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In a candid interview with Salvos Online journalist LAUREN MARTIN, outgoing Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett discusses women in leadership, her ‘biggest regret’ and the music she’ll be playing in retirement.   Salvos Online journalist Lauren Martin. Ever since she was appointed Chief Secretary of the Australia Territory in January 2020, Colonel Winsome Merrett has both intrigued and inspired me.   There was something about the enormity of her role in overseeing operations of The Salvation Army across the whole of Australia, and the way that she seemed to be able to hold such responsibility with razor-sharp focus and clarity of vision.   Whenever I had a chance, I would go out of my way to strike up a conversation and get to know the woman behind the leadership bulletins. So, when the opportunity arose to interview her on the eve of her retirement, it was a pleasure to sit down for a coffee and a yarn with the ‘Chief’. The interview   Lauren: Winsome, it’s going to feel weird without you as Chief Secretary, you’ve been in the position for so long! But obviously, this has just been the final appointment of your Salvation Army ministry, and there have been so many others. Have you had a favourite, or a highlight appointment?   Winsome: Yes, probably two. I think our six years in Darwin would have been a highlight for both of us [herself and husband, Colonel Kelvin Merrett], but certainly for me. And then Eastern Victoria Division, when I was Divisional Commander for five and a half years.   Lauren: I did expect that it would be Darwin, having your roots in Alice Springs as a child and also in Darwin as well, but what about being the Divisional Commander, what was happening that was so exciting in that space?   Winsome: I think I learned lots. I had a really good team, and we started a strategy to try and actually, really interesting [when you look at the direction that the Army is going now], it was a strategy to get corps and social connecting – this whole integrated mission concept. And it was very, very early days; we are so much more advanced now.   You know, that was 15 years ago, and the TC (Territorial Commander) took a chance on me as a woman in leadership. Both of us were in another division, Kelvin was the Divisional Commander, and I was the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, and then we swapped [the DC role] over. And Kelvin’s a great DC – he is a leader, he is quite apostolic, often understated. He could have gone on, and he could have done that next role [as Divisional Commander]. But the TC, I assume, saw something in me and wanted to help women be seen. I think it takes courage to do that. Colonels Kelvin and Winsome Merrett’s officership has spanned five decades.   Lauren: As a woman in leadership, you’re inspiring to a lot of people. What advice do you have for other women, particularly in The Salvation Army?   Winsome: I think we are better together, women and men. God made people different. And I think diversity challenges us, but it also refines us and gives us an appreciation for the other. So, I am highly motivated about the capacity and capability of women to lead. I would hope that my role as Chief (Secretary), as a married woman, is certainly not the last, not only in Australia but across the world. To women, I would say – believe in who God created you to be and the gifts he has given you and steward them well.   I still believe that for women, you actually have to work harder – not necessarily to prove yourself – but to actually be seen. And how we do that without being aggressive, but to be validly seen, I think, is a challenge for women that is not a challenge for men. We do have some amazing women officers who are passionate, who are highly capable, who are already demonstrating beautiful spiritual leadership and other forms of leadership, and it’s not only how we see them but how we then equip them and how we place them in roles.   “I still believe that for women, you actually have to work harder– not necessarily to prove yourself – but to actually be seen.”   Lauren: You became Chief Secretary just after the Australia One project [merging The Salvation Army in Australia into one territory) and just before the COVID-19 outbreak. That’s a rough first year!   Winsome: Yes, it was the beginning of 2020. It was pretty full on! I think, though, the most challenging year was probably 2018, when I was Assistant Chief Secretary and all the changes were being made, bringing the two territories together. That was really high intensity, and a huge volume of work. So, anything pales in comparison to 2018, really!   But, sure, 2020 and 2021 were really challenging because we were in COVID and we were in Victoria, so lockdowns were hard, but I just look back at that and I see God’s amazing provision. Our IT team was able to enable Microsoft Teams [online meeting technology] within a really short timeframe. If we didn’t have that, I don’t even want to think about what things would have been like. We could continue the work; we just had to learn how to do it a different way. There was a lot of change management, and we were trying to keep our people safe and give them guidance, so it was really high intensity and trying to get communications out just to keep everyone on the same page and keep them focused on the mission. It was intense, but again, we had this amazing team. They were just incredible, they were professional, they were responsive, they wanted the best for the Army, and people worked their butts off to ensure that we had what we needed to be able to move forward in every way.   Lauren: You have mentioned ‘team’ a few times in our chat, that you had a great team in Darwin and at the Eastern Victoria Division. The truth is that leadership can be very isolating. Who have been the people throughout this time that have had your back?   Winsome: There are a few portfolio leads who have really been more than just the professional relationship; they have been actually checking in. There was one in particular I could say anything to and knew it wouldn’t go anywhere. And I have a fantastic husband. Kelvin is amazing. Our kids are very encouraging and supportive, too. And my mum – until a few years ago – my mum was an intercessor, so I knew I was being prayed for regardless of how well or not she was, I knew I was being prayed for.   Lauren: You will be leaving The Salvation Army in a much better financial position – I know you have been very passionate about that in your role as Chief Secretary.   Winsome: I am passionate about sustainability, not just our finances, but our personnel, in terms of the whole Army. We talk about legacy … and one of the regrets, if you like, is that I haven’t been able to move the Army through to a budget that is net-zero. I would love to have landed that.   We have got to bring our deficit down, otherwise we won’t’ be around in 15 years’ time. We can’t keep pulling down on reserves. We can’t help and support the people that God has called us to help and support if we’re not around. I’d rather be known for being prepared to make the tough call than be the ‘nice person’ at the end, but actually be leaving a deficit that I could have changed.   “I’d rather be known for being prepared to make the tough call, than be the ‘nice person’ at the end, but actually be leaving a deficit that I could have changed.”   Lauren: How has your relationship with God changed or deepened through what are really, really hard decisions that do end up resting on you? I know you have a great team, but as Chief Secretary, the buck stops with you for all operational decisions.   Winsome: I could not do this if I didn’t have a deep, healthy relationship with the Lord. In ways that I can’t even explain, God sustains me. So, I have a daily quiet time with the Lord. When I walk, I usually pray. Even Kelvin and I, when we walk, we sort of natter away for the first half and then the rest we are silent, we are deep in thought, and we are probably both praying, or God is ‘de-fragging’ the brain and bringing the things to the fore that he wants to remind us about. At the pointy end, it’s about spiritual leadership. You can’t lead a movement or the organisational operations unless you are deeply connected to the source of the one who created that movement.   Lauren: What are you most looking forward to about not putting on the uniform every day and actually being retired?   Winsome: I think not having to look at my emails! I’m going to look forward to not having 20 balls in the air and making sure I keep them all in the air and catch them! In our retirement home, we are setting up one of the rooms to be my piano room. I play piano, but I haven’t played properly for years. So, I am going to go back to scales and get my fingers nimble again! There are a number of other things I think about, but I don’t know if I will do them. I might find a community choir!   Lauren: Anything is possible!   Winsome: Yes, and that’s just it. It’s about doing it because I choose, within the context of responding to the Holy Spirit’s leading.   Lauren: How do you see the health of our organisation as you’re leaving it, and what are your words for us?   Winsome: I really think we are well-positioned to do what God calls us to. That always requires individual response and engagement. God needs God’s people to be doing what he calls them to do. I think The Salvation Army’s vision has really helped me. This ‘transforming Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.’ That one phrase is really packed with meaning. Our mission is to share the love of Jesus. We are The Salvation Army, and this is what God has called us to do. To be with the poor and vulnerable, those experiencing hardship and injustice, and he has called us to present the Gospel really clearly, to point people to Jesus as the hope, and then to help them grow in that understanding so that they then go and do the same. It sounds simple, but it’s really challenging sometimes to get the cut-through and get people to understand how simple yet profound that is! But if you don’t keep that at the forefront, you can get terribly distracted by a lot of things.   VIDEO: Colonel Winsome Merrett’s June reflection

To read Enid’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment service record, click here

Church Partnership Program team members Esiah Eino, Cynthia Tiriman, Frank Wonea and Joy Chikalli, with The Salvation Army Australia’s International Development Project Coordinator Nicola McGunnigle (middle), at the BCEP All Partners Forum awards.   The Salvation Army was honoured to receive the prestigious Wokmak Award at the Building Community Engagement in Papua New Guinea (BCEP) All Partners Forum, Papua New Guinea, in June. The award recognises The Salvation Army’s extensive geographic reach and inclusive engagement efforts across its programs. The celebration continued as The Salvation Army was nominated in three out of five ‘partner choice’ award categories, showcasing its contributions to gender equity, disability inclusion and social accountability. The Salvation Army’s GEDSI (Gender Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion) Coordinator Frank Wonea delivered a powerful presentation on inclusion, drawing from his lived experience as a person with a disability.   Church Partnership Program Coordinator Esiah Eino also represented The Salvation Army at the forum, presenting on the Army’s growing work in promoting social accountability. The BCEP program is a key initiative of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership, funded by the Australian Government. The Salvation Army is one of seven mainline churches participating in BCEP’s Church Partnership Program (CPP), which focuses o    Strengthening the delivery of basic services Promoting gender equity, disability and social inclusion Improving social accountability across communities.   The BCEP Forum brought together program partners to reflect on performance and progress since its inception in 2022. It also served as a platform to share lessons and experiences to inform the next four-year phase, which begins in 2026.

Aussie Salvos (from left) Envoy Bill Hunter, Major Trevor Nicol and Stephen Rule, of God’s Sports Arena church in Norway. Three Aussie Salvos have travelled to Norway to be part of chaplaincy and volunteer teams at the 2025 Homeless World Cup. The trio – Envoy Bill Hunter, Major Trevor Nicol and Stephen Rule – have joined more than 500 soccer players from 48 nations in Norway’s capital, Oslo, for the annual tournament being run from 23-30 August. It is the 20th year the annual event has been held. Bill, who runs the Salvos’ God’s Sports Arena church in Queensland, and Trevor, who is Officer Personnel Secretary and Team Leader NSW/ACT , are part of the chaplaincy team. Stephen, a supporter of God’s Sports Arena church in Brisbane, is part of the volunteer crew. The Salvation Army is a Member Country partner of the tournament in Norway. It will be the second time the Norwegian capital has hosted the tournament, and as in 2017 games will be played at the iconic Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square). All players taking part in the tournament have lived experiences of homelessness, addiction and social exclusion. The tournament “with a purpose” is focused on using “football (soccer), to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives; and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness.”   Bill and Trevor have joined 20 other Salvation Army chaplains from around the world to support and encourage players and teams, and are already building friendships with the Australian team.   “We ran a church service at the Army tent on Sunday morning, and I will be doing a presentation on Monday (local time) at a sports faith ministry seminar there, too,” said Bill.   “It’s been amazing so far. The march and opening ceremony presented an outstanding welcome by the people of Norway. The government of Norway and The Salvation Army are doing a great job as hosts and organisers.”   Bill also distributed soccer singlets and shirts to the Ghana team, donated by the Bonnells Bay Corps (NSW).   “Loved watching our mixed Aussie team in action on day one, having a real go against some very hot competition from Northern Ireland and Hungary,” Bill said. “I’m enjoying the dance moves from a variety of countries outside the food tent, and loved the good, old-fashioned hymns in other languages at our Salvo morning service.   “It’s a privilege to be a chaplain at the Homeless World Cup. ‘A ball can change the world!’”   Cities Ending Homelessness Forum This forum, which is part of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup, explores solutions to homelessness through seminars, panel discussions and debates. The sessions will explore a broad range of topics, which have been curated by the local host, The Salvation Army Norway. These include hope, housing, women’s homelessness and gender-based violence, drug and alcohol addiction, loneliness, sport for social impact, building trusted relationships in social work and more. Those with lived experience, social innovators, academics and policy makers will be part of the solutions-focused approach and discussions that will take place from 23-29 August.   For more information about the tournament, click here .

The Frankston team from Peninsula Youth Services hosted a barbecue to raise awareness and build empathy around the realities of homelessness in their region. BY SIMONE WORTHING   To mark Homelessness Week 2025 (4-10 August), Youth Services Victoria teams participated in events across the state.   Northwest Youth Services Chaplain Vicki McMahon with Homelessness West Chaplain Elmer Batres at the barbecue. “Our Northwest team collaborated with streams at our Social Hub in Sunshine to host a clothing giveaway and community barbecue that was supported by Brimbank Council,” said Kass Garofalo, Youth Hub Coordinator.   “The council donated $500 to be gifted to a worthy community group, and Women of Destiny supported the day with a soup kitchen.” Northeast Youth Services hosted a range of events across the week, including a Care Day, which offered health checks and personal grooming to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.   “We also hosted Brewing for Change, a fundraising event that raised funds for Northeast Youth Services and Goulburn Valley Fresh Start Foundation (an organisation working with the Salvos to help people f acing housing insecurity in the Greater Shepparton area ),” said Kass.   Staff from Upton Road Youth Service collaborated with the Victorian Pride Centre as part of the Southern Homelessness Services Network on a week-long art installation of origami houses – with the goal of seeing 30,000 houses built. Attendees were able to make their own house and add it to the installation.    Upton Road also held a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle fundraiser at Port Melbourne.    The Frankston team from Peninsula Youth Services hosted a barbecue to raise awareness and build empathy around the realities of homelessness in Frankston. “We shared local data, explored its causes, highlighted that homelessness is not just about sleeping rough, and discussed ways people can help,” said Katie O’Connor, Youth Participation Worker . “Young people from our Youth Advisory Group (YAG) were actively involved in the event, making it a great opportunity to connect with new community members.”   Staff from Upton Road Youth Service collaborated with the Victorian Pride Centre as part of the Southern Homelessness Services Network on a week-long art installation of origami houses.

Salvos Online  continues a new weekly column – Three Books. Today’s guest bookworm is Bindy Lupis, who is the National Response Manager for The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES). Besides the gospels and Psalms, which is your favourite book in the Bible and why? I love the book of Ruth – because it’s one of only two books named after women, but also because of the beautiful theme of redemption seen in Boaz and Ruth’s story. It will always blow my mind that Ruth, this unlikely woman considered an outsider, is not only redeemed but then becomes part of the lineage of Jesus – how cool is that! I have the word ‘Redeemed’ tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder of my own redemption story and that I, too, am part of that lineage. Besides the Bible, what is a Christian book that has strongly influenced your faith?  There are so many, but adding on to the story of Ruth being my favourite, I think I would have to say the Lineage of Grace series written by Francine Rivers. These five stories of women in the lineage of Jesus are each powerful reminders of how God has used women and, in some cases, very unlikely women (a foreigner, a prostitute, a victim of abuse, a pregnant teenage girl) to bring about his grace and redemption. A few years ago, I wrote a series of monologues based on these stories for a women’s camp. Books/stories that are life-changing need to be shared, and it was a beautiful experience to share these stories with a room full of women and see them embrace their own part in the lineage of grace. What is a secular book that has revealed to you a Christian message or theme? I am a big fan of Brene Brown. Her book Dare Greatly has some great themes on courageous vulnerability and wholehearted living. She draws on Theodore Roosevelt’s Arena speech to encourage showing up and being seen – to ignore the ‘critics’ of shame, fear and judgement and show up anyway. The call to step into the arena and to do life with people with courage and vulnerability is what Jesus also calls me to do.

The first-century church wasn’t just a historical moment – it was a blueprint for Spirit-filled community, writes Ameet Londhe. BY AMEET LONDHE In Acts 2, we read about a church that gathered daily, shared meals, worshipped together and supported one another in every aspect of life. At The Salvation Army in Goodna, this isn’t just a story from the past; it’s our present reality. Our congregation is made up entirely of people from the Goodna community. We don’t just meet on Sundays, we live life together every day of the week. From shared meals to worship, support groups to celebrations, our ministry is a modern expression of the first-century church. Three times a week, volunteers from the community prepare and serve meals, creating spaces of connection, dignity, and joy. These gatherings are more than just food, they’re moments where strangers become friends, and love is expressed through hospitality. Alongside this, we offer free shower and laundry facilities, emergency clothing, cutlery, and small furniture, ensuring that practical needs are met with compassion and care. At The Salvation Army in Goodna, we are not trying to replicate the past; we are trying to live it out in a way that is real, relevant, and rooted in Jesus. Weekday chapel services bring the community together to worship God in a simple, heartfelt way. Our small groups, which included men’s and women’s groups, Indigenous women’s gatherings, kids’ drop-ins, Bible reading circles, and chaplaincy services, offer spaces for spiritual growth and relational depth. We celebrate life’s milestones together – birthdays, anniversaries, and even the small victories that matter. Our community Christmas celebrations are a highlight, bringing joy, music, and shared meals to everyone. We actively raise up lay leaders from within the community, empowering them to teach, lead, and serve. Everyone has a role in building the Kingdom, reflecting the early church’s Spirit-led leadership. Generosity is a cornerstone of our ministry. We share food, barista coffee, tea, bread, vegetables, fruit, and flowers – simple gifts that carry deep meaning and reflect the love of Christ. Ameet Londhe. Image: File All staff and volunteers are encouraged to live missionally, representing Jesus in their daily lives. Devotion to Scripture and prayer is woven into our rhythm, and spontaneous music jams with guitars and singing create an atmosphere of joy and celebration. In the past three years, our community has tripled in size. We collaborate with other expressions of The Salvation Army and external agencies, working together to serve Goodna as one body under Christ, our Head. The first-century church wasn’t just a historical moment – it was a blueprint for Spirit-filled community. At The Salvation Army in Goodna, we are not trying to replicate the past; we are trying to live it out in a way that is real, relevant, and rooted in Jesus.   Ameet Londhe BA(Soc)., B.Div., PG.Dip. (Applied Social Work)., Dip. (Christian Studies)., Dip (Salvation Army Ministry- Religious Studies), Cert. Supervision Skills for Health & Social Service Professionals is Mission Team Leader at Goodna Community and Youth Centre in Queensland.

Captains Dillon Wu and Rong Fu (centre) and members of the Burwood Corps celebrate their outstanding result in the 2025 Red Shield Appeal. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE A corps in Sydney’s Inner West has achieved an outstanding result in this year’s Red Shield Appeal. Burwood Corps, led by Captains Rong Fu and Dillon Wu, is located in an area densely populated by international students and migrants. Since beginning at the corps in 2018, Rong and Dillon have built strong connections with local donors, partnering with the Burwood Chamber of Commerce in 2023. For this year’s Red Shield Appeal, staff and volunteers at the corps managed to raise more than 2.5 times what they raised in 2024. In 2024, they raised an impressive $32,000. In 2025, they raised an outstanding $83,000. Members of the Burwood Corps with their certificates after an ‘Appreciation Day’ service. Image: Supplied At the time of the 2021 Census, almost 50 per cent of respondents from Burwood stated their ancestry was Chinese, compared with just 7.2 per cent of those surveyed across New South Wales. More than 80 per cent of Burwood residents also declared that both their parents were born overseas. A major donor to Burwood’s RSA efforts this year was another officer who attends the corps, recognising the value of the community outreach programs on offer. Rong said seeing the corps’ involvement inspired the officer to support the cause with a significant donation. “We do PLPs (Positive Lifestyle Programs), support the youth [and] young adults, [a] Christmas barbecue, a community meal and cafe, all these things,” Rong said. “She [felt] really moved by what we do and saw how busy we are and that we don’t have enough manpower.”   WATCH MORE: Red Shield Appeal funds raised locally are put straight back into local communities all across Australia. They are often a game-changer for many areas, helping corps to build healthy communities and create faith pathways. In this video, hear some powerful stories of the impact Red Shield Appeal funds have made in the past! Click here   Rong also credited God’s faithfulness for the funds, as she said it was the Lord moving people’s hearts to give. Rong said the corps planned to use the funds to hire a Youth and Young Adult Community Engagement Worker to connect with the international students and youth and young adults in the local community, and extend the hours for the Hope Café program, which supports women in the local community through a Women’s Engagement Worker available onsite. She said the rest of the funds would go to other existing programs. The Hope Cafe at Burwood will benefit from the extra Red Shield Appeal funds. Images: Supplied Rong said for corps who were feeling stuck and unable to increase their donations, she said it was important to pray and faithfully serve, no matter what. “I think for us, we just focus on what God is calling us to do,” she said. “We just need to be faithful to do what we can with the resources that we have.” In addition to the other services mentioned, the Burwood Corps also offers English classes, a women’s hope group, a Chinese children’s Bible class, parenting activities, and Alpha courses. The corps also collaborates with other organisations and the council to provide various programs to support disadvantaged communities. Captain Rong Fu with Burwood Chamber of Commerce representatives and donors. Image: Supplied

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am the Corps Officer at Gladstone in Central Queensland, right on the water. I love that our corps members are so eager to grow in their faith and know God more closely. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I I love hanging out with my family as much as possible. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? Current favourite is Homesick for Heaven by Phil Wickham, a beautiful song that looks forward to the day we go to be with our Lord. But my all-time favourite is Who am I ? by Casting Crowns. 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 would love to talk to Barabbas and find out how his life was impacted by Jesus.  I’m hoping it was. How could it not? 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I would say that it’s an amazing calling. I feel like I live a blessed life and don’t take it for granted. It’s certainly not something to do if you are not fully committed to serving God.  It requires humility, patience and people love placing expectations on you, but journeying with people as they grow in God’s love is such a blessing. Do it!

BY EWAN HALL   The Salvation Army’s European Youth Event (EYE) 2025 brought together hundreds of young Salvationists and friends from across the continent for four days of worship, testimony and teaching. Held at De Kroeze Danne, the Netherlands, the camp provided a solace away from the worries and troubles of the outside world, where the delegates were free to learn and discover a closer relationship to God, and as the theme of EYE suggested – to ‘look up’.   From the very first main session, it was clear that, regardless of where they had journeyed from and what language was spoken, the 700 young people were there to express their love to God. The worship band and interpretive dancers brought the room together in songs of a powerful proclamation to God.    Daily sessions Each morning began with Bible study sessions led by Captain Callum McKenna (United Kingdom and Ireland Territory). Through passages such as Exodus 3:1-15 and Luke 10:25-37, small groups reflected on identity and how difficult it is to prove themselves and how exhausting it is to be someone else, but concluded that God sees their whole lives and loves them. The story of the Good Samaritan introduced the Greek word ‘splagchnizomai’ – a deep stirring compassion that moves people to action, such as the Samaritan helping the man on the road.   Evening sessions blended worship, music and teaching. Commissioner Bente Gundersen (Territorial Commander of The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory), Lyndall Bywater and Lieutenant Lizzie Kitchenside (both United Kingdom and Ireland Territory) led the study time. Each leader brought a message rooted in Scripture that reflected the theme of EYE: looking up from fear and distractions of the world; looking up even in the lowest moments; and looking up and seeing the start of something new. The messages all converged on one point – God is there through it all, but we must look up and see it for ourselves.   On the final day, Captain Mariska Potters (International Youth and Children’s Officer, International Headquarters) offered a reflection on the journey. EYE was not just a mountaintop experience – it was a preparation for real life, with its joys and struggles. People were offered the opportunity to testify. Many responded, with a common theme that even on their worst day, God loves them and wants a relationship with them, many sharing their own ‘splagchnizomai’ moments. More than 30 young people responded to the call to spiritual leadership in The Salvation Army.   Workshops In between main sessions, EYE offered space for creative and personal expression. Sports, music, and art workshops, which delved deeper into the Bible study material, prayer, and how The Salvation Army supports gender equality and those facing human trafficking, offered ways to engage. Over meals and during spaces to relax and talk, young people shared stories and connected with each other and God. The atmosphere was one of freedom, authenticity and joy.   As EYE 2025 concluded, the message was clear: God is moving in Europe, and young people are responding. What some have called a quiet revival is anything but quiet – it is bold, passionate and full of hope.  A generation is rising, looking up and trusting in God.  To view the EYE 2025 ‘aftermovie’, click on the video below.

The Salvation Army’s Catherine Booth Hospital, India. The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) works globally with local corps and centres to help change the lives of some of the world’s poorest, most vulnerable, and suffering individuals.   Over the coming months, Global Focus will feature some of the projects SAWSO is driving and the impact these are having in local communities. India: Hospital upgrades The Salvation Army’s Catherine Booth Hospital has long been a cornerstone of healthcare in its community. However, years of challenges led to a period of decline, threatening its ability to provide quality care. In 2019, a comprehensive restructuring plan, supported by SAWSO, set the hospital on a path to revitalisation. Renovations strengthened infrastructure, upgraded medical equipment, and improved healthcare technology, creating a more reliable and effective treatment system. Wards were consolidated to enhance patient care, and information technology advancements streamlined hospital operations. These improvements helped the hospital secure entry-level accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, these upgrades proved critical in handling the surge of patients. Over the past year, the hospital treated 48,263 out-patients and 2,253 in-patients, demonstrating its continued capacity to serve the community. Today, the hospital stands renewed, continuing its legacy of service.   Angola: Family support SAWSO is strengthening The Salvation Army’s capacity to engage and work effectively with local communities across Angola. Through targeted training, over 500 officers, staff and soldiers participated in workshops on community development, strategic planning, and project management. Leaders created a four-year territorial strategic plan that prioritises local strengths and needs to guide sustainable development. At the Luau Corps, a grassroots learning initiative was launched to address educational gaps. It now serves over 300 children weekly with volunteer teachers. In Songo, a children’s feeding and playgroup program has grown into a safe haven for nearly 100 children, offering early education, emotional support, and essential nourishment. With a shared vision and renewed capacity, The Salvation Army in Angola is expanding its impact. Guided by this new strategic plan, the country is actively advocating for support at both national and international levels to sustain and grow community-led programs.   Indonesia: Building futures In May 2024, The Salvation Army launched two Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in Sorong, West Papua to empower Kokoda children facing severe poverty and discrimination. The Kokoda children, displaced from their ancestral lands, often struggle with illiteracy due to limited resources and language barriers. At the heart of this initiative is a mission to break the cycle of poverty by equipping Kokoda children with essential skills like literacy, maths, and social-emotional learning. These centres now serve nearly 180 children aged 4 to 12, many of whom previously had little or no access to books or formal education. The CLCs also provide nutritious meals, hygiene lessons, and access to basic health services while fostering a love for learning through curated reading materials, playgrounds for physical development, and culturally tailored activities. This project’s success has paved the way for future CLCs in Guatemala, Republic of Congo, Uganda, and other developing countries, spreading the transformative power of education to children worldwide.

“There are no outsiders to the love of God. And there is no qualification needed to receive or to offer hospitality.”   It can be easy to dismiss hospitality as the work of those who are good in the kitchen, those who welcome congregations into the church building or those who prepare refreshments after a meeting.   These acts of service are so valuable. And so are the people who serve in this way.   But hospitality is not limited to an act or reserved for those with a gift.   At the heart of biblical hospitality is a desire to create space where people can encounter the living God for themselves. As followers of Jesus, we are all called to open our doors and our hearts to welcome others into a space where they are seen, valued and loved. Open doors, open hearts  is an eight-part series that explores examples of hospitality found in the Bible and encourages us to reflect on our own practice.   How can we ensure our lives, our homes and our churches are places where all people are seen, loved and respected? Read ‘Open doors, open hearts’ on the Bible app or download the plan, and other resources, here .