In this inspiring interview, Colonel Bishow Samhika, Principal of the International College of Officers, sits down with Salvationist and Paris 2024 Olympics 200m men’s finalist Tapiwanashe Makarawu. Hear Tapiwa’s firsthand experience competing in the 200m finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Discover how Tapiwa’s faith has been a cornerstone in his athletic career and personal life. Get inspired by Tapiwa’s heartfelt message to young believers and aspiring athletes. Stay motivated and uplifted by Tapiwa’s incredible story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y61QZ39P6HM

The Salvation Army's Strawberry Field in Liverpool, England, recently unveiled an iconic, world-first monument dedicated to bringing peace and hope to the people of Ukraine and everywhere. The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field in Liverpool recently unveiled an iconic, world-first monument dedicated to bringing peace and hope to the people of Ukraine and everywhere. As the world’s focus turns to Liverpool for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, the Ukrainian Peace Monument – measuring almost five metres tall – will be a temporary feature at the popular visitor attraction and a huge draw for the throngs of visitors expected in the city this month. It will then move to Ukraine at a future date as a permanent monument when it is safe to do so. Cast in aluminium, the statue depicts a man holding aloft a book, dove and the Ukrainian flag, with messages in keeping with John Lennon’s famous anti-war anthem, ‘Give Peace a Chance’ using the power of music to unite countries everywhere. Situated in the gardens that were made famous in The Beatles’ song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, the Ukrainian Peace Monument was created by 16-year-old Mexican art prodigy, Osbelit Garcia-Morales. After a worldwide search in 2022, a California-based artist coalition called the Global Peace Initiative awarded Osbelit the commission to design the sculpture. The monument joins several symbols of peace located within the grounds of Strawberry Field, including the new Strawberry Field Bandstand, one of the most technologically advanced bandstands in the world, and based upon the drum featured on The Beatles’ iconic album cover, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band . Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said: “The Ukrainian Peace Monument invites our guests to make a stand for peace, whoever they are, wherever they are – sentiments that John Lennon lived and breathed throughout his life. The monument is a beautiful new symbol of hope for Ukraine, and it will be a reminder to the rest of the world of the path to peace: serve, share, forgive, dialogue. Strawberry Field is honoured to be the custodian of the monument until it can make its final journey to Ukraine, fulfilling the wishes of the Global Peace Initiative which aims to reduce violence and conflict around the world. “As Liverpool once again unites the world through music and song, our new monument is a timely reminder to the world – in the words of John – to give peace a chance.” For more information, click here .

There were plenty of activities on offer at Camp Lemonade, including laser tag, bush walking and the giant swing. By LAUREN MARTIN A Salvation Army mental health awareness camp on the NSW Central Coast saw nearly 40 young people forge friendships and learn life-long strategies for mental wellbeing. Camp Lemonade was created by The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Services on the Central Coast to engage in a deeper way with young people aged between 14 and 17 who were either already connected with Oasis or referred through other local services. “The camp was designed to be a safe environment to allow participants to open up and talk about their mental health,” said Oasis Team Leader Emma Croce. “We went with the name because of the saying, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ because the ability to think differently and change mindset is a huge asset when it comes to wellbeing.” Fun activities like cupcake decorating, macrame and art workshops with local artist Grant Molony were popular, as well as workshops run by Oasis Youth Services case workers on topics like ‘We all feel it’ about emotional regulation; and ‘Don’t believe everything you think’, which was about changing mindset. Participants also did a ‘Walk on Country’, learning how to connect to culture and how being in nature is good for wellbeing. “Camps are an intense time – there is a special bond that happens at a camp, and we wanted to foster that time and use it to assist young people who are feeling disconnected,” said Kimberley Hallinan, Oasis Youth Support and Mission Leader. “We wanted to give them skills and tools for their everyday life so that they can support their mental health journey.” Oasis partnered with organisations such as Headspace, Happy U HQ and Links Youth Support Services, who attended and gave short talks about resources available for mental health and wellbeing. Camp Lemonade mentors Cass, Shohreh, Sharon and Stacey. “It was really great to see the difference in the young people from the first morning of camp when they were a bit shy and not engaged to the end, where they were so invested and wanted to talk to the mentors and leaders and their new-found friends.” One camper shared that the experience was “incredible”. Another said meeting new friends was a highlight, and another shared that she would like to come back next year and bring some friends. The Oasis team is planning a camp reunion day for participants to come back together and continue the journey. Central Coast Council proudly supported Camp Lemonade. Oasis Youth Services is actively seeking sponsorship to continue the camp on a yearly basis. One of the wellbeing sessions in progress at Camp Lemonade.

Bendigo Bridge Programme graduate Jess Mabilia giving his testimonial with Major Warren Elliott, Victoria Divisional Public Relations Secretary. Photos Trudy Photography. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE “You're in the room this afternoon because you are a hope giver, or a hope bringer,” Commissioner Miriam Gluyas told attendees at the Melbourne Red Shield Appeal Launch on 11 May. Philanthropists, corporate partners, beneficiaries, Salvation Army staff and officers and government officials gathered at the Sofitel Hotel for a luncheon to mark the beginning of the yearly fundraising drive. More than $66,000 had been raised for the appeal by the close of the event. The event featured keynote speaker Damien Nicks, managing director and chief executive of AGL Energy Australia, master of ceremonies Christine Ahern, Melbourne correspondent for the Today Show and a testimonial from Jess Mabilia, a graduate of The Salvation Army’s Bendigo Bridge Program. Hundreds gathered at the Sofitel Hotel for the Melbourne launch of the Red Shield Appeal. Senior Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy AO brought the welcome to country, along with stories from her upbringing in a Salvation Army Sunday school. She said how fundraising was important to enable the organisation to keep offering services to the community. Aunty Joy told how growing up as one of 10 children, her parents had worked hard to maintain an income, clothing and food for their family. She said the Salvation Army had supported them in this. “While we struggled, we still had that friendship and love and support from the Salvos,” Aunty Joy said. In his opening speech, Colonel Kelvin Merrett said the support shown by those who partnered with The Salvation Army was never taken for granted. He told a story of how a woman in Victoria had recently approached The Salvation Army looking to get a washing machine. “She said to the helper, ‘I've broken my arm’,” he said.“‘That's the reason I need a washing machine’ And that obviously sparked a conversation. We discovered that this lady with a family of four children had been hand washing their clothes for about six years, because they've never been able to afford a washing machine. She couldn't do it with an arm plaster. “How's that possible in the society that we live in?” Colin Brooks, Victorian Labor Minister for Housing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, giving the government message. Colin Brooks, Victorian Labor Minister for Housing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, told in his government message that as a representative of Premier Daniel Andrews he was very thankful for the work of The Salvation Army. “Everybody knows that if you're in need, you can get down to the Salvos and they'll always do their best to help you out,” he said. Keynote speaker Damien Nicks from Salvation Army partner AGL Energy said the services provided by the Salvation Army were wide ranging and diverse, and that it was staggering that The Salvation Army was able to assist someone every 17 seconds. Damien said AGL was looking to pledge over $350,000 to the work of The Salvation Army over the next three years. “AGL has recognised the importance of The Salvation Army’s work in the community for many, many years and will continue to do so,” he said. In a testimonial Q&A with Major Warren Elliott, Victoria Divisional Public Relations Secretary, Jess Mabilia, Bendigo Bridge Program graduate, told of his upbringing experiencing sexual abuse and drug usage and subsequent dependence on drugs as an adult. He told how following two jail terms he joined the program for 12 weeks after developing trust with a Salvation Army chaplain in prison. Jess said the program was tailored to each participant’s individual needs, with a focus on areas where help was most needed. He said he had now secured full-time work and was celebrating 280 days sober that day. “They really taught me that there’s hope,” Jess said. Colonel Rodney Walters with Kmart community partnerships manager Frankie Swithinbank and the Others Award. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas presented the Others Award to Kmart for their generosity across 35 years of working alongside The Salvation Army to provide gifts and support at Christmas time to those experiencing disadvantage. “Kmart has brought joy to many disadvantaged individuals and families who would otherwise go without at Christmas time,” she said. Westpac Bank received the Eva Burrows Award for 130 years of partnership with The Salvation Army. In her closing remarks and benediction, Colonel Winsome Merrett thanked sponsors and attendees for their generosity and thanked God for his faithfulness and presence. “As we leave today, may the compassionate love of God motivate us, the transformative love of Jesus touch our hearts, and the Holy Spirit of God move us to see and to meet the needs of others,” she prayed.

Michelle Hobbs with other Salvation Army CapSS workers on International Women’s Day. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE Many mothers need extra support to thrive as parents when facing difficult relationships, behavioural issues or financial strain, says a Salvation Army volunteer. Children and Parenting Support Service (CapSS) volunteer Michelle Hobbs first connected with The Salvation Army when she was homeschooling her daughter during COVID-19 lockdowns. She was looking for support to handle the extra workload. Now she is giving back to the same community that assisted her. The Salvation Army CapSS program provides support to families in the areas of Melton and Wyndham with children up to 12 years old, offering evidence-based training for parents in strategies to strengthen relationships, increase connection and reduce incidence of family breakdown. Michelle, a mother of two, said six months into her daughter starting prep, lockdowns began and her daughter could not understand why her mother had to be her teacher. As a single mother, Michelle said she found this difficult. “Then I fell across the Salvos and their parenting courses online,” she said. “I thought, this is good. This will help me fill in an hour or so and get some ideas on how to just deal with everyday life.” Michelle said she then did every course she could with CapSS, including courses on bringing up great kids, cyber safety and security, food and eating and talking to your children. She is now serving as a CapSS volunteer by assisting with support groups for financial literacy, lunchbox ideas and ways for parents to connect with others in their community. Michelle said that for her, being a mother was about staying positive, despite the challenges. She said it was important to remember that kids were changing all the time. “Know that it’s just today, and tomorrow’s just around the corner,” she said. “It gives me a good challenge and a good sense of worth knowing that I’m giving effort. It might be small steps, but they’re in the right direction.” Michelle said many mothers came to the CapSS program to find a safe space where they were supported by other women who understood the challenges they were facing with behavioural changes, financial strain and partners who may not understand their needs. “It's good to have that space where they can all come and vent,” she said.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our volunteers’ contributions to supporting our communities across the nation. This year’s theme, ‘The Change Makers’, perfectly summarises the significant work of our Salvation Army volunteers. Every year, thousands of Australians come to us in need of support or to start their journey of change, and this often starts with our volunteers. Here, Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett shares a message of thanks for our volunteers.

The Australia Territory Spiritual Life Committee enjoying a lighter moment during their gathering at Collaroy in Sydney earlier this year. In a spiritual movement as large and complex as The Salvation Army, we hear of many groups and departments, as well as the Australia Territory Board and its committees. Most of us have little knowledge of these groups or what happens within them – which is why we might not know a lot about the Spiritual Life Committee (formerly the Pastoral Committee). Salvos Online  journalist SIMONE WORTHING spoke with two frontline mission leaders who are also members of the committee – Captains Kate Baudinette (Area Officer for Metro East, Victoria) and Captain Scott Frame (Bayside Corps Officer, Brisbane). Purpose The Spiritual Life Committee of the Board is chaired by the Territorial Commander, who is appointed by the General to provide spiritual leadership of the territory and who is also Chair of the Board.  Its purpose is to: Improve the depth and breadth of the spiritual life of The Salvation Army in Australia. Guide the movement so that it operates in accordance with its God-given mission to ‘Share the love of Jesus by caring for people, creating faith pathways, building healthy communities and working for justice’.   Scott explains: “Guiding the movement towards these things requires leadership that is more around trust and inspiration than command and control – because this body doesn't have, in and of itself, a great deal of power. This body is there to advise and consult with the Board.” How did the committee come about? The idea for the Spiritual Life Committee came out of the establishment of Australia One [the process of merging the two former Australian territories into one territory] and the change in the whole model of governance. “There was this idea that there needed to be a group which was holding fast to our spiritual principles and our spiritual foundations in all that we did, and seeking to keep that on the agenda in all the minutiae of operations and management and governance,” Scott says. “It’s the Matthew 6:33 principle – seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you as well. If we, as leaders, say we’re seeking the Kingdom first, the Kingdom will potentially have a beautiful place for the ongoing role of The Salvation Army.”   Who is on the Committee? The Committee is made up of senior leaders in the Australia Territory – all divisional commanders, an area officer, a corps officer and an associate corps leader who represent those on the frontline and can speak from that perspective. “These leaders wanted to make certain that the ideas they were talking about, and the visions and dreams that they could see for where the movement might go, were grounded in the reality of what we’re doing out on the ground in the frontline,” Scott says. How often does the Committee meet? “They’ve planned four meetings for this year,” says Scott. “The first one was quite long, in that it was six days. Normally, they only gather for two days at a time, maybe three.” The Committee recently gathered at the Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches. What was it like for you personally being part of the meetings at Collaroy, and what did you find encouraging and or inspiring/motivating/hopeful? Kate: “It was thrilling to be involved. I was so encouraged by the sense of God’s Spirit and the unity in the room. There was an acknowledgement from everyone that we really need to seek God. The world has changed so much, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious that our old methods are not working. While that is scary, it puts us in a position where we have no choice but to humbly seek God and his ways - and that’s a very good place to be. We have reached that point. God’s bringing us to where he wants us to be.” Scott: “What I first gathered probably was the enormity of the task – that The Salvation Army is a very, very large organisation now across the country, engaging in a whole bunch of disparate activities. I’m really heartened by the fact that this is being taken so seriously by leadership across the country. “But probably at the heart of my hope was the sense that we are going back to God for all the hope here. We are gathering under God’s direction and looking to him for all of this. Think about the origins of our movement. They were all in a Spirit-led wildfire where Catherine and William just offered themselves up and said, ‘Lord, tell us what to do, and we will follow you’, and I think that's again this pivotal moment for the movement. “We’re going to have to deeply gather around what the Lord is saying and [Territorial Commander] Commissioner Miriam Gluyas’ phraseology that she’s carrying everywhere she goes at the moment; we want to be Jesus-centred, we want to be Spirit-led, and that will see hope revealed.” What changes in The Salvation Army will come about because of these meetings? Kate: “I sensed a renewed commitment to honour the name of Jesus.   We’re called to do everything in his name, aren’t we? Jesus needs to be at the centre of everything that we do, but he also needs to be at the front – he’s ‘front and centre’. That means that, as The Salvation Army, we are following him. For that reason, I believe that there will be an increased desire to seek him, to enquire of him, to ask him what we should do across all our mission expressions and The Salvation Army as a whole.”   Scott: “There wasn’t panic in that gathering, but there is a sense of the deep urgency of this moment. We need to make certain that the fire burns bright, that the fire does not burn out, and the only way we can do that is by going deeper and deeper into our spiritual roots. That’s where the fire is ignited. You know the fire is the fire of the Holy Spirit. It’s not the fire of lots of activity or the next best management strategy.   In what areas do you think there is still room for growth, discussion and ongoing work in this committee? Kate: “There is still a lot of work to be done in clarifying how the Spiritual Life Committee interacts with [the Board], but there is overall acknowledgement that we are one Army and a real desire that our love for Jesus Christ and his mission are in all and through all. And that is so encouraging.” Scott : “We are hope-filled because we have this sense that if Jesus leads us and the Spirit directs us, we have a great, great future. Those of us who deeply care about being led by Jesus through the Spirit can say, so what can I do (both in myself and as a gift to others) to deepen and broaden my spiritual life and passion?   “God still has great plans for Spirit-led activities within the world and in the Kingdom. And I still believe The Salvation Army is a brilliant vehicle for that. “We’re actually trying to draw closer once more to that vision. And when we do, God will do the rest. That’s all he’s asking us to do. He’s just saying come and gather around the fire, feel the fire, and see it burn in a world that is longing for warmth and light.”

The international Salvation Army invites Salvationists and friends from around the world to join in the worship service that begins the 2023 High Council and honours the ministry of General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle. The international Salvation Army invites Salvationists and friends around the world to join in welcoming the 2023 High Council to London on Saturday, 20 May. Senior leaders from across the Army world will be gathering in the United Kingdom this month for the 2023 High Council. The welcome event is an opportunity for Salvationists and supporters to worship with High Council members and uphold them in prayer as the important task of electing the next General begins. The ministry of the current international leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women's Ministries, will also be honoured, as they prepare to enter retirement. Held at Central Hall Westminster and streamed live online , the event will feature contributions from many different Salvation Army musicians . International Headquarters is inviting everyone to be a part of the celebration as this important moment in the life of The Salvation Army is brought before God. The event will feature the premiere of 'Called to Serve', a new piece for brass band by Kevin Larsson. Click here to read more. During the days of the High Council, regular news bulletins will be posted on the IHQ website and social media channels.

Destiny Alberts, testimonial speaker at this year’s Brisbane Red Shield Appeal launch, received a standing ovation for courageously sharing her journey, the obstacles she overcame, and her hope for the future. BY CLIFF WORTHING The audience gave a standing ovation to Destiny Alberts, testimonial speaker at this year’s Brisbane Red Shield Appeal launch on 12 May. “Life can get tough but know there are opportunities,” Destiny said. “I have big ambitions for a young black woman.” After outlining her childhood struggles in her Cherbourg community, raising siblings, battling drug and alcohol addictions, the effects of intergenerational trauma, and then deciding to leave her community as a teenager to change her situation, Destiny shared that she had ended up in Brisbane. Destiny is part of Kullilli Nation. “I couldn’t see any positive end in sight for my circumstances, and I was reluctant to engage with services because they all seemed to give up on me,” Destiny said. However, she accepted a referral to the Salvos, worked with Jocelyn, a social worker for about two years and now feels like she has overcome many of her obstacles. “My social worker created opportunities for me and my family and never gave up on me, even when I shut down,” Destiny said. “I’m now free from fear, debt-free, and free to make my own choices.” Commissioner Miriam Gluyas spoke about creative and collaborative solutions to homelessness as part of the expert panel. As well as Destiny’s testimonial, the morning breakfast launch featured a Q&A session with an expert panel comprised of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Australia’s Territorial Commander; Adrian Schrinner, Brisbane Lord Mayor; and Ben Marcus, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Police Service. Australian journalist and media commentator, Madonna King, moderated the panel. The panel shared the current challenges of homelessness, the need for collaboration across all government and non-government sectors, and potential solutions to homelessness. Miriam shared some stories of people the Salvos were engaged with, and emphasised the new cohort of at-risk populations who had never struggled before and didn’t know how to navigate the welfare support system. “We need to think creatively about what we can do, and how we can lead the way,” Miriam said. “We need to respond to people’s stories and give them a go, with partnerships as a key.” Ben challenged everyone to not just focus on anti-social behaviour but create a pro-social environment in which those struggling are positively engaged, and community services create activities and possibilities that provide alternatives to the daily struggle. During the breakfast, Major Gavin Watts shared how humbling it was to see so many Queenslanders wanting to support the work of the Salvos in helping those doing it tough, Major Gavin Watts, Queensland Divisional Commander, presented the Queensland Others Award to Bruce Humphrys, Managing Partner, HopwoodGanim Lawyers, for their many years of charity work on behalf of The Salvation Army, as well as leadership in the Brisbane business community. In commenting on what motivated him to be involved, Bruce said, “My father told me the only fair-dinkum ones were the Salvos.” Gavin stated in his opening remarks that seeing the assembled group “was a humbling reminder that so many Queenslanders want to help those doing it tough”. In her closing remarks, Colonel Winsome Merrett, Chief Secretary, Australia Territory, said “We are committed to walking alongside people, and to lives transformed. It is comforting to know you have our backs.” Simon Gregory, Public Relations Secretary Queensland, said that “This year’s Brisbane Red Shield Appeal Breakfast was a great success with close to 500 attending and nearly $400,000 being donated on the morning. “It was fantastic to see 50 full tables of donors and supporters, who were treated to an interesting and moving morning focused on the plight of everyday Queenslanders who have been so heavily impacted by the affordable housing shortage and cost-of-living crisis.”

The Opava Krnov Corps in the Czech Republic, and other nearby community centres and shelters, have been severely damaged by the extensive flooding from Storm Boris.  BY COMMISSIONER TED HORWOOD   Storm Boris has unleashed massive flooding across Central Eastern Europe, affecting Romania, the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Germany. Thousands have been evacuated and the death toll has risen to 19. Despite this, the affected communities have shown remarkable resilience. The Salvation Army in various locations is responding by distributing food, providing refuge in temporary shelters, and actively participating in the cleaning up and restoring of damaged properties, such as homes and community centres.   Czech Republic: Severe flooding in North Moravia   The Salvation Army has been active in the Czech Republic since 1989, operating in 17 cities. Recent floods have severely impacted North Moravia. Despite opening centres 24/7 to assist those in need, many of their facilities, including social service centres and regional headquarters, were submerged and had to be evacuated. Centres and corps in six cities were affected. Cleanup and damage assessment is underway as waters recede. In Krnov, 75 clients from a social centre for homeless people were evacuated to two different schools after being immersed in two metres of water. Emergency food deliveries from Ostrava continue. All employees in Krnov have been affected, as 80 per cent of the city was flooded and destroyed.   In Opava, nearly two metres of water affected shelters for mothers, children and men, and damaged the community centre’s basement. In Bohumín, a building where social housing services are provided was flooded, while in Šumperk, 15 clients with limited mobility were relocated to a hospital, not knowing whether the floodwaters would reach their residences.   Ostrava’s Adelante hostel remains safe and is providing help to victims, but low-threshold services in Přívoz have been impacted, with staff working remotely. Ostrava’s teams also offer daily support serving food. Scenes like these have been a common sight throughout Central Eastern Europe this week. Salvation Army teams from Prague and Karlovy Vary are already on their way to help with the relief work. Staff and volunteers from across the country are also travelling to the affected areas with shovels, brooms and other clear-up materials to support the efforts on the ground.     Poland: Adjusting services to crisis mode   In Poland, The Salvation Army is closely monitoring the flood situation, adjusting services to provide emergency shelter and support to people experiencing homelessness and others affected by the disaster. With some staff members directly impacted by the flooding, efforts are being made to maintain services while dealing with staffing shortages. People experiencing homelessness have been hard hit. The Salvos are working hard to assist them. Pavla Lydholm, Head of Fundraising and Marketing in the Denmark and Greenland Territory, says, “These floods are worse than the 1997 Central European flood.” But across the region, The Salvation Army continues its vital work, offering hope and relief to those devastated by Storm Boris. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and the Army’s support is crucial.   Damaris Frick, Director of International Emergency Services, confirms: “Many people across Central Europe are impacted by these recent floods. Like other parts of the world, these extreme events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, which is very worrying. The Salvation Army is in several affected countries and works with municipalities and other partners to meet immediate needs and assist the recovery. We also see the global Salvation Army’s role in promoting and supporting climate change preparedness and mitigation measures.”   Romania: Rapid response to flood victims Romanian teams serving food and drinks to first responders. In Romania, more than 5000 homes were affected by the floods, and hundreds of residents from 22 towns were forced to evacuate. The Salvation Army quickly responded, with Divisional Commander Major Ionuts Sandu leading a relief effort to the flooded region of Galați.   Teams from Bacău and Ploiești joined Major Ionuts Sandu, Divisional Commander, to deliver essential supplies. Young volunteers are helping clean up the mud that has swept through people's homes. Major Sandu reports: “On Monday 16 September, we served approximately 250 people and have been asked by the government to provide meals, drinking water, tea and coffee over the coming days. The numbers are expected to increase over the next few days until the power is restored and people can return to their homes.”   Volunteers have also begun cleaning and restoring damaged properties, with much work still ahead.   Commissioner Ted Horwood is International Secretary for Programme Resources.

Ukraine war refugee Val (right) has found friendship and belonging through volunteering alongside Marika and Eileen at Shire Salvos Miranda in Sydney. By LAUREN MARTIN Just over a year ago, Salvationist Valentyna Yevtushenko locked her Kyiv apartment and walked away, not knowing when or if she would return. The Russian invasion of Ukraine had begun, and her son was picking her up to flee the city. One stressful week later, she was in Australia, sheltering at her daughter’s home. She has been here ever since. “It was so stressful,” she remembers. “It was only God who allowed us to come safely to that place.” Her son and grandson remain in Ukraine. She prays for them every day. Not long after arriving, Val noticed the Shire Salvos Miranda building near where she was living with her daughter’s family. A former employee of The Salvation Army in Ukraine, she says she was happy to offer her services here in Australia to the country that had taken her in during her time of need. “I come twice a week,” she says. “I have made beautiful friendships here. I can share openly and honestly, and I won’t be judged. It gives me purpose.” Val assists the team at Shire Salvos Miranda food relief and assistance centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During these busy days, she can be found packing food hampers for people in need, sorting donations of fresh fruit and vegetables and grocery items and sharing in conversation with members of the community who drop into the centre. She has also been able to use her bilingual skills to translate on a few occasions. “I worked at The Salvation Army [in Ukraine] for nearly five years,” she says of her previous job as a translator and assistant for the missionary Salvation Army leaders of the territory. “I was involved mostly in the missionaries’ life. I had to be the mediator between people and the missionaries, change currencies etc.” Volunteering twice a week for Shire Salvos Miranda alongside Eileen, Marika and Michelle helps Ukraine war refugee Val (left) to have purpose in her life as she takes shelter in Australia. Val says she stumbled across the job – and Jesus – quite by accident (although, in hindsight, she realises it was through God’s grace.) A friend of hers wanted to emigrate and needed to learn English. She had heard that the local Salvation Army offered free English classes, so she convinced Val to accompany her. “I didn’t want to,” remembers Val. “I was too far from the religion. I was baptised in the Orthodox Church when I was a baby, but that’s all. I respected everything to do with church, but I was not a believer.” Despite her misgivings, she reluctantly began attending and stayed even when her friend dropped out. By that stage, Val was enjoying learning English, and the course led to volunteer work translating and eventually a job. “I started to read the Bible only because I wanted to understand what the missionaries were talking about; it was not me seeking God. Step by step, step by step I was – how do you say? Poisoned!” she laughs as she explains her conversion. “I asked a lot of questions. I asked why God allows people to die and have illnesses and invalid children and war etc. I thought he wasn’t a kind God. Then step by step, I started to be involved in this Bible study learning, and I appreciated The Salvation Army because otherwise, I would never be saved. Saved not only in the spirit but also saved in the physical because I was supported greatly.” Val helps fellow volunteer Ed at Shire Salvos Miranda. Val says her faith has deepened through her involvement as a volunteer with Shire Salvos at Miranda. “I was angry [at first] when I saw people coming here when I didn’t think they needed the assistance and were just taking things because they are free.” She says having experienced severe poverty, she struggled to see people in Australia getting help when they didn’t look like they were in severe need. “But David [Lieut-Colonel David Godkin, Mission Leader] told me that every person has their own story, and we can’t judge. In Australia, people have more, but they spend more. And because the country is wealthy, it can support people well. You will never die here because you are hungry.” She is grateful because, over time, “God has been working in my heart” and allowing her to see people how he sees them. Val doesn’t know when she will return to Ukraine. “I am very upset because of the situation. My son is 46, and my grandson is 22, and I am concerned and frightened for him. I don’t want my children to be involved. I don’t want them to kill or be killed.” Please keep Valentyna, her family, and all those in Ukraine in your prayers.

Territorial Envoy Danni Stephens (right) heads up a Salvation Army rehabilitation ministry using horses for young people who have emotional and behavioural challenges. Territorial Envoy Danni Stephens shares with Salvos Online how God has led her and her husband, Envoy Craig Stephens, through various ministries, culminating in their latest venture – equine ministry. BY DANNI STEPHENS When Craig and I got married, we felt really strongly that God was calling us to something new, something together, and we were very excited and anticipating what that would be. In 2001, he had us move into a little townhouse in the middle of a large public housing estate in Ivanhoe, Sydney. There were 280 homes, little townhouses and units within that complex. And we moved in and lived in one of those townhouses. The vision for that space was that we would live there and love our community, and it would be an avenue for our church community to use their gifts and talents and love a broken community. So, it was very exciting. We were there for about a dozen years. It was very challenging, very wonderful, very life changing. Envoys Craig and Danni Stephens being interviewed by Nathan Moulds about their time ministering in Ivanhoe Estate in Sydney. A move to the country I never for a moment thought that I would ever move out of Sydney, but we ended up on the NSW Central Coast at Dooralong, a rural setting. The Salvation Army was just starting a rehabilitation centre there. We moved in there, and Craig managed the centre, and we were there for four years. I was a new mum to a third child as we arrived in that space. Little did I know that God had something very, very beautiful there that would just bless my heart. There were about 12 horses in the paddock, and they had been part of the property when The Salvation Army bought it. I put my hand up to look after them and work out what was needed, and quite quickly, that became a space where participants from the program would come and work. So, I oversaw how they would do all the feeding and caring for the horses down there, and I loved it. I was a very happy girl. Danni guides a young person on a horse in her role as an equine therapy coordinator. After four years, we were moved to a different ministry space. The budget for the rehabilitation centre was being reduced, so the decision was made that the horses could no longer be part of the program. This was quite devastating to the program and to those many participants who had benefited from time spent with them. But God had another plan in that whole process, and we are still with some of those horses offsite, in a Salvation Army-funded program at a different property in the Julong Valley. We’re using the horses therapeutically for young people who have gone through trauma or who have emotional and behavioural challenges. So, we are loving that now. Finding connection The property is owned by a neighbour to the rehabilitation centre, Jane. We met her when she first walked onto the property. I remember her saying, “Hi, I live nearby. I’m really happy to help.” That was the beginning of our relationship, and I really appreciate her support and love for the participants in the rehab program. And she was very happy to have the horses at her space as a transition. But as things have transpired, God has provided a whole privately funded space that is allocated just for the horses. Jane is very happy that we are onsite at her space. It’s all set up for horses with stables, arenas, and multiple paddocks, and we’re very, very blessed to be in that space. “We try to invite people into a space where they can feel safe – and then attention is on this beautiful big living thing and not so much on whatever is going on for the young person.” Horses command respect, just by their sheer size – 500kg worth of animal. Anyone who comes near them is instantly drawn to them, whether it’s out of fear, awe, respect or whatever. We try to invite people into a space where they can feel safe – and then attention is on this beautiful big living thing and not so much on whatever is going on for the young person. We have children who are instantly drawn and captivated; they’re so excited and want to pat and groom and do everything with the horse. That’s often a very beautiful connection, that they are with another living thing that is so accepting of them, and they’re able to nurture and care for that thing and have a sense of that other living thing noticing them and appreciating their care and concern for them. On the other end of the spectrum, we have young people who are extremely fearful, and it’s just a beautiful thing to witness them courageously step out and understand that they can be loved by this thing that looks so big and scary but is very non-judgmental and needs connection as well. We have a team of wonderful volunteers who absolutely love these young people, are patient with them, and give them the space to be captured by these beautiful, majestic animals. Life with God has never been dull or lacking. And I can only look forward to a lot more good stuff in store. More challenges, maybe. Yes, a lot more personal growth, but certainly the joy of what he’s got in store for me. I would very strongly advocate for any ministry that connects people and creation. I think it’s good for the soul. Major Bryce Davies interviews Danni about her life and ministry in his weekly Stories of Hope podcast on Salvos Online  tomorrow (Saturday 21 September).