The Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, visits Hurstville Corps’ Just Brass group in Sydney’s south. BY LAUREN MARTIN   The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, has praised The Salvation Army’s ‘Just Brass’ program during a visit to Sydney’s Hurstville Corps to distribute new instruments purchased through a state government grant.   NSW Premier Chris Minns gives Hurstville Just Brass student Jayden a new instrument purchased with a state government grant. The Premier, who is also the local member for Kogarah, has a strong relationship with the team at Hurstville Salvation Army and dropped in after a busy day at work last Friday 13 December. Earlier this year, Just Brass Hurstville received a $15,000 grant to purchase new instruments to allow it to expand its popular program to more children.   Just Brass is a Salvation Army initiative that operates at corps across the country. It is committed to offering students, particularly those in primary schools unable to resource instrumental music teaching programs, the opportunity to learn an instrument and participate in a music group. The program targets students with social and economic disadvantages as a priority.    The primary objective of Just Brass is to create opportunities for children and young people to learn a musical instrument, to enable program participants to learn how to be part of a team and to contribute to the personal, social and spiritual development of children and young people in the program. NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks to the children and parents of the Hurstville Corps’ Just Brass program. Hurstville Just Brass has been operating since 2018 and has grown from 6 to 24 members. Premier Minns said during his visit that programs like this are vital in a culture where technology is dominant.    “We are a big believer of encouraging not just music, but art and drama, the creative parts of life,” he said.   “Technology is really quick and the pace of it is quickening, but in reality, in the workplace, the creative part of your mind, the problem-solving part of your mind, often relies on someone coming up with original thought. And the beauty of art and artistic expression and music is it allows you to show your creative side and if you don’t exercise that muscle when you’re young, it’s very difficult to do it when you’re older. Hurstville Just Brass Coordinator Norman Short conducts the band for a performance for the NSW Premier, Chris Minns. “So, congratulations to the Salvos for this wonderful program, thanks so much Just Brass.”   Hurstville Just Brass Coordinator, Norman Short, said the grant that allowed Just Brass to purchase new instruments has allowed the program to grow and offer music tuition to more students.   Hurstville Just Brass students play Hand me down my silver trumpet for the NSW Premier, Chris Minns. “Here at Hurstville Just Brass offers free weekly music tuition … this year we played at our first school fete, and we have played at nursing homes, Christmas carol events in our community, up at the station and at Westfield shopping centre … the parents and the children enjoy all those engagements.” The Premier listened to the Hurstville Just Brass band play one of its favourite songs, Hand me down my silver trumpet , and member, school student William, said it was an honour to play for him.   “I was very nervous but at the end I got to know him a little bit better, and I got to meet him for the first time … I like Just Brass because the people are very nice here and it’s very enjoyable.”

Salvation Army research finds that the Salvos in Australia are gearing up for their biggest Christmas ever. New research shows that 6.3 million Australians (29.9 per cent) will struggle to pay their rent or mortgage this Christmas, and a shocking one in five (21 per cent) are being forced to forgo medical help so they can afford Christmas 2024.   The Salvos’ research found that the situation is even more dire for families with children. Almost one in four Australians (24 per cent) are concerned that their children will miss out on presents this Christmas. Moreover, 2.5 million (12 per cent) are worried their children will miss out on food, and 1.2 million (5.7 per cent) won’t even talk about Christmas with their children because they can’t afford it.   It also found that an astounding 1.9 million Australians (9.3 per cent) will be reaching out to a charity for help this Christmas, with more than 54 per cent of these people doing so for the first time.   This research coincides with The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Appeal , which aims to raise $27 million to support those doing it tough during the festive season. The research from The Salvation Army was conducted by Pureprofile* and surveyed 2004 people, discovering a further:   17.4% of Australians will go into debt this Christmas 19.2% of Australians will struggle to pay medical bills this Christmas 24% of Australians will not be able to afford enough food to eat this Christmas 39.2% of Australians have had to go without holidays to afford for Christmas 35.8% of Australians will have less people over on Christmas Day due to the cost-of-living crisis. Widespread need  “The Salvos have had the privilege of serving the Australian public for over 140 years,” said Major Bruce Harmer, H ead of External Communications - Australia .     “In that time, we have never seen the volume and widespread nature of need across the country like we are right now. People have been experiencing hardship throughout the year, and for many it has been going on for years on end. We know that Christmas time only exacerbates the pressure on individuals and families, which is why we think that this will likely be the hardest Christmas in the Salvos’ 140-year history.   “It is truly heartbreaking to see the despair and devastating decisions Australians are having to make in order to provide for their families this Christmas. As we see the devastating results of this research, we are reminded that every number and statistic represents real people, and we see that every day of the year amongst those who reach out to the Salvos for support.”   During last year’s Christmas period, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally: ● Received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families in need, ● Provided over 184,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness, ● And provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families needing accommodation during the festive season. *   “But there is real hope,” added Major Harmer.  “We see hope in those who have the courage to reach out to us for help, and we see hope in the continued generosity of the Australian public who, year after year, stand alongside the Salvos to help those in need.”   “To help give a new beginning to someone in need, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal by visiting salvationarmy.org.au or calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).   You can also make donations at any Salvos Store.   *A Pureprofile survey for The Salvation Army surveyed 2004 people in a nationally representative sample size and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population. Extrapolated numbers are based on the estimated Australian population aged 18 and older, 21,357,108 based on ABS data as seen here   **The Salvation Army, Christmas data summary report September 2024

Salvationists and friends in Ukraine are praising God for his coming this Christmas, as they continue to worship and help others as war rages around them. BY SIMONE WORTHING  Despite the brutal war going on around them and constantly living, and serving, in a state of hyper-vigilance, The Salvation Army in Ukraine is working hard to help meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of its people and communities, particularly as Christmas approaches. Even a blackout caused by bombing doesn't stop the worship service. Throughout the Advent season, corps have been lighting the Advent candles of hope, peace and joy, as well praising God for his presence and for all that Christmas means, both now and eternally.   Divisional event The Mayak (lighthouse) Corps in Ukraine recently hosted a divisional event after a particularly “terrible all-night attack on civil infrastructure in Ukraine, that aimed to leave the country without heating and electricity,” divisional leaders shared.   “However, the corps was filled with the warmth and light that were projected by all the participants, as part of the meeting was conducted during an emergency blackout in the local area.” Territorial Leaders, Colonels Ann and Richard Borrett (on screen) speak directly with Ukrainian Salvos. Modern technology allowed Eastern Europe Territory Leaders, Colonels Ann and Richard Borrett, to spend “live” time with those gathered for the event.   “It was good to have some two-way conversation,” said Colonel Ann. “I felt quite emotional seeing them and just privately acknowledged that these people we were talking to face uncertainty and some fear every day!  I thanked them for their faithful service in very difficult circumstances and assured them of our continued prayers for protection.” Faithful worshippers. Colonel Richard shared a few words from Scripture about inner peace and how different it is to the peace the world offers.   Shining the light In the Colonels’ upcoming recorded Christmas message to Ukraine and the other divisions of The Eastern Europe Territory – Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova and Romania – Colonel Richard speaks from John 8:12 , focusing on Jesus as the light of the world. “This is what we celebrate at Christmas – the coming into the world of the light of the world – Jesus,” Colonel Richard shares.   “So, our prayer is that the light of Jesus will shine upon you this Christmas, that you will know his presence in your lives and that you will radiate and reflect that light so that as people look at you, they will see the light of Jesus shining in your hearts too ... Let us receive that light. Let us reflect that light. Let us make the world a better place.” Staff and volunteers prepare gifts to help give children a special gift this Christmas.    Serving others Around the Ukraine Division, Salvationists and volunteers are raising funds through the ‘Red Kettle’ program, often standing in sub-zero temperatures for hours, to provide gifts for vulnerable children, food, clothing, warm bedding and special Christmas programs.   Help is given to those who need it, despite the challenges brought by war. The Salvation Army in Ukraine is also growing, despite the war. New soldiers are being enrolled, young people are coming to youth events and corps meetings, Bible studies are well attended, and local communities are drawn to the hope and help offered to all – from worship groups, psychological assistance, art therapy and craft, to material aid, vouchers, music, emotional and spiritual support and a warm and accepting atmosphere.   The exhaustion though, is real. Please continue to pray for peace for Ukraine and for hope, strength, encouragement and peace for all. For more photos, click on the arrow below.

Colonel Winsome Merrett (second from right) was joined by Salvation Army personnel, WA State Government members for the opening of the new Women and Children's Centre in Karratha. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett officially opened The Salvation Army's new, 14-unit Women and Children’s Centre in Karratha, Western Australia, on 3 December. The opening was part of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence  campaign that runs annually from 25 November to 10 December. The centre’s accommodation will support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and provide a safe space for women and children to re-establish their lives.  The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services around the country to support women and children impacted by family and domestic violence, including operating refuges, children’s and parenting services, counselling, men’s programs and accommodation. Every year, The Salvation Army in Australia assists more than 7000 women and children experiencing family domestic violence.    Western Australia State Government members Sabine Wenton, Kevin Michel and Peter Foster assisted Colonel Merrett in the centre’s opening. The vision behind the centre was made possible through significant Commonwealth funding, alongside financial contributions from Woodside Energy , Rio Tinto and Lotterywest .   For more information on Salvation Army family and domestic violence services, click here.

The night that Jesus was born was a night like no other. This week, Salvos Online is running a series entitled ‘Key players tell their side of the Christmas story’. Our writers are playing the roles of Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men, and imagining the Christmas story from their perspectives. BY MAJOR GRANT SANDERCOCK-BROWN   “It’ll never work, you know,” said Angelo. He looked sidewise at his companion. Her gaze was focused on the world below, and she didn’t respond. He cleared his throat. “I said, it’ll never work you know,” his voice a little louder.   Angelique turned to look directly at him with her golden eyes. “What will never work, Angelo?”   “This plan to save the world. I know that God doesn’t make mistakes, but I think he’s gotten it wrong this time.” He shook his head ruefully. “The son of God as a human baby? it will not work.”   INITIAL SCEPTICISM Angelique’s gaze was unwavering as she responded evenly. “Tell me, Angelo, why won’t it work? Do you know better than our Father?” Her gaze softened, and she offered a gentle smile. “You and I are just junior angels, remember.” A twinkle appeared in her eyes. “Are you upset because you didn’t make it into the choir that sang to the shepherds?”   Angelo sniffed and lifted his chin. “No. Just because I’m young and, unlike Gabriel, don’t have a voice like a trumpet doesn’t mean I can’t have an opinion.” He looked down at the scene that Angelique had been watching. The baby in the manger, the mother who couldn’t take her eyes off her baby, and the father making polite small talk with some shepherds. Angelo’s doubts rose again. “Look at them, Angelique!  They’re humans. Frail and fallen.”   Her voice was sombre as she replied, “Do you think God doesn’t realise that? You think he isn’t aware of their failings? He created them. He knows each of them by name, for heaven’s sake. But that’s why he sent his son, Angelo. Because of who and what they are. They need saving!”   “I know they need saving, but that’s my point,” he replied, lifting his chin once more. “The first time I saw that Adam, I was suspicious. And Eve, well, I admit, I had more faith in her. But look what happened. I was right to be sceptical.”   THE JESUS PLAN  Angelique shook her head. “You think God couldn’t see the future, Angelo? He freed humans’ will, aware that they would choose their own way.” She focused on the manger scene once more. “But he always had a plan. And that plan was always Jesus.” Angelo sighed. “I know you keep saying that, but that’s my point: a human Jesus doesn’t seem like much of a plan. How will it work?   Angelique’s voice softened, and her eyes shone as she focused on the baby. “He will be himself, God in their midst. He’ll grow up among them, live among them, share their humanity.” Her body started to glow, and her voice grew stronger. “He’ll show them what it means to truly live. He’ll teach them, love them, heal them, and yes, Angelo, die for them. He will offer them salvation, and his salvation will change the world.”   Still with a stubborn tilt to his chin, Angelo responded, “Change the whole world, Angelique?”   Angelique’s face now blazed as her words rang out. “Truly, he will change them with his love. His beloved will remember him and imitate him, and through them, one heart at a time, his love will fill the world. And hope will fill the world. And one day, every knee will bow before Jesus, our Father’s only son.”   Angelo, transfixed by her, was silent for a moment. And then his shoulders slumped, and he whispered, “Oh Angelique, I want it to be true, I do! But how long will a plan like this take?”   Angelique turned her still radiant smile towards him. “It will take a long time.  But it will work. There’ll be more and more love; there’ll be more and more hope. And one day all the earth will know his peace. And until that day, those who love him will need to remember Jesus. They’ll need to tell his story to themselves, again and again, to never stop proclaiming it and singing it. He is the prince of peace. He’s among them right now, and the world will never be the same again.”   And as heaven watched and the echo of her voice faded, the night was silent.

The night that Jesus was born was a night like no other. This week, Salvos Online is running a series entitled ‘Key players tell their side of the Christmas story’. Our writers are playing the roles of Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men, and imagining the Christmas story from their perspectives. BY MAJOR MAL DAVIES   I’m a carpenter. Before I make something I sketch it, check measurements, check angles, select the most appropriate wood for the job, sharpen my tools and then start building. I work to a plan. Even as I’m working, I measure twice and cut once.   My life is the same. Or, at least, it was.  I had a plan that included marrying Mary, building my business, having a family, taking on an apprentice or a partner, buying a bigger shed to work in, taking on more staff, retiring old, happy and rich. There it is: my plan.   Then Mary said she was pregnant, and my plan faded into smoke before my eyes and, just like that, it was gone.  This was not my plan.   I remembered from my synagogue studies as a boy, a line from the book of Solomon’s proverbs that said: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail.” So, while I was sad that my big, bold, well-ordered plans had gone, I realised I had to trust in God. Who knows? Perhaps his plan would be better than mine.   GOD SPEAKS I briefly considered whether I should hang in there with Mary. I didn’t want her to get into trouble, so I wasn’t going to make a song-and-dance of it publicly, just part ways quietly. But then I had the dream.   I dreamt that an angel appeared and told me that Mary had not slept with another bloke but was miraculously pregnant by God and the baby would be special. The angel said to call the child Jesus and that he would save people.   To be entirely honest, I didn’t know what that meant. But – again – my synagogue studies told me that God had spoken to people through dreams before, people like Jacob and Joseph and Solomon and Daniel. These were important people, so I figured if God gave important messages in dreams, I needed to listen.   NOT ALONE So, I obeyed God. Simple as that. Sure, I had doubts, I’m only human. I was especially worried about how I’d go being the father of some sort of saviour, some sort of hero, some sort of champion. But then I also figured that if God had chosen me (and, of course, Mary) then he’d also help me. I didn’t have to do this alone.   More so, just when I’d decided that I wasn’t good enough to raise a child of God, I remembered that Moses didn’t want to lead the Israelites out of captivity, Abraham was too old to lead, Jacob told lies, Samson slept around, King David committed adultery, Jonah ran away from God and so on. In our own strength, we’re weak and have doubts and get it wrong, but with God, well, we can do more than we can imagine. God had turned some pretty average people into world changers. I was confident I could get this right. I had this.   Caesar called for a census across the whole Roman empire and so I travelled, with Mary, from my home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, the home of my fathers. While we were there, Mary had the baby. He was a boy. We called him Jesus. And he was beautiful. With his first breath, I loved him.   I’d done my part. Mary had done her part, magnificently. Now it was up to Jesus to do his part.   I wondered how he would grow. Would he know he was different? Would other boys pick on him? Would I have to protect him, or would he protect me?   So many questions. But now I had a plan; I’d tried it and tested it, and it worked, so I’d stick with my new plan. My plan was this: trust God.

A prophecy promised the birth of a Saviour. He came in the form of a babe in a manger. Heavenly angels announced the good news. Good tidings! Great joy! He’s coming, it’s true! New hope revealed for everyone. Heaven meets Earth in the birth of the Son.

The Salvation Army’s Carinya Therapeutic Program has won the 2024 SIMNA Award for innovation in Social Impact. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army’s Research and Outcome Measurement Team won the SIMNA* Award for Innovation in Social Impact for their Carinya Therapeutic Program outcome measurement research. The Carinya Therapeutic Program was developed by The Salvation Army Carinya Women and Children’s Service, in partnership with Women Illawarra. The program was funded to support victim-survivors of family violence who are unable to access timely therapeutic interventions due to extensive waiting periods.    “A massive thank you to our incredible team and our partners in evaluation, the Carinya Women and Children’s Service team, and especially the Cultural Advisory Group,” said Dr Ellie Taylor, Salvos’ Senior Research Analyst, accepting the award.   “Working in the family violence sector is complex enough already. Thank you for walking alongside us and embracing difficult conversations with us while you continue your phenomenal work supporting victim-survivors.”  Dr Ellie Taylor, Salvos' Senior Research Analyst, accepted the award on behalf of all those who played a role in the program. The Salvos team won the award for  flexibility in evaluation with culturally diverse victim-survivors of family violence; going beyond “doing no harm”.     This impact-measurement project aimed to examine the outcomes and benefits of the pilot therapeutic program for women and children accessing family violence services. There are few existing valid and reliable measurement tools suitable for women and child victim-survivors of family violence, and the project necessitated thoughtful experimentation.    “Special thank you also to all the victim-survivors who shared their lived experience with us,” Ellie said. “It has been an honour. Evaluation in the family violence space is so critical, yet so underdeveloped, for several complex reasons. This award gives us even more motivation to keep pushing boundaries and exploring new approaches.”    The evaluation team took a transformative and co-design approach to evaluating the program. The process respected the trauma experience of participants, children who are victim-survivors in their own right, and diverse participants, including Indigenous peoples.  *Social Impact Measurement Network Australia

Each week throughout this year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.    This week (16-22 December), we are praying for the Angola Territory. Ezra 10:4 is the theme verse for the territory.   The territory is made up of 4745 senior soldiers, 358 adherents and 1014 junior soldiers. There are 37 corps, 25 outposts/societies, 71 officers (56 active and 15 retired), 4 Aux-captains, 10 envoys/cadets and 47 employees. Pray for the Angola Territory Please pray for: ·       The spiritual growth of The Salvation Army in Angola, both in the spiritual lives of individuals and the church. ·       Numerical growth -  One Wins One  is the challenge to Salvationists in the Angola Territory. ·       Women’s Ministries - pray that God will bring renewal to the spiritual lives of women in the territory through this work. Please pray particularly for the finances. ·       Our schools - pray that God will provide a good team, capable of teaching effectively, so that the young people attending our schools will be set up for a good future. ·       The health of active and retired officers ·       Those who are called to serve within The Salvation Army, that they will respond to God’s call. Please pray that God will raise up people to fulfil roles within the territory, particularly a territorial youth secretary and candidates officer, a principal for the officer training college, financial secretary and development officer. ·       The growing number of abandoned children and rising crime in the capital city of Luanda. ·       The evaluation and preparation of the territorial strategic plan. In February 2025, there will be a meeting in Luanda to evaluate the plan. To find out more about the Angola Territory, click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here .

The night that Jesus was born was a night like no other. Over the next five days, Salvos Online will run a series entitled ‘Key players tell their side of the Christmas story’. Our writers will take on the roles of Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men, and imagine the Christmas story from their perspectives. BY ANDREA REDFORD   I look down at my newborn baby, wrapped up and cosy as he sleeps. I take in the delicate curl of his tiny eyelashes, the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathes. I notice the way his little fingers curl into fists, like he’s ready for a fight or hanging on tightly to something precious. I could watch him all day.   This is my son, I think. My beautiful boy. I shake my head, still not quite believing the fact that I’m now a mum. So much has happened. So much.   A BIG SURPRISE It all started with a visitor at home in Nazareth, an angel sent from God, believe it or not. He said “Good morning” and told me that God had a surprise for me! Excuse me, what? I was confused, alarmed, scared … you name it.   But the angel went on to reassure me that God loves me, that everything would be ok and that I would become pregnant and have a son called Jesus.   And then he told me that my cousin Elizabeth (my very OLD cousin Elizabeth) was pregnant as well. Putting it mildly, it was a lot to take in.   But the thing is, despite how crazy this whole encounter was, how seemingly unbelievable everything he told me was, I did believe. My faith in God has always been a huge part of me, and it didn’t leave me in that moment.   It’s hard to describe, it’s such a personal thing to experience, but a peace settled on my heart in a way that left me feeling grateful … amazed and grateful.   That’s not to say that everything that’s happened since has been easy. The journey here to Bethlehem was long and uncomfortable. And, of course, giving birth wasn’t exactly easy either – is it ever?   I know, too, that this whole situation has been difficult for Joseph. He is a good man. No, scratch that – he is a wonderful man. Standing by me in our culture? With all its rules about how a woman’s life should and shouldn’t be? Takes a brave man.   Not everyone has been kind to me, that’s for sure. Hardly anyone showed any grace or understanding for a situation I had no control over. Whatever doubts he’s had along the way, Joseph has still trusted God and he’s been the friend and partner I needed. I know he saw our life playing out differently. I did too.   But here we are, and everything is exactly as God told us it would be. We are married and have a precious baby to care for. And we are here in Bethlehem, at least for now.   WHAT LIES AHEAD Jesus has started to stir. His little head turns from left to right, he arches his back and stretches his arms above his head.  He’ll be awake soon and ready to be fed. I treasure these quiet moments and think about all that lies ahead.  I smile thinking about the laughter and joy of watching Jesus grow. But I’m realistic; I know that being a mum isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There’ll be frustration! Exasperation! And worry. Somehow, I know there’ll be great sadness, too. But it’s more than that. The angel told me that Jesus would be a king and would be called the Son of God. And the shepherds who visited us said an angel told them that my little baby is a “Saviour” and “the Messiah, the Lord”! What incredible things are ahead for Jesus? For all of us? These questions lie deep in my heart; they’re hard to stop thinking about. I don’t know exactly what it all means yet. All I do know is that everything God has said so far has been true.  Why should this be any different?

I was in a work meeting recently and someone told me to play in a sandbox. One minute we were discussing a potential new process to follow, and the next minute the presenter of the idea said, “Just play with that in your sandbox for a while and let us know where you land.” Talk about mixed metaphors.   Now I know what he meant, but I really despise it when people talk in corporate-ese; I’m also a very literal person and not a fan of Americanisms. I said, “So you want us to think about it and give you feedback.” He said, “Yes”. I said, “So you don’t want me to go and play in a sandpit.” He looked at me like I was weird (which I am) and slowly said, “No.”   So, I played with his idea in my ‘sandbox’. I built a little castle out of it and then a road and then a mermaid and then a starfish, and then I told him the process was flawed and suggested how to amend it. Then I kicked some sand out of the box and left the meeting.   Corporate jargon is a language unto itself and seems to be used more by people wanting to impress others than for the sake of clarity or convenience. After all, why would you say, “Let’s discuss the results of the survey” when instead, you can say, “Let’s take a deep dive into the data variables in the findings”?   No longer do we have different ways of viewing an issue – we have ‘frameworks’. We don’t have brainstorming sessions anymore – we do ‘blue-sky thinking’. We don’t change direction on a plan – we ‘pivot’. We don’t strengthen something by joining two elements together – we ‘build synergy’. And it’s not that we have to finish the meeting on time – it’s that we have a ‘hard stop’.   Many contemporary churches have their own form of corporate jargon. They don’t have a pastor – they have a ‘transformational leader’. They don’t go to church – they ‘do life together’. They don’t feel deeply for someone – they ‘love up on them’. They don’t stay close to God – they ‘press into’ him. And they don’t read the Bible – they ‘sit under the Word’.   The Salvation Army – famously, and arguably, more than most churches – has its own jargon: divisional commanders, corps sergeant majors, corps, promoted to Glory, fire a volley, junior soldiers, bombardiers. We’re the only church in the world with a ‘warfare’ section in its official hymn book.   Maybe this week you can try a jargon swap and try some corporate-ese at church. Don’t just discuss something at your Bible study group; do a deep dive into the Word that will result in some blue-sky thinking as you aspire to pivot to a new missional framework that will produce greater synergy in your church and community.   If you really want to push the boundaries, take a Bible passage that you’ve struggled with for some time and play with it in your sandbox with God. Just remember to shake the sand out of your Bible before you close it. Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

Zac Cawdron gives his powerful testimony at the WA thank you luncheon. BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army Western Australia recently hosted their annual Christmas Thank You lunch for supporter and donors. Hosted by Crown Perth, the luncheon was an expression of gratitude to those major donors and supporters who contributed to the Salvos’ valuable work in 2024. Major Scott Ellery compered the event.    A Welcome to Country by Di Ryder began the events, followed by opening remarks from Warren Palmer, External Communications Manager - WA. Team members spoke about the community impact across the year, and testimonial speaker, Zac Cawdron, shared a powerful story of transformation.    A musical performance from Major Aaron Stobie marked the mood of the Christmas season, as did a message from Major Brad Potter, Divisional Commander. Guests enjoyed carols performed by a brass band, and an all-in Christmas quiz.    Guests included State, Federal and local governments, philanthropic organisations, schools, businesses, community groups, private citizens and media.