The local police and The Salvation Army have joined forces to be a presence at the Gladstone Skate Park every Thursday evening. By CLIFF WORTHING It’s not often that police are surprised by the effect of sausages and chatting, but about a month after Gladstone Corps in Queensland started engaging with young people at the local skate park, the outcomes are generating appreciation. “Recently, a young man was getting some grief from other skaters and wanted to retaliate but decided to come over to our van and talk with the local Elders who work with us,” says Captain Chris Ford, Gladstone Corps Officer. “The Elders were able to intervene and quickly calm the situation, and it all happened right in front of the police, who were amazed at the unexpected turn of events.” Gladstone Corps Officer Captain Chris Ford. Gladstone Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) approached the Gladstone Salvos a few months ago looking for solutions to a growing issue of youth engaging negatively with police and local community. Chris proposed a different approach, which involved creating positive engagement with the youth at Sunset Skate Park. He approached local Indigenous Elders to discuss what might work, and they offered to collaborate with the Salvo volunteers and police. Every Thursday night, the Salvos set up their emergency services vehicle, cook sausages, distribute water and engage with the young people. Chris says that having a little puppy as part of the set-up really helps foster conversations. Several local Elders make themselves available for relationship-building too. Police are in the background as another avenue for positive engagement. On any given Thursday, about 40-50 First Nations young people attend the skate park. Gladstone Corps volunteers and PCYC workers offer food, support and information at the skate park. “Some of the kids are slowly opening up,” Chris says. “They come over for the free sausages and water, and we get to talk. It often starts with chit-chat about their day, or what they are doing, and why they aren’t home after dark.” Often Elders hear stories of family situations at home, resulting in young people congregating at the park. The Salvos and local Elders are discussing ways to support young people experiencing difficulties at home. “I can see value in the Sunset Skate events held at the PCYC skate park every Thursday afternoon,” says Auntie Gay Sirriss, First Nations Liaison Officer, Community Development and Events, Gladstone Regional Council. “Giving their time and being willing to listen is an invaluable impact that our Elders make today in a society where some of our most vulnerable aren’t being heard. As part of the skate park ministry, I’m hoping to see more emerging Elders come along to help build relationships with the youth to show them we care about their wellbeing. “For me, my Elders, past and present, have made me the person I am today. Without their constant guidance, I would not have the morals or values that I live by today. “In the last month, you can see a respectful relationship has been forged between the youth and the Salvos team. As time goes on, the relationships Sunset Skate create will be invaluable.” PCYC Gladstone Youth Club manager Sergeant Dominic Richardson and Youth Club officer Senior Constable Wendy Kinsley are pleased to be working together again with Salvation Army and other community partners for the Sunset Skate Thursday afternoon events. “The Sunset Skate events offer an opportunity for proactive community policing where we can engage in a positive way with the youth at the Council skate park area,” says Sergeant Richardson. “Sunset Skate events and our partnership with the Salvos are a welcome relaunch of previous events we worked on together. We are extremely grateful for the assistance of The Salvation Army for the support each Thursday and for the role they have played in assisting engagement and support from other stakeholders to support our crime prevention and youth development goals.”

Captain Nicola Poore (right), Macarthur Corps Officer, and Cherise Holley, Church Life Administrator, deliver freshly baked biscuits firefighters in Campbelltown as part of their gifts to first responders in the region. After hearing the tragic news of paramedic Stephen Tougher’s death in Campbelltown, on the outskirts of suburban Sydney, the Macarthur Corps was stirred to action. Teams baked hundreds of Anzac biscuits, packaged them in cellophane bags and embellished them with gift tags. The biscuits were then delivered to local first responders in the region – ambulance, fire and police stations. The back of the tags read: To you, our frontline workers, we say thank you. Thank you for keeping us safe, for caring for us, for being the first to respond in times of need. Macarthur Salvation Army is praying for you, and we hope that these biscuits will bless you as your service blesses us. “It was a privilege to deliver these biscuits and bless the first responders in the Macarthur area, (especially after) hearing their stories of perseverance in a time of tragedy,” said Cherise Holley, Church Life Administrator at Macarthur Corps. “We were even treated to a tour of Campbelltown Fire Station!”

Pastor Willie Dumas from the Tweed Heads Bundjalung Country reflects on the NAIDOC theme 'For our Elders' and the importance of Elders throughout the Bible. Inspiring us to value our Elders' wisdom and life experience by standing with them.

Major Irina Shvab with General Brian Peddle. The photo frame says, ‘Faith and Wisdom’. By IRINA SHVAB I never thought I would live through a war – me and my family, of course. But that’s what happened. On 24 February 2022, I was back in Ukraine after I had spent holidays with my children in Poland. I remember the first few days when the war started. It is hard to imagine that you can calmly react to the information that comes to you – what to do, how to behave, where to go with your children, and what steps to take. Parents of the teenagers who attend activities at the Vinnytsia Salvos telephoned me and asked when we were going to leave. I don’t know why they decided that we were going to leave. Apparently, they were also very worried about it. For me, this question did not arise. I stayed in Ukraine to do what I can do. Irina congratulates new Salvation Army officer Marina Egorova. It is very difficult now, both for me personally and as a pastor. It is difficult to see thousands of needy people who simply do not know where they can find a piece of bread for today, where they can find housing and how they can plan their lives. This is especially difficult for those families with children who require some special care. We face that every day on the phone and in our life. I praise God that there is hope in him. I know that he is my light at the end of any tunnel. I want to show you a small piece of craft (pictured below), which encouraged me very personally. It was brought by a woman who came here from the east of Ukraine. She said that her daughter, who came from the Donetsk region, makes such items. I am very grateful that she encouraged me a lot with this. She said, thank you very much for what you are doing. It is very good for us when there are people waiting for us, especially in Vinnytsia, especially in The Salvation Army, where we can see hope. Irina shows the tiny gift made for which has brought so much encouragement in the tough times. I am very happy when I see our youth and teenagers who are now mobilised to do good things in their lives. They don’t know what challenges they will face in the future, what choices await them, but they are also doing what they can do. For example, they serve, they help us pack products, they help us organise programs for children who are temporarily staying, for example, in different cities – in Vinnytsia or in Kropyvnytskyi. They are really doing well and that encourages me a lot. I believe that there is a great future for our country and for The Salvation Army in Ukraine. That makes me very happy. Major Irina Shvab is a Salvation Army officer and a leader of the Salvos in war-ravaged Ukraine.

From left: Commissioners Vibeke Krommenhoek (Officer for European Ecumenical Relations, IHQ) and Jane Panone, (Secretary for European Ecumenical Relations, IHQ), joined the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at the conference. Seven Salvationists took part in the 16th General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), themed ‘Under God’s Blessing – Shaping the Future’, in Tallinn, Estonia. Exiled Belarusian politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya opened the gathering with a keynote speech inviting churches to pray for people in her country and Ukraine and to raise their voices for “true peace, true brotherhood and true love”. The first day concluded with a service at St John’s Church at which Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek (Officer for European Ecumenical Relations, International Headquarters (IHQ)) preached. They joined more than 300 representatives of 116 denominations, national church councils and partner organisations across Europe. Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek preaches at St John's Church (credit: Albin Hillert/CEC) Keynote speakers included former Archbishop of Canterbury the Right Rev. Rowan Williams, who indicated how churches could be a blessing to European societies, and Orthodox His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who focused on ecumenical tasks for the future. After each keynote address, delegates met in small groups to reflect on the themes presented. War in Ukraine The war in Ukraine had a significant place on the agenda as delegates considered ‘the role of churches in transforming violence’ and how churches can be ‘changemakers in post-war society’. Delegates contributed ideas for CEC’s Pathways to Peace program, designed to enable churches across Europe to support peace, justice and reconciliation. Seven Salvationists from around the Army world were delegates to the European Conference of Churches. The assembly had a rhythm of prayer, with morning, midday and evening devotions conducted in the style of different church traditions, as well as Bible studies, which provided insights to aid reflection on the major themes of the assembly. In business sessions, the CEC president, general secretary and various committees presented their reports, and elections to key positions were held. On Sunday, Salvationist delegates were welcomed at Kopli Corps in Tallinn and took part in the morning meeting. Reflecting on the assembly, Commissioner Paone said, “The keynote speeches were of an excellent standard, and there was good fellowship. Everything was prepared with much care, and our Estonian friends offered us very warm hospitality, which was greatly appreciated. One simple quotation remains in my mind from former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams’s keynote speech: “Love is the appropriate response to the world we’re in. We can discuss and have many different ideas on European and global issues but, finally, unitedly engaging in living out Christ’s love to the world will have the greatest impact.” Salvation Army delegates included Commissioner Jane Paone (Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations, IHQ), Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts (Territorial Ecumenical Officer, United Kingdom and Ireland Territory) and Major Victoria Lalac (Secretary for Programme, Eastern Europe Territory).

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Captain Ronald Stobie and Bronwen Haywood in front of The Salvation Army complex in Maryborough (Vic.), recently fitted with 96 solar panels. Photo courtesy Maryborough Advertiser Rooftop solar capacity in Central Victoria has just been given a significant boost, with the Maryborough Corps installing a large renewable energy system. Corps Officer Captain Ronald Stobie said he was thrilled with this new investment and extremely happy to lead the way in reducing the community’s carbon footprint. “The 40kw, 96-panel system will help meet our nation’s emissions reduction target and is part of our nationwide renewable energy project for The Salvation Army,” he said. “Nationally, The Salvation Army aims to meet its target of 6.17 megawatts of renewable energy by the end of June.” Ronald is looking forward to seeing considerable savings on energy bills for The Salvation Army from now on, and he says these savings will be redirected into expanded services and programs for the community. Climate Action Stewarding Group (CASG) member Bronwen Haywood explained that our nation is a world leader in the uptake of rooftop solar, and around 28 per cent of local dwellings had solar panels by 2020, according to More Australian Solar Homes (MASH). “It’s important that our community recognises and celebrates the marvellous contributions local organisations and businesses are making towards renewable energy,” she said. Bronwen added that while it’s great that those who can afford solar panels on their homes are expanding our renewable energy capability, it’s also important that no one is left behind. “The great thing about The Salvation Army’s new investment is that the benefits flow through to the people who are doing it tough with the increasing costs of living and who will benefit from increased investment in our community services,” she said. “CASG – a partnership between the Central Goldfields Shire Council staff, councillors and community group representatives – is very aware of equity in the sharing of the benefits of renewable energy, and this is a guiding principle behind the CGSC Climate Action Plan.” Ronald said The Salvation Army’s large buildings and facilities include an industrial kitchen, a church, family support rooms, meeting rooms, a large pantry and multi-purpose rooms, which require considerable power to operate. “We have an expansive roof area, so it just makes perfect sense to use this to produce our own power,” he said. Source: Maryborough Advertiser, Maryborough, 27 June 2023. AGL partners with The Salvation Army: click here The Salvos and climate change: click here

Tahana Turner shares a prayer of thanks to Nathangali, Creator God, who formed the red dust plains, the tall gum trees, the roaring oceans and the majestic mountains. We pray that we would take the time to listen to each other deeply, with compassion, care, and understanding. Most of all, that we would listen to the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to come together.

Salvationists and friends around the world are invited to attend an online welcome to the new international leaders of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. The service of dedication and celebration will take place at Regent Hall Corps in London on Sunday 3 September 2023 at 3.30pm (GMT). The event will be supported by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Edward Hill, and Commissioner Shelley Hill. For more information, click here

ABOVE: The Salvation Army team cheers Papua New Guinea runner Rata over the finish line at the Gold Coast Marathon last weekend. BELOW: Some of the Hope and a Future participants and their mentors. BY CLIFF WORTHING Several estimates conclude that only one per cent of the world’s population has run a marathon. For Papua New Guinea, the percentage is even less, but The Salvation Army Hope and a Future program has worked to increase those numbers since 2014. This year was the seventh group of Papua New Guinea runners brought to Australia to participate in the Gold Coast Marathon, and the first time after COVID restrictions were lifted. Each year, 10 participants are selected to participate in the training, provided with experienced marathon runners as mentors, and brought to the Gold Coast to run and gain exposure to Salvation Army ministries in Queensland. Kila Gwareva, from a village several hours outside of Port Moresby, ran the fastest time of any PNG runner since the start of the program at this year’s Gold Coast marathon. The program gives young nationals from Papua New Guinea, identified as future leaders in their country, the opportunity to be mentored in leadership skills and is modelled around four key pillars – faith, fitness, education and leadership. A major aspect this year was how the group overcame obstacles to actually participate in the marathon, and life lessons to equip them for ministry and personal growth. “I have never experienced such a thing in my life, but because of God’s grace, now I have.” – Participant In addition to the challenges of six months of training, many in the group faced documentation issues, such as birth certificates, passports and visa delays. Peter Tati even had his flight cancelled at the last minute, but believing God wanted him to run, he persisted in talking to the airlines until one of the pilots found him a spare seat. Many commented on how overcoming all the obstacles and persevering was important preparation for the actual race and built their confidence to face current and future life’s challenges. “Some people saw me as a quitter, and I often found it hard to finish things,” said Sandra Ali. “Now I know I can do it!” At the team debrief following the race, many participants talked of overcoming their doubts, wanting to give up because of the pain, but pushing past physical and psychological barriers to achieve their goals. Scriptures, songs and encouragement from mentors and the rest of the team helped each runner finish the race. Every program participant since 2014 has completed the marathon distance. ‘Nobody gets left behind’ became the motto for this year. One example of team spirit this year involved the whole team running back along the course to meet up with the last runner and run with her to the finish line. “I saw my teammates come for me, and I cried all the way to the finish,” Rata Vele said. “We all made it together!” Each participant has a mentor to help with training, encouragement and perspective. Several mentioned how they have been positively impacted by the example of the person they coached. “Humility and gratefulness are two things I have learned from this group,” said Bill Hunter, this year’s team leader. “They encourage me in my spiritual journey.” Bill explained that one example of gratitude was from Parker, a runner who had been training with various running groups since he was 13. This year, he was selected to run on the Gold Coast, but complications with his birth certificate and passport meant he couldn’t make the trip. “I imagined he was devastated, but he told me that God was in charge and now wasn’t his time,” Bill said. “I have never experienced such a thing in my life, but because of God’s grace, now I have,” Kila said. The Salvation Army team after the marathon, with the Papua New Guinea runners showing off their medals. Photo: BarbaraVali Photography

Salvation Army Scout and Guide leaders from 11 European nations met for training last weekend in Romania. The Salvation Army in Romania hosted the European Scout and Guide Leaders Network last weekend in Rucăr – a picturesque mountain region 190km north-west of the capital, Bucharest. Salvation Army representatives from 11 European nations attended the event. ‘Meet, share and learn’ was the theme for this time of teaching, practical training, and fellowship. “I never imagined I could make a table from rope or meat from egg and oatmeal, but it turns out that everything is possible with the scouts,” said Captain Oleg Samoilenko, a Ukrainian officer serving in Poland. “It has been great to be among old and new friends from different countries and represent the Scouting Ministry of Poland. Bulgarian Salvos help Ukrainian refugees The Salvation Army in Bulgaria, though small, is active in supporting Ukrainian refugees who have fled their country to different areas of Bulgaria. Staff and volunteers distribute food, clothing, blankets, vouchers and other necessities, as well as organise activities for children. The Salvation Army in Norway helps support this ministry, both with donations and the support of volunteers. Families from different nations enjoyed the prayer, games, food and fellowship on the Day of Prayer for Children. Ukrainian families were also part of the Day of Prayer for children and young people in the region of Bulgaria. Over 60 people enjoyed a day of fellowship, prayer, games and food. There are more than 50,000 Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria. Hundreds of thousands of others have travelled through Bulgaria to reach other countries. Salvos assist first responders fighting wildfires The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) has mobilised to provide food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to first responders and residents who were displaced or directly impacted by wildfires in the province of Alberta, Canada. A series of devastating wildfires struck the province last month, leaving behind a trail of destruction and ravaged communities. “Our mobile canteens have been a familiar site on the front lines since 9 May,” says Major Ben Lippers, divisional EDS director for Alberta and Northern Territories. "For some, we are the only source of food. Our assistance takes worry away." Canadian Emergency teams have been serving first responders and impacted communities after recent wildfires in Alberta. Included in the EDS personnel are some who The Salvation Army has supported through their substance use recovery program in Edmonton. “During our 18 months rehabilitation program we teach about nutrition, food handling and safety, and how to cook. Now people who have learned to take better care of themselves are sharing their skills in northern Alberta. Now that’s success.” As Alberta continues to rebuild in the aftermath of the fires, The Salvation Army remains committed to serving those in need. “Helping people during times of hardship is what the Army is all about,” says Major Lippers. Baby Box partnership formed in Solomon Islands The Salvation Army was grateful to receive an invitation from Archbishop Chris Cardone, archbishop and metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Honiara, to attend the launch of the Catholic Church Baby Box. The Salvation Army Home League and Junior Miss programs will be taking an active part in supporting this ministry. “Access to this Baby Box in Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, is a last resort for women to leave their unwanted baby anonymously and safely, when there are no other options,” explained Australian officer, Major Robert Evans, District Officer for the Solomon Islands. The Salvation Army joined representatives of other churches at the launch of the Baby Box program. “There has been a sad increase in babies being dumped in rivers, at beaches and the rubbish tip in Honiara. Unplanned pregnancies are a cultural taboo, and there is a severe lack of community and government support for these young mums.” The Sisters who are responsible for the Baby Box will take care of the infants until a suitable family can be found to adopt the child. The Baby Box received its first child on 25 February, long before its official launch, highlighting the need for this service. Other churches have a role to play in supporting this ministry by donating baby supplies, educating girls AND boys, and breaking cultural taboos by finding better ways of supporting women during an unplanned pregnancy. Representatives from the Catholic Church, Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Salvation Army, Pacific Churches Council, and a nurse and administrator from the National Referral Hospital attended the launch. The Solomon Islands are part of the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory.

Adelaide City Salvos café and its friendly barista, Cornel Alderson. By MAJOR MAL DAVIES If you wander down the east end of Pirie Street in Adelaide on any weekday morning, you may detect the scent of coffee. No, it’s not emanating from the dance studio or the architects’ office or even the apartment block – it’s coming from the café and decking at the front of City Salvos. A café has operated there in different formats over the past decade but relaunched in its current format in February 2022 and has recently employed a new barista. While most of the customers are Doorways clients (awaiting morning appointments or seeking assistance), the café is open to anyone. Apart from a barista, the café is staffed by volunteers from the church community. The café seeks to be a welcoming place that offers both a nice cup of tea or coffee in the morning, as well as a smile and someone to talk to. It often has music playing and flowers on the tables, and some light reading material at hand promoting the work of The Salvation Army. New barista Cornel Alderson emigrated from India with his family when he was 16 and settled in Salisbury Downs in the north of Adelaide. He worked for government departments for 22 years (doing admin, clerical and surveying work) before moving into hospitality work. Cornel has worked in different hospitality roles at hospitals, sporting clubs, hotels and even on a boat, and is an experienced barista. He is a ‘people person’ who likes talking and laughing and is a caring person who says that the caring, dedicated approach of The Salvation Army is the perfect workplace for him. A happy customer at City Salvos café, enjoying his morning coffee. “I was raised by an Indian Catholic father and an English Anglican mother, and I attended a Catholic church and school,” he says. “Then, just to really confuse things, I married a Greek lady who was Greek Orthodox! “My mum was a teacher and had a strong moral code, and I was raised to do things right and care for others, and that’s stayed with me. So, I’m thrilled to work for The Salvation Army, which is an amazing organisation and really does care for people ... just as I want to.” Cornel has done years of hospitality work and has learnt to value and respect people and talk to them at their own level. He says that much of his work – apart from making coffee – is about simply being friendly and offering a listening ear. “If you treat people nicely, more often than not they’ll treat you nicely,” he says. “My job is to give people a friendly start to the day and a smile, and to always treat them with respect.” The café is one of the main public entry points to the church, and so Cornel is, by default, one of the first Army representatives that visitors and new clients will speak to. “What better way to start the day,” says Cornel, “than with a good coffee and a smile.”