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Each month on Salvos Online, Rosy, the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, shares her thoughts and reflections on the spiritual issues that shape our lives as Christians, exploring how our faith intersects with our everyday experiences and how we can deepen our relationship with God. Today, she focuses on the two ‘multiplication’ stories in the Bible. I’ve been hung up on something lately, specifically that the two multiplication stories in the Bible serve as examples of both Jesus’ provision and our personal accountability for the stewardship of what we have. Multiplication 1: Loaves and fishes For those unfamiliar, the first story is about the preacher who went on too long, and the crowd grew hungry because it was dinner time. The preacher’s backup team looked at one another and grew increasingly stressed about what would happen next. Because the preacher had talked for so long, the people in the crowd were now expecting food because … that’s what happens at events. But they were a long way from town, and feeding that many people was going to be really, really expensive. As the adults argued and stressed among themselves, a small child was present. Well, we know that many children and women were present, but they were not included in the total numbers in the Bible story. As was the custom in many cultures, the children would have been seen and not heard (and perhaps not even seen at all!). This little boy would not have been spoken to or consulted about the imminent disaster. No one asked for his opinion, nor did anyone ask what he thought or how he thought this problem or crisis might be solved. I imagine this little boy looking up and seeing the frowns and anxious tones on the faces of the people in charge, even if he didn’t understand it. Or I wonder if the little boy looked over at that man, Jesus, the preacher, and saw something different. Something serene in his face. I wonder if Jesus looked at him and somehow said, “You’ve got this.” It might be fanciful thinking, and I don’t want to add to the Bible, but what we do know is that this little boy offered his fish and bread to the disciples. Something about that offering was so significant that they gave it to Jesus. Maybe Jesus was right there as the little boy handed them the food. Can you imagine it? In that state of distress and heightened anxiety, a child tried to give his mum’s fish sandwiches for lunch to the disciples to feed five thousand men, and however many women and children were in the crowd. The laugh, the sneer, or even the straight-out ignoring of the child that the adults may have given him in that moment. But for Jesus ... the same Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me.” The same Jesus who didn’t let the disciples stop the children from coming. Perhaps he was present, and instead of letting them turn the child away, he opened his hands. Then, from that simple offering, Jesus fed everyone. The Samaritan woman It made me think of the Samaritan woman at the well, who had been divorced by multiple men and cast aside for another. Women were not permitted to issue a certificate of divorce. They were at the mercy of the men in their lives. In all patriarchal cultures, the violence and exploitation by men can often be stopped only by another ‘benevolent’ man intervening. This woman was now with a man who had not married her. It was incredibly shameful on his part, yet it brought social shame upon her. Many commentators say that she went to the well in the middle of the day's heat perhaps to avoid awkward interactions with others. And here again she runs into a man ... who dares to speak to her. Probably not unused to uninvited male attention, yet here was a rabbi, esteemed and with the power to shame or condemn her if she had done something wrong. Instead, he asked her, “Will you draw me something to drink?” Instead of silently and meekly doing that with eyes downcast, she surprisingly responds. What follows is the longest theological conversation in Scripture between Jesus and anyone, occurring between Jesus and a woman who was scorned, shamed, and alone. I was reflecting on the fact that when he told her everything she had ever done, and she went away, filled with joy at his revealing himself to her, this Samaritan woman ran throughout the town saying, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” I have no doubt that, in the gossip culture of both men and women in many towns, people probably knew who she was. “Have you heard about her?” “All those husbands.” “Difficult woman.” And yet, instead of choosing a fancy, smart head of something, Jesus chose this woman. He chose her story. The story of shame that had separated her now became a testimony. I think it was the pall of shame being lifted that made people notice. Perhaps, as she ran about telling people about this prophet and how he knew everything, there was such joy, exuberance, and freedom that they couldn’t help but ask, “How could she, of all people, be saying that?” “How could he, of all people, speak to her?” “How could she be so free with the story that used to cause her so much pain?” Multiplication 2: Parable of the talents The second story of multiplication is the parable of the talents in the New Testament. Talents were a form of gold or money. Today, when many of us hear the word talents, we instead think of the things given to us freely by God: our skills, our abilities, and the things we must use and nurture to honour God and see multiplication. Perhaps the trap here is thinking of our own skills and abilities, and our faithfulness in using them, as a singular pursuit. But if we tie this to the first story of multiplication, perhaps it is about recognising the resources, gifts, and abilities in those we least expect. And the multiplication is to feed the massive army waiting, hungry. The world waiting, hungry. Specifically, in the case of what I am calling ‘fish sandwiches’, the fish and bread came from a child. I just feel so struck by the idea of this child saying, “Here, you can have my lunch.” I wrote a haiku about it: Mum’s fish sandwiches. Daily bread. Fish caught freshly. Everyone agrees. God’s provision of daily bread. God’s provision that we shall become fishers of people. God’s provision of family together. God’s provision of taking the lowly, the meek, the humble, and the overlooked. The, “No, not quite yet.”s The, “maybe one day when you grow up.”s The, “How about when your reputation is salvaged.”s God says, “Now.” He removes the pall of shame. There is no veil between us. But we must make sure to listen and look to where the provision will come from. I was thinking about all of the undiscovered treasures. All of the lost rings and jewellery. Viking coins. Aztec gold.Imagining what it’s like to be that treasure, stuck, buried, or hidden, looking out, waiting to be discovered. Some of it never will, probably for good reason. But then I think of all the talent, resources, gold, prophetic vision, revelation, and strength that God has hidden and embedded in children, in those whose stories might carry social shame, or in those we may only see as stigmatised. What could we learn? What could feed us! There is a saying: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” I can see that sometimes in the Church – we’re very adept at wanting to do more of what we’re already doing, even if it’s not quite giving us what we’re hoping for. I sometimes hear talk of The Salvation Army being the second-fastest declining denomination in Australia, and I worry about leadership, congregations, corps numbers, and how we’re all connected. But that little boy’s mum didn’t give him yesterday’s sandwiches. She gave him fresh bread and fresh fish, fit to feed an army. Are we prepared in the same fashion? Do we go to God daily? Do we read the Scriptures? Do we pray? Fast? Gather in congregational worship? Practise vulnerability? Pursue discipleship and fellowship? Repent? Rest? Maybe we all find that mum’s fish sandwiches will feed our Army for the future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God” (Romans 15:13-17 NIV).

Tahana Turner is the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator for The Salvation Army. BY TAHANA TURNER* NAIDOC Week 2026, celebrated from today through to next Sunday (5-12 July), is dedicated to recognising and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. For 50 years, NAIDOC Week has provided a space for truth-telling, celebrating culture, recognising resistance, and affirming the strength and dignity of First Nations peoples. This year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, marks an important milestone. ‘Deadly’ is a word that speaks to excellence, strength and pride. Deadly can also mean having a strong sense of identity and culture while looking ahead to a hope-filled future. This theme honours the generations who made NAIDOC possible: • The Elders who stood firm • The organisers who created space • The artists who painted, sang and danced, turning the struggle of recognition into a beautiful expression of culture • The communities that have continued to show up, year after year. READ MORE: Go to The Salvation Army NAIDOC Week 2026 website here NAIDOC has never been just a week. It has always been a platform. A strong walk of pride. A celebration. And a statement of survival. It reminds us that progress has not come by chance, but because people refused to be silenced and chose courage, community and hope. Today and tomorrow 50 Years of Deadly also recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today: • Grounded in culture • Strong in identity • Leading change across every field, from health and education to media, business and the arts. It is about telling our stories: in our own voices, in our own way, and on our own terms. And it is about the future: • The next 50 years • Young people growing up proud • Languages remaining and returning • A deeper reconnection to Country • And the ongoing work for justice, dignity, and healing – carried forward with new tools, new voices and the same fire. Hope lives in the actions we take today for future generations. In Isaiah chapter 43, verse 19, the Bible says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God is doing a new thing! A fresh, current and future-focused move of God is happening now amongst our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Join with us 50 Years of Deadly is not merely a marker of time passed. It is a reminder of momentum – of what is possible when cultures lead and community comes first. NAIDOC belongs to mob. It always has. The theme asks us to look back over 50 years – to acknowledge the stories, conversations, and meaningful connections we have encountered alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We would like to take this time to acknowledge and honour our non-Indigenous brothers, sisters and churches who have walked beside us and celebrated being deadly with us over these 50 years. Your conversations with us, your listening ears, and the way you have joined with us in ceremony have been deadly. So, thank you. As representatives of The Salvation Army, and of our mobs and communities, we offer this encouragement – to keep listening deeply, to walk with greater respect, and to honour what has come before us by continuing the work of the Lord side by side. Let’s be ALL IN and DEADLY for the next 50 years. *Tahana Turner is the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator for The Salvation Army. NAIDOC Week resources can be found on MySalvos here

To read Drew’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here

Salvation Army officers and other personnel who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one: Our thoughts and prayers are with Major Robert Champion and his family following the passing of his eldest son, Joseph. Please uphold Robert and his children – Hayley, Jamie, Kayla and Sarah – in prayer during this difficult time. May they know God's peace, love and comfort surrounding them as they grieve this profound loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lieut-Colonel John Hodge and their family following the passing of John's brother, Arthur Hodge, on 13 June 2026. Arthur leaves behind his Wife Lorraine (sister to Major Denice Hutchinson), his four children their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchild and siblings Lt Col John, Eileen and Robert. We pray that God's peace, love and comfort will surround the family during this of time of deep loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Majors Sue and Max Hale and their family following the passing of Sue’s beloved mother, Dorothy Jennaway, on Thursday 7 May 2026. We pray that God’s peace, love, and comfort will surround the family during this time of deep loss. We extend our heartfelt love and prayers to Colonel Mark Watts and Majors Gavin and Wendy Watts on the passing of their dearly loved father, Colin Watts, on Sunday 29 March 2026. Colin was reunited with his Lord just 19 days after the passing of his beloved wife, Rosemarie. Colin was also a devoted father to Ashley, a much loved Pa to Josh (and Brigitta) and Sarah (and Matt), a brother-in-law to Commissioner Earle Maxwell, and a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews. ‌We give thanks for Colin’s life and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. We rejoice in the assurance that he is now free from pain and resting in the presence of his Maker. We pray that God’s peace, love, and comfort will surround the family during this time of deep loss. ‌‌Our thoughts and prayers are with Major Steve Dorman and his family following the passing of his beloved father, Leslie Dorman, who passed away on Monday 30 March 2026. Leslie will be fondly remembered as a devoted father to Majors Steve and Petra Dorman, Lawrence Dorman and Terese Dorman, a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren, and a treasured great grandfather to six great grandchildren. His funeral service will be held on 10 April 2026. ‌Major Linda Willing is bereaved following the unexpected passing of her youngest brother, David Willing, in Cowra. David’s funeral service was held on Wednesday 8 April 2026. Please keep Linda and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. ‌‌We share with sadness that Divisional Envoy Christine Jameson is bereaved of her husband, Divisional Envoy Michael Jameson, who was Promoted to Glory on Saturday 21 February 2026, aged 94 years. We give thanks for his faithful life and service and continue to uphold Christine in our prayers. ‌We extend our love and deepest sympathies to Major Aaron Stobie, Captain Ronald Stobie, Captain Lauren Stobie, Captain Amy Stobie, and their families following the loss of their beloved Nana, Mrs Melva Stobie, on Tuesday 17 March 2026. Promoted to Glory in New Zealand at the age of 97, Melva was a devoted mother of 6 (including Mr Brett Stobie), grandmother to 12, and great‑grandmother to 17. Our prayers and care surround the Stobie family at this sad and significant time. Lieut-Colonel Lyn Edge was bereaved of her father, Eric Edge, who was promoted to Glory on Thursday 26 February 2026. Our love and prayers surround Lyn and Terry and the whole family at this sad time. May they each know God’s deep comfort, strength, and peace in these tender days, and feel upheld by the care and love of their Salvation Army family as they grieve and remember a dearly loved father. ‌ ‌We extend our love and prayers to Colonel Mark Watts and Majors Gavin and Wendy Watts following the passing of their beloved mother, Rosemarie Watts, on 10 March 2026. Rosemarie was the dearly loved wife of Colin, mother of Ashley, Nana to Josh and Sarah, sister to Commissioner Earle Maxwell, and a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews. We give thanks to God for Rosemarie’s life and the lasting impact she made. We rejoice in the assurance that she is now safely in the arms of Jesus, and we pray that the family will know God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, during this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Commissioner Cheralynne Pethybridge, Major Greg Pack and Mrs Roslyn Eades at the recent loss of their mum, sister Colleen Pack who passed away on Wednesday 21 January 2026 (two months short of her 90th birthday). Colleen was a grandmother of Captain Matt Pethybridge, much loved wife of Gordon (deceased), Mother in Law of their spouses, Grandma to 13 grandchildren and Great Grandma to 11. She will be incredibly missed but her Godly influence remains in those who knew and loved her. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Captain Fleur Hodge at the recent loss of her Dad, Peter Hodge, who passed away on Tuesday 3rd February. Our deepest love and prayers surround Fleur and her family at this very sad time. A service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of Peter’s life will be held at 10am on Saturday 21 February at Adelaide Congress Hall. Lieut-Colonel Cheryl Carpenter’s father, Neville Lane, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday 24 December. Please uphold Cheryl and the family in prayer during this time. Major Sue Smith has suffered the bereavement of her mother Hazel Sanger. Hazel was a soldier of Port Macquarie Corps for many years. Please pray that Sue will keenly experience the presence of the Holy Spirit's comfort at this time. ‌ ‌We extend our heartfelt love and prayers to Major Andrew Walton following the recent passing of his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Walton. Elizabeth was dearly loved as the wife of Ken, mother to Craig and Andrew, and grandmother to Anjali and Nishie. A service of thanksgiving for her life will be held at Ringwood Corps on Thursday 22 January. As we give thanks for Elizabeth’s life and the impact she had, we pray that the family will experience God’s peace that surpasses all understanding during this time of mixed emotions.

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? The beautiful, challenging Outback and Northern Territory town of Katherine is where I serve. The corps provides two meals a day plus shower and laundry services five days a week. We work alongside six other TSA mission expressions onsite and regularly have more than 100 community members using our centre. We have a strong worship expression every Sunday night, and some great community engagement outreach activities such as the lost kids stand at the annual Katherine Show, and a huge Christmas Day lunch every year that has up to 40 volunteers helping out. Supporting volunteers is one of the most satisfying parts of my role. They are needed, and many of them need the connection that serving brings them. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? My husband and I have two eight-year-old Labrador dogs – one black and one brown one. When I walk in the door after work, nothing can switch my brain into relax mode more than my dogs being overjoyed to see me. I try to walk and swim and I will read anything, including the back of a tin can. So, really enjoying good modern novels of positive topics, when I’m disciplined enough to get off my iPad screen, is a great way for me to unwind. Sandra serving the Kstherine community during the Top End floods in March. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I have many but can’t go past the modern day setting of the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi: ‘Make me a Channel of Your Peace’. I love some of the modern Christian YouTube clips and also value the traditional Salvation Army Song Book. I want to sing about Jesus, or with words directly from the Bible. I like songs that remind me of what Jesus has done by forgiving my sin and putting me right with my creator God, for a life beyond this one. 4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? I think I’d like to get to know the Apostle Thomas. He’s the one who asked Jesus to prove he really had come back to life. I like his bravery and willingness to ask what other people may be thinking. I would talk about doubt with him and why doubt is okay with God and is the flip side of faith. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I would first share the final command of Jesus to his disciples recorded in Matthew 28, verses 16-20. This reminds us that everyone who follows Jesus is asked to ‘Go and make disciples’. This is not just for church leaders or ordained people, it’s for all of us. However, like me, if The Salvation Army is a movement that you know and love, there is a place for you in full-time ministry today. Please pray about it and speak to a trusted leader in The Salvation Army to explore options for full time serving. You will find a fulfilment in serving. I do not regret one day of my now eight years as a late vocation auxiliary-lieutenant in The Salvation Army Australia. You are needed. God will go before and you will have lots of support to be the best you can be as a Salvation Army officer. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following officers who will reach the retirement milestone in 2026: 31 July 2026 ‌Major Helen Ellicott Major Bruce Ellicott 30 June 2026 Major Heather Jenkins Major Andrew McKeown Lieut-Colonel Chris Reid 31 May 2026 ‌Commissioner Kelvin Pethybridge Commissioner Cheralynne Pethybridge Major Simon Steele Major Craig Todd 30 April 2026 ‌Major Tony De Tommaso Major Yan De Tommaso Major Fran Everitt Major Kaylene Fyfe 31 March 2026 ‌Major Neil Clanfield Major Sharon Clanfield Lieut-Colonel Robyn Clinch 28 February 2026 Major Rick Hoffman Major Rowena Smith 31 January 2026 Major Lauriee Arthur Major Paul Arthur Colonel Rodney Walters

The Adelaide Congress Hall's City Women's Group at the event on 27 June. Image: Facebook A group of Salvationist women from Adelaide Congress Hall recently came together to help make menstrual health kits for women and girls experiencing disadvantage. The Project Day was held in partnership with Days for Girls Australia (DfGAL), a global charity transforming the lives of women and girls by providing reusable menstrual health kits, education and support. The City Women’s Group came together as a team to complete 35 kits across 13 workstations, with 148 partially completed. The event, held on Saturday 27 June at Adelaide Congress Hall Corps, was organised by retired officer Major Bev Beeson, who spoke highly of the Days for Girls initiative. “It was a privilege to partner with Days for Girls and a wonderful day of fellowship, service and fun. It was especially encouraging to see younger and older women working side by side, including some who had never sewn before,” Bev said. “Along with the completed kits, the group also donated fabric, $200 in cash, underwear and face washers to support this important ministry.” As part of the event, Susan Harris OAM, who played a key role in connecting with Days for Girls International and establishing the project in Australia, shared about the organisation’s life-changing work and the ongoing global need for these kits. All images: Facebook In many parts of the world, girls miss school or face shame and isolation simply because they lack access to menstrual products. Through volunteers, local partnerships and social enterprises, Days for Girls helps restore dignity, improve health, keep girls in education and create opportunities for brighter futures. Working in more than 145 countries including Australia and the Pacific, the organisation believes that every girl deserves the knowledge, resources and confidence to thrive, because periods should never be a barrier to opportunity. From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, DfGAL organised for 40,342 girls and women to receive kits in 24 countries around the world. Seventeen per cent of these kits were distributed in Australia.

Salvation Army teams are assisting in some of the worst-hit areas after the earthquakes in Venezuela. Salvation Army teams continue to expand their initial earthquake response efforts in Venezuela to help support communities impacted by affected by two powerful earthquakes that struck on 24 June. The teams are delivering food, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to earthquake survivors, as well as supporting first responders with hot drinks and snacks as they work around the clock in some of the worst-hit areas. A central coordination and operational base has now been established at a local church, where additional volunteers are arriving to help meet growing needs. The desperate search for survivors continues as Venezuela marks one week since the devastating twin earthquakes. More than 2200 people have died, with about 50,000 believed to be still missing. The Salvation Army has been present in Venezuela since 1972. Venezuela is part of the Latin America North Territory. Salvation Army workers assisting people impacted by the earthquakes. Hope on wheels in Ukraine For many years, The Salvation Army in Ukraine has been working on and waiting for this moment – the arrival of a brand-new emergency response vehicle, complete with a built-in kitchen. “This isn’t just a van. It’s hope on wheels,” said Ukraine divisional leaders Majors Irina and Konstantyn Shvab. “With this vehicle, our teams can now reach people in crisis faster than ever – cooking hot meals and serving hot drinks right on the spot, wherever they are needed most. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting displaced families, or reaching communities affected by the war, this van means comfort and nourishment can arrive exactly when and where it’s needed. “We’ve dreamed of this for so long. Today, that dream is real. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible – your support, prayers, and generosity are the reason we can keep serving with love in action – ‘Heart to God, Hand to Man’.” The long-awaited emergency response vehicle has arrived in Ukraine. Driving development for children in Kenya When the WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene): Food Security and Resilience Program began in Kenya – funded by The Salvation Army Australia and implemented though our partner The Salvation Army Kenya East Territory, the local school children lacked access to clean drinking water, and the learning environment was poor. Through the program, the community learned that improving water access required structural upgrades. Empowered with new advocacy skills introduced by the program, the community organised themselves and approached their Member of Parliament to request support. Their collective voice and efforts succeeded: five classrooms were renovated with new roofs and iron sheets, walls were painted and floors tiled, creating a safe and functional environment for the students. These upgrades unlocked the full potential of the WASH program. Rainwater harvesting systems were installed, giving students access to clean drinking water for the first time. The impact has been transformative: improved health, reduced absenteeism and renewed confidence in local leadership. Parents and teachers report a stronger sense of ownership and pride, and the community now sees advocacy as a powerful tool for driving development. For more information on The Salvation Army International Development Australia, check out their Facebook page here. The WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) program in Kenya is funded by The Salvation Army Australia.

Dear friends, Founders’ Day is here! And I think this prompts an important question: What does it take to start a movement? Faith, courage, obedience? All three, plus more? Back in 1865, William and Catherine Booth stepped into the streets of East London. They saw people who were struggling and often ignored, and they didn’t walk past. They stopped, they listened, and they were obedient to the calling. God gave the Booths his vision. They obeyed, and look what God did! And that mission to our world continues. They offered practical help. They shared hope. They pointed people to Jesus. Soup, Soap, Salvation. And this is still at the heart of who we are. So, let’s now pause, remember how it all began, and lift our eyes to see where God is leading us now, because the remarkable thing is that the story didn’t end with them. It has been carried by generations since, and now it lives in each one of us, in the way we lead, the way we serve, and the way we show up every day. Scripture reminds us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19). Today, we honour the past with thankfulness, but we are not standing still. We are stepping forward with purpose into all that God continues to do through us. Across the Australia Territory, you’ll start to hear us name this more clearly. One Story. One Army. Spiritual and social transformation, through holistic integrated mission, with local mission delivery. And ... it all starts with Jesus, led by His Spirit and bringing hope to the world, a world that needs Him desperately right now. Our shared story of hope in action will take shape intentionally, and every one of us has a part to play. As we celebrate Founders’ Day, we’re not simply looking back with gratitude. We’re looking forward with purpose. To remember why we exist. To reflect on how we are living it. And to renew our commitment to what comes next. This day belongs to all of us. Because the mission is shared. The call is shared. The future is shared. Let’s step forward together, continuing the story we have been entrusted with. Thank you for all you bring. Every day. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Territorial Commander READ MORE: How well do you know your Salvation Army history?

Roseanne Randall loves chocolate, so setting a fundraising goal that involved abstaining from chocolate treats was a huge ask! BY LAUREN MARTIN Roseanne Randall absolutely loves chocolate (what’s not to love?!). On her first date with her husband of 35 years, they shared a hot chocolate, and it was a match made in heaven. Over the past four years, the senior soldier from Kingborough-Huon Corps in Tasmania has tried to go without chocolate each year as a fundraiser for her local Red Shield Appeal. She calls it her ‘TRYING not to eat chocolate challenge!’ The key word here is ‘trying’. You see, Roseanne has never successfully made it through her 15-day challenge. But in an endearing way, Roseanne’s challenge, authentically shared with friends through daily Facebook posts, challenges the current culture of perfectionism and the dangerous belief that if you don’t succeed, you’re a ‘failure’. Roseanne Randall with her Kingborough-Huon Corps Officer, Captain Roz Edwards. Roseanne, who works as the Executive Assistant to the Tasmanian Divisional Commander in Hobart, said the idea for the challenge arose after The Salvation Army shifted from a door-to-door Red Shield Appeal doorknock to the ‘Digital Doorknock’ fundraising page. “I really loved the Salvos doorknock,” said Roseanne. “When it changed to a digital doorknock, I was thinking, why are my friends just going to give me money if I just post a link on my Facebook? I like to show that I am donating myself [to the appeal]. “For people who know me, they know it’s a big deal for me to go without chocolate, so I thought I would commit to trying.” Roseanne’s plan seemed simple enough: For 15 days, from 1-15 June, she aimed to abstain from eating chocolate or drinking hot chocolate. She pledged on Facebook: “If I eventually, I mean accidentally, eat chocolate on any given day, I will instead donate $20, and $10 for a hot chocolate.” Inviting her friends to support her, Roseanne set up a Salvation Army Digital Doorknock profile and shared the link with them. The challenge started well. Six days in, though, there was a slight mishap ... Facebook post:“In an effort to not eat chocolate, I bought a good-looking raspberry and white chocolate muffin by mistake … Then as I carefully carved out a piece of plain muffin, a small piece of the white chocolate crumbled off and fell to the kitchen bench. Next thing, quick as a flash, without any thought, like any good woman, it was cleared off the bench and into my mouth! … But I’m keeping calm and drinking my tea. $20 into my donation for the Red Shield Appeal!” On day 11, a work colleague asked, “How’s your chocolate challenge going?” and that was all it took! “Then I started to think about chocolate!” Roseanne laments. Facebook post: “Eventually, after lunch, as I placed my hot cup of tea on the coaster a kind person gave to me last year, I knew it was time to dig deep! Dig deeper for the Salvos Red Shield Appeal, and so, the chocolate was cracked open without another thought! Too easy today!” With each slip, her fundraising total climbed higher as her friends encouraged her (or even teased her with Facebook comments featuring tantalising descriptions of the chocolate they were eating!). Roseanne said the temptations can be linked to other life struggles and show that we all face challenges, but even if we succumb, it’s about what you do next. (Left) Roseanne’s Day 11 ‘slip’. (Right) On day 15, a colleague tempted Roseanne by leaving chocolate on her desk… what did she do? She waited!! After day 15, with a whopping $700 having been raised for her local Red Shield Appeal, Roseanne’s challenge looked like this: Facebook post: Day 1 - successful Day 2 - successful Day 3 - successful Day 4 - successful Day 5 - successful Day 6 - FAILED. I believe that it was day 6 that I failed last year too!! Day 7 - ACCIDENTALLY FAILED with the muffin! Day 8 - successful Day 9 - successful Day 10 - successful DAY 11 - successful Day 12 - FAILED for all the right reasons! There are people who are really struggling and we need to be there for each other. Day 13 - successful Day 14 - INTENTIONALLY FAILED (did it for the kids ) Day 15 - successful Roseanne celebrated with a hot chocolate and a chocolate! “I honestly am trying to do better with my chocolate consumption, and hope to eat less ongoing,” she said. The ‘TRYING not to eat chocolate challenge’ is a reminder of God’s great love for us. He doesn’t wait until we are perfect before embracing us into his loving family, and every time we slip, his forgiveness is assured as we reset our eyes on Jesus, in trust and repentance. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Good on you Roseanne! (Left) Roseanne’s Day 10 Facebook post: “Sounds like the love of God! No wonder chocolate is soo good!” (Right) Roseanne’s love of chocolate even extends to a Cadbury tea towel.

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham at the France and Belgium Territorial Congress. General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham joined Salvationists and friends for The Salvation Army’s France and Belgium Territorial Congress, held in Brussels and Paris from 20–24 May 2026. Under the theme ‘Transformed Lives’, the five-day congress brought together nearly 1200 people from across France and Belgium for worship, teaching, testimony, music, fellowship and celebration. Music was a special part of the congress, in both Paris, as pictured, and Brussels. Across the program, meetings, conferences, concerts, a commissioning of new Salvation Army officers, an anniversary celebration, a flag dedication and a Sunday marketplace all formed part of a rich and varied experience. Organisers said that, beyond the program and venues, there was a strong sense that God was continuing to transform lives: ‘sometimes in visible ways, and sometimes in the quiet depths of the heart’. Two conference sessions invited participants to reflect on the identity and mission of The Salvation Army in France and Belgium. In particular, the sessions explored how The Salvation Army has found its place within secular life in the two countries through helping vulnerable people in all walks of life, spiritually and physically. At the Palais de la Femme in Paris, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham led an evening entitled ‘An Army of Women’. Through testimonies from women actively involved in Salvation Army ministry, the event highlighted the vital contribution women continue to make to the mission. The strategic reflection currently taking place across the territory was also shared with the General. Sunday’s marketplace provided an opportunity for churches, centres, ministries, services and partners to showcase their work. Participants discovered more about the breadth and impact of The Salvation Army’s mission across France and Belgium. During the event, the General was presented with the scarf of the ‘Porteurs de Flambeau’, The Salvation Army’s scouting movement in France, and visited the ‘CrossOver’ stand in the exhibition space, where he experienced virtual reality through the Army’s gaming ministry. Reflecting on the congress, Colonels Claude-Evelyne and Jacques Donze said: “It was a very beautiful congress, with many high-quality contributions. We thank the General and Commissioner Buckingham for their contribution to the development of the spiritual life of our territory.” For the full story on The Salvation Army's international website, click here.

Every year, nearly 300,000 people are assisted by specialist homelessness services in Australia, with single parents and their children making up one-third of all people experiencing homelessness. Your support this Red Shield Appeal is helping to change that through safe accommodation and pathways towards sustainable housing, supporting vulnerable families and helping prevent homelessness before it begins. Most of all, you are restoring hope and dignity where it matters most. From all of us at the Salvos, thank you.