The Salvation Army’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Retention Working Group was named the winner in the Best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative Category at the 2023 SEEK STAR Awards. “The criteria for the award was to ‘Treat diversity, equity and inclusion as integral to our organisation, and have an attraction strategy that supports that’,” explained Shirli Congoo, General Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries. “Our strategy was to form a working group for Indigenous Recruitment and Retention. We reviewed and changed systems, policies and practices, which led to a 40 per cent increase in Indigenous staff and reduced the turnover of Indigenous staff by 18 per cent.” Other finalists in the category included Westpac Group, Deloitte, Commonwealth Bank and FDM Group. “The award is fantastic recognition for both the Working Group and The Salvation Army in the delivery of the Army’s mission,” said Geraldine Leslie, Executive General Manager, Human Resources. The working group was established in late 2020 following the launch of The Salvation Army’s Reconciliation Action Plan. It includes representation from the HR team, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries team and the Employment Plus Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement team. It is a highly collaborative group that supports and respects ideas. The Recruitment and Retention Toolkit was developed by the Working Group. It provides guidance and support to managers who are recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure a culturally safe candidate journey. The STAR Awards (SEEK Talent Acquisition and Recognition Awards) acknowledge excellence in talent acquisition in Australia and celebrate the integral role talent teams play in an organisation’s success.

“Clashing kingdoms. Rival rulers. The enemies of Jesus close in while his followers struggle to keep up, leaving him to carry the burden alone. Threatened by the reality of Jesus’ growing influence, religious leaders do the unthinkable – ally with their Roman oppressors. As the seeds of betrayal are planted and opposition to Jesus’ message turns violent, he’s left with no alternative but to demand his followers rise up.” The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie), set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel. What began as a crowd-funded project has now evolved into a global sensation with over 770 million episode views. The Chosen is on pace to be the most translated series in history, as the first three seasons will soon be available in 50 languages with plans to subtitle in more than 600. Fans of The Chosen can experience episodes one and two of Season 4 exclusively in cinemas starting 1 February 2024. It will play on over 130 screens around Australia and New Zealand. The Chosen is an independent production written, directed, and produced by Dallas Jenkins and is distributed globally by Lionsgate. The Chosen Season 4’s cinema release is distributed in Australia and New Zealand by The Legacy Group. Tickets can be purchased at: www.thechosentv.com.au Season 4 is coming to streaming and DVD soon. Sign up on the website here to stay up to date with its release in Australia. Watch The Chosen: Official Season 4 Trailer here

BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army Australia Territory has completed the ‘Innovation’ stage of its national Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The goal was recently celebrated at the Yakila – Walking and Talking Together conference in the Adelaide Hills, with a cake-cutting ceremony live-streamed nationwide. Launched in December 2020, The Salvation Army’s RAP has been driven by Strategic Manager Lucy Davis, who first came to the idea as a sceptic. “We needed to have a national RAP, and I said I’d do it on the basis that we were actually going to make change,” Lucy explains. “We wouldn’t want it to be a token document. Blackfellas can sometimes be opposed to RAPs for that reason, so I was determined to make our own RAP the opposite. I told them so, and I still got the job.” A RAP is a framework for an organisation to contribute to the reconciliation movement. RAPs deliver tangible and substantive benefits for First Nations peoples. Over 1200 Salvos gathered in yarning circles online during the COVID-19 period, expressing a desire to see things change. “We started by saying, ‘What are we doing now, and what can we do better?’” Lucy says. “COVID had hit, so we had to try to do it all online in our homes, making sure we had local voices and corporate voices. There was a real expectation to come with grace, to leave preconceived thoughts prior to coming to the circle, and that together we would yarn this out.” Mutual respect RAPs consist of five components: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, and historical acceptance. The Salvation Army recognises that its collective actions must develop relationships of mutual respect and maintain a commitment to truth and accountability with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. “If you don’t get this right, there’s disconnection from country and spirit, disconnection from the First Peoples of the land,” says Lucy. “I think it’s different for a faith-based organisation because they played a massive part in disrupting Aboriginal communities and homes. There are significant disadvantaged communities in Australia that The Salvation Army either set up or played a role in operating. We have a responsibility to those people who now live in intergenerational trauma. I don’t want to work in an organisation that says, ‘It’s too hard’. This is exactly where Jesus would want us to be. This is his bread and butter.” “The Salvation Army’s vision for reconciliation is to be a faith movement committed to social justice, equity and freedom.” The RAP has impacted key areas of The Salvation Army’s engagement with First Nations peoples. The Burra Burra network now allows First Nations personnel to connect and feel welcome. The Recruitment and Retention working group updated the recruitment process, and the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates hired is up by 40 per cent. “We needed progressive change and structural change,” Lucy says. “Action makes movement; it isn’t just lip service. There’s measurable, tangible outcomes, and when something hasn’t worked, we asked, ‘Could this be done better?’” The Salvation Army has also adopted Cultural Competence training across the organisation, and Division Cultural Immersion Experiences in the South Australia/Northern Territory Division. A significant milestone achieved during the RAP period was the establishment of a ‘Truth-Telling’ framework. “On paper, our RAP looks really good, and we are ticking all the right boxes, but if we are not having an impact on First Nations people in the communities we work in, then we have to look at how we measure success,” Lucy says. “I was a little shocked to hear at the recent Yakila conference that some of our First Nations personnel were not aware we even had a RAP. In turn, they were a little shocked and disappointed to learn about the RAP Deliverables we have implemented, as they could see the benefits to themselves and their community if they had more knowledge of the RAP.” Next stage of the RAP The ‘Stretch’ RAP consultation begins in March this year, with the next stage to be launched in August. Key targets will be to engage First Peoples in every community where The Salvation Army is present, to have an active target for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, to review the organisation’s Closing The Gap strategy, and to develop and undertake a truth-telling process in communities. “Next is truth-telling, repair and justice,” Lucy explains. “We have to go on this scary journey of truth-telling about where our footprint has been as a Christian movement. We have to start engaging in those yarns, to accept it and work together to rectify the situation we’ve been a part of.” The Salvation Army’s vision for reconciliation is to be a faith movement committed to social justice, equity and freedom. The Salvation Army seeks God’s direction in moving forward, in reconciliation, relationship building, and engagement. “I prefer to look at Jesus moving from place to place,” Lucy says. “If that’s what it takes, to move our way through and empower local voices, then that’s what it takes. We need to be the doers and goers in the background, empowering local voices, who are the experts on their community.”

BY LAUREN MARTIN Residents of The Salvation Army Carinya Women’s and Children’s Service in the Illawarra (NSW) were treated to a fun and uplifting event on Friday 8 March as part of International Women’s Day. Sonya Button, Program Manager at the crisis and transitional accommodation centre, said marking International Women’s Day was a beautiful way to encourage and empower women in the service who were experiencing homelessness, often as a result of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV). “Being able to celebrate being a woman and being empowered by other women is really important … especially when you’ve had years of abuse and your self-esteem is really low,” she said. The day started with a self-care session at Carinya, where those present made bath bombs and coffee scrubs. Then, thanks to Salvos Stores in the Illawarra, the women were treated to a Salvos Stores shopping voucher and lunch at a local store. “At the Salvos Store we were in the bridal room, and the women walked up the staircase with red carpet and felt very special,” said Sonya. “Lunch was put on with lots of yummy cakes and rolls.” Salvos Stores in the area are a big supporter of Carinya Women and Children’s Service, often running fundraising activities to support the service to bless women at significant times of the year, such as Mother’s Day and Christmas. “They consistently help us when women are trying to establish tenancies with furniture and small goods,” said Sonya. “The connection between Salvos Stores and the collaboration we have is just amazing – it blows me away.”

As the war with Russia grinds into its third year, The Salvation Army throughout Ukraine continues its mission – sharing the Good News of Jesus, distributing material aid and ministering to people spiritually, emotionally and physically. Corps leaders and officers run weekly Sunday services, Bible studies for adults and children, scouts groups, exercise groups and clubs, art and English classes, and sessions with psychologists. They constantly work with people who have lost loved ones and are traumatised by war.   A small number of volunteers assist with distributing food, clothing and shoes; running soup stations; and meeting a wide range of other needs. “We try to be the embodiment of God’s Word in action,” they say. Children’s Bible studies continue, including in Dnipro, where a recent study focused on love. “We were talking about LOVE today,” shared Corps Leader Nataliya Rak. “How I want to be loved and how hard it is to love. We solved tasks, competed, made phrases, sang and many other interesting things in order to understand one secret of happiness - ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.” Corps work hard to provide fun activities for children, as well as regular programs. A team from Dnipro visited Vinnytsia and took the children out for a tour of the town and some fun in the snow. The corps leaders and volunteers shared that, “There were a lot of good emotions, new experiences and no air-raid sirens – a wonderful time with good people.” Sports ministry is also popular, including volleyball, table tennis and regular exercise classes. The new volleyball outreach in Lviv is already growing. This ministry is attracting men and women of all ages, military personnel and civilians.   Supporting fire relief in Chile   The recent wildfires in Valparaiso, Chile, are believed to be the deadliest forest fires on record in the country, with an estimated 15,000 homes damaged, more than 120 people killed and hundreds still missing. The Salvation Army has emergency teams on the ground. Officers, staff and volunteers are working hard to provide cooked meals and other support to affected families and those who are contributing to removing the rubble.   The Salvation Army is requesting prayers for the South America West Territory, Ejército de Salvación Chile , and families in Valparaiso affected by the catastrophic fires.   Protecting children of red-light districts   The Salvation Army has programs around the world to ensure that the children of vulnerable women are protected, nurtured and empowered to thrive. In Mumbai, India, the children born into the red-light districts are faced with the risk of exploitation, abuse and a range of other challenges. The children, and their mothers, also have potential and strengths and worth rooted in their being created in the image of God.   The Salvation Army Aruna Children’s Shelter provides the children of vulnerable women with safe accommodation, nutritious food and access to education. At the shelter, children also have time and space for recreational activities, play and to learn about the love of God. Army participates in Green Church awards The Salvation Army in the UK is partnering with the Church of England Environment Program, the Methodist Church and Eco-Congregation Scotland to organise the 2024 Church Times  Green Church awards.   The awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and congregations to offset the damage being done to the earth, and to set good examples that inspire others to follow suit. The awards are open to church groups and church schools of any denomination. There are seven award categories, with each category having a £1000 ($1935) prize. The panel of judges will be looking for projects that have made a positive change in the past two years in buildings, outdoors and in the community. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the (northern hemisphere) autumn.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army’s Worship Arts team has released a new single, ‘Christ of Calvary’, in time for Easter. Written by Dan Casey and Luke O’Dea of Revolution Worship, a platform for new music within The Salvation Army, the track can be heard here and will be available on streaming services Spotify and iTunes from Friday (15 March). “We thought it’s a really good song for Easter, focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus, but it can be used anytime,” explains Dan, Worship Arts Coordinator. “We wanted to actually get back to the primary focus of Easter. It’s not just a symbol, it’s an event.” Each year, the worship arts team publishes a list of songs recommended for use at Easter from various resources. However, written in Adelaide and recorded in Newcastle this year, a resource made specifically for the Salvos is being released. “A big thing for us is all about refocusing on Jesus,” Dan says. “We approached this saying ‘How can we get people’s attention on Jesus, and this is what naturally came. It felt quite spiritual, to be honest. We had one part come to both of us while we were singing together, the rest from there. It just worked.” The Worship Arts team is passionate about seeing creative arts continually lead people to encounters with Jesus. Revolution Worship is releasing a six-track EP in the coming months, which has been written and will soon be recorded. Christ of Calvary is the first single of that release. Music and chord charts for the song are available for free, and lyric videos are published online. “While in the past we’ve focused on a youth song or a Sunday song, this song is made to be accessible by anyone and everyone,” Dan says. “I think it has that appeal. It works whether you have an acoustic guitar or a full band. You should be able to play this, and it makes sense to your setting.” ‘Christ of Calvary’ is also available on the MySalvos Easter toolkit here and on the Mission Resources toolkit page here

“Equipping God's people for works of service in their field ripe for harvest.” Ephesians 4:12, John 4:35 Equip provides practical online courses and resources to support the mission of The Salvation Army. Students study at their own pace. It offers short, self-directed courses and instructor-led webinars to equip officers, soldiers, staff, leaders and volunteers for mission. Courses are available under four distinct areas of study: Faith and Community Programme and Project Development People, Practices and Culture Global Specialisation Sectors For more information, click here.

To celebrate the launch of Equip, the new online learning platform for The Salvation Army, International Headquarters in London IHQ is running an international photography competition. The team is asking for the submission of photos based on two themes: 1.     What does it look like to be equipped for service? 2.     How do fields ripe for harvest look? Participants can send in a photo or photos that capture either or both themes. Images could include: 1.     A Salvation Army space/place where the active mission of Christ exists. 2.     An area of open land used for yielding a crop. Entries must be submitted, along with a completed application form, no later than midnight (GMT) on Thursday 16 May 2024. “Please share the progress of your photograph with the hashtag #EquipPhoto and tag us,” the team asks. For terms and conditions, click here.

To read Jean’s PTG office notice, click here

Warren is an incredible man who shares his story of living with a disability and the faith that motivates him. Warren is a senior soldier at Box Hill Corps, where he loves to serve others and welcome them to church on Sundays. He also volunteers with the police and attends the Art Project at Northcote, where he enjoys painting and drawing. Warren attends church for many reasons, among them because he loves “having a chat and worshipping the Lord”.

The Salvation Army’s Policy and Advocacy team made a major submission to the Senate Community Affairs inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Poverty in Australia in 2023, and the final report was released last week. The Salvation Army was mentioned 81 times across both the interim and final reports. Five out of the 14 recommendations that were agreed to by the committee called for reform or review of aspects of the social security system that The Salvation Army had raised as an issue. The Committee acknowledged the compelling evidence from Jennifer Kirkaldy, Director of the Policy and Advocacy team, for early intervention and place-based initiatives to address child poverty and recommended the Australian Government continue to invest and consider increasing investment. In the final report, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee acknowledged information or recommendations made by The Salvation Army in relation to at least 16 different subject areas. To download the Final Report, click here. Submission highlights The Army’s submission highlighted the impacts of poverty upon individuals, the community and Australia as a whole. It delved into shelter, safety, health and overall participation as being the overarching categories of poverty. It also examined the ways in which governmental and social structures systemically disadvantage cohorts. The Salvation Army submitted that these groups – women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, CALD communities, young people, rural and remote communities and people with disability – are not vulnerable but have been failed. To read the Senate Inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Poverty in Australia – Final Report Summary, click here To download the interim report, click here. To read the Salvos Online story about the interim report, click here.

BY LAUREN MARTIN Jose Porcia experienced his first Self Denial Appeal back in 2017 when he was a new Salvation Army soldier. God had recently saved Jose from an addiction to ICE after spending time at The Salvation Army’s Adele House Recovery Services Centre, 30km north-west of Coffs Harbour (NSW). Unaware of what the Self Denial Appeal was all about, he asked someone at Coffs Harbour Corps. “It is the week when Salvationists give up one week’s pay, and it is given up for overseas missions,” they said. Jose was taken aback. He had just secured his first job post-recovery – washing dishes – and was saving up to buy a car. “Surely God wasn’t seriously expecting me to give up one week’s wage when I was saving up for a car!” he recalled thinking. Nevertheless, Jose made his sacrificial gift of one week’s wage that Sunday at the Self Denial Appeal Altar Service. He was blown away by what happened next. “The following day,” he remembers, “was Monday, and at 7am, I got a call from my NA [narcotics anonymous] sponsor, who was also my landlord.” He told Jose that he had received a call from a person who had been the recipient of a donated car, but that person didn’t need it, so he wanted to know if anyone needed a car. “That car served me for the next five years,” Jose said. Fast forward to 2024, and Jose is a cadet of the 2024 Keepers of the Covenant session at Eva Burrows College. As he prepares to enter full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer, he takes the lesson in sacrificial giving he experienced seven years ago. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will be enriched.” For Jose, to be ‘enriched’ simply means to receive gifts that increase him in God’s fruits of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He has never forgotten that Self Denial Appeal and continues to give sacrificially every year and in all areas of his life. To read Jose’s testimony, click here For more information or to view and download Self Denial Appeal resources, click here