Aux-Lieut Rosy Keane says A Year of Prayer was a vibrant spiritual journey. Next time someone bumps into you, why not take a moment and offer to pray for them? This simple act is one that Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane, Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, tried to undertake herself as The Salvation Army wrapped up its first-ever ‘A Year of Prayer’ campaign.  Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH caught up with Rosy to dive deeper into her passion for prayer – and how Pope Francis played a key in the inaugural event, too! Rosy still recalls the rush of excitement when Pope Francis called the world to a year of prayer earlier this year. It was a serendipitous moment. Only a few months earlier, in October 2023, The Salvation Army had introduced its first-ever  A Year of Prayer  initiative to expand and deepen the spiritual life of the territory and give all Salvationists a simple tool for praying with others. “When Pope Francis called the world to unite and pray, we just felt that this was really in line with what God and the Holy Spirit was doing throughout all the church worldwide,” Rosy said. “To call us to pray and to have a dedicated rhythm and a life cycle of prayer.” The Salvation Army South Barwon community gather for a prayer and worship night to celebrate the commencement of A Year of Prayer. A celebration of  A Year of Prayer  was recently held at Camberwell Corps to officially conclude the year-long event. The event focused on how  A Year of Prayer  had unfolded across the nation. Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas inspired the audience to be generous sowers, to seek God and to trust in faith that God would do new things before concluding with the final year of prayer scripture: “Now go in and take possession of the land of the Lord before embarking on a new season of prayer!” ( Deuteronomy 4:1  ).   The exciting initiative was introduced by Rosy and her team with one clear and simple goal. “My heart behind this role, and for our Spiritual Life Department team, was to increase the breadth and depth of the spiritual life of the territory,” she reflected. “And so, we really wanted to have a gathering of prayer that got every person who came across it excited about the prospect of being able to pray and to give them a really simple tool for praying with others and a rhythm of life throughout the year. It was a really big call to say we want it to be an entire year of prayer, but Miriam absolutely endorsed it, saying it was exactly what we needed.” A Year of Prayer  was phrased into four seasons, beginning with spring. Rosy’s team approached the different divisions of The Salvation Army territorially and asked them to either lead or partner to lead one of the seasons, allowing for diverse perspectives and experiences of prayer throughout Australia. “We heard story after story from young people to those who are retired and everywhere in between engaging with their prayer cards,” Rosy remarked. Furthermore, it was to get a different viewpoint through the eyes of Salvationists throughout Australia. Each week, the focus was on a different scripture, with prayer cards available to purchase for a few dollars. These cards included two simple prayer points and discernment, with the third point an activity designed to be done alone or with others. The activity was written in such a way that children would be able to join in, too. More than 6000 prayer packs were sold – an unprecedented number. And enhancing the weekly scripture and prayer cards was an online weekly chapel on Wednesdays, open to all members of The Salvation Army – staff, volunteers and ministers – which still runs today. On Sundays, prayer meetings were led by different divisions at their churches to complement  A Year of Prayer.  The prayer cards were also distributed at these prayer meetings. Stories of people using the prayer cards in various settings, including church services, gathering at Communities of Hope cafes, and even workplaces, spread quickly, Rosy remarked. The Salvos Employment Plus program displayed the cards throughout their reception area, making them easily accessible to the public. Many shared how the cards had helped them pray, reflect, and connect with others. “We heard story after story from young people to those who are retired and everywhere in between engaging with their prayer cards,” Rosy remarked. “It was a really simple way of saying, “I can read the Bible, I can pray, I can gather with friends, and we can seek God.” All in all, I am immensely, immensely pleased by the way that Salvationists not only responded to the call to pray but came and gathered and sought God together. It exceeded my expectations. All we were hoping for was that people would pray!” One memorable story of someone using the prayer cards was when they created a bunting out of the cards and hung it in their hallway, while others shared the scriptures on social media. During challenging times, such as the Bondi Westfield Shopping Centre massacre, people reached out to Rosy, wanting to know what the weekly prayer scripture was as a source of comfort. That week’s scripture, given a year earlier for that date, was, “ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept” ( Nehemiah 1:4 ). “I had people just reaching out and saying the word of God has just proved so faithful,” she commented. Rosy added that through  A Year of Prayer,  the hope was not only that people would pray, but it proved that much like maintaining healthy eating and exercising habits, prayer was a discipline that required practice – and sacrifice – just like reading the Bible. “All in all, I am immensely, immensely pleased by the way that Salvationists not only responded to the call to pray but came and gathered and sought God together. It exceeded my expectations. All we were hoping for was that people would pray!” “We know we should do it, but sometimes it feels costly,” she explained. “So, to get in a communal rhythmic commitment together changes everything.” And the greatest impact of  A Year of Prayer  for Salvationists and the community across Australia? It was twofold, Rosy said. Firstly, it reinforced that people really loved to pray and seek God but often struggled to maintain that rhythm amidst their busy lives. Many shared that they had never been as consistent in their prayer and Bible reading as they were during  A Year of Prayer,  finding strength in the communal aspect and knowing others were engaging in the same prayers and reflections and talking about it. The second significant impact came when Colonel Kelvin Merrett led the final campaign celebration and shared with the territory how he had seen prayer at work in the divisions and nation the past 12 months and at the prayer meetings – but that “We are not yet a ‘praying’ people.” Prayer needs to be our hallmark as believers, not just an addition. The prayer initiative was introduced to expand and deepen the spiritual life of the territory. Kelvin challenged all Salvationists to make prayer their first response in all circumstances. “We do pray as The Salvation Army, but to be known as people of prayer is quite a confronting thing,” Rosy said. “The goal is for The Salvation Army to be recognised not only for our charity work but also as a community that seeks God in prayer. I just notice that sometimes we have got skills, abilities or energy, and our first response can be to fix it. I’m a fix-it person – but actually, do we fix our eyes on Jesus? I want us all to be there and that when people bump into us, we pray for them.” Setting sights on the future, many exciting plans are afoot. Bible App devotional The Salvation Army has launched weekly devotionals on The Bible App titled ‘A Year of Prayer’. Read the full story here Season one is now live and aims to empower local communities to continue praying together. Anyone can start at any point of the year – from day one, week one – and can share comments and connect.  App users can receive daily notifications to remind them to read the Bible, pray and act. The devotions are accessible and can be read for Area Leadership Teams, small groups, meetings, discipleship groups, reflections and gatherings. “It is a really exciting element that we have just launched,” Rosy said. “The hope with our The Bible App is that people can search  A Year of Prayer.   Ultimately, we hope that momentum builds so every person locally is praying and meeting with groups around them, so we can become more and more the ‘Jesus-centred, spirit-led and hope-revealed’ movement that our leader Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and our whole army is set on being and becoming. I believe in us; I believe in good, and I believe in God’s grace to achieve it!

In this beautiful Spoken Word, Cherise Holley explores heaven meeting earth in the birth of Jesus. This miracle brought heaven to earth in a humble, raw and human way. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Cherise paints a picture of the collision between the sacred and the ordinary, culminating in the message of hope and redemption that Christmas represents.

Macarthur Corps leaders Captain Nicola Poore and Major Melanie-Anne Holland. BY LAUREN MARTIN   In the first half of this year, Macarthur Corps (NSW) had a problem – a good problem – it had outgrown its Sunday worship space and needed other renovations to accommodate more staff, volunteers and community activities.   God was at work because, around the same time, Macarthur Corps Officer Captain Nicola Poore received a phone call from Divisional Headquarters suggesting that the corps leadership team be expanded with an additional corps officer: Major Melanie-Anne Holland.   The two knew each other well. They had been on the same Area Leadership Team for the past five years, and Melanie-Anne had developed an organic faith community in nearby Oran Park/Badgerys Creek, south-west of Sydney.   “I have so much respect and a deep loving regard for who she is as a person,” says Melanie-Anne of Nicola. “Her ministry is exemplary, and to be joining in with that is a privilege.” The Macarthur congregation prays over their officers – Captain Nicola Poore and Major Melanie-Anne Holland. Nicola says that their mutual respect for each other allowed them to come together as a team in a healthy, Christ-like way: “As we sat down in our initial conversations around ‘How will we share leadership?’, we realised that naturally our strengths, areas of passion and our preferences, they fell in different areas and complementary areas.”   “We have a deep appreciation for each other’s strengths and gifts and a sincere love for one another.”   Corps undergoes upgrades While the leadership changes were occurring, the physical changes to the corps building were also underway.   Internal changes gave the corps more office space, a reconfigured worship space and a new multi-purpose room with moveable walls that could be configured to suit different needs.   Nicola says the physical changes have engaged the corps in healthy ways of thinking differently about how mission and ministry happen at the corps. "In terms of our church culture, it has been helpful in encouraging our people to be open to doing things differently."   And, with Melanie-Anne moving into the leadership space, she is bringing new eyes and fresh ideas, building on what is already a healthy, flourishing corps.   “Macarthur is a really warm and mature congregation,” says Melanie-Anne. “That’s not about age, it’s the fact that it has really healthy dynamics and a local leadership that’s well equipped and able to lead.”   Faith for multiplication A few months after Melanie-Anne joined the leadership team at Macarthur, and with the bulk of the renovations complete, Divisional Commander Major Kim Haworth visited the corps to celebrate its five-year anniversary. NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Kim Haworth (left) with Captain Nicola Poore and Major Melanie-Anne Holland at the Macarthur Corps fifth anniversary celebration. During her message to the congregation, Kim said something that confirmed a word from God that Melanie-Anne had been hearing.   “I felt the Lord saying this wasn’t an ‘addition’ [her joining the Macarthur team], this was about not ‘one and one equals two’, this was about amplifying each other in ministry,” she said.   “And then at the fifth-anniversary meeting, Kim said something very similar, she talked about it not being an addition, it was a ‘multiplication’.”   The congregation and its two leaders are trusting that God will continue to guide them into this new season, bringing more and more people into spaces where they can encounter the life-changing love of Jesus.   “We are on the cusp of stepping into something very new and very different,” says Nicola, with Melanie-Anne adding: “Next year will be an adventure focusing on discipleship, justice and reaching out.”   Macarthur Corps’ Major Melanie-Anne Holland preaches at her installation.

The Bible App is a great resource for personal devotions or small group gatherings. BY LERISSE SMITH The Bible App is the most widely used app among Christians worldwide, and now the Salvos have partnered with the platform. The Salvation Army has launched weekly devotionals on The Bible App titled  A Year of Prayer , with the first season now live. It aims to empower local communities to continue praying together and go deeper into the Bible to increase their knowledge of God and knowledge of themselves. “This is the start of an exciting new era,” said Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane, Secretary for Spiritual Life Development.   “We are very excited about this amazing new initiative. The hope with our Bible App is that people can search  A Year of Prayer .  The Bible App is a fantastic resource for personal devotions or small group gatherings. The app is not like an email where you are getting hounded. It just pops up and says, “Hey, read the app today,” and it provides you with the scriptural references and then also the opportunity to comment with the people who are doing it with you.   “The app has always been my aim and my hope. But it was quite difficult to get on The Bible App because it is so widely used and everybody wants to be on it."   The motivating force to be on The Bible App also came from the revelations that Rosy had when composing daily devotions featured on Soul Space and on the website for the Salvos staff. She realised it could only be accessed by those who had a Salvation Army email address.   Rosy then expanded her devotions to all who had access to the MySalvos internal site. This led to the further revelation that people were more on their phones than computers, either for leisure or work, especially young people who used apps all the time.   “I knew that there was a real gap missing for Salvation Army content on the phone that was easily accessible that was in apps we were already using – and so I’d really hope to get there,” she reflected. “Anyone can start at any point during the year whether it’s day one or week one. Users can also invite others to join in the daily devotions that are “punchy and short, but meaty,” remarked Rosy.”   “So, that’s what I had been working towards and then the Salvos International Spiritual Life team launched on The Bible App and have got amazing resources and I asked them if they would consider putting our devotions on their app. They said yes. I was just over the moon because I knew it was the start of a new era.”   App users can receive daily notifications to remind them to read the Bible, pray and act. Whether they use the app for daily devotions or as a tool for team meetings, it can provide focus and structure while drawing people into prayer. FEATURE: Turning a ‘Year of Prayer’ into a lifetime of prayer Anyone can start at any point during the year whether it’s day one or week one. Users can also invite others to join in the daily devotions that are “punchy and short, but meaty,” remarked Rosy. The Bible App’s  A Year of Prayer  is free, with no advertising and no in-app purchases. Rosy explained that one key feature is a journey through the Bible in four seasons. Weekly Scriptures will be explored throughout the year, and five Bible reflections will be available on weekdays.   The Salvos want everyone to use the app, including young people who use apps more than computers. Placing content on The Bible App would allow it to be in the hands of people who already use it daily.   “To have the app in their hands is a win,” she said. “I’m always looking for ways to innovate, to help it be more accessible. But that’s step one. I feel it’s now in their hands and in their pockets.” In addition to the app, the Salvos are providing an editable  A Year of Prayer  calendar. The tool allows users to select a starting date, and the program automatically populates the dates. Undated  A Year of Prayer  cards can also be reused. Salvos Chapel also runs online every  Wednesday at 9.30am  (AEST). It’s a 20-minute pause in the day where people gather to reflect on the weekly  A Year of Prayer  scripture.   People have described it as a little bubble of warmth and joy, Rosy commented, and it offers a space for anyone looking to pause and engage with others in prayer.   “I encourage everyone to join us for chapel,” she said. “I’m always there every week to welcome you. We have a really good time.”   For details on the Salvos The Bible App, click here : For details on the Salvos Online Chapel, click here :

Australian officer Colonel Geoff Webb (speaking) and Lieut-Colonel Fredrick Khamalishi present appointments to the new lieutenants of the Kenya West Territory. Australian officers Colonels Geoff and Kalie Webb, leaders of the Kenya West Territory, played a vital role in recent events involving the Commissioning and Ordination of more than 80 cadets.   They were joined by Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and Commissioner Shelley Hill (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries).   More than 10,000 people attended the main event – the commissioning of 82 cadets from the Defenders of Justice session on 1 December. Aussie officers Colonels Geoff and Kalie Webb have been leaders of the Kenya West Territory since February 2024. The day began with Salvationists from across the territory participating in a March of Witness and saluting the international and territorial leaders as they arrived for the ordination, commissioning and appointment service at NYS Stadium in Turbo.   In greeting the congregation, Commissioner Shelley Hill encouraged everyone to be advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves, based on Proverbs 31:8-9 , while Commissioner Edward Hill urged the cadets to focus on people, mission and legacy, reinforcing the importance of their sacred calling within The Salvation Army. Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Harun Chepsiri led the cadets through the affirmation of faith, followed by the Commissioning, Ordination and Sending Out ceremony conducted by the commissioners. New lieutenants of the Defenders of Justice Session. Colonel Geoff Webb (Dr), Territorial Commander, assisted by Lieut-Colonel Fredrick Khamalishi (Secretary for Personnel), presented the appointments to the new lieutenants, and Colonel Kalie Webb (Territorial President for Women’s Ministries) led the flag ceremony, signifying the completion of the cadets’ training.  Earlier in the weekend, at the Fellowship of the Silver Star event, Commissioner Shelley Hill, Colonel Kalie Webb and Lieut-Colonel Beatrice Chepsiri (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) awarded Silver Star badges to parents or other significant life mentors of Salvation Army officers, to the graduating cadets. FEATURE: Salvos Online interviews Australian officers Colonels Geoff and Kalie Webb A graduation ceremony followed, at which Commissioner Edward Hill and Colonel Geoff Webb presented academic diplomas to the cadets. Both events took place at the Officer Training University College in Turbo.   During the weekend, the Chief of the Staff enrolled 93 senior soldiers, and Colonel Geoff Webb also presented Lieut-Colonels Luka and Rasoa Khayumbi (officers of Kenya West Territory, currently serving as territorial leaders of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Territory) with a 30-year long-service award.   To read the story on the International Headquarters website, click here . Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the Kenya West Commissioning event:

Told in the first person, Witnesses is an easy and accessible read. REVIEWED BY QUENTIN CASTLE Who was Japheth’s wife? What was the name of the woman at the well? Throughout the history of God’s people’s relationship with the Bible, individuals have felt the need to rewrite the Scriptures. The reasons for this are many. Sometimes to fill in gaps in the story, comment on the original, or explore contemporary issues. Whatever the reason, it has allowed readers to explore the biblical narratives in a new and fresh way. This is what award-winning author Valerie Volk has done in her latest offering, Witnesses . Witnesses is an anthology that explores biblical episodes from different points of view within those stories. We see through the eyes of those at the centre of the drama, its margins or looking on from the wings. From the patriarchs to the gospels, Volk takes us on a journey of sacred imagination. She encourages us to explore the experiences of ordinary people in extraordinary times, often from voices that are usually silent, such as women, servants and foreigners. Some are major players within the story. We join a grieving Abraham as he watches Ishmael and Hagar leave his household. Princess Tamar, a daughter of David and survivor of sexual assault, shares her tale of betrayal. A widowed mother recounts the resurrection of her son by the prophet Elijah. Volk even dives into the parable of the Prodigal Son from the father’s point of view. Other examples are not so major. We experience the healing of the paralytic man through the guilt-ridden eyes of one who lowered him through the roof to Jesus. There is a discussion of Job’s problems from the point of view of his friend, Bildad the Shuhite. There are even stories told by those outside of biblical accounts. Characters like Judas’s mother, Salome’s Nanny, and a man who heard about the Feeding of the Five Thousand from his father, all share their stories. Each account acts as a potential window into the world of the Bible. Told in the first person, Witnesses is an easy and accessible read. The writing is engaging and brisk. It is only the discussion of cultural backgrounds that occasionally strains the illusion of contemporary accounts. Then again, it does allow these biblical witnesses to reach across from the ancient world to the modern reader. Volk’s intention for this book is more than entertainment. The book concludes with a set of discussion points based on each chapter. This makes the book well-positioned for use as the basis of a Bible study course. A helpful springboard into the Scriptures. Valerie Volks’ Witnesses is an enjoyable book that takes the reader on an imaginative dive into the lives of the ancient witnesses to biblical events. Even though these tales are works of imagination, they remind us that the biblical characters were individuals of flesh and blood. The ancient stories written down were once the accounts of witnesses. To purchase the book or for more information, go to valerievolk.com Wakefield Press, 2023. ISBN: 9781743059906. (Age: 14+)

By FAYE MICHELSON From their round furry faces to their pointy little ears, what’s not to love about cats? I’ve loved all the pussycat people who have been part of our family – from my childhood tomcat, Milton, to the various long-lived felines who have purred their way through life with us over the past four decades. There was Jaffa, the tortoiseshell; Oliver, the scruffy cat, who adopted us from next door; Possum, given to us by a neighbour after 16-year-old Jaffa died; Nichi, found by one of our daughters in an abandoned house 17 years ago; and Ra, another daughter’s cat who came to live with us when her new rental didn’t allow pets. It’s true – I did call all of these cats my “precious bubbas”. It’s true – I did speak to them in a high-pitched baby voice. And it’s also true that I occasionally (maybe more than occasionally) kissed their furry little heads between their little pointy ears. During COVID-19 lockdowns, Nichi and Ra became my constant companions, curled up close by while I worked in the spare bedroom. I guess it’s not surprising that I’ve been slyly referred to as a crazy cat lady for years by my family and friends. This has been borne out by the range of gifts I receive – cat mugs, pictures, salt and pepper shakers, ornaments, plates, aprons, cushions, earrings, necklaces, brooches, scarves, even cat Christmas decorations. At least three-quarters of the birthday cards I receive have a cat on them. Nothing wrong with that – I owned being a cat lady. Until, quite suddenly, I was a cat lady no longer. Surprising discovery Last year, Nichi and Ra died within seven weeks of each other just after their 17th birthdays. I would have gone to the local pound and chosen our next cat cohabiters quickly, except we were packing to move. So, we decided to wait a few months until we settled into our new house. We packed the cat beds, blankets and bowls – and then it happened. Or rather, didn’t happen. The hay fever symptoms I thought I’d suffered from for the past 40-odd years, kept under control by daily antihistamine tablets, simply disappeared. Completely. I was allergic to cats! To be honest, this possibility had crossed my mind before, but I had chosen to ignore it. But now that we were cat-free, and I was itchy-eye-runny-nose-sneeze- free, I had a decision to make. I’d been the cat lady for so long ... so, do I remain the cat lady and allergic – or do I not? (Big breath) I’ve chosen not. My family couldn’t believe it – just take the tablets, they said. But I’ve decided; I am officially no longer a crazy cat lady. It’s interesting to consider how something that has defined you for a long time, even in a jokey way, can change so quickly. And I think it happens regularly throughout our lives because we are often defined by how others perceive us. The flip side to that is that we, of course, also define others by how we see them. I think of some of the boxes I mentally put people in because of how I’ve identified them – this person is so talented and generous with their knowledge; this one is inexperienced but thinks they know everything; this one is kind and hospitable; this one is inflexible, and so on. Changing perceptions We also define ourselves in all sorts of ways, and that’s often a changing landscape, too. Are you defined by being a parent? You’re someone’s mum/dad around school, footy and netball clubs, church and extended family. It’s a busy role that takes up a decade or so of your life, a hectic time of juggling the demands, joys and struggles of a growing family. And then – the kids grow up. Your identity as a parent changes because being a mum or dad of adults is necessarily a different relationship altogether. “How others see us is a part of life, but it’s so good to remember that God sees us, too.” Are you defined by your career when the hours of each day are consumed by the responsibilities and expectations placed on you by your employer and your own ambitions? Everything about your work is so important, such a high priority in your life – until it’s not. When you leave work through retirement, retrenchment or other reasons, it can be unsettling to realise that life at your former workplace simply goes on without you. Maybe you are defined by your appearance, your sporting or musical abilities, your wealth, your health. Perhaps you feel defined by mental health issues or your constant search for regular employment, a place to live, for financial security. How others see us is a part of life, but it’s so good to remember that God sees us, too. Self-perception I love the biblical story of David, the shepherd boy who went on to defeat the huge warrior Goliath. His position in the family defined him as the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, so he was seen as relatively insignificant. When God directed the prophet Samuel to go to Jesse to choose the next king of Israel from his sons, David was so inconsequential that he wasn’t even there to be introduced to the prophet. But God rejected all of Jesse’s other sons, causing Samuel to ask if there were any more. David was fetched from the paddocks where he was tending the family’s sheep, and Samuel knew straight away that this young teenager was the one who would be king. God said to Samuel, “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel chapter 16, verse 7). We don’t have control over many of the life experiences, attributes and perceptions that may define us, but we do have control over how we think of ourselves. God knows what really defines us – the good and the not-so-good. But more than that, as the first book in the Bible tells us, God made us all in his likeness.

In this year’s Christmas Appeal video, Parramatta Corps Team Leader Lieutenant Sarah Walker represents The Salvation Army, asking the Australian public to generously support the Salvos in bringing relief to thousands of people struggling this Christmas. She says, “This year, the unrelenting cost-of-living crisis has continued to tighten its grip, making life almost impossible for people struggling to get by. The need is still so great ... your incredible support is crucial in bringing hope and joy to those facing the toughest of times.” For more information and to support this year’s Christmas Appeal click here .

The Salvation Army’s Judi Agnew and Major Warren Elliott present AA Holdings founder Andreas Andrianopoulos with a 40-year appreciation certificate. The Salvation Army has recognised four decades of support from AA Holdings during a special lunch celebration at their head office in Collingwood, Melbourne.   AA Holdings supports the Red Shield Appeal each year across their 54 petrol stations in metropolitan Melbourne. Collection tins are placed on the counters during the appeal campaign. In addition, Tap and Go machines are in operation all year round at two of their BP stations on the Eastlink freeway. “This year, AA Holdings have been supporting us for 40 years, and when I realised that, I thought we should celebrate,” said Judi Agnew, The Salvation Army’s Corporate Partnerships Relationship Manager.   “Each year, AA Holdings have generously given financial gifts to the Red Shield Appeal. This year, a substantial gift was presented at the Celebration Lunch. It’s been a wonderful partnership.”   AA Holdings founder Andreas Andrianopoulos bought his first service station bearing the BP logo in 1970. Fifty-four years later, along with his four sons, he is still involved in running his network of petrol stations, even attending the main office every day despite approaching 90 years of age.   He has been described as “the paradigm of a good family man and a great member and humanitarian of the wider Greek and Australian community”, and a great longtime supporter of The Salvation Army and its work in the community. Click through the slideshow below for more photos:

Former Salvos volunteer Akriti Jain (right) was recently selected as a researcher for a UN project and is working towards the goal of further humanitarian aid work.  BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE   A former Salvation Army volunteer was recently selected as the sole Australian participant in a global UN and UNICEF research and strategy initiative. Akriti Jain moved to Australia from India to study commerce at Deakin University, Victoria. Alongside her studies, she has volunteered at The Salvation Army, The Smith Family, Vinnies and Girl Guides. Akriti also undertook a UN Diploma through the United Nations Association of Australia. Wyndham City Council (Vic.) recently recognised her for her achievements and humanitarian work with the title of One Wyndham Young Person of the Month for April. The 24-year-old said that while growing up in India, she saw a lot of income inequality. As a high schooler, she volunteered with an NGO, helping teach children living in slums. “It was quite a big reality check,” she said. “A lot of students would drop out of school because either their parents wanted them to work somewhere or they were sick and didn't have access to good health care to be able to see a doctor and come back to [school].” After having these experiences, volunteering locally was a natural choice for Akriti, and one she continued after moving to Australia. She gave her time to the Nunawading Salvos Store in Melbourne, which she said she really enjoyed. “The volunteers are quite friendly, and the manager is super nice,” she said. “I just really enjoyed that atmosphere.” When an opportunity arose for her to work with the UN and UNICEF on a humanitarian strategy for women , Akriti took it. She said the research involved interviewing women who had lived as refugees or had a refugee background in European nations to find out how funding models could best suit their needs. She said for women living as refugees or recent migrants in Australia, feeling comfortable to go out and live freely after coming from a vastly different culture could be difficult because of language barriers or safety concerns. She said when she moved from India, she found living in Australia scary at first and considered going back but was glad she stayed and settled in. “It’s worth the effort,” Akriti said. Akriti said she hopes to eventually work in policymaking for not-for-profit organisations. She is currently completing her studies to become a Chartered Professional Accountant while working as a consultant at Deloitte.

Many people accessing The Salvation Army’s services are withdrawing from social commitments and relying on pets for emotional support as living costs take a mental toll on the most vulnerable. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE   Financial pressures are leading to lost sleep and isolation from friends and family for Australians accessing Salvation Army services, new research has found.   The Salvation Army recently surveyed the mental wellbeing of 1500 people who reached out to Doorways Emergency Relief service, with 79 per cent admitting that poor mental health made their lives and everyday tasks more difficult. Two in three respondents, or 68 per cent, identified mental health as one of their greatest challenges, while 62 per cent said they often felt lonely.   “My mental health has deteriorated markedly,” said a 59-year-old man who accessed Salvos supports. “I need new glasses [and] critical dental work, but worst is the loneliness.”   The survey was conducted over 12 months, and its release comes as The Salvation Army aims to raise $38 million by 30 June to continue supporting Australians doing it tough around the country.   The research also found the following mental health concerns arising from cost-of-living pressures:   -              Two-thirds (67 per cent) acknowledged the negative impact of their financial situation on their mental wellbeing; -              71 per cent frequently lost sleep over their financial circumstances; -              6 in 10 (60 per cent) said their financial hardship stopped them from spending time with family and friends; -              4 in 10 (40 per cent) stopped having people over to save on energy bills; -              Over half of respondents with pets (57 per cent) admitted they had skipped meals so that their pets could eat. Pets are offsetting people’s feeling of loneliness in the community. Financial pressures were also keeping people in a vicious cycle of mental ill health, according to a statement from The Salvation Army. The survey found 46 per cent of respondents were unable to afford counselling services for themselves, and 29 per cent were unable to afford mental health care for their children.   Many respondents relied on pets for companionship and connection, with over three-quarters of pet owners (77 per cent) reporting their pet provided emotional support during difficult times.  Major Brendan Nottle says The Salvation Army offers people a reason to hope. Melbourne Project 614 Corps Officer Major Brendan Nottle said it was extremely sad to see the survey results and hear of the countless individuals and families struggling financially, emotionally, and mentally.   He mentioned how 92 per cent of those surveyed admitted they would not have coped if it were not for The Salvation Army.   “Our work is practical and compassionate,” Brendan said. “We know there are hundreds of thousands of Australians in need of safe accommodation, meals, financial assistance and other practical support.   “We also know there are potentially even more people who need a listening ear, a place for community and connection, and a reason to have hope.”   He said this highlighted the need for Australians to support the Red Shield Appeal.     “The best investment you can make this tax time is to financially support those who are doing [it] the most tough in our country,” Brendan said. “We see time and again the real-life impact these funds have on people as their lives are turned around through the support of The Salvation Army. We can’t do what we do without the support from Australians, so please give generously.”

The Queensland Divisional Fellowship band played to a packed hall as part of a Caloundra Corps missionary morning to raise funds for the territorial project 'Making it Happen'. The territorial ‘Making it Happen’ project for 2023-24 received a healthy boost last week when the Queensland Divisional Fellowship Band performed at a fundraising concert at Caloundra Corps on the Sunshine Coast. The project is raising funds to build and furnish a home for corps officers in one of the 11 villages in the Solomon Islands where The Salvation Army is growing. The house would also be a missional hub for Salvos and a space for service to the wider community.   The Caloundra LIFT group (Ladies in Fellowship Together), coordinated by Commissioner Jan Condon (Ret.), organised the 11 June event as part of their annual missionary morning.   After morning tea and stalls selling homemade goodies, the approximately 140 attendees moved into the worship building for the concert.   Major Ray Proud (Ret.) compered the 90-minute program, which included band pieces, a cornet and vocal solo, reflection and two songs by the singing group, Men in Harmony. Angus Johnstone (front) played cornet with both his grandfathers – Ross Johnstone (middle) and Major Ray Proud (right) and trombonist Russell Woodford. Martin Rowden was the bandmaster, Kevin Brown conducted several numbers, and Gary Rule led the singing group. Teenage cornet player Angus Johnstone was joined by both his grandfathers – Ross Johnstone and Major Proud.   “The Queensland Divisional Fellowship Band has been in operation for 21 years,” said Major Rowena Smith, Making it Happen coordinator.  “One member, Ian Exton, has been with the band since it started.  The eldest member is 87 years old. Thirty musicians played for the Caloundra event.”   Attendees came from other corps in the region, members of four other denominations in the community, and those interested from the Salvos House4Hope in Caloundra, and Connect outreach. Commissioner Jan Condon (standing) was instrumental in organising the event. Commissioners' support  Commissioners Jan and James Condon previously served in Papua New Guinea as colonels (James as Chief Secretary and Jan as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries). “We were great supporters of the opening of The Salvation Army work in the Solomon Islands,” said Jan. “Initial visits were made to the Solomon Islands to visit government and church officials and community leaders to discuss the needs of the country and the people, and how The Salvation Army could minister there.”   Commissioner James Condon, as Territorial Commander of the former Australia Eastern Territory, attended the official opening of the Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands in November 2011. The total raised for the Making it Happen project was just over $2200.   People from different denominations in the community attended the concert. “We’re grateful to Jan for her desire to continue holding a missionary morning each year,” said Aux-Lieutenant Karen Clark, Caloundra Corps Officer. “The team are highly motivated and well-led. We are glad to be able to be a part of something that will make a lasting impact on families in the Solomon Islands.”   Fundraising opportunities The total raised so far (excluding the Caloundra donation) is now sitting at around $83,600, including the online donations.   “District Officers in the Solomon Islands, Australians Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans will be encouraged by this update, as we continue aiming for the target of $120,000 by the end of the year,” said Rowena. “If your corps has not yet participated in the project, please consider finding a space somewhere in these last few months of the year, to think about a fundraising plan that would work for you. It doesn’t have to be a big event – it’s just the joy of giving that is important – coming together as a faith community, working together for a common cause and having fun doing it.     “We would like to thank all those corps, centres and individuals who have already donated. And we acknowledge Salvos Stores for their engagement in the project too.  So far donations from Salvos Stores have brought in close to $25,000.”   To help engage children in the Making it Happen project, Rowena spoke about a new resource in the toolkit – Soctober (see link below). For more information: To access the resources available in the toolkit, click here . For more information or to donate online to the Making it Happen project, click here . To view Commissioner Miriam Gluyas’ encouragement to support the project, click here . If you have any questions regarding the project, you can email the team at makingithappen@salvationarmy.org.au