Fleeing domestic violence is not always simple or an easy process for victim-survivors. BY SEPIDEH* I grew up in Shiraz, Iran, a very beautiful city. I was living with my parents and working as an English teacher. My family, including my two brothers, have always been supportive, and we are all close. After teaching for several years, I decided to get my international English teaching certificate. I went to Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2017 for this course and was offered work at the British Council in Georgia, so ended up staying there for two years. During this time, Ehsan*, my mother’s cousin, who lived in Australia, told me he had been in love with me for years and proposed. He came to Tbilisi for a visit so we could spend time together. He wanted to get married in Iran, but I wanted to go to Australia and get to know him better first. I returned to Iran in July 2019 and soon received a visa to Australia. I would stay with Ehsan in his big house and have my own room. I wanted to find a job and be independent, but he insisted I stay at home. He said he didn’t trust me and didn’t want me working. I started talking to my mum more and more, and Ehsan said I could only talk to her and my friends when he was around. When I told him he couldn’t control my relationships, he took my phone and threw it at the wall. Violence increases I’ll never forget the night he raped me. Afterwards I went to the bathroom, crying loudly, but he didn’t come to help me. I had some bleeding and didn’t know what to do. I called my mum – she was crying and told me to book into a hotel, but I didn’t have money or a job and there was no one to help me. Ehsan became more and more aggressive, and I called his brother’s wife telling her what I was experiencing. When she and Ehsan’s brother came there were insulting words and a physical fight. I called the police, and when I told them the police were on their way they ran out of the house. Two or three days later a lady from Police Victim Services called and asked me if I wanted to leave. Accessing help Soon afterwards, when Ehsan left for work, I took an uber with all my luggage, telling the driver that I was running away. I went to The Salvation Army for emergency accommodation. I went to Samaritan House and my first case manager talked to me. We met with the police, and I gained an AVO so I would not be threatened again. I then met with a solicitor who gave me good advice, and I got my permanent residency visa. I got a job as an admin assistant in community services, where I worked for six months, before losing the job due to the COVID-19 lockdown. I was on Centrelink payments for a long time, but my second case manager found a transitional place and set up an apartment for me. During this time, I had many hours of consultation with a psychologist from victim services. The Salvos helped coordinate all this, and I am so grateful to them. When I lost my job, I made cakes and pastries and sold them on Instagram. My little business was good for my mental and physical health. Later I again started looking for a job and got a three-month contract as an admin accountant, and then a short-term casework job. A rewarding job I preferred to have a longer contract to feel more secure and started at a Sydney multicultural community service. I studied at TAFE for a diploma in community services and got a job with St Vincent de Paul as a case manager. When I lived for 10 months in a Salvation Army refuge, I saw domestic violence from so many different perspectives involving people from so many countries. I very much wanted to work for the Salvos so I could help those who are fragile and vulnerable. Now my clients know that I have been there too, and they are grateful that I can help them overcome their problems. My job is so rewarding – after my traumatic experiences, helping and supporting people in similar situations is what I love to do. *NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED.

The Northcote Corps band and timbrel brigade on the march in Melbourne. The corps was the first to provide its brigade with a timbrel cover with a strap that went over the shoulder, meaning timbrellists could march hands-free. BY LINDSAY COX The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne has an interesting piece of history on display – the prototype of the modern timbrel bag. In 1949, Melbourne’s Northcote Corps was visited by a timbrel brigade from Adelaide, and it was noted with interest that the timbrellists had covers over their timbrels with a carry handle. Blanche Gale, the Northcote Corps timbrel leader, was impressed with the idea. The timbrel cover with a shoulder strap. She went to a leather merchant in High Street, Northcote, and requested a prototype be made, not with a handle but with a strap to go over the shoulder. The strap over the shoulder would be an advantage when marching as it would leave two hands free to play the timbrel. The firm, T.A. Sands, manufactured 12 zippered bags, which fitted neatly around the normal timbrel. When completed, Major Howard Ray, corps officer at Northcote at the time, collected the bags which were put into use initially by the Northcote junior timbrel brigade. T.A. Sands then approached The Salvation Army Trade Department in Melbourne and presented the first prototype. And the rest is history.

An installation artwork of clothing discarded by refugees at the Lesbos camp in Greece aimed to highlight the plight of thousands of refugees fleeing war and persecution. BY SANDRA PAWAR I attended a showing of the documentary called Syria’s Disappeared at St James Piccadilly, United Kingdom, back in 2018. In addition to the showing of this documentary, there was an installation artwork by Arabella Dorman called ‘Suspended’. This artwork aimed to highlight the plight of thousands of refugees – men, women and children – fleeing war and persecution. It featured items of clothing discarded by refugees at the Lesbos camp in Greece, which were suspended above the church pews. This symbolised that refugees are often “suspended between a past to which they cannot return and a future to which they cannot move” (Arabella Dorman). As people entered the Sanctuary at St James Piccadilly, I watched as each one raised their eyes to look at the clothes. Cameras came out and pictures were taken, yet sadness and grief filled people’s faces. Fleeing for their lives You could see baby shoes, women’s scarves of many colours, t-shirts, track pants, gloves and socks. These were not just anybody’s clothes; they belonged to people who had to flee for their lives, seeking safety and taking only what they could wear. One particular item caused a lump to form in my throat. It was a baby outfit, with the words ‘My first Christmas ever’ on it. I thought about the baby who wore it. Was it their actual first Christmas, or was it an outfit a charity gave them? Did this baby get to see another Christmas? Where are they now? How did this baby get to the Island of Lesbos? What was the journey they took? How long did it take? Many different people sat under these clothes – white, black, Muslim, Christian, students, lawyers and survivors. I joined in the conversation with the small group that stood around me. A tech student was here because he helped develop a project with Google to make a translation app for refugees in Germany. This young man was deeply struck by the art display and kept commenting on how it smelt like baby clothes and made him think of his small nephew. He had tears in his eyes. There was no smell, yet he commented at least three times on it and was visibly shaken by the display. Behind him was another student. She was studying International Community Development and was overwhelmed with her studies and which direction to go with her thesis. She wanted to learn more about refugees and their plight but didn't know the direction to take. Next to her was a Human Rights lawyer who had been to Syria and could only speak lovingly about the people of Syria and their hospitality. All were deeply affected by the display of clothes.   Arabella spoke about the display being her passion project, her cry for justice. She told us that, now that we had seen it, we must bear witness and not let the people of Syria be forgotten.   A promise to God Stories of refugees cycle in and out of the news and often become a distant thought. Refugees have often become people we fear and don’t want in our country. I can’t help but be angered and think how dare we reduce God’s children to afterthoughts or to people who do not deserve the same rights as us. I don’t yet know how I can genuinely fight this injustice, but I promised God that night that I would not forget about the plight of refugees, and I haven’t. I will stand up against those that want to refuse to help them, and I will tell their stories. I know many stories of refugees fleeing their homeland, and I will not let these stories go. No one will be able to say to me, “you knew and did nothing”. A refugee survivor stated: “If we cannot tell our story, we may as well die.” I know that I need to tell their stories and that I need to continue to bring awareness to this crisis. How will you respond? CAPTAIN SANDRA PAWAR IS AN AUSTRALIAN SALVATION ARMY OFFICER IN THE UNITED STATES

Major Lynette (Lyn) Fay Day was promoted to glory unexpectedly in the early hours of Thursday morning 23 June 2022, aged 75. Lyn entered her eternal reward, walking home with Jesus after faithfully serving as an officer for more than 46 years. Lynette Dibley was born on 8 August 1946 at Waratah (NSW). Lyn married Denis Day at Mayfield (NSW) and they were blessed with two children – David (1965) and Karen (1967). Lyn and Denis entered Officer Training College from their home corps of Mayfield in March 1974 as cadets in the Soldiers of the Cross session. Following their commissioning on 10 January 1976, they were appointed as corps officers at Charters Towers (Qld). The couple had varied appointments that followed. In 1978, they were appointed as corps officers of Murray Street (Qld), and in 1980 to Cessnock Corps (NSW). In 1982, they were appointed into social ministry as the assistants at Elizabeth Jenkins Place (NSW), then in 1983 as assistants to the Montrose Men’s Home (NSW) followed by assistant officers at Weeroona Village (NSW) in 1986. In 1986, Lyn and Denis were appointed as Court and Prison Chaplains Corrective Services NSW/ACT, and then in 1999 as Assistant State Coordinator Corrective Services NSW/ACT. From here Lyn worked as a chaplain at Macquarie Lodge (NSW) in 2003. Lyn and Denis’ final appointment was as chaplains at The Anchor, Newcastle (NSW) in 2007, until they retired in July 2008. In retirement, Lyn’s activities were severely curtailed due to her physical illness and limited mobility. Despite these physical afflictions, her love for God and his word never wavered. Lyn was blessed to have a loyal husband in Denis who cared for her during this time. Lyn and Denis were a team in ministry and remained a team till the end. Our love and prayers, along with our heartfelt sympathy, cover and surround Denis, David and Patricia, Karen and Anthony, and their families. “Her master said to her, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful ... Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23)

Ukrainian refugees were delighted to receive bikes refurbished by residents from The Salvation Army Recycles social enterprise at Booth House, Swindon, UK. BIKES FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES The Salvation Army Recycles scheme at Booth House, Swindon, UK, is providing bicycles for Ukrainian refugees as part of a local ‘Bikes for Ukraine’ project. This was set up in response to new arrivals’ requests for transport to reach services in an affordable and accessible way. Booth House is a Salvation Army Lifehouse providing accommodation, training and work experience for 50 men and women experiencing homelessness. “Recycles, Booth House , is a social enterprise scheme that provides Lifehouse residents with training and work experience by learning how to repair and refurbish second-hand bikes donated by members of the public, aiming to get Swindon cyclists back on the road,” said Simon Styles, Workshop Supervisor of Recycles. “I absolutely love working with the residents of Booth House and giving them an opportunity to get back into work. I enjoy helping them to progress and develop their experience and skills working in a shop environment, as well as [seeing] some becoming bike mechanics. “It was fantastic to provide bikes for the refugees. Our team got really involved in supporting the refugees by choosing all of the bikes to be given to them and also helping to repair and rebuild the bikes.” Last week, representatives from the ‘Bikes for Ukraine’ project were delighted to hand over bikes to Ukrainian refugees, including wheels for children and families. “It was a privilege to be able to play a part in supporting people from Ukraine to rebuild their lives in Swindon," Simon added. FOCUS AREAS AT INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Australian officers Colonels Wayne and Robyn Maxwell and Major Meaghan Gallagher join colleagues for the SPEA celebration. Each week, International Headquarters focuses on and prays for a particular part of the world and the Army’s work there. Recently, the spotlight was shone on the Latin America North Territory, and the South Pacific and East Asia (SPEA) Zone, of which Australia is a part. Other nations in the SPEA Zone include Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Thailand and Tonga. After a time of prayer led by the staff of our SPEA zonal office, IHQ members moved down to the public gallery space to view the new exhibition there showcasing some of the work being done by The Salvation Army in these countries. The group also shared coffee and Anzac biscuits, which are particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand. The Latin America North Territory was also a focus of recent prayers. In this region, The Salvation Army is at work in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela. Together, these countries make up our Latin America North Territory. Please pray for all who live here and for the work of The Salvation Army. In particular, pray for accountability and the pastoral care of our people and the administrative and financial operations of our movement. GENERAL EXCITEMENT FROM ANCHORAGE TO HONOLULU Enrolments of junior and senior soldiers and acceptance of adherents were a feature of meetings throughout the Peddles’ recent visit to the USA Western Territory. General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, took the good news of the gospel to Salvationists and friends along the full length of The Salvation Army USA Western Territory. They began in Anchorage (Alaska) and travelled southwards to Seattle (Washington), San Francisco and Los Angeles (California) and finally to Honolulu (Hawaii). The international leaders participated in public meetings with Salvationists and friends in each location. They shared news of The Salvation Army’s international ministry and spoke about the movement’s momentum, which continues through difficulties such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrolments were a feature of each meeting, beginning in Alaska with the enrolment of nine senior soldiers. As he moved southwards through the territory, the General enrolled junior and senior soldiers and adherents, with groups big enough to fill the stages of the various venues. The rich cultural diversity of the USA Western Territory was on display at every venue, with worship including a song in English and Tlingit (the language spoken by the Tlingit indigenous people from the coastal regions of Alaska and western Canada), a Fijian dance, a performance from a youth mariachi group (a traditional Mexican music style) and Hawaiian hula dancers. Scripture and prayers were also offered in English, Spanish, Korean and Marshallese.

Shirli Congoo is the special guest on Connections this week, speaking with Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson about the significance of NAIDOC Week. In this connections video, our territorial leaders speak with Shirli Congoo, General Manager of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team, about NAIDOC week and how we, as Christians, are called to speak and act in this space.

BY JO-ANNE BROWN I’ve been reading about Julian of Norwich, a woman who lived over 650 years ago during a time of seemingly endless and terrifying pandemic. During her lifetime, beginning when she was seven, the Black Death (Bubonic Plague) swept through Europe in waves, reportedly killing up to one in two people in the united Kingdom. Possibly half the people Julian cared about may have died. I can’t imagine the sorrow or horror of that – or the constant fear people would have felt. There was no understanding of what caused this, no scientific research and no vaccination program. There was simply fear and death. Yet Julian, who lived most of her life in permanent seclusion in a tiny room attached to a church, continually wrote about joy and goodness. How could she, amid such unimaginable suffering, think about, let alone be so responsive to joy? How could she experience joy in a meaningful way when so many around her were suffering, dying or blaming anything and everything they could? Staying genuinely positive We see all sorts of responses to what we face today: denial, avoidance, blame, anger, putting our heads in the sand, believing ‘things will soon get back to normal’. What we don’t see a lot of is pure, genuine joy. Or, to put it another way, a real ability to maintain a positive outlook. Now, I’m not talking about extreme positivity or fake or ‘toxic positivity’. That’s another way of describing the ‘head-in-the-sand syndrome’. Such positivity is not truly about a positive outlook – it’s more about denying what is happening, ignoring negative experiences, and being excessively optimistic to the detriment of reality and well-being. We experience toxic positivity in two ways. When we cannot deal with negative emotions or experiences healthily, we push them down and pretend that everything is okay. We may have been brought up believing we ‘should not’ feel angry or sad and may feel intense guilt when acknowledging such feelings. The feelings, however, are still there; they are real and valid, and if we don’t find a way to deal well with them, they may end up making us sick emotionally and/or physically. We may also experience toxic positivity from others who feel entirely unable to deal with our feelings of anger, sorrow or shame. People might say to us, “Cheer up!”, when what we really need is to honestly grieve and acknowledge our pain. When people say, “It could be worse”, or “Everything happens for a reason”, they minimise our experiences and emotions and belittle our response. It is far easier to offer such ‘positive’ responses than to deeply and authentically share in another person’s suffering. Toxic positivity wants everything to be okay, even if only on the surface. Yet, the reality is things are often not okay. Only when painful emotions and experiences are honestly acknowledged and named can they be dealt with in a healthy and healing way. And this is true for all of us. Whether we are a ‘glass-half-full’ person or a ‘glass-half-empty’ person, the truth remains: life can be difficult, complicated and traumatic, and only by being real can we find a way through such experiences. Life is bittersweet And so, we return to Julian, who lived so long ago during a very dark period of history. What can we learn today from her wisdom and experience? Julian recognised that life is both tragic and joyful, good and not-so-good – and all that’s in between. She had an innate belief that no matter how overpowering the negative and distressing experiences were, there was still deep goodness held within humanity and in the created world. Real joy is experienced when we recognise and hold on to this awareness of goodness when we encounter genuinely kind and compassionate people who can walk the difficult road with us. In distressing times, glimpses of light might be few and far between, but when we slow down and look beyond the now, we might just see a glimmer of that light. Having others share that journey can help us discover goodness and joy. True joy is a choice, just as toxic positivity is, although toxic positivity may have become so ingrained in society that we don’t even notice it. We need to become aware of such patterns in us to choose differently. Joy looks beyond pain and sorrow without denying their existence or trying to dismiss them. Joy seeks to discover the inner goodness and love contained within humanity and chooses to celebrate that while holding and recognising sadness and suffering. Joy can walk with someone during difficult times because a positive outlook also realises there is more than just struggle or hardship. Julian suggests we can tap into joy by choosing to be grateful for the good we do see, loving ourselves, and learning to be non-violent toward ourselves and others. Another, more contemporary, author echoes these thoughts by saying that the antidote to toxic positivity is true love, or unconditional acceptance, of ourselves and others. As hard as it is, we don’t need to cover up real feelings of pain and suffering. We can acknowledge those feelings and choose goodness and love, tapping into the source of joy.

For most of his life, Lindsay Cox has made an art of depicting the whimsical side of being a Salvo. As manager of The Salvation Army Australia Museums, Lindsay’s enthusiasm for Army history is infectious. But his other hobby is cartooning, and it is a great passion. Each Saturday, Others Online brings you one of Lindsay’s cartoons. Salvationists around the world have got a chuckle out of Lindsay’s illustrations through his two published books – Fire a Folly and Banned for Life: A humorous look at Salvation Army bands. Both books are available at Sydney Salvationist Supplies (1800 634 209) or thetrade.salvos.org.au , and Melbourne Salvation Army Supplies (1800 100 018) or commerce.salvationarmy.org.au

Major Leona Scholz was promoted to glory on 19 June 2022, aged 85, after many months in palliative care. Leona walked home with her Lord after faithfully serving as an officer for more than 64 years. Major Leona Scholz Leona was born on 11 March 1936 at Boonah (Qld). Leona entered Officer Training College in Sydney from her home corps in Kalbar (Qld) on 19 March 1957 as a cadet in the Faithful session. Following her commissioning on 6 January 1958, Leona was appointed as Assistant Officer to the Mount Morgan Corps (Qld). In 1959, Leona was appointed as matron to the Officer Training College in Petersham, where she ministered to many cadets over the years. This was a long appointment spanning 14 years until the field change in 1974 when she was appointed as the Second Officer to Horton Village (Qld). Leona had many varied appointments that followed. In 1977, she was appointed as matron of The Stanmore Children’s Home in Sydney, manager at Winderradeen House in Sydney in 1985, hostel supervisor at Warrina Village (Qld) in 1988, and then as manager of Warrina Village from late 1988 to 1996. Leona entered retirement in January 1997 but, in retirement, was appointed as chaplain at Warrina Village from 2002 to 2005. Apart from ongoing interest in the residents of Warrina Village and some touring holidays, Leona joined an indoor bowls group at a local Uniting Church, where she enjoyed the fellowship and became quite competent at this sport until her health prevented further involvement. Our love and prayers, along with our heartfelt sympathy, cover and surround Commissioner Coral Strong (sister) and Commissioner Les Strong and their children Kerry, Craig, Julie and their families. “Her master said to her, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful ... Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23)

BY DARRYL WHITECROSS Major Terry Smith ... on platform five at Petrie railway station where he collects donations and greets commuters most Fridays. Major Terry Smith has a broad, infectious smile, and nothing brings that smile to his face more than greeting commuters on Friday mornings at Petrie railway station, north of Brisbane – except his daughters and grandchildren. Terry retired as an officer in The Salvation Army more than 20 years ago but has not put his maroon epaulettes and cap away. After his last active appointment at Narrabri in northern NSW, Terry and his family moved to Brisbane to retire. They settled in “a nice two-storey house at Petrie” – within easy walking distance to the railway station. “Once I retired, I had time on my hands, and I was looking around to see what I could do,” Terry said. The first opportunity was a three-month role driving “a group of American evangelists” around Australia. They followed the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games torch relay and led outreach activities in each town visited. “We travelled 10,000 miles and gave out 10,000 gospels,” Terry said. “The Army, wherever it was, give us a bed for the night and a meal before we set off again in the morning. I was a volunteer at the Olympic Games, too. I had to do eight hours a day for 10 days. When that finished, I went looking for something else.” The then Pine Rivers Shire Council introduced a program for senior citizens where volunteer drivers would pick them up for appointments or go shopping and return them home. Terry said he did that three days a week for 10 years. Around the same time as he began with the council, he started his platform ministry: “I went on Wednesday mornings from 6am to 8am at the Strathpine station and then, on Friday, I would do the Petrie station 6am to 8am – that's most Fridays from 2001 ... until today,” Terry said. “I understand the Army needs money, but I take it as a mission in greeting the people and saying ‘Good morning. Have a good day’. I don’t ask for donations. I let the uniform ask that question.” Terry said he had seen a number of commuters grow from school students in their uniforms to beginning their careers to even “pairing up”. He said he labelled Strathpine “Cupid Station” as he’d see many students meet on the station with plenty of cuddling and holding hands as they boarded the train. He said many of the younger students would take, back then, a Young Soldier magazine or, today, a Kidzone .” Terry retired last year as a Red Shield Appeal area coordinator and from his regular visits to high schools to address students and call for doorknock volunteers. “Many of the students, now grown up, come up to me on the station and say they remember me coming to the school at Red Shield Appeal time,” he said. Then there’s his 20-year hotel ministry – going armed with Warcry/Salvos magazines, a collection box and his joke of the week “to put a smile on the faces of patrons” – and having visited Woodford Correctional Facility most Thursdays for 16 years and doing Sunday services on a roster. While Terry has seen Petrie station develop into a state-of-the-art rail hub, it was more difficult to get technological advances to his platform ministry. He said it took some persuading, but the Army eventually provided him with a $5 ‘tap and go’ machine a few years ago. One of the highlights has been his relationship with station staff, particularly the Station Master, who has been at the facility for as long as Terry. His name: Terry Smith! Major Terry cherishes the invitation to make a cuppa in the station office “any time”. Terry turns 82 this year and has no plans to give away his ministries. “While I’ve got the strength and the Lord gives me the strength, I’m happy to continue. I enjoy meeting people and seeing a smile on their faces. They look forward to seeing me, too. I know that because when I’ve not been there for one reason or another, they ask: Terry, where have you been?”

BY JESSICA MORRIS Wyndham City Salvationist Les Porter has cycled 12,000km over 12 years to raise funds for The Salvation Army. Known as the Wyndham 1000, he uses the annual ride to tell people about how Jesus has changed his life. The sight of Les Porter whizzing around on a tricycle is an everyday occurrence in Werribee. Since 2010, the Salvationist from Wyndham City Corps, south-west of Melbourne, has cycled 1000km every year to raise funds for The Salvation Army. Les has raised a quarter of a million dollars in the Wyndham 1000, an annual event that takes place over a month. But he couldn’t do it alone. This is a community effort, which makes sense when you hear how his passion for tricycling came about. Les developed a love of tricycling after an accident in 1987, around the same time he became a Christian ... and he’s never looked back. “I grew up in a Baptist household. I’ve always known about God but didn’t become a Christian until after my accident in 1987 when, as a pedestrian, I was hit by a car,” he shared. Les was left partially disabled due to a brain injury, and his balance was impaired. The first adult tricycle was provided by the Transport Accident Commission to enable Les to get around. He soon felt at home on three wheels. “My left side doesn’t work, so a tricycle was able to keep me stable, and with 18 gears specially fitted, my one leg that works was able to go the distance. I started riding it and, after that, I asked what I could do to raise funds for the Salvos!” he said. Drawn to The Salvation Army because the movement reflected his faith and life values, he became a soldier at Werribee Corps [now Wyndham City] in 2008. But his involvement with the Salvos – and the wider community – bloomed prior. He began speaking at schools and community groups, telling locals how he overcame his struggles. Les cycled solo from Port Augusta in South Australia to Werribee in 1998 and later from Swan Hill to Werribee, raising funds for The Salvation Army. “My belief is that I can’t do a lot of things I used to, but tricycling is the thing I can do for the community with what I do,” he said. Les later approached his then corps officers, Captains Lance and Ann Jeffrey, and asked how he could support the local Salvos with his wheels. Soon the Wyndham 1000 was born, and over a month, he raised funds while riding 1000km. And given the circuit through Werribee is approximately 30km, that’s no small feat! Les (right) has received support for the Wyndham 1000 for Salvos and community members alike. Pictured here, Wyndham City Corps Officer Captain Phil Abram and a member of the local Rotary Club join him for a leg of the journey. Last year was the 12th year of the Wyndham 1000, so 12,000km had been ridden so far. Other Salvos and members of the community, schools, and the Wyndham Rotary Club also wanted to make a difference, and over the years, they have ridden the fundraiser with him. Wyndham Rotary Club sponsored the cost of three tricycles worth over $1000 each. Because, while his speciality tricycle is hardy, the sheer distances he rides means it won’t last a lifetime, and tricycle number three is now approaching its last kilometres. For Les, this generosity is God in action. God didn’t just save Les in the weeks following his accident, he gave him a mobile way to connect with the community – inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to use what they have for good. And the reason for it all is Jesus. “Before I came to know God, I loved my work – I was a workaholic, that was just me. Since becoming a Christian, I have found a new joy in the Lord,” he shared. “I remember after speaking at several schools, one of the principals even asked if I could talk with his staff! Every time I make a point that I love what I’m doing and I enjoy life. This is a different sort of happiness – it comes from Jesus.”

General John Larsson: 2 April 1938–18 March 2022. General John Larsson (Ret.), The Salvation Army’s 17th beloved international leader, was promoted to glory from his home in Bromley, London, on 18 March, aged 83. The global Salvation Army family is holding Commissioner Freda Larsson and the family in their prayers at this time. General Larsson’s impact upon this world has been immeasurable, and we thank God for every opportunity for ministry the Lord enabled him to share. General Brian Peddle, the spiritual leader of the Salvation Army, paid tribute, saying, “Shaking hands with General John Larsson was like shaking hands with the Salvation Army itself. That is who he was to me. “We mourn his passing, but we celebrate the gifts he shared with us, his leadership, his music, his Christian character and his example to us all.” We invite those who wish to remember General Larsson to view this collection of images , reflecting on moments throughout his life-long service to the Kingdom of God.