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I was with a small group of Salvationists a few months ago as we were praying for The Salvation Army and seeking God’s will and desire for us as a movement, now and into the future.   As I prayed, a passage of Scripture came to me, but with a unique Salvation Army bent from John 15:17-21:   Salvation Army, do you love me? You know we do, Lord! Then feed my sheep.   Salvation Army, do you love me? You know we do, Lord. Then take care of my sheep.   Salvation Army, do you love me? You know we do, Lord! Then feed my sheep.   At the end of this prayer, I was very clearly led by God to pray the words practise something new.   I consider myself to be fairly sensitive to the Spirit, not bound up in traditions or constrained to what others may expect of me or God. But practise something new means exactly that. Something new .   In my spiritual gifting of spoken word, I usually seek the Holy Spirit’s prompts when facilitating a group to write and share responses as a spiritual practice. So, what does practise something new look like in that space?   The following week after this word, I was asked to preach at a friend’s corps, but as I prayed about it, God clearly told me not to preach but to do spoken word. As I sat with Commissioner Miriam Gluyas in the front row, waiting to hear from God about the prompt, the words practise something new came again. I asked, “What does that mean?” and I saw a picture of children at the front of the platform.   God said, “ Read my Word, do spoken word, and have the children lead the exercise.”   I had never done this before and didn’t know what it would look like, except to do exactly what God said. I read the Scripture Matthew 5:43-45:   “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”   I then shared a story from my childhood, about running home crying about a bully in my class named Clifford (although as to the bullying, I may not have been completely blameless). My mother told me to write Clifford’s name on a piece of paper and put it above my bed to pray for him. I was so annoyed! At first, I prayed through clenched teeth, “God bless CLIFFord.” But as the days went on, the prayers softened, and eventually, I was able to pray for Clifford as if he were a friend.   I invited the children to the front. With pens and paper, each child was asked to answer a question by drawing or writing. I then invited the corps to listen closely to their responses, because the adults were to form a poem based on exactly what the children said!   I asked one little boy what he had drawn, and he explained, “It’s God with a ball.” Then he rolled himself into a ball and rolled off the stage! A prophetic friend I later shared this with said, “Of course! I see it! God holds the whole universe. God loves us, God plays with us, God is in everything, and God is in us. In that moment, that little boy was the universe, and God, and the ball, all together as one.”   It may be easy to dismiss at first the moves of God as we see them as ‘childish’ or ‘cute’ or even weird! But as she shared her insight, I marvelled at how this small child already knew the playful, all-encompassing mind of his God.   Another child said that the rain they had drawn represented God. How so, I asked? Because rain is everywhere and so is God!    All 10 children shared, and each had something unique and new to deliver about our Lord. I was much humbled by their anointed words.   After church, the corps officer told me the Scripture I had read out that day was the very passage for kids’ church that morning! The children were all then sharing about their own ‘Cliffords’, and loving their enemies into friends.   Around the same time, I began preparing for a prayer night, and I heard God say to get pearl necklace beads. I had no idea why, but the words practise something new came back to me again.   I arrived for the prayer night and shared with the leader that only that afternoon I realised the beads were to be used like rosary beads, to pray the Lord’s Prayer in a new way. She shared that she had thought the exact same thing!   As we gathered with believers from all walks of life, including those who had come through the corps’ AOD program, we knelt around a table, each with our set of beads. I led by praying a line from the Lord’s Prayer, then each person would add in prayer what that line looked like lived out in their lives and relationships with God. This naturally turned into an open time of prayer and affirmation.   “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).   The word perceive here denotes a deep, full, and multi-faceted sense of knowing and understanding. It is more than looking or acknowledging; it is a Spirit-given discernment to see what Jesus is doing and to respond to what God is asking of us. We might not feel like we have the full answer in the moment, but the first step of faith is all that is required to unlock the next part of the journey. We might not even see the full result this side of heaven. But our obedience in the face of the cost is what matters most.   “For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations” (Isaiah 61:11).   God is the garden and the soil. God is the flower, the seed and the fruit. If we so choose, we can join our Genesis fore-parents in sowing a new seed with God … a seed that is very, very good.   So, what might practise something new mean for you? Perhaps it’s to throw the net on the other side, even if you feel like an expert who already knows the best way to fish (and this is not an accusation! I have had to take this instruction myself.) Even the familiar practices can grow old. We must sow in all seasons. We must return to the Fount afresh.   Come, Thou Fount of every blessing; tune my heart to sing Thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love.   Come, Thou Fount of every blessing Author: Robert Robinson (1758); Alterer: Martin Madan (1760)   “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” (Lamentations 3:22-24).   What might hold you back from practising something new? Is it fear? Judgment? Past experience? Apathy? Doubt? God will not fail you or leave you to rot.   God’s mercy, love, and compassion are new every morning. Wait for God. God will deliver us.   Will you practise something new?

Radiant in their shimmering fabrics, sparkly dresses, and stylish suits thanks to the amazing, successful Otway Wardrobe project, these Colac Secondary College students recently had a wow of a time at a recent formal do and were proud to display their special outfits. BY LERISSE SMITH Following a standout run at Victoria’s Colac Salvos, the Otway Wardrobe project has made a significant leap forward into local secondary schools, achieving resounding success. What started as a bold idea to provide a free formal wear rental scheme for young people aged 12 to 18 has become a game-changer for local youths in the community, redefining how they present themselves for life’s big and special events – from formal occasions and fun proms to interviews and inductions. Now embedded in both Colac Secondary College (CSC) and powered by the ongoing support of Colac Salvos, the Otway Wardrobe initiative is opening doors, and closets, for more students than ever before, enabling them to look sharp and stylish for formal occasions. “It has been a massive success,” said Josiah Van Niekerk, Corps Leader of Colac Corps. “We have got a bit of a light up, which is great. We are doing free hair and makeup. We have got hairdressers and beauticians that are on our volunteer team, and they can come in and do free hair and makeup for the formals, proms and special events like that. We are excited that students can look their best without the cost! With smart suits and smiles to match, these young men from Colac Secondary College ensured they were dressed to impress thanks to the free formal wear rental scheme. “The cost of formal wear can be a barrier to opportunity, especially for young people from underprivileged backgrounds. So, Otway Wardrobe has ensured special moments for young people, such as formals, interviews and special events, should not be overshadowed by the financial strain of finding the perfect outfit.” But the project isn’t just about accessibility. The wardrobe’s integration into the school system has gone deeper, forming the basis of the Vocational Major (VM) curriculum for 30 Year 12 students starting from term 2 at CSC. Student teams across design, art and marketing now interact directly with the wardrobe space – maintaining stock, trying on items, developing advertising strategies and managing promotion, and collaborating with the Salvos crew to keep the initiative vibrant and student-led. It is a creative, real-world learning experience that doubles as meaningful community service. “It’s a great kind of networking thing that we do with the school,” reflected Josiah. “The wardrobe has become a part of the curriculum now, which is really cool at the college. We have got three other schools that are really interested to get one, and we have the means to be able to help create one in their space. We just need them to clear a space for it. So, in the end, we could have three to five wardrobes in local schools in the Colac Region supporting the young people to get fitted out for free and even for events like interviews as well.” Beauty professionals continue to donate their time to help students prepare for events, adding that finishing touch of confidence and class. (photo courtesy of Ike Ellyana on Unsplash The project was born just last year, the brainchild of Dayna Watt, Year 12 Coordinator at CSC. Known for her big heart and passion for social impact, Dayna and her students set out to create something that would blend sustainability with supporting the local community. Their idea? A formal wear rental scheme – stylish, inclusive, and cost-free. “It has been amazing for the local community,” reflected Josiah. “It has helped so many young people and been amazing for community groups like us. The Year 12 students from Colac Secondary College and their wonderful teachers helped to set up the space. Not only that, but they had the original idea to create this initiative, which just shows the power of community helping community.” Throwing their support behind the idea, the students became actively involved, visiting the centre at least once a week to sort through racks, collect donations from local Salvos and Vinnies thrift shops, and curate the wardrobe. They stocked everything from formal dresses and suits to shoes, ties and accessories, with options to suit every style and personality. A wave of generous donations, both financial and material, also poured in from families, schools, and locals, giving the project the boost it needed. And from day one, the project tapped into a powerful local network. Otway Wardrobe has become a part of Colac Secondary College’s curriculum. Top of the list were hairdressers, beauticians and retailers who offered their services and support, adding a bit of glamour and confidence to the young people as they prepared for their big moments. Colac Salvos stepped in to provide the physical space and coordination. And the glamour hasn’t been lost in the logistics. Those same beauty professionals continue to donate their time to help students prepare for events such as formals, graduations, proms and interviews, adding that finishing touch of confidence and class. The nearby Salvos Store, just a block away, has also played a crucial role in keeping the wardrobe fully stocked and fresh during the past year. “They have been phenomenal,” Josiah said. “Their support has helped unify the community to be even more open to embrace this fantastic initiative that continues to empower and dignify Colac’s young people.”

Women from across The Salvation Army’s NSW/ACT Division are being invited to spend a weekend away and shift gears to connect with God, themselves and others.   The SHE weekend will be held from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November. The event has a new venue this year and will be held at The Tops Conference Centre south of Sydney. There are several options for those wishing to attend, ranging from whole weekend packages to day tickets.   “It’s a beautiful new venue,” said organiser, Major Louanne Mitchell. “A place where women from our Salvation Army corps and communities can get away, relax, have fun, and make it a priority to be in God’s presence.   Attendees can expect a variety of inspiring electives, an opportunity to connect with friends, new and old, and receive Biblical teaching from our Divisional Commander, Major Robyn Black, Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, Aux-Lieut Rosy Keane, and incoming Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development, Colonel Lani Chamness.   “There is something inherently good about setting time aside to be with good friends, make new friends and share authentically with each other.”   To register to attend, please click here:  https://salvationarmy.typeform.com/SHE2025

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am the Corps Officer at Northside – Geelong, Victoria. We are a community centre with co-located services. I love the many and varied opportunities to interact with staff, volunteers and community members. I love that we can help people to feel seen, heard and valued, providing care in even the simplest forms. For example, a block of chocolate and a chat, a game of checkers, a prayer after sharing a concern, a listening ear in the midst of struggles, or a compassionate response to a mental health challenge. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I love to run and go to the gym, plus hiking and walking. I also love to bake and sew, and I enjoy spending time with family and friends. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I tend to swap and change my songs according to how I feel and what is going on. The song that resonates with me at the moment is the Mighty Name of Jesus by Hope Darst and the Belonging Co. It speaks of spiritual warfare, the powerful name of Jesus, and as someone who is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, I do not need to fear. 4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? I often wonder about the lives of those we read about in the Gospels following their encounter with Jesus, such as the woman caught in adultery, the woman with the blood issue, the Samaritan woman, the leper who was cleansed, the blind man etc. I would love to sit down with these folk and hear the testimony of their changed lives, what that meant to them, and what direction it took them. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I love being an officer and all that God has done in me and through me. I would say that it is not for the faint-hearted or for one who would like a comfortable career. Officership is demanding and requires courage, dedication, perseverance and the humility to know that you can accomplish nothing of great value without an ever-growing faith in Jesus Christ and dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Officership is not for everyone, but following Jesus is.

Naloxone is a nasal spray designed to temporarily combat the effects of opioid overdose. Image: Getty BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Today is International Overdose Awareness Day , and a reminder that overdose can, and must, be prevented. It is only through community-wide effort that the issue of overdose can be addressed, and The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Service is working to implement frameworks for preventing and treating the issue of overdose in the Australian community. One of those involves the distribution of a medication called Naloxone. It’s a Wednesday at The Salvation Army’s Towards Independence Sobering-Up Unit near Adelaide’s Whitmore Square, and tonight, rooms will be full, and the line outside long.  Team Leader Kirsten Pennington, who comes from a background of restaurant management, loves her job and is especially proud of her team of 26 staff, who she says are highly skilled and capable. Kirsten job-shares with her colleague, Jodie Hobbs.  “They’re just amazing,” she says. “They get a lot of abuse, and they never take their eye off the ball. They are constantly helping people with complex lives and, as a result, sometimes challenging and complex behaviours . It’s very special and it’s a really good atmosphere. There’s a lot of camaraderie and humour, which is what you need in a place like this.”  Some examples of staff camaraderie at the Unit - a map depicting the origins of each member of the multicultural staff team, and a board celebrating beloved pets. Images: Kirralee Nicolle The demands on the team are immense due to a recent and sudden increase in the need for the service.  “I’ve been here three years,” she says. “The first two years, we probably only hit capacity about four nights a year. And then we hit capacity one night, and then we just kept hitting capacity every night, for [what] I think now [is] probably close to a year.”   As most of the clients at the unit are homeless, Kirsten attributes the increased need to the housing crisis, as well as migration of First Nations Australians from northern areas around Darwin and Alice Springs.  The Sobering-Up Unit’s Needle and Syringe Program is an authorised Naloxone provider. Naloxone, formerly only available as an intramuscular injection, is now available as a nasal spray. It temporarily reverses the effects of opioid overdose, enabling oxygen flow to the brain of an affected person while waiting for paramedics to arrive. It has the added benefit of being a low-risk medication, which means peer-to-peer administration is possible. Naloxone is also stocked in many other Salvation Army AOD centres.  Kirsten says that in South Australia, the authorisation process to become an alternative supplier of Naloxone is quite involved, with extensive training and paperwork for all authorised staff. Each time staff offer the medication to a client for peer-to-peer administration, there is a conversation about the process and knowing when to administer. She says despite the fact that methamphetamine use is far more prevalent than opioids such as heroin, morphine or fentanyl, she had been surprised at how high the take-up has been.  Part of the Needle and Syringe Program room at the Unit. Image: Kirralee Nicolle “The aim is to make sure that if you’re giving someone this product, they know how to use it. So that’s the point of the conversation – do you know the signs of overdose, do you know what to do if someone’s overdosing, [and] do you know how to use this product?” Kirsten says.  According to Kirsten, having an option like Naloxone on hand represents what she calls “the next step in harm minimisation”. Although she says she understands why for some people, that phrase is a controversial one.  “A lot of people simply don’t believe in it, to be honest,” she says. “They think it’s encouraging people to take drugs. The reality is that people will always drink [or] take drugs. So, we need to make it as safe as possible for them and for the rest of the community.  “It’s [about] making the people that access that service feel supported, feel seen, and feel that we’re working to help them keep safe.”  Additional to the Syringe and Needle Program, the Sobering-Up Unit also provides for other aspects of client wellbeing, such as warm clothing, shoes and blankets. The Unit has a strong relationship with surrounding TSA stores and corps, who partner with them in ensuring clients’ basic needs are met. Team Leader Kirsten Pennington with the donated items available for clients at the Unit. Image: Kirralee Nicolle The Salvation Army’s AOD General Manager Kathryn Wright says The Salvation Army was the first organisation in Australia to develop a policy around allowing staff to use Naloxone on site, which was first rolled out in Melbourne. She says The Salvation Army is also one of the largest not-for-profit distributors of the medication. She says after they rolled out their policy, she had representatives from other not-for-profit organisations asking to borrow TSA’s policy.  “Everyone was a little bit nervous about it at the at the start,” she says. “Like, what if we do the wrong thing? [But] you can’t actually do the wrong thing with Naloxone because if you give it to someone who hasn’t overdosed on an opioid, it doesn’t do anything.”  Kathryn says the impression that having a medication like Naloxone on site gives to clients is one of hope.  “The message that it conveys is your life is important, it’s worth saving,” she says.  “Even though it’s short-acting, it gives time for the heavier intervention if it’s a serious overdose. It helps people feel valued. It certainly minimises the harm that they’re going to experience as a consequence of overdose, and it often saves lives.”  The Sobering-Up Unit operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has a 30-bed capacity. Though The Salvation Army opened the building in 1987 for a variety of AOD services, the Sobering-Up Unit has been operational since 2005. It is the largest of its kind in Australia. Staff at the centre rarely turn anyone away for behavioural reasons.  “The Sobering-Up Unit is a real embodiment of the true Salvation vision,” Kirsten says. “Unless you use the service and need the service or family or friends need it, people don’t want to know about it. It’s ugly, it’s not popular, it’s not feel-good. Without it, the people that we help would have nothing. They are the most vulnerable, the most complex. A lot of other services [are] not going to deal with them while they’re presenting with challenging behaviours.  They have poor mental health and addiction issues and they’re homeless, so they’re frustrated.   “It’s one of the services that really shows the truth of what helping people that no one else wants to help [looks like].”  To find out more about The Salvation Army's Sobering-Up Unit, see here . READ MORE: New mural a welcome addition to Sobering-Up facility in Adelaide

Vivienne Prescott with Custard, the 30-year-old horse who she rescued 20 years ago. Image: The Salvation Army UK A Salvation Army program in western Gloucestershire, England, is this year marking 15 years of offering equine therapy through a unique ministry program. The Forest of Dean Salvation Army’s GLEAM (Growth and Learning Equine Assisted Ministry) assists vulnerable children and teens to build confidence, process trauma, and develop emotional resilience. In addition to equine therapy, the program offers bushcraft, art therapy, and certified horse-care courses. Vivienne Prescott is the leader of the Forest of Dean Salvation Army and is also a qualified equine-assisted practitioner. The program operates from a three-acre plot of land, which is home to four ponies, four sheep, two goats, dogs and chickens, all led by Custard, a 30-year-old pony that Vivienne rescued 20 years ago. The program started in 2010, when a mother of a struggling teenage daughter sought Vivienne’s help to address the girl’s behaviours. Children with a pony at the GLEAM program. Image: The Forest of Dean Salvation Army Facebook page “She was throwing things, full of rage, and her mum didn’t know how to help,” Vivienne said. “I only had time to see her while mucking out my horses, so I invited her along. When my horse reacted to her anger by cowering, it was a turning point. She learned to calm herself, and the horse responded. That moment showed me the power of this connection.”   Vivienne said the program has been an amazing experience for everyone involved, and they are grateful to be part of many children’s healing journeys.     “You know the power of this work when you bump into a young adult in the street and the first thing they say to you is ‘GLEAM saved my life’,” Vivienne said. “For some children, building a relationship with a being that allows you to be congruent and does not judge or have any expectations about you other than enjoying the joy of your presence can be absolutely life-changing.  “The ponies help them see their true value, strength, and ability, and whereas they may have refused to receive this message from a parent or teacher, they will receive it from the pony. It is very simple, but deeply profound.”  The team at this unusual ministry is planning to expand the work of the program, through adding a nature-based learning environment for children struggling to access traditional schooling. The content and photos from this article first appeared on the Salvation Army UK page here .

Click on the video above to see the funeral procession of General William Booth. The international Salvation Army is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. On 2 July 1865, evangelist William Booth preached to a crowd of people in a large tent in the East End of London, England. This moment is considered the birth of The Salvation Army, which today is a global movement that shares the love of God in 134 countries around the world!    The funeral of General William Booth was held 113 years ago this week. His funeral procession on 27 August 1912 brought London to a standstill as hundreds of thousands of people lined the city’s streets to honour the co-founder of The Salvation Army.   General Booth was promoted to glory on 20 August 1912, aged 83. His body lay in state for three days at Clapton Congress Hall, where 150,000 people filed past his casket.   Booth’s funeral procession on a Tuesday morning began at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters as 10,000 uniformed Salvationists fell in behind. Forty Salvation Army brass bands played the ‘Dead March’ from Handel’s Saul along the way.   Some reports indicate more than a million people watched as the procession made its way to Olympia London Exhibition Centre for the service.   More than 40,000 people crammed into Olympia’s great hall, including Queen Mary, who sat almost unrecognisable at the rear.   In a letter to William’s eldest son, Bramwell Booth, King George V wrote: “The nation has lost a great organiser and the poor a whole-hearted and sincere friend.”   William Booth was buried with his wife, Catherine, who had died in 1890, in Abney Park Cemetery. The headstone for William and Catherine Booth in London. Perhaps the most telling legacy William Booth left was in a conversation he had with Bramwell on his deathbed. Bramwell recorded that his father left him with this plea:   “Bramwell, I want you to promise me that when my voice is silent and I am gone from you, you will use such influence as you may possess with the Army to do more for the homeless of the world, the homeless men. The homeless women! Ah, my boy, we don’t know what it is to be without a home. The homeless children, oh, the children! Bramwell, look after the homeless. Promise me ... mind, if you don’t, I shall come back and haunt you!”   There is no record of Bramwell being ‘haunted’ by his father, so he must have carried out his wishes.   And 113 years later, The Salvation Army worldwide is still at the forefront of caring for the homeless.   In Australia, The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services across the country, providing shelter to men and women, and families with accompanying children.

The Fundraising team in the Domain, with Andrew Hill front second from left, and Janine Kewming front centre. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE   The Salvation Army has been announced as the official naming partner of Sydney’s annual Carols in the Domain Christmas event.  The Salvation Army has been partnering with Carols in the Domain since soon after the event’s inception in 1983, when The Salvation Army fundraised at the event by selling candles, then later lolly bags, before being named as the official charity partner of the event. The Salvation Army choir has featured in the event over the decades and continues its involvement today.   The event is televised on Channel 7 and on the radio on the Hit Network and LiSTNR app.  Salvation Army General Manager for Community Fundraising Andrew Hill said the new commitment felt like a “dream come true”. He said he hoped it served to really elevate The Salvation Army brand, but that he saw the movement as more than a brand and was hoping more households across Australia would come to hear about the story of The Salvation Army.  “It’s really exciting, and I think it’s going to be one of those opportunities where we can showcase The Salvation Army, not just from a brand perspective and a fundraising perspective, but we can showcase our story, who we are and what we do and the lives that are transformed through the vessel of Carols in the Domain,” Andrew said. “Everyone’s really excited about it. And I think this year we’re going to see a big presence of Salvos at the event and in broadcast, and [you] will see us telling our story in a way that [you’ve] never seen it before.”  Volunteers setting up and packing candlebags for a past carols event. For the past 20 years, Woolworths has generously supported the event as its official naming partner, but when the opportunity arose for The Salvation Army to take over the role, Andrew said the fundraising team saw a chance to shift some of their Christmas Appeal efforts across to the Carols in the Domain partnership. He emphasised the missional focus of the shift, and the fact that alongside the fundraising potential, it gave The Salvation Army a broader platform to share the belief in hope and transformation for every life.  “It’s going to allow us to connect ourselves to the real story of Christmas around the birth of Jesus and celebrating that,” Andrew said. “I think it will be a great opportunity to make sure that is clearly a part of who The Salvation Army is.”  Having worked on the ground at the event for more than 10 years, Andrew said he was looking forward to being able to share the experience with others.  “I hope people capture the joy that we as a little team have felt for over a decade,” he said.  Andrew Hill with Robyn Hobbs OAM. Image: Supplied Andrew gave credit to Carols in the Domain founder and Eva Burrows Award recipient Robyn Hobbs OAM, who included The Salvation Army in her vision of a Sydney-wide Christmas celebration, Head of Fundraising Janine Kewming and Secretary for Communications Colonel Rodney Walters, who both backed the move, TSA National Events Manager Lisa O’Sullivan and General Manager for Campaign Communications and Advocacy Benjamin Moyes who have supported the Carols in the Domain partnership over the years as well as other members of the Fundraising team who have all committed their time and efforts to growing the partnership.  To volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain, you can email events@salvationarmy.org.au

Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists worldwide are uniting in prayer for a specific territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (25-31 August), we are praying for the Canada and Bermuda Territory.   There are four Australian officers serving in the territory: Captains Fiona and Matt Kean are the corps officers of the Chilliwack Corps in British Columbia, and Captains Christopher and Nichole Maxwell are the corps officers of the Kingston Citadel, Ontario. Commissioners Debbie and Lee Graves lead the territory.   READ MORE: Officers serving overseas – Captains Nichole and Chris Maxwell   READ MORE: Officers serving overseas – Majors Matthew and Fiona Kean   The Canada and Bermuda Territory has 1432 officers (530 active, 902 retired); Aux-Capt ain s 2; cadets 17; employees 9292; corps 264; outposts 1; senior soldiers 14,431; adherents 26,476; junior soldiers 1747. Our vision  in Canada and Bermuda is to be an innovative partner, mobilised to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus. Please pray: ·     For our newly ordained and commissioned Champions of the Mission Lieutenants as they begin their officership journey, that they will fully lean on Jesus, and find fulfilment and joy in the journey. ·     For more men and women to respond to the call to officership with hearts of surrender and courage. ·     For our leaders across the territory to be spiritually strengthened to lead with holy fervour focusing on the priorities of God’s mission. ·     For the Holy Spirit to bless our efforts in discipleship and evangelism throughout the territory. ·     For our people to have a deepening focus and understanding of holiness and live out this call to holy living with loving surrender and commitment to God. ·     That the ministry of our summer camps will be fruitful for the Kingdom. ·     That the seeds of the Alpha course, to be held at Territorial Headquarters, will be planted and take root and produce a harvest for God’s Kingdom. ·     For God’s Spirit to continue to guide and lead us with wisdom, vision and courage to be “Christ-Centred and Others-Focused” through our territorial strategies for 2025 – 2026. Click here to go to the Canada and Bermuda Territory website.   To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .   To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here .

Sean Nolan, director and lecturer of the Great Commission Institute and a member of Shire Salvos, is the guest speaker at this year’s Arise Men’s Camp, with its theme being ‘Chosen’. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Sydney’s Eastern Beaches Corps Officer Lieutenant Keven Williams is encouraged that more young men than ever in The Salvation Army are signing up to “become strengthened, inspired and on fire for God”.   Keven is the organiser of the annual Arise Men’s Camp at Collaroy on Sydney’s northern beaches, with this year’s event to be held on 24-26 October.   “Men’s camps are important spaces that allow men to hear from God,” said Keven.   “Also, for fellowship with other men, and to feel that they can talk in a safe space ... as well as great food, and good friendships ... friendships that will go on forever.”   Keven said places are filling fast for Arise this year, and while the camp is open to men of all ages, he was pleased to see many young men registering. Last year’s camp attracted more than 90 men.   “It’s great to see more and more young men in the Army wanting to become strengthened, inspired and on fire for God,” he said. READ MORE: Men’s camp miracle as tic suffering is healed READ MORE: Healings, prophetic words and people laying down their lives for Christ   “Delegates really engaged [last year],” he continued. “They really went deep in the new things that they were learning and were able to take away with them new knowledge and skills to their home corps.   “Last year, we saw God perform a significant healing. We are hoping and believing that God is going to be doing the same this year.” Lieutenant Keven Williams (left) said prayer was a major component of last year’s Arise Men’s Camp. This year’s guest speaker is Sean Nolan from Shire Salvos in southern Sydney. He has authored several books and has 18 years of experience in ministry in Sydney. He will be speaking on what it means to be ‘chosen’ in the image of Christ.   The theme for this year’s camp is ‘Chosen’. There will also be time for prayer and healing ministry.   Electives on fathering, men’s mental health and wellbeing, prayer and the prophetic, and leadership will also be offered.   There are still spaces available for Arise, which runs from 24-26 October. Register here

The Community Connect Space at Port Macquarie Salvos is more than just a place where food is distributed. It is about transforming lives, combating isolation and offering meaningful connections. At the heart of this mission is relationship, says Captain Peter Gott: “We want to see people come to know Jesus and experience the life and the hope and the freedom that comes from him” – not just by putting on a program, but by offering a ministry that has a deep and lasting impact.

At the official opening of the Salvos youth housing project in Maidstone were (from left) Venice, who is associated with Salvos youth programs, Colonel Rodney Walters (Secretary for Communications), Colonel Kelvin Merrett (Vic. Divisional Commander) and Chelsea, also connected with Salvos youth programs.  BY LERISSE SMITH A transformative multi-million-dollar Salvos youth housing project has been officially unveiled, heralding a bold and visionary step toward addressing Victoria’s escalating housing crisis. The Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) multi-dwelling housing development in the Melbourne inner-suburb of Maidstone was officially opened by Colonel Kelvin Merrett during a special ‘Blessing and Opening’ event on 12 August. It marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to deliver modern and affordable residences and reflected a long-term commitment to real and positive change in the lives of young people. Two key drivers of the youth housing project, Loren Munro (Project Co-ordinator) and Tuyet-Anh Le (Program Delivery Manager) received flowers at the official opening. “The launch of this project is a great achievement,” said Loren Munro, Project Coordinator with Salvos Housing Victoria. “It was very exciting and a moment for stakeholders – both internal and external – to recognise completion of the project and to come together to both support and celebrate an achievement made possible through the generosity of our donors. “The blessing and opening of Maidstone marked a powerful coming together of internal stakeholders, united in their commitment to creating meaningful and vital opportunities for young people pursuing tertiary education.” READ MORE: Two new housing developments unveiled in Victoria Purpose-built to support and empower people aged 18 to 26 through the Salvos’ Youth Education Pathways Program, the two multi-storey residences are designed to provide safe housing and the opportunity to build a better future, as the young people will be funded to pursue further education. Young person, Chelsea, addresses the attendees at the opening of the exciting new development. Tailored specifically for young tenants actively engaged in education, the housing development features two contemporary townhouses on one site – a front one with two bedrooms and a rear one with three bedrooms. Entirely funded by generous philanthropic donations, driven by Youth Services Manager Ralph Salera and other Salvos programs, the project offers secure and supportive housing for young people with the goal to foster a small, supportive community built around growth, stability and opportunity as the youths pursue training, employment and long-term success. “They (the tenants) will be fully engaged with The Salvation Army Youth Services, who will be helping them with their life skills, employment skills, education skills and homework groups,” Loren said. “They will also be actively part of, and engaging in, the youth community as well.” Emphasising the importance of housing provision for young people was  Kelvin Merrett  (Vic. Divisional Commander), who officially opened the multi-million-dollar youth housing project on 12 August. Tenants have been selected by the Youth Services program, with Salvos Housing having input into the rent charges and property management. “Like most of our properties, we will only charge a percentage of their income,” Loren added. “So, it still remains affordable housing while the Youth Services provide our young people in our community the opportunity to get an education, pursue a career and break the cycle once and for all. We look forward to being with them every step of the way as they forge their pathway ahead.” Attending the festivities of the special launch day were (from left) Patricia Richard (Regional Manager - Salvation Army Housing Victoria), James Aloni (Youth Services State Manager), Ralph Salera (Program Manager 0 SM Youth Vic), Kelvin Merrett  (Divisional Commander),  Rodney Walters  (Secretary for Communications),  Stephanie Wilks (General Manager - Social and Community Mission), Irena Baric (State Manager - Vic Salvation Army Housing) and Chris Karagiannis (CEO of Salvation Army Housing). Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the official opening at Maidstone: