Sunbury Court in London, where Salvation Army leaders from around the world have gathered to elect a new General. Over the past couple of days, the High Council agreed on all of the Orders of Procedure by which the next General will be elected. High Council members have also finalised and approved the questions for both the candidates for General and his or her spouse (if married) to respond to. Members were then invited to prayerfully make their nominations for candidates to accept the office of General. To become a candidate, a delegate must receive at least three nominations. Please continue to cover the 2023 High Council in prayer. The High Council members are being deeply encouraged, enriched and blessed through your prayers. Find resources and a prayer guide for personal, small group or corps (church) prayer at sar.my/prayforhighcouncil . For detailed daily updates from the High Council, click here You can also check out the ‘High Council 2023’ Facebook page. For a comment from the High Council President, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, and a reflection on the High Council from Colonel Elsa Oalang, Philippines, check out the video below.

It's been 15 months since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Captain Oleg Samoilenko, a Ukrainian Salvation Army officer serving in Poland, remembers the day only too well. Below Oleg shares some of the terror of that day, the ongoing help The Salvation Army in Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine (and beyond) are giving Ukrainian refugees, and his hopes for a peaceful future.

Candidates for General – (from left) Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, Colonel Diana Macdonald and Commissioner Merle Heatwole. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Australia Territorial Commander, has been appointed Chair of the Questions Committee at the 2023 High Council taking place in London. Miriam took up the role after the original Chair, Commissioner Merle Heatwole (Territorial Commander, Latin America North), stepped down when he was nominated as a candidate for General. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at the High Council with Commissioner Giselle Gowans, wife of former General, the late John Gowans. Miriam’s role will be to oversee question time tomorrow morning (Friday) when the High Council meets to hear speeches from the four candidates for General who accepted nominations yesterday. The candidates and their spouses will give their speeches and answer questions from the High Council members. The Council prepares approx 15 questions for the candidate and five for the spouse (where appropriate). Accepting the nomination to be candidates yesterday were: • Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham (Chief of the Staff) • Commissioner Merle Heatwole (Territorial Commander, Latin America North) • Commissioner Kenneth Hodder (National Commander, United States of America) • Colonel Diana Macdonald (Territorial Commander, Pakistan Territory) Commissioner Keith Conrad (Zonal leader and International Secretary, Africa Zone, International Headquarters) was also nominated but – although humbled and appreciative of the nomination by his fellow High Council members – for varying reasons declined. With the acceptance of nomination by Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, it has been necessary for him to step down as President of the High Council. A new President has subsequently been appointed – Commissioner Brad Bailey (Territorial Commander, USA Central Territory). Please continue to pray for the 2023 High Council during these sacred and significant days. Your prayers deeply encourage, enrich, and bless The High Council members. Find resources and a prayer guide for personal, small group or corps (church) prayer at sar.my/prayforhighcouncil . A full list of High Council members can be found here

Captains Gavin and Jodie Jones, with WA Divisional Support Officer Major Peter Wood cutting the ribbon to open the community centre. By ANTHONY CASTLE Captain Jodie Jones said she was heartbroken to see the growing needs of people struggling to make ends meet in the Kwinana and South Metro region of Western Australia, so she knew something had to be done. The result is the Kwinana and South Metro Corps* Community Centre and Toastee Spot Free Cafe, which was officially opened on the corps site on Friday 28 April. Jodie said she and her husband, Captain Gavin Jones, came up with the concept for a community hub by speaking with people who were doing it tough. Jodie said helping others had always been “heavy on her heart”, and she wanted to find a way to “alleviate people’s struggles and suffering”. “We saw parents choose to give up their children; that was my breaking point,” Jodie said. “We had linked these parents in with a case worker, but they just couldn’t find safe housing. For those parents, the best option was to hand back their children to DCP [Department for Child Protection] and then choose to live in their car. It was heart-wrenching. I realised then that we had to do something, do what we can with what we’ve got.” Captain Jodie Jones, Feed it Forward volunteer Judith Maika and Founder/CEO Monica Morunga checking out the newly acquired fridge to help keep donated fresh produce fresh. About 60 people attended the centre opening, including community members, support services from the South Metro region, and councillors from both Kwinana and Cockburn city councils. Jodie said the rising costs of living, and neighbouring mission expressions closing down, saw an increase in people coming to The Salvation Army for assistance. “We had already identified the need through those accessing our emergency relief,” Jodie said. “The Salvation Army Social Justice Stocktake provided us with the stats and the data that we took when we spoke with council and politicians. Some of the need we are seeing is post-COVID, but some of it is our changing economic status as a country.” A rising cost of living is seeing a dramatic increase in need across the Kwinana and South Metro region. Rising inflation, stagnant wages, and a housing crisis is resulting in more and more facing financial hardship and potential homelessness. “We’re seeing community members come to us who have never had to seek help before,” Jodie said. “Yes, we have homelessness and family domestic violence that’s increased; we have people under increased mortgage stress who are coming to see us. There are good tenants who are employed who are suffering housing stress because their tenancy is coming to an end.” YouthCare School Chaplaincy representatives Susan Hislop and Lana Hayes with Captain Jodie Jones in front of the Appreciation Wall at the centre, featuring the logos of corporate supporters. Kwinana Salvation Army has been a place where the community has found support for many years, accessing emergency relief food parcels, food, fuel and clothing vouchers, Christmas Cheer gifts, hampers and vouchers. The new community centre is designed to meet the new needs arising in the community. “It’s happening so much in the area,” Jodie said. “We hear things like, ‘What happens if our rent goes up? Which bill do I pay? I have to pay my rent, so I won’t pay my car rego or have my medication’. We only find out these extra needs at out when we build relationships.” Vulnerable people in the operating area come from Baldivis to Fremantle, and their needs include people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, family breakdown, food insecurity, mental illness and loneliness. Other ongoing needs are accessible showers, haircuts, medical access and internet access. “Food is one of the increasing requests,” Jodie said. “Someone presents and says, ‘There’s no food’, that’s the easiest thing to respond to. The more we build relationships with people, the more we discover additional needs including medication, getting children into the doctors, because they’re paying rent or mortgage at all costs.” Kwinana and South Metro Salvos will continue to collaborate with other providers and supporters to add to the services and facilities that people need, with long-term goals to grow the work that the Community Centre provides. The corps’ Red Shield Appeal goal this year is to raise $15,000 for continued food hampers and to install a shower for public use in the community centre. Warren Palmer (WA Public Relations Secretary), Derek Tickner (long-time member of Kwinana and South Metro Salvation Army), and Major Peter Wood (WA Divisional Support Officer). “We couldn’t solve the whole problem for that family [living in their car],” Jodie said. “We couldn’t pull housing out of our pocket, but our centre was able to help with connections to supports. This is what we do with the centre, and we will grow it as we can. That’s what’s so special about our community centre – for people to connect and feel safe. We don’t just hand out a food parcel; we are about creating a place of hope. No one needs to struggle alone. We’re here for you.” The Community Centre and Toastee Spot Free Cafe, located at 57 Medina Ave, is open from 8am to 1pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. * Kwinana & South Metro Salvation Army is the new name being adopted by Kwinana Salvation Army to better reflect the extensive area (parts of Rockingham, Baldivis, Kwinana, Cockburn, Melville, East Fremantle and Fremantle) that the group operates in.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas with Carmel Ring and David Emerson at the launch of Project 614’s People Going Beyond ministry. Carmel is the 614 Magpie Nest Housing coordinator and David Emerson is from the Collingwood Football Club, which is a major supporter of Project 614. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE A Melbourne inner-city corps has recently begun a multi-faceted program to assist those recently released from prison. The Salvation Army Project 614 program titled People Going Beyond (PGB) offers participants 12 months of accommodation, an individual caseworker and access to The Salvation Army’s Positive Lifestyle Program, alcohol and other drugs assistance programs, family violence programs and mental health care. Possible participants soon to be released are identified by Salvation Army prison chaplains, who then partner with Project 614 to deliver services. The corps has also partnered with construction company Hickory Group Australia to provide training and employment opportunities for participants. Corps Officer Major Brendan Nottle said the goals of the PGB program, officially launched earlier this month, were personal transformation for those recently imprisoned. Major Brendan Nottle speaks at the official launch of the PGB program in early May. “What we really want to do is see people that have been in prison come out, receive intensive support and actually get back on their feet,” he said. “Our goal is that we’re providing accommodation [and] we’re addressing the drivers for offending.” Brendan said workers would love to see participants rebuilding family relationships or reconnecting back into the community through education. He said the program had been running for four months and began solely for women who had been imprisoned but had now been extended to both men and women. He said this year also marked the 140th anniversary of the launch of the first expression of Salvation Army social work anywhere in the world, a halfway house titled the Prison Gate Brigade for those imprisoned at the Old Melbourne Gaol. A Salvation Army officer greets two former prisoners as they are released from gaol as part of the old Prison Gate Brigade ministry that operated throughout Australia in the late 19th century.

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Dave Parker (centre) with Tamworth Corps Officer Tony DeTommaso (left) and John Austin (right) at his soldiership enrolment ceremony. By DAVE PARKER My life changed two and a half years ago when my wife unexpectedly left me after 33 years of marriage. It took me more than 12 months to get over it. And you’re never really over it, but I’m a new person now. I’ve got myself a little motor home. I’m 78 this year, and as far as my little motorhome goes, I’ve probably got between two and four years before I can’t drive much distance anymore, so in the next couple of years I’m going to try and do as much travelling as the budget will let me! I recently went out to Condobolin, where I come from, and I visited a mate and his whole family down on the riverbank for Easter. And he has great-grandkids – there were 23 in his family and me and another mate. This was something new to me because my mum died when I was nine, and my dad was one of those guys who just went to work. So, I didn’t have that normal young person-type life. So, out there on the riverbank with my childhood friends, it was just so nice to see a whole family get together and every one of them there – all generations. In my whole life, I’ve never had anything like that. And my mate says to me: “Are you going to come again next year?’ and I said, ‘For sure!’” God is opening up a new form of family for me. My call to soldiership in The Salvation Army really came from my dad. He was overseas during the Second World War and came home on a hospital ship in 1944. I was born in 1945. When I was a little, he always talked about The Salvation Army. He said, “When we were in El Alamein, in all those places, you would turn around and there was a Salvo there. Everywhere there was a Salvo to say a prayer for you or say G’day to you. Dad said they were the only people on the planet that really cared – The Salvation Army. That was the main reason I wanted to become a Salvation Army soldier. To be there for people, like those Salvos were there for my dad. I’ve probably been there for a few people already, and I’ll be there for a few more yet. I’ve been worshipping at The Salvation Army as my church for probably 10 years or maybe longer. We did a lot of work here in Tamworth in the early COVID-19 lockdown days. The whole area at the back of the church was full of groceries and all sorts of stuff, and in those days, I had a pretty new 4WD ute and a big enclosed trailer. I went out to Manila for a day with this big trailer full of groceries and handed groceries out all day. That night we loaded it again, and the next day we went all the way to Narrabri and did the same thing in Narrabri. We probably had five tonnes of stuff in it. During these past few years after my wife left, God’s really been there for me. My relationship with God is different now. Life started when I became a soldier, that is when my new life started. And life is pretty good! (As told to Lauren Martin)

As we begin National Reconciliation Week, Pastor Ray Minniecon reminds us that the most meaningful thing for humankind is to reconcile with each other, with God’s creation and with God himself. As followers of Jesus, we are to proclaim this message of loving one another as this is the heart of reconciliation.

General-Elect Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham are the new international leaders of The Salvation Army. Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham has been elected the 22nd General of The Salvation Army. The High Council in London elected Commissioner Buckingham, after he and the other three candidates – Commissioner Merle Heatwole (Territorial Commander, Latin America North), Commissioner Kenneth Hodder (National Commander, United States of America) and Colonel Diana Macdonald (Territorial Commander, Pakistan Territory) – delivered their speeches. General-Elect Buckingham and his wife, Commissioner Bronwyn, are originally from the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. They have served as officers since they were commissioned in 1990 as members of the Ambassadors for Christ session. Lyndon has served as the Chief of the Staff since 2018. Bronwyn has served as the World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development since January 2021 (previously she served as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries). General-Elect Buckingham will assume office as General on 3 August 2023. Announcement made Commissioner Ted Bailey, President of the High Council, made the announcement to the High Council last night (AEST): “It is my absolute pleasure and honour to be able to announce to the international Salvation Army family and beyond and beyond and beyond that the 2023 High Council has elected a new general,” said “Your new General-Elect is Lyndon Buckingham. Commissioner Yusak Tampai, 2023 High Council chaplain (Territorial Commander, Indonesia Territory), prayed and read from the Bible before welcoming General-Elect Buckingham to the microphone. General-Elect Lyndon Buckingham leads a session at the High Council over the past week. “I want to say this afternoon, how grateful I am to the Lord for his saving grace in my own life,” said General-Elect Buckingham. “I'm grateful to the members of the High Council for listening and hearing the voice of the Lord and for their support of myself and Bronwyn as we get ready to assume these leadership responsibilities. “We love the mission of The Salvation Army. We believe passionately that Jesus is the hope of the world. We are so grateful and humbled to have an opportunity to serve in this way, and we have already made a promise to the members of the High Council that we will serve wholeheartedly the mission of The Salvation Army and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “We will do so with humility, with grace, and with courage, and we know that we are supported and surrounded by great leaders, soldiers, adherence and supporters all around the world, and together, together we will carry the mission of The Salvation Army forward. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your prayers over this place and these proceedings, all glory to God, and let's get ready for the next chapter. God bless you.” Beautiful moments of prayer were then shared with the Buckinghams. Of special significance was the first blessing and prayer shared in the Māori language by New Zealanders in the chamber to honour the people of their homeland. For more information on General-Elect Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, click here . For detailed content from the High Council, click here You can also check out the ‘High Council 2023’ and ‘The Salvation Army International’ Facebook pages.

As we celebrate Pentecost, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas encourages us all to pray that the Holy Spirit would stir us up, touch our lives, bring salvation, bring transformation and propel us into our communities. “The fire fell, the Spirit came, and nothing could ever be the same”.

‘Send the Fire’ was the final song at the installation of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas on Sunday 12 February at Melbourne’s Project 614 Corps. The performance featured Colonel Kelvin Merrett, Melbourne Staff Songsters, Brimbank Worship Group and Melbourne Staff Band. (Words by William Booth, music by Lex Loizides and arranged by Brian Hogg.)

Every person can be active in their social circle, their school or work life or their neighbourhood to promote and ensure a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. WHAT IS NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK? National Reconciliation Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of all Australians and encourages every person who calls Australia home to actively contribute towards reconciliation in our country. It is organised by Reconciliation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation and the main body championing reconciliation in Australia. WHEN IS NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK? Each year, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated from 27 May to 3 June. The dates remain the same each year and align with major milestones in our country’s reconciliation journey – the success of the 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. WHAT IS THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR? The theme for National Reconciliation Week in 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, encouraging everyone to actively do what they can to ensure that our country achieves reconciliation. WHY IS RECONCILIATION WEEK IMPORTANT? It is important to celebrate National Reconciliation Week each year to encourage a continued awareness of, and ongoing discussion about, our rich histories and achievements. The week highlights different ways in which we can move towards reconciliation in Australia. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation. Ensuring that all people are given equal opportunities is paramount to the future of Australia. HOW CAN I CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION WEEK? Reconciliation Australia encourages the community to hold events, such as those included at nrw.reconciliation. org.au/calendar Everyone is encouraged to celebrate Reconciliation Week and actively understand the reasons why this important week exists. Every person can be active in their social circle, their school or work life or their neighbourhood to promote and ensure a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. To enhance your own knowledge about Reconciliation Week, consider these ideas: • Search online about Indigenous history. • Find out about the land on which you reside or work – what Indigenous land are you on? Who are the peoples of this land? What language(s) do they speak? • Learn about National Sorry Day, a day that remembers and honours the Stolen Generation. • Read about The Voice, Treaty and Truth. WHAT ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PROGRAMS DO THE SALVOS RUN? Salvos programs and partnerships focus on supporting, empowering and encouraging community leaders, and aim to ‘Close the Gap’ by collaboratively working towards greater equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Various programs include early intervention, youth justice, housing, sports and others. Learn more by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/ about-us/our-services/ aboriginal-and-torres -strait-islander-programs ARE THE SALVOS COMMITTED TO RECONCILIATION? The Salvation Army cherishes and nurtures the oldest living culture on Earth. Our respect for the unique cultures, spiritualties, histories and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is documented in our Reconciliation Action Plan. For more information, go to salvationarmy.org.au/ about-us/governance-policy/ our-commitment-to-reconciliation