Major Fran Everitt leads the team looking after Australian officers serving overseas. A map on Fran’s office wall shows the location and details of these Aussies. BY SIMONE WORTHING Major Fran Everitt has a global appointment! As the Australia Territory’s International Service Support Officer, Fran works with her team to oversee the needs of 32 Australian officers serving overseas, one Aussie officer on International Headquarters living in Australia, and nine officers from overseas currently serving here.   Fran works from Divisional Headquarters in Brisbane, where her husband, Major Mark Everitt, is the Queensland Divisional Commander. The Sydney team – Major Esther Ong, Major Romona Kinder and Gaenor McAlister. She is physically separated from those she serves, as well as from her own team who are based at Territorial Headquarters Redfern in Sydney – Major Esther Ong, Major Romona Kinder and Gaenor McAlister. Fran and Esther began their roles in January this year, taking over from Majors Beth Brooks and Julia Price. Beth is now a corps officer in the Blue Mountains and Julia is serving in the Hong Kong Macau Territory as Territorial Protection Coordinator – Children & Vulnerable Adults, and Territorial Spiritual Life Development. A varied role  “I just love this appointment and serving those overseas,” Fran says. “I have a map on my office wall with the names and photos of our overseas officers pinned to the location on the map where they’re serving, and I often look up and see them and pray for them and their families,” she shares. The world map on Fran’s office wall. Fran’s role is varied. She leads the team that looks after the process of sending officers overseas, repatriating them home and holistically taking care of them while they’re away. On the ‘home front’ side, this can include assisting with obtaining passports and visas, organising language classes, booking any children into schools, and organising luggage and storage.   “There are so many nitty gritty details, all of which are so important,” Fran explains. “We’re also getting feedback from the officers about our processes – what works and what doesn’t – taking advantage of their collective wisdom.”   When an officer returns – such as Captain Cherry Ip who had served as Assistant Training Principal in the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory – different processes are activated.   “There are flights home, a very warm welcome, installations into new appointments, transporting any stored goods and making sure accommodation, computers and phones are all taken care of,” Fran explains. “Re-entry debriefing is also arranged.”   The team also manage details around accommodation, transport and other needs when officers return on furlough or on any extended leave, including compassionate leave.   Pastoral care Wholistic care and not just focusing on the physical essentials is a critical part of the role for Fran.   “It’s definitely one of my top priorities,” she says. “I regularly send devotions, Bible verses and prayer resources, and ask for prayer points as well. We, as a team, also check in with the officers as to how they’re going – sometimes through (Microsoft) Teams meetings or by other means of communication, which I love.  It’s deliberately not always about work, just a check-in.”   The team is also working to raise the profile of officers serving overseas by connecting them with each other and with the broader Salvation Army audience. One of Fran's recommended books on the Salvos Publishing Facebook page. “For example, on ‘Worldwide Wednesday’ through the Salvos Publishing Facebook page , Lieut-Colonel Laurie Robertson, who manages the page, shares information about different books written by some of our overseas officers as well as their book recommendations.   “And Salvos Online is also doing a gradual series on our overseas officers. I share the links to these stories with all the overseas officers, so they learn more about each other.   “We also appreciate the Missionary Fellowship meetings, such as in Brisbane, that feature guest speakers from or about overseas ministry, and raise money for them as well.”   About Fran For a recent Brisbane Missionary Fellowship presentation, Fran asked the officers serving overseas for a few personal details – including their favourite Bible verses, books and movies. These will be shared as part of the overseas officer stories on Salvos Online.   One of Fran’s favourite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 – the words of which are on a wooden cross that hangs in her office.   “When it comes to books, I enjoy murder mysteries – anything Agatha Christie,” she shared. “I enjoy the Christian series Sensible Shoes , about women who met at a spiritual retreat, and books on the spiritual formation journey, Lectio Divina and how to walk a labyrinth (mindfulness).   “When it comes to movies, I don’t have one favourite. I do love all the TV renovation shows and the theme of the broken to the beautiful. I align that with how God comes into our lives and renovates us room by room.” To listen to Major Bryce Davies interview Fran, click here .

Saupriya Solanki was one of 20 Salvationists across Australia who participated in a nine-month culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) leadership training program. BY LAUREN MARTIN   A nine-month Salvation Army online training program for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) emerging leaders has culminated in a Celebration and Commissioning weekend at Eva Burrows College in Melbourne.   Twenty participants representing various nations of origin, including Ghana, Nigeria, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Iran, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, came from 12 different corps across five states. The online training program is an initiative of The Salvation Army’s Intercultural and Disability Inclusion team within the Mission Support Department.   Each participant had been earmarked by their corps leader as an emerging leader and invited to participate in the course, which took in the foundational values and mission of The Salvation Army. Topics included intercultural communication and engagement, servant-hearted leadership, discipleship and the godly character of a leader.   Students from corps across Australia participated in the Salvation Army nine-month culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) leadership training program. Saupriya Solanki arrived in Australia from India in 2006. He is a fifth-generation member of the Salvation Army family with a distinguished heritage.   Saupriya is actively involved with the Orana Corps in Dubbo (NSW). He volunteers in numerous corps activities and says Salvation Army evangelism and community engagement here are quite different from what he experienced in his home country.  Saupriya says the course strengthened his passion for mission and ministry. He said he was thrilled when his corps officer nominated him to participate in the training, strengthening his passion for mission and ministry in Australia.   One of the highlights for Saupriya was the Celebration and Commissioning weekend in Melbourne. On the Sunday, each CALD emerging leader went to a different corps to serve.   “We prayed, gave messages to the congregation, shared testimonies, reaffirmed our faith and deepened our commitment to serve,” he said. “We witnessed a glimpse of the heavenly vision described in Revelation 7:9: ‘A multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language stood before the throne and the lamb, united in worship and service.’ It was a powerful reminder of the diversity and unity within the body of Christ.”   The weekend was also a time of learning and sharing. Officer Recruitment Secretary Major Gavin Watts spoke on ‘The Call, The Conversation and The Answer’. Head of Mission Support Major Matt Reeve and Chief Secretary Lieutenant-Colonel Winsome Merrett gave leadership advice.  Chief Secretary Lieutenant-Colonel Winsome Merrett speaks at the CALD leadership training graduation weekend. Salvation Army Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas commissioned each of those who completed the training as lay leaders in their ministry contexts.   Saupriya returned to Orana Corps filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and gave his testimony to his corps, asking them to pray for each participant as they start their new roles within The Salvation Army, whether in full-time ministry or other capacities (such as the way that he serves his corps).   “Please pray that God may guide us, shine a light on our paths, and empower us to serve others. For in your prayers lies the strength that sustains us and the grace that pushes us forward on this journey of faith.”

As Moldova celebrates 30 years of Salvation Army ministry, the Dubossary Corps highlights its transformational work with youth. The Salvation Army in Moldova, a country within the Eastern Europe Territory, has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. The Dubossary Corps in Moldova is also celebrating this milestone, with a focus on its youth work and the impact it’s having in the local community. To view the short video, with English subtitles, click on the arrow icon below.

This Refugee Week, The Salvation Army has launched a partner project which aims to connect refugees with community members who then assist them to settle in Australia. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE   Supporting those entering Australia as refugees is missional love in action, a Salvation Army mission support leader says.   The comments come as The Salvation Army launches its New Beginnings Project, a partnership with a government pilot program that seeks to offer deeper community connections to refugees from their date of arrival in Australia. The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) program is an initiative of both the Australian Government and Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA). The New Beginnings Project encourages corps members to participate in the program under both the CRSA and Salvation Army banners. The program, which began in Canada, is now gaining traction across the world as an alternative to caseworker-driven settlement programs. Through CRISP, refugee households are instead assigned a Community Supporter Group (CSG) made up of five or more sponsors. This CSG then provides 12 months of practical, hands-on assistance in accessing temporary housing, support services, transport and social connections. CRSA workers offer support, training and approval to CSGs to best assist refugee household members. The Salvation Army’s Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Lead, Cynthia Gunawan, said the benefit of getting involved in the CRISP program through the Salvos was that in addition to the current supports, participants would also have access to the wraparound support The Salvation Army offers, which include a range of social services such as material aid, life skills, employment range and also community connection and spiritual support.    Cynthia said how Leviticus 19:34 in the Bible spoke about loving the foreigner, as the ancient Israelites were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. “We have this privilege to welcome and love people who have experienced lots of difficult things in their life,” she said. “This is love in action, and this is actually what God wants us to do as Christians [and] as [followers] of Jesus.” She said for corps and Salvos Supporter Groups who got involved, the project would give them the chance to learn about other cultures and experience the satisfaction of watching someone who initially felt out of their depth in terms of language, culture and sense of place flourish into a confident and independent person able to navigate life in Australia. “It is a new beginning not just for the family, but also for the whole congregation,” she said. “It will really bless them in an immeasurable way.” Cynthia said that while some might feel the prospect is daunting or too involved, there is plenty of support available. “There’s lots of support from The Salvation Army and great resources from CRSA and also other community groups who have [sponsored] before,” she said. “This is actually very doable because it's a group effort.” Cynthia said that as well as joining community supporter groups, there were many other ways to get involved in the New Beginnings Project. To find out more, contact Cynthia at intercultural@salvationarmy.or.au .

The Salvation Army on the island of St Helena, part of the Southern Africa Territory, recently celebrated 140 years of ministry there. St Helena is one of the Army world's most isolated corps. 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.  Officers from all Divisions in KwaZulu Natal recently attended an Officers Regional Mission Conference. This week (24-30 June) we are praying for the Southern Africa Territory. The countries making up this territory include Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Island of St Helena and South Africa. Praise points: ·       We praise God for the 12 Champions of the Mission session of cadets currently in training college, pursuing their calling to officership. ·       We thank God for the successful recommencement of the territorial mission team in 2023 and for its continuation in 2024. Prayer points: ·       Pray for spiritual and numerical growth in the territory, reflecting genuine transformation and discipleship. Volunteers deliver food and essentials to the vulnerable as part of the WinterWarmth campaign. ·       Ask for God's provision and innovative solutions as government financial grants decrease for social centres around the territory. ·       Pray for an increase in people responding to the call to officership, and that intentional mentoring and discipleship may effectively nurture and prepare future officers. ·       Pray for God's wisdom and guidance in implementing the territorial strategic plan, overcoming obstacles and uniting officers and soldiers in mission. Pray for effective resource utilisation and outcomes that glorify God. Serving the homeless is a large part of social ministry in Southern Africa. ·       Pray for the upcoming Brengle program to be a time of spiritual renewal and revival, with impactful messages and hearts open to the Holy Spirit's leading. For more information about the Southern Africa Territory, click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here . To view more photos from the territory, see the slideshow below.

Maree cooks up another delicious meal as part of the Goodna Salvos catering team. Being part of a beacon of hope at The Salvation is all-important for volunteer Maree, who has been part of the Goodna Salvos team in Queensland for the past nine years. Her role in the catering team at Goodna Community and Youth Centre brings her much joy. She shares her story of hope and faithful beginnings for Salvos Online .   My name is Maree, and I’ve been a proud member of the Goodna community for nearly two decades.   As a mother of three remarkable sons and two beautiful grandchildren, family has always been at the core of my life. But beyond family ties, my unwavering faith in our Creator, Yahushua – and his Son, our Mashiac – has guided my path.   In 2014, I experienced a spiritual awakening, a calling back to the narrow path. I was baptised and ‘born again,’ and with renewed purpose, I embarked on a journey toward the Salvos.   The Salvos at Goodna, once a humble café, has transformed into a beacon of hope for our community. A glimpse of my journey within its walls included salad-making adventures in the early days. Around 2015, I first stepped into the Salvos. The café was a cosy spot where people could pay and enjoy coffee and meals.  The Goodna Community and Youth Centre.  Thursday nights were special, with a chapel service followed by a barbeque. During one of these gatherings, I met my dear friend Sharon.   I was inspired to contribute, so I started making salads to accompany Gene’s mouth-watering rissoles and sausages. My informal volunteering extended to helping with post-barbeque clean-up.   Then came the unexpected – COVID-19. The café transitioned into a community kitchen, serving reheated meals prepared in-house. The Salvos continued to offer showers for those living on the streets, a place to do laundry and charging stations for phones. These seemingly small services make a world of difference to our community members.   Volunteering opportunities still abound, and friendships blossom within these walls. Our talented local musicians and singers add soulful melodies to the atmosphere.   Reducing tension, fostering unity  During the past 12 months, we have experienced tensions between community members that have eased significantly. This positive change has directly contributed to a reduction in violence.   The new manager, Ameet, with wisdom and determination, has implemented boundaries that set clear expectations for respectful behaviours. By also regulating access to areas where homeless individuals congregate, we’ve created a safer environment for all. Maree (right) chats with Jessica Londhe, social and prison chaplain. Goodna Salvos café has undergone a metamorphosis. No longer confined to reheated meals, it now serves freshly cooked dishes and exceptional coffee. The atmosphere has shifted, one of being more relaxed, community-friendly and inviting. Volunteers, members and staff alike find solace within these walls.   Embracing change and growth  Change is our ally. It propels us forward, fostering growth and adaptability. As a volunteer, I’ve embraced these transformations wholeheartedly. The Salvos’ mission resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about food; it’s about making a tangible difference in countless lives. Here, we form an extended family bound by a shared purpose.    Our collective efforts, inspired by faith, contribute to a better community. We weave compassion, resilience and love into the fabric of Goodna. Goodna Salvos isn’t merely a place; it’s a testament to what humanity can achieve when we come together in God’s strength.    I express my gratitude for the privilege of being part of this transformative journey. As I continue my journey with the Salvos, I carry gratitude in my heart. Each meal served, each conversation shared and each smile exchanged contributes to a tapestry of compassion. Together, we weave hope, resilience and love into the fabric of our community.    “Each meal served, each conversation shared and each smile exchanged contributes to a tapestry of compassion.”

Major Paul Moulds (left), job seeker Craig Battersby, EPlus St Mary’s site manager Caitlin Buckley-Rich at the opening. BY LAUREN MARTIN   A new Salvation Army community hub in Western Sydney is meeting the needs of locals facing hardship by bringing together Salvation Army enterprises and other agencies under one roof.   The Salvation Army Connect Community Hub at St Marys was opened last month by NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car, Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney.   The hub houses local mission delivery, Employment Plus, Doorways caseworkers, an Alcohol and Drugs program, Moneycare Financial Support services, and an innovative Food and Life Essentials Store. Spiritual support is available from Salvation Army officers who hold a regular chapel service at the site.   Major Paul Moulds speaks at the opening of a new Salvation Army community hub at St Marys in Sydney’s west. “For those of us who have faith, this is truly an extraordinary day and evidence of God’s continual working in our movement and in our community,” said Greater West Sydney Salvos Team Leader Major Paul Moulds at the opening.   “Not only have we all come together to work with greater impact,   but we have already increased   our services to the community [through the partnerships in the new premises].”   Last year, Greater West Sydney Salvos won a major tender from the NSW government to build a new facility based on the principles of collective impact. This means different services coming together in a one-stop-shop type of centre to work more effectively to bring about individual and community transformation. Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car, speaks at the opening. Paul said it’s exciting to see that this is already beginning to happen in St Marys through this new initiative.     Employment Plus had been looking for a new site to support St Marys job seekers for some time. Employment Plus National Projects Manager Belinda Donovan attended the launch, saying she approached Greater West Salvos to see if they could better serve the community by co-locating.   “While it’s not the first time Employment Plus has co-located with other Salvation Army services, it’s unique in that it’s the first ‘greenfields’ site where we’ve partnered from the outset. The intent to offer the depth of services from the get-go recognises the value our job seekers find in The Salvation Army’s programs,” she said. Area Officer Major Steve Haworth speaks at the opening. The new site allows Employment Plus to serve a caseload of 800 people looking for work in the area, and already, many of them are taking advantage of other Salvation Army programs and services available on-site.   Other organisations that can support job seekers have also been approached about offering services from the site on a casual basis, and already a vital local mental-health service, Stride, is utilising the hub to offer its services.      “I can’t speak enough of how wonderful it has been to work together in the short time we have been open,” Paul said at the launch, referring to the positive impact for the community he is daily observing from Salvation Army services and other agencies that are collaborating at the site.     To view more photos of the opening, click through the slideshow below:

From left: Sean Aston (community member), Major Bryce Davies (presenting the cheque), Lisa Chiarini and Lisa Kroon (support workers) and Narelle Pratt (admin) at Streetlevel chapel. Major Bryce Davies, who ran an impressive ‘60km for 60 years’ course on 4 May to mark his milestone birthday, recently presented the funds he had raised through this event to The Salvation Army Houses of Hope program in southern Queensland.   Bryce presented the cheque for $2880 to Major Dianne Jarvey, Faith Communities Development Coordinator, at Brisbane Streetlevel Mission chapel last Thursday.   The Houses of Hope program offers transitional accommodation for people exiting The Salvation Army’s rehab program in Brisbane. Nathan, a resident of one of the houses, who was part of Bryce’s finish-line birthday party on 4 May and shared his story with all those gathered, is one of many whose lives have been changed by the program. “It has been a game changer for him,” said Bryce. “For the first time, he has exited one of his many attempts at recovery through residential rehab into safety and stability.”   Bryce, who began the Brisbane Streetlevel Mission in 2009, is already planning his next running venture – 61km for 61 years!   To listen to Nathan’s story on Bryce’s Stories of Hope podcast, click here . Follow Stories of Hope every Saturday on Salvos Online , or on Facebook and Instagram. – Simone Worthing

Jaimie Jones, Policy and Advocacy Advisor with The Salvation Army, and The Salvation Army’s report. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army has drawn upon the experiences of corps and social services for a new inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT.   The inquiry from the Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion is considering social isolation in the nation’s capital.   The Salvation Army’s submission gathered input from a unique range of sources to address this often-neglected issue.   “We consulted with people on the frontline to learn from lived experience,” explains Jaimie Jones, a Policy and Advocacy Advisor with The Salvation Army. “We consulted with corps officers, with alcohol and other drug services, with youth homelessness services, Doorways and No Interest Loans team. We drew on data from SAMIS and the research team.”   The Salvation Army provides a range of services in Canberra, including emergency relief, financial counselling, no-interest loans, and alcohol and other drug services. The submission focused on those groups of people experiencing the most disadvantage during the cost-of-living crisis.   “Our Moneycare services noticed people were diverting money for social activities towards paying off debts, which was leading to decreased social engagement,” Jaimie says. “It has an impact on health and wellbeing. If you’re under financial pressure, it’s one of the first things people do: put the social spending onto the mortgage and food budget. Now Moneycare has introduced social inclusion funds into budget discussions.”   “I couldn’t even shout a friend a cup of coffee. It was easier to stay home as much as possible, so I didn’t spend any money. It [the jobseeker payment] cut me off from my friends and family.” Maria – community member Jennifer Kirkaldy, The Salvation Army’s General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, presented a statement at the inquiry’s public hearing that highlighted the connection between the cost of living and isolation.   “If you cannot afford rent and groceries, you cannot afford a cup of coffee with a friend,” Jennifer said. “If you are homeless, the stigma and discrimination make maintaining connections extremely difficult, and, of course, isolation is one of the devastating hallmarks of family violence.”   The Salvos serve Canberra through their churches and a range of social supports, such as the Oasis Youth Service and the Braddon Corps Community Days. The inquiry particularly sought to consider the experiences of seniors, young people, people with disabilities, parents, carers, LGBTIQA+ people, and recently arrived migrants and refugees.   “One of the things it highlighted was the disadvantage that often isn’t recognised in Canberra,” Jaimie says. “Different people are drawn to the ACT to study, to work. Those cohorts can experience social isolation and loneliness, and sometimes it’s tough for people to break into a community.”   Loneliness has significant impacts on health and well-being and can be a recurring theme for the people The Salvation Army works alongside. Disadvantage can push people to the margins or cause them to withdraw from their community.   “There’s a club for anything you can imagine in Canberra, but there’s still difficulty in people getting access to them,” explains Josh Gani, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor. “Sometimes it’s hard to access social connection. It can lead to significant mental ill-health. It can be extremely hard to escape, with physical health complications, social economic disadvantage and further barriers.”   “Of all the services we provided, people needed things like financial support, but people also needed to talk. We could give them a welfare card, and a blanket, but the companionship, it was about what was really in their heart or on their mind.” – Salvation Army officer The Salvation Army’s submission states that everyone has a role to play in addressing social isolation in the ACT, including individuals, community groups and the government. The Salvation Army has made 22 recommendations in its submission, from increasing Jobseeker and social housing to increased funding for no-interest loan schemes, improved public transport, action on family and domestic violence, and meaningful collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.   “Social connection to other human beings is as much a part of a healthy human life as having access to food and shelter,” explains Josh. “Loneliness and social isolation can also lead to a real deterioration in someone’s quality of life. Human connection is a foundational part of someone’s life, and The Salvation Army cares for the whole person. All people should have access to love, care and support.”    To read the report PDF, click here

General Lyndon Buckingham enrolled 177 new Salvation Army soldiers during the congress. Photo Joy Yi. General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham made their first visit to the USA Western Territory for the 2024 Testify Congress on 14–16 June. “We witnessed something exceptional,” the General wrote on his Facebook page. “We enrolled 177 new junior and senior soldiers in the first main session, and territorial leaders Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley ordained and commissioned 14 officers. Additionally, hundreds answered the call of prayer at the mercy seat.” General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham at the Testify Congress. The General spoke at the first session of the congress. “God, the Holy Spirit, is on the move in The Salvation Army and here is the proof,” he said, sharing a four-part formula for the movement: connect with God, share the good news, demonstrate care and concern, and pursue holiness.   “We are not satisfied merely telling people about God’s love,’ he continued. ‘We bring love and hope, and joy and promise – and grace, copious amounts of grace.” The General, USA Western Territorial Commander and Chief of the Staff at the NBA-themed men’s rally. Photo John Docter The following day, simultaneous children’s, men’s and women’s rallies featured, respectively, an orange mascot telling the gospel story, an interview-style conversation with Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, and an NBA-themed (National Basketball Association) free-throw contest and message from Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Edward Hill.   The 13th annual ENCORE! Territorial Music and Arts Celebration highlighted the creativity of 500 young people, while 28 other young people competed in Bible Bowl, a competition capping a year of Scripture memorisation.   The Phoenix Citadel Dancers tell their story with an exuberant African dance during the main session. Photo Joy Yi. “The story of Jesus is absolutely timeless and changeless,” Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham said in the second main session, noting that there is no one way that God reaches people. “But his protection, his guidance, his patience, his unconditional love and his amazing grace leading to transformation are the common theme. When we share God’s grace, a little piece of the world is changed.” Cadets worship during the commencement service. Photo John Docter. On 16 June, morning and afternoon sessions focused on holy living and a send-off to tell the world. The General first urged attendees to embrace their identity in Christ, referencing Colossians 3:12-17.   The General also presented Doug and Donna Erlandson with the William Booth Award and Debi Leighton and Brigadier Vivian Rodriguera with the Exceptional Service Awards. “We are grateful for this opportunity to gather as one body, united in our mission to spread the love of Christ,” the General wrote. “May God continue to bless the USA Western Territory and all those who serve within it.”   For the full story on the International Headquarters website, click here .

The Salvation Army in Ukraine is holding its first national scout camp, despite the ongoing challenges of war. As Ukraine continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion and struggle with life in a country at war, The Salvation Army continues its remarkable ministry in the Eastern Europe country as it adapts to changing needs and ongoing challenges.   Observing and celebrating international milestones – with their own unique perspectives – is part of that work, as the Ukraine Division recently shared:   Father’s Day In Ukraine, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday of June. The Salvation Army Ukraine Division says that “the importance of parental support and love in the life of every child is the key to a happy childhood. “But the reality of today in Ukraine, unfortunately, is that many children have lost their parents, or are waiting for them from captivity. Or they are worried for their safety because they protect them, their families and homes from the aggressor. Children in their parents see an example of dignity, integrity, devotion, even though they cannot be near them.   “Officers of the division have become spiritual parents for many Ukrainian children. Through them, the children receive care, encouragement, and the opportunity to develop their talents, despite the war stealing a happy childhood from them.”   Ukraine is currently hosting its first Salvation Army national (divisional) Scouts camp. International Children's Day This day is celebrated in Ukraine on 1 June. In war-ravaged Ukraine, it’s all about “survival and rescue”.   “The main idea of the introduced holiday is to protect the growing generation and improve their lives,” the division says. “This important event calls for all adults to work to provide children with decent living conditions, education and recreation, as well as secure protection from violence and exploitation. Children and young people relish the opportunity to be together and enjoy the sunshine, fun and caring environment. “For the third year in a row on this day, Ukrainian children continue to be ‘children of war’ who suffer in their own home, in their own native, peaceful Ukraine. The war took childhoods, relatives, homes from them; children were forcefully displaced, and many of them were stolen, prematurely died, suffered psychological and physical injuries. Many children were born in cold basements of maternity homes. Young people praising God and believing in good, despite all that is going on around them. “The sad statistics indicate that because of the armed aggression against Ukraine, 550 children were killed, over 1364 received injuries of various degrees of severity, and on the holiday of 1 June, eight children were injured due to the bombardment of Balaklia in the Kharkiv region. It’s all the responsibility of the aggressor country. Young people in Ukraine continue to become senior soldiers in The Salvation Army. “Therefore, 1 June 2024, for Ukrainian children is about survival and rescue. In The Salvation Army, we work with children and adolescents, creating an atmosphere of trust so, over time, children can take small steps forward, start to look at their future more optimistically and believe in their abilities and talents, and in God.” Corps activities include Bible stories and studies, youth groups, spiritual discussions, outdoor adventures as possible, Scouts, sports, games, music and theatre. Art therapy, visits from psychologists, cooking and English classes are also popular.   “During interesting excursions, children’s and teen clubs, Sunday School and meetings with psychologists, children exchange emotions and energy of thoughts and, as a result, smiles appear on their non-childish adult faces. Praising God at the Scouts camp. The theme is 'There is no darkness.' “And children believe that the Lord has created the world of good, that the forces of good will inevitably reign over evil.  And this inspires The Salvation Army in its their tireless service.   “Happy Children’s Day! Let the life of every child be happy! May the Lord protect all the children! Amen to that!”   Corps around Ukraine continue to support internally displaced people. World Refugee Day World Refugee Day on 20 June is observed annually around the world to draw attention to the plight of millions of people fleeing war, violence and persecution. The day also focuses on nations’ international obligations under the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.   This year’s theme was ‘Solidarity with Refugees’. In the words of António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, “Refugees embody in themselves the best that is in the human spirit. They need and deserve support and solidarity – not closed borders and pushbacks.” Globally today, there are approximately 20 million refugees and 25 million internally displaced people. As a result of Russia’s war with Ukraine, approximately 6.5 million Ukrainians have become refugees, fleeing the country and finding safety around the world. Around 3.7 million are internally displaced, moving to ‘safer’ areas in Ukraine to avoid Russia’s missiles, bombs and drones.   “Being a refugee is about suffering and rescue; it’s about open doors to homes and hearts of caring people around the world,” the Ukraine Division shares.   “All divisions of the Eastern European Territory, and beyond, have opened the doors of their corps to provide assistance to Ukrainians since the first minutes of the great disaster in Ukraine: they provided shelter, food, water, hygiene products, clothes, prayed together and just listened to their horrifying stories.   “The war continues, and the work of these ‘saviour’ divisions with Ukrainian refugees and displaced people also continues in a 24/7 mode.”

Photo: Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash BY JAMES BURNS*   When my friend Pauline asked if I wanted to hear some good news for a change, there was no way I was going to say no. Is it just me, or is positive news in short supply now?   Pauline and her friend were in a café, and when she sat down, she put her stick beside her, which fell and hit the man at the next table. That wasn’t a problem, and they engaged in some banter. When they were ready to leave, they went to the counter to pay, but the waitress said there was no charge. They couldn’t understand this, so they asked why.    The waitress said that the man they had spoken to had paid for their meal along with his. As theirs came to £16 (A$30), it was by no means a small amount. Pauline wanted to thank the man, but he had already left. The waitress explained that the man was a regular customer, and once or twice a week, he chose to settle other diners’ bills. But he always leaves before they can thank him, presumably as he doesn’t wish a fuss. How kind is that?   “One can only imagine what a lift it gave the recipients of the gift, and we can be sure that they were probably walking on air for the rest of the day ...” When we met a few days later, she had heard of an elderly lady who was in the supermarket. When it came to paying for her groceries, she couldn’t remember her card’s PIN. And the more she tried without success, the more flustered she became. Finally, she asked the till operator to put the groceries behind, and she would return once she had gone home to get the PIN. At this, a young woman behind her in the queue offered to pay. At first, the lady declined the offer, but the young woman insisted and paid the £20 (A$38). Again, not an insignificant amount.   One can only imagine what a lift it gave the recipients of the gift, and we can be sure that they were probably walking on air for the rest of the day ... if not the week. And you can be certain that they will have told many people about the stranger’s kindness, for that’s how I heard about it. It is a real way to restore our faith in human nature, in total opposition to the ‘me first’ culture we often meet.   Whether these donors were carrying out random acts of kindness or subscribing to the Pay it Forward movement (rather than paying someone back for their support), we will never know, but for me, I hope it was done as part of their Christian service.   Jesus said, “ Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them ! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. “I tell you ... help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never – I promise – regret it. Our Father is kind; you be kind.” (Luke 6:31-36 The Message )   We may not be able to afford to pay for someone’s meal or groceries, but we can all do simple acts of kindness. What will you do to brighten someone’s life?   *James Burns is a freelance writer from the Dunstable Salvos in the United Kingdom.   Photo: Nathan Lemon on Unsplash