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The Salvation Army in Bulgaria, which officially opened this year, set up its first Christmas market last week – on a NATO base. As well as selling Christmas items to raise funds for its Christmas campaign, soldiers on the base can also purchase gifts for local children in need as part of The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree campaign. “The soldiers can help make the little Christmas dreams of these children come true,” said Captain Inna Lebedeva, divisional leader in Bulgaria. “We thank the NATO Social Work Department in Bulgaria, with which The Salvation Army has been cooperating here since 2021.” Bulgaria is part of the Eastern Europe Territory which also includes Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.

Overwhelmed by emptiness, Andrew pleaded for divine intervention. God, who had never left nor forsaken him, delivered Andrew in a powerful way. He recently told his story when being enrolled as a Senior Soldier at Coffs Harbour Corps (NSW). My life was far from glamorous. My childhood was not like any picture-perfect family. I witnessed struggles and conflicts that no kid should ever be witness to. I would lie in my bed each night pretending to be asleep, praying for all the pain to go away. The pain I felt couldn’t be expressed in words. Before long, I was taken away and placed in foster care. I felt lost and abandoned. I found solace in the quiet moments, gazing up at the night sky, wondering about my purpose in this life. Some years passed and I returned home. The next few years are as if they have been wiped from my memory. Though not raised in a religious household, I found myself at the age of eight, walking into a church by myself and sitting amongst the 300-plus people in the church pews listening to the words of God. Though I was riddled with the fear of anxiety in my life, I felt at peace. For the next few years, I found myself attending Sunday services, after-school kids’ Bible classes and doing the work of Jesus by helping the elderly and less fortunate through the church. As I grew older, I faced my own battles, grappling with feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. My troubles grew, and I found myself entangled in a web of bad choices. I sought solace in the wrong places, searching for meaning and purpose in all the wrong things. The allure of drugs and the subsequent pain they inflicted on my life consumed me. During these dark times, I resisted the call of God, turning away from my faith in search of solace elsewhere. It is in these moments of rebellion that I learned firsthand the perils of straying from the path of righteousness. Overwhelmed by the emptiness that consumed me, I found myself filled with self-hatred. Thoughts of suicide frequently crossed my mind as I struggled to find solace within the confines of my mundane existence. Every aspect of my everyday life no longer provided comfort. In a desperate attempt to awaken the dormant spirit within me and escape the emotional void, I began actively seeking out danger. Engaging in activities that others would avoid became my means of feeling something, anything at all. The adrenaline rush of taking risks became my only refuge. However, if it hadn’t been for divine intervention, on multiple occasions, I wouldn't be here today. These miraculous interventions, occurring at just the right moments, saved me from the brink of despair and allowed me to continue this journey called life. Filled with a desperate longing for guidance and redemption, I reached out, pleading for divine intervention. It was in this vulnerable moment of surrender that a transformative encounter unfolded before me, forever altering the trajectory of my life. The presence of divine grace enveloped me, embracing me with its ethereal touch, drawing me closer to the purpose for which I was created. Since that profound experience, my life has taken on a new meaning. It has ignited a spark within me, propelling me towards fulfilling the purpose I was meant to serve. The divine grace that washed over me continues to guide me on this spiritual journey, empowering me to make meaningful changes and seek a deeper connection with God. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted. A kind-hearted congregation – Coffs Harbour Salvation Army – welcomed me with open arms, offering love, acceptance and understanding. As I immersed myself in the teachings of the Bible, I began to rediscover the faith that had always resided within me. I found strength in prayer, guidance in Scripture, and solace in the fellowship of my new-found community. God’s grace renewed a sense of purpose and hope. With each passing day, my life transformed. I sought forgiveness for past mistakes, making amends and striving to live a life of integrity and kindness. My troubled past was not forgotten, but it no longer defined me. Instead, it served as a testament to the incredible power of redemption and the unwavering love of God. Throughout my journey, I acknowledge the immense impact of the people who have walked alongside me. I express a profound gratitude for the inspirational individuals who provided unwavering support, encouragement and guidance. These mentors, friends and fellow believers helped me navigate the trials and tribulations, reinforcing my faith and proving the power of community. No matter how lost we may feel, there is always a path to rediscover our true selves and find solace in the loving embrace of God. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul tells us: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it”. Because of Jesus my heart is free.

I’ve seen lots of movies about Jesus, and I can’t recall which one it was (sorry), but there was one that opened with a bunch of men playing an ancient form of soccer. In look and dress, they appeared as men from Jesus’ era and were kicking around what looked to be a bunch of rags tied together. At one stage they get quite vigorous, and there’s a ‘stacks on’ moment as they fall on top of each other laughing. As the men stand up and start using names, it turns out that at the bottom of the stack is Jesus! It becomes apparent that on their wanderings from town to town, they’ve taken a rest break and played a game to amuse themselves. The scene shook me a little at first – it’s not biblical! – but then I thought: hang on, you’ve got a bunch of blokes travelling together, most in their 20s and 30s; every now and then they’re going to want to run off some energy and get competitive at the same time, and the scene made great sense to me. It also highlighted Jesus’ fully human nature – he liked playing footy with the boys! There are lots of moments in the Gospels when we read of Jesus and the disciples travelling together, and I wonder what they would have said. Jesus – Right, lads. Fifteen miles to go; let’s keep moving. Peter – Let’s run it and see who gets there first! Jesus – No, Peter. Just walk. Thomas – Why do we have to walk? Why don’t we have donkeys? Jesus – Walking is good, Thomas, it gives us time to think. Peter – I don’t want to think, I want to run! Andrew – How about you run, brother? We’ll walk. Peter – Yes! I’ll run. You walk. See ya suckers. [Peter runs off, at full speed.] Thomas – Are we there yet? Jesus – No, Thomas. Matthew – Isn’t this a toll road? I hate paying tolls. Why don’t we take the longer road and avoid the toll? Judas – We’ll just pay the toll. I’m sure there’s enough coins in the bag. Jesus – Are you sure there’s enough in there, Judas? Judas – Yes, I’m sure. Hey, have I ever let you down before? Thomas – Are we there yet? Jesus – No, Thomas. John – You old guys walk slow. Jesus – John, relax. You’ll be old one day. John – I can’t even imagine a time I’ll be that old. Can’t even picture it. Jesus – The day will come. What’s that dust cloud on the road ahead? [After a moment it becomes apparent what the dust cloud is as Peter returns to them all sweaty and puffing.] Peter – Right. Been there. Back. Now what? Judas – Do it again. Peter – Yes, I will! [Peter runs away again, still at full speed.] Thomas – Are we there yet? Jesus – No, Thomas. But we’ll be there soon. Thomas – Of course we will; never doubted it for a minute. – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

As we again journey through the season of Advent, The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) has launched a free online devotional booklet by Captain Laura van Schaick, a writer for the daily devotional Words of Life. The booklet can be downloaded or read online here. “As we begin our Advent journey, we look towards the birth of Jesus and the hope that is promised as we wait for Jesus’ return,” writes Laura. “In these days between hope fulfilled and hope longed-for, may we recognise our role in bringing the light of hope to an often-dark world. “This year, as we journey through the Advent season, we will pause each week to again remind ourselves about the hope, peace, joy and love that can be ours because of the miracle of that first Christmas: Jesus moving into our neighbourhood.” Australian resources The Mission Resources team have created resources to assist with Advent worship services around the Australia Territory under the theme ‘Living With’. Week 1 is ‘Living with hope’. To access sermons, reflections and all social media assets head over to mySalvos Toolkit: https://tinyurl.com/27mnkmjj

BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army is releasing new resources to encourage and equip Salvos to include people with disabilities more intentionally in faith communities and mission. Joseph Pinkard is The Salvation Army’s national Disability Inclusion Lead, starting in August last year, and he began in the role by considering a new approach to resourcing. “Over the last year, I spent considerable time listening to Salvos living with disability, corps leaders and reviewing the existing disability inclusion resources. I felt there was scope to do something amplifying the lived experiences of people and their carers and exploring biblical perspectives on disability too. The lived experience of disability is so broad. Visible and invisible disabilities, people who are born with a disability and those who acquire them, to those who live with multiple disabilities. Bringing together a diverse range of perspectives provides a fuller picture than you would normally get from just one person writing all the devotionals.” The devotional is aimed at individuals exploring the topic of disability inclusion in a diverse range of Salvo mission expressions. Belonging and becoming is an accessible digital devotional featuring seven reflections contributed by Salvos with a lived experience or a personal connection to disability. “Scripture was written over a period of time thousands of years ago, and its perspectives on disability somewhat align with our understanding today and somewhat differ as well,” Joseph explains. “The Bible is central to our faith; there’s no reason to shy away from it when it comes to disability, but we do need to approach with an openness regarding what’s being said and what we interpret about disability.” The Salvation Army’s focus on disability inclusion is about creating mission expressions where people with disabilities experience welcome and belonging, ensuring equitable opportunities to engage with mission.Themes of disability and inclusion feature throughout Scripture, from commands around community support, ritualistic instructions, poetry, and the miracle stories. For those with a disability, the relationship with the biblical narrative can be liberating or fraught, depending on how it is interpreted. “There are stories in the New Testament where Jesus is healing people with disability,” Joseph explains. “Think of the story of the man born blind in John. That passage explores the question, ‘Why does disability happen?’ Is it something that’s caused by sin? We need to create spaces to engage with these stories, to consider their connotations and to wrestle with it. Particularly regarding questions of healing. What does healing actually mean for a person living with a disability? Some people living with disability may not even want to be healed in the sense we assume they might.” Belonging and becoming approaches these Scripture stories with a lived experience of disability to hear what personal perspectives can share on the passages. Each devotion focuses on a different aspect of disability inclusion and features a biblical perspective, reflection questions and a prayer. “The Salvation Army is an organisation with an enormous connection to disability,” Joseph explains. “The amount of people who live with disabilities, have a family member with a disability, or a connection to disability is huge. Disability runs through all our streams and mission expressions. It surprised me how many people have a connection to disability.” The Disability Inclusion Toolkit on mySalvos features a range of other resources, including a Disability Inclusion Checklist to help local mission expressions reflect on their local context, a Disability Inclusion Discipleship Study that can be used by small groups or individuals, and a Disability Inclusion Language Guide. Other materials include assets for Neurodiverse Discipleship Groups, Auslan Interpreter Services and Fees, and a guide to celebrating International Day of People with Disability. “If we don’t get this right, people get excluded,” Joseph explains. “They develop a view of the Church that isn’t as welcoming as it wants to be. That’s sad. Everyone is part of God’s Kingdom, including people with disabilities, which is what we see in Jesus’ parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14. Everyone had a role to play, everyone is a part of the body, as we read in 1 Corinthians 12. When we get it wrong and don’t include people with disability to serve and participate, we lose part of the body of the Christ.” Belonging and becoming will be available in a range of delivery methods so different people can engage with it according to their needs, and is now available for download from the Disability Inclusion Toolkit on mySalvos.

As we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Major Sue Davies shares her story of the hard days, the good days, and most of all how holding onto Scripture has been her lifeline. She reminds us that God has fearfully and wonderfully made his people and that people with disabilities have wonderful gifts to share.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? Presently, I have three roles, all of which I enjoy and find fulfilling. Along with my wife, Sharon, I am now in my eighth year of being Area Officer for the Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and South Burnett regions. At the beginning of 2023, I was appointed as Assistant Divisional Commander for Queensland. My third role is Coordinator for INSPIRE, which is a spiritual leadership development journey for officers and employed Salvation Army mission leaders. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? While my roles do keep me well occupied, I strongly believe that to see effective work outcomes, one needs to balance work with time off to relax and unwind. If the wind and tides are right, I go fishing or bike riding. If not, we might watch a good movie or go for a drive. I also love a good coffee! 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? Good question. Don’t know if I have any real favourites, but over the past year, the songs I Speak Jesus and The Goodness of God have been significant to me for different reasons. 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? As with many others, I would like to have a conversation with Paul. While he has a great transformation story and great theological knowledge, he was also one who personally struggled at times. Even though he experienced both personal challenges and persecution from those who should have known better, he remained steadfast to the calling on his life and his personal relationship with God. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? There is no doubt that officership is not for everyone. In saying that, I can’t think of one appointment over the past 37 years where I have not found fulfilment. That’s not saying everything has been easy. Sharon and I have had to work through with God some very challenging times, but overall we have been to places, had a myriad of experiences, and seen God at work in many ways that we may not have experienced if we had chosen a different path.

On 1 December 2018, The Salvation Army in Australia officially became one national territory to enhance mission opportunities and to impact more Australians with the love of Jesus. When the Australia One project commenced, we knew it would be a journey of ongoing change. Although this has not been easy, the benefit of a united voice, shared vision, stronger partnerships and improved stewardship does give us a reason to celebrate and be inspired by what lies ahead.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Colonel Rodney Walters represented The Salvation Army at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday for the official launch of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the 36th annual appeal, supported by Kmart Group Managing Director Ian Bailey, alongside Kmart’s founding charity partner, The Salvation Army. It was the first time Miriam and the Prime Minister had met in their current executive roles. “It was a wonderful day in Canberra celebrating our partnership with Kmart at the launch of the Christmas tree,” Miriam said. “We are grateful ... Aussies are good when times are tough. Thank you!” Rodney, Secretary for Communications, said he felt blessed and humbled to be part of the occasion. “[It was] such a wonderful opportunity to engage with our political leaders and their fantastic staff ... [and] Kmart and their fantastic team,” he said. The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive, raising over $5.6 million in funding and providing 10 million gifts to those in need at Christmas. In 2023, Kmart aims to raise over half a million dollars for the appeal and collect 300,000 gifts to help those in need. The Prime Minister said the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal was a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, bringing joy into the lives of others. “The enduring strength and remarkable success of this appeal has always spoken for the generosity of the Australian people. I’m sure that this year, Australians will once again dig deep to support families who are doing it tough at Christmas. “This should be a magical time of year for children, and by supporting the Wishing Tree Appeal, you can help keep Christmas special. “If you can spare it, please give generously, knowing the presents you leave under your nearest Wishing Tree will be treasured on Christmas morning by those most in need.” As part of the launch, a Wishing Tree was placed in Parliament House, a ritual used for the past 11 years. All Parliament House visitors, Parliamentarians and staff, can leave an unwrapped gift under the tree. Kmart Group Managing Director Ian Bailey said he was proud not only of the 50,000 team members around Australia who proactively support the gift drive each Christmas through Kmart stores nationally, but also of the millions of Australians who visit Kmart stores at Christmas to drop off a gift. “As a large retailer, we want to make sure we’re actively giving back to communities in which we operate, and particularly the most vulnerable groups within our community. Through our partnership with The Salvation Army, this appeal has been able to help more Australian families have the Christmas they deserve. Bringing joy to our customers is what Kmart is about, and we are proud to partner with The Salvation Army to achieve that.” The Wishing Tree Appeal will run until Sunday 24 December. For more information, click here Some information in this article courtesy of Mirage News

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Christmas is a time of anticipation. As soon as shopping centres and department stores roll out festive displays, children begin quivering with excitement at the thought of gifts to unwrap. Family WhatsApp chats fill with food ideas and discussions of logistics. Who has the best air-conditioning or pool to best host? Who will fly or drive in swarming heat this year? And in my opinion, what is perhaps the most important question of all – who is in charge of the ham? For Christians, we look forward to the candles and the nativity displays that remind us of Jesus, who entered a world of pain and risk as a vulnerable child to bring ultimate restoration. Joy-stealers However, events with great anticipation surrounding them are not always joyful. How do you feel when treatment options are running out and you suspect this Christmas may be your last? What about when the bank account is running low, and you feel a need to retreat from your excited children to grieve what you could have given them if circumstances were different? One pain I know all too well is the gaps at the table left by family dysfunction. When each year, you eat extravagant food with a lump in your throat, wishing things were different. Christmas is a reminder that not every wound can be healed with a sprig of mistletoe, and not every heart can be warmed with a particularly good eggnog. Sometimes, Christmas just hurts. “I wonder sometimes if our hurting souls spent more time at Christmas thinking on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the struggles of his mother, we might feel less alone in our own pain.” As anyone who has been pregnant will know, anticipating the birth of a child is not always happy either. Many parents harbour fears – about their child’s wellbeing, about their capacity to care for an infant, about the state of the world or the community into which they are bringing their child. For Mary, mother of Jesus, her fears may have been difficult to fully quantify. She was a young teenager, bearing a child with a man who was not the biological father. The government was unsafe, to say the least. In the end, she didn’t have a soft bed to birth in, or a warm inflatable pool to soothe her labour pains. Medical attention was not sophisticated or even readily available in a stable in Bethlehem. It was likely her, Joseph and some noisy animals. Talk about the makings of a traumatic birth story! Deep hope And yet, in her moment of deep need, she managed to birth the greatest source of hope the world has ever known. God’s plan is somehow providential, mysterious and confusing at the same time. I wonder sometimes if our hurting souls spent more time at Christmas thinking on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the struggles of his mother, we might feel less alone in our own pain. I love The Message Bible translation of Romans chapter 8, verses 22-25, which describes how, as we anticipate Jesus’ restoration of his creation, we feel pains like Mary did: “All around us, we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. This Christmas, I pray you can reflect on the God who sees, and the God who grieves alongside you. The God who is deeper than twinkling fairy lights, carols and perfectly wrapped gifts. The God of grit and grain, of manure and hope.

By LAUREN MARTIN With great excitement, Engadine Salvos Stores, in Sydney’s south, marked its first birthday recently, with Salvos from the store and the local corps coming together to celebrate and bless the local community. There was a buzz throughout the store that spilled out onto the street, with a Salvos coffee cart serving free coffee, kids being gifted lolly bags in-store and free doughnuts thanks to a generous donation from Woolworths in nearby Menai. The store in the heart of Engadine’s main street has been a popular shopping and community hub since it opened in 2022. Many shoppers are regulars and are known by volunteers, staff and Engadine Salvos Stores’ very own Salvation Army Mission Leader. Chez Wilson is a qualified caseworker who operates out of the Engadine Salvos Store to assist people in the community. Her role is to fulfil The Salvation Army’s four mission pillars – building healthy communities, working for justice, caring for people, and creating faith pathways. Over this past year, she has built relationships with volunteers, staff and customers at the store and in the local community with other not-for-profit organisations, local churches and businesses. “I see myself as a link between what The Salvation Army can offer as well as helping locals connect with other supports in the community. This could look like someone who is lonely coming in for a chat and a cup of coffee, someone who is in need of prayer, a new mum to the community looking for a playgroup or other women to connect with, or someone in addiction or escaping an abusive relationship, homeless or in need of financial assistance. “My role is to meet people where they are at, listen and respond to their need and connect them with the right help and supports either in the local community or in the wider LGA as appropriate.” Salvos Stores are integral to The Salvation Army’s work in Australia. They provide Australians with low-cost, quality second-hand clothing and household items and stop thousands of tonnes of unwanted goods from going to landfill. All profits from Salvos Stores go directly towards funding the mission work of The Salvation Army, such as assisting people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and those rebuilding after natural disasters. They are also often the first point of contact that community members have with The Salvation Army. Mark Soper heads up The Salvation Army’s work across the Sutherland Shire in southern Sydney and says it makes sense to place a Mission Leader like Chez within a Salvos Store: “Our vision was to have a Salvation Army Mission Leader in every Salvation Army expression across the Sutherland Shire.” “We want people to know that wherever they see The Salvation Army red shield, they can find someone who can assist them with whatever hardship they may be facing. That assistance may be in the form of a referral to another Salvation Army or different partnering agency, it may be just that they need a listening ear and someone to support them, or we might be able to help them with food and other emergency assistance.” Salvation Army mission leaders are also situated at the Panania Salvos Store, Sutherland Salvos Store and Helensburgh Salvos Store. There is also a Mission Leader located at Shire Salvos Miranda and Shire Salvos Menai.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE After a decades-long journey, newly commissioned Lieutenant Leeanne Pattison can’t wait to begin her life as a Salvation Army officer. For the past two years, Leeanne has been a cadet with the Defenders of Justice session at Eva Burrows College and was commissioned on Friday 24 November at Adelaide City Salvos. She has been appointed to the Noarlunga Corps in Adelaide’s south and will take up her appointment in January 2024 as the Corps Officer. After working in ministry roles for many years, Leeanne became a candidate helper at City Salvos, then a cadet-in-appointment. “It was a process,” Leeanne says. “I was in my position at a corps for a couple of years, and I really felt that God wanted more of me. I considered a divisional role, and it didn’t feel right. I had struggled with this feeling for a while and talked with people about it. I was wrestling with something inside. I originally felt called [to officership] 20 years ago. There was a hurdle at the time, and I just stood back. I still did ministry roles, but I put officership on the back-burner.” Leeanne was a Children’s and Youth Assistant at Parafield Gardens Corps in Adelaide for five years before becoming a candidate helper at City Salvos. The role of candidate helper prepares someone for training and officership by experiencing the work firsthand. “The role of candidate helper was to work alongside the officers,” explains Leeanne. “I was doing sermons already in that space, learning the ins and outs of corps ministry, then coming to my time as a cadet there. Being in a corps setting really helps, with officers there to teach me the ropes. Overall, it’s been a good experience, being able to learn more on the job and see things you may not necessarily see.” The cadet-in-appointment role involves remote study rather than living on-site at Eva Burrows College. The role has pioneered new forms of learning that have become more standard since COVID-19 restrictions. “I had a day of designated classes I attended online,” explains Leeanne. “Two days a week at the corps and two study days. We also flew over about three times a year for orientation and intensives. It worked for me. As a single mum, I really needed to stay in Adelaide. You’re not with your session mates or your lecturers as much, but I still got to know my session well. You find different ways of connecting.” Growing up as the child of Salvation Army officers, Leeanne first considered officership decades earlier. While feeling called to ministry, Leeanne wasn’t initially sure if officership was the right path for her. “I had been through a really rough time, and I thought I was hearing wrong,” Leeanne says. “I thought, ‘I’m a mess, I can’t be an officer.’ I was at a real low point. I just pushed that aside and ended up studying community service, and then that led to my ministry roles. There’s been callings on the way, though, and I eventually got there.” “I think it’s important to follow God’s lead,” continues Leeanne. “I think it’s been about stepping into the unknown, even the challenges I know are going to happen. There’s strength in that. I think I will see – both in ministry positions but also personally – that God can use me. That’s the important thing, listening to God and stepping forward.”