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To read the tribute for Valerie, click here

BY CLIFF WORTHING It’s amazing how a sausage and message from God combined to bring transformation into the life of Graham Culbertson and his wife Debbie. In Graham’s words, he was a “strictly funeral and wedding” churchgoer with “no interest in someone who didn’t exist”. Debbie had family connections with The Salvation Army but wasn’t involved in any church. Graham and Debbie live in Dalby, a rural town in the Western Downs Region of Queensland. One Friday night, a chance encounter with the Dalby Salvos’ ‘Sausages on the Street’ ministry encouraged Graham to say he might visit the corps sometime. A short time later, he became seriously ill and was admitted to hospital. While resting in his hospital bed, Graham heard a voice say to him distinctly, “Go to church!” There was no one else in the room. He was shocked and amazed but knew God had spoken to him. So, once he was released from hospital, he turned up at church. Graham and Debbie immediately gave their lives to the Lord. They both engaged in the Soldiership Course and recently enrolled as Senior Soldiers of Dalby Corps. “Since Graham and Debbie started attending our corps in 2021, we have seen a remarkable transformation in them both,” said Christine Brooks, Dalby Corps Leader. “Graham still has some serious health issues, but through his trust and faith in Jesus, he grows stronger daily. They are both growing in the Lord and serving together.” The Culbertsons tend the corps gardens and have created a flourishing community vegetable garden that enables the corps to give out fresh veggies for others to enjoy. Debbie regularly cleans the church building and keeps things tidy. “Graham and Debbie have a great understanding of what it means to have boots on the ground,” Christine said. “They are so grateful to have the Lord in their lives, and we are blessed to have them as part of our corps family.” Coming full circle in the story, Graham and Debbie now cook sausages on Friday nights, looking to facilitate transformation with a sausage and message from God.

BY CLIFF WORTHING Building relationships is paying off with increased participation in corps activities, and a sense of belonging and purpose, according to Major Heather McKeown, Corps Officer at Beenleigh, south of Brisbane. “After COVID, we wanted to offer something to help people feel included,” Heather said. “People want to be involved and have done so.” The corps and the local Salvo Stores have collaborated to create several connection points for corps members and the community. Once a month, a sausage sizzle provides a treat of food and chat time. Heather told the story of one person who attended the event for the first time and immediately asked to be involved. Another person dropped by the store the following Monday to donate food and discuss his situation. ‘Coffersation’ occurs every Thursday at the Salvo Stores centre in Beenleigh, which now attracts a regular clientele who enjoy a coffee and chat with store volunteers and corps members. “Our connection with the store is really building some strong relationships with each other and the community,” Heather said. A local couple came to the corps at Easter enquiring about social events to provide connection and a respite from home duties. Lesley was invited to Women’s Lunch Out, a social gathering every six weeks. She now coordinates this activity for a mixture of corps and community women. “There are only a few of us in the corps, so it can be a bit of a slog sometimes, but seeing how people feel connected and wanting to help out is a real lift,” Heather said.

I’ve long been intrigued by congregations where everyone sits in the same place every Sunday at meetings. I’m guessing this isn’t just a Salvation Army thing but a universal Church thing, possibly even a biblical thing, as in the long-forgotten 11th commandment, ‘Thou shalt not budge!’. At our welcome meeting at one corps, and to help us identify people quickly, the corps sergeant major presented Tracey and me with a floor plan of the hall showing who sat where! That’s how fixed it was. At another corps – on a Sunday morning during school holidays when numbers were lower – I observed people sitting together in some central seats to chat before the meeting, but when the meeting was starting, they all spread out and sat in ‘their’ chairs with metres of empty seats between them. Why not sit together? Very odd. When I was a young man, one corps officer I served under grew tired of people rushing to sit in the back two rows of the hall during meetings while the front rows were quite empty. One Sunday, we arrived to find he’d totally removed the back two rows of seats. While some laughed and sat elsewhere, I observed some well-respected leaders in the corps walk in, saw what had been done, turned around and went home! If they couldn’t sit in ‘their’ seats, they wouldn’t stay for church. Once, when I was a cadet, I was attending a corps one Sunday, and I sat down with Tracey in an aisle seat as the meeting was commencing. A moment later, an elderly couple came down the aisle, stopped right next to me, looked at us, looked around the nearby seats, looked at us again, looked around the hall, looked at us and went ‘humph’, and then they went and sat down elsewhere. Clearly, we had naively filled their thrones. Maybe – in halls that don’t have fixed seating – corps officers need to be more playful with the seating plan: change it around every few weeks and see if people know where to sit. Two aisles, three aisles, semi-circles, clusters of six: maybe even move the musicians and microphones, turn all the chairs around and face the other way. Perhaps you could start worship by playing a variation of the groups game – “Everyone get into groups of seven. Now, groups of three. Now, groups of five. Wonderful, now sit down where you are and stay there.” I wonder if the disciples had these problems. “Oh, Peter. You always sit next to Jesus. Let me sit there this time.” “No, Bartholomew. That’s my seat. Move it.” “But, Peter, the forgotten commandment says not to budge.” “I’ll make you budge, pal ... [Peter reaches for his sword].” I’m sure there must have been times Jesus said, “Come on, lads, settle down. It doesn’t worry where you sit. Near or far, I love you all the same.” “Hear that, Peter? Jesus said it doesn’t worry where we sit.” “I’ll give you something to worry about, Bart ... [Peter reaches for sword, again].” – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek, European Ecumenical Officer, International Headquarters, attended the 13th assembly of the Lutheran World Federation in Krakow, Poland, last month. More than 1000 international delegates were part of the assembly. The only female ecumenical guest from a list of 20 delegates invited to attend, Commissioner Krommenhoek explained, “The assembly meets every seven years to choose a new president and a new committee from among the delegates. Through daily worship, Bible studies, lectures, panel discussions and small group work, a strategy – including topics for consideration for the next seven years – is developed.” The program included a moving excursion to Auschwitz, where so many perished during World War Two, and concluded with fellowship with local Lutheran churches in the region. Following the visit to Auschwitz, Martin Turski, a 97-year-old Jew and Holocaust survivor, spoke to the assembly. He urged delegates to combat hate speech and to turn fear of strangers into empathy for ‘the other’. Mr Turski showed how the past can be repeated if we listen to and accept the ideas of nationalism and hatred of the stranger whilst forgetting about compassion. “Along with the other ecumenical guests, I was present with international delegates at many informal encounters. We came together in fellowship and worship on the final day, and I was able to hand out many business cards and copies of the booklet The Church Known as The Salvation Army,” Commissioner Krommenhoek said. To conclude the assembly, an ecumenical panel from seven Christian world communions shared insights on the road to reconciliation. Topics chosen for the next seven years include climate justice, social justice and gender justice. The assembly affirmed the gift of unity in diversity and the call to serve the neighbour.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? I’m a Corps Officer at Parafield Gardens Corps in Adelaide. I like the variety of interactions with people and that each day is different and challenging. I also enjoy that I can share the love of Jesus in my everyday life as my job! 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Relax? I don’t do relax well at all. But when I do, I enjoy coffee so you’ll find me checking out a new café and catching up with friends, wandering around a shopping mall or slothing on the couch watching movies or shows that don’t require much brain power. I like reading for fun (not so much for learning), and I enjoy taking care of indoor plants. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? It is impossible to choose just one. Lately, I have been drawn to Never Walk Alone by Hillsong Worship. The words remind us that we never walk alone, that God is for us and is always faithful no matter what. It’s great comfort to me in the good times and also in those times when leadership can feel heavy and isolating. 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 am intrigued by the story of Deborah (Judges 4 and 5). She was a judge, warrior and prophet, which was not normal for women in those times. I would be interested to sit with her and hear her story. Scripture doesn’t give a whole lot away about her story, but it is clear she was obedient, courageous and never wavered in her faith. Her boldness to lead out of the calling she had on her life from God – despite potential persecution, danger or simply her counter-cultural practice – really shows that God doesn’t just call the equipped but also equips the called. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I would say yes, and I truly believe there is a calling to full-time ministry and a timing for everything. It can’t be forced and entering into a covenant needs a lot of prayer and understanding of what life looks like as an officer. A strong discipleship journey must come first. Officership is unlike any other role and requires surrender in many ways. But despite the level of ‘hard’ that comes with all full-time ministry, if I had to make the decision all over again it would undeniably be yes. Interview by Major Mal Davies

UNCLE VINCE ROSS, the Australia Territory’s most recent Order of the Founder recipient, gives his thoughts on the Voice to Parliament referendum It’s amazing what people don’t appear to understand about the true history of this country we call Australia. Through this idea of the Voice to Parliament, I hope we will all start to understand this history and how it confirms the need for an official First Nations voice to be heard in government and beyond. I believe that the Voice to Parliament will amplify the First Nations’ perspective a lot better than it’s ever been in the past and even at present. So, whatever we can do to make that voice louder, stronger, and valued within government and the wider community is what’s really needed for us as a nation. Sad to say, one of the reasons for this need for the Voice is that we have people who seem to complicate the telling of our true history. It is this attitude during the past, and even now, that has been the very thing that has dampened any thought of Aboriginal people striving to be self-determining and self-managing. The only way to correct this situation is through legal and government processes of the day. Surely, we would want to find ways to build this country together rather than pull it down and pull people apart. However, regretfully, it is pulling us apart, which has been happening for many years in Australia. So, a question constantly before us all is, what is our response to find an effective way for the First Nations people to have a Voice and a Treaty that will provide the right pathway for the mob? A way has been found, and failing to secure a Voice and a Treaty will mean Australia continues to have a system that keeps supplying Band-aids to Aboriginal communities – ineffective solutions for the needs and issues. I fail to get my mind around why people struggle with what, to me, is a simple solution to this issue. We need this so we, as the human race in Australia, can move forward positively. Meaningful conversations One of the important methods to help us find solutions around issues regarding the Voice and Treaty is the need for meaningful conversations. We First Nations people know how yarning has helped us to listen well to each other for thousands of years and then decide from a much more informed knowledge base. May we as a nation get involved in deep and effective yarning. As individuals, what role can each of us play in encouraging the ‘voice’ of all Aboriginal people to be heard and acted on so that First Nations people and this nation can positively move forward together? We have seen that the action of having a referendum regarding a Voice to Parliament is causing some grief among the wider community, and some are saying this has the potential to split Aboriginal communities. I don’t have that same view because, in the past, we have experienced much change in our mob through a significant shift in the political and community decisions, but we are still trying to work together. I’ve seen development with our people in many areas during those years. I believe, out of this situation, the Voice will allow us further opportunities to address the real issues as we sit together and give enough time to find solutions. When thinking about the outcome, whether the Voice gets up or not, there needs to be a positive conversation and be culturally sensitive during the process. This nation will continue to struggle unless that positive conversation takes place – respecting each other’s comments and perspectives. Moving forward together I’ve said it before and will say it again: this nation will never reach its fullest potential until it faces its true history and decides to move forward together with that knowledge. Yes, the Voice is an important step in our history, but the most important thing is what we do on the journey to that place of allowing the Voice to be strong and proud. A positive yarning journey is the key where we all feel and believe we have been heard and we’ve heard the other side as well. Already, we are seeing significant changes in community attitudes, and the important thing is for people to get involved and contribute to it. “I believe that by being at the same table as the decision-makers, we will provide a balance and understanding of what is required for the First Nation peoples.” An important thing to remember is there will be those who will want to find a better pathway for Indigenous people to travel. A question to be asked is: What part do you contribute that will assist the government in understanding the real issues that impact Aboriginal people? Looking at our past experiences, we Aboriginal people say there’s been no real action towards rectifying what the needs are within the community and that now the community has this opportunity. We understand what some community members are concerned about – the Voice just becoming another section of the government that becomes paralysed with policies that appear to go around in circles without any real positive outcomes. I disagree with this view. I believe that by being at the same table as the decision-makers, we will provide a balance and understanding of what is required for the First Nation peoples. As this happens, it will enable all cultures in Australia to have more understanding and collaboration. Benefit to all My experience over many years growing up on an Aboriginal reserve and facing all the negative policies was that the gap continued to widen between all the groups, and there has been very little advancement for Aboriginal communities. The question is asked: Why do you want to have a Voice to Parliament when you already have Aboriginal people within government? While this is a helpful question, it forgets that any member of a party in parliament must abide by the majority decision of that party. And there are big divisions between Liberal, Labor and Greens and all the rest of the parliamentary ‘mob’, but they appear to be more focused on the political arena. We need a robust Aboriginal voice that bypasses all the politics behind the various policies and considers what the mob are saying, allowing the government to work through First Nations issues. When we have a Voice and Treaty, I’m confident that only then can we move forward into a positive partnership with the government to change the way of understanding and provide effective programs that work for the Aboriginal communities. And all Australians will experience a benefit. Attitudes are changing, and the need for people to spend some time yarning so a strong voice can be formed is vital. Yarning will start to open up ways for this nation to recognise its potential when all of us are building together. Let’s focus on the positives more than the negatives and realise what resources we have to create a new way forward for this country. Truth is the key In the Bible, Paul writes about the truth that ‘sets us free’. He is, of course, referring to Jesus as the ‘Truth’, but, as I said near the beginning of this article, Australians must know the truth of our history, then sit together, face the truth and be prepared with that truth to move forward. So, when this yarning and questioning happens, there is an opportunity to connect in a way that allows each person to express their concerns – allow time – and maybe even let the conversation be put on hold until it feels right to return to further helpful comments. Aboriginal people are committed to adding positive support to our country and moving our people away from that welfare mentality to a position of self-management and self-control. Please let us help the government make it happen through an official information-sharing process. The Voice to Parliament is not only something essential in the political arena but also something special for this nation. It will give confidence to First Nations people that their voice is heard and taken seriously and that we have a special place within government as the First Nation people of this country. Finally, I believe we are in a position where positive change can occur and that positive change rests with all of us as we understand our history. This will help us as a nation to not look back but help us to look forward to what’s possible and what can be achieved. I fully endorse the Voice to Parliament, and I do that with a strong sense that change is possible for First Nations people as we listen, and when together, we are all willing to advance the cause. Committed to the struggle. Vince Ross Elder Madi-Madi/Wamba-Wamba Need some answers? To go to Voice FAQs, click here

Today is World Teachers Day (5 October)*. In Adelaide, the Salvos’ Revolution Church has honoured the teachers in their community with an initiative called ‘Stock the Staff Room’ BY ANTHONY CASTLE Adelaide’s Suzie Casey is the pastoral care worker at a local school and a volunteer at the Salvos Revolution Church. Suzie recently put together a package for teachers in what’s called a ‘Stock the Staff Room’ initiative, a gift to cheer on those who often don’t get recognised. “We had been thinking about what it’s like for teachers, with everything they do,” Suzie says. “We thought we should put together a gift but something they could use that showed them we were thinking of them and wanted to cheer them on at this point in the year. Our church has a heart for the young people in our community. In order to see young people thrive, we figure teachers need to feel empowered and supported in their roles.” The third term of the school year is one often filled with winter illnesses, tired students, and the stress of exams just around the corner. Even in primary schools, kids can be in need of a holiday, and pressures can build up at home leading to what is sometimes a breaking point for students, teachers, and families. “I know what it’s like for teachers and how things can be this time of year,” says Suzie. “When we value schools and the tireless work they do with our kids, perhaps we give them a little boost to keep going. “The gift was simple, snacks and treats, food that might make the day easier and easy meals, like noodles or tuna. There are teachers out there that do longer hours than people think, who might not have meals ready all the time.” The Stock the Staff Room project isn’t just a handout of chocolate and crisps but a way for the church to “bless the stressed” teachers as they approach the end of the school year. The gift highlighted how great the need can be when it went so quickly. “We actually thought ‘wouldn’t it be great to stock the pantry for them’, but it was gone in a day or so,” Suzie explains. “We imagined it might be something they could go to when they need it, but people really appreciated it. “At first, I was a bit surprised, but I heard all the feedback from the teachers about how great it was. There was a sense of gratitude. While the gift itself is somewhat insignificant, the fact that staff have been thought of and that that thought has then been acted upon, is not insignificant.” *Due to school holidays, World Teachers Day is celebrated in Australia on the last Friday of October each year.

To read Bronwyn’s tribute report, click here

“We thank God for the many blessings received during the 140-year celebration Congress in the Southern Africa Territory,” wrote General Lyndon Buckingham on his Facebook page. “We pray for the leadership, officers and soldiers as they embark on their strategic plan 'moving forward together, side by side'. God bless the Southern Africa Territory.” The international leaders of The Salvation Army – General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) – were the guests of honour at the celebration of 140 years of The Salvation Army’s presence in South Africa on 22-24 September. This event included the Congress, an officers council, outreach events and meeting local dignitaries. The General and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham also received the ‘Torch of Divine Power’ during their visit. As part of the anniversary celebrations, each of the eight divisions of the territory lit a torch as a symbol of reigniting the fiery passion shared by those who began the Army in the territory 140 years ago. The eight divisions came together at the Congress with their unique flames to light one torch. Throughout the Congress meetings, the international guests were supported by the Southern Africa territorial leaders, Commissioners Torben and Deise Eliasen. More than 4000 participants represented all nine provinces in South Africa, as well as Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia and the Island of Saint Helena. An all-female band led the festivities, with a youth band and other songsters and worship groups contributing. Salvationists also engaged in outreach initiatives, including open-air events, street ministry activities and a meal and food parcels for needy families, which created opportunities to share Jesus with local people in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg (100km to the north-west). “These efforts expressed The Salvation Army's commitment to alleviating the struggles of the communities they serve in Southern Africa,” the General said. The international leaders joined a Salvation Army delegation at Pietermaritzburg City Hall to meet with and pray for the mayor and social development officials to support local networks in a shared commitment to addressing social issues and fostering positive change in communities. In the Southern Africa Territory today, there are nearly 250 corps and outposts in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, the Island of St Helena and Swaziland where the Christian message is preached in 10 languages.

The Equip Sydney youth camp brought together passionate young Salvos at Collaroy for an empowering and transformative experience from Monday to Friday 25-29 September. More than just a camp, Equip is a platform for nurturing and developing the talents and passions of Salvo youth, with the goal of empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities. Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to explore a wide range of skills and interests. From kids ministry to construction, and even dance, there was something for everyone. Stream options offered an even deeper dive into personal growth and development. The program included Youth Alpha, Positive Lifestyle Program, leadership training, social justice discussions, faith exploration and even True Grit challenges. For those facing the HSC, there was also dedicated study support. Equip Sydney didn’t stop at youth but also offered an emerging adults component designed to inspire and equip participants at this unique stage of life. “Equip is a camp focused on empowering young people in their gifts and talents so they can impact their communities! We believe every young person is accepted, valued and has something to contribute.” – Anthony Castle

Papua New Guinea hosts women’s weekend Australian officers Colonel Wendy Walters and Major Vanessa Evans joined about 2000 women from the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory (PNGSI) for the Women of Worth (WOW) weekend in the coastal town of Lae. Under the theme ‘Regeneration – transformed in his image’, the women, many of whom had travelled for days by foot, boat, dinghy, truck or bus, were ready to praise God, experience the power of the Holy Spirit and be an active part of a God-glorifying weekend. “Lives have been transformed and renewed through the Word,” said Colonel Tilitah Goa, PNGSI Territorial President of Women's Ministries. Colonel Wendy Walters, Head of Officer Personnel for The Salvation Army Australia and guest speaker for the weekend, shared a message with the women gathered. “Colonel Wendy shared a challenging message based on the Bible scripture 2 Corinthians 3:18,” said Colonel Tilitah. “She spoke about being committed and connected to the word of God in order for transformation to take place in each of our lives. As worship and prayer poured out from the altar, more than 70 women moved forward to the mercy seat on the first night, and 90 per cent of all gathered came forward during the final worship time. We give glory to God for all that has happened,” said Colonel Tilitah. Major Vanessa Evans, Solomon Islands District Director of Women’s Ministries in the PNGSI Territory, led a prayer meeting, after which the women had time for personal reflection and group prayer. During the weekend, deep personal testimonies were shared by women from each division and district of the territory, as well as their enthusiastic ‘war crys’, spontaneous prayer and heartfelt worship. Rich fellowship was also part of the weekend, as the women stayed in dormitories together or camped in tents adjacent to the dormitories. “WOW – these beautiful women of God in PNGSI know how to worship!” said Colonel Wendy. “I loved being with them for this weekend and feel incredibly blessed and privileged to have shared the Word with them this weekend. “There is no better way to conclude these days than singing ‘Move over me, Holy Spirit, move over me’. God bless The Salvation Army in PNGSI, and God bless all the beautiful Meris (women) as they make their way home.” UK senior citizen cycles for the Salvos Peter Langford, a 90-year-old retired vicar from Beccles in Suffolk, UK, last month became the oldest person to cycle the length of Britain to raise money for the homelessness services of both The Salvation Army and Access Community Trust. Peter rode the 1770km from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just under one month. He is passionate about The Salvation Army’s work to tackle homelessness. “I am aware of my good fortune in having a home to live in,” he said. “It makes me very aware of people who are homeless, and I pray for them almost every day … The Salvation Army has a long record of helping people who are homeless, and I have always had admiration for them.” The self-funded trip was Peter’s fourth over this challenging route. He’s already raised nearly £60,000 (AUD$113,000), including from the rides he completed at the ages of 75, 80 and 85. "I look back and think, ‘How did I manage some of those hills?’ he said, adding he would not attempt it at 95. Angela Carlucci, Salvation Army Community and Events Team Manager, paid tribute to Peter and said the money he raised would make a significant difference in people’s lives. “The pandemic and cost of living crisis has led to an increase in homelessness and many charities are struggling to meet demand,” she said. “The selfless acts of people like Peter are vital to The Salvation Army – we were cheering him on all the way.” Football partnership boosts health of the homeless The Salvation Army in the UK has partnered with the Guardiola Sala Foundation for a fourth year in a row for its annual football Partnership Trophy. “This is the 12th tournament in which 30 teams of residents from our Lifehouses (hostels) participate in a five-a-side football tournament hosted by Goals in Manchester,” said Nathan Slinn, assistant director of The Salvation Army Homelessness Services Department. “This tournament is so important in helping Lifehouse residents celebrate everything they have overcome and helps boost their confidence and mental health. “We’d like to say a big thank-you to the Guardiola Sala Foundation who generously provided custom-designed t-shirts for all players, as well as caps, footballs and reusable water bottles. They also arranged for a surprise visit from Manchester City player John Stones to the delight of everyone present.” Peter Shilton OBE, one of England’s most successful goalkeepers, also attended the event and held a Q&A session with Lifehouse residents during their lunch break. “Our annual Partnership Trophy celebrates everyone within our homelessness services, recognising the challenges and trauma that many people have overcome, and acknowledging the journey that they are on to be the best version of themselves,” said Nathan. “Sport is an excellent activity to boost both mental and physical health, build on social skills and make friendships. There are often very complex reasons that people find themselves homeless and this tournament reinforces our ethos that our services provide so much more than just a roof; we’re committed to ending the cycle of homelessness– and this is what this event is all about.”