The Salvos Schools Engagement Program seeks to create opportunities for schools and students to meaningfully engage with social injustices, such as homelessness and financial hardship, through the work of The Salvation Army. The aim is to equip and empower young people with the language and knowledge to respond to these social issues and seek help in times of hardship through curriculum resources, educational workshops, hands-on activities and real-life stories. Find out more at salvationarmy.org.au/salvos-schools

An angel sits on top of Tamarra’s Christmas tree – an important and meaningful symbol for her and her family as they celebrate Christmas together this year. BY LAUREN MARTIN   When Tamarra and her partner lifted their children up to place the angel on the top of their Christmas tree on 1 December this year, the two looked at each other with tears in their eyes.   It’s nearly six years since Tamarra had Christmas with all her children, who were removed from her care when she was at her lowest point in life. From that day onward, Tamarra worked tirelessly to become healthy and functioning so that her kids could be reinstated to her care. Reaching out  In those dark moments, she reached out to The Salvation Army. She had just graduated from an addiction rehabilitation centre and wanted to take further courses to improve her parenting, wellbeing and life skills. She engaged with a counsellor from The Salvation Army’s First Floor program, a holistic, family-inclusive service that supports and empowers families and individuals challenged by their loved ones' challenging behaviours through individual and group support programs and community education. "Christmas means everything to me," says Tamarra. Tamarra also completed The Salvation Army’s Positive Lifestyle Program and numerous other courses, such as ‘Bringing up Kids’, ‘Interplay’ and ‘Black Box Trauma’, through various organisations – all whilst being supported by her local Salvation Army mission leader with regular food support and pastoral care.   “Without counselling and doing all my courses through The Salvation Army and other places as well, and going to rehab, all those things I thought I would never accomplish and that I would never get through because it’s so hard. But I made it through, and now I get to watch my kids grow with me,” says Tamarra, reflecting on the day that the family put up their Christmas tree this year. “It was a big sense of healing. “I feel the strongest and happiest and most confident and comfortable in my own skin  than I have ever been,” Tamarra says.   “It felt like a massive sense of growth and connection to my kids. I got to experience the achievements and the fruits of all the hard work that I’ve done over the past five years.”   This year, the family will not only be together again but also be reunited with other extended family members. “Christmas means everything to me,” she says. Encouraging others Tamarra knows the new year will bring new challenges, so she continues her personal work toward wholeness and healing. She also supports her family as they adjust to their new life together. She speaks to God every day and knows that he has a good future planned for her.   “Now, I want to help and encourage others,” she shares. “I’ve been looking into doing counselling courses so I can just get a certificate and then be able to volunteer somewhere when I’m okay and the kids are settled.”   She is working towards this goal with the same dogged determination she used six years ago, and she has no doubt that she will see it come to fruition. For now, though, Tamarra is revelling in the Christmas season with her family, knowing the true meaning of the peace, love and joy that Jesus brings.   “I feel the strongest and happiest and most confident and comfortable in my own skin  than I have ever been,” Tamarra says.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas with the newly installed NSW/ACT Divisional Commander, Major Robyn Black. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Major Robyn Black has been installed as the new Divisional Commander of the New South Wales/ACT Division.   Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas conducted the installation ceremony at Parramatta Corps in Sydney on Sunday 2 February.   She told those gathered and watching online, “From me, there was no hesitation that this lady should be the next Divisional Commander of the NSW/ACT Division. During the installation meeting, Major Robyn Black was joined by her husband, retired Salvation Army officer Bob Seymour. Turning to Robyn, she said, “It’s a big division, a lot happens here, and I’m so excited that you are the person who will lead us into the next season.”   Speaking on behalf of soldiers and corps members across the division, Parramatta senior soldier Margaret Poore said it was a huge blessing to welcome a new leader who knew the division so well and was so committed to loving God and caring for people.   “We want to commit to prayer for you as you lead,” Margaret said.   “We will pray that you will be empowered with wisdom, compassion, strength and vision as you lead our division for this season. May the Lord continue to bless you personally. May he equip you and sustain you.” Parramatta soldier Margaret Poore welcomed Robyn on behalf of Salvationists across the division. Auxiliary-Lieutenant Amanda Pethybridge, speaking on behalf of officers and ministry leaders, shared a personal experience where Robyn ministered to her during a tough time in her ministry and her deep appreciation of that moment. “What a powerful mix we have – a Spirit-led leader with a pastoral heart and a deep conviction to her calling!” Amanda said.   “So, friends, we are blessed for this next season as a division to have Robyn as our Divisional Commander.”   Social work background Robyn came to The Salvation Army after a career in personal caring and social work.   “Eventually, God said to me, ‘Robyn I have something else for you,’ and he put a burning on my heart to be a Salvation Army officer.”   After appointments in corps and leading the division’s social work, Robyn has spent her recent appointments as both a corps officer and area officer. She shared with those gathered that when she was first asked by Miriam to pray about taking on the role of the Divisional Commander, she felt unsure and overwhelmed. However, she remembered that she had, at that time, been reading the account of Moses in the Bible. “He was a leader who was uncertain and felt inadequate in his own strength,” she shared.   After receiving confirmation through prayer and her inner prayer circle, Robyn accepted the role.   “I have never ever regretted following the prompting of God to be a Salvation Army officer,” she said. “We are a Spirit-led people, and the spirit of God leads us if we allow him to.   “It’s time to say ‘yes’ to God … we need to follow his leading.” The Sydney Staff songsters and a combined Blacktown-Parramatta Band brought powerful worship to the service. Parramatta Corps was full, with joyful worship from Sydney Staff Songsters and a combined Blacktown and Parramatta band.   Sitting in the congregation, Salvationist Narelle Gurney said the worship was “vibrant, inspiring and deeply personal. The brass band added to the dynamic expression – it felt very powerful.”   Many others watched the installation online. Major Bindy Lupis, watching from Melbourne, commented online, “Cheering you on from Melbourne!” Major Robyn Black’s installation as NSW/ACT Divisional Commander was live-streamed to Salvationists far and wide, like Major Bindy Lupis, who watched from her Melbourne home. Click to view Major Robyn Black bringing a message about a Hero of the Faith – Rahab

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (North Qld) are actively supporting evacuation centres in Townsville and Innisfail. The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) are assisting hundreds of people in North Queensland as heavy rainfall continues to lead to severe flooding.   Heavy rain began last Wednesday, and within a few days, Townsville, Innisfail, Ingham, Gordonvale, Cardwell, and many surrounding areas of the Hinchinbrook Region were inundated with floodwater.   SAES General Manager Daryl Crowden said the Salvos were “bringing people, support and resources” to Townsville and would remain engaged with Queensland and the local governments for as long as necessary. If you'd like to make a donation to help those in need, please click here . SAES General Manager Daryl Crowden. “We provided over 700 meals today (Sunday 2 February) and with the Bureau of Meteorology advising that this will be a significant protracted event going into late next week, we could be here for a while,” Daryl said.   “ Many of those sitting in an evacuation centre, or staying with friends or family, are wondering what they will return to.”    Queensland Premier David Crisafulli warned North Queensland residents that rain, flooding, power outages and critical infrastructure damage could get worse.   “This is a serious event,” he said, describing the flooding as monsoonal and a “once-in-a-century occurrence”.    Townsville suffered severe flooding in 2019 and many residents are saying these floods could be worse.   “Perhaps because of lessons learned in 2019, yesterday and today, people have been asked to evacuate their homes and towns for their own safety,” Daryl said.   “For some, the memories of their 2019 experiences are all too real, and the community is unsettled and anxious for the days ahead.    “The community of Ingham is also facing the same anxious wait as flood waters reach the second floor of homes; the typical Queenslanders built high for this very weather are going under again. Other towns, remain isolated and cut off – no power, no fresh drinking water.”   If you'd like to make a donation to help those in need, please click here .

Salvationist Errol Duck-Chong has seen how God has touched numerous lives across many nations through his gift of music and the joy of playing to audiences of every kind. Photo courtesy of the Sunshine Valley Gazette. Salvationist Errol Duck-Chong is celebrating a remarkable milestone in June this year – his 90th birthday. Yet, this humble gentleman isn’t one to fuss or court the spotlight. Nevertheless, his extraordinary life, shaped by a deep and unwavering commitment to his Christian faith, music, teaching and pastoral gifts, has inspired many others to honour him for his steadfast commitment to The Salvation Army worldwide and the positive transformation of countless lives. As his momentous birthday approaches, Errol, who attends Chatswood Corps in Sydney, took part in a rare interview with Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH , reflecting on a life well-lived thus far – and that his use-by date is far from expiring!  It was an epic adventure of grand proportions.   With seven energetic guys crammed into a humble black London taxi affectionately known as ‘Mrs Offen’ (because it ‘missed’ often … the engine, not the driver!), Errol nostalgically still remembers how he and his mates journeyed more than 10,000km in their beloved taxi across Europe back in 1956.   He was just 21 years old and at the end of a Salvation Army corps cadet congress when he and his mates decided to embark on a grand adventure with Mrs Offen. The epic journey lasted 11 weeks and included flying across the English Channel with Mrs Offen strapped tightly in the cargo hold.   “It’s little wonder we attracted attention wherever we went!” Errol laughs.   “Having just come from the congress, we thought it appropriate to call ourselves ‘The Seven Saints’. You can imagine that seven saints crammed into a London cab tested more than the proverbial patience of Job. But God’s grace on a daily, hourly and minute-by-minute basis brought us through.” ‘Mrs Offen’ and the Seven Saints having devotions in Norway. Living in such close proximity for 11 weeks brought some real tensions, but, looking back now, Errol can smile and thank God for his provision. Today, Errol regularly visits a saint, one of his ‘sparring partners’, in a nursing home.   God’s grace has also guided Errol through a multitude of remarkable adventures during his extraordinary life journey devoted to serving God and others through The Salvation Army around the globe, which has spanned many nations and garnered numerous accolades.   Having a personal encounter with Errol and hearing his inspirational, rich life story thus far is to encounter a humble, quietly spoken man who does not suffer fools gladly.   His words are carefully thought through and measured and hold a quiet power. They reflect the profound insight into the life he has cultivated over a lifetime of ministry service. Add in a great sense of humour, and a chat with Errol is far more than just a memorable experience.   With a comprehensive understanding of life shaped by an unwavering devotion to God and others worldwide, Errol’s life is a powerful testament to using his musical, pastoral, and spiritual gifts through The Salvation Army for God’s glory while transcending race, religion, and culture.   “God chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” he says reflectively.   “I am a very ordinary person – but through dedication and commitment, God has done extraordinary things.” This special sketch was drawn and presented by one of the graduating cadets to Errol last year in Manila, Philippines, as a tribute to his service to the country spanning many decades. Memorable event As he celebrates his 90th birthday this year, the list of key life moments and achievements is extensive. Yet, a particularly special event from last year is indelibly etched in his memory.   “After many years in the spotlight through positions of leadership in the community, The Salvation Army, and schools, I’m now an unknown to many. That took a little adjustment,” he says.   “But an invitation I received last year to be the special guest for the opening of the Red Shield Appeal in Nambour (Qld) was a God revelation to me. I seriously wondered what an 89-year-old could contribute to an occasion such as this. I even tried to talk my way out of the invitation!”   But it ended up being one of Errol’s most memorable and “God-blessed weekends”. At its conclusion, he asked the officer why he had invited him. His response had a profound impact.   “Errol, I love music,” replied the officer. “When played with a knowledge of the divine, it has the capacity to touch one’s heart and emotions. Your piano playing does just that. Thank you!”   The transformative power of music, when inspired and guided by the divine, is not lost on Errol. “It has been a real privilege contributing to the lives of others ... Whether musically, or simply ‘coming alongside.’”   He has seen how God has touched numerous lives across many nations through his gift of music and the joy of playing to audiences of every kind, ultimately for the glory of God.   While genuinely appreciative of the gratitude shown to him, Errol is the first to say that a key lesson in his life has been to remain humble.   “I have learned to never be so full of yourself that there is little or no place for God,” he says candidly.    “The greatest life lesson I have learned thus far is that God does not – and cannot – fail. Looking at the lives of some of our friends, life seems to be a piece of cake. But in reality, Satan knows where the saints live. I don’t put myself in the saint category – but I am well aware that Satan knows my address.”   Walking with God has been equally important and a driving force in Errol’s life.   So, how would he describe it?   “Firstly, I answer this question with a description of what it is  not !” he says.   “It is not in attendance and through involvement in things ‘religious’, like the many activities we easily get caught up in. Being a Christian is having a personal relationship with Jesus – and trying to put Jesus first in the everyday activities of life.”   Family influence Looking back over many decades, Errol has indeed put Jesus first in his everyday life. The roots of his faith were formed with his parents, who had six children.   His mother, Coral, was a fourth-generation Salvationist, and his father, Robert (Bob), was a first-generation convert whose parents came to Australia from China in 1870.   His father became a dedicated Christian and passionate prayer warrior after a simple invitation to attend a Salvation Army meeting changed the trajectory of his life. He remained passionate about introducing others to Jesus.     Errol’s foray into his lifelong music career almost never began.   At the age of five, a serious accident with a hand mower nearly severed his finger. “My reattachment scar continues to remind me of God’s provision.”   Initially intending to become a high school music teacher, his direction shifted when he discovered an international corps cadet congress in London. Despite being on a scholarship, he received approval to take a year’s leave of absence from the NSW Department of Education.  Errol receives the Goulburn Citizen of the Year award from the city’s mayor in 1973. However, he faced a major dilemma: he had no money. So, he worked two jobs for five months – including washing windows in downtown Martin Place and working as a porter at the Sydney People’s Palace.   “Can you imagine this ‘genteel gentleman’ climbing up ladders and washing windows?” he says.   “Many mornings, I wanted to give up, but without this commitment, there was no chance of attending the congress.”   However, two weeks prior to his departure, Errol unexpectedly received a £100 loan from his piano teacher, which perfectly covered his one-way fare to London.   Upon his return, he resumed his studies and started teaching in Inverell (northern NSW), where he discovered numerous opportunities to make an impact on the school, the town, and The Salvation Army. Two years later, he repaid the loan. The cover of the Goulburn Singing Company record taken on the Sydney to Hobart yacht, ‘Solo’. The record was a hit around the world. Future teaching roles included working at Goulburn Corps (NSW Southern Tablelands) with musically gifted children and forming the Goulburn Singing Company, five of whom became officers. The company recorded an album, I Love to Sing , which went global.   Errol was also awarded Goulburn’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ for his dedication to the community, including Goulburn High School and the Army’s Gill Memorial Boys’ Home.   Global stage Another appointment was as the Music Director at The Salvation Army’s Collaroy Music Camps, which greatly impacted the lives of many young musicians. His ministry then took him to the global stage, including the Philippines and Sri Lanka, where he led music camps and prepared cadets for their commissioning and ordinations.    Leading music camps has been a pure joy for the past 50 years.   “It has been a real privilege contributing to the lives of others,” he says. “Whether musically, or simply ‘coming alongside’. Sri Lanka and the Philippines are now second homes for me.”   The Salvation Army also provided opportunities for Errol to lead music schools in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar.   After 36 years of teaching, he retired – but he certainly didn’t stop! He volunteered for many years at William Booth House, helping recovering alcoholics, drug addicts and gamblers, before serving with The Salvation Army as a chaplain at the Downing Centre Courts in Sydney, providing support to those who were facing court.    “Taking on these roles was an incredible experience,” he says.   “I learned that though I hadn’t experienced these situations, God gave me insight and a listening ear. But when needed, I was not a ‘soft touch’.”   Sri Lanka held a special tribute extravaganza to celebrate Errol’s 35 years of service to the country with many specially invited guests. Another incredible experience for Errol last year was being honoured in Sri Lanka for over 35 years of service to the nation, organised by the Sri Lankan Territorial Commander, Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi.   It was a secretly arranged extravaganza. Click to see a video of Errol’s visit to the Sri Lanka Territory “I was gobsmacked!” he recalls of the invitation-only celebration and dinner. The corps band welcomed him, and two cabinet members garlanded him and escorted him to a hall where numerous speakers, colleagues and former music campers thanked him.   “I have often said that one of God’s greatest gifts to me is the gift of sensitivity, of empathy, giving people time and listening to them. But God’s greatest gift to me is his unconditional love and forgiveness.”     While Errol says today that he is no longer a “big name” as such, he remains open to being used by God. His “use-by date” has not expired.    With a smile, he says that his most frequent requests these days are to play at funerals.  “God chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” Errol says reflectively as he celebrates turning 90 this year. “I am a very ordinary person - but through dedication and commitment, God has done extraordinary things.” Optimistic outlook Looking to the future of The Salvation Army, Errol is filled with hope and optimism. He is also resolute in his advice for young Salvos with a heart for mission.   “Go for it!” he says. “If God calls, then God equips. Go with God. God has a personal plan for us, and it is the best!”   When reflecting on his life’s journey so far, Errol contemplated his legacy, believing that the greatest gift he could offer was for others to see Jesus.   After 50 years in education, particularly as he moved into leadership roles, he recalled that his goal was never popularity but respect.   “With God’s help, I strive to honour him, prioritising honesty, listening, and caring for others,” he remarks.   “I could not express it better than my friend who wrote: ‘ When played with a knowledge of the divine, music has the capacity to touch one’s heart and emotions. Errol, your piano playing does just that.’  Like those who have the sensitivity to be ‘touched’ by God through my playing, I pray that my life will reflect the beauty and the touch of Jesus.” Click through the slideshow below for more photos (captions below): Photo 1: Errol arrives at The Salvation Army's headquarters in Sri Lanka before a surprise special recognition of his many years of service to the country. He was escorted to the foyer, where he was presented with a garland, with the Colombo Central Band playing in the background.   Photo 2: Mrs Offen gets a special paint job! Photo 3: A lovely ‘Dutch family’ - aka The Seven Saints’ - 69 years ago.  Photo 4: A large collage from Errol's personal photos is on display in Inverell High School's foyer as a special tribute to Errol in recognition of his music teaching from 1958 to 1965 and as the composer of the school song ‘Contendo Procedere’, still being sung at regular school assemblies. Errol is pictured with two former students. Photo 5: A special tribute to Errol forms part of the collage.  Photo 6: Leading music camps has been a highlight for the past 50 years for Errol. Here he is pictured at a Sri Lankan Music Camp in 2006 at Watersedge, Colombo.  Photo 7: Pastoring young people has been one of many great joys for Errol, including these Sri Lankan teenagers.

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 (3-9 February] we are praying for the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory .   Colonels Donna and Stuart Evans are leaders in this diverse territory. Australian officers, Colonels Donna and Stuart Evans, serve in this territory – Donna as Chief Secretary, and Stuart in the roles of Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and Assistant Chief Secretary . Commissioner Bente Gunderson is territorial commander.  The territory is made up of 2971 senior soldiers, 1236 adherents and 304 junior soldiers. There are 143 corps, 86 outposts, 271 officers (94 active and 177 retired), 3 envoys, 9 Aux-Captains, 10 cadets and 8237 employees.   Prayer and praise points: · Thank God and praise him for sending us new workers to bring in the harvest. Pray that we might be receiving more new Christian workers. · We give thanks for our active and retired officers, Salvationists, employees and volunteers who faithfully serve God through The Salvation Army. · We thank God for the many new and creative faith communities that have started. Pray that we continue to find new ways of connecting with people to create new community-based ministries. ·  We praise God for the development of our scouting groups and adventure clubs. Pray for the planned commencement of scouting groups in the Czech Republic. ·  The children's and youth work in corps and in our community centres. That we make room for a new generation to rise up and serve God in new and creative ways. ·  The Roma community as we continue to develop this ministry (there are approximately 700 settlements in Slovakia). ·  Victims of human trafficking, and discernment and wisdom for officers, employees and volunteers who are involved in this ministry and the expansion of this ministry. ·  The European Youth Event (EYE) which will be held in The Netherlands this year. May it be a life-changing experience for young people who come together from throughout Europe. ·  For commissioning, which will be held in the Czech Republic in June 2025. Commissioning weekend will also celebrate 35 years since The Salvation Army was able to recommence work in the Czech Republic. To find out more about The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Dan Casey says Salvos Youth United’s new single is about ’experiencing the freedom of Jesus’ BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Salvos Youth United (SYU) is a new musical resource that connects with youth and young people across the country. New Salvos music is released under the Revolution Worship brand of the Worship Arts Team, and SYU has been established to reach young people throughout the week, not just on Sunday mornings.   “The new music is oriented towards youth events, but it’s also for young people to listen to during the week,” says Dan Casey, Worship Arts Coordinator. “It makes sense culturally, compared to what they’re usually listening to. It’s influenced by pop dance tracks. It’s high energy, something they can dance to.” Salvos Youth United’s new single. SYU music is being launched at upcoming Summer Parties.   Summer Parties are opportunities for youth ministries to gather and start the year with a fun and safe event. Typically held at different sites, water recreation parks, and centres, evening rallies are an opportunity to eat together and share the Good News of Jesus. Dan is touring with a band to Summer Parties in Queensland, NSW and Victoria to debut the new music.   “The first single is being released now,” Dan says. “The single is called ‘I’m Free x2’. It’s an upbeat celebration song, declaring that Jesus set us free. We say that about 75 times in the song. It’s about experiencing the freedom of Jesus. It’s a party song.”   ‘I’m Free x2’ is a single from an upcoming EP written by Dan Casey, Luke O’Dea and Paris Briggs. The upcoming EP will also feature the tracks ‘Praise You’, ‘No Longer Lost’ and ‘No Wonder’.   “We want young people to have as much space as they can to be filled with joy. I want the youth of the Salvos to own SYU and its music.” “I think it’s important to meet people where they’re at,” says Dan. “We don’t want to try to conform young people into what we think they need to be. We ask them where they’re at and meet them there. The message stays the same between all our music resources, but the method changes.”   SYU music was played at the recent National Creative Arts Conference (NCAC) and at state youth camps last year, and the single was well received. To help connect the music with its fans, shirts and hats promoting SYU and its distinctive smiley-face logo are being produced.   “We want young people to know that we care about them, and we believe in this thing,” says Dan. “We want young people to have as much space as they can to be filled with joy. I want the youth of the Salvos to own SYU and its music. We make this music, but it’s theirs.”   SYU music will be available on all streaming services, with more information on the newly launched SYU Instagram.

It’s the privilege of each General of The Salvation Army to provide the sessional name for sessions of cadets doing officership training.   This name then applies to any cadet at any training college around the world doing their training at that time. I was in a session called ‘Believers’ and, from time to time, I’ll meet a fellow Believer from an overseas territory.   Sessional names are sometimes phrases (‘Heralds of Grace’, ‘Servants of God’, ‘Messengers of Hope’) and sometimes single words (‘Visionaries’, ‘Shepherds’, Courageous’).   I was very happy to be a Believer – it’s short and sweet and to the point – but I’m guessing some other officers may not have been so happy with their sessional names. The ‘Heralds of Grace’ will forever be known as the HoGs, and the ‘Preparers of the Way’ were the PoWs.   Some Generals seem to jump on a theme. From 1963-67 we had five sessions ending with ‘of the Faith’ – ‘Heroes / Proclaimers / Defenders / Witnesses / Messengers of the Faith’. In 1994-96 we had three sessions of messengers: ‘Messengers of Hope / the Truth / God’s Love’.   There have also been some names – mainly in the period 1920-60 – where the name could be seen as inspired and motivating but could also be considered differently. The 1922, session was called ‘Fidelity’. Doesn’t really roll off the tongue easily or inspire, does it?   The 1925 session was called ‘Eureka’. I don’t know if that General took his inspiration from Archimedes or (more unlikely) the ‘Eureka Stockade’ uprising in Ballarat in 1854, but, either way, it’s a weird choice for a group of cadets to be known as the Eureka session.   The 1929 session was called Centenary. No, there weren’t 100 of them; it was the centenary year of the births of William and Catherine Booth. Maybe the session ate birthday cake and played ‘pin the tail on the training principal’ all year.   Many sessions – as is true Army style – have been given names on a spiritual warfare theme: ‘Warrior’, ‘Victory’, ‘Conquerors’, ‘Crusader’, ‘Fearless’, ‘Valiant’, ‘Sword Bearers’ etc. These make sense in our tradition and custom but try explaining to someone in a pub or on the street that you’re a Sword Bearer!   The 1978 session was called ‘Joyful Evangelists’. I looked at the sessional photo recently, and some of them don’t look all that joyful.   In 1993 we had ‘Crusaders for Christ’. The last Christian crusade was in about the 15th century, so I’m sure it amused some outsiders to know the Army was still crusading in the late 20th century.   Perhaps we’ll move to more 21st-century sessional names soon: ‘Cyber Servants for God’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, ‘Bold Proclaimers of the Faith (but only if you’re open to discussion and we’re not likely to offend)’, or my favourite, ‘True Witnesses in the Spirit’ – just don’t use their acronym.   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? My current appointment is as Corps Officer of the Gosnells Corps in WA. The most satisfying aspect of this appointment is encouraging the older generation that God still has a plan for them to be involved in Mission and in spreading the Good News of Jesus. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Oh, I think it’s vital to have time away from your appointment! To relax and unwind I like to play some video games or to go and be creative with making something out in the shed or drawing or designing. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? My favourite Christian song currently is ‘Goodbye Yesterday’. I was introduced to this song by the younger team members of an outreach team I lead, and at first, I heard it as a ‘young person’s song’ and really didn’t get into it, but now I really enjoy singing along to it as it reminds me of God’s saving power and how He used the outreach team to be His light in the darkness. 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? I’m currently reading through Job. I think it would be very interesting to have a good talk to him, although reading through this book, I have a feeling it may be a better choice to sit with him and to be present with him and listen to what he is going through and his thoughts. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I would ask them if God is calling them to serve Him through officership and ask them what ministry God is calling them to. *Interview by Lerisse Smith

The Emergency Disaster Services team has deployed not far from the site of this week's tragic plane crash on the Potomac River, Washington DC, to assist those impacted. The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command’s (NCAC) Emergency Disaster Services team has deployed to SkateQuest in Reston, not far from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, offering emotional and spiritual care, along with snacks, bananas, bottled water and hot chocolate to those affected by the recent fatal plane crash. At Gravelly Point along the Potomac River, Salvation Army NCAC personnel served coffee and sandwiches and snacks to FBI, police and divers involved in the recovery operations. Teams served approximately 50 first responders on Thursday and returned to provide breakfast, sandwiches and coffee to first responders on Friday . Tragically, a PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter at 9pm local time (7am AEST Thursday morning), killing all 67 people on board. “Among the passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342, nearly 20 individuals were connected to US Figure Skating,” says The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command . “ With their training facility in [nearby] Fairfax County, we knew how important it was to stand with their community in this difficult time. “This tragedy has deeply impacted many communities, and our hearts go out to everyone mourning this loss. The Salvation Army remains committed to providing comfort, support and assistance to those in need. “Our local Emergency Disaster Services teams remain mobilised and ready to serve during this difficult time.”

In early 2025, Cadets from the ‘Keepers of the Covenant Session’ will take up the following placements:  Jonathan Abdulai – Rockdale Corps (NSW/ACT Division).   Kyungmin Choi & Soonsun Kwon – Ringwood Corps (Vic. Division). Benn Nicholson – Marion Corps (SA/NT Division). José Porcia  – Sunshine Corps – Westside Melbourne Salvos (Vic. Division). The following accepted Candidates will commence as Cadets in the ‘Proclaimers of Transformation’ session in January 2025 and will take up their placements in February:  Eunmi Chun & Taeho Ok – Northside Chatswood Corps (NSW/ACT Division). Belinda Clark – Macarthur Corps (NSW/ACT Division). Peter Cook –  North Brisbane Corps (Qld Division). Lisa Lawlor – Boronia Corps (Vic. Division). Wati Seeto – Carindale Corps (Qld Division). Please keep the cadets in your prayers as they continue in their formation for officer readiness.

To read Joyce’s Promoted to Glory notice, click here