Graeme’s life was turned upside down by a devastating accident on a mining site. Facing two and a half years in hospital, followed by rehab, he was left unable to work and facing homelessness. Graeme says, “There was nothing stable in my life”. Graeme received kindness and support from The Salvation Army’s House 49 in Darwin. Today he volunteers with the Salvos and encourages others to reach out and ask for help if they need it.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas joined in the vibrant celebrations of the ninth anniversary of The Salvation Army’s Farsi Fellowship in Melbourne on Sunday 9 June. “They are a soldier-making Army,” said Miriam. “Love these people who have such a heart for their ministry and for people to know full salvation. Colin told me that’s what he signed up for. Love that! Just beautiful.” Major Colin Elkington founded the growing Farsi Fellowship in 2015. “Our congregation are converts from the Islamic faith,” said Major Karen Elkington, who is part of the fellowship and manages The Salvation Army’s Asylum and Refugee Services in Melbourne. “The majority are people seeking asylum, refugees and some have thankfully been granted Australian residency.” Miriam shared that attending the fellowship celebration “made my day!” “[It was] filled with hope. Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed.”

Today is World Oceans Day (Saturday 8 June). Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH writes about her love of the ocean, its role in her wellbeing and the need to protect it from the impacts of climate change and pollution. I have always loved the ocean and the captivating beauty that lies beneath the waves. And below the canopy of a beautiful South African ocean kelp forest, a wondrous story about a special encounter with an octopus taught me a profound lesson in life. While watching the outstanding documentary My Octopus Teacher, I couldn’t help but be deeply moved as filmmaker and diver Craig Foster forged an incredible and unexpected friendship underwater with a beautiful octopus whilst the animal shared the mysteries of her sea world. It was a profound life lesson in humility, about how spectacular this creature lives and dies, and about how the oceans are intrinsically interwoven, where we need each other to survive on this planet. Furthermore, it was a vital reminder about the importance of respecting and preserving the majesty of the sea – a topic close to my heart. I grew up in Australia where I had the privilege of being surrounded by stunning coastal waters. From an early age, I have treasured exploring both above and below the stunning beauty of the blue planet and all creatures, great and small, who call it home. Preserving a natural wonder To observe what lies beneath is truly an exhilarating feeling, especially when your eyes set upon a vast array of breathtaking sights such as colourful reefs and extraordinary marine life of all sorts, enriched through a camera lens. The oneness I feel with the ocean plays an essential role in nurturing my overall wellbeing. With its innate purity and ability to provide solace and a sacred place to pray, the sea always draws me close to God. It compels me to not only care for His magnificent creation but forever embrace its vastness and depth with immense respect, wonder and awe. And with the theme of this year’s United Nations (UN) World Oceans Day on 8 June being ‘Awaken New Depths’, there is never a greater time than now to delve deep into how we can all play a part in honouring and preserving the natural wonder that covers around two-thirds of our planet’s surface. To awaken new depths of understanding, compassion, collaboration, and commitment to the ocean that sustains humanity and all life on earth. Understanding our ocean is essential to our future, yet its depths are still mostly unexplored. We know more about outer space than we do about the ocean. And while we know little compared to its immense vastness, what we do know is that the consequences of our actions are evident throughout its waters. Human activity is increasingly causing devastation from overfishing and the effects of climate change to habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks. Education the key Positive change can happen – but we must educate ourselves on how to respect, preserve and save our wonderful blue planet. A wide assortment of oceanic websites, films, campaigns and documentaries such as The Blue Planet by David Attenborough to a plethora of oceanic websites, campaigns, films, documentaries, and interviews to inspire, educate and call us to action can be the start plus supporting and/or championing marine conservation organisations and those dedicated to preserving the world’s oceans. For book enthusiasts, Deep Water, the world in the ocean, by Australian author James Bradley, is a great testament to the beauty, mystery and wonder of the ocean. Weaving together science, history and personal experience, it offers vital new ways of understanding, not just humanity’s relationship with the planet, but our past and future. Let us not underestimate the power of simple actions – recycle, reuse, and reduce. Next time you’re at the beach (the therapeutic benefits are well documented!), look down and pick up. Invariably, you’ll find discarded beach gear, plastics and rubbish that need not to end up in the ocean. Love seafood? Eating responsibly sourced fish wherever possible can be yet another positive action. United together, we can all join the global movement to save our oceans and protect this vast, irreplaceable ecosystem that is our planet’s life support system – for our precious waters warrant nothing less. Explore the latest ocean-related stories, resources and videos from the World Oceans Day community on the UN World Oceans Day website:  https://unworldoceansday.org/un-world-oceans-day-2024/ In celebration of the 2024 theme Awaken New Depths, the United Nations are joining forces with global policy-makers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and artists to showcase how our relationship to the ocean needs to urgently change and that in order to motivate widespread momentum for the ocean, we need to awaken new depths. A free virtual livestream event accessible worldwide will run on Friday, June 7, to promote global engagement with vital ocean education. It is hosted by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) in partnership with Oceanic Global. Information on the website.

BY LERISSE SMITH New life has been birthed into a former funeral home with the long-awaited opening of Wangaratta Salvation Army’s new church premises. The new corps building was officially opened in Victoria’s north-east amidst excitement and community goodwill on 2 June after renovations were undertaken to transform a funeral home into the new fit-for-purpose property on Greta Rd. And after more than one year of planning, the event was a highlight for the community. “It has been a long journey, but now we’re into the new building, things are good,” said Envoy Peter Lewis, Wangaratta Corps Officer. The previous premises were condemned due to ground movement issues, prompting our relocation. Therefore, the new building represents the result of approximately a year and a half of planning to secure a new location before transitioning into it. Church members letterbox-dropped about 1000 houses in the local area, inviting them to a special open day on Saturday 2 June, and the official opening and church service the next day. Describing the turnout as very positive, Peter said about 150 people attended the open day, affectionately named ‘Salvo Funday’, and 65 for the Sunday church service and official opening conducted by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. A jumping castle, popcorn, sausages, fairy floss, spray-on tattoos and showbags delighted families and children on the open day. The event was yet another chapter in the corps’ history, with The Salvation Army formally commencing in Wangaratta in 1891, where it was located in Rowan Street for 92 years. Since 1982, the building was located in Garnet Street before moving to its new location. The new premises includes a chapel, open spaces for people to congregate, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor area with a garden courtyard, and even outdoor brass-instrument sculpture decorations after the instruments, no longer usable, were found at the bottom of a storage shed at the old property. The church will run the following services from the new building: Community Meals; Salvo Fridays Free breakfast & Café from 8.30am to 1pm; After Hours Emergency Relief Services; Homelessness Services (Salvo Care); Worship Gatherings; Ministry to Women and Men; An internal street/open area for Drop in and conversations. Peter said while the church community was quite elderly, they were very faithful and committed. “They’re willing to try new things,” he said. “They are very welcoming, so I think that’s a big positive. They bring their friends, and we have a community lunch once a month. On the first Sunday of the month, we have a less formal church service that is coffee and cake with a devotion. They will bring their friends to that, so even though they're elderly, they’re still very active and doing things like that.” Peter said the church hoped to establish a free breakfast and café for the community on a Friday in the coming months, interacting with both the local community and its own church community and making use of its outdoor courtyard. The corps also works with other churches for disaster relief assistance, including a group called Loaves and Fishes, which delivers emergency relief food. The church assists with Night Shelter, which helps people who are homeless during winter, too. Looking to the future, external local businesses, groups, and not-for-profit organisations will be able to utilise the facility. “The Salvation Army appreciates the support given by the City of Wangaratta in all that we do, and especially during the construction phase of the building,” Peter said. “The Salvation Army also acknowledges the great work done by the construction team – Nervegna Reed Architecture and Elevate Commercial Construction  – along with its own internal Property Team. “The Salvation Army looks forward to continuing to work in collaboration with other agencies, churches and community groups to assist the people of Warrnambool and the surrounding districts wherever help is needed.”

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, recognised three Australian officers celebrating milestones in their years of service this week. Commissioners Robyn and Wayne Maxwell, Zonal Leaders of the South Pacific and East Asia (SPEA) Zone, marked 40 years of service. Major Meaghan Gallagher, Assistant Under Secretary for the SPEA Zone, marked 20 years. “We were treated to a beautiful lunch today at International Headquarters,” said Robyn. “It was special to share this occasion with other amazing leaders, including the lovely Meaghan Gallagher. Thank you to our leaders for showing their appreciation to us today.”

Most local city councils around Australia now allow their residents to do what’s known as hard rubbish collection once or twice per year. Anything too big, cumbersome, or heavy to go in your normal rubbish bin can be put out on your nature strip, and you can book a council truck to come and pick it up. Recently, I did one of these and managed to dispose of an old, rusted BBQ, some broken outdoor furniture and various bits of unwanted wood, metal, hard plastic and even a roll of chicken wire that the chickens felt they no longer needed. I wonder what we’d put out the front of our Army halls if we did a clean-out? ‘One box of unwanted timbrels; free to a good home.’ While there are still Salvationists who love their timbrel playing, the reality is that there’s a very small number of corps who still have pig-skin bashers and hardly any that have a timbrel brigade. Perhaps it’s time to fill a box with them, pray a blessing over it and place it on the nature strip. Perhaps a roaming van of Hare Krishnas will take them. ‘Head coverings of various shapes; free to a good head.’ When I went to training college, I was told I had to have a Salvation Army cap, so I purchased one. I think I’ve put it on about 10 times in 23 years, mainly for Red Shield Appeal promotional photos. Unless you’re in a big brass band, most men don’t wear a uniform cap these days. And while old Army bonnets make a nice display piece on a shelf in the house, the ladies’ hats of the 1970s and ’80s were reminiscent of flight attendant hats and were just ugly. It’s time for these hats and caps to either go to a costume shop or in the hard rubbish. I know that will anger some of you but, really, when was the last time you wore one? ‘Large organ; free to a large organist.’ I visited a corps a few years ago that had a piano on one side of the platform and an organ on the other, but there was also a keyboard on the platform. I asked the corps officer why he had all three. He said that they used the keyboard weekly and the piano occasionally and the organ never; he said the last corps organist had passed away about 20 years earlier. I asked why he’d never removed it, and he said, “The corps won’t let me. I’ve tried.” I suggested he either sell it to a shop selling vintage items, push it off a cliff or put it out with the hard rubbish. He was reluctant to take any of these options for fear of being stoned by his soldiers. ‘Baritone players; free to a good band.’ I’ve played in Army brass bands for more than 50 years and still can’t work out why we need baritones. Three things occur to me: 1. They don’t seem to play a part that can’t be covered by the second trombones or tenor horns; 2. The baritone section is predominantly the retirement village of the band; and 3. When was the last time you heard a baritone solo performed? I suspect they’re surplus and not required, so we can put our baritone players out with the hard rubbish collection. Except for Alf and Neal, of course; they do a great job in my corps band, and I have the utmost respect and admiration for them. What else have you got at your corps that can go out with the hard rubbish? Do a spring clean this week and see if you can free up some space. Remember to keep the corps officer. – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

Each week throughout this year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (10-16 June) we are praying for the India Eastern Territory, which includes the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Prayer requests: ·   Pray for the 18 newly commissioned officers of the Defenders of Justice session, that they will have fruitful and effective ministries. ·  There will be 18 cadets in the Champions of the Mission session and 13 cadets in the Keepers of Covenant session. Please pray for these cadets and the training college principal and staff. ·   Pray that the ongoing divisional review is successfully accomplished in time. ·    India is preparing for the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament election in different states this year. Pray that God's chosen people will be elected as Members of Parliament. ·  Pray for the safety and liberation of the victims and vulnerable corps soldiers in Manipur State because of ongoing conflict among the people of the state. To read more about the India Eastern Territory, click here. For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here.

Australian participants and presenters joined around 300 people representing 50 countries at The Salvation Army Online Climate Change Symposium on 21-23 May. The Salvation Army’s International Development Services at International Headquarters, London, hosted the symposium in response to the growing impacts of climate change around the world. The event was supported by simultaneous translation into several languages, with presentations from specialists and practitioners from every continent and zone. General Lyndon Buckingham gave the keynote message, exploring how the symposium – themed, ‘For the adaptation and resilience in the Global South’ – fit with the International Positional Statement on Caring for the Environment and the mission of The Salvation Army, as well as highlighting the urgency for these discussions. “The General spoke to our responsibilities as stewards of creation,” said Major Brad Watson, Head of Community Engagement for The Salvation Army Australia, who attended several sessions during the three days. “Lieut-Colonel Dr Karen Shakespeare [also] presented a theology of why we need to act on climate change.” Lieut-Colonel Shakespeare is Chair of The Salvation Army International Theological Council. Two representatives from the International Children and Young People Advisory Group – Treasure Umoh (Nigeria Territory) and Blessed Kachepa (Zambia Territory) – also shared their perspectives as young Africans experiencing the realities of climate change, reminding delegates that we are not just responsible for God’s creation, but as his children we are part of that creation. “We are called to see our care for the environment and our response to the impacts of the climate crisis as part of our care for one another and ourselves,” they said. Australian contributions Presenters from Australia included Bruce Edwards, Project Coordinator for Salvation Army International Development (SAID); Amanda Lennestaal, Gender Equity Advocate and Officer Sustainability Project Lead; and Martin Nordstrom, Environment and Sustainability Manager, Salvos Stores Operations. Bruce spoke about disaster resilience, Amanda about impacts of climate change relating to gender, and Martin about the circular economy and sustainability. Sector-specific case studies focused on community health, human trafficking, gender inequity, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and agriculture. Presenters and delegates shared their lived experience of the direct impact of climate change personally and for their local communities. Diverse and innovative Salvation Army ministries around the world to mitigate against these effects were showcased. “I think the symposium was called for several reasons,” said Brad. “We recognise that climate change disproportionally impacts the countries where people can least respond. We understand the responsibility of the G20 economies, who are the world’s biggest polluters, to act, and that includes Salvation Army territories in those countries. “We understand that our work, particularly in emergencies and development, requires us to focus on climate resilience and responses that are sustainable, while also including ‘climate’ as a key consideration in any government partnerships.” Living reality – Solomon Islands Australian officers currently serving in the Solomon Islands, Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans, also attended the symposium with Auxiliary-Captain Wency Ramo’oroa, Honiara Corps Officer, and two men from Fouele village in South Malaita where a small corps is located. “Fouele is populated by families who have migrated from neighbouring Fanalei Island, which is now almost uninhabitable due to rising sea levels,” explained Robert. “Their story is well-researched and documented. More than 90 per cent of the population of Fanalei are now living on the mainland. We have visited this island and have seen the devastating impact of rising sea levels that have washed away houses and community structures, including the church. “Saltwater intrusion has destroyed any remaining arable land and freshwater sources. When I first arrived at the island there were a series of large steel containers loaded with rocks lining the shoreline in front of the remaining houses to hold back the tide. The fact that these two guys chose to attend this symposium makes a statement about their concern for climate change in the Solomon Islands." Robert also planned a cleanup walk along the Rove Creek with his regular walking group and some Salvos youth on World Environment Day (5 June). He preached on the theme of World Environment Day on Sunday 1 June and referenced the Climate Change Symposium. "It’s an alignment of opportunity that I’m keen to embrace, given the very real environmental issues in the Solomon Islands," he shared. Closing reflections “We need to devise sustainable strategies for the future,” said Colonel Diana MacDonald, Territorial Commander, Pakistan Territory. “All sessions at the symposium have reconfirmed our commitment to contribute to creating a better world around us.” Lauren Westwood, Communications Specialist for International Women’s Ministries said, “Several times, we have been reminded of the unjust reality that those who are most impacted are often the least empowered to speak out and inform decisions. Despite the heaviness of the topic, conversations around the intersection of gender inequity with climate change were encouraging and hopeful, venturing beyond tokenistic contribution and abstract concepts of gendered impact. As Amanda Lennestaal astutely put it: “A commitment to gender equity will not solve climate change, but when women are involved, we are not forgotten. When women’s stories, insight and leadership are offered, it is to the betterment of all society.” “Climate change is real,” proclaimed George Obondo, a project manager from Kenya East Territory, in his powerful and inspiring presentation, “and it is our responsibility, as we respond, to not leave anyone behind.” A report of the symposium outcomes, along with recordings of the sessions, will be available in the coming weeks. Article by IHQ Communications based on a report prepared by IHQ International Development Services

Four senior soldiers and one adherent were enrolled at Burwood Corps in Sydney on Easter Sunday. Those who were enrolled were Kah Im Khor (Zoe), Mun Liang Looi, May Lin, Liwen Lin and Jessica Li. “It was a privilege to witness their commitment to become soldiers of God and serve both the corps and the community,” said Corps Officer Captain Dillon Wu. “These individuals come from different walks of life, and while their journeys haven’t been easy, it’s an honour to support them as they embark on a new chapter in their faith. “We are particularly encouraged by the transformative journey of our newly enrolled adherent, who is the sibling of one of our corps members and also one of the newly enlisted soldiers. “We walked alongside them during a very challenging period in their lives last year, and seeing their progress towards positive change as they actively engage in the corps and serve the community is truly inspiring. “Broken relationships have been restored, family conflicts resolved, a new life purpose discovered and a recommitment to God embraced. Praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to these people!”

BY LAUREN MARTIN A devastating home explosion in Sydney’s west that killed one person was the first call-out for a newly commissioned Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) truck. NSW/ACT SAES Response Coordinator Norm Archer said he and other team leaders were just sitting down to dinner on Saturday 1 June at a training weekend at The Salvation Army’s Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches when the call came through that a team was required to support a multi-agency search and rescue operation at a residential street where a home had exploded. “We had just been training on the new truck that day, and then the call came through for activation, so we loaded it up with supplies and headed out there,” said Norm. Torrential rain made conditions tough for all involved, so Norm said bringing a hot meal and a warm smile to those working at the scene was good. The first response crew worked throughout the night, with warm soup and other snacks available to the police, ambulance officers, fire brigade personnel and others at the scene. “We did our best to bring hope and a friendly face in what was a very sombre occasion,” said Norm. Another crew arrived to take over on Sunday morning. The entire operation lasted until Monday, and more than 300 meals were served. “We received numerous thanks and acknowledgements for being there,” said Norm, adding that the ‘ministry of presence’ that the SAES provides often stays in the hearts and minds of those who receive it long afterwards. Indeed, during this Red Shield Appeal, one member of the public recounted a story of being at the scene of the Appin colliery explosion in 1979 that killed 14 mineworkers. He recalled The Salvation Army being at the scene shortly afterwards and staying in place for as long as needed. Captain Bindy Lupis, the newly installed SAES Program Manager, was also at the house explosion activation. She recalled one firefighter saying to her, “I was so relieved when you guys showed up last night. We were so hungry and cold … but then I couldn’t believe you stayed with us all night, too. We are so grateful.” The new SAES emergency catering unit, now tried and tested, will travel to Grafton at the end of this week to assist at a waterski event over the weekend, then, it will be based at Lismore in northern NSW. For more information on the Salvation Army Emergency Services, click here To volunteer for the emergency services, click here

Thank you to everyone who generously supported the 2004 Self Denial Appeal. In this video, Beverly shares how The Salvation Army transitioned her family from child sponsorship to the independent living SiKAP program. The program provided training and tools for the family to start their own poultry farm. Today, they have a thriving business of over 30 chickens, selling eggs and producing their own food. She says, “We have been good stewards of what God has provided and our business is progressing well. We are very thankful for the program. It is a gift from God.” To donate or find out more visit salvationarmy.org.au/donate/self-denial-2024

The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission, based in New York City, has just launched its 2023 annual report – ‘Joining Hands for Transformation’. This report highlights the ongoing efforts by The Salvation Army, including in Australia, to respond to the prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking around the world. To find out more about the impact The Salvation Army has had in 2023, read the report here. The International Social Justice Commission is The Salvation Army's strategic voice to advocate for human dignity and social justice with the world's poor and oppressed. It is part of The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters, although the office is based in New York City.