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Commandant Herbert Booth and Major Joseph Perry directed and produced Soldiers of the Cross. BY LINDSAY COX* “A Christian woman, with a babe in her arms, was being pursued by Roman soldiers. The path lay across a series of wooden planks forming a narrow bridge. A comrade in the faith on the near side encourages her to cross, and receives her with a ready grasp and presses her on in hurried flight ... ... A soldier, who had outstripped his confederates, reached the plank and dashed across, forgetting to take into account the spring of the board under his weight and rapid movement. He suddenly loses his balance, and is seen flying through the air, and drops with a great splash in the stream. The tension of the audience thereat gave way to manifested gladness at the escape and the discomfiture of the poor woman’s pursuer.” (The War Cry, 18/5/1901. Page 9). The stunned and shocked audience broke their breathless silence with applause and cheers as vivid moving images and brilliantly coloured magic-lantern slides filled the huge screen in front of them. Soldiers of the Cross , a ground-breaking production by The Salvation Army’s Limelight Department, premiered on 13 September 1900 at the Melbourne Town Hall before an audience of more than 2000. Melburnians were captivated by this production, which has been grandly claimed to be the world’s first feature film. However, by the current definition, Soldiers of the Cross is not a feature film, but a two-and-a-half-hour multi-media event consisting of an ingenious mix of 16 90-second motion picture segments, some 220 magic-lantern slides, music from the Masses of Mozart by a 22-piece orchestra and choir, and rousing oratory by Commandant Herbert Booth. Soldiers of the Cross was an extraordinary achievement for its time, a startling, stirring and often brutal portrayal of the sufferings of the early Christian martyrs. The film segments of Soldiers of the Cross are among the earliest examples of using motion-picture film for narrative drama and are the first Australasian use of costumed actors performing on elaborate studio sets. Herbert Booth wrote, “In some [scenes there] are as many as 50 characters at once. I have not been able to discover any such slides in the world.” The cast of 150 officers and cadets acted on large film sets at the Murrumbeena Girls’ Home, with painted backdrops supported by the tennis court fencing. Smaller sets were erected in the Life Model Studio at 69 Bourke Street. Some scenes were shot on location; for example, the River Tiber clearly resembles the Richmond Baths. The Limelight Department camera crew with producer Major Joseph Perry. Commandant Herbert Booth, The Salvation Army’s charismatic Australasian leader (and youngest son of the Founder William Booth) conceived, wrote and directed Soldiers of the Cross , while Major Joseph Perry, the head of the Limelight Department, produced it. Film historian Eric Reade commented, “Perry covered huge crowd scenes with the dexterity of a seasoned producer. He was De Mille before his time.” Booth was adamant that Soldiers of the Cross was not just entertainment. He wrote: “I am anxious that as a result of all the labour, ingenuity and anxiety, which have been followed by prayerful dedication to the cause of Jesus, hundreds will be drawn to the Cross ...” *Lindsay Cox is The Salvation Army Australia Museum Manager based in Melbourne READ MORE: UNESCO recognition Pioneering past Limelight lights up with world premiere

According to research by McCrindle, 19 per cent of Australians say they’re significantly open to changing their religious views. BY LIEUT-COLONEL LYN EDGE Search ‘spirituality’ online and you’ll be met with a flood of images of light beams, lotus flowers, and people meditating in yoga poses. While those images speak to one form of spiritual expression, they don’t quite match the everyday Australians I know. You won’t find many of us in lotus position on the beach at sunrise. But does that mean Aussies aren’t spiritual? Or is there a uniquely Australian spirituality that isn’t seen on an internet image search? Back in 2007, Australian sociologist Gary Bouma explored this very question in his book Australian Soul . He challenged the idea that spiritual life in Australia was fading, arguing instead that it had simply taken on a quieter, more personal form. Australians, he wrote, tend to express their spirituality in more understated ways than in other Western countries. He called it a kind of “laid-back” spirituality, less tied to formal religion, but still real and meaningful. Bouma reflected the words of historian Manning Clark, who famously described the Australian spiritual sensibility as “a shy hope in the heart”. Clark wrote, “There is a profound shyness – yet a deeply grounded hope – held tenderly in the heart of Australia. It is not characteristically Australian to trumpet encounters with the spiritual … Australians hold the spiritual gently in their hearts, speaking tentatively about it.” Enduring interest That image of a quiet, fragile hope is still relevant today, according to recent research. Just a couple of months ago, in June 2025, McCrindle Research published a major report titled An undercurrent of faith . Drawing on Census data and a national survey of over 3000 Australians, the findings push back on the idea that Australia is becoming entirely secular. Instead, they reveal something deeper flowing beneath the surface: a quiet, enduring interest in spiritual things. Australian spirituality shows up not just in church buildings, but around fire pits, in shared meals, in quiet conversations. You can see it at dawn on Anzac Day, when people gather in silence and remembrance. These moments may not be overtly religious, but they carry weight. They connect people to one another and to something bigger than themselves. In a way, they’re sacred. In fact, nearly half of all Australians say they prayed in the past week. Unsurprisingly, most people who identify as religious reported praying regularly, but so did 12 per cent of those who say they have no religion at all. Even among people who don’t identify with any faith, some still find themselves reaching out to something, or someone, beyond themselves. And there’s more. The same report found that 19 per cent of Australians say they’re significantly open to changing their religious views. That number has been rising steadily – from just eight per cent in 2011, to 12 per cent in 2017, and now nearly one in five. Even among the non-religious, 12 per cent are open to rethinking their stance. The drawcard So, what’s drawing people in? It’s not hype or celebrities. Seventy per cent of Aussies say they find celebrity endorsements of Christianity off-putting. We tend to be wary of showiness, and we’re more interested in genuine relationships than public displays of faith. What draws Australians to Christianity is the sense of community and belonging (36 per cent), the peace and hope it offers (33 per cent), and the way it inspires compassion and care for others (30 per cent). These things matter, especially when life gets tough, or when you’re searching for something deeper. Australian spirituality shows up not just in church buildings, but around fire pits, in shared meals, in quiet conversations. You can see it at dawn on Anzac Day, when people gather in silence and remembrance. These moments may not be overtly religious, but they carry weight. They connect people to one another and to something bigger than themselves. In a way, they’re sacred. So, if you were to google ‘Australian spirituality’, maybe the images that would better reflect our national soul wouldn’t be beams of light or yoga mats. Maybe they’d be mates talking deeply over dinner, people standing side-by-side at a dawn service, someone walking barefoot along the beach, or volunteers serving in a community kitchen. Because while the form of spirituality in Australia may be changing, the hunger hasn’t gone away. Aussies are still searching – for hope, for connection, for peace. And while we might not shout it from the rooftops, deep down, many of us still carry that “shy deeply grounded hope in the heart”. Lieutenant-Colonel Lyn Edge is a Salvation Army officer (pastor) in NSW.

Ross Irwin is the special guest for this year’s Concert for Cancer with the Ringwood Salvation Army Band on Saturday. BY LERISSE SMITH   The Ringwood Salvation Army Band has pulled off a major coup by securing acclaimed musician Ross Irwin as the headline act for this year’s annual Concert for Cancer.   Now celebrating its 23rd year, this special event in Victoria began as a tribute to long-serving band member Melville Smith, who passed away from cancer. Since then, it has raised more than $75,000 for the Cancer Council and united a community through music for the worthy cause.   Whether you are a music lover, passionate about supporting cancer research, or remembering someone who has passed away, this Saturday’s concert is an event not to miss.   “The combination of quality music, assisting the search for a cure to cancer, with the opportunity to remember and stand with those in pain makes this a highlight in our calendar,” said Major Bram Cassidy, Ringwood Corps Officer. “People can connect at different levels. It’s an act of joy, of generosity and of remembrance.”   The concert was the brainchild of band member and former bandmaster Paul Smith, Melville’s son. Driven by personal loss, he launched the event to honour his father and help fight the disease.   More than a fundraiser, the special evening is a chance to connect, reflect and be uplifted.   Headlining this year is trumpet virtuoso Ross Irwin, from the well-known band, The Cat Empire. His personal connection to the Salvos dates back to his childhood. Ross Irwin rehearsing with the Ringwood Band.  As a youngster, he attended the Ringwood Corps, making this performance a special homecoming. His mother now attends the corps. Ross will lead a small ensemble and perform five trumpet solos. He will also sing and play with a rhythm section featuring bass, piano and drums. It is hoped that about $4000 will be raised for the Cancer Council.   Over the years, a long and impressive list of acclaimed and well-known artists have generously donated their time to perform at the Ringwood concert.   Among past feature performers are Stephen Buller, a well-known Salvation Army composer and composer-in-residence for the American President’s Marine Band in Washington; Ron Prussing, Principal Trombone of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for three decades; and Brett Baker, internationally renowned trombonist with The Black Dyke Band.   The stage has additionally welcomed talented local musicians, school ensembles, choirs and community groups, making it a true grassroots celebration.   One of the most moving moments during the evening comes with a special candle segment. Every year, the band plays  I Know Thou Art Mine , the hymn played at Melville’s funeral. Wendy, his wife, and their sons lead the candle lighting ceremony. Audience members are then invited to come forward to light a candle in memory of someone they have lost, or in support of someone currently battling cancer. Ringwood Bandmaster Mark Hamilton with Commissioner Miriam Gluyas.  “It is usually quite a powerful time in the concert,” reflected Bandmaster Mark Hamilton.   “It happens towards the end of the concert, and we’ve done that for quite a number of years now. So, it’s a good opportunity for people to participate in the evening. It’s an important part of the night to remember and reflect, but also have great music for a great cause and a message of hope because we have faith. Our goal is to share the hope of eternal life because that is what Christians believe.”   Mark also highlighted the significance of the event for the band members and the local community.   “It is just our church band that does this,” he remarked. “It’s an annual event and a pretty important event for people in the band. It’s a significant event. People who didn't know Melville have certainly got on board, which is a good thing.   “It’s certainly very much a church community event and the church gets behind it. Being a Salvation Army band also gives us a chance to share the hope that we have because we are a Christian group. We are very strong in our Christian presentation of the music.”   Tickets are available through Trybooking Details below:

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following officers who will reach the retirement milestone: 30 September 2025 Major Paul Beardsley Major Gregory Howard Major Julie Howard Colonel Kelvin Merrett Colonel Winsome Merrett Major Marrianne Schryver Major Peter Sutcliffe 31 August 2025 Major Neil Dickson 31 July 2025 Colonel Donna Evans      Colonel Stuart Evans  We warmly welcome home Colonels Donna and Stuart Evans after serving internationally for the past five years.  Effective 30 June 2025 Major Sue Hopper Effective 31 May 2025 Captain Laurel Cummins                                            Commissioner Robyn Maxwell                                            Commissioner Wayne Maxwell Effective 30 April 2025 Major Christine Ellis Effective 28 February 2025 Major Kirsten Elliott                        Lieut-Colonel Winsome Mason Major David Terracini Major Michele Terracini Effective 31 January 2025 Territorial Envoy Rosemary Richardson Lieutenant Colonel Neil Venables Major Craig Walker Effective 31 March 2025 Major Christine Ivers   Major Colin Maxwell

Harley-Davidson and Salvation Army representatives at the Tempe dealership in Sydney on Saturday for the first United We Ride event. Photo: Hannah Brabrook BY MATTHEW PLON Almost 3000 motorcyclists across Australia and New Zealand participated in the inaugural United We Ride event last weekend when The Salvation Army and Harley-Davidson teamed up to raise funds and awareness for those in need. The riders set out simultaneously across 53 Harley-Davidson dealerships, covering more than 240,000km and raising $150,000 (and counting). The funds raised will directly support The Salvation Army’s frontline programs, offering vital services and assistance to thousands of Australians and New Zealanders experiencing hardship, including emergency housing, crisis support for women and families, and financial counselling. Harley-Davidson Managing Director Nigel Keough presents Major David Collinson with a cheque on the day. Donations have now exceeded $150,000. Photo: Hannah Brabrook “The Salvation Army’s partnership with Harley-Davidson has been an amazing ride,” said Major David Collinson, Executive Officer for Salvos Stores Mission. “We are so grateful for their support, and the support of the amazing community of motorcyclists across ANZ. The funds that have been raised will directly benefit our frontline programs, helping those who need it most.”    Amanda Travers, The Salvation Army’s Relationship Manager – Corporate Partnerships, said United We Ride wasn’t just about raising vital funds. “It lifted spirits across the country!” she enthused. “Saturday’s united ride across Australia and New Zealand was an experience I’ll never forget. It was a privilege to be part of such a powerful day – united with riders, fuelled by emotion, energy, and the thunder of those unmistakable engines. What a day. What a ride. And yes… now I  definitely  want a Harley!” Major Aaron Stobie found a Harley-Davidson friend at the dealership in Perth. Perth Fortress Corps Officer Major Aaron Stobie attended the event at a dealership in Perth. “Whilst the weather was far from ideal, it did not dampen the enthusiasm to be involved in this ride,” he said. “It was a fabulous event for the whole family that included music, food, great deals, lots of chatter, tattoos, face painting, coffee and more … all for a great cause!” Channel 7’s Sunrise covered the event from the Tempe dealership in Sydney, with presenter James Tobin joining the ride.    “A huge thank you to [Harley-Davidson’s Managing Director] Nigel Keough and the entire Harley-Davidson community for your incredible support of the Salvos,” Amanda said. “We’re deeply grateful for your passion, horsepower, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”  Harley-Davidson riders ready to roar for the Salvos from the dealership in Launceston, Tasmania. United We Ride marks the beginning of a relationship between The Salvation Army and Harley-Davidson. Donations are still open until 12 September, so if you are able, follow the link and help support this amazing event:  https://www.unitedwerideanz.com Click through the slideshow to view more photos of the event:

The grand old building at 69 Bourke St in the 1890s, when it was The Salvation Army’s Australasian Headquarters. BY BARRY GITTINS If you were a shrewd advocate and activist who wanted to be within cooee of the Victorian premier’s digs at parliament on Spring Street, and also Melbourne’s Lord Mayor on Swanston Street, where would you look to buy property? If you were a morals crusader and social change agent who wanted to situate your operations within walking distance of the opium dens and brothels of Exhibition, Little Bourke and Little Lonsdale streets, and ‘Chinatown’, where would you set up shop? What if you held religious services and wanted premises to attract the poor and the wealthy, the workers and the toffs, the young and the aged, all streaming in and out of Melbourne’s Central Business District? The answer to these queries, as The Salvation Army discovered, was high up on Bourke Street; now recognised as 69 Bourke Street to be precise. Some 130 years ago, in an 1895 issue of The Officer , The Salvation Army reported that “our Australian comrades have just entered their new Territorial Headquarters, and have had a series of very successful demonstrations in connection with the same”. The grand building had been built in 1890 for the YMCA, and the Army had previously held meetings in it as the YMCA’s paying guests. Sadly, the severe financial recession of the 1890s led to the banks foreclosing on the YMCA in 1894. The building through the years ... from modern-day, the 1960s and at the turn of the 20th century. The Salvos put their hand up to purchase it and took possession in 1895. “The building is magnificently suited to the purpose of [our] Australasian headquarters,” the article continued. “Besides the various suites of offices, it contains accommodation for the printing press, besides a large, beautiful hall to seat 1200 people, and a smaller hall.” The Salvation Army faced a weighty price for what became the Melbourne City Temple; the land alone cost 30,000 pounds, and the building another 25,000 pounds; the Army’s offer of 19,000 pounds was accepted (a far cry from the required 55,000 pounds), “to be paid by instalments extending over ten years”. An excerpt from the article that appeared in an 1895 edition of The Officer. With the exception of the COVID-19 years, when the building often had to help people through a servery window in Westwood Place and a ‘triage’ front desk in the vestibule, people have entered what is now Melbourne Project 614 for 130 years; eating, singing, praying, laughing, confiding, and receiving practical and spiritual support in numerous ways. That real estate bargain in 1895 has paid off handsomely for The Salvation Army and Australians.

Jules Kakono, Samaritan House Manager (second from right), accepts a cheque from the Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association for the Army’s work with victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. BY SIMONE WORTHING A local partnership in Mackay, North Queensland, is assisting with ongoing support for The Salvation Army’s Samaritan House, which provides vital accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic and family violence (DFV).   Jules Kakono, Samaritan House Manager, expressed deep gratitude for the continuing partnership with the Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association. “Their support has a direct and positive impact on the safety, comfort and wellbeing of the women and children we care for. We are truly grateful for their commitment to our work,” she said.  The cricket association supported Rotary’s activities in May to raise money for Samaritan House. Last year, the cricket association donated Christmas presents to Samaritan House, helping to brighten the festive season for families in crisis. This year, their generosity has gone even further. In May, the association participated in Rotary’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month activities, hosting Friday night raffles in the club, selling purple bucket hats at reception, and offering a range of delicious, purple-themed treats from the pastry chef. All proceeds – totalling $4000 – went directly to Samaritan House.   In August, a further $1000 was donated to purchase a safety watch, a safety pendant and toys for children at the refuge. The cricket association donated gifts for children at Samaritan House last year. “Mackay Cricket Association has long valued and admired the very important work that Samaritan House does in our community. It is a pleasure for us to support them, and we encourage others to do so, too,” said Terry Doolan, Chairman of the Mackay Cricket Association.   Samaritan House, through its interdisciplinary team, provides multifaceted support for victim-survivors. This includes:   Safe and trauma-informed spaces/accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. Intensive case management for victim survivors as part of supporting their trauma recovery, including through interventions by Specialist DVF Practitioners and a Family Violence Therapeutic Practitioner.  Trauma recovery for children through specialist interventions via a Children’s Practitioner.  Engaging in DFV awareness in various contexts through participation in community projects such as the Rotary DFV program, Reclaim the Night, and Party in Park (during Child Protection Week) helps promote DFV awareness in different settings. A Christmas party for those supported by the service.

The Salvation Army Cooking on a Budget program in WA offers a chance to meet others, chat and experience the warmth of community. (Background image: Katie Smith on Unsplash) BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With Perth rental property prices soaring and the increased cost of living continuing to impact households, The Salvation Army in Western Australia is equipping those struggling to make ends meet with the knowledge and resources to cook affordable, nutritious food. Leanne Boot and Kristen Walker are part of the Community Engagement Team at Doorways in Balga and Morley, in the northern suburbs of Perth. As part of the broader Doorways Community Engagement program, they run weekly Cooking on a Budget classes for community members who, due to disability or other life circumstances, find themselves needing a group such as this one. “The aim is to provide life skills around cooking, but also around affordable, healthy meals,” Leanne said. “It gives people the opportunity to try things they wouldn't necessarily try at home. We’ve tried to incorporate quite a lot of vegetables that we get or that we see coming through Oz Harvest, which obviously brings the cost down a lot. Most of our meals we're trialling don’t have any meat either. “That’s new this term because [meat] is driving the cost up for families.” REA Group Market Insights from April showed that Perth is now on par with the second most expensive capital cities to rent in Australia, with a median rental cost of $700 per week. This, REA Group says, marks the worst point in Perth’s history for rental affordability. According to 2021 Census data, unemployment in Balga was higher than that of the rest of the state and country, sitting at 7.9 per cent compared with 5.1 per cent. Kristen Walker runs the group at Morley Corps. Kristen said her group, at Morley Corps, is a “mixed bag of skills”. She said both she and Leanne, who works from Balga Corps, will enable participants to engage at a level with which they are comfortable. “We cater to all abilities in our groups, and we’ve made sure we’ve got safety knives, so people who aren’t comfortable or necessarily confident with chopping [feel] perfectly safe to work within their ability and not be at risk of injuring themselves that way,” Kristen said. “So they're able to try chopping vegetables they may not have tried before or participate in ways that they couldn't without those facilities.” The pair have collated existing recipes to make up booklets for community members to take home ,  adding up to 20 cookbooks in total, with two recipes on the menu each week. Each term, a maximum of 12 participants will join at each location. After cooking, they will all sit down to eat the meal, clean up together, and any leftovers can either be taken home by the group members or passed on to Doorways staff to be offered to those seeking assistance. For Kristen, her group is quite social, and she said they get along well with one another. Many live with disabilities or on pensions and are looking for ways to reduce food costs. For Leanne, sadly, many of the community members she works with throughout all aspects of her work are ingrained in generational poverty. She said many had attended the corps since they were children, as their parents and grandparents also sought assistance from The Salvation Army. “There are some community members who don’t typically eat daily. The cooking class on a Friday for some is the only balanced meal that they will eat all week,” Leanne said. As a result, Leanne and Kristen sometimes introduce their groups to foods they might never have tried before. The results can be surprising. “We did a curry last term that was tofu, and when they all arrived, they were all horrified at the idea of making a tofu curry, but everyone sat down to eat it at the end of the day, and they all loved it,” Kristen said. “Several of them then went out and bought tofu and made it again that week.” Participants in the Balga program making meatballs. Image: Leanne Boot But it isn’t just about food. The Cooking on a Budget program offers a chance to meet others, chat and experience the warmth of community. For those in Kristen’s group, the class offers something extra special. “In the breaks, they’re always quite disappointed it won’t be on next week,” Kristen said. “And they always look forward to coming back again. One of my participants [recently] said coming to the program is one of the highlights of his week, he just loves to come and be part of a program and see other community members, cook some yummy food and eat together. “It’s a very social environment for people to be involved in as well [who] might otherwise be quite isolated.” Photos from Morley class, courtesy Kristen Walker

Not forgotten ... young Ukrainians have enjoyed a summer of camps and activities, but are now returning to the reality of living in a war zone. BY SIMONE WORTHING   The Salvation Army Ukraine sent its congratulations to schoolchildren, students, teachers and parents on the ‘Day of Knowledge’ (1 September) as they return to school after the northern summer.   Tragically, this is the fourth year in a row of beginning the school year in a full-scale warzone. Corps across the division have assisted families with backpacks and school supplies as children begin the school year. Several schools will take place in underground stations for safety.   The parents of many children could not accompany them to school this year as they are actively engaged in defending Ukraine from Russia’s invasion, or have lost their lives in this defence.   The Salvation Army in Ukraine, and beyond, has worked hard to give Ukrainian children and youth a summer of fun and relaxation – a break they desperately needed from bomb shelters, drone and missile attacks, and the stress and trauma of war.   In August, 32 delegates and youth leaders from the Eastern Europe Territory, including Ukrainians, attended the European Youth Event (EYE) in the Netherlands. The young people were delighted to worship and enjoy the experience with representatives from all European territories. READ MORE: EYE-2025 Young people across Europe dare to look up   Youth leaders in Ukraine ran a convention for senior scouts, helping young people to   appreciate each other, work in a team, and accept themselves. They played games they usually can’t play in typically small residential yards, discussed topics of relevance to them, sang and worshipped together and just had fun.   A junior scouts convention also took place, with children learning camping skills, water sports and crafts. Worship, as always, took centre stage at the conventions.   Week-long day camps were also held in various corps, giving children the opportunity to explore different professions through games and craft, play games together and enjoy visits to parks and places of interest.   Through art therapy, the children learned to discuss their emotions, understand themselves and each other, express their individuality and sympathise with others.   Salvation Army leaders and volunteers, as well as donors and sponsors, have given many children the opportunity to enjoy being a child and young person in as normal a way as possible in a warzone.   It’s important for Ukrainians, especially young people, to know that the world has not forgotten them. Knowing they are prayed for, cared about and supported gives them strength and hope to endure increasingly difficult circumstances, fatigue and ongoing war.

A wonderful collaboration between The Salvation Army and the Jaanymili Bawrrungga Aboriginal Corporation has made it possible to bring the Kids in the Kitchen program to Bowraville in Nambucca (NSW). The structured program has enabled young people to acquire new kitchen skills and feel affirmed in a supportive environment. It has also allowed the sharing of cultural knowledge and the strengthening of existing relationships.

The first cohort of the independent Great Commission Institute, founded by members of Shire Salvos, to train people in the Diploma of Ministry. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Ten students from New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia have begun a Diploma of Ministry with the new Great Commission Institute (GCI*), birthed by three Shire Salvos members with a passion for Bible-centred and spirit-led teaching.   GCI is connected with the Sydney College of Divinity but operates as an independent entity, offering Biblical training that ultimately reflects the mission of The Salvation Army. Institute Director and lecturer, Sean Nolan, who attends Shire Salvos, said the founding of the institute, with fellow Shire Salvos members Mark Soper and Michael Hosking, was a spirit-led journey and one of obedience. Founder and director Sean Nolan teaches during a three-day intensive on ‘Spiritual Formation’ for the Diploma of Ministry at the Great Commission Institute. “I really feel like God started it [GCI]. It’s a difficult thing to explain because there wasn’t a specific genesis point,” he said. “And it was also a journey of possibility. “Thinking about, ‘What could this achieve, not so much just with the students in the room, but with the investment into them.’ The first cohort is made up of 10 students who have all got quite active ministries. We are touching 10 people, but then there are probably 500-600 people who they are ministering to.”   Members of the inaugural cohort of GCI met earlier this month for a three-day intensive for the first subject of the Diploma: Spiritual Formation. Eight people joined from across NSW, while two students joined online – one from Brisbane and one from Kununurra in Western Australia.   Pastor Marilyn Brett teaches during a three-day intensive on ‘Spiritual Formation’ for the Diploma of Ministry at the Great Commission Institute. Shire Salvos Children and Families Ministry Coordinator, Bec Cundasamy, is part of the cohort and said the first intensive, Spiritual Formation, was “amazing”. “I learned so much, was challenged and refreshed. Getting to know the cohort was so encouraging, and I cannot wait to do this journey with them all,” she said.   Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper, who is also a director of the new institute, says students who undertake the Diploma of Ministry will be offered missional opportunities across Shire Salvos and potentially further afield. “Putting theological knowledge into practice, alongside experienced missional practitioners, will allow the word of God to become truly alive, just as Jesus intended it to be,” Mark said. Salvo connection – (from left) Michael Hosking (business director), Sean Nolan (founder and director) and Mark Soper (director). For Sean Nolan, the Great Commission Institute is one way to raise up future ministry leaders, especially for The Salvation Army.   “We all know what the problem is, but here’s a solution that we can contribute now to The Salvation Army world. It’s not going to cost much, it’s not going to require a huge amount of effort, but it’s something that we can do now that’s real and practical.”   Already, GCI is prayerfully considering additional programs as demand grows. For anyone with further questions or who is interested in studying in-person or online with the Great Commission Institute’s second cohort for the Diploma of Ministry, contact Michael Hosking at:   michael@gcinstitute.org.au * The Great Commission Institute is not funded by or operated by The Salvation Army. It is an independent educational facility, run as a local expression of Shire Salvos by members who are passionate about Bible-based teaching, building the Kingdom of God, and empowering people for local mission. The Great Commission Institute wants to bring God’s word alive in people’s lives.

Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (8-14 September), we are praying for the India South Western Territory.   Colonels John William and Ratna Sundari Polimetla lead the territory. The India South Western Territory has 598 officers (258 active, 340 retired); Aux-Capts 12; Envoys 13; employees 91; corps 318; outposts and societies 12; senior soldiers 27,448; adherents 3979; junior soldiers 1876. The work of the territory includes: Hospitals and health centres Education Youth work Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Please pray for: ·    Courageous discipleship:   Pray that Salvationists across the UK and Ireland will live boldly for Christ, reflecting his love in their communities. We thank God for evidence of his Spirit empowering Salvationist disciples to step up and stand out in many different ways resulting in deeper personal faith and unbelievers exploring Christian spirituality. ·    Prophetic voice:   Pray for the Army’s voice to be heard in government, media, and public discourse, always rooted in Christ’s compassion. ·    The most marginalised, most excluded: Ask God to help us to continue to be a place of radical welcome, inclusion, and transformation. ·    Children and youth:   Pray for the young people in our corps - that they continue to encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. Ask God to raise up passionate youth leaders and provide the resources needed for vibrant, thriving children’s ministries. We thank God for the numerous young people who have attended summer camps over the summer months and for the committed staff. We pray that God will have strengthened their faith, and they will continue to grow in their discipleship. ·   Growing leaders:  Pray for the development of spiritually mature, servant-hearted leaders across all levels of the Army. We thank God for 12 cadets entering officer training this year and pray that others will continue to respond to God’s call to whatever he is calling them to. To read more about The Salvation Army in India South Western, click here .   To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .   To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here .