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Noticing a growing number of international students who were vulnerable and isolated, the team at Melbourne Project 614 started The Couch in 2010. Major Brendan Nottle says: “The Salvation Army was raised up to work with the outsider, to bring the most vulnerable into the centre of the community and wrap support around them. The Couch is a fun and safe place for students to gather, share a meal, get practical support, and make new friends.”

Social isolation is one of the biggest challenges for overseas seasonal workers who come to Australia. Separation from family, community and faith can have a big effect on people’s wellbeing. In collaboration with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Program (PALM), The Salvation Army has been building a network of local community groups to help foster healthy relationships and make Australia feel like a second home.

The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS) in Australia has long had a special relationship with the Australian Defence Force, offering practical, emotional and spiritual support in difficult situations, times of grief, and in everyday life. Major Kenneth Delamore, RSDS Officer in Charge and Senior Representative, says the importance of a listening ear cannot be underestimated, with the Sallyman and Sallyma’am’s presence boosting morale and bringing hope. In Canberra, Major Kenneth and Joanne Delamore provide a valuable ministry at The Royal Military College, Duntroon.

Session: Reflectors of Holiness From: Auburn Corps (NSW) Appointed to: Corps Officer at Hurstville Corps (NSW) Silver Star recipients: Mrs Daphne Delany. Major Nesan Kistan Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Diploma of Theology As I reflect on my journey to officership, it all began when I arrived at Sydney Airport on 3 December 2009. I vividly recall when Major Nesan Kistan heard me sing and thank God at the airport. Afterwards, he approached me and said, “I believe you are a Man of God. I would love for you to come to church on Sunday, dressed just as you are, and perform the same song during the meeting.” On Sunday 6 December 2009, I attended the church and was allowed to participate in the meeting. The meeting concluded, and on Monday, my uncle brought me to Major Nesan’s office at Auburn. We engaged in a lengthy conversation, during which he began to encourage me to sit with him at the front in every meeting. While studying accounting and finance at Granville TAFE, I also engaged in a two-day voluntary job as an all-rounder at Auburn Salvos. By the time I completed my accounting course, I was granted the opportunity to work as a ministry assistant there. During this time, I acquired and developed new skills related to ministry in Australian culture, all under the leadership of Majors Nesan and Cheryl Kistan. Coming to the Officer Formation Stream, my ITO, LPO, lecturers and colleagues have all played a significant role in shaping, guiding, leading, challenging and creating opportunities for me to learn and unlearn. These experiences have contributed to my growth and a deeper understanding of God, others and myself. I now possess a profound sense of leadership, spiritual formation and a greater understanding of my identity. I give all the praise, glory and honour to God for how far he has brought me, and I willingly hand over this incredible journey ahead of me and my family, knowing that God is the author and finisher of our faith. Bible verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

BY MAJOR BRENDA YOUNG* “How many do you think will come?” “Do you think people even want this kind of thing anymore?” These were some of the questions being asked as we considered the possibility of a divisional gathering in Victoria. In a leap of faith, we decided to go for it and booked a venue with a seating capacity of 1200 people. And then we started praying, hoping and praying that people would get on board and come along. To our delight, more than 1000 people did come along, and we had the most amazing time of worship and fellowship, sharing plans and hopes for the future. Over 150 children were present and engaged in worship with us. Having been greeted at the door by Cousin Koala, lots of bubbles and a team of the most wonderful children’s leaders, each child received a showbag that included activities relevant to the day’s theme. It really was an event for all generations. Recasting the Net has been our divisional theme for over 12 months as we continue exploring new ways of being the church in our communities. We were inspired by our divisional leader, Colonel Kelvin Merrett, and each of the area officers as they presented a compelling image of hope for the future. We sang our hearts out as the worship team, comprised of people from across different corps in the division, led us in song. We delighted in the prayers and participation of our children and youth. We celebrated diversity with translation services being offered to some of our non-English speaking participants and Auslan interpreters being present for those with hearing impairments. We shared our boxed lunches – yes, all 1000 of us! We were encouraged by Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, who brought us a courageous message about Jesus and how the walls of the temple or synagogue did not confine him. But most of all, we were blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, who moved us, opened our hearts and affirmed our sincere hopes and desires for the Victorian Division of The Salvation Army. In a beautifully uninhibited way, people came forward and gathered to pray with and for each other. “How many do you think will come?” The answer? Many, many will come. “Do you think people even want this kind of thing anymore?” Yes … yes, they do! Because we are better together, and wherever we gather, whether in a crowd of 1000 or a tiny group of two or three, there also is our God! *Major Brenda Young is the Assistant Divisional Commander for Victoria Click on slideshow below to see more photos of the event:

BY JENNIFER KIRKALDY In the family and domestic violence service sector, we talk about a person who experiences family violence as a ‘victim-survivor’. It’s an awkward phrase, and it’s not perfect, but it captures how two things can be true simultaneously. Family violence is a crime. Those who experience it are victims. But each of these people is so much more than a victim. They have a life, a personality, a presence outside and beyond what has happened to them. In the moment, being a victim of family violence can seem all-encompassing and inescapable – but that does not need to be the case. So, we also talk about survivors. We focus on these things happening to a person, but those acts do not define them. It is something they are going through, but it is only one part of their story. Family violence is traumatic, it takes a long time to recover. It is a thing to be survived – it can be survived. The great tragedy of the 53 women who have died this year is that the world only knows one small part of their story. Though the people who knew them and loved them know there was so much more, in the public conversation, their victimhood is permanent. It’s the people around them who are survivors. Last year, the Salvos alone helped over 10,000 people escape violence. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 3.8 million Australians have experienced family violence since the age of 15 – around 27 per cent of all women. Statistically, someone you know is in that number. Which means, statistically, someone you know is perpetrating family violence. It is so easy to feel powerless in the face of the enormity of this issue. When we look at the drivers of family violence, it can feel overwhelming to try to dismantle embedded social, economic and legal systems that perpetuate family violence. And we need to dismantle those systems but just for a moment, let’s focus on the people you know. If you don’t know someone perpetrating family violence, someone in your circle does – and that means you have more power than you think. It means you can make a positive difference right now. Right now, you can call out behaviour that minimises or excuses violence within our families, schools and workplaces. Ask people to explain why that joke is funny. Make it clear you are not interested in victim-shaming. Right now, you can make sure you are a safe space for victim-survivors to reach out. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what to say or what to do – demonstrate that you believe them and that you are on their side. Then, if they are ready, there’s a range of people who do know what to do, and you can help them reach out. Right now, if you see something, you can say something. Sometimes intervening can make a situation more dangerous for the victim-survivor, so it’s natural to feel scared to act, but there are people who can help and advise you. And if someone is in immediate danger, call the police. Don’t worry if it turns out to be a false alarm. If you are worried it will make neighbourly relations awkward, the police won’t tell them who made the call, and you might just save someone’s life. There are a lot of structural things we need to do to address family violence. We need to fix gender equality and attitudes toward women. We need to reform our welfare system so victim-survivors are not choosing between abuse and poverty. We need to adequately fund our family violence sector so we can help every single person who reaches out and focus on early intervention. We need to do all these things. But while doing them, we also need to take action personally. There have been 53 women this year alone who never got to be survivors. At the current rate, that number will reach 58 by the end of the year. We can’t let that happen. Jennifer Kirkaldy is the Salvation Army’s General Manager, Policy and Advocacy

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Salvos choir climbed the iconic bridge to kick-start The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal with Channel 7’s Sunrise on Monday 20 November. On the climb, choir members not only sang carols but also shared the importance of this year’s appeal for families in need. Across the country, the appeal aims to raise $25 million so the dedicated local teams can continue to provide vital services and support to the growing number of Australians in crisis. No matter how much you give today, your kindness will bring hope and joy to someone or a family struggling alone this Christmas. To donate, click here.

Session: Defenders of Justice From: Parafield Gardens Corps (SA) Appointed to: Corps Officer at Noarlunga Corps (SA) Silver Star recipients: Mrs Heather Fleming. Major Owen Pattison Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry – in progress During my five years as a ministry assistant, I felt God asking more of me. After some wrestling and exploring different avenues within my ministry, I sensed the calling of officership, which gave me such peace. With a lot of prayer and talking about this with my closest friends and family, the call to be an officer became loud and clear, and I began my application process. In my training journey as a candidate helper, and now a cadet, I have been challenged in so many ways! I have been blown away by the skills and capacities God has grown and developed in me during this period of intense ministry and leadership formation. I am so grateful for the people that God has placed in my journey who have spoken into my life at key moments, encouraged me, cheered me on, challenged me and walked beside me. As I commence my first appointment, I am excited to see how I will continue to grow and develop as a leader, and to see what God has in store for the people and community I will be loving and serving. Bible verse: “I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness” (Psalm 89:1).

Each morning, I spend some time in our café chatting with members of the local community – many of them homeless or living in hardship – who have dropped in for a coffee and a smile. While to most I’m just Mal, occasionally a newcomer will feel the need for some formality and use Major Mal, while even newer ones will call me Father or Pastor. I’m not too fussed what they call me – to a degree! – and my grandfather probably had it worse – he was a brigadier! Perhaps there are some other titles we could introduce. Hmm… I’ve always wanted to be a bombardier. This used to be the crew member on a military aircraft responsible for the targeting and release of bombs. I could be The Salvation Army officer who just stands up during a meeting and shouts out a Scripture verse. Mid-meeting, I would spring to my feet and yell: “Make straight the way of the Lord!” and sit down again. And people would just think, “Oh, that’s okay: he’s the corps bombardier.” Or how about a commodore? I had a relative, by marriage, who was a retired and much-decorated air commodore, I thought it was a nice title. The commodore at each corps would be the one who gives good hugs. Every now and then you have someone who’s had a bad week or is lonely or feeling down, and – as hard as it is in this litigious age – you just want to give them a hug. I could give someone a hug and if visitors looked at us a bit oddly, the regular attendees would just say, “That’s okay, he’s our holding commodore.” Another role would be for an ensign. The ensign would be responsible for learning and using sign language to be able to help those with deafness participate in worship. When the band is playing and everyone is singing, the ensign will stand to one side of the platform and sing along while also communicating the words to deaf attendees. Generally, our congregations don’t have too many people with hearing issues, so it should be adequate to have one person trained to do this task. He or she would be the single singing signing ensign. And finally, when I was a young boy, I watched ‘The Flintstones’ and was intrigued when Fred became the leader of the local Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes and was given the title ‘Grand Poobah’. What a great title! Why do we have a Territorial Commander when we could have a Grand Poobah? I might write a letter to International Headquarters now and suggest the change. I’ll sign it from Bombardier Mal Davies. – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

The Salvation Army has opened its biggest Queensland store at Morayfield, north of Brisbane, much to the delight of bargain hunters. Thousands of people flocked to the store’s grand opening on Thursday 16 November, with people happily lining up in long queues to purchase their goodies. The new store, which is located inside the HomeCentre on Morayfield Rd, will allow locals and savvy shoppers the opportunity to buy new and pre-loved fashion, accessories, homewares, furniture, bric-a-brac, books, craft supplies and more. All funds raised from the store will help fund The Salvation Army’s many programs and services which help people in need. Salvation Army Area Manager Stuart Estreich said this store is almost double the size of the previous one. “This store is 15,000 square metres and replaced the previous store we had just down the road, which was about 850 square metres,” Stuart said. “We closed that store in February, so we are glad to open this brand-new store in a new location at the HomeCentre. “This is now the biggest Salvation Army store in Queensland and one of the top five biggest Salvos Stores in Australia. “At any time, we can have between 23,000 to 25,000 items on show for our customers to browse through.” Store Manager Emma Edmond said the feedback she has received from the public so far had been heart-warming and positive. “We knew our grand opening was going to be big, but we didn’t expect it to be so big that we had a line of people snaking around the store,” Emma said. “While we were closed for those few months, I would keep looking at the comments online and would read people saying how much they missed us.” One of the unique things about this store is the dedicated craft section. “A lot of other stores don’t have a recycled craft section, but we wanted to embrace it because we know a lot more people are becoming more sustainable and upcycling things,” Emma said. “We sell lots of recycled materials like scrap fabric packs and craft packs, so they don’t end up in landfill. “For example, we sell painting kits that have second-hand paints that are still good to use. “We also have lots of wool for people who are into quilting and knitting.” *An edited version of an article courtesy of the Morton Daily newspaper website. Author: Ashleigh Howarth

BY LAUREN MARTIN We all know that COVID-19 has changed things. In all areas of life. For the Church, including here in Australia, it led to a great questioning, with many parishioners not returning to the pews when lockdown was finally declared over. Sue Peacock was one such Christian. The grandmother from the small village of Menangle, on the south-west outskirts of Sydney, had met The Salvation Army’s Major Darren Kingston at a National Day of Prayer and Fasting at the beginning of 2020. His story really impacted her and what God was doing through his work as an evangelist and with the Macquarie Fields Salvation Army home church model. “For many years, I have thought home churches have so much more to offer to be effective in ministry in the community,” she said. When COVID hit, and church communities couldn’t gather, God began stirring her heart. “I was starting to feel that perhaps we weren’t expressing building the kingdom of God by staying inside the walls of [the] church … [I contacted Darren Kingston], and he supported me in starting up a home church in my house.” Sue has been an active member of her community for decades. Now a widow, she and her husband had produced a monthly newsletter called the Menangle News for 30 years and hand-delivered it to letterboxes throughout the town, which has a population of about 2500. When her husband passed away, Sue felt like she needed more community, so she joined the local Rural Fire Brigade. Her heart is for chaplaincy, and she’s undertaking The Salvation Army’s Foundations in Chaplaincy course, which she hopes will help her minister more effectively in her village. “I have always been called to build community,” she says. “We need one another. I almost feel like I am the chaplain to the Menangle township.” “I just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my community.” Sue is well and truly ‘flying the Salvos flag’ in Menangle. During the Red Shield Appeal, she walked the streets, collecting donations and chatting with neighbours and community members. Members of Macquarie Fields and Liverpool Salvos have come out to support her and joined in prayer walks of the village. Her little home church grew to about six people, but some dropped off, and it’s now on hold. “I feel that we don’t need another Sunday morning church,” she says. So, Sue continues to attend her local Anglican Church and is getting involved in her community and listening to the Holy Spirit to see where she is guided. One place God has led her is at the local retirement village. “They have a Bible study on a Monday afternoon, so I joined that,” she says. With her links to The Salvation Army and her passion for community, Sue Peacock is a presence of the Salvos in her small town: “I just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my community.”

To read the tribute for Joan, click here