Mealtime Conversation Cards are a novel way for families to participate in the rally cry campaign. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Salvationists are enthusiastically digging into new resources designed to help people live out the Australia Territory’s rally cry – Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and Hope Revealed.   The Mission Support Department released the resource pack in early July, which included a sermon series and other materials for faith communities, as well as small group Bible study materials and social media tiles.   This week, separate youth and adult devotional podcasts were added to the suite of resources.   Mission Resource Manager Claire Hill said many parts of The Salvation Army – from children and youth representatives to aged care chaplains – contributed to creating the materials.   “Cheryl Kinder from the Aged Care chaplaincy mission space spoke to us about how valuable it is in an aged care setting to be able to play audio for residents to listen to because they are not always up to reading as some have poor eyesight.”   There are 21 episodes in each podcast series, with Youth and Young Adults Secretaries Lincoln Proellocks and Claire Castley presenting the youth devotionals and Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane presenting the adults’ devotions. Each of them shares personal experiences about following Jesus, being spirit-filled and how hope makes such a difference in their lives and those around them.   Claire said the response to the new resources has been encouraging. “Lots of views and downloads on [the mySalvos toolkit] and a number of people writing to us saying, ‘Thank you so much, resources like this are really helpful.’”   A number of corps have already started running the series, which includes sermons, interactive congregational activities and small group studies.  An example of one of the conversation cards. One novel resource that Salvationists love is the family mealtime conversation cards centred around each aspect of the rally cry: Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and hope-revealed. They can be printed out and are a “fun way for young families to connect with each other and with the ideas we are exploring,” said Claire.   Many cards would also be suitable for use in the various Community Tables that Salvos facilitate in cafes, Salvos Stores and other locations across Australia. Let’s bring Jesus, Spirit and Hope to the nation!   To download the resources or listen to the podcasts, click here: Jesus-centred Toolkit

Major Nesan Kistan records a message to Salvationists from the fire front in Colorado. Australian officers Majors Cheryl and Nesan Kistan, leaders of the Western Intermountain Division of the USA Western Territory, have, with their teams, been assisting in the emergency response to the Alexander Mountain Fire that began earlier this week in Larimer County, Colorado.   So far, the fire has burned more than 3200 hectares and damaged or destroyed at least two dozen structures, including homes. “ The Salvation Army has swiftly responded to the devastating Alexander Mountain Fires,” said Nesan. “Our dedicated team is on the ground, providing essential refreshments and assistance to our brave first responders who are tirelessly battling the flames.” To watch Nesan’s brief message, click on the video below. *Majors Cheryl and Nesan Kistan are now officially officers of the American Territory.

The Latin America North Territory consists of Colombia (above), Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela. Photo by Milo Miloezger on Unsplash. 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 (5-11 August) we are praying for the Latin America North  Territory. Praise: ·       We praise the Lord for the Territorial Institute of Music and Art event that took place in July. ·       We praise him for successful fundraising projects supported by the territory and in collaboration with the Salvation Army World Service Officer (SAWSO). ·       We thank the Lord for the inauguration of a Salvation Army Christian school in the Dominican Republic and the opening of the children's dining room in Venezuela. ·       We praise the Lord for the women’s camps and meetings that have been carried out by Women's Ministries. ·       We thank the Lord for the cadets who are preparing to be officers of The Salvation Army. ·       We praise the Lord for the successful launch of the International Financial and Accounting Standards system. Prayer requests: ·       Pray for the officers and leaders of the territory, that they may feel joy, strength and encouragement in their ministry and personal life. ·       Pray for healing for those officers whose health is affected. ·       Pray for the officers who have a change of appointment, that they have a smooth transition and blossom in their new places of ministry. ·       We yearn for soldiers to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and respond to the call to serve full-time as officers. ·       Pray for new initiatives and resources for the sustainability of the mission throughout our territory. For more information about the Latin America North Territory, click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here .

The international leaders meet Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) made their first visit to the United Nations (UN) in New York, USA, for meetings between 21-25 July. Accompanied by Colonels Ian and Wendy Swan (Directors of the   International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) ) and Major Victoria Edmonds (ISJC Senior UN Representative), the meetings marked the first occasion on which a Salvation Army General in office has met with high-level UN officials since the ISJC was established in July 2007.  The Salvation Army delegation meet Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN. Support and partnership In a meeting with Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for UN Global Communications (reporting directly to the UN Secretary-General), discussions highlighted the current state of the world and how The Salvation Army might continue to support and partner with the 193 UN member states in caring for the world’s poorest and marginalised. Focus was given to gender-based violence, domestic abuse, the girl child, poverty alleviation, and migration and displaced peoples – areas of mission and ministry dear to Salvation Army community engagement.  The importance of inter-religious and multi-faith dialogue was reinforced when the General met with Rabbi Burton Visotzky, Chair of Interfaith Dialogue within the UN body Religions for Peace, and with Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, identifying effective partnerships and common platforms for faith-based organisations. Common concerns and challenges When Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham met with Lauren Rumble, Director for Gender Equality of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), they shared common concerns and challenges of young adolescent women (aged 10-19) around the globe. The assembled UNICEF team identified The Salvation Army’s strength in frontline community work and expressed interest in partnering with the Army in a number of initiatives.  These meetings with high-level UN representatives continue to solidify the importance of The Salvation Army’s contribution in global settings, as well as confirming the need for the creation of a body of work that will contribute to world bodies as they make life-altering decisions for the welfare and flourishing of God’s people and creation.  This report courtesy the International Social Justice Commission.

The Salvation Army’s 2024 Inner-City Art Expo is designed to enrich the lives of those struggling with issues around homelessness. BY NAOMI SINGLEHURST   The Salvation Army’s Inner-City Art Expo is running again this year to coincide with Homelessness Week (5-11 August).   The Art Expo, to be held on Wednesday 7 August from 3pm-7pm, is hosted by The Salvation Army’s Inner City Men’s Homelessness Service (Foster House) in Sydney’s Surry Hills.   It features works by artists who fit the criteria of “at risk of homelessness; experiencing homelessness, or who had lived experience of homelessness”.    Kristie Clifton, Salvation Army State Manager Homelessness NSW/ACT, explains that the primary purpose of the expo is to enrich the lives of those struggling, or who have struggled with homelessness, by providing a voice, a creative outlet, and an opportunity to be seen and celebrated.   “Many of the artists and performers have gone through, and are going through, trauma, difficulties and challenges and face stigma and stereotyping,” Kristie explained. “It highlights the fact that no matter what people are going through, everybody has unique talents and abilities.” Lived experience   The art exhibits also bring to life the artists’ lived experiences. At last year’s Art Expo, each artist included a blurb about their life or experience with their artwork, which is expected again this year.   “The one that impacted me the most last year was a painting of a well-known bridge, and underneath the bridge was a tent,” shared Kristie. “The artist said every night, people used to drive across the bridge to go home from work but had no idea he was living under it.   “Facing homelessness can be one of the hardest times of an individual's life ... it has a flow-on to things like work, too. It’s very hard to make clear decisions when you don’t know where you’re going to sleep or don’t know where your next meal is coming from.   “We work as a team to ensure that at the end of their time with us, our community members walk away better resourced, empowered and equipped than when they first came to us. Whatever we do, we walk alongside each individual to enrich their life.   “That’s the beauty and strength of the Art Expo. It helps us achieve that in a very beautiful and healing way.” – Naomi Singlehurst

Barrington Tops in the NSW Hunter region recently hosted the NavShield emergency services navigation competition, with Salvos crews providing catering.   BY LAUREN MARTIN   Have you ever cooked breakfast for 450 people? That’s a lot of eggs! Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) Response personnel and volunteers do it all the time. You could say they ‘eat that stuff up for breakfast!’.   But a recent SAES call-out in NSW was a bit more demanding than usual. For most of the past 12 years, the SAES has been on hand to support NavShield, an inter-agency emergency services navigation competition. This year, it was held at Barrington Tops in the Hunter region. And it was cold!   “For this activation, our personnel and volunteers need to camp onsite because it is so remote,” said Norm Archer, NSW/ACT State Coordinator. “We took in 1400 eggs, 150 kilograms of fresh meat and we were serving breakfast at 6am in zero temperatures to 450 competitors in a 90-minute window of time. That’s serving about three people a minute!”   Salvation Army Emergency Services response personnel fed hundreds of competitors in the NavShield emergency services navigation competition. And that breakfast would have been important to competitors, who test their bush and compass navigation abilities through 100 square kilometres of wilderness terrain.   According to Norm, the event is important in the SAES calendar because it’s not an emergency. Therefore, it gives emergency services personnel and volunteers a chance to support and chat with emergency services personnel and volunteers outside of a critical incident.   “We are considered now, having been there year after year, part of the NavShield set-up team. There’s a strong camaraderie,” said Norm. “Due to having developed relationships over that many years, we are now starting to develop faith pathways when the opportunity arises.   “We fed hundreds of competitors and members of the organising crew, and many of them made the trip back to the feeding site to say thanks for the meals. And a heap of people pulled up in their cars to say thanks as they were leaving.” Breakfast at 6am at zero degrees – but the SAES crew at NavShield in NSW did it with efficiency! SAES volunteering opportunities   Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that gives you experience in emergency services and disaster recovery?   The Salvation Army Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management (SEDM) team is looking for volunteers to join our Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams or disaster recovery teams, as we prepare for ‘disaster season’.    “We can’t predict when the next disaster will be, but we do know that we could not respond to disasters and emergencies 365 days a year without our valuable and dedicated volunteers,” said Norm Archer, NSW/ACT State Coordinator.   “We are asking personnel to sign up to join the pool of volunteers. SEDM will contact you when volunteers are needed, and you have the flexibility to take on emergency events that suit your availabilities.”   Employees can access five paid days of leave to support a Salvation Army program. Find out more here   To volunteer or for more information click here

Now that winter has come, more and more people are in need ... there are more living on the street. BY ANTHONY CASTLE    I once lived on a street in the city. My home was older, with cracks in the walls, on the margins of the city blocks. Alongside were derelict buildings and old bars, men queuing along the curb at sunset, sleeping bags beneath the trees of the nearby parklands.   When winter came, the night air would creep in between the cracks. Sometimes, I would sit alone inside the old house at sunset, feeling the growing cold.      I lived with a friend in that house. Our street, on the southwest corner of Adelaide, also hosts a range of services and shelters. The homeless came to live there.   We would wake to find camps in our front garden and people drinking in our driveway. Once a week, we opened our door and offered a meal to anyone living on the street or simply alone. The house could grow cold, but it didn’t feel that way when we all gathered, offering what we had. No one’s problems were solved on those nights, but while we were together, it was warm.     I have been thinking about my old home more over the past few weeks. An elderly man died alone in his car on that street on a recent Sunday morning, parked outside one of the shelters. The man was in his 80s and had been sleeping rough for some time. The temperatures that week were near freezing at points. His name was Dominic.    The death has put a spotlight on the crises the country is currently facing. Spikes in the cost of living and a lack of housing have seen an increase in need across Australia, with more turning to services for support. Some services report that there has never been more demand.   Adelaide, in particular, has experienced the sharpest inflation in food prices of any capital city and has the lowest vacancy rates in Australia. Homelessness has increased in South Australia since 2016, with demand for services rising by 60 per cent over the last four years. Estimates suggest that almost 200 people are sleeping rough in the city, and campsites are growing in the parklands.      As the cost of living and lack of housing grows worse, many are at risk of experiencing homelessness for the first time. Foodbanks have reported serving two-income families. Experts warn of a new class of working homeless as families relocate to camping grounds and motels.       Now that winter has come, more and more people are in need. There are more living on the street, and while there remains no national data on homelessness deaths, we don’t know how many will die on the street, too.       We don’t know how many might die alone.     Winter freeze    I visit the street where I once lived and where Dominic died. The sun is setting, and the air is still mild. The old bars have become fashionable breweries, and apartment blocks now glow where the derelict buildings once stood. Shining cranes fill the city sky, but the men still queue on the curb in front of the shelters. There are more sleeping bags beneath trees.       “These problems won’t be solved in a night, but unless everyone works together, there won’t be any solutions.”  While much has changed on my old street, it hasn’t changed for the better – not for those in need, not for those on the margins. The cracks have opened wider in society, and more are feeling the cold. There isn’t an obvious solution to the crises we face. There isn’t the consensus or resources, and any responses announced would take years. We don’t know when this winter will end.      I walk past my old home, the site long fenced off, the front door now dark as the night falls. Resolving these crises will require cooperation from governments, businesses, not-for-profits, and everyone else. These problems won’t be solved in a night, but unless everyone works together, there won’t be any solutions.   Only when we gather together with what we have do we open doors for those on the margins and provide the warmth that so many need.

Salvation Army staff and volunteers gather on the steps of Victorian Parliament House to advocate for adequate and appropriate social housing across the state. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army has joined other service providers across Victoria in advocating for more social housing to meet the increasing needs of thousands of Victorians. The event on 31 July featured 6000 colourful origami houses, each paper house representing 10 social houses required to meet the needs of the almost 60,000 Victorians on the Victorian Housing Register. The yearly event is a chance to campaign for the building of appropriate housing options in a rapidly worsening housing crisis. Representatives from service providers, including Melbourne City Mission, Sacred Heart Mission, VincentCare and The Salvation Army attended the event, which featured an address by the Minister for Housing of Victoria, the Honourable Harriet Shing MP. “Today’s an opportunity for us to commit and recommit to providing the resources, support and engagement to help those who are already working so hard across this sector and to make sure that everybody has a place to call home,” Harriet said in a reel from the event. The event was also attended by State politicians, including Member for Hawthorn and Leader of the Opposition the Honourable John Pesutto, Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan, Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish and Member for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region Lee Tarlamis.

An artist’s impression of the new social housing units to be constructed in Cairns. BY MELANIE RIDOUT For many people, tropical Cairns recalls relaxing holidays and visits to nearby rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. But beyond the glossy postcard images of Far North Queensland, a severe housing crisis is pushing people into homelessness.    Locals with nowhere to go are being forced to live in their cars and tents. Hundreds of people are sleeping rough in the Cairns CBD, and crisis services are being inundated with pleas for help.     But now, a special group of Salvation Army supporters is helping change the future for those without a roof over their heads.   These supporters have all left The Salvation Army a gift in their Wills, totalling $1 million. With the help of these generous bequests, a modern housing hub will be built in Cairns. It will provide a permanent place to call home for some of the city’s most vulnerable people.    The new hub will include 40 modern social housing units. They will be for single people aged over 25 who are at a high risk of long-term homelessness.    Aaron Pimlott, Homelessness Manager for Queensland, says the housing hub will help fill “a massive gap”.  “This new hub will provide people in need with immediate housing for as long as they need it. They will also receive wraparound case management support. Each unit can even be a forever home if the person wishes it to be,” he says.   “There is a bottleneck of people who are seeking to leave crisis accommodation for permanent homes. There isn’t enough long-term housing for people who have fallen through the cracks.”    Second chance for Shelley For Queenslanders like Shelley, permanent housing is a second chance at life. Shelley had experienced family violence and was battling drug addiction. Then, she lost custody of her children and became homeless.   “The pain of that time will never leave me,” she says. “I was couch surfing and sleeping in the car. I had my kids ripped from me and had to do everything I could to get them back.”    Shelley had successfully completed rehab. Soon after, she was able to access permanent housing like that in the new Cairns hub. No longer using drugs, and with a safe and secure home, Shelley could have her children back to live with her.   “It is the biggest step in rebuilding my life,” she says. “It is having stability and being able to fill my home with things I love. The best thing is being able to come home with my kids to somewhere that’s mine.”    If you are considering a gift in your Will, Aaron wants you to know something important. “You will be creating something extraordinary beyond your lifetime,” he says.   “Your gift is going into bricks and mortar. You are providing vulnerable people with housing for many, many years to come.     “When you leave this earth and give this gift to the world, your legacy continues. I can’t thank you enough.”

Danita Bond, Lillian Reeve, Anita Reeve and Roderick Brown from The Salvation Army at the Launceston Salvos SleepOut. Image: Amelia Natoli BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE   The Salvation Army in Tasmania has commenced its yearly Salvos SleepOut, with events being held in Launceston and Hobart this month.   This year marks 15 years of the program in Tasmania. The goal is to raise $150,000 to continue The Salvation Army’s Street to Home program, which offers targeted support to those sleeping rough in Hobart and Launceston.   Tasmanian Divisional Commander Major Tracy Briggs said that with the rising cost of living and widespread lack of affordable housing, the success of the Salvos SleepOut was more important than ever before. Between 2016 and 2021, Census data showed there was a 45 per cent increase in the number of Tasmanians experiencing homelessness. Tasmanian Divisional Commander Major Tracy Briggs and Amelia Natoli at the Launceston SleepOut. Tracy said participants at the events would hear firsthand from people who have experienced homelessness and Salvos frontline workers.   “The annual Salvos SleepOut is an important opportunity to highlight the issue of homelessness in Tasmania and increase awareness of the Street to Home program,” Tracy said. “Taking part in the event not only helps raise crucial funds but also helps individuals, businesses, and government, increase their understanding of the issue.   “The event helps reduce some of the stigma that can surround homelessness and supports the Street to Home program to be able to provide immediate practical support for people sleeping rough.” SleepOut participants braved freezing conditions in swags, sleeping bags and other temporary bedding. Launceston participants slept in zero-degree weather last Thursday 1 August, on cardboard, sleeping mats and other makeshift bedding to raise funds and awareness for the Street to Home social program. The Hobart event will be held later this month at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on 29 August.   Tracy said no one should be without a safe, secure, affordable place to call home.   “It’s not a comfortable or warm evening, but by taking themselves out of their comfort zone for one night, participants in the Salvos Sleep Out are able to help make a lasting difference for Tasmanians currently sleeping rough.   “We are only spending one night in these conditions, but for too many Tasmanians, this is a daily reality.”   Salvation Army General Manager for Homelessness Jed Donoghue said the SleepOut was very important as it raised both public awareness of homelessness and funds to support outreach workers and had the capacity to change community attitudes toward people forced into homelessness. The Wilson Security team, who raised over $5000 towards the work of the Street to Home program. “The Salvation Army provides material, emotional and spiritual assistance to people experiencing homelessness,” Jed said. “In practical terms, TSA is a major provider of accommodation, financial assistance and support in Australia. “We continually strive to improve our services and achieve quality outcomes with the people we work for who are homeless.”

Australian officer Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge speaks about the international leaders’ recent official meetings at the United Nations. Australian officer Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge, who serves as Chief Secretary – International Headquarters in London, has been interviewed on Christian radio in the UK about General Lyndon Buckingham’s recent official meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York.   Kelvin shared that Christians around the world were already making great efforts to alleviate poverty, tackle gender-based violence and help the victims of modern slavery and trafficking. But, he says, having a voice in the corridors of power can help churches and governments respond more effectively. TWR-UK ( Trans World Radio-UK) broadcasts quality Christian radio – with news, current affairs and Bible teaching – throughout the United Kingdom.   Trans World Radio is the world’s most far-reaching Christian radio network. Speaking fluently in more than 300 languages, TWR exists to reach the world for Jesus Christ.   To listen to Kelvin’s interview with broadcaster Dave Piper, click on the video below.   To read more about the UN visit of the General with Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, click here .

Each program participant shared some of their personal journey to becoming part of the Hope and a Future program, as well as their experiences during the marathon. BY FAY FOSTER   Just one month ago, the 42.2km run, part of the Hope and a Future program, took place on Queensland’s Gold Coast.   Now in its 10th year, the program is  modelled on four key pillars – faith, fitness, education and leadership. It aims to give young Papua New Guinea nationals – most of whom are already serving in their corps – the opportunity to develop into future leaders in their churches, families, communities, workplaces and nation.   Below, two of the young participants share some of their journeys to joining the program and their marathon completion. Kari Kari received the healthy 'Most Valuable Player' award from Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. Kari suffered grief early in life when she lost her mum and her sister in a car accident. Late last year, she was looking forward to two key events. One was her Christmas party at school, and the other was something Kari and her dad had talked about for some time – becoming part of the Hope and a Future program.   Kari trained with her friend for the marathon under trying circumstances, knowing that it was sometimes dangerous to go to the local beach to train. She was, however, committed to her goal.   During this time, her dad, Major Andrew Maino, became sick. His condition worsened, and the day before Kari was to run for selection for the Hope and a Future team, he tragically passed away.   Devastated, she felt that it might be best to give up her dream. She knew, though, that it was also her dad’s dream for her, and so bravely she turned up to run in the trials. She completed the run and, at the end, said, “I did it for you, Dad.” And she did it beautifully, making the team.    Kari ran the marathon in a much faster time than anyone expected. Again, she did it for her dad.    At the team’s debriefing meeting after the marathon, she thanked God for his goodness and shared her very sad and very beautiful story. She was named as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) in the team.   The days ahead won’t be easy, but Kari is determined to go forward, knowing her God is good. She has many people in her corner cheering her on.  Michael Mentor Adrian Kistan (left) with Michael, who became the fastest PNG runner ever. In 2018, Michael left his remote village in Kware Province to move to Port Moresby where he worked as a mechanic. His parents had died when he was a child, and Michael and his younger sister were brought up by two women in his village. When COVID-19 struck in 2020, Michael returned to his village and began to reconsider his lifestyle in Moresby. He knew he needed to make some changes. When he was invited through his church to try out for the Hope and a Future program, he saw this as a positive step for his new way of life. Michael wanted to participate in this program to become a good leader in his community and his church. He is grateful for this opportunity to run the marathon, see new places and meet new people. He hopes that when he returns to Papua New Guinea, he will finish school, put his mechanical skills to work again, and become a strong leader with young people in his church. “He’s fast!” said Envoy Bill Hunter, the team’s head coach, of Michael before the marathon. “The fastest ever time for someone in this program was three hours and 45 minutes. I think Michael will beat that.” And he did! Michael was the fastest finisher of this year’s team, completing the 42.2km run in three hours and 24 minutes.   Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, one of the program founders who supports the marathon team each year, shared at the debriefing: “Some times, when we come to these nights, you tell us all these amazing stories and say how much we have blessed you,” she said. “The three best years of my ministry were in PNG – the people changed my life and have blessed me forever. Your footprints are left on my heart. You are amazing! ”