The Singing by Heart program being piloted at Balga Corps, Western Australia. Image: Supplied BY JASON SIMMONDS Any community can be a dementia-friendly community: one where people living with dementia are integral in creating spaces where they are understood, respected, supported and empowered. Dementia Action Week is coming up this 16-22 September. This, which includes World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in your own community by exploring and acting on what it means to be dementia-friendly. Dementia is a brain condition affecting thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday tasks*. It’s not a normal part of ageing, yet it affects over 421,000 Australians. This number is expected to double in the next thirty years, which means it’s probable that you know someone in your family or circle of friends or work colleagues living with dementia, whether they are aware of it or not. Younger onset dementia (sometimes called ‘early-onset dementia’) describes any form of dementia diagnosed in someone under the age of 65. Dementia is more common in older people, but people in their sixties, fifties, forties and even thirties can develop it. In 2023 it was estimated there were more than 28,650 people living with younger onset dementia in Australia. This figure is projected to increase to more than 42,400 by 2058. Dementia is the leading cause of death for Australian women, and the second leading cause of death overall. With no known cure, dementia-friendly communities are an important part of Australia’s future if we are to build caring and healthy communities. Imagine being treated differently just because you have been diagnosed with a disease like cancer or diabetes. This is often the reality for people living with dementia, their families and carers. Dementia Australia research shows 81 per cent of those with a loved one living with dementia felt that people in shops, cafes and restaurants treated people with dementia differently. Part of The Salvation Army’s response to this growing need in our community is a new program developed by Worship Arts Australia, a part of the Mission Support Department in collaboration with the UK and Ireland Territory called “Singing by Heart”, a dementia-friendly singing group. Singing by Heart commenced in the UK in 2017 and is now running in over one hundred locations across the UK and Ireland in both corps and aged care facilities. Here in Australia, the resources have been developed for the Australian context, including a mix of sacred and secular songs like Waltzing Matilda and Sadie, the Cleaning Lady , other popular songs on the radio from the '40s, '50s and '60s, and well-known hymns like Amazing Grace . You can think of dementia like a row of books on a bookshelf, with the most recent memories to the left and childhood memories to the far right. As the disease progresses the books fall over from left to right, with the most recent memories falling over first. The strong neural pathways in the brain that connect music and memory means that songs from childhood and youth are those which last the longest and can activate memory, calm people’s mood and have lasting effects on quality of life for people living with dementia, even after singing has stopped. More than just a singing group and not a performance choir, Singing by Heart is a worship experience, with each song in the resource bookended with a relevant scripture and prayer designed to create a seamless worship experience. Each session finishes with a rousing rendition of Home Among the Gum Trees and a reading of The Lord’s Prayer. Songs have been thoroughly researched and selected that will resonate with people living with dementia. The sessions are designed to activate memory while also ministering to the needs of carers and family members of people living with dementia. A Singing by Heart training program at the recent Community Arts Engagement Conference held in Melbourne. Image: Supplied The program is being piloted at Balga Corps, Western Australia, and already we are hearing great stories from participants who are engaging with the singing. One practically non-verbal community member was singing along with the songs and at the end of each prayer, would call out an “Amen”. “With each song the ‘amens’ got stronger and stronger,” said Vivienne, one of the program coordinators from the corps. Singing by Heart is a free resource to corps and faith expressions of The Salvation Army, with all copyright material licensed centrally. With training on how to become a dementia-friendly community as well as Singing by Heart training provided, new groups are already keen to commence across the country. An online forum for facilitators has been established where we can foster best practice and learn from each other, as well as share stories of life-transformation through the program. A grant from The Coull Foundation has allowed the program to be adapted to the Australian context and a new Christmas edition of the resource is planned for release later this year. The Coull Foundation Grant will be pivotal in creating a younger onset resource which will draw on more recent songs from artists like Elvis Presley and groups like the Beatles. Here are some practical steps that your corps or local faith expression can take to create a more dementia-friendly Salvation Army: Step 1 – Identify a dementia champion for your local faith expression of The Salvation Army As a dementia champion, you could start conversations with your corps or faith expression and consider including dementia in your local mission delivery plans. Step 2 – Engage members of your congregation and community This might mean running a monthly Singing by Heart session or making your building more accessible for people living with dementia. Step 3 – Implement and sustain change For example, access free Dementia Friends  resources and look at the physical environment of your facilities. These might include high-contrast design features (such as different-coloured toilet seats, distinctive buttons for flushing and signage on the exit door). Consider inclusion of ‘quiet spaces’ in refurbishments and new buildings. If you’re interested in hosting Singing by Heart at your corps or local faith expression, please reach out to Jason Simmonds at jason.simmonds@salvationarmy.org.au  or on 0400 242 893, who can give you more information or facilitate a presentation to your leadership team. * All statistics and information on dementia from Dementia Australia Jason Simmonds is the Mission Support Department and Worship Arts Australia Community Arts Engagement Coordinator.

A committed Brisbane Salvationist and senior leader in The Salvation Army Australia has recently been announced as a new board member. Image: Supplied In an announcement by The Salvation Army's Secretary to the Property Trusts, Liz Cruickshank, on behalf of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Dr Ian Brown (MBBS Qld 1974, MRCP(UK) 1978, FRACP 1983 FRCP(London) 1999) has been appointed to the Board, effective from 19 August. Liz said in her announcement that as a committed Salvationist from Stafford Corps (Qld), Ian has served for over 20 years in senior leadership roles and as a bandsman, an involvement he began during his teenage years. She said following his graduation from medicine at The University of Queensland in 1974, the now retired physician Ian went on to become a thoracic and sleep specialist in both public and private practice settings, was appointed to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs and managed his own sleep and lung function laboratories in partnership with other physicians.  Most recently, Ian has been involved in the diagnosis and management of victims suffering dust-related lung diseases, including assessments for workers compensation and medico-legal reports for the courts. Given recent increases in ‘black lung’ and silicosis in coal miners and artificial stone benchtop workers, he has offered expert advice to address these issues. Alongside his medical experience, Ian served for two years as a Board Member of The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus service in the former Australian Eastern Territory and was previously elected Trustee to the Board of Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School, where he served for eight years. ‌”Please join me in praying for Dr Brown as he takes on this responsibility,” Liz said.

The popular Rockdale Salvos lunchtime chapel service in full swing. BY LAUREN MARTIN   With cost-of-living pressures continuing for many Australians, Salvation Army food relief and assistance centres across the country are constantly busy. At Rockdale Corps, south of Sydney, a new dimension to meeting human need has been added – a mid-week chapel service for community members accessing the Food Pantry program.   Corps Officers Auxiliary-Lieutenants Matt Cairns and Renata Davies said corps volunteers had developed good relationships with community members who regularly access the Wednesday food relief service.   Conversations and friendships are formed as attendees sit at tables in the corps’ worship space and enjoy morning tea while waiting for their allocated turn at the food pantry.   “We set up the hall with tables and chairs and have tea and coffee, which creates community while people are waiting,” said Matt.   “Some people play board games, [and] there’s always a game of Rumikub going! It’s a social outlet for people that’s meeting the need of loneliness and isolation, at the same time as meeting the need for food relief.”   The Holy Spirit had been speaking with Matt and Renata for some time about a second worship gathering for the corps community.   “We sat in that space for a while,” said Renata, “until we realised that God was already bringing everyone here on a Wednesday, so why not do chapel then?   “Seeking God, and where God is already working, and partnering in that space ... it doesn’t always need to be an ‘extra’ - sometimes it can be a ‘together with’.”   Community members enjoy a hearty lunch following the Wednesday chapel service at Rockdale Salvos. So, about a year ago, the corps introduced a short chapel service once a month, following the Food Pantry program. There is music and a mini-message, and then lunch is served.   “It’s developing,” said Matt. “It’s growing, and there’s a really nice community in that space.”   Some community members, perhaps because they have become familiar with the hall and with a faith experience, have now come along to the corps’ Sunday service.   “They are now comfortable in the space, and Sundays is in the same hall, and they [already] know lots of people.”   The chapel is a light and fun experience of faith and getting to know Jesus, and it is where people feel welcome, even if they have a different faith background or no faith at all. This year, the team has introduced a theme once a month on Wednesdays, which community members look forward to.   “One month it was ‘wacky Wednesday’ where people wore funny costumes,” said Matt. “And on a recent Wednesday it was dress-to-impress. It has become an important space for many of our people.”   Prayer requests are often communicated during or after the chapel service and these are taken to the corps’ Wednesday night prayer meeting.   The team is praying about future directions and deeper faith pathways and waiting on the Holy Spirit to reveal the next steps.

The members of the new Townsville Corps unite for a group photo at the first Sunday worship celebration. Photos: Tammy Stanborough BY LAUREN MARTIN   Two Salvation Army corps in the north Queensland city of Townsville have come together under the one flag and a new Salvation Army expression – Townsville Corps - has been born.   The former corps members of Townsville Riverway and Townsville Faithworks march together under the new Townsville Corps flag. Photo: Tammy Stanborough Townsville’s Riverway Corps and Faithworks Corps have been working together for a year on the formation of a united Townsville Corps which will worship from the city’s Beck Drive, Condon site (formerly Riverway Corps) and continue to deliver corps-based social mission from its Madden Street, Aitkenvale site (formerly Faithworks Corps).   Area Officer, Major Michelle Oliver, said having one united Salvation Army faith expression in Townsville was important for sustainability into the future, and allowed for a “merging of the strengths of each place, in order to make a bigger impact for Jesus in the community.” Special guests at the first worship service of the new Townsville Corps included Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson. Photo: Tammy Stanborough On the morning of Sunday 8 September, members of each corps gathered with a sense of anticipation and excitement and marched under each corps’ flag towards the large wooden cross that stands at the front of The Salvation Army’s Beck Drive location in Condon. At that point, Australia Territory Commander, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas received each flag, and issued the new Townsville Corps flag. It was under this banner that the united corps members marched into the hall for the new corps’ first Sunday meeting.   For former Townsville Faithworks Corps soldier (now soldier of the new Townsville Corps), Diana O’Sullivan, the moment when the two corps met at the cross, and physically merged under the banner of the new flag, was the most powerful for her. There was an air of excitement as the new Townsville Corps met together for the first time for Sunday worship on 8 September. Photo: Tammy Stanborough “It was a really significant day … there’s feeling that together we can do more.”   She acknowledged that there have been plenty of mixed emotions as the two corps have worked together on the process of becoming one. “For me personally, I found it a very exciting journey … It wasn’t just a rushed thing. That benefited both corps up here. Being able to take nearly 12 months to go through the process.   “There’s a feeling, definitely, that each corps has different strengths and weaknesses and now, being able to pool our resources and pool our congregation, we can do so much more!” The oldest and youngest member of the new Townsville Corps, Beverly Davey (right) and Diana O’Sullivan, holding baby Lewis, One of the flagbearers, former Townsville Riverway Corps soldier (now soldier of the new Townsville Corps), Grant Garvie, said it was an honour to carry the flag and describes the moment of coming together as significant: “The nervous energy and the excitement for being able to come together as one was palpable,” he said.   “I understand that there is a certain amount of sadness and heartache, but this is about what God has called us to do, which is to be the footprint of The Salvation Army here in Townsville.”   Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander, said the weekend was “a very beautiful and meaningful time” and that the coming together of two corps signified, “not less – much, much more!   “We are advancing in Townsville,” she said. “There is such a good culture in this place of people being Jesus centred and Spirit led, and so much hope being revealed! May God bless Townville Corps, there are great days ahead.”

Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore.   COMPILED BY LAUREN MARTIN   Retired Australia Territory Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore have been promoted to glory within days of each other, after having given a combined total of nearly 140 years of service to The Salvation Army. Ian and Nancy Cutmore and their children, Steve and Julie. Nancy Cutmore was promoted to glory on 8 September, with Ian joining her in heaven on 10 September. Our love and prayers, along with our heartfelt sympathy covers and surrounds children Steve (Natalie), Julie (Craig). They leave behind grandchildren Taryn, Caitlin, Bronte and Brodie, Madison and Hannah; as well as great grandchildren Kingsley, Mabel, Jet, Isaac and Levi.   Ian was a member of the Heralds session of cadets and was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer on 14 January 1954. Nancy was a member of the Sword Bearers  session of cadets and was commissioned on 10 January 1957. One of the first corps in Papua New Guinea was Koki Corps, where Ian and Nancy Cutmore served. The Cutmores are known for their early appointments pioneering the work of The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea, alongside Majors Keith and Edna Baker. They also held international leadership appointments and were Training Principals of the Australia Eastern Territory School for Officer Training. Last year, Ian celebrated his 90th birthday and launched a book featuring stories about their time in Papua New Guinea, Not Weary Yet: Inspiring Snippets of The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea Story. Commissioners Ian and Nancy wrote nearly a third of the narrative. Ian Cutmore speaks at his 90th birthday celebration, which included the launch of the book: Not Weary Yet: Inspiring Snippets of The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea Story. Late last month, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas introduced a new award – the Cutmore Award – named after the Commissioners. The first recipients were the Cutmores themselves, who were surprised and delighted when Miriam visited their Port Macquarie home in early August and presented them with the award – personally named the Pioneering Award. Seventeen Salvation Army officers and mission leaders across Australia were honoured with the Cutmore Award during the recent visit of General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. “Ian and Nancy Cutmore are spiritual giants in my eyes,” said Miriam, after receiving news of their promotion to glory. “They have always been people that I have looked up to. Pioneers, godly, wise, kind, open to new ideas, passionate about God’s idea of The Salvation Army, caring for nations and generations.   Commissioner, Miriam Gluyas presented Ian and Nancy Cutmore with a ‘Pioneering’ award named in their honour. “I love how God granted them their prayer of heading to heaven at pretty much the same time.”   During their time as Training Principals for the Australia Eastern Territory Officer Training College in Sydney, from 1975 to 1981, Ian and Nancy were instrumental in the relocation of the college from Petersham to Bexley in 1980.   At a ceremony to mark the conclusion of training officers in Sydney in 2018, Commissioner Ian said in a specially prepared video, “It won’t really matter where they work and study, just so long as they truly pursue and discover for themselves what is often called the ‘spirit of the Army’, which in its perfect form, is really the spirit of Jesus.” That spirit encapsulated the ministry of Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore.   The Master said to Nancy and Ian, “Well done, good and faithful servants. You have been faithful … Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:23).   A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of Nancy and Ian’s life will be held on:   Date: 21 September 2024 Time: 10am Location: The Salvation Army 110 Lord Street, Port Macquarie New South Wales   Live Stream: details can be found in their promotion to glory bulletin by clicking here

Salvation Army corps across Ukraine are a hub of physical, emotional and spiritual support to local communities and thousands of internally displaced people fleeing hard-hit areas. BY DOMINIKA BRODOWSKA   After two and a half years of war, the ongoing suffering in Ukraine gets less and less media attention. However, the reality in the country remains harsh. According to UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022, with more than 300 people killed and many more injured ( ReliefWeb ). Ukraine divisional leaders, Majors Irina and Konstantin Shvab The Salvation Army is one of the international organisations still present in Ukraine. Eight corps across the country are providing physical, emotional and spiritual support to their communities and thousands of internally displaced people. Captain Daria Bessmolnaya, an officer in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, explains some of the assistance The Salvation Army provides. “We offer refugees everything what we possibly can,” she says. “The most considerable help was a distribution of food packages, houseware items like towels, and also vouchers so they could purchase what they need. They come to our region with nothing.” Thanks to the generous support from Salvation Army territories around the world, the Army in Ukraine has been able to distribute 55,000 meals, 48,665 food parcels, 39,301 vouchers and 18,908 hygiene kits since the start of the war.   What does it feel like for a Ukrainian citizen to lead a life in these circumstances ? The stress of regular air raids, lack of sleep and constant problems with household electricity and water supplies have become a kind of new normal. The inflation and cost of living increases faced by many people around the world are even more acute in a country affected by war, and it is estimated that 53 per cent of employed Ukrainians have lost their jobs since the war began ( Ukrinform ).  Many people, having exhausted their savings, are unable to repair their homes. Life can be especially difficult for the 3.7 million internally displaced people in the country, some of whom, unable to prove their displacement status, cannot access government support ( Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre ). So far, the projects operated by the  Eastern Europe Territory  with support from the global Salvation Army have helped more than half a million Ukrainian refugees, both within Ukraine and in the surrounding countries. As well as humanitarian aid, The Salvation Army also provides shelters for displaced people, either making space in Army facilities or by coordinating available places at the premises of partner organisations. "Please don’t forget about Ukraine and us who stay and serve here to spread God’s love.” Emotional and spiritual support Salvation Army officers live alongside their fellow countrymen, holding onto a strong faith in the most challenging of circumstances. “During the dark times we must be a stronger light and shine for others,” says Diana Dyachenko, a cadet from Kyiv Maiak Corps. ‘Through our light and support people are able to see God.”   This emotional and spiritual support plays an important role in daily life in Ukraine. For refugees suffering from the trauma of losing loved ones or the homes they have lived in their whole lives, someone who is willing to simply listen to their stories is a valuable help. “We look for ways to comfort their pain knowing they have been left on their own in these difficult circumstances,” explains Captain Valeria Lukina, a corps officer in Kyiv. Supporting so many refugees can be emotionally exhausting, and officers describe how they try their best to keep their composure so that people feel looked after. Natalia Rak, a cadet assistant in Lviv Corps, speaks about one of the local church projects for refugees: “We give them a place where they can feel safe, loved and not alone. They know that we care, and their life still matters.” The projects are supported by local volunteers who help to distribute aid. After this first encounter with The Salvation Army, volunteers often go on to become members. Emergency power The recent intensification of attacks on energy infrastructure, health facilities and schools continue to disrupt lives. Forty per cent of students take online classes and their education is regularly interrupted by power cuts. Salvation Army officers are also affected by the cuts in electricity supply, with their administrative work and aid distribution constantly interrupted and slowed down. The Salvation Army International Emergency Services are working together with the Eastern Europe Territory to provide power banks and other batteries for their centres in Ukraine so that their local emergency response is not disrupted. A third summer under bombardment Summer for most of us is a chance to enjoy the sunshine and rest. For Ukrainians, it is the third summer under bombardment. “Alarms, drones, explosions disturb our life and our humanitarian response. Children must stay in basements instead of enjoying summer,” explains Natalia Rak.   The Salvation Army organises summer activities to help bring some normality to children’s lives. “We provide kids with scouting camps and workshops,” says Captain Bessmolnaya. “Their parents enjoy seeing their children relaxed. We do workshops with adults as well and give them a lot of directions on how to move around in a new city. We also pray together. All kinds of support are needed when you live in a permanent [state of] stress.”   Looking to the future When the war finally ends, the people of Ukraine will still need support. The reconstruction of infrastructure will take decades. The Salvation Army will continue to be there for those who need assistance. Corps focus on trying to give children a normal childhood. Diana Dyachenko from Kyiv has a message for us all: “We want to remind you [to] enjoy your life, family, peaceful sky, warm home and all that God is giving you. Please don’t forget about Ukraine and us who stay and serve here to spread God’s love.” We shall pray that almighty God will protect them and their families so they can work for his glory, and every act of support is a blessing that will ease the everyday struggles of the people of Ukraine. Dominika Brodowska is the Ukraine Response Unit Coordinator and Administrator at International Headquarters, London.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (centre), joined other corps, area and divisional leaders to help celebrate 140 years of Melbourne’s Brunswick Corps last month. BY LERISSE SMITH A rich fusion of faith, fellowship and friendship added a lively spark to the 140-year celebration of Melbourne’s Brunswick Corps over the weekend of 24-25 August.   More than 200 people celebrated the special milestone across the two-day event to commemorate the corps’ service to God and the local community – from its humble beginnings to being a beacon of hope, love and acceptance. Musicians entertained guests at the festive occasion which included a special tribute to Bandmaster Arthur Gullidge. “It was a joyful event to celebrate,” said Captain Steph Glover, Corps Officer Team Leader of Merri-bek City Salvos which includes the Brunswick Corps. “It was like a big family reunion with memories and much love and joy being shared.”   Situated just off Sydney Road in a densely populated area, passers-by stopped as the band played out the front of the old building, with some bringing their families from surrounding streets to see what was happening.  Brunswick has been a significant corps in the history of Victoria and in The Salvation Army.   Located in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, the corps is one of the oldest buildings in Victoria and was established when the colony was still in its early days, less than 20 years after William and Catherine Booth founded The Salvation Army in the slums of London's East End in 1865.   The weekend celebrations brought together past and present serving officers and members of the Brunswick Salvation Army community to reflect on its rich history. The Melbourne Staff Songsters featured at the special thanksgiving and celebration service. The festivities included an open day on the Saturday centred around the corps’ history and music. A comprehensive photo montage display was on show, collated by Lindsay Cox from The Salvation Army Museum. The music featured a tribute to Bandmaster Arthur Gullidge. Special guest and long-time Salvationist, historian John Cleary, also delivered an historical overview of the church.   A celebration and thanksgiving service was held on Sunday, with the theme focusing on God's faithfulness over the past 140 years. It featured the Melbourne Staff Songsters and combined band, along with special guest speaker Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, former corps officers, staff, and volunteers of the Brunswick Corps.   A special testimony time also formed part of the event where people were invited to share how God had touched their life through the corps. A colourful celebration cake cut by the commissioner, followed by a shared lunch for all, topped off the special occasion.    “We want to give God the glory for everything he’s done over the past 140 years in and through the Brunswick Corps,” Steph said.   “Psalm 115 verse 1 says  ‘Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your steadfast love and faithfulness!' Every year a church lives is another expression of the goodness, the power and the faithfulness of God, and we are believing he will do even greater things in the years to come.” Commissioner Miriam Gluyas cut a special celebration cake with a historical display of Brunswick Corps in the background. The Brunswick Corps building opened in 1884 in Albert Street, with a re-build on the site years later. The current stone building was opened in 1928 after a fire destroyed the original timber citadel. It was extensively renovated in 2010.   While Brunswick was a new suburb in the early days, it was already one where local residents experienced significant poverty and hardship, making it a focal point for The Salvation Army's mission of helping the poor, destitute and hungry when the corps opened its doors.   Steph reflected on the uniqueness of the Brunswick Corps, highlighting its long-standing focus on the social needs within the community.    “Brunswick Salvos is a place that anyone can call home,” she said.   “No matter who you are, what your background is, whether you are lonely, experiencing homelessness, struggling with addiction or mental health issues, whether you are gender or sexuality diverse, neuro-diverse, retired, or a young person looking for connection - everyone can find a real community of belonging here.”   Looking to the future, there’s great anticipation about what is to come.   “There’s excitement about the new thing God is going to do at Brunswick Salvos,” she remarked. “It will look different, due to the ever-changing needs and strengths of the surrounding community but it will still hold its core values and be a vibrant and diverse place of belonging for the Brunswick community.”

In June, The Salvation Army in Finland held its (northern) summer congress in June in the capital Helsinki. The event celebrated 135 years of The Salvation Army in the country. Each week throughout this year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.    This week (16-22 September) we are praying for the Finland and Estonia Territory.   Finland We thank God for: The summer congress we had in June with General Andre Cox (Ret.) and Commissioner Silvia Cox The children’s summer camps The flourishing youth ministry at Vaasa Corps The officers, employees, soldiers and volunteers committed to God’s mission through the Army The donations from the general public. We pray for all the donors.   We would like you to support us in prayer for: People to be willing to become part of the Army as adherents, soldiers and officers Finding creative ways to minister to young people and children The new community project plant in East Helsinki The men’s, women’s and senior programs in the (northern) autumn The iCare second-hand shops to be continued to be developed as a means of self-support Seeking God and his ways.   Estonia We thank God for: The smooth appointment moves, and ask for your prayers for the officers who moved, and the corps involved, so new fruits will grow in the corps. All our officers and employees, for their love and care for the people we serve. Please pray for their health and protection. Our cadet who will be commissioned in October, and also for the new cadet who starts her training this September. May God bless them both in their new chapter of life with him.   We ask you to pray for: Our children and youth, for new ways to attract them into our corps and to make new disciples of Christ. Thank God for those who serve our youth and children. Our financial situation, to become more independent and find new ways to receive fundings from within Estonia itself. New opportunities to develop our spiritual and social work in Estonia, which starts with good relationships with the local governments. Our planned 30th anniversary in 2025 (from the return of the Army to Estonia in 1995). May God’s will be done, and his name glorified.   To find out more about the Finland and Estonia Territory click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here .

Cairns Corps welcomed a new chapter with enrolment of 15 new members, both young and senior, each bringing their unique stories and traditions to enrich the corps community. BY LERISSE SMITH   A vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and unity was at the heart of Cairns Corps’ recent enrolment of 15 soldiers.   The North Queensland corps welcomed a new chapter with the enrolment of its new members, both young and senior, each bringing their unique stories and traditions to enrich the corps community. It was one of the biggest groups to be enrolled nationally. A corps member prays with one of the newly enrolled soldiers. The individuals enrolled included Margaret Gesa, Alexi Mporanimana, Jeanne Nabigondo, Jeanne Nyamanyana, Jacques Alfonce Tuyisenge, Emille Muhimire, Angelique Iradukunda, Phoebe Johnson, Peter and Sonja Holbrook, Sebintu Laurent, David Ngiriyomba, Vestine Uwera, Celestin Gasake and Tchiba Lonza Esperance.   More than 160 guests attended the event, with most of the local African community leaders attending the service.   “Seeing 15 individuals publicly commit to becoming soldiers in The Salvation Army was a powerful testament to God’s work in our midst,” said   Lieutenant Beola Conteh, Corps Officer - Team Member.   “Thinking about how God will use these individuals to further his work through The Salvation Army is exciting. It was a reminder that God is continually moving, drawing people closer to him and empowering them to serve his kingdom. The ceremony represented the culmination of personal spiritual journeys and our corps’ collective strength and unity.”   Spiritual milestone The special event was a significant spiritual milestone for each individual, symbolising their deepened commitment to serving God, the community and advancing The Salvation Army’s mission.  Lieutenant Beola Conteh delivered an inspiring message during the service. Beola delivered an inspiring message on the theme of self-control, which concluded the church’s series on the Fruit of the Spirit . She drew on Titus 2:5-12 and Galatians 5:22-23, emphasising the stand the soldiers made in disciplining themselves to be an example to shine God’s light in the community. Corps Officer Major Ben Johnson conducted the official ceremony, recognising and commending the courage of those stepping forward in faith to become soldiers of The Salvation Army.   Each new soldier took their Soldier’s Covenant, publicly affirming their dedication to living out The Salvation Army values in both word and deed. Ben said Beola’s message was affirming and reminded corps members and the new soldiers of the great responsibility they now bear. Additionally, the enrolment signified new opportunities for ministry, outreach and impact in their community. Major Ben Johnson said the enrolments would open doors to new ministry opportunities. “The enrolment service marked a significant moment, not only for our corps members, but also for many in the CALD community within Cairns who attended and celebrated with us,” he said.     “We are confident that each new soldier brings unique gifts, experiences and a renewed sense of purpose to The Salvation Army’s mission. As they step into their new roles, we pray that the Lord will equip them to serve our community and embody the love of Christ.”   Soldier training Lieutenant Edward Conteh ran the soldier training for 11 weeks where diverse cultures were represented. Lieutenant Edward Conteh, Corps Officer - Team Member,   ran the soldier training for 11 weeks and had the largest number of diverse cultures represented, including people from First Nations, Africa, Burundi, Congo and Rwanda, supported by Major Emma Johnson.   “We talked about our commitment and how we can sacrificially be involved in making a difference in somebody's life,” Edward said.   “A central focus of the course was for participants to grasp the reasons behind their decision to become soldiers and to understand that their commitment was driven by their love for Jesus. It’s all about our mission and our vision and having integrity in The Salvation Army. We have diverse people in The Salvation Army, so, the enrolment ceremony was very emotional and a real milestone in my life as well, and for my ministry.   “Coming from West Africa and getting to The Salvation Army, and now seeing people from other nations viewing The Salvation Army as a whole, as a spiritual home where they can come in and feel free and have security,   is special to me.”   With various nations represented at the training course, Terry, a local African lady and community leader, volunteered to translate throughout its duration. At the ceremony, she was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for her services.   Edward said Cairns Corps was a dynamic and exciting church with a Swahili-speaking congregation service run in the afternoon that featured playing songs and speaking in their mother language, mainly Swahili and Kinyarwanda.   He said the new soldiers looked forward to contributing to the development of The Salvation Army in Cairns and its local community in the future, with some beginning work in the creative arts space and prayer teams. Six members have also expressed an interest in enrolling for the Certificate 4 in Christian Ministry and Theology.

Lisa grew up in a refugee camp after her family fled war in her home country of Liberia. For 16 years, she and her family endured unimaginable challenges, but through it all she kept faith that God had a good plan. After coming to Australia, Lisa completed school and today is a registered nurse. Lisa's great desire is to make a difference in the lives of those who have less. She has purchased land in Liberia and is building a clinic to bring affordable health care. To learn more about Project Liberia and how you can help please contact Auburn Salvos: 02 9646 3767 auburnsalvos@salvationarmy.org.au

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Major Karen Elkington says a new visa status can mean starting afresh for those waiting to fully enter the community after arriving by boat. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE The timely enactment of Labor Government commitments to provide Resolution of Status (RoS) visas to those waiting in limbo would completely transform the lives of many who came to Australia seeking asylum, a Salvation Army refugee worker says. Immigration minister Andrew Giles announced on 13 February 2023 that the Albanese government would fulfil an election promise to move Temporary Protection visa (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise visa (SHEV) holders onto permanent visas. The new RoS visa status would apply to eligible candidates who entered the country as unauthorised maritime arrivals between 13 August 2012 and the end of December 2013, before the introduction of the Operation Sovereign Borders initiative. Brunswick Asylum Seeker and Refugee Service manager Major Karen Elkington said many of those she worked with at the centre had been living on very minimal incomes, with no access to Medicare, Centrelink or other government services. She said many relied on charity to survive, and while some had applied for refugee status due to changes in the Migration Act, many claims had been rejected. “Those people are basically languishing in the community,” Karen said. “I said [to them] your life would literally change overnight.” She said some of those she worked with had approached her to ask how the new visa status might change their situation. “I said [to them] your life would literally change overnight,” she said. “It means people's lives start afresh. It means that children who haven’t been able to access higher education can. It means that people with disabilities can access the NDIS.” Karen said one young man at the centre had come to Australia with his family as a young boy but was now studying at university and unable to access government study support. “If all of a sudden he gets a resolution of status visa, that means he can be like an Australian or an Australian citizen or someone here on a permanent refugee visa,” she said. “[He] can actually apply for the loan.” Karen said once he began to look for a graduate job, he would also have trouble finding work because of his visa status. She said while official data on how many visas had been issued was still to be released, some of those she knew who were on temporary visas had been able to obtain RoS visas, but others were finding the process lengthy and challenging. “I think it was the Minister’s intention that it would be a fairly quick process; however, it’s still taking some time,” she said. The turnaround has been rather quick for some people, whereas [for] other people, it’s just taking a little bit longer. “It would be lovely to see the government get through it [all] in 12 months. That would be absolutely magic.”