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BY LAUREN MARTIN This year marked the 10th and final Jayne Wilson Memorial Art Exhibition, held annually at Wollongong Corps (NSW) in honour of the founder of The Salvation Army First Floor Program. The Jesus-centred program is a holistic and family-inclusive counselling and support service for those impacted by alcohol and drug misuse, mental health issues, trauma, grief and loss. For the past decade, the exhibition has honoured the legacy of Jayne, who started the program in 1996 but sadly died after a short battle with cancer on Christmas Day 2013. The exhibition was established in her memory because she was a passionate artist who incorporated artistic practices into the First Floor Program. An art for healing program still meets weekly. The theme for this year’s exhibition in January was ‘Whole’, and artists were invited to create pieces that reflected their interpretation of the word. The winners were announced at a ceremony last week: Winner, Open category: Victor Agius – ‘Reaching Out’ Winner, Youth category: George Williams – ‘Benevolent Perception’ Winner, Child category: Tyson Keen – ‘Love the World Around You’ Winner, Spirit Award: Maria Bubb – ‘Just Smile’ Winner, People’s Choice: Emma King – ‘Healed and Whole’ At the ceremony, Jayne’s family honoured her memory and legacy. Her daughter, Kim McMullan, spoke on behalf of the family: “It’s been a decade since Mum departed from our lives, but her legacy has continued to shine through the vibrant and diverse masterpieces that have graced this space. “Over the past 10 years, these exhibitions have been more than thematic showcases; they have been a testament to the enduring spirit of a woman who shaped not just my families’ worlds but the lives of many, especially those fortunate enough to know her.” Kim also paid tribute to long-time First Floor Program staff – Marilyn Dunn (Coordinator), Maris Depers (Psychologist) and Lisa Clancy (Family Support Worker) – thanking them for their hard work and commitment to the exhibition and keeping Jayne’s spirit alive through the ongoing work of the First Floor Program. The ceremony also celebrated the work of Maris, who is stepping down after almost 18 years of supporting individuals and families within the Illawarra through the program. Maris made significant contributions to the program and the wider Salvation Army, writing many articles for Army publications and websites and contributing regularly to The Salvation Army’s former radio program, Salvos Radio. He was also the resident psychologist for radio station 103.2. “In an article for the Daily Telegraph, Maris said, “We need to be brave enough to look inside and understand our own fears and sensitive enough to understand those of others. The only way we will ever achieve this is by recommitting to calmness, reason and goodwill to extinguish the flames, by continually making the choice to walk in the world we would like to live in.” Major Robyn Black recounted in a speech farewelling him: “Maris, you’ve made such a difference in people’s lives, given hope, brought light into dark places. We do give thanks to God for you.”

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 we are praying for the Mali Region. Prayers of thanksgiving: ·       We thank God for the smooth transition of new leaders and their settling into the region. Prayer needs: ·       Stability and security in both countries – Mali and Burkina Faso. ·       The Mali Constitution to remain secular which provides protection to the small Christian population. ·       May the Lord grant each Malian a spirit of unity, cohesion and patriotism. ·       The regional leaders as they lead the Army in a Muslim context. ·       The regional review taking place from 15-24 April 2024, with the International Secretary and the Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries ·       The establishment of an officer training college in the Mali and Burkina Faso Region for the growth of the ministry. ·       God’s leading during the selection of candidates for officership. ·       God’s leading to reach the unreached through the community development program. ·       The expansion of the ministry in Segou, Fana, Basian Bini, Markala and Kenparana during 2024. ·       The sections to become a district in 2024. ·       The official launching of scouts’ brigades in Mali and Burkina Faso. ·       The senior and junior soldiers to be true disciples of Christ. ·       Salvationists to cultivate a sincere and deep personal relationship with the Lord. ·       More new souls for Jesus through the ministry of The Salvation Army. ·       That the Lord may grant officers and candidates continuous spiritual and physical health as they work in God's vineyard. ·       To see opportunities in our different challenges. ·       The implementation of the regional 2024 activity calendar and strategic plan. For more information about the Mali Region, click here. For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here.

BY SIMONE WORTHING Lieutenant-Colonel Olive Lucas, a retired officer whose service in Africa, Australia and India is legendary and ongoing, has been awarded the Army’s highest honour – the Order of the Founder. Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas made the surprise presentation yesterday at Brisbane’s Stafford Corps, Olive’s home corps, where she continues to serve. Olive’s extended family, colleagues, friends and those whose lives she has impacted so profoundly had travelled to Stafford from around the city and nation to witness the honour conferred on this much-loved lady. “It’s the installation of the new divisional leaders today, but we thought we would honour you as well,” Miriam said to Olive, who joined her on the platform after giving a heartfelt and powerful prayer. “Why?” asked the ever-humble Olive, to understanding laughter. “I have known this lady for about 40 years,” Miriam continued. “When I was here, at Albion and Albany Creek (as it was then), there was always one person I knew I could count on for wise counsel, for friendship, for godly wisdom – and you have always been all of that for me … over the years I’ve had some amazing conversations with you, deep and beautiful conversations ... you’ve been there for my family in some very difficult times.” Miriam also spoke of Olive’s heart for the world, her desire to see people saved, and her passion for praying for others and wanting the best for them. Personal tributes Without telling Olive what the upcoming honour was about, the commissioner introduced the next two speakers to pay tribute to Olive – Major Rowena Smith, Olive’s niece, and Lieut-Colonel Elizabeth Johnson, who served with Olive in Africa and flew from Victoria to honour her long-term friend. Rowena chose the five letters of Olive’s name to express some of the many traits of her aunt that most inspired her. “O is for others,” she said. “Olive has lived her life with a heart for others. She has an open heart and an open mind to how God can use her to reach out, to serve and support others. “L is for the lover of light. Olive has found great joy in all that life has to offer. She finds beauty and joy all around in nature and people in the experiences that she has. “I is for invested. Olive is invested and interested in people. The wonderful relationship she has with her six grandchildren inspires me. She’s truly invested in their lives. I thank Olive for her. Sisterly care showed to my mother through her regular calls and visits. From an officer’s perspective, investing in the lives of so many people and officers. One of Olive’s great loves is her connection with the Streetlevel ministry on Thursday nights, sharing friendship with people who are enduring hardship in life. But Olive’s investment and interest in people is not just to her family and to the Army. Beyond this, Olive invests in her community as a volunteer, teaching weekly English-speaking classes at TAFE. “India is another ‘I’ word. Her investment in the people of India has continued right into her 80s with return visits to lead spiritual retreats for officers and to visit the MacRobert Hospital in Dhariwal, India, where she served with Walter (Olive’s husband, Captain Walter Lucas, who was promoted to glory during that time in 1973). And it was her great thrill in November last year when the dialysis unit was opened at the hospital with the installation of three kidney dialysis machines made possible through donations raised by Salvationist friends approached by Olive. Another great love for Olive is Africa, where she served as a teacher on missionary service. “V is for very. Olive is very caring and very hospitable. I’m inspired by her visitation to the aged and how she regularly opens her home to share a meal with people. Olive is very positive. The Salvation Army has experienced many changes over the years, and change can be difficult, but I’ve been inspired by Olive’s response, and she chooses to be positive ... always hopeful. “E is for energetic. Her energy inspires me. It actually exhausts me,” she commented, to the understanding laughter in the congregation. “But I’m inspired by her participation in the exercise classes here at the Stafford Corps, but her energy is not just for the exercise; it’s for the people that she has connection with, the community, people who attend. “I’m going to end with the word encouragement because I think this word captures Olive’s life and ministry. And it’s how I have been most impacted by her life. Her encouragement has been a constant throughout my life and ministry. Today, I honour her but turn my praise to the God that she loves and serves – Grateful that he has used her to bless my life, grateful that his spirit dwells within her and that he has used her to share his great love and compassion to so many people.” Lieut-Colonel Elizabeth spoke of Olive’s perpetual motion and how it would be a brave person who tried to keep up with her. “This perpetual motion is not unfocused but quite the reverse,” she said. “The heart of all that Olive does is her total commitment to God and people. She’s very, very caring, and she’s totally faithful. When Olive commits to something, she remains committed – even in retirement. She just changed the geographical area of her full-time service! She is still committed to her activities, such as tutoring English to people newly arrived in Australia, both in and out of the classroom. She keeps in contact with the Honoured Friends [people who pledge a gift to The Salvation Army in their Will] of the Army, drinking coffee and sharing experiences as a real friend. “The exercise classes here at Stafford are a highlight, as is the time afterwards and getting to know people, attending Streetlevel each week and being vitally interested in the people she meets there. And an important part of Olive’s life for so long is India. Olive has been instrumental in providing so much, not only on the material level but on the spiritual and personal level ... Olive’s priority is God first. And she gives priority to a disciplined prayer life and Bible study. She’s totally committed to God and her calling, and she reflects Christ in her living. She has well taken to heart the great commandment .... You are a beautiful lady – beautiful because of your total commitment to God and your calling. And we thank you for what you’ve done through him for each one of us.” Order of the Founder presentation “We really do want to honour you today,” said Miriam. “And I love that your family is here. That’s a beautiful tribute to you ... There’s a lot of family and friends here, and I reckon probably everyone in this building could say this lady has had an incredibly positive effect on their life.” Miriam encouraged those gathered to stand and “show Olive what you think of her” through rousing applause, then asked people to remain standing. “Today, I have the incredible privilege of presenting to Olive what not many people around the world are presented with – the Order of Founder,” said Miriam to an audible hum of support from the congregation. Miriam presented Olive with an Order of the Founder medal, a pin and a framed citation that reads, ‘For her untiring heart and commitment to the Mission of The Salvation Army, particularly in Australia and India. We honour your Christlike service. I hereby admit the said Lieutenant-Colonel Olive Lucas to the Order of the Founder and direct that her name be inscribed on the roll of the Order presented this fourth day of February in the year of our Lord, 2024.’ The citation is signed by General Lyndon Buckingham, international leader of The Salvation Army. “There’s more,” Miriam continued, presenting Olive with an Order of the Founder medal and pin. Miriam prayed, thanking God for Olive, her faithful service, and her desire to be in relationship with others and see them find our Lord Jesus. She thanked God for Olive’s family and others in the room who were there because Olive shared Jesus with them. After the meeting, Olive was surrounded by friends and family, paying their own personal tributes and expressing their joy at the honour Olive had just received. “I am just overwhelmed,” said Olive. “I think of those on the roll, who have received this before me, including my father-in-law, Colonel Bramwell Lucas (2001). Video links • To view the service at Stafford, click here. • To listen to an interview with Olive on Stories of Hope with Major Bryce Davies, click here. • To view Olive’s perspective on the Self-Denial Appeal, click here Affirmation ceremony Also at Stafford yesterday, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas welcomed and affirmed the new Queensland divisional leaders – Major Mark Everitt, Divisional Commander; Major Fran Everitt, International Service Support Officer – Team Leader, Officer Personnel Support Services; and Major Darlene Murray, Officer Personnel Secretary – Team Leader. Click on the slideshow below for more photos from the presentation and affirmation ceremonies at Stafford Corps yesterday:

At my first corps as an officer, we had a young man who looked after our sound system during Sunday meetings and corps events, and he did a good job of it. Also, I would often get him to play a CD track while the offering was being taken. One Sunday, he asked me, at the last minute, what to play for the offering, and I said he could play whatever he wanted, knowing that he was familiar with the drill and what was appropriate. So, I introduced the offering, and the music struck up: “The minute you walked in the joint/ I could see you were a man of distinction/ A real big spender …’ Well, I rolled my eyes, the congregation laughed, and the offering was collected to the legendary tones of Shirley Bassey belting out one of her biggest songs. He said later, in his defence, “It was about spending and money and stuff; I thought it was okay.” This prompts me to wonder what other songs might be helpful while the offering is being collected. Every corps receives an offering each Sunday morning, so why not get creative with the music that accompanies it? A starting point is ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’. First released by Motown’s Barrett Strong in 1959, the song was also covered by The Beatles in 1963, and it hit number one on the charts in 1979 when British new-wave band The Flying Lizards did a take of it. ‘The best things in life are free/ But you can give them to the birds and bees/ I want money (that’s what I want)/ That’s what I want (that’s what I want)’. On the other hand, it’s probably counter to the attitude you want to stimulate in your congregation at offering time; the point is they shouldn’t want money, they should want to give it to the church. How about ‘Come and Get It’ by Badfinger? Written and produced by Paul McCartney in 1969, this was the English group’s first top-10 hit and included the memorable line, ‘If you want it, here it is, come and get it/ But you better hurry cos it’s going fast.’ Seems a little possessive, doesn’t it? ‘God, I’ve got your money for the offering; I’m not going to just put it in freely, so if you want it, you need to come and get it.’ Which just provokes the scary response: what if he did? For ABBA fans, it’s hard to go past one of their 1976 hits, ‘Money, Money, Money’. ‘Money, money, money/ Must be funny/ In the rich man's world/ Money, money, money/ Always sunny/ In the rich man's world./ Ahaa, all the things I could do/ If I had a little money/ It’s a rich man’s world’. However, the offering isn’t about all the things you could do with your money; it’s about what God and your church can do with it! Finally, perhaps we should use a song that references God, like, say, ‘If I Were a Rich Man’ from the 1964 Broadway hit play ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. Lead character Tevye, a working-class milkman, ponders what life would be like if he were wealthy. He sings, ‘If I were a rich man’, and then the immortal, deep and meaningful lyric, ‘Ya ba dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum’. The song concludes, ‘Lord, who made the lion and the lamb?/ You decreed I should be what I am/ Would it spoil some vast eternal plan/ If I were a wealthy man?’ It may not help the offering too much, but it might get the congregation up and dancing with their hands in the air. (YouTube it, young people.) I know these suggestions might upset some people. After all, offering is a part of our worship. So perhaps just stick with a good Salvation Army song that will create the right mood for giving, something like: ‘Lord, I make a full surrender, All I have I yield to thee.’ – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

If you were a Salvation Army soldier anytime last century, you’d recall a colourful ritual that sometimes accompanied the conclusion of an evening Salvation Meeting BY DEAN SIMPSON It’s a warm evening, and the corps hall is packed. It’s the late 1970s, I’m 12 years old and sitting in a row of about a dozen fellow junior soldiers at the 6pm Salvation Meeting. Our legs are swinging and twitching under our chairs as we anticipate what’s building. The service has been a good one, and we can all feel a carnival atmosphere brewing. The band and timbrels have been in great form, the songs and choruses have been lively, and there’s been a hearty round of spontaneous personal testimonies. The corps officer has just nailed his sermon, and the Mercy Seat has had a good workout. The Holy Spirit is on the move. I smile – all the ingredients are there, but ... the final song needs to be a good one – will it be Onward Christian Soldiers? Always a solid choice. Joy in The Salvation Army? Another favourite. Send the Fire? Ok, we’re getting warm now. The corps officer opens his songbook and bellows: “Song 509!” Yes! O Boundless Salvation. Perfect. All it will take now is one bold individual (full of the spirit) to step up. “It will happen in the second verse,” I whisper to my junior soldier mate beside me. “Nah, third or fourth verse,” he replies. The band strikes up, the congregation stands up, and we all sing up: “O Bound-less Sal-vation, deep o-ocean of love ...” Halfway through the second verse, it happens. A bold individual (full of the spirit) rises, moves forward and grabs The Salvation Army flag from the platform. Here we go ... it’s on. HALLELUJAH WIND-UP! The following 20 minutes is something that you would only see in a Salvation Army meeting. I experienced about a dozen ‘Hallelujah Wind-ups’ in my youth, and every one of them – the energy, the enthusiasm, the colour and the sheer chaos – is etched into my mind. The bold individual, with a tight grip on the flag, now parades up the aisle, across the back of the hall and down the other aisle, collecting other individuals until there is a long line of people marching in single file behind him. Many elderly people – who wisely stay seated for fear of either being knocked over or left behind in the procession – reach into their handbags or pockets and retrieve little Salvation Army handkerchiefs to wave with a skilful flick of the wrist. The Hallelujah Wind-up is now in full swing. On this particular occasion, probably because O Boundless Salvation has seven verses, the flagbearer gets tired of tramping the same route and ducks out a side door. One hundred people in a single file follow him, including me ... and all the junior soldiers ... and the timbrellists (junior and senior brigades) ... and even some of the band, including the entire percussion section! The procession now proceeds down the street while the remaining band members on the platform raise the volume to a resounding triple forte. We march around the corner, up a side street and back into the hall. Interestingly, we’ve picked up several members of the public along the way who must have thought the circus had come to town. They all join us in chaotic scenes of final celebration as we holler through a third rendition of the Founder’s song. I glance up at the band on the platform and wonder if some require oxygen after belting through 21 verses. The double-bass player, in particular, looks in bad shape. Things finally settle as the corps officer raises his arms to recite the benediction. The Hallelujah Wind-up has wound down. Or has it? “Fire a volley!” someone in the congregation yells. And we all cry out: “Hallelujah!!!

BY SIMONE WORTHING Therapy dog Rusty and Salvation Army Community Schools Worker Brigette Pritchett are continuing to positively impact children in rural and remote schools in South West NSW. “Brigette and Rusty do great work with their amazing reading program, self-esteem workshops and breakfast clubs around the Riverina,” said Aux-Lieut Val Hopewell, Wagga Wagga Corps Officer. “The feedback we have received from the schools visited is really encouraging.” Teachers are asked to complete an evaluation of the program that Brigette and Rusty lead. At one school in Narrandera, where Brigette engages with over 40 children in the self-esteem program, feedback included: “The program was extremely engaging for the children. Children were positively committed to each lesson.” “The engagement of the children with therapy dog Rusty, and the facilitator of the program, Brigette ... her rapport with the children was excellent. The children looked forward to these lessons each week.” “Brigette and Rusty certainly had a great impact on the children, especially challenging students who often find it difficult to stay focused.” “I was fortunate enough to observe most lessons, and Brigette did a fantastic job. All the students were positively engaged and eager for the session every week.” At Marrar, a town in the central east of the Riverina region, Rusty and Brigette have a class of 17 students engaged. The teachers are happy with the way the program has helped resolve playground conflicts and disputes. A primary school in Temora runs a breakfast club as part of the self-esteem program. This is a jointly funded collaboration between Wagga Wagga and Temora Corps. The teacher responsible noted that “it helps students understand emotions in themselves and others and develop strategies to manage their emotions”. Val congratulated Brigette and Rusty: “Well done on another amazing year of showing and modelling the love of Jesus to the kids in South West NSW.” To read a previous story on Rusty and Brigette, click here.

As we set our hearts and minds on doing God’s mission in 2024, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas talks with Majors Brendan and Sandra Nottle about The Salvation Army's rallying cries and what it means to believe in good, do life with people and be led by the Holy Spirit to share Jesus.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE For one night each month, Grill’d closes its restaurant on William Street in Perth to help feed anyone sleeping rough. The burger chain launched the program nationwide in April 2022, and more than 300 people are passing through its doors in Perth each month. “For us, it’s not about the money; it’s really just about the need,” Grill’d WA Area Manager Ainslee Garnham says. “If you’ve got the ability to do it, why wouldn’t you? It’s a really nice opportunity for [rough sleepers] to have a normal dining experience.” The Perth event is a partnership with Grill’d, St Vincent De Paul and The Salvation Army. The Salvos advertise and promote the event through its outreach teams and Doorways programs. As well as offering any burger and drink on the menu, the initiative helps bring people together. “I think the people we work with that are rough-sleeping don’t feel very welcome in lots of places, and for Grill’d to be inviting them in with open arms is a really huge deal,” says Kate Greenway, The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Manager in WA. “Members of the Salvos Assertive Outreach Team attend each month to engage with the rough-sleeping community.” Partnering with private businesses is critical as the need for homeless services continues to rise. Last month, about 1300 people in Perth were without secure housing. Of those, 100 were newly homeless, 134 were young people under the age of 26, and more than 200 were aged over 55. “In addition to providing a welcoming and safe space, this event provides an opportunity for vulnerable community members to enjoy a delicious meal with their friends,” Kate explains. “Creating an opportunity for social inclusion and allowing those who attend to leave their troubles at the door, for a brief period at least, and enjoy a meal together.” The once-a-month initiative is replicated in other capital cities around Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane restaurants.

To read John’s tribute, click here

BY MAJOR BRENDAN NOTTLE As another Australia Day approaches, various voices are encouraging us to reflect on what sort of nation we want to be, and 2024 is already becoming a history-shaping moment. Will this be the year when certain decisions will impact us as a city, state, nation and even as a global community for time immemorial? My growing concern is that it is now too late for yet more chin-rubbing, musing and reflection over another Australia Day snag about who and what we want to be as a nation. My fear is the dice has already been rolled. It is now time to act. This year’s Australia Day Lambassador TV ad is fun, quirky and very clever. But it has more than a kernel of truth at its heart. The ad focuses on our nation’s growing divide between the generations. A comment by one of the Baby Boomers in the ad sums up the matter succinctly. “I don’t care what they do, just not in my backyard,” he bellows. I’ll never forget a trip I made to Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the end of 2019. One Sunday, I went for a walk around the city. I stumbled upon a massive wall, one of 40 that runs through the city, standing up to 8m high and as long as 30km. Sadly, they are called ‘Peace Walls’, designed to keep the peace between Catholics and Protestants. I remember feeling physically sick when I realised the only way a fragile form of peace could be maintained was by building giant, ugly walls. Although we are not at risk of having the City of Melbourne build a physical wall down the middle of Bourke St, there is a clear sense that invisible walls have already been erected throughout the city and across the state. As The Salvation Army maintains its care for some of the city’s most vulnerable, calls continue for the Salvos to relocate. The words of the Baby Boomer in the Lambassador ad, “anywhere but not in my backyard”, continue to ring out. A city-based property manager’s comment to me in recent times still echoes: “This riff-raff should all be gathered up and thrown in jail.” He was referring to the hundreds of people who gather at The Salvation Army for support. I attempted to help the property manager understand some of the individuals’ circumstances, but his repeated response was, “Who cares?” Names behind the faces There is a woman in her mid-30s. She is well known to anyone who regularly frequents the city. Kerry* yells loudly at anyone who is visibly and, if truth be known, invisibly near her. Her mental health is extremely poor. The systemic response to Kerry is to simply move her on. Last week, Kerry gave us another colourful outburst outside our building. My wife, Sandra, took the time to sit with Kerry and listen. Kerry shared that she was angry and frustrated because she had money in her bank account but could not access it as she was banned from banks and Centrelink offices. Who cares? Simon*, in his early 40s, is in a similar position to Kerry. He has complex mental health issues, is loud, angry and very well-known around the city. He has a significant sum of money in his bank account but, like Kerry, has been banned from attending banks and Centrelink offices. Simon was recently charged with shop theft. He was simply trying to survive without money. His problems continue to escalate. But who cares? Geoffrey* was in the Salvos cafe last week. Paramedics told him he urgently needed to get his left leg treated. If he didn’t, it would need to be amputated. The infection was horrendous, and the smell of rotting flesh was putrid. Unfortunately, we have no form of healthcare on-site at The Salvation Army at 69 Bourke St. It’s a massive gap in our service delivery. Meanwhile, we keep receiving complaints about Frank*, an elderly man sleeping rough in a park in East Melbourne, doing nothing wrong other than being ‘unsightly’. Frank lost his wallet, which contained all of his identification, and not knowing what to do, he just gave up. Our team got him into a house provided by Collingwood Football Club, and Centrelink staff helped him access some identification. All these people are receiving ongoing care from the Salvos, but so much more needs to be done. I remain extremely frustrated that highly vulnerable people still cannot access basic and essential health and mental health support in situ – on location – where they gather. I see them suffer and, in many cases, die. But there is hope. Last Saturday night, I received a phone call from a prominent member of our city. She stumbled upon a distressed 20-year-old woman. Rather than ignore the problem, she spent most of Saturday night ensuring this woman received the support she desperately needed. She didn’t have to – she wanted to. It is up to us to ensure the mantra of this city is not, “Who cares?” but “We care”. May that be the case this year for our city, state and nation as together we build bridges, not walls, in the great backyard we share. * Not their real names. This article first appeared in the Herald Sun newspaper. Major Brendan Nottle runs The Salvation Army Project 614 in Melbourne

Australian officers Commissioners Wayne and Robyn Maxwell, leaders of the South Pacific and East Asia Zone, spent time this week in the Philippines to conduct a territorial review. Wayne is the International Secretary and Robyn is the Secretary for Women’s Ministries for the zone. “These last few days have been so rich as we have shared in Officers’ Councils, Spiritual Day at the Officer Training College, time with the precious children at Joyville Children’s Home and a memorable visit with Tanay Corps – each place blessing us with a special cultural welcome, dancing and singing,” shared Robyn. “We are especially grateful to Territorial Leaders and their amazing team for every courtesy shown to us. "May the Lord continue to bless the Philippines Territory!” Warzone ministry in Ukraine The Salvation Army in Ukraine continues to reach out to those who are suffering, despite the heavy shelling that happens daily across the country. Recently, a small team of officers and volunteers visited an area near the border with Belarus to provide supplies and a Christmas celebration for the children. The people in these villages are still recovering from the Russian occupation they endured before Ukrainian troops liberated the remote area. Many homes have been destroyed, and there is no gas or electricity. There is only one employer remaining in the area, and many people have left. “It is important that The Salvation Army in Ukraine comes to the villages like these on a regular basis to support people in need with the resources available through our supporters and donors,” says Major Konstantin Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Commander. “It was great to see children and teenagers participating with great passion and enthusiasm in our events. It was also a great opportunity to express our love, tell them about the Good News and help the attendees to gain confidence that Jesus created the world for good. “It was great to see lots of happy faces during our visits. The Salvation Army in Ukraine expresses its gratitude to all the supporters, friends, volunteers, donors and others who make visits like these possible.” Learn for Work project In the Rwanda and Burundi Territory, Territorial Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Laurore Clenat officially opened and dedicated to God, new buildings for the Kayenzi  Rukeri TVET ‘Learn for Work’ project. Lieut-Colonel Clenant reminded those gathered that education is a significant and key tool for sustainable development. Among its community development strategies, the territory aims to empower young women and men with vocational skills for employment opportunities. Young people are currently being trained in advanced tailoring, advanced motor vehicle mechanics, and driving (theory and practical). Cholera outbreak Following one of the worst outbreaks of cholera in eastern and southern Africa for many years – currently impacting 13 countries within the region – The Salvation Army is responding to the situation in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The two Salvation Army hospitals in Zimbabwe – Howard Hospital in Mashonaland Central and Tshelanyemba Hospital in Matabeleland South – are setting up cholera treatment centres on The Salvation Army compounds, which are separated from normal hospital activities by a fence to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. The centres can treat up to 20 cholera patients each at any given time. If treatment is provided quickly after catching the disease, most patients can be discharged from healthcare facilities within three days. In Zambia, The Salvation Army is also responding to the situation and currently planning a program that will include the provision of soap, chlorine and other supplies to at-risk communities, in combination with hygiene promotion and health-awareness measures. The intention is to provide 575 at-risk households with essential hygiene, cleaning and water disinfection items, and to set up 10 communal handwashing facilities in four communities and cholera centres, targeting a total of 3450 people. Positive pets Participants in four programs from The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Edmonton, Canada, now share their living space with some friendly four-legged friends. Dr. Bob, Wilson, Freddie and Leroy are the names of the four cats who were brought into the centre’s facilities to accompany the residents and bring them some joy. The new pet therapists have been assigned to different programs. Dr. Bob and Wilson live at Keystone and Cornerstone sober housing facilities respectively. Freddie frequents the Grace Village Supportive Housing building, while Leroy spends time with seniors at Grace Manor. Vanessa Sim, assistant executive director at the Centre of Hope, says bringing the cats is already showing positive signs when it comes to improving the residents’ mood. “We’ve seen some significant changes in some of the behaviours of our participants. It has been an amazing experience to see people come out of their norm. “We know statistically and research-wise, that animals are excellent therapy. The interactions are wonderful. We’ve seen some significant changes in some of the behaviours of our participants. It has been an amazing experience to see people come out of their norm.” Thanks to the arrival of the furry friends, residents are seen frequenting general areas of their facilities more often. The personality of the cats also blends in with the atmosphere of each facility, which helps with the transition for both the pet and for the residents. All four cats hang around the building and like to be present during activities at each of the programs they are part of. “It is a companion, it helps you through troubled times,” said David, a resident of Grace Village, referring to Freddie. Vanessa has witnessed the positive impact of this initiative. She recalls seeing a resident make significant progress thanks to the cats’ presence. “One of our participants, who is nonverbal and quite antisocial, was holding the cat and posing for pictures the other day. It was a bit miraculous, honestly. We had never seen such engagement from her in all the years that she has been there,” she shared. “One of our participants, who is nonverbal and quite antisocial, was holding the cat and posing for pictures the other day.” The new feline occupants have had a positive impact on the atmosphere at the Centre of Hope’s facilities. Staff members have noticed residents discussing the cats with one another as they walk by. The initiative’s success has participants of other programs asking if they can get a cat as well. Vanessa says they are open to adding more furry companions in the future. “We would certainly be open to each of the programs having a centre cat for sure. It’s been a positive experience.”

BY LAUREN MARTIN The Tamworth Country Music Festival has attracted hundreds of people to Tamworth Corps in western NSW for camping, concerts and a gospel Sunday. Corps Officers Majors Tony and Yan de Tommaso and their faithful congregation hardly stopped to catch their breath after Christmas, before the festival, which runs from 19-28 January, was upon them. For 15 years, The Salvation Army has opened its grounds to campers, run a ‘Country Kitchen’ café, and hosted performances by the Australian Bush Balladeers Association. With two shows per day, it’s one of the busiest times of the year for the small country corps, but one that raises much-needed funds and allows the congregation to have meaningful conversations with visitors to the site. “During the week, I did get to have a lot of good conversations with people, and our volunteers do as well,” said Tony. “They get to interact with the folk that are sitting and eating or having a cuppa between shows.” He said many people were interested in the history of the Salvos in the local area (did you know William Booth visited Tamworth in the late 1880s?) and engaged in conversation about the Salvos’ mission. The Salvation Army is known in Tamworth as a friendly, safe space that people can come to and one of the few venues that doesn’t serve alcohol. During the week, it was featured on a Channel 7 news report and ABC radio. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of the community of Tamworth,” said Tony. On the Sunday, at the close of the festival, Tamworth Corps hosted Gavin Chatelier, who presented a gospel music show for the corps and visitors. “It’s so special that we can meet in fellowship in this place of peace,” Tony said to those gathered. “We give thanks for music ... just allow God’s music to fill you today.”