Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams are helping support first responders in the deadly Southern California fires, as well as currently providing evacuees with meal services at five different evacuation shelters in the area. As communities across Southern California are devastated by fast-moving wildfires, The Salvation Army is on the ground supporting evacuees and emergency responders.   The Salvation Army has deployed Emergency Disaster Services teams to serve meals and offer spiritual and emotional care at emergency shelters in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and Pacoima, in addition to providing bedding, first aid, emergency medical care and mental health support.   International leader of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham , calls for Salvationists to support the people of California in prayer: “As the wildfires continue to devastate communities across California, our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. May we, as a global Salvation Army family, demonstrate our love and concern through fervent prayer for the people of California.”   The Salvation Army is coordinating with other aid organisations and federal, state and local authorities to respond as efficiently and effectively as possible. General Secretary for the Southern California Division, Major Anthony Barnes, in speaking to CNN News, said: “The Salvation Army is mobilised and we are prepared to help meet the most immediate needs of our neighbours.” He added that The Salvation Army was working to ensure no one goes hungry, and that water and clothing was available to those who needed it. Teams are providing meals across the regions impacted by the deadly fires. “The Salvation Army is there before, during and after any disaster strikes, and we are committed to serving the whole person, physically, emotionally and spiritually ... We want to remind people that we are with them and that they are not walking alone in these disasters,” continued Major Barnes.   Fast-moving fires Intense wildfires have rapidly spread across five neighbourhoods since Tuesday 7 January, claiming the lives of at least 24 people and forcing 180,000 people to evacuate. Another 200,000 people are under evacuation warning.  The fast-moving fires are not yet under control and the death toll is expected to rise. The burnt areas now cover more than 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres). Response teams constantly pray for all those impacted by the fires and those offering help and support. Hands and feet of Christ At least four Salvation Army corps officers  are currently under mandatory evacuation order, including Captains Becky and Nick Helms in Pasadena.  “The destruction has been widespread, and we are grieving alongside those who have suffered great loss,” the captains wrote in a note to their congregation. “This is a moment for us to truly embody what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.” “These are traumatic and unsettling times for our families and first responders,” said Colonel Eddie Vincent, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army USA Western Territory. “Please be in prayer for those impacted by these devastating fires.”   IHQ Communications with reporting from caringmagazine.org

Many readers will know, I’m sure, of how The Salvation Army came about its name. As William Booth was checking a printer’s proof for the 1878 annual report of The Christian Mission, he changed a description of the movement as a ‘volunteer army’ to say that we were a ‘salvation army’ of committed individuals.   Along with several other factors (such as wearing something to identify members and the need for a structure, as well as the sense of being engaged in spiritual warfare), being known as an ‘army’ made good sense, and the name caught on. Booth was emphatic that our primary ‘business’ was salvation, and so we became an army of believers promoting and teaching salvation.   Imagine if Booth was having a bad day or a mental blank or a ‘senior’s moment’ (although he wasn’t even 50 then), and he pencilled in the wrong word that subsequently caught on as our title. What else could we be called?   The Starvation Army – Booth woke up at 3am the next morning, sat bolt upright in bed and said, ‘Starvation? I meant salvation. Oh, William, what have you done? I must send a telegram to the printers first thing in the morning.’ Sadly, they’d already run off 1000 copies through the night and had eagerly sent them out to Christian Mission sites for distribution before the telegram arrived.   There was no way Booth could stop all of the copies from getting out, and before he knew it, Starvationists were fasting regularly as they proclaimed the Gospel throughout the world. Junior Soldiers were taught to watch their diets, and the mercy seat was filled each Sunday with Starvationists who had sinned by secretly eating an extra slice of fruitcake that week.   The Salutation Army – Again, before William could fix the mistake, Salutationists began greeting people wildly in the streets in the name of Jesus.   “Hello! Hello there! Nice to see you! Good morning, ladies. Lovely to see you again, gentlemen. Hello kids. We salute you in the name of Jesus. Jesus loves you all and says ‘hello’ to you on this fine day. Come and say ‘hello’ to him today. Receive his salutations as he freely offers them.”   The Salivating Army – It was believed, by Salivationists, that miraculous and holy transformations could be achieved by spitting on people. They based their evangelism and healing techniques on Mark 7:33, Mark 8:23 and John 9:6, when Jesus healed people using his own saliva.   Salivationist who attended weekly Sunday meetings, learnt quickly not to sit in the front rows or to at least take an umbrella, especially if the officer was preaching on the seductive Shulamite strumpet who sought solace from Solomon, as recorded in Song of Solomon. Showers of blessing weren’t the only showers provided on those days.   So, I’m glad we’re a Salvation Army: I like my fruitcake too much to join The Starvation Army, and I’m too introverted to serve in The Salutation Army, and The Salivation Army just sounds, well, wet. So, let’s tell people about salvation instead. That works for me.   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

Volunteers are the backbone of the SAES crews that assist during times of crisis, including the recent fire response in Western Australia. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE As several fires destroyed bushland and threatened homes in Western Australia over the Christmas/New Year period, The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) were on the ground catering to fire response teams. The fires occurred in Dongara, Cowalla and The Lakes. The Lakes bushfire destroyed over 700 hectares of bush and one home. In four days, the WA SAES team supplied 1875 meals to firefighters. The Country Women’s Association also assisted SAES teams with catering. WA SAES Response Coordinator Benjamin Day said that his teams had been providing emergency catering during fires and other incidents in the state for over 25 years, but with a few new faces on the team, including a new head chef, many staff and volunteers had hit the ground running. The funding for these new roles had come from the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services. “Certainly, for a six-month period of the year, we’re really quite busy,” Benjamin said. “So, we’re quite grateful for that support that we have now from the government to ensure we can [continue to] help out.” Three happy customers at the Salvation Army Emergency Services catering truck. Benjamin said their teams were made up of great volunteers, staff and community groups who pitched in to help when called on. He said one couple who volunteers with SAES brought their caravan to the Dongara fire to ensure they could stay for the duration of the catering. “We’ve got our volunteers all chipping in in various different ways,” he said. “It’s not just emergency response; it’s all the behind-the-scenes stuff that people don’t see that happens on a daily basis that’s really vital to ensure that we can have that really professional response.” The SAES team set-up at the Cowalla fire. SAES National Program Manager Bindy Lupis said she hoped people would be inspired to get involved as a volunteer. “The high-risk weather season is far from over, and we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers,” she said. If you would like to volunteer with Salvation Army Emergency Services, see here: Emergency Services | The Salvation Army Australia Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the bushfire response in Western Australia:

Centennial Lodge Manager Major Emma Johnson led a time of reflection and celebration at the centre last month. It was the end of an era for Centennial Lodge in Cairns last month when the Homelessness Services centre was officially closed to make way for an exciting future.   About 50 people gathered at the centre on 9 December 2024 to reflect and celebrate the impact of the Army’s Homelessness Services on many people in Far North Queensland over many years.   “As of Friday, 13 December (2024), the site is now officially closed to make room for 40 brand new long-term social housing units, a journey we started to embark on in 2019,” said Aaron Pimlett, Homelessness Manager – Queensland.  Aaron Pimlett – Queensland Homelessness Services Manager. “The Cairns team have embodied the mission, vision and values in their work in supporting vulnerable people, and I am incredibly grateful for their connection to meeting mission.   “It may be the end of an era for Centennial Lodge, but certainly not a completion of destiny. We will be back to cut a ribbon, hopefully in 2027, and welcome people into their new home.    “Our team in Cairns are continuing to work in a mobile support capacity in supporting people to find housing solutions and tenancy sustainment.” Click through the slideshow below to view more photos of the day.

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

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

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

Victorian young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness will receive more assistance from The Salvation Army through new funding. Victorian Salvation Army youth programs have recently received more than $250,000 in funding through a state government initiative. The programs, which target young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or who are disengaged from education and employment, are located in Mornington Peninsula/Frankston and Shepparton. The Victorian Government’s 2025-27 Engage! grants program awarded Peninsula Youth Services $135,000 and The Salvation Army’s North East Victoria Youth Services $130,000, excluding GST. The funds will be used in both areas to empower marginalised young people by equipping them with essential life and leadership skills, building community connections and helping foster self-confidence and creative expression. Victorian Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman announced the rollout of the Engage! grant program on 16 December. “These grants will ensure that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive and contribute to our state into the future,” she said. Engage! grants range from $60,000 to $180,000. Some information and the quote in this article first appeared in the Shepparton News.

Image: The Salvation Army USA Salvation Army leaders are calling for prayer as devastating wildfires have killed five people and destroyed more than 1000 homes in California, United States. The fires, which have spread across more than 11,000 hectares in Los Angeles County, are currently zero per cent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Salvation Army team in Pasadena, California posted on their Facebook page requesting prayer for all of California amid the disaster. “The Eaton fire has greatly affected our community here in Pasadena. Many of our congregation members have been evacuated and we thank God for their physical safety. However, some have lost their homes or are in danger of losing them still. Continue to pray for our community and for those on the front lines, fighting to keep our community safe,” they posted. Huge fires are currently threatening The Salvation Army Camp in the Malibu Hills, as well as The Salvation Army Training College and the home of Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officers. Australian officer Major Nesan Kistan is assisting with Salvation Army emergency relief efforts at the fires. Nesan and his wife Cheryl are the Divisional Commanders for the USA Intermountain Division, based in Denver. They were the corps officers at Tustin Ranch, Orange County, Los Angeles, when bushfires devastated the area in 2018.

Secretary for Mission, Lieutenant-Colonel Gregory Morgan (left) visited SAES teams working on the Grampians fires to offer encouragement and support. BY LERISSE SMITH Victorian Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) volunteers from across the state joined forces to feed the many community members displaced by the recent Grampians National Park bushfire crisis. The team provided more than 1400 meals to residents affected by the major bushfire that began on 17 December in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Dry lightning started multiple fires in the southern part of the national park. Additionally, the Salvos distributed a large amount of material aid to hundreds of people residing at council-run relief centres during the crisis. More than 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land burned during a three-week period before the fire was contained, and four homes were lost. “Boxing Day was very scary,” said Adam Clark, Assistant Coordinator of the Victorian SAES. “We didn’t really know what was going to happen on Boxing Day. It was scary because all the intel (intelligence information supplied by local authorities) that was coming in from the government was that it was going to be like Black Saturday. That is what they were expecting in terms of the impact and certainly the weather. But they were very lucky that they could contain it pretty much within the national park, and when it came out onto private land, they could really tackle it.” SAES crews working hard to serve people affected by the Grampians bushfire crisis in December. The SAES team consisted of more than 30 volunteers plus staff who were mainly based out of Ararat during the Grampians emergency from 16-28 December but were also called to Stawell for a few days during that time. The team used three catering trucks, one material-needs truck and coolrooms at the Grampians fire. The SAES was also called on to serve community members’ needs and provide both catering and material aid at other council-run relief centres. The material aid included bedding, clothing and a huge amount of toiletry packs. Local community relief centres were set up in townships, including Ararat, Stawell, Hamilton, Dunkeld and Skipton. “We had people coming through our relief centres who didn’t know the impact of the bushfire on their house,” Adam said. “Some were thinking their house would be ok, some thinking the worse.” Carolyn Spratling, Response Coordinator of the Victorian SAES, added that locally affected residents packed their bags in a hurry, thinking they would only be gone for a few hours. They then realised they would be stuck for a few days and needed everyday essentials such as toiletries and towels. The community members received new clothing and numerous toiletry bags, which volunteers packed. Some residents stayed at the evacuation centres, while others resided in caravans, hotels and motels. A lack of accommodation at Ararat for the SAES team was a huge challenge during the bushfire emergency. “Accommodation for our teams proved to be difficult as a lot of the motels and accommodation was taken by forestry firefighters, fire brigade personnel, holidaymakers and evacuated people,” Carolyn remarked. Despite the lack of accommodation, Carolyn said the SAES team was thankful for always having good systems in place and being ready for when major bushfires occurred. “We are very fortunate to have good equipment because of our relationship with Woolworths, which is a major sponsor, and other donors,” she said. “We had interstate teams on standby but managed pretty well without calling them in.” When the Grampians bushfire began, Carolyn and Adam feared they would struggle to find volunteers because it was Christmas. However, Carolyn said people put their hands up, and there was no struggle to find team members willing to help out. “Kudos to them,” she said. “We thought the timing would be a challenge, but they all stepped up and were brilliant.” Salvation Army Emergency Services team members on the job at the Grantville fires. Some SAES team members were also called from the Grampians fire to two other major bushfires. First, they were called to The Gurdies (Grantville) in South Gippsland to support the emergency services personnel fighting the fires, where they remained for a few days in late December. Over 5000 meals were prepared and supplied to firefighters at that fire. Team members were also called to the Bullengarook fire, where 500 meals were prepared for firefighters. Once both fires were contained, teams returned to assist with the Grampian emergency. The recovery effort is now underway in the Grampians. Adam noted that the bushfire caused multiple power and mobile phone outages, and the cost of living has severely impacted residents, especially as many had limited food in their fridges and freezers. Local councils have reached out to the Salvos for help replacing food and providing recovery payments, which are currently being processed. SAES team members on the job at the Mt Macendon centre serving people affected by the Bullengarook fire.

Australian officer Major Darren Elsey and volunteers working hard to reseat a water tank on The salvation Army property in Tagaba. Photos: Daryl Crowden The Australia Territory continues to support The Salvation Army in Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake that struck the South Pacific island nation last month. In this Global Focus report, DARYL CROWDEN, The Salvation Army Emergency Services General Manager, outlines the ongoing relief and recovery efforts. It was a beautiful sunny day on Tuesday 17 December in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Elizabeth was sitting with dozens of other women at the outdoor market near Numbatu, selling produce from a market garden leased by the Salvation Army women to raise funds for their ministry in Tagabe. Elizabeth says, “When the earth shook, people were screaming and running out of the shops onto the road.” She saw two elderly women carrying full market bags being shoved aside and losing their footing but no one helping. “I left my mangoes and went to help them,” she shares. “I just stood behind them so that people had to go around me until another man saw what was happening and came to help us.” Australian officers Darren Elsley and Daryl Crowden chat with Vanuatu Salvation Army leaders Elizabeth (left) and Lilyrose about The Salvation Army’s earthquake response. It took Elizabeth three hours to get home, which is only 5km away in the Tagabe community, where The Salvation Army has a base called ‘21 Jump Street’. “People were afraid,” she says, but eventually, her cousin came and picked her up. Click to donate to The Salvation Army Australia Earthquake Response Appeal The Salvation Army in Vanuatu is led by Lilyrose George, but she was on holiday in Australia at the time of the earthquake. In her absence, Elizabeth Utissets and Dora were providing leadership to the fellowship of about 30 people. For the community of approximately 490 people at 21 Jump Street, The Salvation Army property – with its church building surrounded by greenery and flowers – immediately became the place to be. The central town area of Port Vila is closed indefinitely due to extensive damage. Electric power and mains water were down all over the town, and “for seven days following the quake, people came to us to charge their phones from our solar system and to fill containers from our three (damaged but functional) rainwater tanks,” explains Elizabeth. “No one could get cash; all the banks, ATMs and post office were closed; and even if they could find food, they couldn’t buy it.”  So Elizabeth, with her team of Salvos volunteers, travelled daily to their garden, collecting fresh fruit and vegetables: “We cooked kai kai (food) in our ‘kitchen’ and shared it with our neighbours for free for the next seven days.”  The Jump Street garden provided fresh produce for the community. While Vanuatu is a country of churches on every corner, The Salvation Army has a very small presence. Supported by the Australian Territory for the past 10 years, it has become well-known in the 21 Jump Street community since Cyclone Pam hit the country in 2015. On 27 December, Major Darren Elsley (Remote and Rural Chaplain, NSW) and I arrived to support The Salvation Army community. We went straight to the corps, were greeted with hugs and kisses all round, and there was an immediate outpouring of story and experience. The first few days were spent with the fellowship members, worshipping together, assessing the damage and introducing The Salvation Army to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the other cluster agencies. Dora leading worship at 21 Jump Street. Within the first four days, with the help of the local community, we repaired, replaced and reseated the 5000-litre and 1100-litre water tanks, the two communal shower blocks and handwashing facilities to ensure a safe and clean water supply to the church, and, by default, to the broader Jump Street community. The funding for the deployment and program activities has come from The Salvation Army Australia and International Headquarters. On New Year’s Eve, we all joined for worship, sharing stories of faithfulness throughout the year. However, a theme of gratitude for safety during and support after the quake became evident. Almost three weeks after the initial 7.3-magnitude quake, daily tremors – some as strong as 5.8 – continue to shake the island. There is still fear and uncertainty, and with other relief agencies, including World Vision Vanuatu and UNICEF Pacific, we have provided age-appropriate psychosocial first aid to church and community members. Elizabeth (left), who led The Salvation Army's initial earthquake response in Vanuatu, and Genevieve, cooking meals for the local community. Elizabeth says, “We want to help our community ... we pray for them every day, and we ask God to help us help them.” While the community was not as badly impacted as the town centre, many in the community have lost kitchen equipment, need help with tools and equipment to repair buildings and, with school going back at the end of the month, their resources are tight. Last Thursday, volunteers from the fellowship – including teenage girls who were amazing – knocked on every door gathering household data so that this week, The Salvation Army – thanks to International Headquarters and International Emergency Services – can provide a voucher to every impacted household in 21 Jump Street. We targeted 115 households (447 people). In the next few days, we will facilitate a distribution of vouchers purchased from a local business so that people can replace broken or damaged household and kitchen items, buy tools for small repairs and back-to-school supplies. Young Salvos volunteers collected household data for the voucher program. As the tremors continue and the central town area remains indefinitely closed due to extensive damage, The Salvation Army is better known by the government and NGO (non-government organisation) sector and is certainly punching above its weight in the response it is providing to its own people and the community of people to which it belongs. Estimates are that the (infrastructure) recovery program will take all, if not more, than a year. Fifty per cent of the town centre is destroyed or will be condemned. Tourism, including cruise ships, is the major earner for the island, and with the port closed and the ‘main tourist area’ destroyed, the economic recovery could take as long, if not longer, than the infrastructure. Pray for the leaders of Vanuatu as they hold an election on 16 January. Ask for the continued resilience of the people and the support of the international community for the long haul of recovery. Take a trip to beautiful Vanuatu and support the economy!   To donate to The Salvation Army Australia Earthquake Response Appeal, click here . The Salvation Army complex, affectionately known as 21 Jump St, at Tagabe in Vanuatu.

The Richmond Salvos team had fun with Cousin Koala at the housewarming open day, which was a great success. Cousin Koala’s visit was a highlight for the community members who attended the fun day out. BY LERISSE SMITH It was a joyous housewarming celebration with a meaningful twist. When Melbourne’s Richmond Corps completed essential renovations to better serve the needs of its local community, top of the agenda was hosting a welcoming and inclusive Open Day – Many Cultures, One Hope – infused with the warmth of a housewarming spirit. And when the event kicked off, it was a huge success. More than 300 people gathered for a full day of fun, fellowship and friendship on 16 November 2024. “I think the striking thing for me was that we had so many different people coming from so many different walks of life,” said Major Craig Farrell, Corps Officer – Team Leader at Richmond Corps, as he reflected on the memorable occasion. Colonel Kelvin Merrett (left) cuts the celebration cake with Richmond Corps Officers Major Craig Farrell and Captain Ellen Farrell. “We had families, but we also had people who are homeless and experiencing addiction and the realities of that, alongside performers and locals who live in the neighbourhood. We all just sort of mixed together and looked out for each other. People thanked each other and greeted each other, and it was just a really lovely, lovely picture and seen throughout the day.” The event also ticked a few boxes. The corps wanted to showcase its renovations, including upgraded shower and intersex toilet facilities for local residents, highlight the church’s work in the community, and remind people of its presence in the heart of Richmond. The renovations have been crucial in a highly transient area. “We have agencies who remarked, ‘Oh, thank goodness, that is going to be a real help’,” Craig explained. “We have already had people referring agencies and referring people to us for a shower. We take for granted the use of a shower every day. But it is greatly needed given the high homeless population in our neighbourhood. To have access to a shower can be an incredible asset. Our corps can provide respite for people from the mayhem and for them to feel good again and refreshed.” Many entertainers representing many cultures played a significant role in the event. The corps also revamped its food relief pantry and created a walkway to the old quarters next door, which can now be used for group activities and new community initiatives. Craig said the event was a great opportunity to let the neighbourhood know the corps existed and was open to serve the local residents. The corps invited local agencies and community groups, including a health service that plays a critical role in the area, and the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association. The focus on cultural diversity also aligned with the housewarming theme. Additionally, the event was a chance to unite many support agencies who worked independently in the Richmond area and to benefit from collaborating. Various cultural entertainment groups participated, including a colourful Chinese fan dance group and an Indian performance group. A local primary school and brass band added excitement to the occasion. “It was great to celebrate the diversity of the community and provide a welcoming space,” Craig reflected. “We had people who might come for our emergency relief normally, who came just to listen and watch the cultural performances, which was something a little different. It showed that we are not just about providing food support but building community and space for people. So, that was really good. A special prayer space was provided where people were invited to participate in sharing a need or a concern.  “We had a prayer space where people were invited to participate in sharing a need they had or a concern. And we had Rosy Keane (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) for that, which was brilliant.” Craig further added there was a lot of isolation and loneliness in the Richmond community, and people needed spaces where they could trust others and share what was on their hearts. “Providing those spaces of trust and care is really crucial,” he added. “People need spaces where they can trust and share what is on their hearts and then actually know that they are being listened to and being cared for in a genuine way.” The Emergency Services team was on hand to provide a sausage sizzle. The local Salvos emergency service team provided a sausage sizzle, and catering from a local service specialising in multicultural food provided tasty treats on the day, including an array of Vietnamese rolls and the popular Greek dessert baklava. Children’s activities ranged from face painting and badge-making to giant games. A visit from Cousin Koala was also a highlight for the community members who attended the fun day out. Craig said the event’s greatest impact was raising awareness of the corps’ work in the community. “People were really encouraged about the work we do and appreciative, thankful. We did receive some extra donations, which was nice too,” he said. “We are always trying to bring people along to participate, whether that is through volunteering or other ways. People seem to be surprised by the amount of work we do with a small team. It was a great eye-opener for the community to see what the Salvos do.” Bridging communities Nuria Gonsalves, CALD Community Engagement National Lead with the Salvos Intercultural & Disability Inclusion Team, said Many Cultures, One Hope was a pivotal opportunity for Salvos to foster genuine connections among diverse groups. “The event was more than a celebration; it was a cornerstone for building trust and bridging communities that may otherwise remain isolated,” she commented. “When people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate each other’s heritage, share meals and engage in conversation, it strengthens our unity and reflects the core mission of The Salvation Army to embody compassion and inclusivity. In diversity, we find strength, emphasising that such events help our movement grow as a place where all people feel valued and welcomed. “When we celebrate together, we break down barriers. I personally feel by bringing people together from different backgrounds, we are living out our commitment to welcome all as Jesus would. Our hope is that by celebrating cultural diversity, we pave the way for ongoing relationships and meaningful mission work in communities that represent the full spectrum of backgrounds, traditions, and experiences.” One of the dancing displays at the event. Leanne Wong, Salvos Relationship Manager of Multicultural Community, said the open day represented Richmond Corps, Salvos Mission Support and Community Fundraising working together to reach out to people from different backgrounds in the community to let them know more about the Salvos. She said community fundraising was happy to support the event by engaging cultural groups and local businesses to participate in the occasion. Focusing on the future, Richmond Corps plans to use the Salvos Positive Lifestyle Program to create new groups focused on both physical and spiritual support. The main aim is to provide a reflective, quieter space in the often-noisy environment of Melbourne. “There’s always sirens. There’s always people yelling up the street,” Craig said. “And what we found was that providing some of these quieter spaces for people is like gold. It’s just a place to reset, reflect on life, and maybe encounter something of the Divine even for five minutes and provide a space for that to happen for people. “Silence can be quite confronting. So, part of our focus is how we can help people and their noise. We really work hard at trying to be good neighbours. ‘Love God, Love Neighbour’ is our catchphrase a bit – and we have worked really hard on how we welcome people and how people feel welcome in our space. We are still working on it, and it will be a forever project – that really has been our focus.” Click through the slideshow below for more photos: