Major Darren Kingston (second from right) and his team led the Salvos prayer tent, at the recent Inglewood Alive festival. By MAJOR DARREN KINGSTON The Salvation Army in South-West Sydney organised to get permission from the Ingleburn Alive festiva l to hold a prayer tent. This involved Salvos from Macquarie Fields, Fairfield and Liverpool, as well as prayer warriors and evangelists from corps across the region. It was a wonderful day where people saw the sign ‘Free Prayer’ and were happy to be prayed for. All we had to ask was, “May I pray for you?” We gave out 144 bottles of water from a local company called Living Water, as well as free sunscreen, lollies and Bible verses. We prayed for 41 people. We saw Jesus restore hearing and heal a back. We prayed against a curse, we prayed for protection from manifestations, and for someone with family issues. Six people received Jesus. We also prayed for four Muslim women, women in Afghanistan, a lady’s mother, and two people struggling to get pregnant. We prayed for a man and woman with foot issues, and both were healed. We prayed for a lady struggling with her faith over her child’s death. We prayed for the business next to us to prosper, and he had never had so many sales. He also shared about a man on his deathbed who we prayed for. A lady asked us to pray that her two sons would receive Jesus. Two children came with their parents asking for prayer, and another lady asked for prayer for a brain bleed. One fellow asked for prayer for his uncertain future, and Jesus healed another lady’s knee. Finally, a man who was busy all day and was exhausted asked us to pray for energy for him. We got the names of three people who indicated they were interested in coming to a community table. We praise God for the connections we made and the privilege it was to partner with the Holy Spirit and pray with people. We are already planning our next event.

Selma was lured to a brothel in Mumbai and now, through The Salvation Army, has a new life and hope for the future as she helps other trafficked women and girls. When Selma was 13, she was lured to an Indian brothel from Nepal by a man with the promise of a job with the circus. For five years, she was forced to work in a brothel in Mumbai until the owner died and she was freed. Selma enrolled her daughter in school at The Salvation Army Aruna Girls Home to ensure her safety, and it was there that the staff motivated Selma to take computer classes. She was soon hired by The Salvation Army as an outreach worker for the drop-in centre where she regularly visits women working in the brothels and in their homes, and conducts meetings. Her goal is to help trafficked women find solutions to their issues through Salvation Army programs. Selma takes joy in offering prayer and counselling to them. “Because of the stigma of prostitution, women do not share their trials with others. I used to be afraid to share my story, but now, I am not afraid of what others think as long as my story might help another woman who can identify with me,” she said. Now with five children of her own, she is grateful for the love, safety, and education they are receiving through the drop-in centre and Aruna Girls Home. And where outsiders might see despair, Selma sees a silver lining. “I see so much hope in the red light district. When I go out into the community, I meet so many who have been trafficked from Nepal, like me. I always share with them that they too can come out of it and have a better life. Helping them has helped me.”

Australian Commissioners Robyn and Wayne Maxwell (centre) recently visited the PNGSI Territory. Fellow Aussie officers Majors Vanessa and Robert Evans are on the far right. 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 or region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (14-20 October) we are praying for the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory (PNGSI).   The Australia Territory has a long history and connection with the PNGSI Territory, and many officers have served there over the years. Currently serving there are Majors Hector and Melba Crisostomo and Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans (Solomon Islands).   Praise points:   Thanking God: We praise God for the territorial theme of ‘Rebuild, Restore, Renew, A Year of Reclamation’. Souls have returned to God through evangelism, outreach programs, crusades, congress, men and women’s camps, youth councils and Sunday School rallies, and we continue to see more and more lives experiencing a ‘turnaround’. Corps activities and programs that were inactive have been reclaimed and revived. We praise God for the prayer cells rising among officers and soldiers throughout the territory, and for prayers being answered. We praise God for his mission that continues to spread throughout the territory. All to the Glory of God.   Prayer requests Papua New Guinea: Reviewing of the territorial strategic plan. As the territory's current strategic plan spans five years, with next year being the final year of this cycle, it is crucial to evaluate our progress before moving forward with the redevelopment of the next five-year strategic plan. Territorial theme 2021–2025. The theme, ‘Rebuild, Restore, Renew’, has guided us from 2021 through 2025. As we enter 2025, the focus shifts to ‘Revival’. With the theme officially launched during the 2024 Territorial Leaders’ Conference in July, all divisions, districts and centres must embrace this theme fully, ensuring that the territory experiences a spiritual revival across all areas of ministry and mission and in the lives of Salvationists. Spiritual growth of soldiers and officers. Please pray for our soldiers and officers to be embedded in living holy lives, remaining deeply rooted in their faith, and growing in their love and commitment to God. Health issues in officers. Please pray for the health of our active officers. Two active officers have been promoted to Glory during 2024, so please pray that good health will be maintained for all our officers. Ongoing support for territorial funding. Please pray for stewardship at all levels within the territory and the boost of local income-generating projects.     Prayer requests Solomon Islands: Making it Happen Project – a project for the construction of officers’ quarters in the village churches in the provinces. Mission travel – safe travel to village churches to follow up on new mission opportunities. District quarters repairs and maintenance. Ordination and commissioning. Please pray for the cadets of the Champions of the Mission session as they are ordained and commissioned at the Port Moresby campus on 1 December and the Kainantu campus on 8 December.   To find out more about the PNGSI Territory, click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here .

Majors Shirley and Craig Spooner, Corps Officers at Kalgoorlie/Boulder Salvos. Photo credit: Kalgoorlie Miner BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army in the Western Australian Goldfields city of Kalgoorlie/Boulder hosted a free dental clinic over the September long weekend to help people who cannot afford to visit the dentist.   Dentists, clinical staff and volunteers came from Perth and Brisbane to offer services for the Kartirti Ku Free Dental/Health Charity Clinic. “It all started with an email from Ninga Mia Fellowship church [in Kalgoorlie] requesting the use of a church building to accommodate a free dental clinic provided by a team from the Tzu Chi Buddhist volunteer dental team,” said Major Shirley Spooner, Kalgoorlie/Boulder Corps Officer.   Ninga Mia Christian Fellowship is based in a small Aboriginal community on the edge of Kalgoorlie. It is a non-denominational church that caters especially to the homeless, people living on the fringes of town and Aboriginal people from across the desert.   “The weekend was particularly hoping to help children and adults living in poverty and First Nations people,” Shirley said. “We prayed about it and then sent an email offering the use of our wonderful corps building for free.”   Dental equipment and volunteers travelled to the Salvos facility for the weekend, with the local Goldfields Family Dental team providing their mobile dental clinic.   (From left) The health assessment area; waiting room in the worship centre; dental chairs in the Sunday school room. Services included examinations, scaling and cleaning, extractions, and fillings. The weekend’s focus was on offering services to people from Indigenous and remote communities, people experiencing homelessness, and those who have concession or healthcare cards.   “Our building was emptied by the volunteers and us, then everything was set up on the Friday afternoon into the early hours of Saturday morning,” Shirley said. “On the Monday, the building was back up as usual. The Sunday morning worship meeting was held in the Youth Shed to make the space available.”  The Goldfields Family Dental team provided its mobile dental clinic for the occasion. About 80 people were assisted across the weekend, with 241 procedures and basic health assessments. Specialists available were doctors and nurses, a physiotherapist, a pharmacist, a maxillofacial surgeon, a paediatrician, and a neonatal nurse. Sandwiches were also provided for community members who were hungry.   “Overall, this was an amazing partnership that truly blessed our local community,” Shirley said. “We are hoping this will be an annual event which we gladly and proudly support.”

The Salvation Army helped support the international basketball event. Charlie (centre) is pictured with Bryan (left) and Simon (right) from the World International Basketball Federation Committee, a Hong Kong basketballer and event volunteer. BY LERISSE SMITH   The Asia-Pacific Deaf Basketball Championships, held during the International Week of the Deaf (20-26 September), was a great success, with the Australian men’s team winning gold and the women’s team being awarded silver medals.   The Salvation Army helped support the Melbourne event with Major Charlie Jacobsen’s involvement on the Expression Australia’s Community Advisory Group, and Majors Jennifer Cloke and Andrea Elkington from Kingston City Salvos providing a commuter bus and generously donating six boxes of new sports socks for Deaf basketballers.   Charlie said it was an amazing event.   “Congratulations to all players from the countries for their hard work and determination throughout the tournament,” he said.   “The organising committee, Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF) officials, Deaf Connect, Expression Australia (EA) and Expression Audiologist, tireless volunteers, referees, talented photographers, video technology livestreaming, Auslan and other country translators/Interpreters, the State Basketball Stadium, family and friends made it a great success.” Expression Australia Audiologist Gloria Lee with one of the Deaf basketballers who recently participated in the Melbourne event. Through his involvement with the advisory group, Charlie was invited as a volunteer to drive a minibus for the organising committee, the Deaf International Basketball Federation.   The Asia-Pacific Deaf Basketball Championships (APDBC) involved six countries: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, and the Philippines.   One requirement in participating in the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) sanctioned deaf sports events is that athletes are required to have a hearing loss of 55db in the better ear . Deaf sport requires that no hearing devices be worn during games/championships.   Expression Australia provided support by testing the athletes at its Australian offices in Collingwood and Oakleigh, where they were cared for by EA Audiologists. Additionally, the organisation helped transport the team members to their office sites. Charlie’s message loud and clear – sign up to support deaf people. Click here

The core reason for poverty and homelessness in the community is the rising cost of living. Photo: Nicola Barts BY LERISSE SMITH Powerful and compelling stories from individuals facing poverty, homelessness and despair will be highlighted at a special Anti-Poverty Week event with The Salvation Army among the key advocates addressing the critical issue. Salvation Army staff from Tasmania’s Doorways and Care Finder programs have joined forces with five other social welfare organisations to present ‘Surviving Poverty’, an evening dedicated to the stories of those grappling with financial, emotional and homelessness issues. The event will be hosted by St Vincent de Paul Tasmania, which has partnered with the City of Launceston, The Salvation Army, City Mission, Launceston Benevolent Society, CatholicCare Tasmania and Uniting Tas to run the special evening tomorrow night (Wed 16 Oct) at the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk Campus in Launceston. And a primary theme will feature on the night. “A big one for us is education,” said Sue Wynne, The Salvation Army’s Case Manager with CareFinder, who will take part in a panel on support workers’ insights into poverty, homelessness, and the impact on families. “Also overcoming people’s preconceived ideas about what poverty and homelessness for people is really like, and what would some of those preconceived ideas be that people feel exist in society.” The City of Launceston provided funding for the organisations to undertake some pre-recorded video interviews of de-identified community members impacted by poverty and homelessness. The public has been invited to come along and hear their stories of being affected by low income, the cost of living and the struggles of being homeless. The Salvation Army’s Doorways Regional Manager in Tasmania, Anita Reeve, will also host a panel where support workers from the organisations will be interviewed about their experiences working with people encountering poverty and homelessness and the subsequent impact on themselves and their families. Salvo Doorways manager Anita Reeve (left) and case manager Sue Wynne. They will also discuss the difficulties support workers face and join in the audience discussion and answer questions. A feature film, Rosie, detailing the story of a woman, her husband and their four children who find themselves homeless after their landlord sells their house, will also be screened at the event. The film documents the couple desperately searching for a place to live over the next 36 hours while trying to shield the kids from the reality of the situation. Sue said many preconceived notions about poverty and homelessness existed. “A major one would be that people bring it upon themselves,” Sue said. “People believe poverty and homelessness comes through their lifestyle, believing people would rather spend their money on addictions than secure accommodation and groceries and things like that. But it is quite often the other way around. It is ending up in that situation. Some people then end up kind of self-medicating to deal with the situation. But there’s always a much deeper story for people as to how they end up being homeless.” The stories behind why people can find themselves homeless can vary, from people having to leave their homes due to family violence to child abuse and children feeling the need to run away from home because their home life was not safe for them. However, the core reason for poverty and homelessness in the community was the rising cost of living. “People from all walks of life are being affected by it,” Sue explained. “For instance, the cost of rentals has just gone up, and the cost of living has not kept up with it. So, it is not just one demographic now that is dealing with poverty. It is right across the board. So, that makes it really difficult. There’s also a shortage of housing for people, especially affordable housing. So, they are two major things that are really impacting people.” The organisations taking part in Surviving Poverty regularly meet together as a group for various meetings connected with homelessness and poverty in the community. They decided to run a special evening during Anti-Poverty Week with the Rosie documentary produced by Zac Lockhart, The Salvation Army’s Street Team Coordinator in Tasmania. “For instance, the cost of rentals has just gone up, and the cost of living has not kept up with it. So, it is not just one demographic now that is dealing with poverty. It is right across the board.” The pre-recorded video interviews with community members directly encountering homelessness and poverty include one gentleman who has engaged with Sue for a period of time. “Between the organisations, we invited some of our people that we’ve worked with and asked them whether they would be interested in being interviewed for the evening about their experiences with homelessness and poverty because the two go hand in hand,” Sue remarked. “There is one fellow I have worked with for quite a few years. I am very fortunate in my role that I can work with people for an extended length of time because nothing changes in people’s lives quickly. And then there is another lady who is known by another one of the organisations. “So, their two experiences were quite different. The fellow has had a lifelong experience in homelessness, going in and out of it throughout his life, while for the lady, it has been for her more as an adult. We have two very different situations to give some examples.” Sue hopes many people will come along to the evening or to watch the movie so the word can be spread that poverty and homelessness are not what people necessarily think and that there was a lot more involved to the two issues than a lot of people’s preconceived notions. Additionally, she hopes people can display an empathetic, understanding and compassionate attitude towards those doing it tough in the community, asking those experiencing homelessness and poverty how they would like to approach receiving help for their issues or letting them know what services are available. “First and foremost, just sit and listen to their story if that’s what they want to share,” Sue remarked. “Take the time to listen to their story and find out what their needs are. It could be different to what we obviously assume. We can be so off the money, can’t we? Unless we actually ask people and say, “How can I help you, and how can I meet your needs?” Surviving Poverty will be held tomorrow night, Wednesday, 16 October, at the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk Campus Rory Spence Lecture Theatre in Launceston. For bookings and details : https://events.humanitix.com/surviving-poverty-an-anti-poverty-week-event?hxchl=hex-qrc&hxref=evt Powerful and compelling stories from individuals facing poverty, homelessness and despair will be highlighted at the Surviving Poverty event. Photo: Mart Production

(From left) Dr Graeme White (Employment Plus National Director), Kristy McBain (Member for Eden-Monaro), Major Peter McGuigan (Head of Government Relations) at the launch of the Employment Plus bus. The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus has officially launched a new mobile bus program that it has been trialling for the past month in a regional area of southern New South Wales. A recent survey undertaken by Employment Plus found that nearly half of its job seekers who struggle to get to their appointments may be impacted by poor public transport in their area or not having a car, a driver’s licence, or finances for fuel. So, The Salvation Army’s employment service set out to remove those barriers to employment by trialling a new face-to-face service taking Employment Plus directly to job seekers. The Employment Plus bus visits job seekers in regional NSW who have barriers to transport to assist them in accessing their appointments and continuing with their job search. A modified bus, equipped with two interview stations and everything needed for job-seeking, began to visit job seekers in Berridale, Bibbenluke, Bombala, Boorowa, Cooma, Harden and Jindabyne. “Finding work can be a difficult and emotional task, and we want to take some of the stress and headache out of getting support so that job seekers can really focus on finding work – rather than finding us,” said Employment Plus National Director Dr Graeme White. “We know it’s even harder for regional job seekers who have that bit further to travel to make appointments.” Nearly 500 appointments took place in the bus during the pilot program. This week, the new service was officially launched by the Federal Minister for Regional Development and Territories and local member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, outside Parliament House in Canberra. The Employment Plus bus is fitted out with two interview stations, and everything needed for job seeking. “I’ve been so impressed by the positive work from this new mobile bus program’s pilot, including in my own electorate of Eden-Monaro, and I’m excited to see this support for regional job seekers continue – directly connecting them with crucial, face-to-face employment opportunities that could transform their future.” It’s anticipated that similar Employment Plus bus services will be launched in regional areas across other states of Australia in the coming years.

Temora Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Caleb Smith standing in front of the newly acquired truck. Temora Corps in Central NSW has taken delivery of a truck donated by Young Corps, its Salvo neighbours an hour up the road. The truck still has Young written on the side, but it will be painted and rebranded as the Salvos truck in Temora, said Auxiliary-Lieutenant Caleb Smith, Temora Corps Officer. Caleb said the truck donation was a “big deal” for Temora and would be “highly beneficial”. The Family Store in Temora. “It will not only make things easier for us but also for people who are wanting to donate furniture,” he said. “Having this truck means when it comes to furniture pickups, we now won’t have to do multiple runs. “Usually, we’d do a few trailer-loads here and there, but now this truck has solved that problem. The hydraulic lift on the back is also a big help. “Furniture donations are important to us because we can either sell the goods or give them to those who need it the most.” Temora Salvos store volunteer Graeme Sing, who was Temora Citizen of the Year a few years ago, will take charge of the vehicle. An edited version of an article that appeared in the Temora Independent

Essential Christianity is an ideal resource to be read in a small group setting. REVIEWED BY TANWIN TONOTO ‘Basic Christianity’ – I never liked that term. It sounds oxymoron to me. Because there is nothing ‘basic’ about Christianity. Also, that term miscommunicates what Christianity is. It treats Christianity like a personal development course where you finish ‘Christianity 101’ only to do ‘Christianity 201’. If we believe Christianity is about our relationship with God, then doing ‘basic’ things is fundamental. If Martin Luther is correct in saying that progress is always to begin again, then it is beneficial for us to go back to our ‘Basic Christianity’. (Yeah, I still don’t like the term). One of the topics that I often revisit is introductions to Christianity. Books like Knowing God, Need to Know, and This Thing Called Christianity. Because on one hand, the gospel is so rich that it can be told and explained in a number of ways. Now, I’m not saying the gospel is many things. But I’m saying the gospel is one thing that can be expressed in different ways. The other reason is the dynamic movement of our culture. We live in a very diverse and dynamic culture that we need a fresh look at how we explain Christianity in today’s language to today’s world. Essential Christianity is a good book that explains what Christianity is in today’s language. Greear summarises the gospel in 10 words that critique, probe and challenge our post-post-modern thinking today. Those words are: Announcement (instead of advice), Undeniable (instead of personal opinion), Refusal (instead of following your heart), (Not) Religion (instead of, well, religion), Rescue (instead of being a better you), Faith (instead of striving), Inclusion (instead of exclusiveness), Struggle (instead of the good life), Spirit (instead of religious), Therefore (now what?). One of the strengths of this book is its simplicity. The 10 words are easy to remember. They are challenging today’s worldview, and they are biblically faithful. The other strength is the book is easy to read. Greear is one of those gifted writers that can easily connect and relate to his audience. This is a great book to read together in a small group. It adds your vocabulary in sharing the gospel using contemporary language and examples. The book is also a great tool to be read with unbelievers. It does not use much Christian jargon. And when it does, it does a good job of explaining it. I would recommend this to all church leaders and pastors as a tool in their back pockets. Essential Christianity is a good resource in our everyday evangelism in many contexts today. Essential Christianity is available in Kindle and paperback editions from Amazon.com.au .

Intercultural Ministry Worker Alison Geno (left), Community Outreach Worker David and corps volunteer ‘Tiny’ host the Cairns Corps sausage sizzle. By CLIFF WORTHING Cairns Corps in Far North Queensland mobilised its many cultures to host multiple Harmony Week events from 20-26 March. “We are living multiculturalism in our corps and community,” said Alison Geno, Inter-cultural Ministry Worker at Cairns Corps. “We are caring together, embracing diversity and bringing people together.” The Cairns Corps ‘giveaway table’ at The Villas caravan park event. The corps supported refugee activities the week before Harmony Week, a community group event at The Villas, a local caravan park on Harmony Day, and then the corps-hosted event at Cairns Family Store. At the Family Store event, the corps provided over 200 meals, free coffee from the Salvos coffee van, a retail sale and a cake-cutting ceremony featuring the many different cultures represented. “There was lots of dancing, singing, music and a lot of yarning,” Alison said. “We were cooking up a storm in the midst of a week of storms, rain and mud, but we don’t stop for rain!” The ubiquitous Salvos sausage sizzle still enjoyed a prominent place amongst dozens of other cultural dishes during Harmony Week activities in Cairns. Corps volunteers celebrating Harmony Week at the Cairns Family Store. “We had so much lovely multicultural food from our corps members and volunteers, but people still like their sausage sandwich,” Alison said. “Not that they didn’t love our feast of cultural dishes!” A scripture Alison used at every opportunity during the week’s activities was: “Live happily together in a spirit of harmony and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own” (Romans 12:16, TPT). “We are so on board doing our bit,” Alison said. “You’ve got to be visible, get dirty, and follow through for others.”

Dress up for church, or come as you are? “If coming to church requires me to dress, behave and be presentable in a way not required of me at other times, then surely it is not the ‘real’ me who sits in the pew,” says prison chaplain Major Russell Anderson. By MAJOR RUSSELL ANDERSON There was a time when getting ready to go to church involved putting on your ‘Sunday best’. For people of my vintage, ‘Sunday best’ clothes had a special place in the wardrobe and were only ever worn to church. This included children. Parents dressed their kids in ‘special’ clothes with strict orders to keep them clean – no playing, no climbing and definitely no kicking balls. My wife and I brought up our children similarly – dressing them to look presentable before we stepped out every Sunday morning. And what do you know? Our daughter does the same with her children! On reflection, I now see that what might seem entirely appropriate, even innocuous, in this routine can actually have consequences in how we connect with God, and him with us, during that time we call ‘church’. If coming to church requires me to dress, behave and be presentable in a way not required of me at other times, then surely it is not the ‘real’ me who sits in the pew. Unintentionally, I have been encouraged to pretend, to put on ‘a mask’, and to present myself to others and God in a way that says, ‘All is A-OK in my life’. Just as you are I have been involved in prison ministry for the past seven years, and there is no ‘Sunday best’ in chapel on Sundays. Guys come in their ‘prison greens’, the same outfit they would wear lounging around their unit, doing laps in the yard, in the classroom or at work. They have no option. They are not expected to present differently on Sundays than on any other day of the week in any other setting. It’s like the real them comes to church, which is sometimes proven in their behaviour and vocabulary. But, you know, it is equally proven in their openness and honesty around messed up lives and one’s need for God and his forgiveness. There is a sense that they ‘Come, just as you are to worship’, as we sometimes sing. What do you think God does with that?! Unfortunately, this concept of ‘putting on your Sunday best’ can affect more than our outward appearance. When we are conditioned to accept that one must look and behave in a particular way in a church setting, what happens to us when we sit next to someone who didn’t get that memo? How is our openness to the Holy Spirit’s presence and his still, quiet voice affected? How honest can we be around our need for God’s intervention when we sit behind the mask of ‘our Sunday best’? Now, I do believe some preparations are helpful before entering a time of structured, corporate worship and teaching held in the presence of our mighty, Holy God. But I don’t believe they include ‘putting on’ anything that might add another layer over the ‘real’ me. Even before our ‘Sunday best’ goes on, don’t we already practise hiding and covering up the real needs in our life from others, even God? Maybe our preparations would be more helpful if they included ‘putting off’ things? I’m reminded of something Jesus said. When his disciples came to him contemplating what greatness looked like in heaven, Jesus centred his attention on a little child and said to them, “ ...‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:3-4). Maybe we would be better served when preparing for Sunday church to intentionally: • Put off our adult pride and humble ourselves as a child. • Put off our adult independence and acknowledge our need for ‘Abba, Father’. • Put off our adult ‘correctness’ and speak and behave with the innocence of a child. • Put off our adult judgements and learn child-like acceptance. Imagine how different our Sunday church experience would be if all prepared in prayer and meditation around this self-honesty rather than adding ‘a mask’. What do you think God would do with that? Major Russell Anderson is The Salvation Army Prison Chaplain at Marngoneet Barwon, Marngoneet (Vic.)

Palm Sunday, when many churches begin their Easter celebrations in earnest. Photo: Brady Leavell By JULIA HOSKING Easter is a celebration of love and life. God loves us so much that he sent his son Jesus into the world to give meaning and purpose to our lives. “For here is the way God loved the world – he gave his only, unique son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life” (John chapter 3, verse 16). Every year, Easter has two significant celebrations – Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Unlike Christmas, these dates change from year to year based on the lunar calendar. In 2023, Easter will be celebrated on Good Friday 7 April, and Easter Sunday 9 April. Many churches, however, start Easter celebrations today – Palm Sunday – which leads to the term ‘Holy Week’. Holy Week refers to the days and events leading up to Easter Sunday. It starts with Palm Sunday, when Jesus was celebrated as King and Saviour by large crowds as he came into Jerusalem, before his betrayal by a close friend, his last meal with his followers, a night of sorrowful prayer and then Good Friday – when Jesus died on the cross. Crucified on a cross Good Friday is significant because it was the first step in reconciling the world and humanity to our creator God. While on Earth, Jesus experienced life as a human. Throughout his life, he knew what it was like to be hungry, tired, alone and grieving. Then, on Good Friday he was betrayed, rejected and crucified. After he died, Jesus was taken down from the cross, and his body was placed in a dark tomb, sealed and guarded from the outside with a heavy stone. On Saturday, Jesus’ followers felt devastated, afraid, disappointed, uncertain and hopeless. But on Sunday, a miracle happened. Risen from the dead The Bible says in the first light of day, some women went to Jesus’ tomb, expecting to anoint his dead body, as per their custom. But instead of finding Jesus’ body, they saw angels, who said, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” (Luke chapter 24, verses 5-6). In the days that followed, Jesus appeared to his disciples many times, showing them that he indeed was alive. Jesus’ resurrection is the reason for Easter Sunday celebrations, as it gives Christians hope and joy. Holy Week is full of contrasts. There is honour and praise followed by a day of deep, dark sadness, followed by joy, hope and light. Despite hot cross buns and Easter eggs appearing on store shelves from early January, it can be a little complicated to understand why Good Friday is ‘good’, why Easter is celebrated or how the meaning of Easter relates to our lives today. The essence of Easter Jesus says, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance” (John chapter 10, verse 10b). This is the essence of Easter. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are for all our sakes so we can have life in all its fullness – now and in the future. When the world offers us stress about the cost of living and interest rate rises, Jesus offers us peace. When the world seems full of hate and devastation, Jesus extends love and wholeness. Many of the emotions that were there on Good Friday are similar to those we may be experiencing today. Friends who betray and reject us. Fear and anxiety over financial insecurity and sickness. Pain and heartache for loved ones. Confusion and hopelessness about the future. Grief, despair, loneliness. Jesus understands it all. He took all this upon himself – our shame, brokenness and mistakes. He put them to death on the cross where he died so we could be free of it all. The significance of Good Friday lies in the fact that Jesus loves us so much he gave up everything so that we could experience true and everlasting life. Jesus’ death was a sacrifice for everyone so we could have a close relationship with God. It was an overwhelmingly great act of love! Easter at the Salvos Easter is a significant event on the Christian calendar, and, as part of the Christian church, The Salvation Army will host faith gatherings across the weekend. Each gathering will be different, as the Salvos respond to the needs of the community in which they are based. On Good Friday – to reflect on the death of Jesus – some Salvos will host contemplative church services, decorate their halls with candles and crosses for quiet prayer services, provide hot cross bun morning teas or walk through the streets with a cross. On Easter Sunday – to celebrate Jesus’ coming back to life – churches, including the Salvos, will host upbeat, celebratory services, dawn services in outdoor settings, or Easter egg hunts. The Salvos welcome people from all backgrounds to come and celebrate Easter with us. Whether you grew up in a Christian environment or not, your local Salvos would love to see you at Easter or throughout the year at various informal gatherings, including playgroups, women’s outings, seniors’ groups, small group spiritual chats and more. This Easter, we pray that you discover what it means to become truly alive in and through God’s love. For more information on Easter, click here Julia Hosking is a communications content specialist for The Salvation Army Australia.