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Morwell Salvos will host a Community Service Expo on Wednesday, 18 October, from 10am to 3pm. “We wanted to provide something for the community so that they could come see different services available in one place,” event organiser Major Lenore Pack said. “So that if there was something that they needed, they could connect then and there. “What we have discovered is that people don’t realise what is available to help them. It might not just be about getting financial assistance but just what services can help them with whatever they need. “We have found that if people have never been in a situation where they have needed help, they just don’t know what is out there until that time. We are finding that people are needing access to different services, and we are hoping the expo can bring that for our community.” The day will showcase 32 services throughout the Gippsland region, such as NDIS help, financial aid, employment agencies and much more. Even Bunnings is supplying help to the event, with face painting for younger children who are too young to be in school. Fellow event planner Maya Bennett (Employment Plus Chaplain – Gippsland) said that if many people turn up, they may be able to do this as a regular event so that people can continue learning about these services. An edited version of a story courtesy of the Latrobe Valley Express. Author: Katrina Brandon

BY MAJOR MAL DAVIES You wander into a bookshop and, as you browse, you see the section of religious books. You pause and think of your days in Sunday school, perhaps many years ago, and you look specifically at the Bibles. Then you notice something odd: one Bible has the letters KJV on it, another has NIV, another has RSV, one says Good News and one says The Message. You know – from memory at least – that there’s only one Bible, but here they seem to be selling five different versions. Which is the real one? The Bible is the world’s best-selling book. However, it’s not the work of one writer, and it was written over a period of more than 1500 years. The Bible is not so much a book as a library. It contains 66 books, divided into an Old Testament (37 books) and a New Testament (29 books) written by more than 40 authors and in ancient Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. Yes, that’s right: the Bible was not written in English. When the Christian Church began – around 2000 years ago, based on the teachings and life of Christ – it was recognised that some ‘sacred’ writings were circulating among believers. Some of these had been available for many years (like the Psalms and the earliest books in the Bible, such as Exodus and Deuteronomy), while some were brand new (such as the biographies of Jesus by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). So, over several centuries, Church councils would meet to discuss which books should be collected together to form one holy book for Christians. Some were rejected (often because they seemed inconsistent with the other books), while some were accepted as they seemed accurate, helpful, consistent and even divinely inspired. In 405CE, Pope Damasus I released a Bible that became known as the Vulgate (from the same word that gives us ‘vulgar’, meaning popular or commonly used), a complete Bible of approved books for Christians to read. The Vulgate was a direct translation from the original languages; that is, the translators had translated ancient Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic into Latin. The first English Bible was released in 1384 by John Wycliffe, and it was a translation from the Latin Vulgate. In 1525, William Tyndale produced the first English New Testament translated directly from ancient Greek, and in 1535, Myles Coverdale produced the first whole Bible, in English, translated from the original languages. Several other translations were then produced before King James I released the King James Version (KJV) in 1611. It also became known as the Authorised Version as the official, royally authorised translation of the Bible. It dominated the Church for the next 270 years until it was revised and re-released in the 1880s as – surprise, surprise – the Revised Version. Many other translations have followed as the skill and understanding of translators have improved and to keep up to date with modern English. Distinct from these are Bible versions known as ‘paraphrases’. This is when the editors don’t translate from the original text but, instead, say: “Hmm, how would I say that?”. So, whereas a translator might put Psalm 23 verse one as, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (KJV), a paraphrase such as the Living Bible says, “Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” Is one of them wrong? No, they’re saying the same thing, just in a slightly different way. So, when you see different Bibles, feel free to look at the language they’re using – maybe one is easier to read for you than another, but don’t then conclude that one is wrong. They all tell the same truth – God loves you!

BY ANTHONY CASTLE Over 100 Salvo leaders attended the recent Missional Conversations workshop event in Subiaco. Organised by Dianne Jarvey, the Faith Communities Development Secretary for Western Australia Division, the initiative works alongside the division and supports what local leaders want to see happen in their spaces. “The Church is in a bit of a murky space right now, after COVID and with declining attendance,” Dianne explains. “We looked at what is happening and asked, ‘How are we leading in this liminal space?’ We know that mission doesn’t just happen – we have to be intentional about it. The idea is to have that missional conversation booked into the divisional calendar and open it up to leaders on the ground.” Invitations to Missional Conversations were extended to every officer and their leadership team in a missional space to have a bigger conversation around mission in Western Australia. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas spoke during workshop spaces, reflecting on what it means to lead when you don’t know where you’re going. Over 100 people were in attendance at The Third Place, a Salvos centre in Subiaco, with invitations to grow in future. “We can’t have it there again because it isn’t big enough now,” laughs Dianne. “The goal of the workshop space was to open up practical conversations about mission, rather than just sit for a lecture. I thought we’d have 40 people show up, but we had over 100!” Research reveals that while church attendance has dropped somewhat since COVID, interest in spirituality and a search for meaning has increased during these uncertain times. There can be a wariness of religion but a general openness to the benefit that faith and missional community can offer. “We hear a lot about the decline of the Church. You look at the statistics, though, what they say about falling participation in churches but also about people’s interest in spirituality, and you can focus on the opportunity. It’s about what people need, and how do we do that in a different context than just at 10am on a Sunday morning.” Attendees were invited to visualise what they wanted their future to be and to draw a picture. Each attendee and team would offer a different picture of a missional future, a starting point for conversation, and a different takeaway from the event. “We know the Church is changing, and we acknowledge that there are other models we can move to, we want to be somewhere new,” Dianne says. “Sometimes we do things because that’s the way we’ve always done them. It is time to do a new thing, to challenge and acknowledge the pain and grief of that. We’re in this liminal space, but God still works through us, and the choices we make now determine where we end up.” The Faith Communities Development Team will coordinate continual workshop events with the Western Australia Division, meeting next year in June and October, opening it up to more and more interested in that bigger conversation. “The aim is to build momentum. We’re asking, ‘Who else can we get here, how can we broaden this conversation? Who are the latest voices? What are local missional voices grappling with?’ Each event will have a different approach, specific missional conversations for different spaces but will have the same intention and the same conversation. We need to be talking about mission all the time.”

General Lyndon Buckingham has called Salvationists throughout the world to pray for peace in Israel, Gaza and the many other places in the world where there is strife and war. “We particularly think of, and pray for, the innocent people who are caught up in the conflict – sometimes experiencing injury or even losing their lives,” The Salvation Army’s world leader said today. “As the Psalmist says, ‘Let there be peace on the mountains and goodness on the hills for the people’ (Psalm 72:3 NCV).”

The City of Melbourne is boosting its support for people experiencing homelessness by partnering with The Salvation Army to offer meals and outreach services through a night-time cafe in the CBD. The renewed City East Hub, based at The Salvation Army’s Project 614 site at 69 Bourke Street, is making it easier for some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people to access essential services. The service, launched in December 2022, features twilight meals and support seven days a week, as well as further support including: • After-hours outreach five days a week • Housing and homelessness advice • Showers and lockers “This highlights the commitment of The Salvation Army and City of Melbourne to support people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne,” Project 614 Corps Officer Major Brendan Nottle said. “It’s important because it puts focus on the partnership between the two organisations to provide practical support to connect people to pathways out of homelessness. “This is a clear and compassionate response from City of Melbourne to partner with The Salvation Army that demonstrates inclusion and that they care for the most vulnerable members of our community.” A pilot program partnership called the Homelessness Support Hub is building on existing services at Project 614, expanding its offering to reach even more people in need. As a part of the program, the City of Melbourne is partnering with service providers to offer even more assistance to those sleeping rough across the city. Health, Wellbeing and Belonging portfolio lead Councillor Dr Olivia Ball said, “This is a vital service that we are so proud to help deliver – providing targeted assistance, ongoing support and a warm meal at the end of the day. “Our objective is not to support people to remain homeless but to provide housing, which is why Make Room and our affordable housing targets are central to Homes Melbourne. “Only when people are housed securely can they begin to address the causes of homelessness.” As Australia’s most liveable city, we need to make sure there is accessible space for everyone in Melbourne – including our key workers, lower-income families and those experiencing and at-risk of homelessness. The City of Melbourne is also working with the Living Room to establish storage and locker services at their Hosier Lane Service, which will allow people experiencing homelessness to store their personal belongings safely and access a wide range of support. The Homelessness Support Hub program builds on the council’s work towards reducing homelessness in the City of Melbourne. City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said, “We’re proud to be partnering with the Salvos to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community get the support and care they deserve. “The support hub pilot program is part of Homes Melbourne’s work to create new pathways out of homelessness and reach even more people in need. “As Australia’s most liveable city, we need to make sure there is accessible space for everyone in Melbourne – including our key workers, lower-income families and those experiencing and at risk of homelessness.” Other key initiatives include the landmark Make Room project, which will convert a Council-owned building at 602 Little Bourke Street into secure, safe, supported accommodation and support services for people experiencing homelessness. Information sourced from a story by Tayla Oates at councilmagazine.com.au To watch a video on one of the Project 614’s street teams in action, click here

‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ is the theme of a multicultural celebration to be staged by Hurstville Salvos in Hurstville Plaza, southern Sydney, on Sunday 22 October. It will be a celebration of the diverse communities that call Hurstville home. “From Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas, and everywhere in between, we are coming together to showcase the beauty of our differences and the power of our shared humanity,” said Nuria Gonsalves, the driving force behind ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’. Nuria is the Army’s CALD Community Engagement National Lead in the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team. The event is free and will include cultural performances by various local groups, including dance, music and performances from around the world. It’s also a family day with kids’ activities and entertainment on offer. Global cuisine will be featured with a variety of multicultural food stalls from local businesses. Information will be available on The Salvation Army’s free services, which are available locally. “It’s an opportunity to learn about The Salvation Army’s services and embrace different cultures. It’s also an opportunity to volunteer in the Hurstville community and build bridges of understanding,” Nuria said. “As we celebrate our diversity, we also recognise our commonality. Through dialogue, respect, and collaboration, we can create a brighter future for all.” The ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ event is supported by Georges River Council, including Councillor Ben Wang, the Georges River Association, local businesses, volunteers and Major Sherrie Nicol and Lieutenant Beth Shao of the Hurstville Salvos. Details: Many Cultures, One Hope. Hurstville Plaza, 296 Forest Road, Hurstville. Sunday, October 22, 10.30am to 2pm. Everyone is welcome. People are encouraged to wear something that reflects their culture. *An edited version of an article courtesy of St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. Author: Jim Gainsford

There are many ways to get to school – walk, bike, car, bus, tro-tro, on the back of a motorbike, in a tuk-tuk, being pushed in a wheelchair, on crutches, in a parent’s four-wheel drive. According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), 244 million children aged between six and 18 are not in school. The Salvation Army International Schools and Education has a long history of engagement with education and currently works with more than half a million children in more than 2500 schools, supported by 20,000 teachers in 45 countries. For The Salvation Army, the essential element is being able to attend school and receive a high-quality education, regardless of how one ‘travels’ there. The walk to school is a start and symbolises the different paths through education that children and youth take as they prepare for life’s journey. Breaking down barriers The Salvation Army is about removing barriers to education for the most vulnerable, and then providing education that is high quality and enables children to either move confidently to the next stage of education or feel empowered enough to look for employment with the necessary skills, social understanding and mental strength required in an increasingly globalised world. We work with children in rural-remote or urban-complex communities who might not otherwise be able to access a quality education system to ensure they are able to do so. We believe that all children should have access to education, and we have a clear focus on enabling those with special needs – complex disabilities, learning needs, sight issues or hearing loss – to be empowered to go to school. In several areas, therefore, we have schools that provide specialist education and living support so that pupils can achieve independence and go on to play a fulfilling role in their community when they leave school. Girls staying in education We also believe that we should do everything we can to support girls to stay in school as long as possible. There is plenty of evidence that says that every year spent in school for girls in developing contexts reduces their chance of early marriage, gives them a better opportunity to have healthy babies that survive childhood, and greatly reduces the risk of them being trafficked and exploited in the workplace or home environment. This means we need to ensure proper sanitation facilities that make it easier for girls to attend school, that schools need an ethos that encourages and values girls, and that girls are aware of their opportunities for further study and career development. Adding value to communities A key objective is lessening the learning gap between Salvation Army schools and better-resourced schools within a country, city or community. The Salvation Army faces a unique challenge in that it is called to serve people in complex communities who are often economically marginalised and geographically remote. The Salvation Army worldwide goes where others do not go, and this is also true of our education programs. To read more about Salvation Army schools and students, click here. View The Salvation Army schools and education exhibition at IHQ’s Gallery 101, which explores The Salvation Army’s work in education around the world.

As Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, Salvation Army corps faithfully continue to serve God and care for those in need around the around the country – despite the increasing difficulties and challenges they face. Last weekend, Captains Dmitrij Bessmolnyj and Natalia Yaravaya enrolled Anatolia and Victoria Moskalenko as senior soldiers of the Kropyvnytskyi Corps. The officers quoted Isaiah 41:13 over the young couple: “I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you.” The Kyiv Lighthouse Corps is inviting people to their weekly Basics of Christianity classes each Saturday. The participants discuss relevant Bible topics to increase their understanding of God and the Bible in a warm and friendly environment. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, corps throughout Ukraine are offering all the warm clothing and shoes they can collect for desperate locals and internally displaced people. The Salvation Army in Ukraine is focused on Jesus and being his light in very dark days.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE Research from the Salvos’ National Youth and Young Adults Team has been presented at the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry’s Australasian conference. Developed by James Gallagher and John Marion, the insights were drawn from interviews with young people and explored the reasons so many wrestle with a crisis of faith. “We interviewed young people in The Salvation Army across Australia,” explains James Gallagher, Resource Coordinator for the National Youth and Young Adults Team. “We explored what helps to nurture their faith development and delivered our findings to the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry.” The International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM) is a global network involved in professional youth ministry research. To further youth ministry research, the network organises conferences and publishes The Journal of Youth and Theology. James and John’s research was delivered as the keynote address of the Australasian Regional Conference at Ridley College in Melbourne in August. “The paper explored the faith of emerging adults,” James explains. “First, there’s the content of what you believe, the doctrines, the ideas and beliefs. Second, there’s the how you believe it, like the structure of your spiritual practices, service, prayer, reading the Bible. The ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of your faith develops your unique faith system, and everyone is different.” “Faith communities so often shape the faith of young people but don’t always know how to respond when it is challenged.” People’s faith is shaped by their experiences, their families and their friends. According to the Christian Research Association, 29 per cent of young people aged 18 to 29 indicated that they attended religious services at least once a month in their younger years, but more than 70 per cent of them have dropped out by the end of their 20s. Faith communities so often shape the faith of young people but don’t always know how to respond when it is challenged. “We all know that churches struggle to engage emerging adults,” says John Marion, Youth and Young Adult Specialist. “But the big takeaway is that at some point in the lives of emerging adults, everything changes. It can be external events, like conflict or COVID. It can be internal, like asking questions and not having answers. Inevitably, something will come along that challenges their faith system. We call this dissonance.” Key factors The research highlighted four key factors often causing dissonance, challenging the faith systems of emerging adults – external life events​, doubt​, the church’s attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ matters,​ and interpersonal conflict. Whatever the cause of their dissonance, it can become pressing enough that they can’t ignore it, and faith can fall into crisis. “Resolving dissonance in faith systems can take different forms,” explains John. “Sometimes it’s to reaffirm their faith, which churches can be good at. Another is to reconsider their faith, to keep it but make some changes. They can revise their faith, asking more critical questions and having the right mentors. Of course, they can reject their faith too, which looks like conversion to a different faith pathway or exiting faith altogether.” The church’s challenge is that its version of faith is often static. It is presented to emerging adults as already decided, that there is a set model for what you have to believe and do to be a Christian. The church must become more adaptive in engaging emerging adults whose lives are changing and consider dissonance an opportunity. “Dissonance is not a bad thing,” John says. “It’s the processing of dissonance that helps faith grow. We want emerging adults to develop resilient, personal faith. We need to reframe that struggle and change as actually being necessary because throughout our lives, our faith will be challenged, and we need the tools to respond.” The research presented at the Australasian Youth Ministry conference will form the foundation of Salvo resources available across 2024, helping churches and faith communities to nurture the faith of emerging adults. The key to supporting emerging adults is to listen to how they describe their dissonance and understand what resolution looks like for them. “When you can’t treat that dissonance as an opportunity, emerging adults have their faith systems explode, and faith communities continue to decline,” James explains. “The priority here isn’t to stop emerging adults from leaving churches, but about emerging adults thriving with a faith that is deeply meaningful for them and makes sense in their lives.” For more information, contact youthandyoungadults@salvationarmy.org.au

In his October devotional, General Lyndon Buckingham reflects on love, care and service as a way of worship. One of the things that I love about The Salvation Army is that we’ve gained a reputation for being ‘Christianity with our sleeves rolled up’. Caring for people and serving others is part of the DNA of The Salvation Army. Even in some of the most recent catastrophic events, The Salvation Army has been present there to lend a helping hand. We’ve always been about demonstrating the values of the Kingdom of God and not just talking about them. Serving, helping, caring for other people is a way in which we express our understanding of God’s love for us and our desire to demonstrate that by our care and love for others. Jesus, when he was talking to his disciples, said to them, when you do this for the least of these, my brothers, you are doing it for me (Matthew 25:40). There’s this opportunity for us to see Christ in the people we are caring for, in the people we are serving in this way. Actually, our service – whether it’s a sophisticated social program or whether it’s simply doing the dishes after church on a Sunday – all become acts of worship that bless our Heavenly Father and demonstrate our love for him. Caring for people, serving people, is a way of worshiping our Heavenly Father. I’m praying for you this week that you will look for and engage in opportunities to love, care and serve. This is who we are. God bless you. To watch this devotional, click on the video below.

Today (11 October) marks The United Nations International Day of the Girl. It’s an annual observation held to promote girls’ empowerment and highlight the challenges girls face worldwide and is supported globally by The Salvation Army. Globally, women and girls continue to face systemic oppression and violence and are devalued, disrespected and undermined. Some progress is being made, but deep challenges remain. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Now more than ever, we must renew our commitment to work together so that girls enjoy and exercise their rights and can play a full and equal part in their communities and societies. Investing in girls is investing in our common future.” The Salvation Army stands for equity and equality in every sphere of life for all people. Around the world, the Salvos continue to fight against injustice and give a voice to those who have been silenced. To read stories from Salvation Army women around the world who are overcoming difficulty with faith, hope and determination, click here. To mark this day, The Salvation Army Youth and Children’s and Women’s Ministries teams are focusing on girls’ rights, leadership and wellbeing. For stories and calls to action, check out the Army’s international Facebook page, here. To join The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission for an online event commemorating the International Day of the Girl, click here. ·

BY LAUREN MARTIN When Michelle Wheatley heads out for her Thursday morning Salvation Army collection shift at Menai Marketplace in southern Sydney, she always asks God for opportunities. And God always answers her prayers. The Shire Salvos Community Engagement/Mission Leader splits her work time between Sutherland Salvos Store and engaging with the Menai community, connecting people with local community services and faith expressions. She began collecting at her local shopping centre earlier this year and has found that it’s the perfect place to meet people. “I have people that come in to see me every week,” she says. “People just want to talk, and what is happening is that God is softening the hearts of people.” Michelle believes that The Salvation Army’s style of collection, where nothing is asked of people, opens the doors to great conversations. Whereas other organisations might wish to speak to local shoppers about their cause or ask them to donate, Michelle says she just offers a smile, a sticker or Kidzone magazine for kids, and a listening ear. “There’s no strings attached,” she says. “I’m not asking for anything in particular, although if people want to donate, they can. I just offer a smile, and people feel comfortable to have a chat. And, all of a sudden, lots of different conversations start flowing.” Michelle has been able to direct many people to food assistance and other services, both Salvation Army and other community organisations, and follows up with them on how things are going on their journey the next time she sees the person. Her role as Shire Salvos Community Engagement/Mission Leader enables her to offer Salvation Army services to needy people. And then deliver on those promises. “There is an older gentleman who comes to see me every week,” she says, “and he needed some furniture taken away, so I made a few calls, and I was able to organise that for him. “There is another woman who has shared a lot about the difficult circumstances that she is facing, and we are planning to meet up outside of my collection shift to have a deeper conversation.” Michelle is a trained facilitator for The Salvation Army Positive Lifestyle Program and looks forward to offering that to people she forms relationships with through her shopping centre collection shift. “So many people are sad and they’re lonely, and they want to talk to someone and connect with someone. I do feel a strong sense of purpose that this community needs a non-threatening smile and a listening ear.” It seems God has put just the right person in place for that very thing.