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The Maryborough Corps in 2025. Image: Facebook The Salvation Army in Maryborough, Queensland, is marking 140 years of serving the local community. This historical milestone for the Maryborough Corps coincides with a significant anniversary for the broader Salvation Army across the world, marking 160 years since its founding by evangelist William Booth on 2 July 1865. In a press release, The Salvation Army has invited the people of Maryborough to join in commemorating 140 years of unwavering service, faith, and dedication to those most in need in the region. The occasion will be marked with a special gathering on Saturday (23 August) at 100 Bazaar Street, Maryborough, beginning at 5pm and concluding at 6pm. Maryborough Salvation Army band in 1918. Image: File “There is a stirring legacy of The Salvation Army in Maryborough – a story of resilience, compassion, and community spirit that has shaped generations,” The Salvation Army said in the media release. The event will include musical performances by the corps sections, St Mary’s High School and the Maryborough Brass Band, as well as speeches commemorating the occasions. “For 140 years, The Salvation Army has stood with the people of Maryborough—offering practical help, emotional support, and a place to belong. We’re here in the heart of the community, walking alongside those doing it tough and reminding them that hope is never out of reach. That’s what being part of this town means to us,” Maryborough Ministry Leader Deanne Stewart said.

Northern Rivers Ballina Auxiliary-Lieutenant Soseh Cowham and volunteer Joel at the ‘word of the day’ sign that greets community members when they arrive for the free Wednesday barbecue. “The tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).   BY LAUREN MARTIN   A simple idea of using the Word of God to inspire conversation during busy corps-based social activities is making a lasting impact.   Every Wednesday, as Auxiliary-Lieutenant Soseh Cowham sets up for the free barbecue at Northern Rivers Salvos Ballina campus on the NSW north coast, she writes a word on a mounted whiteboard. One day the word might be ‘celebrate’, another day, it could be ‘challenge’, or ‘delight’, or ‘joy’. Underneath the word of the day, she writes a Bible verse connected with that word.   The whiteboard is the first thing people see when they walk into the building.   As her volunteers arrive and gather for their morning huddle, Soseh shares the word of the day and the Bible verses, and the group discusses ways to engage others in conversation around the word. They then pray that the Bible verses – the living Word of God – would come alive in people’s hearts and minds that day.   “God is doing some amazing stuff,” Soseh shared. “The other day, a man came in, read the word of the day and the Bible verses and said, ‘Can I become a Christian?’” With our corps and centres often bustling with volunteers and community members accessing food relief, Doorways support, and other services, personnel can sometimes wonder at the end of the day whether they are truly being ‘missional’ or simply meeting a need. Volunteers setting up for the Wednesday free community barbecue at Ballina.   Those who have introduced the word-of-the-day concept, like Soseh, have found it’s a simple way to structure conversations in our busy spaces to create ‘Kingdom moments’ where personnel and passionate volunteers can connect more deeply with people.   If the word of the day is ‘challenge’, community members can be asked if they’ve ever faced a challenge in their life that made them stronger or taught them something valuable from a tough experience. If the word of the day is ‘celebrate’, people are encouraged to reflect on the things in their life they feel grateful for and take a moment to celebrate them!   “It’s a way to point people to the hope of Jesus,” said Soseh.   Maroubra gets the word out Lieutenant Keven Williams speaks with a volunteer about the ‘word of the week’, and how to engage community members in meaningful conversations around it. At Maroubra Corps, on Sydney’s eastern beaches, Captain Jo and Lieutenant Keven Williams also incorporate a word of the week into their ministry.   On Monday, the word is displayed on their digital noticeboard. Keven plans a short devotional at the weekly team meetings that involves corps personnel, volunteers, and workers from Doorways and The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Other Drugs services. Everyone is encouraged to speak with community members all week about the word and what it means to them.   “One week, our word of the week was ‘give’,” said Keven. “During chapel, we spoke about how we can contribute – not just with money but with our time and talents. Later that day, the receptionist called me to the office because someone had turned up out of the blue and wanted to donate $150 towards our food pantry!   “It really highlighted for us and the team that God is at work through everything.”   Word boost at Helensburgh The Friday coffee and chat group at Helensburgh. At Helensburgh, part of Shire Salvos in southern Sydney, a word of the day is part of the regular ‘Boost your Friday’ coffee and chat group that meets at the local Salvos Store.   Community members talk about the word and do an activity, a game, or a craft associated with it.   What a simple concept that can make a powerful difference in sparking intentional conversation in our busy ministry spaces!

Salvos Online  continues a new weekly column – Three Books. Today’s guest bookworm is Jenny Begent, who heads up The Salvation Army International Development (SAID) department.   Besides the gospels and Psalms, which is your favourite book in the Bible and why? Nehemiah is the Bible book for me, a story and a life of faith, leadership, perseverance and spiritual renewal. Nehemiah resonates with me because he was neither a prophet nor a priest; he was a cupbearer who became a governor. Like me, his life, whilst vocational, was spent in management and administration. Vocation takes on a different meaning when you don’t have a ‘flock’ to pastor or preach. Rather, you find yourself reassessing what vocation means in a role that calls for order, routine tasks, management, policies and systems. Nehemiah was an outstanding and courageous servant of God in a role that wasn’t strictly ‘priestly’. Nehemiah records the reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem. Together with Ezra, he led the spiritual revival of the people and directed the political and religious restoration of the Jews in their homeland after the Babylonian captivity. He is a model of great spiritual leadership. He developed a strategy to build the walls, delegated the work with so much accuracy and proficiency. Stood up for the poor and worked to eliminate unfair monetary practices. Outsmarted his enemies and faced their machinations head-on. He was a champion for community, bringing everyone together for a census, for meals and worship, and for celebration. Nehemiah is a profound statement about leadership. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, despite opposition, demonstrates that leadership can emerge from unexpected places. Nehemiah is such a book of hope, even after exile and ruin, pointing beyond Jerusalem to a greater hope – a kingdom built not by human hands. God’s people can be restored. I urge you to spend some time reading Nehemiah, who held to a courageous faith to pursue a quite mad agenda and achieved restoration. This book, every time I read it, helps me to believe that if I am faithful and spiritually connected to God, I can do it too.     Besides the Bible, what is a Christian book that has strongly influenced your faith?   “Rest in your God-breathed worth. Stop holding your breath, hiding your gifts, ducking your head, dulling your roar, distracting your soul, stilling your hands, quieting your voice, and satiating your hunger with the lesser things of this world.”   – Sarah Bessey Let’s face it, organised religion, including Christianity, is deeply patriarchal. Despite The Salvation Army’s declarations of equality, it’s not yet a level playing field. Feminism is often a dirty word, dismissed as not being relevant. I personally have been vilified (not too strong a word) for being loud and having opinions about many things, but mostly about women and their place within the church and society. Attempting to hold The Salvation Army to account for its own declarations is not for the fainthearted. In spite of that, I have often felt insecure and fearful when speaking truth to power; it rarely ends well for the individual. Sarah Bessey’s book Jesus Feminist changed all that. This book is written with a lyrical and prophetic voice. Sarah writes fearlessly as she urges the church beyond the patriarchal structures to allow the voices of women equal acknowledgement and time. This book removed my fear and insecurity. Jesus Feminist was for me empowering and profoundly spiritual in the way it resonated with my own ideas and feelings on faith and gender. The book affirms women’s voices whilst at the same time challenging the notion that patriarchy is not God’s design for humanity. Bessey’s writing style is poetic and comes from her own experiences and spiritual journey. She presents feminism not as separate from faith but explains how being Christian and following Jesus helped her to embrace feminism. For me, this was a book that helped me align my beliefs with my identity. Jesus Feminist was liberating; I could ask the hard questions and tell my own story honestly and bravely. Jesus Feminist is my favourite because it’s a love letter to women of the church, stand tall, speak up, embrace who you are in Christ. “I want to be outside with the misfits, with the rebels, the dreamers, second-chance givers, the radical grace lavishers... especially the ones rejected by the Table as not worthy enough or right enough.” – Sarah Bessey   What is a secular book that has revealed to you a Christian message or theme? “There were two classes of charitable people: one, the people who did a little and made a great deal of noise; the other, the people who did a great deal and made no noise at all.”  – Charles Dickens,  Bleak House Deciding on a favourite novel was difficult, like choosing a favourite child. I dithered but did keep coming back to Dickens – Bleak House . Dickens uses Bleak House to express the evil that manmade systems do to the people they’re supposed to help. In my opinion, it is his best book. The morality of the book, whilst acutely Victorian, is nonetheless relevant to our own society. Christian themes abound, three of which are prominent throughout. Original sin and moral inheritance can be seen in the lawsuit of Jarndyce v Jarndyce, which reflects the burden of inherited guilt and the possibility of grace. The incarnational and the communal world, which centres around Ester Summerson and John Jarndyce where love is demonstrated through action. A contrast with how Dickens portrays society, as barren and soulless. And the theme of justice versus the law. Courts are a symbol of legalism with justice, which Dickens contrasts with Christian justice that is both restorative and rooted in mercy.   The novel, as well as being wonderfully descriptive, is full of strange and unusual characters. Jo the crossing sweeper, Miss Flite in her birdcage lodgings, Mr Bucket, the enigmatic detective, and John Jarndyce, the owner of Bleak House. My favourite is Esther Summerson, a meddling gossip with jangling keys and a plain face, who at first appears to be sanctimonious and pious, but on closer inspection, we see her as a living model of love, showing unconditional and sacrificial care for all around her. She forgives, doesn’t judge and faces her own faults head-on. I love it not only for the plot, the characters, the surprises, but for the way it shows how little we learn from history and thus are doomed to repeat it. Man-made systems then and now keep us all enslaved and distant from God. I love it because it is also a d eeply moral narrative, infused with Christian principles that guide its characters and underscore its themes. Through charity, redemption, humility and justice, Dickens constructs a spiritual framework that contrasts starkly with the cold machinery of law and societal hypocrisy. It is the Gospel in action through love and compassion.

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army Australia will soon celebrate 80 years of the Flying Padre Service, which has provided aerial assistance and pastoral care to those living in remote and isolated parts of the country since its beginnings in 1945. For 80 years, The Salvation Army Flying Padre Service has been a steadfast source of support and care for remote communities across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication of the many chaplains who have taken to the skies to ensure that even the most isolated individuals receive wraparound care during some of the most challenging and important moments of their lives. To mark the occasion, The Salvation Army is hosting a series of events in Darwin and Katherine, Northern Territory, in September. On 20 September, The Salvation Army is hosting a private function for VIPs, media and guests at the Heritage Aviation Museum, which contains a replica of the aircraft used by Brigadier Vic Pedersen, who began the Flying Padre Service. This event is invitation-only. On 21 September, The Salvation Army will conduct a Commemorative Service at Darwin Corps, featuring a speech by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. On 22 September, The Salvation Army will be hosting an invitation-only Open Day at Wally’s in Katherine, where supporters will be publicly thanked and refreshments provided by the Red Shield Defence Services truck. The Salvation Army’s first flying padre, Brigadier Vic Pedersen. Key Dates​ • Saturday 20 September : private function ‘invitation only’ event for VIPs, media and guests in Darwin ​ Lunchtime – 11:30am, 30-minute ceremony for a half lunch ​ • Sunday 21 September: Commemorative Service at Darwin Corps ​ Commissioner Miriam Gluyas to speak ​ • Monday 22 September : Invitation Only/Open Day at Wally’s in Katherine ​ Thank-you event for supporters​ Thank-you speech from Major Paul Hateley ​ Morning tea/lunchtime refreshments provided by the RSDS truck ​

VAMP (Varied Abilities Music Program) is a weekly disco event for people with varied disabilities. It provides a safe space for NDIS participants and their carers to dance, sing, develop friendships and engage with the community in a fun and inclusive space. Led by The Salvation Army at Mornington (Vic), the program is seeking to remove barriers and celebrate each person's unique personality and worth.

Major Jo Brookshaw creating the mural at Territorial Headquarters in Blackburn, Victoria. Image: Major Steven Haworth BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The National Spiritual Life team has unveiled a new floor-to-ceiling prophetic mural at Territorial Headquarters in Blackburn, Victoria. The mural, on Level 3 of the building, was painted by Morley Corps Officer and prophetic artist Major Jo Brookshaw.           The project, led by Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane, Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, began with a hand-painted picture of the ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, Hope Revealed’ tree on a section of wall outside the executive offices. On this was placed leaves featuring written prayers contributed by Salvationists across the territory. On Pentecost Sunday, 8 June, Jo read the prayers, then the Spiritual Life team prayed for her, and she prophetically responded with the mural design, which references Jesus walking on water, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and John. Rosy said the painting was a really significant one for the Spiritual Life team. “Across the movement, we’ve been hearing the Holy Spirit prompting us to draw deeper into God’s presence, to place even greater trust in Jesus, and to return to our roots of The Salvation Army’s mission as outlined by Catherine and William Booth,” Rosy said. “The lighthouse represents that call.” READ MORE: Jo’s personal reflection on the mural journey Rosy said the prayers of the whole movement were needed, and it was important to move together in tandem and unison, just like a body, because The Salvation Army was the body and the Army of Christ, even though each part looked different. “To me, Jo’s prophetic painting response to those prayers points to a new day in the hallways, not just of our building, but of our thinking,” Rosy said. “It reminds me that Jesus is at the very centre of everything we do. He is not a mascot on the sidelines cheering us on. He is the centre from which the light shines, the voice of God is revealed, and healing flows like rivers of water from the very throne of God. “I know we can’t do anything that will truly benefit the Kingdom of God unless Jesus is leading the way. I’m so proud to be part of The Salvation Army and to see the prayers of our employees, staff, and soldiers represented here. I continue to pray that God will unveil new ways of praying, new creativity, and new visions brought to life. “On a personal note, I believe beauty always precedes great fruit. In nature, the flowers break through on barren trees before fruit comes that can nourish us. That’s part of the glory of God shining through our pragmatic Salvation Army movement. A barren tree will one day bear much fruit, but first the flowers must come. I believe we will see the rise of prophets and creatives, every person poured out, so that the fruit of the Holy Spirit will be revealed to all.” Download your free image file of the painting to print here . All images courtesy Steven Haworth

Members of the Shire Salvos team with Phil Gough, Director of The Mobile Coffee Group (third from right), in front of a new missional coffee van that is about to hit the streets of the shire to serve people in need.  BY LAUREN MARTIN   Over the past year, several workers and community members connected with Shire Salvos in southern Sydney have had visions for new ministries involving driving a coffee van to marginalised local areas and forming relationships over a cuppa.   “It was strange because several people had told me about what God was laying on their hearts, but we didn’t own a coffee van at that point in time,” said Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper. So, he asked his people to pray about it.   Shire Salvos had received a significant donation about a year prior, and when the benefactor heard about the coffee van vision, they were supportive of using the gift to fund it. However, despite searching online for second-hand coffee vans within his budget, Mark couldn’t find anything that was suitable.   “Someone gave me a phone number for something called ‘The Mobile Coffee Group’ and I called it, thinking I would get through to a call centre or an answering service,” Mark said. “I believe it was actually God’s provision that the director of the company answered the phone that day.” Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper (left) takes possession of a new coffee van for mission from Phil Gough, Director of The Mobile Coffee Group. When Phil Gough, director of The Mobile Coffee Group, heard about how Shire Salvos wanted to use the van to connect with people in need, as a means of starting a journey towards positive transformation in their lives, he jumped on board to assist. He generously offered Shire Salvos a significant discount on a brand-new top-of-the-line van.   Still several thousand dollars short, the team in the Shire kept praying, believing that God would provide. “And then another donation came through,” said Mark. “We believe God has opened doors all the way through this process for the ministry of The Salvation Army to extend to any street in any neighbourhood in need across our area.”   Last month, Phil Gough drove the new van to the back of The Salvation Army’s Community of Hope in Heathcote, a location that meets the needs of many people experiencing homelessness and hardship. He trained Shire Salvos team members and volunteers on how to use the van, which not only has a coffee machine but also fridge space to store meals for those in need, along with shelving for fresh food and other grocery items.   Just down the road from where the training was going on is a local caravan park, where Shire Salvos Heathcote plans to start visiting with the van.   “There’s a lot of need there and opportunity. The park manager is happy for us to come along to connect and foster community,” said James Redwood, Shire Salvos Heathcote Mission Leader.   (From left) Shire Salvos Heathcote Mission Leader James Redwood, The Mobile Coffee Group Director Phil Gough, Shire Salvos Engadine Mission Leader Chez Wilson, and Shire Salvos Helensburgh volunteer Denise Moore with the new coffee van. Further south, in Helensburgh, a Salvation Army community member has a vision to bless the kids and families in her street with hot chocolates and coffees after school, starting once a month.   “Connecting as neighbours and looking out for each other is a very ‘Australian’ thing,” she said. “The coffee van would be a way of celebrating that spirit that’s within all of us – building connections between neighbours and friends.”   Training and planning are still underway, but Mark said the van will be hitting the streets before the end of the year. Shire Salvos is made up of seven Salvation Army expressions at Menai, Heathcote, Miranda, Panania, Sutherland, Engadine and Helensburgh. For more information on Shire Salvos, click here

Colonels Joao Paulo and Karin Ramos (centre) with officers of the Ukraine Division and Major Andrei Iniutocichin, Territorial Assistant Chief Secretary (second from right, back row). Colonels Joao Paulo and Karin Ramos, Eastern Europe Territory* Leaders, recently visited the war-torn Ukraine Division. Major Andrei Iniutocichin, Assistant Chief Secretary and Territorial Training Principal, accompanied the leaders.   “The visit to Ukraine was an encouragement trip,” said Colonel Joao Paulo. “Having Andrei with us was a great blessing, as he not only translated but also helped us better understand the local situations. We give thanks to God for this partnership.   “Our officers and soldiers – our heroes – are tired and worn out. Many are running on empty, and salaries remain low despite efforts to raise them. Yet, in spite of the exhaustion and the ongoing challenges of ministering near the frontlines, they remain steadfast in their calling to serve their people and communities.   “We went to bless and encourage them, but in truth, we returned more blessed and encouraged ourselves.” Territorial leaders pray for Majors Konstantyn and Irina Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Leaders, after presenting them with a certificate for 20 years of service as officers. Colonel Joao Paulo spoke to Salvos Online about the recent visit to the Ukraine Division, which has been serving its soldiers, communities, internally-displaced people and those in need under extreme circumstances since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country on 24 February 2022.   What was the purpose of your visit to Ukraine? The purpose was simply to be with our people – listening to them, encouraging them, and showing in person that we care for, love, and admire them in their faithful and resilient service to the King.  “We went to bless and encourage them, but in truth, we returned more blessed and encouraged ourselves.”   Where did you go and what were you able to do there? Our first stop was Vinnytsia, where we met with officers on Friday. During the first session of the officers’ meeting, each officer gave a presentation on their ministry and context. This was a valuable time to hear their hearts and affirm their calling. Meetings with officers were part of the visit to Ukraine. After sharing reports, we led two teaching sessions on the new territorial strategic framework – Kingdom Focused Army  – rooted in Matthew 6:33. The emphasis was on Scripture and the importance of seeking God’s Kingdom, rather than business language about strategy, encouraging people to reflect on what this means in their own communities.   On Saturday, we travelled to Kyiv, stopping along the way to visit a property and discuss how best to use it to meet divisional needs. In Kyiv, we visited Mayak Corps, where the land is not owned by The Salvation Army, which limits development. Securing ownership would cost US $140,000, but this is challenging given the current decline in international funding.   We also viewed newly repaired apartments – commendable work done with very limited funds – and discussed the inadequacy of the current divisional headquarters (DHQ) building. Colonels Ramos speak with some of the Ukrainian youth during a corps visit. Sunday was a highlight: the Mayak Corps hall was full, and it was a joy to preach from 1 Peter 2 about how we are all ‘living stones’. We also met with DHQ staff to hear their concerns, particularly regarding office space, and assured them that their wellbeing is a priority.   How did Salvationists and friends respond to your visit? Our time in Ukraine was intense, emotional and filled with joy. Officers and soldiers were visibly uplifted, grateful simply to know they are not forgotten.    Do you have plans for future visits? Yes. We hope to return in 2026 to visit other parts of Ukraine. Visits will need to be carefully planned and kept as cost-effective as possible, but we do not want financial constraints to hinder the mission.   How can people pray for and support Ukraine from afar? Pray for peace in Ukraine. Pray for officers, their families, and their holistic wellbeing. Pray for provision, as funding continues to decline. Pray that Ukraine – and the whole Eastern Europe Territory – remains focused on God’s Kingdom, bringing hope and love to local communities. Pray that all officers may attend the Territorial Retreat event taking place in Iaşi (Romania) in October 2025.   Many officers are living in difficult circumstances, sometimes in inadequate housing or insecure rental arrangements. Rising costs and the need to reduce divisional operational grants by 5 per cent have made life harder. The Mission Support we receive from IHQ has remained unchanged since 2015, making it increasingly challenging to sustain ministry in 2025.   Even so, we trust the One who has called, equipped, and appointed us. No one promised this work would be easy – but it is a privilege to serve where God wants us to be.   *The Eastern Europe Territory is comprised of five countries – Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.

Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (18-24 August) we are praying for the Malawi Territory of The Salvation Army.   Colonels Samuel and Theresa Baah lead the territory. “As The Salvation Army in Malawi, God's Word is our light for everything we do,” the territory emphasises. The Malawi Territory has 131 officers (120 active, 11 retired); Envoys 11; cadets 16; employees 83; corps 100; outposts 90; senior soldiers 11,844; adherents 105; junior soldiers 6216 (76 youth groups). The work in Malawi includes: ·  Sustainable agriculture ·  Water, sanitation and health ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response   Please pray for: ·       Territorial Youth Congress, which is taking place this week 21-24 August 2025. As the young people gather for this congress, we pray it will be a time of spiritual growth, unity and inspiration. May they experience God’s presence and be empowered to positively impact their communities.   ·       Malawi’s General Election on 16 September 2025. We pray for God’s will to be done as people step out to choose the next leader of this nation. May the election process be peaceful, fair, and just, and may the chosen leader govern with wisdom and integrity.     ·   Divine guidance as the territory implements its territorial strategic plan.   ·    Financial stability and prosperity in the territory. May God provide all that is needed to support the mission of The Salvation Army in Malawi.     ·    More young people to respond to God’s call to harvest souls. May they be filled with passion and dedication to serve and spread the message of God's love.   ·    God’s discernment as leaders seek to lead the territory. May they be blessed with clarity, wisdom, and understanding in their leadership roles.   ·    Spiritual renewal among corps, that soldiers will be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit as they live and work in their local community. We pray that their witness will have a real and lasting impact on others.   ·    God’s favour to be upon us all and for his blessings to overflow, contributing to the growth and flourishing of the Malawi territory.   Click here to go to the Malawi  Territory website. To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .   To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here .

The finished artwork. Image: Major Steven Haworth BY JO BROOKSHAW “Come.”   The first house I lived in with my husband Pete was close to the main street of our city, and we often heard people talking as they walked past our bedroom window, just metres away. Some nights, as we went to sleep, we would laugh about the things we could hear – a one-sided conversation from a person on the phone, friends walking home from the footy, or someone puffing away as they ran to catch the late-night train. One night, we had been praying together, and as I lay there quietly, expecting as usual to hear voices outside, I instead heard a voice  inside ... impressed deep within my spirit, just as clearly as if he had spoken directly into my ear, Jesus said, “I want you to paint -  me .”  I felt the weight of a hand in my outstretched hand and caught my breath ... I was suddenly overcome by the Holy Spirit. Waves of joy and peace washed over me as I tried to understand the magnitude of what I had just heard and felt. I knew this was a moment of blessing and anointing, but didn’t know what to do with it! So I told my husband Pete - he recognised the Spirit at work and prayed over me as I continued to feel the presence of Jesus right there with me and have those words resounding in my heart.   I would like to say I got straight to painting the very next day, but I had very little experience of painting at the time and had only painted an image of Jesus once, so I put it to the side as a special purpose that God had for me “one day”.   Fast forward 10 years, and I was in full-time ministry with three little children. I didn’t have much time for art, but I began to paint again. I painted during worship and used art to point people to Jesus. I studied art and shared with a community art group, I taught art to young people at camps and painted prophetic art at special events. It was a journey of artistic discovery I loved, and around the edges, yes, I painted Jesus (a little).   Twenty years have now passed since that night I heard Jesus, and to be honest, I haven’t thought about it for a very long time. I was recently asked by Rosy Keane [Territorial Spiritual Life Secretary] to paint a prophetic image on a wall at THQ. This wasn’t just any image; it would be a floor-to-ceiling mural, bathed in prayer from start to finish. The mural project began with a blank wall and a line-drawn tree painted in blue. Through Rosy’s invitation, it flourished with prayer ‘leaves’ added day-by-day, people bringing their prayers to see The Salvation Army become more ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, Hope Revealed’. When the time came, these leaves were collected, and I read through them, ready and hoping for inspiration to come. I definitely felt inspired by the prayers, but not yet inspired with an image! So I read and prayed (a bit insistently!) and searched God for direction.   The next day was Pentecost, and having travelled all the way from Western Australia to Victoria, I placed myself intentionally at my home church – Wyndham City Corps. This is where my first painting of Jesus ‘lives’ and where I knew I could rely on godly prayer warriors to pray with me. Catherine and Phil Abram, Rintje Taekema, Susan and Brett Stobie and others prayed red-hot prophetic prayers over the project. It was the day I was going to start the painting and – praise God – as the time edged nearer, the image became clearer in my Spirit!  I drove to THQ, ready, but nervous to begin. That day, I wanted to prepare a special background to help with sketching out the outlines, but more importantly, to provide a solid basis of prayer. I adapted the following passages from the prayer leaves:   “LORD, THIS PENTECOST WE PRAY FOR YOUR HOLY SPIRIT TO BRING RENEWAL ACROSS AUSTRALIA & A PASSION PUT INTO ACTION TO SEE PEOPLE FIND HOPE IN JESUS. HELP US TO LIVE THE GOOD NEWS AND BE THE GOOD NEWS! LORD, BE IN ALL OUR THINKING, DECISIONS & ACTIONS. WE NEED YOU! CONSUME US BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT IN ALL WE DO, THAT ALL PEOPLE COME TO KNOW JESUS. HELP US TO BE BOLD & BRAVE TO STEP OUT IN NEW WAYS, GOD MOVE US TO BE PART OF GROWING GOD’S KINGDOM, SEND MORE WORKERS INTO THE FIELDS! LORD, MAY EVERY PART OF OUR BODY BE SURRENDERED TO THE HEAD, THE HEART, THE CENTRE - JESUS. WE PRAY FOR HEARTS AWAKENED, THAT WE’LL RETURN TO OUR FIRST LOVE. LORD GOD BRING REVIVAL & AWAKENING! WE PRAY ALL OF THIS IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.”   What a prayer of action and deep spiritual focus! My heart was caught up with the centrality of Jesus in these prayers and a deep trust in the Holy Spirit’s power to bring renewal. The Salvation Army’s mission and vision were expressed so clearly through the hearts and minds of those who had contributed. Rosy and the Spiritual Life Team came together and prayed as one that afternoon, over The Salvation Army in Australia, echoing and sharing the heartfelt prayers of those who had prayed before. The words I had scrawled in desperate capitals stood bold and yellow on the wall – a declaration that would remain spiritually alive, but soon covered over by an image, which I hoped to be just as bold and spiritually arresting!   I shared with the team about the image I had felt drawn to. It was big and confronting, but was soon confirmed by what God had spoken through the service they had attended that Pentecost morning, where the very same passage had been referenced. The image is Jesus – walking on water, standing on wild waves, facing towards Peter, whom he had, moments before, invited to come and join him. Peter bravely stepped out of the creaking boat and walked across the sea towards Jesus, but with the storm raging fiercely around him, he soon doubted and sank suddenly beneath the waves. Now Jesus reaches, hand outstretched, eyes searching intently as he extends his urgent invitation for Peter to be saved from the watery depths below. It is better told from Matthew’s account (Matthew 14:27-31a TPT), “Then Jesus said, ‘Be brave and don’t be afraid. I am here!’ Peter shouted out, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, then have me join you on the water!’ ‘Come and join me,’ Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. But when he realised how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he cried out. Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up ...”   In the mural‘s image, Jesus reaches out to you . You may place yourself as Peter – keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus’ invitation or distracted by the lightning and waves around you. What can’t be ignored is that Jesus is the calm amidst the storm. Though his hair is whipped wildly by the wind and the lightning glimmers across his face, his eyes are locked on yours, inviting you to come; steadfast, calm and reassuring. Looking towards the right, another message appears. A lighthouse rises from the mist as its beams of light pierce the dark and thundering sky. It stands as a reminder of the visionary parables of The Salvation Army. The prophetic storytelling of earlier days is vividly etched into our collective memory. Here stands the lighthouse of In Darkest England and the Way Out , where the crashing seas condemn poor souls to drown in sin and vice and brokenness ... whilst the lighthouse of salvation boldly shines to lead them to safety, for now and eternity (see James 4:7-10 for more encouragement).   In the powerful parable of William Booth's ‘Vision of the Lost’, he says, “Jesus Christ, the Son of God is, through His Spirit, in the midst of this dying multitude, struggling to save them. And He is calling on you to jump into the sea – to go right away to His side and help Him in the holy strife. Will you jump? That is, will you go to His feet and place yourself absolutely at His disposal?”   William Booth‘s words hold a personal challenge, and I hope so does this artwork. As you stand before Jesus, he extends an invitation to you today. If you find yourself as Peter, aiming to bravely stand in faith, but finding yourself sinking because of the challenges that surround you, Jesus says, “Come”. If you find yourself invited to join in the work of saving others, and are willing to give your all in doing so, Jesus says, “Come”. If you find yourself drowning in the storms of life, dragged down by your own struggles with sin and brokenness, Jesus says, “Come”.   He extends his hand to save you . It is the good news our world needs today. It is a personal and powerful message that is integral to who we are and what we do as The Salvation Army. It is the gospel itself. Jesus saves. And we are His  Salvation Army.   Now, as far as the story of the mural goes, there isn’t much more to tell. Aside from acknowledging the incredible support I had from Majors Kim and Steven Haworth, who were friends, encouragers and documenters of the journey; the wonderful people who stopped by to chat with me at THQ, my amazing parents who blessed me with transport and a place to stay, my husband Pete who held the fort at home, all those who prayed, and of course the visionary prayer-activist and brave creative soul, Rosy Keane.   Finally, I have experienced through this journey that Jesus is so faithful, he is so good, and I am so very thankful he called me to this work. My hope is that if God could use my art to help people recognise Jesus, that they would seek him, find him, know his voice and discover his saving love for themselves.  To download your own copy of Jo’s work, click here . To see more photos from the process, click here .

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Ruth and her appointment service record, click here

The Adelaide Congress Hall Band in the 1960s ... bands and conductors were the focus of letters to the editor in The Musician publication in 1965. BY BARRY GITTINS We are all capable of making positive suggestions in our shared lives and working towards finding common ground and achieving shared goals. That observation duly said and noted, there is something very human about raising concerns that, while they may bother us, don’t exactly set the world on fire. The Salvation Army’s publication The Musician used to give people the opportunity to get things off their chest with Do you agree? – the publication’s letters to the editor column. In the 14 August 1965 issue, 60 years ago, Mrs E.R. Cook shared her “honest reflections to several customs observed in our SA meetings [as] I feel that I’m not alone in thinking as I do”. The letter from Mrs E.R Cook outlining a number of things in meetings that irked her. The correspondent laid out her case for bands and pianists to play introductions before congregational songs, for the singing of every verse in songs, for Salvos to stand up more in meetings, and for more sympathy to be expressed for “somnolent bandsmen” who sit “in the warmest part of the building [and] become very drowsy on the coldest night”. (Not something that causes concern now that most corps no longer hold Sunday night salvation meetings.) Her biggest concern was that leaders of meetings chose to conduct congregational singing “while a perfectly competent bandmaster a few yards away is also conducting”. She found this confusing, “especially if the bandmaster’s beat is followed by the band, and there are two separate beats”.  Responding in kind, in a letter entitled ‘I agree!’ that was published in the 11 September 1965 issue, Major Keith Earl seconded the concerns raised “almost entirely”, but he stood up for a leader’s right to wave their hands around – regardless of what the conductor was doing. If he had a different beat to that of “a perfectly competent bandmaster”, the major wrote, “it would be because I wanted the bandmaster to change [as the leader] should know how he wants the song sung and the bandmaster is leading the accompaniment”. “Granted,” he acknowledged, “I have seen leaders who do not know what they want when a song is sung, but the leadership must be in one pair of hands only, and surely a perfectly competent bandmaster would endeavour to follow the leader, otherwise why describe him as such?” The 1960s were a time of intense cultural, societal, political, spiritual and behavioural upheaval and change in national and international affairs. It seems the smaller human picture was of more interest to the Army.