Jena Clarke works with TSA's Policy and Advocacy team. Image: Supplied The Salvation Army’s Policy and Advocacy team recently welcomed another staff member, Support Coordinator Jena Clarke. The Policy and Advocacy team is part of The Salvation Army’s newly formed Centre for Mission Impact, and advocates to influence key decision-makers and those who have the power to implement social policy change across state and federal jurisdictions in Australia. Salvos Online journalist KIRRALEE NICOLLE recently caught up with Jena to find out about her background, her passions, and why she loves what The Salvation Army does. Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how you ended up here at the Salvos? Sure. I graduated from my undergraduate in 2024, having studied social justice and creative writing. I really loved my time at uni, and I learned a lot about the world, its need for justice and ways of achieving justice and equity through that process. In 2025, I spent time volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers around Sydney, and that was a really rewarding experience and something that I still do currently. I loved those connections, but I knew that I wanted a role where I could use my gifts in writing and language to make change. So, I joined Policy and Advocacy in November as a volunteer to learn about what the team did, and it quickly became clear that I wanted to further dedicate myself to the incredible work the Policy and Advocacy team was doing. That's a really interesting combination – social justice and creative writing. What are some ways that you've used that already, in either in this role or previously? I think the strengths of that combination came to the fore at uni. All of my creative writing assignments had a bit of a social justice twist to them, and I felt like I was using writing and stories to talk about society and about what was going on for real people. Then as I've come into this team, I use the same skills to edit work or to analyse it. I'm learning a lot from the team because it’s a different kind of writing, but I have a deep appreciation of language as something so powerful and so I'm so glad I can bring that appreciation into this role. You've already mentioned that you've done some volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers, but I’m curious about what specifically draws you about this work and about the work of the Salvos? I think it's pretty clear that the Salvos have such a big reach around Australia and have been making changes for people on an individual level, on a community level and on a wider level for a long time. As someone who wanted to use my skills to help make change, I was really keen to get on board with Policy and Advocacy and to see what their work was doing for people in Australia. Since volunteering with the team and now being on staff, I’m seeing that we take what we see in Salvos services and we share that with state and Commonwealth and say, ‘Hey, this is what people really need, and this is what this is what will be beneficial for the people that we are interacting with’. I sometimes found that when you study and think about all the difficult things that we face in society, it can feel like there's no hope, but I feel like Salvos has this real hopefulness about it as an organisation. And that comes through in this kind of advocacy work, because we're having the real conversations and we're trying to make change for people in a really structural way. Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies? I love words. I love to write, and I love to read. I’m always reading short stories. While our personalities don’t align, I love the way Hemingway wrote! I have a great appreciation for the way he used setting to tell the whole story and get a deeper point across. What are your hopes for this role going forward, and what are some of the things that you're looking forward to? I’m excited to grow in this role. I’ve got a lot of passion and to be able to learn from the expertise of the team is unreal. I'm looking forward to supporting the team in the work that they do, and I'm also keen to use my gifts to benefit others.

Children from the Kyiv Corps, Ukraine, enjoy a day out from everyday concerns to have fun at a local theme park. The Kyiv Mayak (Lighthouse) Corps in Ukraine continues to operate the After-School Program throughout the (northern) summer. Last week, the children “experienced a real fairy tale”, said the youth leaders, thanks to the generosity of the local amusement and adventure park – Shumiland. The children were able to forget about living in a warzone for day and just play and have fun. “We are sincerely grateful to the administration and the entire Shumiland team for the warm reception, attentive attitude to every child, and for creating such a special holiday atmosphere,” the leaders said. “Your caring attitude makes the world kinder, and the hearts of our children brighter. Together we create happy memories.” Youth leaders helped make the rare day out an extra special one for the children, many of whom have been displaced by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Salvation Army across Ukraine has a special focus on children. Each of the seven corps and one outpost runs an after-school program for primary-aged children, providing help with homework, extra educational and fun activities, a hot meal, time with a psychologist, and a caring, supportive atmosphere. The children, most of whom are internally displaced due to the war or come from poor and vulnerable families, thrive in this environment. Building resilient communities in a changing climate The Salvation Army Australia International Development (SAID) is working to help communities build real resilience in the face of a changing climate. In Malawi, farmers like Pricila rely on a single rainy season and face declining soil health, leaving one maize harvest to determine their food and income each year. Through SAID-supported projects, Pricila and other farmers receive targeted training in conservation agriculture and ongoing mentorship that equips them with practical, climate-smart skills. Farmers like Pricila (right) are being equipped with practical, climate-smart skills. With this support, farmers are forming Village Savings and Loans groups, building compost systems to replace chemical fertiliser and adopting soil restoring practices such as mulching and planting nitrogen fixing trees. As a result, maize yields are increasing, food security is improving, and families like Pricila’s can earn income from surplus crops. This project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and Sida - Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete (Swedish Government) though the Swedish Mission Council. To find out more about the work of SAID, see their website here. World leaders attend spiritual day in Hungary Officers, retired officers, cadets and social institution leaders in Hungary gathered at Józsefváros Church to welcome General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham on 1 July 2026. The day included worship, teaching, a question-and-answer session on the worldwide Salvation Army and a visit to New Hope House, the men’s shelter program first opened by The Salvation Army in 1927. The Salvation Army world leaders were surrounded by prayer support at the Spiritual Day in Hungary. Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham shared a moving testimony, speaking of the hope she has found in Christ even through difficult seasons. “This is our time to lift our eyes above what we are seeing or experiencing,” she said. “Now is the time for our lives to express confident hope in Jesus Christ.” During an afternoon question-and-answer session, Commissioner Buckingham reflected on her aspirations for The Salvation Army. “My dream is that the Army will be the place the next generation of young people choose to make their spiritual home,” she said. She also spoke about the importance of leadership across the movement, adding: “I want to continue on the journey we are on, that our women leaders are appointed as appropriately as our men leaders.” In the opening meeting, the General shared a message drawing together the imagery of shepherds, sheep and the Good Shepherd. Reflecting on Psalm 23 and Paul’s words in Romans about the whole of life being an act of worship, the General reminded those gathered of the care and restoration found in God. “You restore, you feed, you make me whole,” he said. General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham both addressed those gathered for the Spiritual Day. Drawing on the words of 1 Peter, the General challenged leaders not only to follow the Good Shepherd, but to recognise their own calling to shepherd God’s people. “Be an example to the flock of what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. The challenge led to a time of prayer and rededication, as people responded by praying for one another and for Salvation Army leadership. The Buckinghams, together with territorial and regional leaders, were surrounded by those gathered as prayers were offered for their spiritual leadership and ministry. World Service Office launches 2026 Annual Report In 2025, The Salvation Army World Service Office invested more than $50 million across 152 projects in 69 countries, helping communities develop sustainable solutions to poverty, disease and despair. Each project reflects a commitment to strengthening local capacity, building financial independence, and supporting long-term, community-led change through The Salvation Army’s global network. Our 2026 Annual Report shares the impact of this work and the lives it touches around the world. Read or download the full report at the SAWSO Facebook page here.

Maria and Paul Anderson leading the group in ‘Sweep Over My Soul’ for NAIDOC Week at Divisional Headquarters in Adelaide. Image: Kirralee Nicolle BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Personnel at Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) in Adelaide this week celebrated NAIDOC in a delayed event run by Maria Anderson-Tanner, Divisional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator SA/NT. The event, organised by Executive Assistant Meredith Watson and Administration Assistant Sreeja Sreenilayam Gopinathan, featured a talk by Maria and a short address by South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander Captain Scott Frame. As part of the service, Maria and husband Paul Tanner, Port Augusta Corps Ministry Team Leader, led the group in ‘Sweep Over My Soul’ sung in both English and Pitjantjatjara. Maria also discussed the contributions of courageous Indigenous leaders from across the nation, including William Cooper, Sir Doug Nicholls, Charlie Perkins, Vincent Lingiari, Eddie Koiki Mabo and Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue. “These leaders did not walk the same path,” Maria said. “Some were pastors. Some were activists. Some challenged the courts, but they all had one thing in common. They believed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people deserve dignity, justice and respect. “Because they stood, we can continue to stand today.” Following the service, personnel enjoyed teriyaki kangaroo tail and kangaroo tikka masala, prepared by Maria. The table setting for lunch, featuring Maria's original artworks. Image: Kirralee Nicolle Maria thanked the staff at DHQ for their openness, hospitality and willingness to be a part of the celebration. “We celebrate the strength, resilience and wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation,” Maria said. “Thank you for creating a space where we can share our stories through song and culture, and where we can walk together in respect, understanding and friendship. “May today be a celebration of unity, hope and reconciliation as we honour the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future together.” READ MORE: Celebrating ‘deadly’ achievements in Swan Hill

Jo Harding (left) and a fellow volunteer serving with the Salvation Army Emergency Services in Western Australia during the bushfire season earlier this year. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Jo Harding is the new Western Australia Response Coordinator for Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES). She fills a role which has been vacant for several months now, bringing a wealth of passion for emergency response and long-term experience in the sector. Major Bindy Lupis, SAES Senior Program Manager, Response and Wellbeing has praised Jo highly, saying that even before meeting her, she had a “really good feeling”. “I was relieved when her interview confirmed it. It had been a huge few months in WA with a lot of uncertainty,” Bindy said. Major Bindy Lupis says Jo Harding has a collaborative approach to leadership. “The team over there have done an amazing job but had been waiting for a new leader and the stability that brings. Jo has definitely been worth the wait. “I have loved getting messages from some of the team thankful for her and feeling excited about this new chapter under her leadership. Jo has also already met and is building great relationships with her counterparts in the other states and some of them have also commented about what a great fit to the national team she is. “Jo brings years of emergency management experience to the team, but it is also her warm and friendly personality and her collaborative approach to leadership that stands out. I am looking forward to this new chapter for Emergency Services in WA and will be cheering Jo and the team on.” Salvos Online journalist Kirralee Nicolle spent some time with Jo, finding out about her background and what she brings to the role. So, tell me about how you came to be in this role at the Salvos. Where were you before this? Before I began in this role, I finished 15 years with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). I’ve done quite a few different roles throughout DFES, however I’ve been in Incident Management Teams (IMTs) and Pre-Formed Teams (specialised, multi-agency IMTs) throughout that time, so in various roles responding to DFES incidents. I’ve experienced being on the other side of the Salvos truck, I’m a bit of a people person and I’m well known for having all the connections! That assists me in this role because particularly in WA, SAES’ main client is DFES. I’m very mindful that in this role there’s a rresponsibility to ensure that we provide the quality and the safety that they’re expecting, and if we can exceed that, then all the better. What got you into the emergency responses sector originally? All of my roles have been very community-centric. For me, it’s about my connection to volunteers in the community. Here at the Salvos, the volunteers are passionate about helping their community and they’re helping other volunteers (firies) who are also passionate about helping their community. And that’s the perfect sort of thing for me. Jo with her daughter’s puppy, Teddy. Image: Supplied It sounds like you guys definitely have a busy few months ahead. Tell me, outside of work, what are some things you like spending your time doing? I really enjoy a daily walk. I think it just helps reset your day or set up your day, depending on what end of the day you do it. This wintertime, I’m tending to go in the evening to reset my mind after a long day of learning new things. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family. My daughter also recently got a new puppy, and he is a lot of work to train and manage, so that has been taking up a lot of my time! We have pets in this house already, so there’s a lot of logistics to manage around animals here at the moment. I love that you are so invested in relationships with volunteers, they truly are the backbone what we do here! What are you most looking forward to in this role? I’m looking forward to working in the family environment that we have here at the Salvos. I’m excited about getting a cohesive group together, so that we can go out and do what we’re passionate about. I'm looking forward to the season ahead. We’ve got some stuff to get through first, preparations and training to do, and all of that’s part of it. But, I’m looking forward to working with everybody to support the community. It’s gonna be fun.

As a teenager, Paul wrestled with God’s call to become a Salvation Army officer, asking God for a partner in ministry and the ability to speak publicly. Soon after, he met Wendy, who shared the same calling and 37 years later, they are still serving together in ministry. In this God-defining moment, Paul, now the Territorial Secretary for Communications, reflects on how God not only answered that prayer but also continues to lead him each day through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

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Sydney City Salvos Program Manager Caleb Wong (right) with the latest walking tour participants. BY LAUREN MARTIN A walking tour of Inner Sydney is connecting Salvation Army mission workers from different services and helping them better assist people in need. The initiative began about four years ago as an idea during Sydney City Area Leadership Team (ALT) meetings, as a way to introduce new employees and volunteers to each of the different city Salvation Army expressions. They were first organised and run by Sydney City Salvos Team Leader Mitchell Evans, who said it began as a way to ‘build team’ within the inner-city Salvation Army services and mission expressions. Sydney City Salvos Team Leader Mitchell Evans started The Salvation Army Inner Sydney Walking Tour. “For participants, it’s not about ‘my role in isolation’ but gives them a greater perspective on how their role contributes to the whole,” he said. The walking tours are now organised and run by Caleb Wong, the Sydney City Salvos Program Manager. They are held roughly every six weeks and last about three hours. He says it’s a great way for employees and volunteers from different services and mission expressions to meet and network. “We wanted to improve relationships between the expressions and also the referral pathways for our community members,” Caleb said. “People who go on the walking tour feel it’s really helpful because they get a bigger sense of what The Salvation Army is doing in the city. They also get to see the service and how it works and get to know each other and talk about what they do.” The tour starts at Territorial Headquarters in Redfern, where participants board a bus to Sydney City Salvos Waterloo, then on to Oasis Youth Services in Surry Hills. From there, participants walk to all of The Salvation Army’s services in the city, including Sydney City Salvos Surry Hills Community Centre, William Booth House Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (currently being redeveloped), Sydney City Salvos Elizabeth Street (currently being redeveloped) and Foster House Homelessness Support Service. “We also have a presentation from Samaritan House (women’s accommodation service),” Caleb says. “We can’t attend the site due to confidentiality, but staff come and provide an outline of what they do and answer questions.” According to Mitchell (former tour guide), it’s what happens ‘on the road’ that is the most powerful part of the tour. “The pit stops at the various sites are great to learn a bit about referral pathways, where people physically go to access a service and a general overview, but the interactions and conversations walking between the spaces is where the real gold is,” he said. “That’s when people get to know one another, and the role they play in the larger Salvation Army mission in the city.” The Salvation Army introduced its Local Mission Delivery model seven years ago and set up 75 Area Leadership Teams (ALTs) across the country to integrate mission delivery between different Salvation Army expressions, streams and enterprises. The inner Sydney walking tour is a small but innovative way to see that vision come to life. *The walking tours are only open to Salvation Army employees and volunteers who work in Salvos services and mission expressions. Starting at Territorial Headquarters at Redfern (top left), the Inner Sydney Walking Tour takes in Salvation Army sites including Sydney City Salvos in Elizabeth St and Waterloo, William Booth House, Foster House and Oasis Youth Services Centre.

Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (20-26 July) we pray for The Salvation Army in the Japan Territory. This territory has 141 officers (53 active, 88 retired); 2 Aux-Captains; 40 corps; 10 outposts; 1775 senior soldiers; 67 adherents; 168 junior soldiers; 1157 employees Colonels Tamotsu and Kazue Nishimura lead the territory. Officers and leaders of the Japan Territory. The work of the Japn Territory includes: · Poverty alleviation · Disaster response · Care for older people · Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Poverty alleviation and disaster response are two key areas of focus in Japan. Prayer requests Please pray for the Japan Territory as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in preparing to pass on our legacy to the next generation. We are currently reviewing and reshaping our inherited ministries, reorganising corps and services, and resizing the territory to ensure that our limited personnel and resources can be focused more effectively on mission. Pray that this process will enable us to strengthen both evangelism and social ministry, and that The Salvation Army in Japan may be equipped to fulfil its God-given mission in ways that are relevant and sustainable for Japanese society beyond 2030. May we have the courage to embrace necessary change while remaining faithful to our calling and heritage. To find out more about the Japan Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Young people getting ready for the Salvos North East Youth Services’ popular pop culture event, Nerdmania, which is returning next month. Photo: Charlie Rock-driguez – Pexels.com BY LERISSE SMITH Trekkies, Whovians and pop culture fans of all stripes are set to descend on Salvos North East Youth Services’ NerdMania next month as the event returns to Shepparton bigger than ever. After a six-year hiatus, 2026 marks the long-awaited return of the popular regional pop culture event on Saturday 29 August, with NerdMania set to deliver a day of entertainment featuring Star Wars, Pokémon, and LEGO events, as well as Cosplay (Costume Play). The event is being presented by The Salvation Army North East Youth Services in partnership with Greater Shepparton City Council and VicHealth. “It will be a great opportunity for people of all abilities to come together and celebrate pop culture,” says Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services. “We will be engaging with the local special school as well as mainstream schools, as well as NDIS providers. We have been working towards this outcome for a few years now, so to say that it is finally happening is amazing. “We were asked monthly, if not weekly, when it would come back, with comments such as ‘Oh, I wish that would come back, it was incredible’ and so on, so this announcement will make a lot of people very happy. I’m one of them!” Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services, says this year’s NerdMania will be a great opportunity for people of all abilities to unite and celebrate pop culture. Welcoming community members from all walks of life, the event will be held at the Shepparton Showgrounds’ Multipurpose Pavilion from 10am to 4pm with food trucks on site. With NerdMania back in full swing, the Cosplay community finally has its stage set and the countdown to costumes, creativity and character builds is officially on. Defined as ‘costume play,’ Cosplay sees fans of television shows, animation, cartoons and movies dress as characters they admire. “It is often a very creative outlet that assists neurodiverse people and people who have mental health challenges to funnel their issues into something creative and soothing,” he says. “They produce amazing and creative costumes of all sorts – from the weird to the wonderful!” Beyond the pop culture celebration, a wide range of services supporting young people will also be present on the day. Crucially, young people’s health, both mental and physical, will also feature at the event, with details being finalised. Funding for the event has been secured due to a partnership with the Greater Shepparton City Council and VicHealth. “The partnership will be hugely beneficial for the community,” says Jim. “Without the seed funding provided by the Greater Shepparton City Council and VicHealth, this wouldn’t be happening, make no mistake. This is very much thanks to them, and I feel they recognise the value this event brings to the community and wish to support it.” Nerdmania will be a fun-filled day of entertainment for the local community ranging from young people dressed in colourful costumes to pop culture celebrations and activities of all sorts for families. Photos courtesy of Pexels.com Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the council was proud to support the return of NerdMania in 2026. “This event is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships,” he says. “The council is pleased to support its return, building on previous success as a welcoming and positive event for young people across Greater Shepparton.” Funds raised on the day through entry fees and stallholder fees will be banked to ensure the event can remain on the events calendar for years to come. “We are aiming at making this event an annual event that occurs every year,” says Jim. “So, we are hoping for a cost-neutral event at the very least. We know there is strong demand for this family-friendly event, so we think that the community will get around it and support it so it can continue moving forward.” NerdMania is fully supervised and is a drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free event. Entry will be via prepaid ticket or entry fees on the day. Car parking entry is via Gate 5, with a $2 parking fee going to a local services club. For tickets, email Jim Gow: jim.Gow@salvationarmy.org.au This year’s NerdMania pop culture event is expected to attract large crowds, following the success of previous events (above).

Ringwood Corps soldier Russell Webb holds the donated copy of the ‘working Bible’ owned over 100 years ago by a Salvationist in Melbourne BY BARRY GITTINS Within families and long-lasting friendships, Bibles and religious books are often passed down through generations. Rare books, by Salvation Army standards, and significant copies of Scriptures also sometimes end up being donated to The Salvation Army Australia Museum for posterity. Ringwood Corps Sergeant-Major Russell Webb recently passed on a New Testament more than 100 years old to the museum’s Melbourne branch. The slim volume was inscribed: James A Smith, Salvation Army, 69 Bourke St, Melbourne. (While a common enough name, this might have belonged to Colonel J.A. Smith OF, who established the Army’s work in Kenya in 1921.) The well-used and obviously well-loved ‘working Bible’ – including sermon notes and asides, pencilled clarifications and underlined verses – was passed down from Russell’s wife Allison’s side of the family. Many typed and handwritten notes are contained in the copy. It took some detective work on their part to establish provenance; at first, they thought it might have come from the library of her father, Bryan Saunders or her grandfather, Len Saunders. In fact, the Bible was in the possession of Len’s second wife, Edna (they were to marry following the death of Len’s first wife in a car accident). As captured in the Army’s first doctrine, Salvationists believe the Scriptures are inspired by God and “they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice”. Russell had preached on the importance of the Bible recently at Ringwood, and he later defined the problem of biblical literacy, or illiteracy for that matter, very simply: “People don’t read it.” The Bible dates back to the early part of the 20th century. “People try and read the Scriptures in a language they don’t understand,” Russell said, “and they get frustrated. We need to find translations and paraphrases that are accessible and accurate – faithful to the original sources – and we need to study where and when they were written, because God can help us understand the Bible through its content, its context and subtext.” We may not know without doubt the identity of the particular Jim Smith who owned this New Testament, nor can we clearly ascertain how it came into the possession of Allison’s family. But we can agree with Russell that reading and abiding in the written word of God brings us closer to following and obeying Jesus, the living Word. Interested in Salvation Army history? Then make a trip to either of The Salvation Army Australia Museum branches in Melbourne or Sydney. Details below. READ MORE: Sydney branch of The Salvation Army Museum officially opened

Registration is now open for the annual Thought Matters Conference, a chance for Salvationists from across Oceania to submit and present papers on a chosen topic. This year’s conference theme is ‘Do not be anxious about anything’, and the event will be held from the 9-11 October 2026 in Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand). With abstract submissions having closed, participants and delegates are invited to register here, with in-person and online options both available to book. Thought Matters is organised and facilitated by The Salvation Army South Pacific Theological Forum (SPTF). The SPTF exists to facilitate theological discussion which informs ministry practice. It is currently composed of representatives from the Australia and New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territories. Auxiliary-Lieutenant Renata Davies, Corps Officer at Rockdale (NSW) attended last year’s conference in Melbourne and afterwards admitted she was pleasantly surprised by how much she got out of her first Thought Matters experience. “I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from authentic people who write and present in a way that I understand!” she said. “I believe all Salvationists (and actually, all Christians) would benefit greatly from the many and unique ‘thoughts’ presented at Thought Matters. There is a curiosity to questions, a longing to learn and see from another perspective, and an unspoken agreement to be quick to listen deeply with a truly open mind and heart. This is all with the purpose of knowing and being immersed in God more and more, and sharing the light and love of Jesus with all.” Registration closes on the 30 September. To find out more about the conference and book, see here. Some of the delegates from the 2025 Thought Matters conference in Melbourne. READ MORE: A gathering all Christians would benefit from

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am the Corps Officer/Team Member at Stafford Corps in Brisbane. I’m also the local and integrated mission specialist for Queensland, supporting all our local teams. I have a third unofficial role of being the IT and network Audio Visual Champion for Queensland. So, I support the frontline in their technical needs because that speaks to what I used to do prior to being a Salvation Army officer. What I enjoy the most about what I get to do is getting to just interact with people, getting to know our frontline and to be able to work with them, and particularly in my local and integrated role, being able to then support them so as to bring the Kingdom of God nearer to where they are. 2. Away from your appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Anything that accepts a V8 engine is normally a pretty good start! So, I am a motorsport nut. Prior to children, I raced open-class sprint car. Throughout my AV career, I did quite a bit of work in the supercars and with supercar teams. So, now I follow V8 Supercars and NASCAR and every year I go to Bathurst – I’m one of those tragics who go to the race every year. There’s a group of us who will go and it’s a great time. Anything with a motor is pretty good for me. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I’ve just got a new one that I have recently found by Sidewalk Prophets called ‘Father, Let It Be’. It’s all around chasing the will of God and finding what the will of God is in your life: Oh Father, let it be, Father let it be. It has really been talking to me over the last few weeks, probably a little bit to do with just finishing a preaching series on seeking God’s will and saying, God, just tell me. I’m just really getting to enjoying that song at the moment. 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’ve got to tell a funny story. In my previous appointment up in Gladstone, I was the leader of the Christian leaders, and we had a whole heap of us, about 30 church pastors, in a room, and I proposed an icebreaker question very similar to this one. The question was: If Jesus were beside you now, what would you ask him? And it was amazing. What really blew me away in the conversation was how many did not know what to say. We are talking a bunch of trained, qualified clergy, and they just did not know what they would say. That’s what got me interested more than anything. So, coming back to the question, I really would like to talk with Apostle Paul. I love the transformation story of Paul from and seeing where he goes in his life, and from a life where he was essentially a persecuted Christian, through to a life where he’s sharing the good news and the gospel message of Jesus – and everything in between. I love that. I would really love to just be able to sit down and talk to him, particularly some of those hard things he’s been through, like times in prison, for example, and being stoned for his beliefs and these types of things, and just say to him, how did you do it? How did you get through when it was so tough? I know we would obviously jump to Jesus in that comment, but it’s a really hard life to live, and he portrayed that so well. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I tend to be a bit of an outside-the-box thinker, and so I would probably say why not? – and flip the question around. There are so many reasons why people could say no to being an officer. But do you know what? There are so many reasons why you should. So, I think the question for me would be more around, well, why wouldn’t you want to become an officer? Just being able to be simply immersed in God’s Word, being immersed with God’s people, but also having the absolute joy of being able to take somebody on that transformation journey. So, I would simply ask the Salvationist what fulfils their life? Are you happy staying in the mundane and doing it? I ask this because I was the general manager of an AV company and quite happy where I was – but when God calls, God calls. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.