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“What an amazing time we had on Wednesday night at the Recovery Church Christmas in July celebration at our new venue at Merri-bek,” said Captain Melanie Cop, Recovery Church@Merri-bek Corps Officer, with Major Darren Aitken. “An incredible meal, brass band, carols, and a powerful testimony from Brian, a valued long-term member. It was wonderful to connect with new and long-term ‘friends like family’ and share the joy of community. Many thanks to all those who put so much effort into making it such a special evening.” Christmas in July has been a regular feature of the Recovery Church at Moonee Valley for many years. The congregation recently relocated and used the move to continue their much-loved tradition for their first meeting at Merri-bek. “Christmas in July has always been a celebration of community and the connection we have with each other,” said Melanie Cop. “The community members who join our celebration come from several of our social services, including Flagstaff Crisis Accommodation (men) and Bridgehaven Recovery Services (women). Chaplains from social centres also bring guests to Recovery Church. “Our volunteers and community members cook the donated meat each year and prepare the veggies. They’re also involved in the table decorations. I put out ideas and collect resource, but they lead it, they own it.” “Christmas in July is something special we celebrate together – another way of celebrating community together. It helps foster the relationships we have together and a way we can show our community how much we love, appreciate and care for them.” Melanie explained that, like a family holiday, Christmas in July is something the community members appreciate and look forward to each year. “It’s special, a small token of something they can be excited about. They can feel special, and we can spoil them. We really do appreciate them – it’s a beautiful community, they have each other’s backs. The community goes beyond the walls of the church –vthey get together, volunteer in other Salvos places, they support us with fundraising barbeques and the Red Shield appeal, support each other in their challenges, come alongside and care for and support each other – that’s what church is really all about. “Faith is central to everything we do – it’s foundational, living out our beliefs, loving our neighbour and not our religions.”

The Mayak (Lighthouse) Corps in Kyiv, Ukraine, is constantly busy helping locals and internally displaced people (IDPs) whose lives have been disrupted by Russia’s invasion. Many have seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed, their children uprooted and traumatised and their families separated. Many people have lost loved ones or have husbands, sons, fathers and friends fighting on the frontlines. Staff and volunteers receive, unload and distribute food, bedding and other essentials for the constant flow of IDPs – many of whom are fleeing their homes in the face of bombs and missiles. This Saturday, The Salvation Army will take clothing and shoes for both adults and children, as well as toys for the children, to an area that has been “under occupation for some time”. The team is very grateful to all those who have assisted in collecting, sorting and transporting these essential supplies, including other corps, volunteers, and IDPs as well. Corps programs also continue, including classes on basic Christianity.

By BARRY GITTINS One of the most enigmatic World War Two images from the Kokoda campaign depicts a wounded Australian soldier having his cigarette lit by Red Shield Representative Major Albert Moore. The Australian War Memorial notes that Major Moore was padre to the 2/14th Battalion, and the wounded Digger was Lieutenant Valentine G. Gardner, D Company, 2/14th Battalion. For better and worse, cigarettes were part of life for many fighting men. US General John Pershing was asked during World War One what was “needed to win the war”, and he replied, “tobacco as much as bullets.” Groups such as The Salvation Army, the YMCA and the Red Cross raised money to send and distribute “tobacco products, reading materials and other items” (such as coffee, tea, and playing cards) overseas in several countries. For Salvation Army personnel serving people in historical conflicts, the aim was to serve and comfort, not to chide soldiers by railing against tobacco and nicotine’s addictive, harmful properties. The Founder’s opinion It’s worth noting, however, that the Army has long made a public stand against smoking for much of its history. General William Booth, in 1888, decried tobacco “in any form, whether that of smoking, snuff-taking, or chewing”. He wrote that “eminent medical men say that smoking injures the brain and consequently the entire nervous system [and] the lungs, the stomach, the digestive organs generally and often injures the eyes”. The General also described smoking as “a shameful waste of money”, an “unnatural habit”, and an “unclean practice [that] corrupts the breath, poisons the atmosphere and makes its votary a nuisance in a small way to everybody about him”. That liberating tale was typical of Salvationists’ attitudes. In an 1898 edition of the War Cry, no less an Aussie luminary than Adjutant John Gore had testified that he’d been saved “in London 30 years ago, on 3 September 1868, from drink, tobacco and all sin”. It was typical of accounts of “victories over tobacco”. A local officer had testified about “complete deliverance from tobacco” in the 15 August 1903 issue of The Victory. That same year, the War Cry informed readers and advocated for a legislative bill “prohibiting the sale of tobacco to boys under 16 years” and ran a series of articles about the concerning links between tobacco and health. The 21 October 1905 War Cry relates that “a man who was so wedded to his pipe that he thought a divorce impossible suddenly resolved to give it up and worship God with clean lips. He did, and the money, which hitherto went up in smoke, was saved and expended in purchasing a corps flag, and the man himself carries it”. A 1916 feature article, ‘The Tobacco Evil’, by Lieut-Colonel Graham, preceded much editorialising against smoking in the 1920s. By the 1930s and 1940s, corps such as Lidcombe (Sydney) and Woonona (in Wollongong) were reporting stories about “tobacco destroyed” and “tobacco surrendered” at the mercy seat. By the 1950s, the War Cry was clearly describing tobacco as “a killer”, and The Salvation Army’s Junior Soldiers program even rolled out a ‘Certificate of Membership’ to ‘The Young Soldier Non-Smoking Club’ and invited the young people to sign it as a commitment. In 1976, the late Colonel Henry Gariepy wrote that as well as asking Salvationists to abstain from intoxicating liquors and other drugs, The Salvation Army added tobacco to the prescribed list of substances for Salvationists. The Salvation Army believes that ‘not using them’ is the only way to ensure people won’t be hurt by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Nevertheless, Salvos do not condemn people who use these substances. Salvationists and Salvation Army staff continue to work compassionately with those whose use of such substances has become harmful, supporting them to regain social, physical, mental, and spiritual health through a health-focused, harm-reduction approach in addiction treatment services.

By KIRRALEE NICOLLE While some have described it as the ‘wrong side of the tracks’, the suburb of Reservoir in the north of Melbourne is a colourful place. The community boasts a large LGBTIQA+ community and a very culturally diverse demographic which includes many Indigenous Australians. And amid this melting pot lies a small brick gem hidden away on a side street. The Reservoir Salvation Army Corps is a long, narrow building with a basketball ring attached to the rear. Upon entering the front door, I notice brightly painted walls with photos and posters about consent and respect and a low, overflowing bookcase to the right. A closer look shows a slew of titles by radically inclusive American Christian author, the late Rachel Held Evans. Held Evans focused her writing on reaching those typically disenfranchised from the church, once famously stating that “what makes the gospel offensive isn’t who it keeps out but who it lets in”. Well, I think. This should be interesting. “Who Reservoir Salvos is has shifted over the years, constantly just trying to reflect the needs of the local community,” corps officer Auxiliary Lieutenant Esther Atkins says. “And since we started [as corps officers] five years ago, our main goal has just been to provide a safe place for anyone, regardless of whatever their status is.” She says now that emphasis is reflected in welcoming those of all ages with mental health concerns, diverse gender and sexual identities and different cultural backgrounds. Many have also grown up in the church but are looking for a different experience from what they knew as a child. “So just across the board, a safe space,” Esther says. “We just had that as our foundation, and then sort of evolved from there what we need to do in order to create that space and meet the needs of those who come.” But being a safe space has its limitations. Esther and her husband, fellow Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Matt Atkins, say this has been challenging. She says, at times, this has meant turning people away who may be a threat to vulnerable church attendees for any reason. “We’ve had to learn over the last couple of years that sometimes being a safe place means that not every single person is welcomed because they are not a safe person,” Esther says. “We’ve had to be really careful.” Another facet of this work is the difficulty of communicating across multiple cultural, economic and political divides. To bypass some of this challenge, the pair use pop culture to bridge gaps. One of their go-to shows is the wildly popular children’s cartoon Bluey. The show features a family of blue and red heelers who, together with their dog friends, explore themes including neurodivergence, fear, anger, relationship challenges, miscarriage and infertility, all packaged in a humorous and all-ages-appropriate seven-minute format. “Adults actually get a lot out of it,” Esther says. “Any adult, whether a parent or not, can watch an episode of Bluey and find something new in it. Some of our best preaches have come from Bluey about being brave, being vulnerable, trying new things [or] how you see the world.” The pair pepper the conversation with references to authors Glennon Doyle and Brené Brown and sitcoms Ted Lasso and Parks and Recreation. Having brought their interests, passions and personality to the role seems to be creating new pathways for the congregation at Reservoir to experience transformation. They explain how their son conducts an Acknowledgement of Country each service to honour the traditional owners of the land, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. One church member who has been attending for several years initially resisted the idea of Indigenous Australians being honoured but now pays her respects along with the rest of the group. Matt shares how some of his friends used to be in ministry roles but, for various reasons, stepped away from the church due to trauma and burnout. He says they feel comfortable attending Reservoir Salvos as it feels like a much safer environment than other church expressions. “We always are trauma-informed first and foremost,” Esther says. “Our first year in this position, we did the trauma-informed training, which has shaped a lot of what we do.” The couple calls the church services “chaotic, messy gatherings” where community connection happens. “It feels like such a privilege to be able to facilitate and then be a part of these moments where this is God at work,” Esther says. “Our goal is just to reconcile people to each other, to the community and then to God, and all of us are broken and struggling. And we believe God and faith is about that connection with each other.”

More than 100 people attended the Christmas in July events at Sunraysia Corps in north-west Victoria – a dinner at Red Cliffs and lunch in Mildura. “Everyone had a lovely time,” said Major Debbie Serojales, Sunraysia Corps Officer. “There was a real party atmosphere. Some people dressed up and brought their own Christmas decorations for the table. “One man, who has been connected to us for some time, asked me why we do it. I told him because we want to help people; we care. I reminded him that he is now part of our church family – and he cried. He can’t believe that people come back week after week. He really appreciates what is been done for the community.” Sunraysia Corps runs community lunches and dinners all year round in both locations, but the Christmas in July meals are extra special. “It’s about celebrating our people and an excuse for a party,” said Debbie. “We celebrate Christmas with our growing and diverse communities that include seasonal workers from Vanuatu, locals and people who just want to share a meal with others. “We have one older couple who usually eat dinner on their own at home. They come down and enjoy eating with people who’ve become their friends. It’s about relationships. We’ve even had a men’s group and a craft group form out of the community meals.” Christmas decorations were put up, music played, bonbons pulled and hats worn for both lunch and dinner. Local businesses donated cooked meat, to which the usual trimmings were added. “There were even little gifts,” said Debbie. “We celebrated Christmas over food with friends, which encourages conversation. “Salvo volunteers were spread across the ‘doing and serving’ and the ‘listening and being’, so they could join in conversations as well. Volunteers from the Red Cliffs Church of Christ were also assisted in the festivities. “Any excuse to celebrate together,” said Debbie.

A series of online Yarning Circles will be held throughout August for personnel and Salvationists to learn more about the Voice and to ask questions in a safe and respectful space. A Yarning Circle is an ancient form of speaking that has been practised by Aboriginal people and many Indigenous peoples from around the world for centuries. Aboriginal people have used this method as a form of decision-making, as building and strengthening relationships and as a way of giving and sharing knowledge from a collective group. The aim of the Yarning Circles is to encourage constructive dialogues on Voice in a safe space that is inclusive, respectful and considerate. For more information and to register for the Yarning Circles, go to https://my.salvos.org.au/voice/voice-yarning-circles/

By ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army Interstate Basketball and Netball Carnival is an all-ages annual sporting event for participants from around the country. Launching with an opening ceremony, basketball and netball teams play up to 12 games on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Players have a rest day on Wednesday before playing finals on Saturday. “We see the value of doing a week together, doing something we all love, but spending time in community,” explains Marj Rava, Youth and Young Adults secretary. “Whilst it’s great to play the sports we love, it’s the conversations and interactions off court that have most value.” The South Australia/Northern Territory Division hosted the event this year, which was held at The Lights Community and Sports Centre in Adelaide from 9-16 July. The competition included Men’s A basketball, Men’s B basketball, Women’s basketball, Under-18 boys, Under-14 mixed and netball. Teams came from South Australia, NSW/ACT, Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Papua New Guinea. The all-ages event sees some participants having attended for decades and some having attended for the first time. “I love how I see young people make friends with those from other states and how those relationships continue on beyond the event,” Marj says. “Young people get around each other and cheer each other on, and we see those relationships grow and see them encourage and cheer each other on throughout other areas of life.” The event opens with a meal, features devotional times each day, and ends with a presentation on Saturday night where awards are given out. The community-building event is multigenerational, forming friendships that can continue for a lifetime. “We see people connect in, who for whatever reason, haven’t connected with other communities and they say they have found ‘their people’,” says Marj. “People find a place where they are welcomed, feel belonging and are cheered on to know they have worth and value.” Below is a selection of quotes from participants on the value of the carnival: “It brings people together through sport. It gives you opportunity to make friendships that you reconnect with year to year. It’s more affordable way for people to travel longer distances who wouldn'’ necessarily have that opportunity otherwise. It’s a great way to build and strengthen Christian friendships while doing something you love.” – Phoebe Johnson (Qld) “Carnival always gives you an amazing opportunity to talk about deeper things of life. It’s a totally different environment to the every day, and people are a lot more receptive to exploring new ideas and different ways of looking at things. Enduring friendships that have lasted decades are one of my favourite things about carnival and coming together in a face-to-face real-world environment.” – Emma Johnson (Qld) “I love: - the relationships that are formed through the carnival that go on to last for years...across generations as well. - the spirit of carnival ... where everyone is encouraged to try their hardest, but it is so inclusive of everyone - age and ability. - the ministry opportunities, spiritual formation and life lessons that are resultant from every carnival, which are embedded in everyone who experiences it.” – Di Hobbs (Vic.) “The thing I love about the carnival is the fellowship. It's about more than just playing sports; it’s about coming together and encouraging each other in everything we do throughout the week.” – Jordyn Walker (NSW/ACT) “It brings people into a Christian community who might otherwise never experience today’s church. Encouraging an exploration of Christianity through mutual interest and love of basketball/netball.” – Chris Clarke (SA) “My highlight would be simply catching up with people that I haven't seen for at least four years, and in the case of some people in SA, it has been about 10 years. Despite these long periods of not seeing these people, the sense of community and shared history at this event is very evident, and it something that I value and I'm sure many others do as well.” – Craig Bergin (WA)

Young delegates from across the Eastern Europe Territory have gathered in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, to attend the territory’s Leadership School 2023. “We are grateful to God for every delegate who made it here,” said Captain Adrian Roman, training school principal. “We have four from Georgia, five from Moldova, two from Romania and three from Ukraine.” The young people will engage in Bible study, outdoor leadership skills, practical ministry and sharing of their experiences. There has also been a spiritual day with territorial leaders – Australian officers Colonels Cheralynne and Kelvin Pethybridge. The delegates also enjoyed an international night and excursion to Old Orhei historical centre and monastery. The Leadership School 2023 takes place from 19 July to 2 August. Salvation Army responds to floods in South Korea In response to the recent severe floods in the Choong Buk and Chulla areas of South Korea, The Salvation Army has been delivering essential assistance to the affected areas. Relief efforts aim to support people by offering food trucks, tents, daily essentials and blankets. The Salvation Army in Korea is working closely together with the local government to ensure the effectiveness of their relief operations. Additionally, the evacuation centres are being manned by dedicated Salvation Army officers and volunteers from neighbouring communities. Please pray for those impacted, for people who have lost loved ones, for the emergency services and for Salvation Army personnel as they work to provide care and support. World leaders make final international visit The world leaders of the international Salvation Army, General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, made their final international visit, spending time in the Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar Territory. “What you notice first about this territory is its people – the officers, soldiers and junior soldiers,” wrote General Peddle. “There are many of them, but if you look beyond the crowds, you see people who strive to be faithful in their covenant with God. The evidence of this is seen at the corps and institution level, but it bubbles up when they come together with incredible strength.” The General explained how “wonderful” the youth sections were to see and listen to and also spoke about the senior sections and their proficiency in movement, music and ministry. “Wherever we went, people were quick to tell us about their connection with the Army and the influence of the ministry of the Army on their lives,” said the General. “Everyone in these three nations knows who we are and who we represent.” The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, also thanked The Salvation Army for its schools, hospitals and community development projects. As the territory looks ahead to 2024, it has chosen the theme ‘Pursuing God’s Path - Proclaiming God’s Promises - Joshua 1:1-6’. “God bless our leaders as they inspire our people to follow God,” said General Peddle. “In a few weeks, Zimbabwe will enter into a time of election. Join me in praying for a peaceful time of fulfilling the constitutional provisions for the nation. Thank you, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar! We will pray for you and carry you in our hearts.” General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle officially retire at midnight on 2 August. IHQ exhibition promotes anti-slavery work Since 1865, The Salvation Army has worked globally to bring glimpses of the Kingdom of God through community-led responses to modern slavery and human trafficking. This work continues today in over 130 countries, strengthening the quality of the Army’s responses over numerical expansion. Gallery 101 at International Headquarters in London is currently hosting an exhibition – Greater Depths – that highlights this work, focusing on what is being done to combat slavery and trafficking in the areas of sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage, child soldiers, forced criminality, organ trafficking. The exhibition runs until 4 August. For more information, click here: To see previous exhibitions hosted at Gallery 101, click here:

A mass funeral service will be held on Friday for the 13 people, including 11 Salvation Army officers, who died in a tragic road accident in Nigeria on 29 June. The officers from the Akwa Ibom South East Division were returning from Officers’ Councils when their mini-bus was hit from behind by a truck. Territorial Leaders Commissioners Daniel and Tracey Kasuso – together with other territorial heads of department as well as divisional leaders from the five Akwa Ibom State divisions – have been spending time with the bereaved families. They visited each of the families to offer counsel and reassurance of God’s continual love. Prayers and messages of hope and comfort were given in moments of sober reflection as the families of those promoted to glory shared their feelings with the commissioners. There was consensus for a mass funeral service to be held on 28 July at Eket Stadium. Commissioner Daniel Kasuso established a committee to arrange the funerals, made up of Salvationists, divisional leaders serving in Akwa Ibom and representatives of the bereaved families. Three to four thousand mourners are expected to attend the funeral. Immediately after the funeral service, each casket will be conveyed to its respective home for a brief committal, with officers assigned to perform each ceremony. The territorial leaders acknowledge the support of General Brian Peddle in assigning Commissioners Keith and Yvonne Conrad from International Headquarters to represent him at the service. Salvationists of the Akwa Ibom South East Division are grateful to their international leaders and the global Salvation Army for their concern, prayerful support and encouragement, and request that the Army world remains in prayer for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Officers promoted to glory include: Major Unyime Ekere – Afaha Eket Corps Major Mary Ekere – Afaha Eket Corps Major Sunday Sampson – Ikot Uso Ekong Corps Major Ofonime Sampson – Ikot Uso Ekong Corps Major Emem Friday Obot – Ndukpoise Corps Lieutenant Nseobong Obot – Ndukpoise Corps Captain Edet Umana – Oron Corps Captain Mfonobong Umana – Oron Corps Major Emem Udobong – Akai Children’s Home Lieutenant Margaret Udoh – Ikot Eyo Corps Lieutenant James Etukakpan – Ete Corps Also promoted to glory in the accident were the driver, Christian Etukakpan (a brother of the late Lieutenant James Etukakpan) and Gabriella James Etukakpan (the 17-month-old daughter of Lieutenant James and Blessing Etukakpan). All officers promoted to glory as a result of the accident are survived by children. The territorial leaders visited survivors Majors Peace and Ijioma Ikpatt (Afia Nsit Eket Corps) following their discharge from hospital, although both remain unwell. Major Peace Ikpatt had assisted surviving officers to safety at the scene of the accident. The commissioners will also visit Lieutenant Blessing James Etukakpan (Ete Corps) and Lieutenant Nsima Sunday Udoh (Ikot Eyo Corps), who are being treated at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The international Salvation Army requests continued prayers for the bereaved and injured.

The Studio Off the Street program in Darwin is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement program. The Salvos provide the community members with canvases, paints, and a safe space to create. Each and every participant is valued, cared for, loved, and given purpose within the Doorways-inspired program.

In this July reflection, Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett talks about the gift of peace and its importance in the Bible. When Jesus talks about peace, it comes from the Hebrew word ‘Shalom’. This peace does not mean the absence of troubles or worries but an inner peace, wholeness and calmness that comes from a firm confidence that God is in control.

By KIRRALEE NICOLLE Glenorchy City Corps in Tasmania has seen a sharp rise in Red Shield Appeal donations in the past few years, thanks to the help of Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas. Bec was appointed Red Shield Appeal Area Chair three years ago, and this coincided with a shift from doorknocking and collecting in shopping centres to utilising more strategic connections to spread the word. The year before her appointment, the corps raised about $15,500, then in her first year they raised $17,000, then $24,500 and this year, the corps amassed almost $26,000 in donations. Corps Officer Captain Jeff Milkins said the corps was very grateful for Bec’s efforts to raise the profile of The Salvation Army in the area. “She’s just been an absolute godsend to us in the work that she’s done,” he said. “She has taken on the role of Red Shield Appeal Area Chair voluntarily over the last three years and has completely reshaped how the Red Shield Appeal is approached. She is a wonderful support to The Salvation Army’s work – a hard-working mayor in our community.” As part of the Red Shield Appeal, Bec and Jeff also organised a function at Government House Tasmania on 29 June, hosted by the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC. The event raised $11,000 towards the appeal, thanks to donated auctioned goods, including a painting by local artist Stuart Clues, which sold for $3500. Bec said she was very thankful to the governor and the generosity of local business owners for the appeal’s success and that she looked forward to seeing the funds used to provide meals, alcohol and other drug care and youth work to those needing extra support. She said it was important to use connections and networks rather than relying on doorknocking and tin-rattling. She said that, particularly following the catastrophic bushfires of 2019 and 2020, donors were more likely to give generously to efforts such as the Red Shield Appeal, where they knew funds were staying local and not largely allocated to administration fees. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved,” she said. “At a basic level, it’s that everyday support the Salvos provide to those in need in our community and knowing that people won’t go hungry that motivates me to support this cause.”