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By PHIL INGLIS In the middle of 2018, I had the privilege to be seconded to The Salvation Army Australia One Project team as a frontline liaison. For a very short time, I had a front-row seat to one of the largest not-for-profit mergers in Australia. In December, it was then announced that the wedding of The Salvation Army Southern Territory and Eastern Territory was now complete. But like every wedding, it just marks the beginning, the true challenge of the merger now began. Thousands of staff using hundreds of different systems, guided by dozens of different policies within two very distinct cultures, began to come together. To say that it has been chaotic is an understatement. Then, into this already challenging environment, a virus broke out that turned the world on its head. So, we have wrestled with this coming together through lockdown, illness, Zoom meetings, appointment changes, daily health briefings, dwindling attendance numbers, increased support requests and a lot of uncertainty. Over the past few months, I have been reading How To Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going, by Susan Beaumont. Published in 2019, I don’t think a better book could have been published at a better time to better address our current reality. Beaumont labels a state such as ours as a ‘liminal’ space, an in-between space, it exists between the old and the new. We have left the old but, in many areas, yet to see what the ‘new’ might look like. This liminal space is usually accompanied by worry, anxiety, confusion, and a certain ‘directionlessness’ (not sure this is a word, but I like it). As Beaumont fleshes out this concept in her book, she gives solid advice on specific practices and disciplines we can focus on as Salvationists at this time – practices of meditation, prayer and corporate discernment. I have taken months (so far) to read this book because I have found myself re-reading it over and over again as I encounter new stories of people wrestling in this space. I encourage everyone to get a hold of it and read it – and find in it hope for your family, your church and your Salvation Army. Leadership Podcast Series Major Bryce Davies has recorded a special 7-part podcast series with Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Colonel Winsome Merrett, with each episode delving into the topics covered in the book How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going.​​ For more information on the podcast series, click here

Over the past five years, The Salvation Army has prioritised collaboration between our mission expressions to coordinate a more holistic approach – through Local Mission Delivery. Launceston Salvos is one such example of how successfully our different mission expressions are collaborating to meet community needs and create faith pathways. Our leaders – Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett and Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas – have shared a message of gratitude and recognition for the work all teams continue to do to better serve and transform lives with the love of Jesus.

BY CLIFF WORTHING ‘Thanking God for the Past – Looking to the Future’ was the theme for the Preston Citadel Band Centenary Celebration in Melbourne. “In a jubilant celebration of faith and musical devotion, the Preston Citadel Band marked its centenary with a breathtaking concert that resonated through time and hearts,” said Major Mim Adams, Preston Corps Officer. “This momentous occasion brought together a century’s worth of dedication, service, talent and Christian fellowship.” The celebrations included three events and plenty of time for social interaction, reminiscing and reconnection for those who returned to Preston Corps for the celebration. Events were live-streamed throughout Australia and overseas for those who couldn’t attend in person. Special guests for the weekend were previous corps officers Majors Graeme and (Dr) Christine Faragher and former bandmaster, composer Roger Trigg from the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. Christine reminded the audience that just as musicians use breath appropriately to play their instruments, Christians need to share their faith by breathing in and out God’s love. The band, under the leadership of Stuart Lees who spent months planning the centenary celebrations, played the world premiere of God of the Ages, specifically composed by Roger for the centenary. An afternoon of praise included an interview by Major Matt Reeve, Territorial Head of Mission, who grew up at Preston Corps and left for Officer Training College from there. He interviewed former bandmasters David Collett and Merv Collins. Merv’s book, A Band for All Seasons, was launched during the evening as a record of the band’s 100 years of service and ministry, including its history-making tours of Japan and Taiwan in the 1990s. Historical memorabilia showcased many aspects of the band’s mission throughout the past 100 years. “Preston Citadel Band’s centenary concert was not just a musical performance; it was a testament to the enduring power of faith and community,” Mim said. “The band members, past and present, came together in a heart-warming display of unity, reflecting the unchanging message of love and hope found in Christian teachings. Here’s to another century of faith-filled melodies!” A copy of Merv Collins’ book, A Band for All Seasons, is available by emailing pcbcentenary@gmail.com for a copy to be posted anywhere in Australia for $40. A review of the book can be viewed by clicking here

BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Revolution Youth program turns 20 this year. Based at Revolution Church in Oakden, South Australia, the program opens its doors each Friday night for young people. While Revolution Youth is now decades old, the way it works with young people has been consistent. “Things haven’t really changed that much,” explains Nathan Casey, former Revolution Youth Pastor and leader of Revolution Church. “We open up the space, hang out together, open the ‘Snack Shaq’. We do fun and games, and there’s worship and a message.” Known as ‘Rev’, few Salvo youth ministries have continued for so long in Australia. Launched in 2003 by former youth pastor Rowan Castle at Ingle Farm Salvos, Revolution Youth grew into a safe space and outreach initiative, transitioning to Nathan Casey’s leadership in 2008. Revolution Youth isn’t just a brand or a program but a community for those young people who need it most, offering ‘good news and good times’. “We have kids that come in from the surrounding areas,” Nathan says. “They might be experiencing real struggles with growing up or with family. So, we have fun, and lots of it can seem silly, but, really, we want them to feel like they’ve got somewhere they’re accepted and loved every week.” Revolution Youth connects with hundreds of different people across the year, with a weekly attendance of approximately 40 people. Many of the young people are from Youth Homelessness streams, as well as teenagers attending from the most disadvantaged local schools. The Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake revealed people in the surrounding areas are most concerned about mental health, homelessness and housing affordability, social isolation and substance misuse. “Rev’s had a reputation among local services for being a safe space for young people,” Nathan explains. “We have leaders that have good connections with local schools and The Salvation Army’s youth accommodation houses as well. People know that kids can come our way and be safe.” Families in the area have reported feeling unable to always get the support they need, and a common theme is a feeling of disempowerment. While Revolution Youth has been an important space for young people, it’s also a community for those beyond their teenage years, with many young adults coming to find somewhere to belong and serve. “Rev was a place where I could reconnect with Jesus and faith,” explains Megan Elms, current Revolution Youth leader, alongside Sam Elms. “I came along years ago, and it was somewhere I could just be accepted for who I was. I hadn’t felt that in a long time, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Megan and Sam’s leadership came into play after a time of transition, including a change of location and the loss of a paid role. The shift posed challenges to Revolution Youth, highlighting the many reasons why youth ministries often struggle to function in the long term. “It was kind of like starting again,” explains Megan. “We knew we would have to rebuild some things, but we have a community of leadership we’ve developed for years, and we know what we’re about. Kids can come as they are, no matter who they are or what they’ve gone through.” While Revolution Youth may be getting older, it looks to continue for some time. New leaders are stepping into roles of responsibility, and younger kids continue to join the community. “We’re still going, and there’s been an impact over the years,” reflects Nathan. “It’s hard to say what you’ve helped young people avoid or cope with. What we see is that they’re here and keep coming back. It’s the Good News that they need.” With fun and games and a message of love, the key to getting older seems to be to remember who you are. And never grow up. *Revolution Youth is open to all young people (grade 6-12) on Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm, 166 Fosters Rd, Oakden, South Australia

Trail running can lead to some unexpected destinations. As part of his weekly Wednesday trail-running group last week, Major Bryce Davies conducted the wedding of Enza and Pete – two fellow runners who had met in the group and fallen in love. “It was absolutely delightful,” said Bryce. “So much love, fun and genuine community, just wonderful!” Peter and Enza have been in running groups with Bryce for the past two years, including the Toohey’s Trot trail on which the wedding took place. This run is one of the tracks popular with some from the Brisbane Trail Runners Facebook group. “They are friends, and I know them well,” shared Bryce. “We share a love of running and have done several events together, such as half-marathons. We have dozens of mutual friends in these groups.” Enza and Pete also regularly support Bryce and Major Sue Davies (retired), when they lead and speak at the Salvos God’s Sports Arena in Brisbane and Caloundra, and at Brisbane Streetlevel Mission. Pete is a drummer and Enza has shared her story at Streetlevel. Bryce has now conducted three weddings with running friends over the past 12 months. “Enza shared with me well over a year ago that she and Peter were thinking of getting married,” shared Bryce. “She saw the weddings I did with Nicky and Cara, so she knew I could officiate. “She said wanted me to do the wedding because ‘You know me, and we understand each other’s worlds. I trust you and just know you would be a perfect fit for the sort of wedding we were wanting’. “To me, it’s a wonderful blessing that comes from being deeply engaged in local community.” – Simone Worthing

The Salvation Army in Port Augusta (SA) shared a slice of love on a prominent mental health day, giving community members the opportunity to have a chat and get anything off their chest. National R U OK? Day is an annual event held to raise awareness of suicide prevention through conversations and connectedness. On Thursday 14 September, The Salvation Army in Port Augusta hosted a morning tea and pizza lunch and gave participants the opportunity to air out their problems that may be weighing heavy on their minds. Jake Collins, the Homelessness Program Manager for Port Augusta, said it was a wonderful day for all involved. “Services came together to host community events to raise awareness for R U OK? Day,” he said. “The Salvation Army hosted a morning tea and pizza lunch donated by Dominoes Port Augusta. During the morning tea, participants were able to yarn about their experiences and strengthen their connection to the community. “Centacare also arranged an event at the yacht club and were supported by The Salvation Army, Headspace and Ignite Cheer and Dance. “There was badge-making, games, food and affirmation creation followed by a mindfulness activity led by Maddie from Centacare and overlooking the water. “Thanks to everyone who supported the events, and we hope to make it bigger and better next year as it is a really important issue.” If you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek assistance by contacting your trusted healthcare professional or calling Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000). An edited version of an article courtesy of The Transcontinental Port Augusta (author Matt Welch) Slideshow of photos:

BY MAJOR CHERYL KINDER As we age, one of the most important things is to find meaning, purpose and connection. This is not easy when so many things are changing around us – loss of independence and isolation from loved ones or familiar surroundings. This can be overwhelming and feel like a storm is raging around us. One thing that helps us to engage with or embrace something new is to find meaning and purpose in each day, something that we can contribute to or that brings us joy. It’s also important to find opportunities to connect by meeting new people or joining an activity where you feel you belong. We all need to feel that we are valuable and that we matter. We all need to know that we have others we are connected to. But how do we do this when we are in the storm and feel like we are struggling with many daily challenges? I am reminded of the scripture where Jesus is in the boat with his disciples, being tossed by the waves in a storm. The disciples are fearful and question whether Jesus cares; in that moment, they forget who Jesus really is (Mark chapter 4, verses 35-41). Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that Jesus is with us even in the storms. He wants us to know that we are valuable and loved. Our love for God underpins everything we do at The Salvation Army Aged Care (TSAAC). TSAAC exists purely because of its mission and its passion to care for and support people through all stages of their lives. We want to reach out and show love because of the love that Christ has shown us. The role of a chaplain is a year-round commitment to provide pastoral care and spiritual and emotional support for residents, staff and their families. For those without a faith background, the chaplains onsite help people feel connected and find meaning and purpose. The chapel services also allow people to find meaning, come together, build relationships and share in worship. Whether they have faith or not, all are welcome to attend any of the activities the chaplain promotes. “Our residents have so much to share with us, and it is a privilege to learn from them.” Regardless of whether a resident expresses Christian faith, spirituality is nurtured by each of the centre’s chaplains. It’s about helping them live their best life in this stage. For some residents, this may include connecting to their cultural or linguistic background. We certainly want to support everyone in whatever way we can. Our residents have so much to share with us, and it is a privilege to learn from them. Many of our residents don’t have family or anyone to support them – they see the chaplain as someone they feel connected to, someone they can share with, and there is absolutely no judgment. Similarly, families appreciate access to the chaplains. Chaplains support families and residents during the end-of-life process when their loved ones are palliating. This is an honour and a privilege that we don’t take lightly. Major Cheryl Kinder (below) is the Mission and Chaplaincy Manager – Salvation Army Aged Care

I’m incredibly grateful for the many volunteers who help us do what we do – both in my own corps and, more widely, across Australia. Much of Salvation Army ministry in this territory is done by officers and paid staff, but a great deal – perhaps more – is done by volunteers. One of our young volunteers recently came to me after a shift and said he greatly enjoyed working here at the corps and with his colleagues. He said, “It feels like family.” I commended him for his work, thanked him for his comments and told him how much we appreciated having him working with us. After he left, his comment about us being ‘like family’ played in my head for a moment because some families are pretty weird! As I thought across our corps/officer/employee/volunteer team, I wondered which one is the uncle who tells the old jokes over and over (probably me). Who is the competitive younger brother? Who is the grandparent always falling asleep? Who is the aunt giving out dusty lollies that have been in her purse for a year? Who is the cousin that snorts when she laughs? And does being ‘like family’ actually mean we argue a lot? Does it mean we prefer to spend time alone in our rooms looking at screens rather than being together without screens? Does being ‘like family’ mean we can or can’t agree on things? I guess it depends on what your experience of ‘family’ is. I grew up in a loving family, but I also spent a childhood watching The Addams Family (a loving family … but odd!), The Brady Bunch (a merged family of eight with a maid), The Partridge Family (who kept breaking into song), and Happy Days (where the oldest Cunningham child, Chuck, disappeared without explanation after two seasons and was never mentioned again!). If I said your church or workplace colleagues are like a family, what sort of family are you? Do you laugh together a lot … or just at one family member? Who do you need to keep ‘sending to their room’ for some indiscretion? Who is the parent that thinks you can do no wrong, and who is the disciplinarian? Who is the favourite child? Are you a family that talks issues through or prefers to storm out and slam doors? Do you bond over something (sport, hobbies, food, music, etc.), or are you all totally different? Being ‘like family’ sounds like a wonderful thing to say about a group of people, but it might mean the opposite! “You people are weird, inappropriate, argumentative, boring, petty, stupid and unusual … just like my family!” So, enjoy your other ‘family’ this week. And don’t accept furry lollies from whoever is the forgetful aunt. – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

In Philippians 1, Paul expresses his deep gratitude and thankfulness for the gospel partnership. Colonel Winsome Merrett echoes this by thanking God for our partnership in sharing the love of Jesus to transform Australia one life at a time.

It was a memorable day for Commissioner Ian Cutmore at Port Macquarie Corps yesterday – not only did he witness the launch of a book close to his heart, but he also celebrated his 90th birthday. Ironically, 90 people gathered (66 in person and 24 online) as Salvos Publishing launched Not Weary Yet: Inspiring Snippets of The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea Story, which tells the history of The Salvation Army’s work in Papua New Guinea. Commissioner Cutmore, who attends Port Macquarie Corps with his wife Commissioner Nancy, was one of the main contributing authors of the book, writing about a third of the narrative focusing on the 11 years he and Nancy spent pioneering the work in PNG from 1956. “It was a wonderful day, a day to remember ... wonderful memories and a wonderful service to launch this publication,” Commissioner Ian Cutmore said. Several of the 22 Salvationists who served in PNG and contributed snippets to the photo-laden book were in attendance, including Commissioners James and Jan Condon (online) and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Colonel Kelvin Alley (in person), who were all given an opportunity to speak. Commissioner Cutmore also spoke powerfully for 20 minutes on his time in PNG and the inspiration behind the book “for God’s glory”. “It was a great privilege to be part of this very special day,” said Colonel Kelvin Alley. “Congratulations to Ian and Nancy on a wonderful book.” “I was incredibly blessed to be part of this,” said Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. “Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore are heroes of the faith!” The launch was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Laurie Robertson, the book’s coordinating editor. A poignant moment came when Captain Peter Gott, Port Macquarie Corps Officer, sang the chorus Not Weary Yet, which was the chorus that came to Commissioner Cutmore’s mind when searching for a title for the book. During the launch, Commissioner Cutmore was presented with a 90th birthday cake by Salvation Army Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker. The Commissioner spent time before and after the service signing books and greeting well-wishers, who were treated to an afternoon tea served by members of the Port Macquarie Corps. In a tribute to the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory, 200 books have been provided for every retired officer, active officer and cadet of that territory. How to purchase a copy Not Weary Yet: Inspiring Snippets of The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea Story is available from Salvationist Supplies by emailing trade.sydney@salvationarmy.org.au or trade.melbourne@salvationarmy.org.au or by calling Sydney Salvationist Supplies (1800 634 209) and Melbourne Salvation Army Supplies (1800 100 018). If any one person, corps, division or territory wants to buy 10 copies or more they can email Cheryl.tinker@salvationarmy.org.au and they will get them at the wholesale price of $25 each plus postage. Slideshow of photos from the PNG book launch:

BY PETER MCGUIGAN There’s an old saying that goes, “What you see is what you get.” The world of computing acronymised it to WYSIWYG, pronounced wiz-ee-wig, to easily talk about software that allows people to see and edit content in a way that appears on screen as if printed or published on a webpage. The adage itself, though, predates computer software writing by a long shot. When talking about people, it can be used negatively. But in its positive form, it simply means that someone is authentic. And after spending time recently with Captain Kim Haworth, The Salvation Army’s new Divisional Commander for NSW/ACT, I’ve made the call that she is a wiz-ee-wig Salvo – the real deal. Kim is passionate about all the good things the Salvos stand for, particularly faith in Jesus Christ to transform people’s lives and in the power of the Holy Spirit to see them flourish. And why shouldn’t she be? In 2000, she experienced this transformation and this power herself and has since nurtured it with great intentionality. “Growing up, I believed God existed,” Kim says, “but had no concept of relationship with God. Now, when I look back over my life, it would be true to say that the Lord was always gently drawing me to him. It just took me until I was 31 to really get it.” By the time God caught up with her, Kim was living and raising a family in Mooroolbark, an outer-eastern suburb of Melbourne. She met the Mooroolbark Salvation Army officers, then Captains Bram and Jean Cassidy, at the local preschool, and they became friends. Bram and Kim served on the preschool committee as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Little did she know what was coming. “God was really working in my life, but I just wasn’t fully aware of it,” Kim recalls. “It became important for me that our kids had a Christian education. We looked at local Christian schools and they were really expensive. I was lamenting this to Bram one day, and he said they had a Sunday school at Mooroolbark Salvos; why don’t you bring Jayden (our eldest) to us?” But at that point, it was really the morals Kim was after for her family, not so much the going to church part. The Cassidys and a prayer group at the corps (church) started praying for them, and over the next seven months, they would gently invite the Haworths fairly regularly, even though they would say no, or yes at times but then not go. That was until one weekend in February 2000. Jean had invited Kim again. Kim said yes again and secretly thought, “I can’t face her in the schoolyard on Monday if I don’t go.” She told Steven, her husband, she was going to church, and he assured her it was fine, but he wouldn’t. Jayden was five, and they had a two-year-old and a baby as well. Kim’s account of what happened that day is compelling. “When I arrived, people were lovely; they were very kind and welcoming. But that wasn’t what did it for me. That morning, I had an encounter with God in the first two songs sung in the meeting – ‘Church On Fire’ and ‘God is in the House’. I still remember them. I’ve had lots of encounters with God since that I can articulate, but that first one I still can’t adequately explain, except to tell you that I had a real sense of coming home. “This changed everything. I just had this overwhelming sense that everything was right, like I had landed in the right place, and everything just made sense about who I was meant to be. Steven will tell you that the woman who went to church was not the woman who came home. I said I wanted to go back that night for another service they were having. But my parents were coming for dinner, and Steve said, ‘You can’t, they won’t be happy!’, referring to me not being home, not about going to church.” Kim’s experience at the Salvos that day unleashed a spiritual craving she still finds difficult to describe. “To say that I became obsessed with Jesus would probably be close. I demanded to be discipled; I was so hungry for the Lord. I wanted to be all in. Within six months, I was studying externally through The Salvation Army, and the following year I enrolled in a Bachelor of Theology. I went from zero to 100 in three seconds. Within 10 months, I was leading a small group in my home, was on the leadership team and co-leading Alpha. It was full throttle!” An adventurous spirit For someone like Kim, it’s not unusual that an encounter with God should turn into a passion for the mission of God so quickly. To say she was born and raised in a working-class family with an adventurous spirit is really understating the facts. Her father, who had done well in business, owned a Cessna plane and would fly his family on their holidays from Essendon Airport to all kinds of destinations and activities, including fossicking for opals in Andamooka, South Australia. The family home was in Macleod, a northern suburb of Melbourne, but they also had a place on Lake Eildon north of the city where they would spend time swimming and water-skiing behind their father’s speed boat. “Life was all about doing what you love and having a go,” says Kim, with an understanding about herself that sheds light on who she really is and how she was formed. “In a way, some of the activities we were doing were not working-class activities. But Dad was Dad. He showed us that he never lost his working-class roots, and I never really felt that I fitted in the upper echelon, so to speak. Even though I went to a private school and mixed it with people with very different lives, we remained very true to our roots. The values my parents instilled in us were about working hard, playing hard, and doing what you wanted in life. My parents worked really hard and went after the things they wanted to do.” “By the time I left school, I had decided not to pursue academia. I did year 11 in business college (Holmes Commercial College), majoring in accounting and administration. Administration was a natural fit for me, and I was dux of the class that year. My first job was working for an accounting firm in Ivanhoe, not far from where we lived.” Peace for five seconds At 18, Kim spent 12 months travelling around Europe. Two years after returning to Australia, in 1990, she married Steven, and they set up house in Mooroolbark. In the months following her encounter with God at the Salvos in 2000, Steve also came to faith and in time they were enrolled as Salvation Army soldiers, Kim first and then Steve. In 2007 and 2008, they trained to be Salvation Army officers in the Witnesses for Christ session. About her calling to be an officer, Kim says it was something unexpected. “I was all in for Jesus and just knew I would serve God for the whole of my life. I had never envisaged that it would be outside of Mooroolbark Corps. “When the Lord called me to be an officer, it happened in the context of a Self-Denial (Appeal) reflection, would you believe? I can remember saying to God, ‘I know I’ll serve you; I know I will.’ I felt God clearly say to me, ‘Well, you know you’ll be an officer, don’t you?’ I said, ‘Yes, Lord, I know that.’ I had peace for about five seconds before I realized what I’d said. After that, there was a two-year journey of yielding to God’s call on our lives before selling up and heading for the Training College.” Following their commissioning as officers in 2008, Kim and Steve served as corps officers at The Salvation Army’s Bairnsdale Corps (church) in Eastern Victoria for seven years, followed by a three-year stint at Wyndham City, south-west of Melbourne. Then came appointments in Tasmania, Kim as Divisional Commander and Steve as Area Officer, and from 1 March this year in the New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Division. God’s agenda Against the backdrop of her life experience, who she has become in Christ, and as Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s largest division in Australia, Kim reflects deeply and soberly on the future – both for herself and The Salvation Army*: “Kim Haworth can be very task-oriented, which is interesting when it comes to God. I think going to Tasmania and being so often on my knees before the Lord taught me that if I really want to see God move, I have to always be out of my own comfort zone. “Everything I go after has to be beyond me because it has to be God that makes it happen, not me. I’m getting more comfortable with the idea that I’m going to have to be uncomfortable. If we want to be the people of God just as God intends, then we have to not be comfortable, not be content. We have to be going after the things of God and always seeking the alignment of our mission with God’s agenda – what God wants. Which means never settling … “People say I’m a strong leader. Well, I think I’m a strong leader when I’m in my place of passion and when I feel that conviction from the Lord. My heart is to empower others. I’m not about control. I want to see people do everything they’re meant to do in God. I’m not protective or precious. I never had a career plan or pathway that I pursued. I don’t covet any form or place of leadership. I just want to do what God wants me to do. “Very regularly I think to myself, ‘How on earth did I get here?’ I just literally wanted to tell people about Jesus. I just wanted to devote my life to him, to be the best version of me I can be in that space. It’s been a long journey and not always an easy one. Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. But to be that person God intends me to be, and to go after the things of God, is still just as big for me as it was on that day I first met Jesus.” * Kim’s thoughts on the future of The Salvation Army’s mission in Australia have been published in an article titled, ‘A Season of Going Through’, excerpted from her interview with Peter. Read here * A video of Kim giving her testimony three years ago while she was Divisional Commander in Tasmania can be viewed here Major Peter McGuigan is Head of Government Relations for The Salvation Army Australia and a writer for Salvos Online and Salvos Magazine.

Australian officers Commissioners Wayne and Robyn Maxwell, leaders of the South Pacific and East Asia Zone, officially opened and dedicated the work of The Salvation Army in Chang Mai, Thailand, on Sunday 24 September. This nation in Southeast Asia is part of the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory, and is now the 134th country in which The Salvation Army works. Although the process for registration of The Salvation Army as a legal entity began in 2016, it was only on 28 April 2023 that the government of Chiang Province approved the establishment of The Salvation Army. Pioneering work in Chiang Mai was undertaken in August 2014 when International Headquarters appointed Majors Ken and Neva Phiouthong to initiate research and development – work that continued to advance under subsequent officers and lay personnel. The activities of The Salvation Army in Thailand have included an ongoing and growing worshipping community since 2015, a vibrant children’s ministry, prison ministry, support to the homeless and those living in poverty and assisting flood victims. Other work to share the good news has included camps for underprivileged children, sports ministry, team and women’s group Bible studies, fundraising, fellowship events, men’s fellowship gatherings and home visits. During their time in the territory, Commissioners Maxwell also dedicated a new children’s care centre and community complex in Kuching, Malaysia, enrolled new senior soldiers and dedicated local officers.