded by Major Cathryn Williamson at Cowra Corps (Central NSW) in 2017. When COVID-19 arrived in Australia, the impact on young Jurni, both physically and mentally, was immense. “During the COVID years, I developed anxiety and was really depressed with the whole idea of it,” Jurni says. “With that, then I developed an eating disorder, anorexia (nervosa). I didn’t go to school for another two years. So, I missed out on my whole entire high school life until up until Year Nine.” Tarrawanna volunteer manager Lyn Mather. Missing school Jurni began to be hospitalised intermittently to treat the anorexia, and with the addition of missing out on school, life felt bleak. When lockdowns ended, she then returned to the Tarrawanna Corps to begin attending youth group. “Lyn heard about me struggling with COVID and my eating and being in hospital a lot,” Jurni says. “She reached out [to] see how she could help me and how everyone at The Salvation Army could help me in any way, and my family.” Jurni says that even though it was clear Lyn didn’t have much familiarity with eating disorders, she had an idea of something Jurni could do. “She was like, ‘What if I gave you the opportunity to come and do some leading at Kids in the Kitchen, just to get you out of the house and doing something again?’ because I wasn’t going to school or anything. And so, I started at the beginning of 2022.” Australia Day award From there, Jurni’s discovery of volunteering flourished into what is now a passion and a driving force towards her life goals. Despite further hospitalisations, she has continued on a path that led to her being awarded the City of Wollongong’s Rising Star Award as part of this year’s Australia Day honours. Jurni watching over a young participant in the Kids in the Kitchen program at Tarrawanna Corps. She has been volunteering with Kids in the Kitchen for three years and has volunteered over 150 hours as a medical cadet with St John’s Ambulance. With an ever-growing love for emergency medicine, Jurni hopes to be a paramedic when she graduates school later this year. “I love it,” she says. “It’s what I want to do.” Jurni has proven this through her educational choices as well. For the last few years of high school, she has chosen to attend a secondary school with a strong emphasis on individual learning and research-based study. As part of this, she has focused on both emergency medicine topics and research on why children thrive in kitchen learning environments. She has even designed a specialised freestanding cookbook to make the cooking experience easier for children. Jurni says her experience of being unwell for so long has driven her to put her time into work, which benefits others. She also wants to advocate for those with eating disorders. “I want to come back from this and help as many people [as I can] in different ways,” she says.   *If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can contact The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or at www.butterfly.org.au . If you are feeling suicidal, you can call Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au or call 131 114. For general youth mental health, contact Headspace at headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/ or call 1800 650 890.