1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? My current appointments are Bunbury Corps Officer and Busselton Corps Officer with my beautiful wife, Zoe. We call it the SouthWest Salvos, and we have three thrift shops, plenty of community engagement with drop-in centres and other services and groups meeting each week with over 150 staff and volunteers. I mention the staff and volunteers because working and ministering with these incredibly talented people is one of the greatest joys and parts of the role. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Now that my kids have grown up and are fairly independent, a few times a week I go to our local indoor beach volleyball centre and play a number of rounds of indoor beach volleyball on a few teams. I find the exercise and participating on a team fun and relaxing (attached is a photo of me winning the pair of aces championship with my teammate in that round). 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? Oh, there are so many great songs over the years, and I have a number of songs that I have enjoyed and that have spoken to my spirit. A current one is ‘Holy Forever.’ The idea of joining with the angels as they sing about how the God of the universe is Holy, and the highest and greatest and above everything and everyone, and how God has redeemed me and forgiven me, just fills me with awe and wonder. So, I start to lose myself in worship and sing louder than I should. But knowing my singing voice, which sounds like a dead cat being swung around at high speeds with the last amount of air coming out, joins with all creation, allows me to let loose and worship without inflicting my voice on anyone else. 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 love a lot of the Old Testament characters, and there would be a number of them that I would love to talk to. Jonah and what it is like in the whale. Elijah and seeing the fire from heaven come down on Mount Carmel. The Samson story is fascinating too. But one person I would love to talk to most would be Joseph. I would love to talk to Joseph about how he kept his unwavering faith and trust in God over the years when sold by his brothers, locked in prison, and then what it was like to become one of the most powerful men in the world. And what it was like to have the assurance of God in all circumstances. I just think Joseph would be able to give us some great insights into how we can live and work in today's world. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? If I was talking to anyone who is exploring officership, the first thing I would say is "make sure you are called to The Salvation Army and officership.” Over the last 15 years, I can honestly say that it hasn’t always been easy, and there are times when life and ministry is great and times when life and ministry is hard. It has only been the call of God on my life that has anchored me to The Salvation Army. But if God has called you, then go for it. Don't waste time because it will be the greatest thing that you will ever do. God could send you anywhere and ask you to do many different things. However, more than that, I have seen God perform so many signs and wonders, seen God answer prayers and perform miracles. I’ve seen God do things that are out of this world, and because of that, I am sold out to him. I can’t see myself doing anything else because today, I serve the God that saved me from death and destruction and given me life. So, if you are called, say yes and allow God to show you just how awesome he is!  *Interview by Lerisse Smith

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it?   I am currently the Corps Officer at Launceston Corps, serving with my wife, Kelly, who is focused on Community Engagement and chaplaincy. There are a number of rewarding things in the role, one of which is the ways we see community coming together and being empowered. A lot of what we do is aimed at community support and assistance, but there’s also those missional opportunities that arise that step into more of a community development space, which is the area I find most satisfying. Helping people to realise the assets and strengths they do have and what they can contribute. Working alongside others in such ways also brings great opportunities to share faith and Jesus as we work and do life together. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   I love to get out on the ocean and do some fishing, particularly on the East Coast of Tasmania around the Freycinet area – while not getting the opportunity as much as I’d like to, we usually spend a couple of weeks following Christmas each year doing that, which is also great family time. Reading is another thing I enjoy in my own time, along with walking and being out in nature – there’s plenty of great short walks in Tasmania that are on offer. I’m a musician, so sitting down at the piano just playing and worshipping is perhaps my favourite way to relax. Then there is the discovery of new cafés that I haven’t visited and sampling their almond latte and maybe a bakery treat! 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it?   I’ll say my favourite at the moment (as I like to keep up with listening to the latest releases from Christian artists and groups) is ‘Follow’ by Melodie Malone (Passion). The lyrics speak so strongly to being a disciple and follower of Jesus. I especially am impacted by the lyric “What an honour to choose surrender …” Often, we think of our surrender to Christ in terms of the sacrifice it brings, and the words of Jesus in Scripture, of course, speak to that. But what an honour and privilege it also is that the Holy and Sovereign God invites us into relationship with him and choosing to fully surrender to his will, ways and plans for our life. 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?   That’s a hard choice to pick just one! Let’s say the Apostle John. There is his statement that the world would not have room for all the books if everything Jesus did was written down – so tell me more! There’s the vision he received recorded in Revelation – where would you start? And we know John was an eyewitness to the crucifixion. So, there would be lots to ask and talk about and contemplate. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?   My immediate answer would be ‘No’ ... because the work is often challenging, the hours long, and it can bring significant sacrifices to family life – no one in their logical mind would choose to do this role. But, of course, I need to qualify that because, as we would know, it’s all about calling. If someone senses they are called by God to ministry as an officer and that is confirmed in seeking the Spirit and the wise counsel of trusted people, then do it! You’ll experience the fullness of peace, blessing and joy that God desires to shower upon you, and indeed others through the work of the Spirit in us, in spite of the challenges that the role brings. As has been mentioned above, what an honour it is to choose full surrender to him! *Interview by Lerisse Smith

‌ In this inspiring six-minute New Year’s Day Bible message, Lieut-Colonel David Godkin challenges us to avoid a “One day …” attitude, where we put off things in life that are important. ‌ Drawing on the words of the Apostle Paul in  Romans 13:11-12 , David urges us to prioritise the things that really matter – including our spiritual health. David, who is the Mission Leader at Miranda (NSW), has included some discussion questions on the MySalvos Toolkit .   To view the video, click on the arrow below.

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

Join Adam Purcell as he unpacks the story of Elijah, a prophet who demonstrated unwavering faith in God despite immense challenges. Discover powerful lessons on trust, obedience and reliance on divine guidance in this engaging and thought-provoking sermon. Heroes of the Faith is a four-part Bible teaching resource that explores the lives of four heroic Bible characters: Joseph, Elijah, Rahab and David. For each Bible character, there is a video Bible message and discussion questions to equip your congregation or small group to watch, share and pray. The full suite of resources can be found here.

Josiah Van Niekerk has driven a range of community projects since he first began at the corps three years ago. Image: Supplied  BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Josiah Van Niekerk has been announced as the Colac Salvation Army’s incumbent Corps Leader, starting in early 2025.  The regional Victorian corps, along with its leadership, has recently featured extensively in media coverage for its work providing tents for those in the area who are facing long-term homelessness, its market days and its free haircut ministry.  Josiah has collaborated with local organisations and volunteers to drive much of this work.  The new corps leader position will take over from current Corps Officer Captain Paul Trotter, who has served the corps for almost three years and will now be taking up a position as Corps Officer at Hobsons Bay Corps, also in Victoria.  “God has been preparing me for this over this last year.” Josiah has served at the corps, where he is a senior soldier, for just over three years, first as Colac Salvos Store Manager, then as Ministry Assistant and now Community Engagement Coordinator.  The Van Niekerk family has been established in the Colac area for over 100 years, and Josiah comes from a family ministry background in a variety of evangelical denominations. With his service now to The Salvation Army and the Colac community, Josiah said the new role is a natural progression and a part of the journey he has taken alongside both Paul and community members.   “God has been preparing me for this over this last year,” Josiah said. “[It’s] just amazing the things he’s been pruning off me and giving me, so I’m ready for this. I’m prepared for this as best as I can be.”   Colac Corps opens new welfare and worship centre Major Mal Davies, Assistant Divisional Commander for Victoria, said Josiah had been a “textbook” community engagement coordinator, supporting Paul’s role overseeing pastoral ministry.  “Where Paul will say, ‘I’d love to have a collaboration with the local high school’, Josiah will go off and meet with the principal,” Mal said. “Josiah will make appointments. He’ll go and meet with [local businesses and institutions] and say, ‘This is how you can help us’.   “So, the community engagement role is a great role. Josiah has done it very well.”  Beacon of light in the heart of the city Mal said while The Salvation Army’s preference was to put officers in leadership positions at corps, there was an option for appointing auxiliary-lieutenants or corps leaders such as Josiah – committed Salvationists who were well-ingrained in the community.  Josiah Van Niekerk will officially be appointed as Colac Corps Leader on 15 January.

Join Captain Nicola Poore as she explores the life of Joseph, a unique hero of faith who exemplifies resilience, devotion, and trust in God despite overwhelming challenges. Discover how his story inspires us to find strength in vulnerability and hope in God’s purpose for our lives. Heroes of the Faith is a four-part Bible teaching resource that explores the lives of four heroic Bible characters: Joseph, Elijah, Rahab and David. For each Bible character, there is a video Bible message and discussion questions to equip your congregation or small group to watch, share and pray. The full suite of resources can be found here.

I wonder why we don’t do spiritual assassinations. After all, many of us are soldiers in an army, of sorts, and we speak of taking ‘captives’ for Christ and engaging in spiritual warfare, and we have quarters and soldiers and officers and nutty kernels, sorry, colonels.   I’m not suggesting we plan for someone’s fatal bodily demise – I’m speaking of spiritual assassinations. Let me explain.   I’ve been watching the excellent streaming series ’The Day of the Jackal’, featuring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch. Some of you will be familiar with the 1971 bestselling book of the same name by Frederick Forsyth or the 1973 film that featured Edward Fox, or even the 1997 remake called ‘The Jackal’ featuring Richard Gere and Bruce Willis.   The action revolves around a persistent investigator searching for an assassin known only as ‘The Jackal’. This master of disguise is a crack shot with almost any firearm. Will they catch him before he claims his next high-profile victim?   I was thinking of how we will sometimes ‘line up a victim’ to spend time with and pray for, not just with a view to growing a friendship but also with a view to seeing them saved and in relationship with Jesus. I recall an older officer once asking me, “Who are you praying into the Kingdom at the moment?”   A spiritual assassination is when we get someone in our sights (for conversion), and they don’t even know it! We plan and pray and scheme and pray and prepare and pray and strategise and pray – until we win them! I’ve known Christians who have prayed for specific people daily for years in faith that they would one day be saved.   Oddly, my mind also goes to a well-known ‘Far Side’ cartoon by Gary Larson where we see a businessman sitting at his desk and, through his window, we see in the small window of a building across the street is a duck. The caption says, ‘Anatidaephobia: the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you.’   I wonder if my yet-to-be-saved targets know that a Christian is watching them! I wonder if the hairs on the back of their necks go up when I’m secretly praying for them. I wonder if a cold chill runs down their spine when I mention their name in the same sentence as Jesus’ name. I’ve been known to pray down a large man from 50 yards away, and he didn’t even see it coming. Gospel-shot him right between the eyes.   Spiritual assassins, that’s what we need. I want to be a cool, calm, cold-blooded converter for Christ; a faith-filled ninja; a soul-saving soldier who slips stealthily through the spiritual shadows and strikes surreptitiously at the soul of a struggling sinner (say that without your teeth in).   Maybe we need to move beyond Junior Soldier classes and start ‘assassin school’ to train up spiritual assassins. We need people committed to people and willing to bring them to Christ with a swift, unexpected and well-aimed prayer!   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

To view the Appointment Bulletin released on 17 December, click here To view the Appointment Bulletin released on 23 December, click here

Staff, officers and invited guests welcomed the then-new International Leaders, General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, to International Headquarters in May 2023. Salvationists worldwide have united in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army each week throughout 2024, and this will continue into 2025. The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (30 December-5 January), The Salvation Army International invites you to spend some time in prayer for The Salvation Army in your context and around the world. Ask the Lord to guide you as you pray. You may want to use The Salvation Army International website to learn more about expressions of ministry in  different areas of the world , to read  news stories  or discover more about our  global focus . • Disciples of Jesus.  We pray that all Salvationists will have renewed desire to pursue holy living, to prioritise their relationship with Jesus, to know him, to become more like him and to do the things he did. • People, mission and legacy.  We pray that The Salvation Army will be a movement of empowered people, equipped to share the love of Christ and the transforming power of God in local communities around the world. We pray for wisdom and discernment, for fresh energy and creativity, as we intentionally focus on our people, our mission and our legacy in 2025. • 160 years of The Salvation Army.  2025 marks 160 years since our founders, William and Catherine Booth, commenced the work of The Salvation Army. As we recognise this milestone for our movement, we celebrate what God has done and continues to do in and through The Salvation Army. We thank God for everyone around the world who participates in the mission God has given The Salvation Army – to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination. As we step into a new year, may we all continue to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and respond with courage. May we continue to demonstrate God’s love to others, wherever we find ourselves, and through our words and actions, may others come to know Jesus too. To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus calendar, click here .

Each week throughout this year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army. Captains Manuela Castaldo and Andrew Lee are appointed to Italy. Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week ( 23-29 December ) we are praying for the Italy and Greece Territory. Aussie officer, Captain Andrew Lee and his wife, Captain Manuela Castaldo, will be taking up appointments in Italy next month – Andrew as Potenza Corps Officer THQ, Projects Officer and Assistant to the Chief Secretary for Properties, and Manuela, who comes from Italy, as Potenza Corps Officer.  Greek officers, Captains Paul Anastasiou and Rachel Mina-Anastasiou, completed officer training in Australia. Captains Paul Anastasiou and Rachel Mina-Anastasiou, Greek Salvation Army Officers who completed their officer training and initial appointments in Australia, serve in Thessaloniki, Greece. The territory is made up of 282 senior soldiers, 117 adherents and 27 junior soldiers. There are 16 corps, 2 outposts, 49 officers (34 active and 15 retired), 2 envoys and 55 employees. Pray for Italy and Greece Territory Praise: ·       We thank God for the successful inauguration of the Territorial Governance Board in October. Please pray now for the work of implementing governance thoroughly and effectively. ·       We thank God for the keen interest and thoughtful input of officers and leaders as the territorial strategy is determined. Please pray for Spirit-led direction. Please pray for: ·       The continued fostering of relationships that have developed through various special Christmas ministries. ·       God’s continued movement in the hearts of individuals who are considering his will for their lives, especially in relation to the various pathways to service within The Salvation Army. ·       The Greek Region, as personnel continue to adjust to new ministry responsibilities and explore growth opportunities. ·       God's guidance for every ministry and activity planned for the coming year, and for lasting spiritual fruit from them. To find out more about the Italy and Greece Territory click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus for the remainder of 2024, and to download the 2025 calendar, click here .

Summer holidays are often a great time to make a reading list and enjoy some down time!   BY MAJOR MAL DAVIES With summer comes sunshine – to state the obvious – and this means not only watching cricket or eating watermelon but also days at the beach or by the pool, holidays and days so hot that we stay indoors with the air-con on.   Each of these options also equates to book-reading time! Holidays, in particular, are the only time of the year some people get their noses stuck in a book. I have a friend who doesn’t read much but on holidays he’ll power through several books.   Have you thought about a summer reading list? For some, the plan consists entirely of walking into a bookshop and seeing what grabs your attention. Others like to keep a tab on what books they will look out for when they finally get an opportunity to go book shopping.   Let this seasoned book reader offer a few hints for those of you wanting to prepare for summer. Helpful hints First – and I need to say this – watch your budget. It’s easy to walk into a bookshop and walk out with $200 less in your bank account and an armful of books that have interesting covers, but you may not ever get to read them. So, either set yourself a limit (‘Right, I have $50 to spend in this bookshop and that’s it’) or prioritise a list (‘I want 10 books; I’ll buy three for now’).   Second, and following on from that point, consider buying second-hand books. For those of us who love books, there is simply nothing like a large, cheap, well-curated, second-hand bookshop. They’re heaven.   If there’s a book that I know I’m going to love and will want to keep for ever, I’ll buy it new. However, if it’s a light holiday read or just some pulp fiction that will probably end up at Salvos Stores anyway, I’ll just buy it second-hand.   Third, in relation to genre, decide if you’re going with a theme or want a mixed list. I’ve been on holidays where I’ve taken three biographies with me and that’s it, or three classic English literature novels, or three collections of short stories (I like Sherlock Holmes especially). Alternatively, I can go on holidays and take a play by Shakespeare, a Batman comic, a book of Monty Python scripts and a John Steinbeck novel.   Fourth, stretch yourself. I recall a holiday where all I took was a book with the collected poems of John Donne. It had sat on my shelf for a few years and I thought the only way I was going to read it was to take it and nothing else. So I did … and I loved it. "Challenge yourself with something that might just change your life.”   Personal recommendations  Here’s a few books* that might stretch you, and I encourage you to rise to the challenge.   The Case for Christ  by Lee Strobel is an investigation into the existence and claims of Jesus. Strobel was an experienced Chicago journalist and avowed atheist when he started this investigation to disprove what his Christian wife believed. By the end of the book – he had to admit he was wrong and that Jesus was someone worthy of further attention.   Who is This Man? by John Ortberg, Christian pastor and writer. Ortberg considers the amazing impact Jesus has had on the world for the past 2,000 years and says he has influenced human progress more than anyone who ever lived. Who is this man?   Making Sense of God  by the late Timothy Keller, widely respected US teacher, writer and pastor. Keller writes for those who are sceptical about the relevance of faith and religion and Jesus to modern thinking.   Enjoy your summer reading. Consider my hints above. Challenge yourself with something that might just change your life. Happy reading!    * You can find or order these books at good bookshops or buy them online at koorong.com