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In an excerpt from an interview with Major Peter McGuigan, Captain Kim Haworth speaks about her vision for spiritual renewal in The Salvation Army BY CAPTAIN KIM HAWORTH One of the high priorities of The Salvation Army in Australia today is becoming missionally sustainable. We are building our mission plan around this concept of sustainability. First, it’s about ensuring everything we’re doing is on God’s agenda and that we’re doing what the Lord asks. Second, it’s about how we reinvigorate our mission. The idea of having gathered worshipping communities, communities of hope and community tables is how we are structuring ourselves. We are also developing faith expression collectives. It’s about maximising the mission outcomes from all we are doing. But what really excites me is the reinvigoration of the five-fold ministry of the Church – that we are becoming again an apostolic, prophetic, evangelical, pastoral and learning community. We are experiencing a reinvigoration of being people of the Holy Spirit and listening to what God is asking us to do, even if it means moving on from old and no longer effective ways of being the Church. When I served in Tasmania as Divisional Commander, I envisioned this kind of spiritual renewal happening, like a wave of water rolling across the island – a tsunami of the Spirit washing over us. A second vision I received – I only had two – was for developing organic faith expressions. I know that God is moving out in the periphery of communities, and we’ve got to find those people and do life with them, inviting them to be part of our family of faith. God is doing new things, and we have to discover what those new things are and enter into them. We’re in a significant time for the Church. We’re not what we were, and we’re not yet what we’re becoming, but we’re in a season of going through. It’s our time to be the people of God, a time ordained for us. It truly is a new day for us, and I think we have to steward that really well. It’s about what God is asking of us in these days and being really attuned to the Holy Spirit. It’s about understanding who we really are as a Salvation Army and what made The Salvation Army so dynamic in its early days. “It’s about what God is asking of us in these days and being really attuned to the Holy Spirit.” It’s about seeing that we were born in the fire of Pentecostal force. That’s how Mrs General Minnie Carpenter wrote about The Salvation Army’s experience. It’s about being in and led by the Spirit and acting from that place without discrimination. The early Army was bold, brave and not risk-averse. We’ve now got this big movement with a big reputation and a big legacy. There’s a lot to risk. But we have to trust the Lord, go for it and move on the things God is moving on. We’ve followed a natural progression that many churches and organisations follow. We have kind of fallen into that. When we started, we were really dynamic, adaptable and forward-thinking. We were doing practical things that made sense at the time and adopting practical methods that made sense at the time. These brought success to our mission. But methods tend to become enshrined. We can have strong emotional attachments to them and adopt them as though they’re permanent. We were a fully mobile mission movement to begin with, but we kind of became a settled-down church with a social arm. So it’s about re-finding and reclaiming the spirit of that missional, brave rescue movement within our current organisation, which is amazing and still has the capacity to do incredible things. I think we fell in love with ourselves a little bit too much and began celebrating ourselves a little bit too much. And we felt we had a lot to protect, whereas in the beginning, there was nothing to protect, and we just went after the mission of God. We shifted from an abandonment or at-all-costs mindset to a protective mindset. As a result, a whole new Salvation Army sub-culture sprung up that became too inward-focused. It’s a natural progression, but we need to seek the renewal of our spiritual heart and adapt ourselves and our methodology to the context of the 21st century. On that note, sometimes when we’re changing methodology, we take the view that what we’re changing is bad or not good anymore or not right. We need to not think of it like that. I think we need to be like William and Catherine Booth and say, ‘What’s going to get us where we need to go?’ Obviously, we need to consider our Wesleyan theology and take into account the non-negotiables of The Salvation Army. “God’s calling people all the time. He’s placing things on their heart all the time.” But we must not think that what we are changing and moving and adapting is bad. We are simply, but urgently, recognising that the world has moved, people have moved, culture has moved, and we need to reinvent ourselves for a new way in a new day. This new way needs to be aligned to the Spirit and to the vision, the purpose and the theology of The Salvation Army. God’s calling people all the time. He’s placing things on their heart all the time. Things they can do within their own community to further the mission. So, for us to be open to people doing that from a voluntary point of view or in a specific way with a specific group of people, I think, is vital today. The vision I had about organic spaces for ministry, although for Tasmania, could have been anywhere. I could see there were strategically placed places of strength for The Salvation Army. Places where we excelled in fulfilling our local mission delivery model – Caring for People, Creating Faith Pathways, Building Healthy Communities and Working for Justice. Salvation Army corps and all our social programs were working together along with our mission enterprises. In the vision, I saw a million twinkling stars all around these co-located places of strength for The Salvation Army, and the twinkling stars were all different sizes and shapes of twinkling and brightness. I just knew in my spirit that these were the product of vibrant organic ministry and that across the land, God’s people called The Salvation Army were inviting others to be part of what they had a passion to do – in being the people of God in their community. I love the idea of spiritual renewal. I love us being the people of God and doing whatever God asks, even when it’s really out there. I love it when we know we’re in sync with what God’s asking of us and advancing the Kingdom of God by doing it. I know I have to be across a whole lot of things as a Divisional Commander. I work really hard to ensure that I’m diligent about fulfilling the different aspects of my role. And that includes the complexity of being The Salvation Army in the current age. But I know that I am only in these roles because I want to be a woman after God’s heart who does what God says and who carries a passion for spiritual vibrancy in the people of God. I believe that’s the reason I’m in leadership right now. * Captain Kim Haworth is Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. To read Peter McGuigan’s article about her life, titled ‘A Holy Discontent – Kim Haworth's journey to fulfilling God’s agenda’, click here

“In the heart of Zimbabwe, where communities wrestle with the relentless challenges of disasters and poverty, hope is blossoming like a wildflower.” So starts the Zimbabwean report on the joint SAWSO (Salvation Army World Service Office) and Salvation Army Switzerland project that aims to diversify income streams for farmers in Zimbabwe and build resilience against disasters. Among the various innovative business initiatives introduced by this project is the Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association, nestled in the northern part of Zimbabwe, in the Guruve District. Half of the 10 members of the group of farmers selected for the project already possessed traditional beekeeping knowledge. The project presented a chance for them to embrace modern methods and a more sustainable approach. With one wooden hive per individual and essential resources such as beekeeping suits, smokers, propolis (resin-like material made by bees) and wax, they were equipped to embark on their beekeeping adventure. The project also acknowledges the delicate balance of nature, providing saplings to be planted around the hives to encourage pollination, showing a commitment to the environment as well as to the livelihoods of these budding beekeepers. Guided by comprehensive training on safe and effective beekeeping, the Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association soon turned their dreams into reality. Unity is their strength, and they pooled not only the resources they received from the project but also their own. Grouping their hives together in one location, they developed a constitution that outlines how they will support each other in honey production, marketing, and sales in the future. Their determination bore sweet fruits, quite literally. Bottling and selling their honey in local communities marked the beginning of a newfound sense of pride and empowerment. As their honey found eager buyers, the members felt the power of community-driven change. They were no longer just individual beekeepers; they are now a force that champions growth, progress and resilience. With each harvest, their aspirations grow bolder. The Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association now dreams of expanding its reach beyond local markets to regional supermarkets and possibly national outlets. They hope to pool their resources again in the future to purchase additional hives, envisioning a professional and thriving beekeeping association. As the honey flows and the income increases, the impact on the members’ lives is immeasurable. It is not just about the financial gains, but the sense of purpose and camaraderie that reverberates through the group. The association serves as a platform where individuals support and uplift each other, advocating for change together. They marvel at the new skills they have acquired, blending them seamlessly with the work they had done in the past. It is a dance between tradition and modernity, each step leading to greater prosperity. With every drop of honey sold, the members find renewed hope, knowing that their hard work creates a ripple effect of positivity in their communities. The income earned from the honey also brings stability and opportunities. Families that had once grappled with uncertainty now have brighter prospects for their children's education, better healthcare, and improved living conditions. The beekeeping journey has become a gateway to resilience and transformation, painting a brighter future for all those involved. This report originally appeared on sawso.org

The Salvation Army will host a special event on Thursday night (28 September) in Kingaroy (Qld) for families kitting out students for their upcoming high school formals. The evening will run from 4pm to 7pm at the Salvos Family Store on the corner of Kingaroy and Markwell streets. Store manager Matt Wallace said this was the first time the Salvos had run an event like this in Kingaroy. He said there would be formal dresses and suits for sale for just $20. Matt was working hard on Wednesday afternoon setting up a special display of all the garments that will be on offer. “There are a variety of different styles as well as men’s and women’s shoes,” he said. There is also jewellery, including necklaces, and other accessories. Article courtesy of southburnett.com.au

BY JAMES BURNS* Watching some of the games of the Rugby World Cup in France over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been particularly interested in the sea of colour in the stands from the various replica team shirts worn by fans to show their support. Some shirts have even had the name and team number of their favourite player. There have also been plenty of banners, but there has been one missing. But more of that later. Among the national flags, there have also been some that show the name of the rugby club that they support locally or even their favourite bar. At club level, certainly in football, fans have been used to getting their message across by making bespoke banners. Some to show their dissatisfaction with the club owners and some to suggest that the manager should get the sack. So, banners can be a powerful medium to get a message across, and not just in sport. Time was that if you were watching a sporting event on television, be it football, rugby or even Formula 1 and you were eagle-eyed, you would spot someone holding a banner that simply said ‘John 3:16’. Many must have wondered what it meant. Imagine their surprise if they Googled it to find that it refers to one of the most famous verses in the Bible, namely, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). This is arguably a very clever way for the person to show not just their allegiance to their team but also to their Christian faith and their belief that Jesus was the Son of God. Now few of us might be brave enough to have Jesus and the No.1 on our shirts to show whom we support, but if sports fans are not ashamed to tell everybody which team they follow, perhaps we should too. Now there’s a thought! * JAMES BURNS IS A SALVATIONIST FREELANCE WRITER FROM DUNSTABLE CORPS IN THE UK

Kristen Harnett, National Moneycare Manager, recently appeared on the Channel 7 Morning Show to talk about Moneycare’s new digital book, Planning for the Unplanned: Are you financially ready for a natural disaster? Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies asked Kristen about the book, how it can help people financially prepare for a natural disaster, and the role of The Salvation Army in disaster response and relief. “I am grateful to Channel 7 for helping us share the things that you can do to financially navigate natural disasters,” Kristen said. “In Planning for the Unplanned, we learn from people who have actually done this. They are equally courageous, resourceful and generous. These people navigated significant loss in many ways, yet they were still willing to share their story to help others.” Natural disasters of any kind, from devastating bushfires to flash-flooding to years of drought, are destructive, debilitating and can have life-long consequences. For people impacted by them, the heartache, disruption, trauma and financial loss can be overwhelming. “There are some things that you can do to protect yourself,” Kristen explained. “These include creating a ‘go bag’ with the essential items outlined in the book, checking your insurance policies and understanding what they cover, and having an asset register. “What isn’t always obvious is the protective factor that relationships provide: good connections with family, friends and neighbours. The local community also makes a big difference, as does mindset.” Planning for the Unplanned aims to help people develop their own plan for being prepared for such an event. As Kristen explained, it also shares the personal stories of several people who experienced recent bushfires and floods; the impact it had on them financially and emotionally, and how The Salvation Army assisted them to get back on their feet. This publication is more of a guidebook, supporting people as they develop their own plans for getting prepared. It includes tips from some of the Moneycare financial counsellors who are part of a team that has helped thousands of people gain control of their finances for over three decades. To download the book, and for more information on Moneycare, click here.

A combined Sydney and Melbourne Staff Songster concert at Parramatta Corps in western Sydney on the weekend was a huge success, with both the audience and choral groups combining in worship. Sydney Staff Songsters Manager Ryan Howes said it was the first time the choral groups had performed together since before the COVID-19 lockdowns, and there was a palpable sense of joy throughout the event. “The audience was feeding energy to the choir as much as the choir was throwing it back at them!” he said. On the Sunday after the Saturday combined concert, each choral group visited a different Sydney corps. The Melbourne Staff Songsters participated in worship at Hurstville, and the Sydney Staff Songsters sang at Rockdale. “We don't get to visit our own backyard a lot,” said Ryan. “Rockdale holds a lot of memories for some in our group, so the Sunday was very special.” For more on the weekend, go to the Sydney Staff Songsters Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sydneystaffsongsters

Located off a busy road in St Kilda, The Well is a safe space that engages with people who are lonely and searching. There’s a community garden that offers a quiet haven for contemplation, a chapel for restoration of the soul, and the Well team who are always available for a cup of coffee, a chat or a warm meal.

BY FOUZIA MUBARIK AND LAUREN MARTIN Shoppers at Seven Hills Salvos Store in Sydney’s west were able to engage with local Salvation Army services and faith expressions at a recent Community Connect event. Salvos Stores and Blacktown City Corps partnered to create the event, designed to engage with people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and those experiencing loneliness and isolation. Volunteers set up stations offering free food, beverages and tattoos for kids. Personnel were available to talk to people about how Blacktown City Corps helps the community. Corps Officer Captain Fouzia Mubarik said she and her team gave people information about Moneycare, the free grocery service they run and Salvos Connect: “For many attendees, this was an invaluable opportunity to address pressing concerns and take steps toward improving their overall wellbeing.” “It’s vital to create spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together, fellowship, and share about life,” Fouzia said. “Then we can talk about how we can help them with our programs.” The success of the Community Connect Event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Salvos Store Manager Rizwana Khausar, and Fouzia along with the support of Salvation Army soldiers and volunteers. Nuria Gonsalves from the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team was also involved in the planning of the event. “It served as a reminder that our communities are stronger when we connect, support and uplift one another,” said Fouzia, citing 1 Peter 4:9-10, which says, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” She says it won’t be the last time the corps and store work together to connect with and serve the local community.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE With Western Australia facing its worst-ever housing shortage, the City of Subiaco and The Salvation Army have come together to offer somewhere for those with nowhere to go. The result is a weekly walk-in centre offering refuge and assistance to individuals facing or at risk of homelessness. This initiative, set to span a whole year, commenced last week at The Third Place on Barker Road, where the doors will be open every Wednesday from 10am-2pm. Those needing assistance will be able to access food, water, clothing, sleeping bags, as well as referrals to additional services. The Salvos’ specialised homelessness response can also help build towards more long-term solutions for clients. The initiative is the result of research and case studies from Salvos working directly with those experiencing homelessness in the area. Salvation Army Homelessness Services State Manager Major Ken Smith said the data and case studies gathered showed the need for a specialised homelessness response in Subiaco. “The trial had a significant impact on supporting vulnerable community members living in Subiaco, even within a short trial period,” he said. Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said the centre would provide a coordinated response to homelessness to help some of the community’s most vulnerable. “It offers the complex care required to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the community,” he said. The Salvation Army in Western Australia continues its commitment to aiding the homeless with a 24/7 referral line (0429 511 833) and a general evening outreach service spanning multiple local government areas. The walk-in centre at The Third Place on 325 Barker Road opens its door to those on the streets at a time when there have never been fewer homes for those who need them. Some information courtesy of The West Australian newspaper

REVIEWED BY MAJOR PHIL INGLIS In the 1970s, my parents left Australia and backpacked their way to London. After a short time working at the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army (washing the General’s car), they flew to Zambia in central Africa. They were two of the dozens of Salvation Army personnel from North America, Australasia and Europe to serve at Chikankata Mission. My sister and I were born in the Mission Hospital, and my parents later returned to Australia. I have heard stories of missions my whole life and spent many nights with officers and lay people talking about mission (and sometimes mischief), as they often gathered whenever one or another of the crew came to visit Sydney. Later, in my teens, I joined the staff at Red Shield Summer Camps. We welcomed kids to camp and spent a week giving them great food, great fun and great experiences around Sydney. Basically, we did everything we could to make the kids understand that they are valued, they matter, they are important, and they are loved. This was mission, and I loved it. One time, I was telling this to one of my parents’ old Chikankata friends, and they simply said, “Why don’t you become an officer?” Well, that was that, and I’ve been ministering as a Salvation Army officer now for 22 years. Sadly, I soon discovered that ministry as a Salvation Army officer wasn’t all about taking kids to the beach, cinemas, the zoo and Sydney Harbour. As I was trying to wrap my head around full-time ministry, one of the extremely helpful books I read was The Shape of Things to Come by Mike Frost and Allan Hirsch. This book both encouraged and inspired me to see mission in a broader sense and helped me understand my mission as a Salvation Army officer. When I was given the opportunity to read Mike Frost’s latest book on mission, Mission is the Shape of Water, I jumped at the chance. In this book, Frost shows how, throughout history, mission has changed its shape to fit the cultural container within which it is poured. The shape of mission – as practised by my Salvation Army officer grandparents in 1950s Australia – was vastly different to the shape of mission in a hospital and high school in 1970s Zambia. The shape of mission at camps and churches today is vastly different again. To illustrate this idea further, Frost spends 10 chapters exploring different shapes adopted by major mission movements in history. From the ‘god-slaying’ missions of the early centuries to the ‘unearthing’ missions happening today. Whether or not you are professionally engaged in mission or ministry, this book is for you. It is an absolute joy to read. I was enthralled by the stories, appalled by some, encouraged by others and inspired by all. The best part of this book is the epilogue ‘Where Will the Water Flow?’. Here, Frost takes all that has been learned in the previous 10 chapters and extrapolates it in a few ways to give us some insights into the future of mission in our post-Christendom, post-enlightenment, post-COVID world. Perhaps the most encouraging point is that no matter what shape the future takes, mission, ministry and the active spirit of God will always flow and fill that shape to bring about the purposes of God. Mike Frost’s Mission is the Shape of Water is available from amazon.com.au

Merri-bek Corps in inner-northern Melbourne “took the next step in re-imagining ministry” as they gathered as one church yesterday at the Brunswick site that has been serving the community for 139 years. Major Rebecca Inglis, Area Officer, affirmed the new corps officer team in their appointments – Lieutenant Steph Glover, Lieutenant Alison Templar and Captain Meg Dale. During the meeting, Meg and Alison shared their inspiring journey to faith in Jesus. “We also learnt what it looks like to join together in unity as diverse parts of the body of Christ, each using our God-given gifts and skills to do God’s work,” said Steph, who also serves as officer team leader. Following the service, the congregation shared a barbecue lunch in the middle of the surrounding neighbourhood to get to know each other better.

To read Gwen’s tribute, click here