Cadets Sam and Michellie Higginbottom are filled with hope and optimism about the many opportunities to come. Michellie and Sam Higginbottom are a young, dynamic couple whose zest for life is truly inspiring and infectious. They love God, people and life in all its diversity. The couple thrives on serving and supporting others and is unwaveringly committed to positively impacting people’s lives. When it’s time to unwind, Sam loves to hit the tennis court, while Michellie delights in roller-skating and bonding with her pet snake, Calliope! With their ordination and commissioning as Salvation Army officers fast approaching, the  Champions of the Mission  cadets took a moment to speak with Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH about the upcoming special occasion and their anticipation of the exciting journey ahead. As momentum builds for Sunday’s Commissioning, Michellie and Sam are filled with excitement, eagerly anticipating the significant moment in their lives.   “We are both really excited,” the couple admitted.   “To take the time and have the opportunity to affirm and acknowledge the commitment we have made to serve in God’s mission, but also acknowledge the work he has done in each of our lives as we step into full-time ministry again.” But the road to officership almost didn’t happen. Michellie recalls resisting the idea of officership when it first surfaced at the age of 11. Terrified of public speaking, she steered clear of ministry discussions in high school and dismissed any comments suggesting she would make a great officer. Similarly, Sam initially resisted the idea of officership, hoping to pursue other careers after earning a Certificate IV in Ministry and working in student leadership and youth services. However, a pivotal moment soon arrived.   After being accepted into several university courses, Michellie realised none felt right. When her parents moved to the Northern Territory, she and then-fiancée Sam decided to follow. There, she worked at a drug and alcohol centre, a domestic violence service and Doorways until a successful Expression of Interest led to a ministry role offer. Their new appointment was life-changing. The Higginbottoms with fellow cadets Sameeha Deepesh (front) and Colette Albino. Passion, purpose and partnership After marrying, they spent more than two years as leaders of Katherine Corps (NT), “learning on the fly.” They led a team and oversaw a large government budget in a tough and challenging role before starting their officer formation training at Eva Burrows College. If you chat with the couple, it’s immediately apparent that they are a shining example of passion, purpose and partnership. Their journey together is marked by valuable lessons learned and obstacles overcome. As they prepare for their first official posting to Canberra, they are hopeful and optimistic about the many opportunities to come. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Michellie remarked. “I want to continue to be open to how God can use me. We are moving again to a place where we have never been and know nobody. I hope that I can continue to be willing to just stay open to how God can use me because I continue to be shown things about myself that I didn’t know I could do otherwise. I really hope that continues throughout our ministry so we can keep serving in that way. I am also more comfortable with preaching I’ve done on and off for the past five years. It’s just second-hand now.” Sam’s thoughts are similar. He, too, is looking forward to seeing what God wants and has in store for him when he and Michellie begin their officership journey as the Corps Officers at Tuggeranong in Canberra. “My expectations are not really too high because I’m excited to see whatever comes and whatever happens next,” he explained. “We are going in a little bit blind. We have never been to Canberra, so it will be all new. I don’t really know if I have a whole lot of expectations just other than to continue to grow my own capacity and hopefully to take along people for the ride.” The couple’s desire to dedicate their lives to the corps officer role is driven by powerful motivations. A big motivator for Sam is having seen the church ebb and flow, flourish and struggle. He believes he has something to offer in this space, bringing a bunch of new ideas and perspectives. He loves journeying with people as they discover or deepen their understanding of God, as it has been so impactful in his own journey. “Being able to take other people on that ride as well is my main motivator,” Sam said. “If I can go through a bit of a rough patch, which means I get to go through rough patches with other people, too, that’s just life. So, that is a huge motivator for me.” Investing in people Michellie’s motivation has stemmed from her experience of many and varied churches serving both middle-class people and those who are struggling and broken. “Just being able to, regardless of what it looks like, to see people and find a way to connect with God in a way that works best for them is something I really like to watch people do,” she reflected. “To empower people to find ways to do that for themselves in all different types of ways. It’s such a privilege to be in a space where we just get to do that kind of journey with people all the time. We get to just fully invest in that part of people’s journeys. And that’s such a privilege and is a big part of why we keep doing it.” Valuable lessons for their vocation have come from many sources, including Michellie’s upbringing with corps-officer parents, where she witnessed the realities of the role firsthand and had a “transparent look” at what ministry was like early on in her life. Their college studies have also been impactful. Some key learnings have included having permission and time to invest in themselves to better serve others and having the space to develop themselves to give themselves the best tools going forward. They have also learned that any ministry success and fruit is God’s work through them, which has deepened their reliance on God and solidified their purpose as a vessel for God’s purposes. The cadets have also benefited from having strong mentors and corps officers who invested time in guiding, befriending and supporting them, providing valuable insights into ministry life. Additionally, they have valued the opportunity to contribute to the ministry of others while in their training capacity, which they describe as a “gift”. This has allowed them to develop a mutual relationship with their mentors. Outside of ministry, Michellie and Sam have hobbies that help them recharge, knowing that the ministry role is 24/7 and of importance is balancing people’s expectations with the realities of living a life. Sam loves to play video games, particularly online with friends, while Michellie loves the outdoors, including hiking. They also share a parrot named Link and two cats, Momo and Mazikeen, along with Calliope. Being a listening ear Looking to the future, the couple anticipates both rewards and challenges in their lifelong vocation. There’s also great joy as they prepare to welcome their first child next year and become a family of three. Michelle is focused on embracing new opportunities in their next ministry phase and staying open to how God will use her. Sam aims to grow in his role and advocate for those who lack a voice and ways to express their needs and wants. “Even a listening ear can actually just change someone’s day,” he said. “I think that’s actually probably more important than anything physically we can offer them or any massive social reform that we push for. I honestly think being a listening ear and someone for those lonely people to feel heard and valued.” Echoing his sentiment, Michellie added that loneliness was a major issue for people who walked into church and often was at the core of social and physical needs. In their new role at Tuggeranong, they look forward to serving and helping people, including those who are lonely and isolated, and empowering them through their Salvation Army missional work and the power of friendship, fellowship, and connection.  Watch the Commissioning service at Camberwell live here

Every Tuesday morning, the Captain Sal team provides a sheltered space with tables, chairs, coffee and heating for those attending the courthouse. BY LERISSE SMITH   A six-minute presentation pitch to raise money for Portland Corps’ Regional Support Vehicle has proven to be a big winner.   Corps Officer Captain Peter Stamp and his team in south-west Victoria raised more than $14,000 for their converted city bus, affectionately known as Captain Sal, when they recently participated in the SharkPitch virtual live crowdfunding event.   Captain Sal provides vital practical and emotional support to people attending the 180-year-old Portland Courthouse every Tuesday morning, tackling the issue of inadequately protected outdoor areas as all court attendees must wait outside the courthouse on a hill along the main road.   “We were so excited to be given the opportunity to pitch at the event,” Peter explained.   “I think one of the greatest things it did for us was to be able to share the story of the people who access the courts on a Tuesday and give them a voice.  Portland Corps Officers Captains Peter and Heather Stamp chat with Nicole Carr from United Way on board Captain Sal. “So many people do a drive-by of the courthouse on Tuesdays just to see who’s there and who’s done something wrong while pointing their fingers. There’s this real stigma that if you are there, you have done something wrong. But actually, I think it’s less than half the people that are there that are actually going into the courthouse for a case. And, even then, you are not guilty until they have actually been through that system.”   With the courthouse being the oldest operating in Victoria, it has no exterior shelter or protection from the weather – and staring eyes from those who drive past the building. Peter remarked that everybody gets judged and lumped into the same space, and the situation is terrible.   “Being able to have six minutes to tell an audience, hey, this is their story, the situation they are in, and because we are there, we have an opportunity to make a difference in that space, was a really special thing to talk about it,” he commented.   “It was probably more powerful than the funding we raised as well.”   Pitching ideas United Way Glenelg hosts the annual SharkPitch event, where local organisations pitch their ideas to a virtual audience for financial support. The Master of Ceremonies engages viewers to pledge over $8000 per organisation, with Beyond Bank Australia matching donations to $6000. Originally held live at a local centre, SharkPitch transitioned online during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing a broader audience to participate in the event.   This year’s event included family, friends and participants from various Salvation Army centres. Earlier this year, at a corporate breakfast for the Red Shield Appeal, United Way Glenelg encouraged The Salvation Army Portland to apply for SharkPitch and were thrilled to be accepted. Portland Corps Officers Captains Peter and Heather Stamp chat with Nicole Carr from United Way on board Captain Sal. Peter pitched to a livestreamed audience to raise funds for Captain Sal’s operational costs, such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance. He said the money would help continue Captain Sal’s vital service to the courthouse over the past few years.   It was initially established after Salvation Army staff hearts broke when they realised people’s predicament at the courthouse. During COVID, the corps received a grant from a local smelter’s parent company to support people in need, leading to the creation of a regional support vehicle for food relief.   However, after the bus was temporarily taken off the road for repairs, the team rethought their approach and decided to use it for community development at the courthouse, addressing the challenges faced by those waiting outside.   Every Tuesday morning during court sessions, the Captain Sal Salvos team sets up two large, heated marquee gazebos. The bus offers a private office for confidential client-solicitor conversations, with tables, chairs, coffee and a welcoming environment.   A case worker and dedicated volunteers offer hot drinks and support, creating a respectful space that upholds attendees’ dignity. They also connect a speaker to the court’s PA system for clear announcements, which works better than the courthouse speaker!   Inadequate shelter Peter said the courthouse’s lack of protected and private outdoor spaces often meant people were forced to wait outside for hours in cold, wet, and windy conditions without shelter.   Additionally, everyone driving by could see those seeking services at the court building, including potential crime victims or individuals obtaining an IVO, as well as those there to resolve personal matters or support family members.   “They all get stuck together with each other,” Peter said.   “So, you could have people that have restraining orders against each other, and the two people have to sit there together on the steps out the front, in the cold and the rain. We have had cases where mums have brought kids and babies along, and it’s been freezing cold and wet. And they are outside in the wet and rain, too, and everybody has to stay there because their names get announced so they can’t leave or even wait in their cars.   “We even had cases where somebody has gone to the toilet, which is just behind the courthouse, and their name got called. When they have come back, the court thought they had been a no-show and then have had to wait another few hours because they went to the toilet. So, it’s pretty rough.”   This is where the Captain Sal ministry has been a vital and necessary support service to the local community.   “It has just been incredible,” Peter remarked. “It has been absolutely amazing.”   New opportunities have also allowed the ministry team to engage with court services and legal aid. Earlier in the year, the Salvos team supported volunteers planting flowers at the Anzac Day memorial next door by offering hot drinks and bottled water.   “There’s all these amazing opportunities that present themselves that we just wouldn’t have thought of before,” Peter said.   “What we discovered was because we are set up in such a key location on the main street, people have been coming to us and accessing our services through that location who would normally not come to our main site.   “We are seeing people get better outcomes and doing a lot better during their court times than what they were before. And I don’t think we have seen any incidences of violence or altercations with security since we’ve been there in our time. It’s a really, really special space to be in.”   Support staff include David Bilson, a committed volunteer who has trained in chaplaincy and supports Captain Sal’s work despite attending another church. He helps set up and pack down and engages with people in that space.   The ministry team also accompanies individuals inside the courthouse and sits with them during their cases. David and the team’s Doorways case manager, Kaitlyn, have been instrumental in connecting with those who can benefit from case management, enhancing the Salvos’ support efforts.   Therapy dogs Another exciting new initiative of the Captain Sal ministry has also been a recent partnership with Portland Therapy Dogs.   A group of trained volunteers visit the courthouse with two dogs, helping to ease the nerves of people attending court. Many attendees arrive anxious, especially when facing charges, and the Salvos team’s presence, along with the therapy dogs, creates a calming environment.   “The dogs seem to settle people’s nerves,” Peter said. “And so, us being a calming presence and a safe presence in that space, and with the dogs, allows people to go into their court appointments a lot calmer and a lot more composed than if we weren’t there. The Captain Sal ministry has partnered with the Portland District Therapy Dogs team, which visits the courthouse with two dogs to help ease the nerves of people attending court.  “We are waiting for permission to bring therapy dogs into the courthouse so that individuals can pat them during their appointments, which we believe would be very special and a wonderful addition to our support.”   Captain Sal, named by six-year-old William Kinsella of Heywood Consolidated School, plans to continue serving the community for a long time and expand its services.   Positive changes are also expected in the courthouse area, whether through constructing a new courthouse or adding a shelter that complements the space without compromising its heritage.   Overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community also motivates the ministry team to continue their community service, especially with the public providing ongoing great encouragement – especially thankful for the provision of hot drinks on cold days.   “The greatest impact has been bringing hope where it is needed most,” Peter reflected.   “And bringing hope and our services directly to people, engaging a new group that we wouldn’t have reached otherwise. The feedback from everybody’s been amazing. It is an incredible ministry. We had an opportunity recently to just sit on the steps and pray with a married couple going through a hard time – it was a really special moment.”   Portland Corps’ Regional Support Vehicle, ‘Captain Sal,’ provides vital practical and emotional support to people attending Portland Courthouse every Tuesday, tackling the issue of inadequately protected outdoor areas as all court attendees must wait outside the building.

(From left) Project Coordinator Connie Osborne, Housing VIC & TAS State Manager Irena Baric, Housing Worker Rebecca Hughes, Warrnambool and Hamilton Corps Officer Major Brett Allchin, Salvos Housing Chief Executive Chris Karagiannis, Wimmera South West Manager Homelessness Lindsay Stow and Salvos Housing General Manager Property Infrastructure Glen Plummer at the Cobden property. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Three new Salvation Army social housing projects are set for completion in Victoria over the next year. The projects range from units targeted towards housing those over the age of 55 to youth housing and mixed social housing. A housing project in Cobden, regional Victoria, is in the final stages of construction. The joint project between Salvos Housing and Homes Victoria is a refurbishment of an existing structure. It is mainly targeted at housing tenants over the age of 55. The property includes six units, three of which contain one bedroom each and three containing two bedrooms. Salvos Housing Chief Executive Officer Chris Karagiannis said the team was putting the final touches on the project and preparing to welcome new tenants. He said the housing crisis affects many people, particularly older Australians and while the most generous income support offered by the federal government was the aged pension, it still wasn’t enough to cover the cost of most rentals in Australia, as the recent Anglicare Australia 2024 Rental Affordability Snapshot demonstrated. “Finding an affordable rental is even harder for single-aged pensioners, with 0.1 per cent of listings being affordable,” Chris said. “Which is a real concern given that single older women are one of the fastest growing cohorts of people at risk of homelessness.” Homes Victoria has also contributed significantly to a Salvos Housing development in Hance Street, Yarraville. The project, set for completion in mid-2025, includes 17 one-and-two-bedroom apartments as well as underground parking. It will be valued at about $9.5 million. Another project set to be completed in Victoria mid-next year is located on Lindenow Street, Maidstone. The two townhouses will accommodate four youths plus a support staff member and offer residents a space to build tenancy life skills. This project has been funded mainly through the generosity of a donor. Chris Karagiannis said the housing crisis has a more significant impact on young Australians and will weigh on future generations if it remains unaddressed. “Access to appropriate, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of any family or individual’s engagement in work, education and social relations,” he said. “It’s also the single most critical exit point from homelessness services. The lack of affordable housing is one of the main factors for increasing homelessness across the nation. “Eradicating homelessness and addressing housing affordability issues are possible in Australia, but it is going to take concerted efforts. Addressing housing supply, especially ensuring there are enough suitable accommodation options available, is a solid start.”

Buying from Salvos Stores is an eco-friendly choice and can indeed make a ‘change for tomorrow’. Green Friday , an eco-friendly alternative to the Black Friday sales leading up to Christmas, starts today. Participating in this year’s Green Friday is simple: purchase mindfully and sustainably from your local brands.  Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH takes us on a journey through her favourite second-hand shop – Salvos Stores It’s a grand shopping adventure that costs just $2 and is a perfect fit for my soul.   For a few minutes during my lunch break on most Mondays, I love to pop down to my local Salvos Store to check out their special $2 clothing racks for that day, looking to discover a quality gem at an amazing price.   It’s always a fun-filled adventure – and for as long as I can remember, visiting Salvos Stores has regularly been a favourite place to shop. There are more than 400 Salvos Stores across Australia. I love exploring their aisles (and online store, too!) to support the Salvos’ missional work and enjoy the thrill of a treasure hunt. Whether I’m looking for the perfect outfit, something I need, or just a unique find, I always hope to discover something special, whether discounted or not. As my family will attest, my wonderful and exciting escapades have unearthed a vast array of special and treasured finds over the years. I am simultaneously curious about the history and story behind each of them. Who owned the item before me? What is the story of its origin?   Take a peek inside my home, and you’ll find beloved treasures ranging from a sparkly vintage watch, a beautiful blue pashmina and an elegant tea cup set to a retro milkshake maker, music amplifier and new reading glasses – many of them!   Then there is the beloved pink winter jacket. Oh, how I loved it. It was a faithful companion through many seasons of life until the day came to pass it on to a close friend who just had to have it. I still recall the day a mum and her kids quietly followed me through a supermarket until they finally caught up to compliment my jacket (of all things, while I was buying celery!) and ask where I had bought it.   And whilst I have indeed loved my many grand expeditions to support the Salvos’ work, where someone in need is helped every 17 seconds through an item purchased at Salvos Stores, the issue of recycling, sustainability, and doing my bit to help keep clothes and other items out of landfills has been my main motivating force behind buying pre-loved goods at the retail store. With Green Friday upon us, a movement towards a conscious, eco-friendly future that brings together leading ethical and sustainable brands to showcase their products and stories to a growing community of eco-conscious shoppers, I was keen to discover The Salvation Army’s role in recycling and sustainability.   The statistics are staggering.   In the past financial year, more than 44.9 million second-hand items were sold through approximately 400 Salvos Stores, 16.6 million of which were clothing and 8.9 million bric-a-brac. More than 4,300 tonnes of textiles were recycled, followed by more than 2.13 tonnes of paper, cardboard and paper products and 692 tonnes of metals.   “Our target is net-zero landfill disposal,” said Martin Nordstrom, Environment and Sustainability Manager.   “We create change for tomorrow by inspiring others to embrace circularity for people and the planet. It is estimated we already have enough clothing in the world to clothe the next six generations.” The public may also not realise that Australia imports 1.4 billion new clothing items annually, with 200,000 tonnes going to landfills. Australians buy an average of 56 new items of clothing per year, and 40 per cent of them throw away their clothes after one to two years.    Sarah Keogh, the Outgoing Salvos Stores Customer Campaign Partner, said the Salvos Stores team prioritised being a socially responsible retailer focused on providing quality items at affordable prices. Additionally, of paramount importance from a sustainability perspective was giving goods a second life and a second opportunity by keeping them in circulation rather than allowing them to go to landfill.   Many Salvos Stores have changed over the years to make the shopping experience more consistent with traditional retail.   The store’s biggest demographic customers are those who choose to shop at the Salvos Stores and fall into two categories: the bargain seekers – people who are looking for good quality items at a good price; and the treasure hunters – people who really like to go in, dig through the rails, and find those unique pieces that are personal and specific to their likeness.   “We know value for money is a key driver for our customers,” Sarah remarked,  so  encouraging quality donations from the public and continually raising awareness about the social impact of their generosity through supporting the Salvos’ work to help those in need is also of great importance.   “With the rise of fast fashion, we are seeing people kind of pushing back against that and making more sustainable choices,” she said.   “They know that an easy way to do that is by shopping at their local Salvos or anyone that is in that kind of second-hand retailing space. We want to have a positive impact on the communities that we are in – and to educate the general public on making more sustainable choices.”   Salvos Stores Fun Facts • The oldest reported volunteer is aged 99 • More than 8000 volunteers form part of the Salvos Stores team across Australia • A verified Hermes bag, Hans Hansen candelabra, and the tour wardrobe of recording artist Tones and I have been among some amazing items donated to the Salvos   Of paramount importance for the Salvos from a sustainability perspective is giving goods a second life and a second opportunity by keeping them in circulation rather than going to landfill.

The table is set. The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king, while his disciples anticipate his crowning.   But – instead of confronting Rome – he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival.   Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last.   The Chosen returns with Season 5 premiering next April. A drama based on the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie), The Chosen retells the gospel story against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel. The Chosen Australia and New Zealand website, click here The Chosen international website, click here The Chosen began as a crowd-funded project and is now on pace to become the most translated series in history.   After Jesus resurrects his friend Lazarus, the Sanhedrin and the High Priest conspire against him and plan to hand him over to the Romans for execution. This next chapter of the series will focus on the events of Holy Week, the overturning of the tables at the Temple, the Last Supper, and the betrayal of Christ.   “I’m possibly more excited to bring Season 5 to the world than any other season we’ve done,” said Dallas Jenkins, creator and executive producer of The Chosen .   The Chosen Season 5 will receive a theatrical launch in select theatres from 10 April before making its streaming debut later in 2025.   The trailer can be watched here . Click through the slideshow below for more photos previewing Season 5:

What do many Christians in The Salvation Army have in common with a famous Rodin statue? They like to think, of course! Salvos Online will now be putting a larger focus on more contemplative, theological perspectives. Look for weekly Viewpoint articles from thinkers within The Salvation Army and the church more broadly. Here, Viewpoint coordinator KIRRALEE NICOLLE discusses why sharing our views is important and why it’s important to do it well.  If you’ve done any kind of marriage preparation course or conflict resolution training, you know the lines that often crop up: don’t avoid conflict. Have the conversation. Don’t let resentment build up.  Why are these so important? Why can’t couples just coast along in a swept-under-the-rug state of disassociated bliss?  Well, according to The Gottman Institute, conflict is a “normal and natural” part of relationships that must be managed rather than avoided. In fact, some would say true intimacy with another is only possible through hard discussions where you learn perspectives that might surprise you. Any of us who are married or have been in long-term relationships have faced moments when our jaws drop to the floor, and we think, is this really the person I thought I knew? How can we move beyond this?  Every time my husband and I have those conversations, I’m always grateful to know the deeper story rather than continuing in ignorance. It always leads to connection, a better game plan for the future and a more rounded understanding of the wonderful person I stood across from at the altar almost seven years ago.  So, why do we avoid deeper conversations in the church? Why do we, as Christians, often hesitate to share our opinions and thoughts?  The reasons are many and quite understandable.   With the increasing politicisation of Christianity in the United States and now other parts of the world, the demonstrable decline in church attendance in much of the West, and the suffering and pain of those hurt by weaponised religious beliefs, there are many good reasons why most of us might choose to keep conversations at a surface level.   But what happens when we stop talking about what we think? Well, not only do we perhaps find ourselves paying to be heard in a psychologist’s or counsellor’s office, but the distance between us and our neighbours grows. And with loneliness and isolation on the rise, we can’t afford to draw further away. While professional help certainly is vital for mental health support, I wonder if the need for psychological intervention might be rarer if our communities and friendships were stronger. If we were all a little more vulnerable, we might be more empathetic, too.  It has also become clear that social marginalisation and isolation are risk factors for extremism. Typically, in smaller, isolated groups, violent or hateful views can take root, becoming a danger for both those who hold these views and the people around them.   From a spiritual perspective, discipleship happens when we expect others to have something worthwhile to offer, and we choose to listen to them and benefit from their experiences.   The bottom line is – it’s good to talk about our thoughts and feelings.  Here at Salvos Online , we are kicking off a new focus on the views, convictions, experiences, encouragements and affirmations within ours and the broader Christian community. The Viewpoint section will hopefully become a place for opening discussions and making diverse voices heard.  So, how will we go about sharing our views in an inclusive, connection-focused way?  Here are some ground rules for contributors and commenters:  Share your point of view rather than simply believing that your opinion is objective truth.  This invites discussion and a personal touch, which means we can grow in our understanding of not just a topic, but also the hearts of those around us.  Share because you love the other person and are curious about what they think.  Invite others into a two-sided conversation. Unfortunately, a blog on a website is static by nature and lacks the real dialogue that is possible in person. The comment section is the closest approximation to a conversation in this somewhat clunky online forum. However, we always welcome Viewpoints from those who may not have contributed before, and responding kindly to a previous post is also an option.  Be real with yourself and others about where your beliefs come from.   You may think your ideas come from the Bible alone, but remember – one person’s interpretation, cultural lens, comprehension and traditions may be entirely different from yours. How is it different? Let’s explore this together!  One interview that has stuck with me from my time as a journalist happened when I was covering a significant debate in another denomination. A member of the clergy who stood firmly on the conservative side of the debate stated in an interview that he believed both sides had a very good understanding of Scripture and were applying it with the utmost integrity and conviction, just reaching very different conclusions.   He extended grace with that statement. His words communicated trust and respect, even amid disagreement.   When we communicate this way, we may not make a convert, but we can make a friend.   And you know what – that might be even better. But I won’t fight you on it.  To read past Viewpoints, go to the Viewpoint tab at the top of the Salvos Online home page.

Setting foundations on solid ground reaps long-term benefits. BY MAJOR PHIL INGLIS How often do you inspect your foundations?   One hundred years ago, the builders of my parents’ home thought that they were building with strong foundations – large sandstone blocks sitting on hard clay. What they didn’t know was that the ‘hard’ clay expands greatly in wet weather and then shrinks again in drought. It wasn’t long before cracks started to appear in the brickwork. One year, after a particularly wet season, my parents discovered that the foundation underneath a section of our house was no longer supporting the wall properly and the wall was in danger of collapse. Engineers and builders were called in to place piers under the wall making the foundation solid. A similar process is often required in our thought life. Sometimes what we thought was solid ground, just isn’t.  The world shifts and changes in unexpected ways and we find our walls cracking and coming apart.  Sometimes these world-shifting events are things that happen to us, a terrible medical diagnosis, or the death of someone we know and love.  Sometimes the world-shifting events happen to other people – we see political upheaval, war and violence and it unsettles us. At times like this, whether it is war, pandemic or personal upheaval, it is important to examine the foundational beliefs of our lives, foundations that may have been put in place many years ago.  These foundational beliefs underpin what we believe to be true about ourselves, the world and God, but are they truly built on the rock, or on some hard clay that looks like rock?  In more recent years, as people have bought land in my parents’ neighbourhood, they begin the building process by spending a huge amount of money excavating all the clay, so that they can put their foundations on firmer ground, not to mention the benefit of ending up with a huge underground car park. Digging out the clay is a huge expense and a lot of effort, but the result is a house that doesn’t shift and crack after rain or drought.   From time to time, it becomes important to inspect the foundational beliefs of our lives. The basic assertions that underpin what we believe to be true about ourselves, the world and God. As time marches on, as storms come and go, as dry seasons come and go, we can find that parts of our foundational belief structure are not as secure as we once thought. Assumptions we have not questioned for years are starting to show cracks and we find ourselves having to unlearn some of our most basic assumptions. As an officer and a pastor, it has been my privilege to sit with people as they re-examine some of the things they thought were important. and to watch them ‘dig out the clay.’ In modern church speak, this kind of process is called deconstructing and it’s a fantastic exercise. The only problem is that, like digging through clay, it’s a difficult process, it is time consuming, it is energy sapping, and a lot of people find themselves giving up before they get to the point where they find the bedrock. Some think that maybe the rock isn’t there.  Some maybe think it just isn’t worth it. I want to assure you that the bedrock is there. You may have a lot of clay and crud to remove, you may have to spend a lot of time and energy reading scripture, praying and discussing your faith with trusted pastors, teachers or leaders, but the truth is, if you spend the time required, ‘digging out the clay’ will set you on a firm foundation. MAJOR PHIL INGLIS IS A CORPS OFFICER AT MORELAND CITY IN MELBOURNE

The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Centenary Band in the quadrangle of the old Victoria Parade Training College with college and staff officers in 1934. BY LINDSAY COX The Salvation Army’s part in the memorable Thanksgiving Service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 14 October 1934, as part of the Victorian Centenary celebrations, was to provide spectacular musical support to the massed choir of 3500 voices. The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Centenary Band was formed from 100 bandsmen from the Adelaide Congress Hall, Norwood and Unley Corps bands who travelled to Melbourne to take part in the celebrations. To provide uniformity, a special festival jacket was tailored for each band member, worn with each band’s usual trousers and cap. The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne has an example of one of these specially tailored jackets in its collection. It is amazing to consider that these superb jackets were made only for the celebratory event and then relegated to the cupboard. The Thanksgiving Service involved a program of scripture readings, prayers and hymns sung by massed choirs and selections played by massed bands. The festival jacket that was worn at the Centenary Thanksgiving Service in 1934. In addition to The Salvation Army, representatives from Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Churches of Christ, Presbyterian and Anglican Churches also participated. The service was attended by His Excellency the Governor Lord Huntingfield, the Victorian Premier Sir Stanley Argyle, Melbourne Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gengoult Smith, aldermen and councillors of the City of Melbourne, and suburban mayors and councillors. More than 700 Scouts acted as ushers for the event, which attracted close to 100,000 people, the largest gathering of its kind ever held in Melbourne to that point.

U nley corps in South Australia is making the most of every opportunity to engage with the diverse community of people on its doorstep. aux-lieutenant mark foyle and Captain Judy Shaw share that their greatest hope is that through these daily interactions people “would experience the love of Jesus and see ... that nobody is beyond the grace of god. nobody is beyond transformation.”

Lifelong friends back together at Moreland City Corps as they celebrate Ian’s service as a bandsman. From left: Commissioner Doug Davis, Ian Wright, Robin Waterworth and Ray Belt. BY JESSICA MORRIS The name Ian Wright is synonymous with dedication – and after 70 years of continuous service playing with the Moreland City Corps band, it’s little wonder a crowd came to celebrate his achievement. Presented with an award by Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett, more than 50 friends, past and present, from Moreland City Corps came to honour the Salvationist in June. And naturally, Ian wanted nothing to do with it. “When I realised where we were at in terms of [Ian’s] length of service, I said to our corps officer, Captain Lilian Platts, that we have to do something – he’s eligible for a 70 years long service badge!” laughed Band Sergeant Commissioner Doug Davis. “There was one obstacle to get over – we knew Ian wouldn’t want us to do anything. So, I had to say to him, ‘You may not want this, but we want this.’ We wanted Ian to know and believe our utter admiration and respect for him.” Ian’s history with the Salvos is intrinsically linked with Moreland City Corps in Melbourne’s inner north. The junior band was formed in 1946, and then a young teenager, Ian was invited to take a seat playing the B-flat bass. Five years later, he was invited to join the senior band along with Ray Belt. And even while enlisting as a National Serviceman at Puckapunyal during the 1950s, Ian continued to serve in the corps band. He still plays the same instrument today and is also the oldest serving member of the Red Shield Band – a specialist at playing deep pedal notes that resonate tone-fully as a foundation to long music chords. But it’s not the deep bass tones of his instrument that he’s recognised for – it’s his enormous friendliness and ability to keep on keeping on. Doug knows this better than most. He joined the Moreland City Corps band the same year as Ian and Ray and Robin Waterworth. Along with time spent together at school, the friendship they forged was deep and continued even as Doug was commissioned and appointed across the world. It’s worth noting that Ian was Doug’s best man at his wedding – so it seemed fitting that this 70-year celebration of service took place where their friendship started. “I was the little kid [when I joined the band], and I remember the strong Christian presence of the older men in the band. Their example, their witness and their good influence,” said Doug. “When I think of Ian, he set a very strong example of a Christian marriage in the way he cared for his wife [before Dell’s promotion to glory] and maintained his commitment as a bandsman against all of that disheartening personal experience.” While Ian never sought acclaim for his service, it seems fitting that people flocked to honour their friend, fellow bandsman and Everyday Salvo in a humble ceremony. He truly is the heartbeat of Moreland City Corps.

BY DEAN SIMPSON David Oliver, a former ice addict, is 59 years old, but he’ll proudly tell you that he’s just celebrated his 20th birthday.    “I didn’t actually turn 20 ... it was my 20th birthday in recovery ... 20 years of being clean. So, I had a party with 20 people at my mum and dad’s place,” he says. “I was severely depressed and addicted to drugs for 22 years, but I finally sought help from The Salvation Army, found God, and I’m still going strong. I reckon that’s worth celebrating.”    David says he invited family and friends who had been pivotal in his recovery from a drug and alcohol-fuelled existence earlier in his life. “I gave a little speech and told them that I wouldn’t be here without them.”    In 2001, David’s parents, Noel and Margaret, were at their wit’s end with their son’s addictions and desperately reached out to Salvo Jayne Wilson, who ran The Salvation Army First Floor family support program at Wollongong Corps on the NSW South Coast.     They told Jayne their son had fallen into a drug and alcohol culture almost from the day he started work at 15 as an apprentice at the Port Kembla steelworks. A few years later, he married a woman who shared his destructive lifestyle. They had two children.    Through his addictive lifestyle, David eventually lost his marriage, family, home, a job with a company car, and respect – both that of himself and others.   First steps to recovery “Mum and Dad had had enough,” he recalls. “They were attending the Salvos, and Dad said my only hope was to go and see Jayne. And that’s when my life started to change.”     After initial counselling, David agreed to participate in the William Booth House drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in Sydney. It was here that he took his first significant step to recovery. “There was a sign on the wall that said: ‘Let Go and Let God’. So, I did ... I let him take charge from that point on,” David remembers.    After a few weeks at the William Booth centre, David continued rehabilitation at Miracle Haven farm on the NSW Central Coast. He graduated 10 months later.     When he left Miracle Haven in 2003, he attended Berkeley Salvos (in Wollongong’s south) until that closed, and he started attending a nearby Church of Christ. Twenty years later, David still attends that church, playing guitar in the band and being a member of the men’s group.    He says the past 20 years “hasn’t been a bed of roses ... I’ve gone through quite a few ups and downs. I had another relationship breakdown, been in crisis accommodation for a time and been out of work.” But he says he prays every day, reads his Bible, and has a strong relationship with his two adult children.     “My faith in God, the help I got from the Salvos, and the adversity I’ve faced in life have strengthened my resolve to stay clean. Praise God.”

Salvation Army officers and personnel who have been promoted to glory: Major Lyn Day was promoted to glory on Thursday 23 June 2022 aged 75 years. Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are extended to her husband Major Denis and her sister Major Dorothy Woodbury and the extended family. Major Leona Scholz was promoted to glory on Sunday 19 June 2022 aged 85 years. Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are extended to Leona’s sister, Commissioner Coral Strong and family. Lieut-Colonel Edward Dawkins was promoted to glory on Sunday 12 June 2022 aged 90 years. Please pray for his wife Lieut. Colonel Desley, along with Wendy and Keith, Narelle, Stevan and Vickie and their families. Auxiliary-Captain Roy Tabrett was promoted to glory on 24 May 2022, aged 89 years. Please pray for his wife, Judy and his children Lesley, Martin, Elizabeth, Alison, Andrew and their families. Major Berynice Ford was promoted to glory on Saturday 30 April 2022, aged 94 years. Our love, sympathy and prayers are extended to Major Alf, her daughter Delece, her son Lester, and his sons Clinton, Stuart and Kristan, and their families. Major Christine Dickson was promoted to glory on Sunday 17 April 2022, aged 60 years. Our love, sympathy and prayers are extended to Major Neil, Curtis and David, Elyse and Andy, Christine’s parents - Edward and Val McNeill, and their extended family and friends. We grieve her earthly passing but celebrate in her joyous reunion with her Lord and Saviour. Well done, good and faithful servant! Captain Valerie King was promoted to glory on Monday 18 April 2022, aged 86 years. Our love and prayers along with our heartfelt sympathy covers and surrounds her husband Colin, her cousins Major Joyce Harmer, Major Daphne Cox, Keith Lipke, Joan Hilton and Yvonne King and their families. Major Gladys Corlass was promoted to glory on Monday 18 April 2022, aged 92 years. Our love and prayers along with our heartfelt sympathy covers and surrounds Gladys' children: John Corlass (deceased) and Wendy Kennedy, Graham Corlass, Heather Rye, Ian Corlass and Ann Reed and their families. Captain Heather Johnson was promoted to glory on Thursday 7 April, aged 89 years. Our love and prayers along with our heartfelt sympathy surround David, Betty-Joy, Lynette and their families. Major Helen Steer was promoted to glory on Saturday 26 February, aged 74 years. Please keep Major Barry, daughter Auxiliary Lieutenant Catherine Philpot and David, son Andrew and Melinda, their families and extended family in your thoughts and prayers at this tender time. Major Mavis McPherson was promoted to glory on Friday 18 February, aged 91 years. Our love and prayers along with our heartfelt sympathy cover and surrounds her niece Glenda, nephew Craig and their families. Major Frits Janssen was promoted to glory on Sunday 30 January aged 69 years. Our love and prayers along with our heartfelt sympathy surround David and Rebecca, and Phillip and their families (including their grandchildren Thomas and Evelyn). Lieut-Colonel Bram Hindle was promoted to glory on Saturday 15 January aged 83. Our love and prayers along with our heartfelt sympathy cover Lieut-Colonel Judy, Tony and Kerrie, Cathy and Darryl, Darren and Sarah, grandchildren Gabrielle, Josephine, Harry, Oscar, Felix and Solomon as well as the wider family. Bram was twin brother to Major Stan (deceased) and brother to Jean, Roma and Peter. Captain Vivien Moody was promoted to glory on Saturday 15 January aged 82 years. Captain Vivien was mother to sons Martyn, Kevin, Nigel and Darren Scrimshaw and daughter Major Karen Armstrong. Heartfelt sympathy, love and prayer is extended to Major Brian Moody and all the family at this tender time. Colonel Keith Parkinson was promoted to glory on Wednesday 19 January aged 90 years. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies are extended to son Howard and daughter Meredith and their families.