As a younger officer – yes, it was some years ago, thank you – I recall telling an older officer that I wanted to speak to him about Salvationists who love gossiping. He leaned in closer and said, “Why, what have you heard? Who told you? Did they talk about me?”   I replied that my interest was in how to deal with gossips. He seemed disappointed for some reason but then said that he’d discovered two methods that seemed to work pretty well most of the time.   His first was that if someone started talking to him about what someone else had said or done that was supposedly terrible or not too Christlike, he would say to the gossiper, “Oh, let’s ring them right now, and I’ll ask them about this,” and he’d get his mobile phone out.   Invariably, this would cause the gossiper to go pale as they were about to be fact-checked immediately and, more so, they didn’t want to be there in case they were reported as the gossiper – “Oh, hello, Jim. Stuart has just told me that you said …”   His second tactic was simply to write down the gossip. He would say, in response to the person gossiping, “Oh, that’s terrible. Let me write this down right now. What’s the date and time?” He would pause with pen poised above paper as the gossiper realised their every word was about to be recorded, seemingly against their name and the date and time. This would often send them scampering.   At one corps, I had someone tell me a rumour about someone else who, amusingly, they didn’t realise was my cousin. I asked them to ‘go on’ and ‘go on’ and ‘go on’ for several minutes, until I said to them, “Well, I’m having dinner with him next Saturday, so I’ll ask him.”   The Bible talks much about gossiping. Proverbs 20:19 refers to a gossip as a “simple babbler” (ESV) or a “blabbermouth” (The Message), and 1 Timothy 5:13 calls them “busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to” (NIV). Other texts refer to giving false reports, slandering, whisperers, deceivers and those with “wicked lips”.   I wonder if the disciples gossiped?   Philip: I heard Jesus say that the ‘prodigal son’ was really in reference to Peter. Thomas: Yes, I don’t doubt it.   James: Judas talks in his sleep. He counts money. I think he’s planning something. Bartholomew: Someone told me he’s saving for a new donkey ... just needs 30 more silver coins.   Simon: I’ve heard Peter is jealous of John because he’s Jesus’ favourite. Thaddeus: That’s funny, I heard John is jealous of Peter because he’s Jesus’ favourite. Jesus: That’s funny, I heard Simon and Thaddeus like spreading rumours.   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division.

To read Delcia’s promoted to glory notice, click here

As a result of domestic violence, Jodi was on the street for five months feeling very lost, scared and suffering from depression. Jodi found support at The Salvation Army's Women’s Homelessness Services in Brisbane. It was here that she began to rebuild her life, make goals for the future and begin studying. Today, Jodi’s dream is to be a lived-experience support worker and to help other women the way she has been helped.

I visited a corps on a weekday recently for a meeting with the corps officers and a few other folks, and we had a small companion. The office dog.   I’m not good with dog breeds, but I think it was an elderly pug. I say elderly because it walked everywhere slowly, and I say pug because it had that ‘I-just-ran-face-first-into-a-brick-wall’ look to it.   It belonged to the corps officers and apparently attends work with them regularly and is well-known to staff and volunteers. Was there a potential risk of it biting someone who came to the church for help? The only time I saw it open its mouth was to yawn.   In this age of assistance animals and emotional support animals and some cafes allowing dogs, it’s becoming common to see more pets out of the backyard and in public. It makes me wonder how far we can go with this.   Mal: Hi Chris, thanks for coming to church today to chat. Chris: No problem, Mal. I really appreciate the way you … What’s that? Mal: Oh, I’m sorry, it’s just my pet goat. Trevor has been feeling a bit low lately, so I thought I’d bring him to work with me today. You don’t mind, do you? Chris: Well, no. As long as he doesn’t eat my backpack. Mal: No, he’s quite tame and house-trained, and anyway, he prefers hats. Chris: Yes, I can see him eyeing off my beanie. Mal: Anyway, please continue … Chris: Yes, I was saying I really appreciate the way you’ve been supporting … um … is that a budgie on top of your bookshelf? Mal: Ah, there she is, right behind me. Sorry, Chris, this is Barbara, my emotional support budgie. Chris: Hello, Barbara. Barbara: Hello, sailor. Mal: Oh, yes, Barbara can say a few words. On those stressful days at work, I love having her with me; always puts a smile on my face. Barbara: Aye carumba. Mal: Thank you, Barbara. Hush now. Sorry, Chris, please go on. Chris: Of course. So … thank you for the Mal: Bad boy! Chris: Sorry? Mal: No, Chris, not you, my apologies. Trevor was licking his lips and starting to move towards Barbara. Sit, Trevor. Sit. Sorry, go on, Chris. Chris: I’ll try. I just wanted to say that Mal: Don’t you dare. Chris: [pause] Trevor again? Mal: No, Barbara. She was preparing to drop a, uh, a little surprise on the carpet. Would you mind terribly if I just stepped outside for a moment with them and got Trevor something to eat and allowed Barbara to do what she needs to do? Chris: No, no problem. You do what you have to. [Mal exits with Trevor and Barbara.] Chris: Now, what do I do? I guess it’s just you and me for a few minutes. [Chris turns to Roderick, his support wombat.]   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division.

The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 27 September 2024: Effective 1 February 2025 Major Peter McGuigan , Secretary for Communications, International Headquarters. Captain Tara McGuigan , International Headquarters Chaplain ‌and‌ ‌City of London Liaison Officer, ‌International Headquarters. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 24 September 2024: Effective 25 September 2024 Captain Alexis McKeand , Defence Veterans Ministries Coordinator, RSDS, ‌Office of the Secretary for Mission, (Concurrent Appointment, Title Change). Effective 1 October 2024 Aux-Lieutenant David Dobbie , Corps Officer, Mackay, Queensland Division, (moving to full-time, change of effective date). Major Grant Sandercock-Brown , Corps Officer, Nambucca River, New South Wales/ACT Division, ‌ (moving to full-time). Effective 1 November 2024 Major Leanne Stevens , Response Coordinator, North Queensland, ‌Salvation Army Emergency Services, Office of the Secretary for Mission. Effective 8 January Majors Gai and Peer Cathcart , Corps Officer,s North East Salvos, South Australia/Northern Territory Division.   ‌ (Title Change). Aux-Lieutenant Stephen Dunn , Mission Leader, Port Kembla Community of Hope, New South Wales/ACT Division. Captain Manikya Mera , Corps Officer - Team Leader, Dandenong, Victoria Division. Effective 3 February Major Elizabeth Garland , National Recovery Manager & State Recovery Coordinator, SA/NT Salvation Army Emergency Services, Office of the Secretary for Mission, (Concurrent Appointments). Captain Bindy Lupis , National Response Manager, ‌Salvation Army Emergency Services, ‌Office of the Secretary for Mission. DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONS Effective 8 January Younger Philanthropists Champions: ‌ Over the years we have been supported by an incredible team of entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Today we are needing to connect with a younger generation and to do this, we have identified officers and employees in each division who will be our champions building relationship, giving learning opportunities and influencing a new generation of donors and supporters. The following officers and employees are those champions who will be role models and connections points for you in this area. New South Wales/Australia Capital Territory ‌Major David Collinson ‌Major Kylie Collinson ‌ Andrew Hill ‌ ‌ Captain Sean Li  Captain Nicola Poore  Mark Soper ‌Captain Philip Sutcliffe   Queensland ‌ Captain Matt Gluyas ‌ ‌ South Australia/Northern Territory ‌ Captain Keryn Coombes Captain Nathan Hodges ‌Western Australia ‌ Aux-Lieutenant Steven Freind  Captain Chelsea Wilson  Captain Darrell Wilson ‌  ‌ Victoria ‌ Captain Paul Chen ‌Major Narelle Jacobsen ‌Major Brendan Nottle ‌Major Sandra Nottle ‌ Major Matt Reeve Men's Ministry Champions: Each division has identified Men’s Champions who can be contacted to mentor leaders who wish to develop men’s ministry in their faith expression. New South Wales/Australia Capital Territory ‌Lieutenant Keven Williams ‌ Queensland Major Bryce Davies ‌Major Chris Millard ‌ ‌ South Australia/Northern Territory ‌Aux-Lieutenant Mark Foyle ‌ ‌ Victoria ‌ Major Mal Davies ‌Captain Greg Turnbull The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 20 August 2024: Effective 19 August 2024 Major Allison Footer , Funeral Support Officer, Salvos Funerals, Mission Enterprises. Mission Support Coordinator, Salvation Army International Development, Governance, Office of the Chief Secretary ‌ (Concurrent Appointments). Major Leanne Spence , Officer Personnel Support Services - Advisor, Office of the Secretary for Personnel ‌ (Moving to full-time). Effective 19 August 2024 Captain Gemma Keogh , Chaplain, Youth Services Upton Road, Victoria Division (Title Change). Major Vicki McMahon , Chaplain, Youth Services North/West Metro, Victoria Division (Title Change). Effective 11 November 2024 Major David Rogerson , Chaplain, Mid North Coast Correctional Centre, New South Wales/ACT Division. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 9 July 2024: Effective 15 July 2024 Captain Belinda Atherton , Admin Support Officer - Team Leader, New South Wales/ACT Division. Captain Harriet Farquhar , Assistant Divisional Support Officer, New South Wales/ACT Division (Pro-tem). Major Melanie-Anne Holland , Corps Officer - Team Member, Macarthur, New South Wales/ACT Division. Modern Slavery and Anti-Human Trafficking Territorial Contact, ‌Governance, Office of the Chief Secretary. ‌ (Additional Appointment unchanged). Captain Nicola Poore , Corps Officer - Team Leader, Macarthur, New South Wales/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). Effective 23 July 2024 Major Leanne Spence , Officer Personnel Support Services - Advisor, Office of the Secretary for Personnel ‌(Concurrent Appointment). ‌Mission Support Coordinator, SAID, Governance, Office of the Chief Secretary (Concurrent Appointment unchanged). The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Wednesday 26 June 2024: Effective 1 July 2024 Captain David Allman , Assistant External Communications Manager - Victoria, Office of the Secretary for Communications. Major Scott Ellery , Corps Officer, Kwinana, Western Australia Division, ‌Assistant to External Communications Manager - WA, ‌Office of the Secretary for Communications (Additional Appointment) ‌. Major Warren Elliott , External Communications Manager - Victoria, Office of the Secretary for Communications. Major Gary Masters , Executive Manager External Communications - Australia, External Communications Manager - NSW, ‌Office of the Secretary for Communications (Concurrent Appointments). Effective 1 August 2024 Major Bruce Harmer , Head of External Communications - Australia, Office of the Secretary for Communications. Effective 3 September 2024 Lieutenant Alison Templar , Chaplain - Dame Phyllis Frost Centre & Tarrengower Prison, Victoria Division. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Wednesday 12 June 2024: Effective 17 June 2024 Captain Katie Ryan , Corps Officer - Team Leader, Casey-Cardina Salvos*, Victoria Division. * Casey-Cardinia Salvos encompasses Berwick, Cranbourne and Pakenham Corps. Effective 26 June 2024 Captain Lydia Hong , Team Member, Norwest - Corps Officer, Hornsby Gateway, New South Wales / ACT Division, ‌ (Title Change). Major Lynden Spicer , Leader, South West Sydney New Expressions & Mission Leader, Macquarie Fields Mission, ‌New South Wales / ACT Division, ‌ (Concurrent Appointments, Title Change). Effective 1 July 2024 Captain David Allman , Assistant Public Relations Secretary, Victoria, ‌Office of the Secretary for Communications. Major Peta Ayres , State Manager, Doorways Victoria - Community Engagement, Office of the Secretary for Mission. Major Ian Channell , Corps Officer, Stafford, Queensland Division, ‌ (Title Change). Major Mal Davies , Assistant Divisional Commander**, ‌Victoria Division. **Victoria Division will have two Assistant Divisional Commanders. Territorial Envoy Rosemary Richardson , Chaplain Support Officer - Aged Care, Mission Enterprises. Major Penni Roden , Corps Officer - Team Leader, Townsville Corps, Queensland Division. Major Garry Johnson , Corps Officer - Team Member, Townsville Corps & Chaplain, Townsville Recovery Services, Queensland Division, ‌ (Concurrent Appointments). Auxiliary-Lieutenant Katrina McIntosh , Corps Officer - Team Member, Townsville Corps, ‌Queensland Division. Effective 1 August 2024 Major Bruce Harmer , Head of Government Relations - Australia & Public Relations Secretary - ACT, ‌Office of the Secretary for Communications, (Concurrent Appointments). Major Carolyn Harmer , Chaplain, Salvos Stores - NSW/ACT, Mission Enterprises. Major Wendy Hateley , Area Officer - South Australia Central/Southern, South Australia / NT Division. Major Lai Li , Admin Support Officer, New South Wales / ACT Division, (Moving to full-time). The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 14 May 2024: Effective 1 July 2024 Major Paul Beardsley , Honoured Friends Representative, Office of the Secretary for Communications. Effective 30 October 2024 Major Megan Greenaway , Assistant Head of Officer Personnel, Office of the Secretary for Personnel. Captain Paul Lorimer , Corps Officer, Adelaide Congress Hall, South Australia / Northern Territory Division. Captain Robyn Lorimer , Corps Officer, Adelaide Congress Hall, South Australia / Northern Territory Division. RESCINDED APPOINTMENT Effective 20 May 2024 Major Melanie-Anne Holland , Chaplain, Inner City Network, New South Wales / ACT Division, ‌ (Rescinded Concurrent Appointment). The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Wednesday 24 April 2024: Effective 26 April 2024 Major William Geracia , Executive Officer, Sydney Staff Songsters, Office of the Secretary for Mission, ‌ (Additional Appointment). Effective 1 June 2024 Captain Cherry Ip , Corps Officer, Perth Chinese Corps, Western Australia Division. Effective 1 July 2024 Major Mal Davies , Head of Government Relations - Australia, Public Relations Secretary - ACT, Office of the Secretary for Communications, ‌ (Concurrent Appointments). Major Tracey Davies , First Five Years of Officership & Aux-Lieutenant Lead Coordinator, Office of the Secretary for Personnel. Major Sandy MacDonald , Higher Education Lecturer - Eva Burrows College, Office of the Secretary for Personnel. Major Gary Masters , Public Relations Secretary - NSW, Office of the Secretary for Communications, ‌ (Pro-tem Appointment). *Corps Officers for Adelaide Congress Hall to be confirmed. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 16 April 2024: INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT Announcement made in conjunction with the Kenya West Territory. Effective 20 May - 16 August 2024  Major Bruce Pratt (ret.) , Secretary for Business Administration, ‌Kenya West Territory. Major Gwenda Pratt (ret.) , Territorial Social Services Secretary, ‌Kenya West Territory. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Friday 5 April 2024: INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT Announcement made in conjunction with the Italy & Greece Territory Effective 1 January 2025 Captain Manuela Castaldo , Corps Officer, Limitone-Cappelluccia/Villa Speranza – Potenza, Italy & Greece Territory. Captain Andrew Lee , Corps Officer, Limitone-Cappelluccia/Villa Speranza – Potenza, Projects Officer, THQ, Assistant to the Chief Secretary for Properties, THQ, Italy & Greece Territory. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on Tuesday 12 March 2024: Effective 13 March 2024 Major Dianne Jarvey , Faith Communities Development Secretary - Australia, Office of the Secretary for Mission, ‌ (Additional Appointment). Lieut.-Colonel Debra Stevens , Women's Resources Coordinator, Office of the Secretary for Mission. Effective 15 March 2024 Major Darren Elsley , Remote & Rural Chaplain, Far West NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change), ‌ Chaplaincy Team Leader, NSW/ACT, NSW/ACT Division. ‌(‌Concurrent Appointment unchanged). Major Leanne Elsley , Remote & Rural Chaplain, Far West NSW, NSW/ACT Division (Title Change), ‌ Chaplaincy Team Leader, NSW/ACT, NSW/ACT Division. (‌Concurrent Appointment unchanged). Major Dianne Lawson , Remote & Rural Chaplain, Central West NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). Major Russell Lawson , Remote & Rural Chaplain, Central West NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). Major Brenda Stace , Remote & Rural Chaplain, North NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). ‌ Major Kelvin Stace , Remote & Rural Chaplain, North NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). Captain Natalie Steele , Remote & Rural Chaplain, South West NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). ‌ Captain Simon Steele , Remote & Rural Chaplain, South West NSW, NSW/ACT Division ‌ (Title Change). Effective 21 March 2024 Aux-Lieutenant Colin Sampson* , Corps Officer - Team Member, Unley, South Australia/Northern Territory Division. *Congratulations to Colin Sampson who has recently been accepted as an Auxiliary-Lieutenant. Effective 1 May 2024 Captain Jeff Milkins , Faith Communities Development Secretary - Tasmania, Office of the Secretary for Mission ‌ (Concurrent Appointment). Officer Personnel Secretary, Tasmania, Office of the Secretary for Personnel (Concurrent Appointment unchanged). Captain Narelle Unicomb , Faith Communities Development Secretary - NSW/ACT, Office of the Secretary for Mission . APPOINTMENT RESCINDMENT Effective 15 March 2024 Aux-Lieutenant Steven Freind , Youth & Young Adults Secretary - WA, Office of the Secretary for Mission ‌ (Concurrent Appointment) ‌. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on 20 February 2024: Effective 4 March 2024 Major Leanne Spence , Mission Support Coordinator, Salvation Army International Development (SAID), Governance, Office of the Chief Secretary. Effective 17 March 2024 Captain Adele Williams , Corps Officer - Team Member, Ipswich City Salvos, Queensland Division. The Territorial Commander announced the following appointments on 30 January 2024: Effective 10 January 2024 Captain Amanda Agnew* , Corps Officer - Team Member, Golden Grove, South Australia/Northern Territory ‌ (Title Change). *Congratulations to Captain Amanda Agnew who has been reaccepted to officership. Captain Jordan Innes , Corps Officer - Team Leader, Golden Grove, South Australia/Northern Territory ‌ (Title Change). Effective 1 February 2024 Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Reid , Spiritual Life - Projects, Team Leader, ‌Office of the Territorial Commander ‌ (moving to full time). Effective 12 February 2024 Major Phil Inglis , Operations Manager, Mission Support, Office of the Secretary for Mission. Enterprise Change Advisor - Governance, Office of the Chief Secretary ‌ (Concurrent Appointments). Major Sandra McLean , Generations and Faith - General Manager, Mission Support, Office of the Secretary for Mission. Captain Janine Skinner , Corps Officer - Team Member, Preston, Victoria Division . Major Beth Twivey , Local Mission Delivery Coordinator, Office of the Secretary for Mission ‌ (Concurrent Appointment). Effective 26 January 2024 Major Jenny Begent , Head of Salvation Army International Development, Governance, Office of the Chief Secretary. Major Priya Morgan , Mission - Coordination and Support, Office of the Secretary for Mission. Major Judith Soeters , Executive Officer, Officer Personnel Support Services, Office of the Secretary for Personnel. Effective 1 March 2024 Major David Boughton , Corps Officer - Team Leader, Maitland, New South Wales/ACT Division (pro-tem Appointment). Captain Jacqui Milkins , Divisional Support Officer, Tasmania Division. Captain Jeff Milkins , Officer Personnel Secretary, TAS, Office of the Secretary for Personnel. ‌ Community Development Officer, Tasmania Division, ‌ (Concurrent Appointments). Captain Sally Stanimirovic , Corps Officer - Team Member, Maitland, New South Wales/ACT Division, ‌ (pro-tem Appointment).  Effective 1 April 2024 Major William Geracia , Divisional Chaplaincy Manager, New South Wales/ACT Division. Major Sue Hopper , Spiritual Life - Projects, Team Member, Office of the Territorial Commander. Captain Bindy Lupis , Salvation Army Emergency Services Program Manager - National, Office of the Secretary for Mission. The following appointment has been rescinded: Effective 17 April 2024 Major Brad Watson , Regional Support Chaplain (Army), Tasmania Division, ‌ (Additional Appointment).

Horsham Salvos is looking to build healthy communities and develop faith pathways through an integrated approach to mission. Combining homelessness services with faith-based initiatives, crisis housing, thrift shop, community meals and garden - all work together to support vulnerable individuals, transform lives through practical assistance, and point people to Jesus.

My brother-in-law and his wife used to attend the Baptist church in a country town, and when my family was visiting, we would attend church with them. It was always an enjoyable service.   However, there was a period when their pastor took up an offer to move to another church – very different from The Salvation Army’s officer appointment process – and so the church had to advertise for a new pastor.   A committee was put together to lead the recruiting mission, and after several months (while the church of about 100 was led by lay leaders), they managed to secure a pastor for a three-month trial. He turned out to be a good match and was eventually employed by the church. The whole process – from one minister leaving to the next being hired – took about nine months.   I recall saying to my brother-in-law that if we used this system in the Army, it would take us nine months just to select the committee to choose the new officer! Imagine the establishment of that committee.   “Well, we must have some of the senior leaders in the corps on the committee, and of course, we should include some youth and young adult representatives. Let’s include the treasurer and the admin assistant, and a few retired officers might add some valuable insights. To be sure about their worship preferences, we should include the bandmaster and the worship group leader. Oh, and we have a couple with theological degrees; they would be helpful. And let’s include someone with some business or people-management experience and perhaps even someone from the pastoral care team.   “All done. For our corps of 35 people, we have 25 on the selection panel. Now, let’s schedule meetings for a time when everyone is free ...”   And that’s the easy part! Next is the writing of the position description.   “Clearly, we need someone with experience and skills in ministering to young families and youth while not forgetting families with teens and our seniors. And they must be comfortable pastoring married couples and singles. They should have some experience in children’s ministries, as well as working with people in our local community outside the church.   “So, in short, they must have experience ministering to everyone: both those in and those outside our church.   “We’d also hope they’re conscientious, with high integrity, faultless faith, wisdom, discernment, a loving heart, a vision for our future, an understanding of Church history, a humble spirit and a peerless knowledge of Scripture.   “In summary, we want our new officer to be ... God. Is that correct?   “Well, not quite,” pipes up one objector. “Our new officer also has to work on Sundays.”   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

Inspired by Genesis 1:26-28, this video reminds us that because we are all created in the image of God, there are m any beautiful and special things that make us like each other. This is especially true when we think that people with disabilities are really different from us. People with and without disabilities love and need to be loved. They need good relationships and friends and they all have needs, wants, hopes and dreams. There are many similaries that unite us and enjoying the ways that God has made each of us, whilst building respectful friendships, allows us to learn from each other and reflect God’s love more fully.

Across Australia, all major footy competitions are currently conducting their finals series and, for sporting fans, there’s quite a buzz in the air.   For months, we’ve followed the ups and downs of our favourite team (apart from Richmond AFL fans, it’s just been all downs for them really), and now the teams compete in finals with a view to glory. Perhaps not glory as the Bible describes it, but winning a premiership is pretty close to it for Aussie sports fans.   I can’t help but wonder about how some biblical figures would handle the spotlight of fierce competition with big crowds watching and excited commentators screaming.   Goliath would play in the ruck or as a prop. A tall, heavy unit like him would be high on recruiters’ lists to get him to the club. As long as he didn’t have to run too much, he’d be a real asset to the club. And he’d have to control his temper; he’s been known to lose his head at times of confrontation.   On the wing would be Peter. Full of energy, Peter likes to run and keep busy, so moving up and down the field all day would be right up his alley. He wouldn’t even stop at half-time; he’d just keep running up and down!   Judas would be picked in the firsts and would be a handy player until right before the final siren when, just as the team was about to score, he’d just stop, turn around and hand the ball to the opposition. What a turncoat! He wouldn’t get out of the carpark alive after the game; the fans would crucify him.   Mary and Martha would perform well but differently. Mary would listen to everything the coach said at the half-time break, but Martha would be busy cutting up and distributing oranges and miss out on the coach’s talk – the important stuff. Oddly, she’d then complain that Mary wasn’t helping her!   Lot’s wife would be progressing well down the field with the ball but wouldn’t see the big hit on her that took her out of the game because she looked back over her shoulder at the wrong time!   Moses would be awesome. Holding the ball and with the whole opposition team coming towards him, he’d just stick the ball up his jumper and wave his hands to the left and right. The opposition players would part right down the middle, and he’d just walk on through to score. What a guy!   Thomas would be benched in the first minutes and stay there for the duration of the game because the coach was tired of his backchat. “But why do I have to play as a back? I don’t get it. Why would you make him vice-captain? Why are our jumpers purple? I don’t understand this strategy. Why can’t I walk through the banner first? I just don’t get what’s going on.” Forget Doubting Thomas; they’d call him Whining Thomas.   And at the final siren, the commentators would enjoy reading out the scores: “Colossians 4:18 defeat Galatians 3:12”.   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

The Riverside Gym in Gawler (South Australia) is a safe place for men to engage in fitness while having discussions about mental health and the deeper things of life. Major Darren Dwyer, Corps Officer, Riverside Gawler, says that the Riverside Gym was created to offer men the opportunity to do "something spiritual... but also an activity... as men like to do things." Through workouts and Bible studies, the men have connected, allowing them to share struggles and support each other.

And it came to pass that Pharaoh did dream: he stood by the river and, behold, there came up out of the river seven sleek and fat cows and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other cows came up out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows upon the bank of the river. And the gaunt cows did eat up the seven sleek cows.   Pharaoh awoke and his spirt was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all the wise men thereof, and Pharaoh told them his dream, but there was none that could interpret it unto Pharaoh.   Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, “There is with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and he has the gift of interpretation of dreams.”   Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they brought him hastily: and he changed his raiment and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and I have heard say of thee that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.”   Pharaoh recited his dream unto Joseph and said, “I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. How dost thou read my dream? Speak of what it announces to me.”   And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, “Uh … I dunno. Did you have too much cheese before you went to bed?” and he did winketh at Pharaoh.   And Pharoah was enraged and did beseech Joseph to further ponder the matter and give utterance.   “Well,” said Joseph, “I think the seven fat cows represent the seven hills of Syria, and the seven skinny ones represent lightning bolts, and the dream symbolises how God will strike down Syria.”   The Pharaoh was amazed at Joseph’s discerning spirit and exclaimed, “How hast thou concluded such?”   And Joseph responded, “Well … sometimes I just say stuff. Doesn’t matter.”   A servant, with haste, did whisper into Pharaoh’s ear and then Pharaoh stood and loudly proclaimed, “There be not seven hills in the desert wasteland of Syria! Thou best give utterance again, or the dungeon beckons!”   And Joseph did gulp and declare, “I didn’t say hills; I said Bills. There’s seven nasty blokes in Syria, all called Bill, and they’re currently planning to invade Egypt. God will strike down the seven Bills in Syria.”   The Pharaoh did retain his seat, and his demeanour did alter as he sayyeth unto Joseph, “Yeah, okay, I reckon that makes sense. Cheers.” And Joseph did sigh and wipe the sweat from his forehead.   And the Pharaoh did call his chief butler and did whisper unto him, “Belvedere, no more cheese for me before nigh nighs.”   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

Officer appointment changes for the Australia Territory, effective from 8 January 2025 (unless otherwise stated), have been released. Please pray for those who are affected by these changes – for the officers who will be moving and any children, along with corps and centres that will be receiving new officer personnel. The Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, has approved the appointment changes. To view the PDF, click here