Jose Porcia, a soldier from Coffs Harbour Corps, has been accepted as a cadet to be part of the 2024 Keepers of the Covenant session. He shares his testimony with Salvos Online I was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, the eldest in a family of four kids. My dad died when I was 15, and two years later my entire family – my mother and my siblings – migrated to Australia. After completing Year 12, I joined the workforce to help my mum support my younger siblings. I landed my first job with the Reserve Bank of Australia in 1990. I then went on to work for AMP Investments and Perpetual Investments until the early 2000s. In retrospect, it was a relatively successful period of my life. I had a good job, my siblings completed their studies, my sister and my youngest brother both got married, I had a great relationship with my family, and I had a few good friends. In 2003, I had a life-changing experience – an experience that changed the trajectory of my life in ways that I never dreamt of. One Sunday afternoon, a very good friend of mine invited me to his house in Bella Vista to watch Sunday football. As naturally as pulling out a can of beer from the fridge, he pulled out a glass pipe and a clear plastic bag with a crystal substance. It was a substance I came to know and fall in love with – ICE, aka crystal methamphetamine. According to my friend, this drug was a source of wisdom. He reasoned to me that all professionals took this drug. The moment I tried ICE, I felt on top of the world, and I was hooked. Suddenly, I had confidence. When I was in front of clients, I could anticipate questions. But, more importantly, it numbed the pain of the grief I was feeling about the loss of someone close to me. The downside is that ICE stops you from sleeping. Sometimes, I would drink a bottle of whiskey to go to sleep. But sleep was the enemy of high. Why get high and sleep? So, I didn’t sleep for days. At first, there was a daily choice about whether to take ICE, but the addiction rapidly took hold of my life, and it became a matter of when, not if, I would get my hands on ICE that day. Within six months, I was spending $1000 a week on my habit. This was all fine until I ran out of savings. My addiction progressed so quickly that, fast forward another six months, I lost my job. I got evicted because I could not pay my rent. My car was repossessed. I had to move back to my mum’s house. I racked up credit card debt to fund the addiction. I started to break into my brother’s home to steal stuff to pay for the drugs. Eventually, my mum kicked me out, and I became alienated from my family. “They say there are three places an ICE addict will end up: prison, hospital, death. In my 13 years of addiction, I experienced the first two.” I became desperate to do anything to get the money to chase the high. I turned to crime to support my habit, from theft to fraud. I shoplifted, I stole mail, I stole credit cards. They say there are three places an ICE addict will end up: prison, hospital, death. In my 13 years of addiction, I experienced the first two. When you are in ICE addiction, you don’t see your life as it really is. I remember one of the loneliest feelings was after being released from Bathurst prison after 18 months, and no one was waiting for me behind the gates. Nevertheless, an addict’s instinct is to score. The moment I got off the train in Parramatta, I went straight to a dealer's house. After being arrested yet again for possession in 2015, Parramatta Drug Court gave me a choice to attend a drug rehab. While I accepted the option, in the back of my mind, I still planned to escape. I was released from prison with a one-way ticket to Coffs Harbour to attend a rehabilitation centre. I was also given a black garbage bag of donated clothes that were three sizes too big. Shoes that were three sizes too big. I had a rope for a belt. I was walking through Sydney Airport when I experienced my first spiritual awakening. I looked at everyone else with their luggage, and they were happy. Then I saw my life as it really was, and not the delusion in my head. I was 45 years old, and the sum total of my life was a black garbage bag, the contents of which did not belong to me. It was the reality check I needed. I smashed my phone to eliminate the temptation of getting in touch with any dealers or former connections and spent 11 months in that treatment centre. It was Adele House, a treatment centre managed by The Salvation Army. There I relearned things I didn’t even realise I had lost. The program allowed me to learn new routines to develop new patterns of living. To wake up at 5.30am, to do things you didn’t like doing (like raking leaves every day), to create smart goals, to budget, to cook and to learn new skills. There was group and individual therapy that facilitated emotional healing. This is important because when you take the drugs away from an addict, what you are left with are the reasons they need to use in the first place. One day at a time, I got clean, and I did everything they asked me to do. In that rehab, through the work of Salvation Army officers Majors June and Russell Grice, The Salvation Army became an important part of my life. In the beginning, my recovery was difficult. Just because I became sober, it didn’t mean life got easier. ‘Life’ was, in fact, more difficult than ‘addiction’. The reality of my situation now finally hit me. I had no skills, I was unemployable. I had to face the challenges of a normal person – getting a job, putting food on the table and paying rent. I couldn’t reach out to my family. My family was, in fact, my biggest challenge because they had heard all my excuses before. (Today, though, my family is a big part of my life.) I was an addict, even after I was clean for more than six months. I couldn’t see the point of life. I was still the same person. I had no hope. Nothing mattered. Nothing made sense. Then, one morning, maybe three or four in the morning, I got up to open the door for a puppy we had at the rehab farm. As I was opening the door, I tripped over my Bible, which opened at the book of Ecclesiastes, and I read the words “meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless”. I was just stunned. “I realised also that I didn’t have to look for God because God came for us through Jesus.” I realised that righteousness and foolishness do not matter unless we are anchored firmly to God. I realised also that I didn’t have to look for God because God came for us through Jesus. That was really the beginning of the journey. Once out in the world again, I had to recreate my life. I was lucky to have availed various wraparound services that created a pathway to new living. Most significant of all was The Salvation Army. The people there lived, loved and fought alongside me in the early days when I couldn’t live, love and fight myself. Today, I am eight years sober. The Salvos aided my journey in every way, and Coffs Harbour Salvation Army became my spiritual home. I went back to university. I graduated with a degree two years ago, and I am halfway through a Bachelor of Ministry. My mission field today is with the Australian Anti-Ice Campaign. We provide peer support work and specific anti-ice education workshops in schools as well as in Juvenile Justice Centres throughout Australia. We do this in partnership with the Salvos. I live a very busy life today. I have a job, I visit prisons, I run workshops in high schools and juvenile justice centres, I have a Salvation Army church ministry, and hold roles on various association and not-for-profit boards. A watershed moment for me was late last year – I got accepted as a cadet-in-appointment with The Salvation Army. In other words, to be a Salvation Army officer and work full-time in ministry. Jesus said in Luke 6, “Give and you will receive gifts in full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing.” Please pray for Jose as he prepares to enter The Salvation Army Training College later this month.

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 we are praying for the Mozambique Territory. We thank God for: ·       All the blessings of the past year – including the welcome of cadets and new territorial leaders ·       A new year full of hope. Please pray for: ·       The territory to be able to implement its strategic plan ·       The unity and cooperation of all soldiers and officers for the growth of the territory ·       The finances of the territory ·       The self-sustainability of the territory. To find out more about the Mozambique Territory, click here. For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here.

Greeting people at church on a Sunday morning can be tricky. I know how silly that statement sounds but hear me out. Generally, I’m quite busy before the meeting doing last-minute bits and pieces and making sure everything and everyone is ready for what has to happen during the meeting. It’s not unusual to see me crisscrossing the foyer in and out of doors as I attend to a series of minor matters and tasks. This means that as someone arrives at church, they often receive a smile from me and a “Good morning, how are you?” and as they start to answer, I walk out a door. Occasionally, I have time to stop and greet them more politely, which can also be fraught with danger. “Good morning, how are you?”, “Well, let me tell you. On Thursday, my cat nearly died ... was it Thursday? No, it was Tuesday. Because his arthritic hip was giving him grief, and as he walked out of the house to the front steps, he ... no, it was Thursday because on Tuesday I had to see my podiatrist about this fungal thing that’s starting to ... oh, hang on, maybe it was Wednesday. No, on Wednesday I did the groceries. Gosh, oranges are expensive at the moment, aren’t they? Anyway, I needed to see him because my friend had said ...” By this stage, I’m praying for the Second Coming to occur immediately. My mind is jumping to the five things I must do in the 10 minutes before church starts, so I politely extricate myself from the dialogue and get on my way. It can also be problematic when you ask someone how they are, and how they are is not good. “Good morning, how are you?”, “Homeless; hungover; hungry, lonely, depressed and tired, and I haven’t washed once in the last week.” “Right. Okay. Well, lovely to see you.” Part of the problem is that I’m not naturally a morning person, so it requires effort from me, and I always feel like I’m supposed to be saying something holy, blessing-laden or inspirational. I recall attending a Bible camp several decades ago when I bumped into constantly-happy-Phil on the way to breakfast. I mumbled, “Morning, Phil.” He exclaimed, “Good morning, Mal. I’m saved and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.” I mumbled, “Good for you. Let’s have some Weet-Bix to celebrate.” Part of the issue is that some people expect to be greeted by the officer (they possibly also expect a red carpet and for people to bow, but that’s their issue). At one corps, I greeted someone near the door, and they stopped dead in their tracks and said, “That’s the first time you’ve said good morning to me in five weeks.” And I said, “Why are you counting?” I’m a pretty transparent sort of guy, and I prefer people who are natural. Fake airs and graces (it’s an old phrase, Google it young people) do nothing for me. So, I much prefer it when someone just mumbles “Morning’” and yawns as they do so. No need for the fake smile and cheery greeting if you’re feeling flat – just be genuine. Maybe it would be more fun to take Thomas Edison’s advice and just shout “Ahoy!” at someone instead of saying “Hello”. William Booth said we are here for the “whosoever”, so I can only assume he included pirates. – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

In Week 5 of Self Denial, we see how previous funds raised have been used to support those impacted by the tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia. Major Semsali witnessed the disaster and the recovery effort that followed. In central Sulawesi, there was widespread devastation with two million people affected. Over 100 corps were damaged, some completely destroyed. The Salvation Army served food, gave medications, opened a public kitchen and a corps, and built tents for people to stay in. In the years since, they have continued to support people, rebuild homes and get communities back on their feet. This Self Denial Appeal, you’re encouraged to take the time to reflect on how you can make a sacrificial commitment to display your love for God and others in action. To donate or find out more visit my.salvos.org.au/self-denial-appeal

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? I’m an area officer, for Brisbane City, North, Sunshine Coast and South Burnett Region. I love the interaction and the privilege to journey with other leaders in ministry. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I like to bike ride and spend time with my family. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? Currently, I like The Goodness of God because it speaks about his faithfulness for all of my life. I also like Way Maker because it highlights God is at work even if I can’t see it. 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? This one is a tricky one for me because I love so many of the Old Testament characters, such as Elijah, Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Abraham, Ezekiel and Samuel. I love how God used them; ordinary people who did extraordinary things for God. I would like to ask them about how they felt doing some crazy things that didn’t make sense. I would also like to ask how they knew it was God’s voice speaking to them. 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 say that officership isn’t perfect, yet if that is where God is calling you, step out in obedience. God is faithful to fulfil all he has for you when you surrender your life into his hands. I would encourage them to remember it’s all about God and not about position, prestige or power.

Today, on International Women’s Day, the achievements of women are celebrated all over the world. Mandy Dehnel, Manager of The Salvation Army’s Moneycare program in Western Australia, is passionate about women’s financial empowerment. “I believe that empowering women financially is not just about money,” she says. “It’s about creating a world where women have the resources and opportunities to thrive, lead and make their own choices.” Moneycare shares that the first step to taking control of your finances is being open about your situation with someone you trust (or one of their financial counsellors). They understand that talking about money can be tricky, but this is a great life skill. Research shows that women are less likely to know the name of their superannuation fund and often don’t retire with as much superannuation as men. “Know your rights, check your superannuation, know your partner’s superannuation and financial situation and understand your payslips,” Mandy says. If you are not comfortable with the amount of access or knowledge you have about your finances, you are not alone. This may be a sign of financial abuse. Support is available. Reach out to Moneycare’s confidential and free service on 1800 722 363 or email youretheboss@salvationarmy.org.au To download You’re the Boss, Moneycare’s award-winning financial-skill-building program, click here. To watch Moneycare’s top tips for financial wellbeing, click on the video below.

As part of the world leaders’ visit to the Kenya West Territory, General Lyndon Buckingham installed Australian officers Colonels Geoff and Kalie Webb as leaders of the territory. The General introduced the Webbs to the territory as people who promote holiness and love Jesus, and he charged all to support them. General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham led the Kenya West Territory’s celebrations of the Centenary of East Africa Territory from 22–25 February 2024. “Grateful for the incredible time in Kenya!” wrote the General. “We thank God for his unwavering faithfulness in this territory. We want to thank the officers of The Salvation Army in Kenya East and West for their dedication to the mission and ministry. It is truly inspiring.” During the opening celebrations, the international leaders encouraged the congregation to praise, worship and give thanks to God, asking him to guide them in the continuity of his Kingdom. Colourful performances characterised the service, with a narration of the inception of The Salvation Army in Kenya, and later in Kenya West, dramatised by cadets. The world leaders viewed the musical extravaganza and the exhibitions from different divisions and districts. The next day, the Buckinghams led gatherings with retired officers and cadets and participated in rallies for men, women and youth. On Sunday 25 February, the leaders saluted over 20,000 soldiers who marched through the streets and gathered for a holiness meeting. Dignitaries from Kakamega County, led by the Governor, two members of Parliament and members of the County Assembly, supported the event. The General asked the Salvationists to remain a people of praise, prayer and the Word, who proclaim the gospel and are a holy people in a serving Army. Hundreds of soldiers flocked to the mercy seat and the General prayed for them. To read the full story, click here.

By the turn of the 20th century, The Salvation Army was in full swing around the world and breaking new ground with its spirited style of ministering to the masses. One thing The Salvation Army was good at was attracting attention, with many of its soul-saving rallies being staged outdoors, accompanied by a brass band. Brass bands throughout the 1800s were mostly comprised of men, but by the early 1900s, The Salvation Army was literally turning heads with all-female brass bands. The Austral Lasses Band was one such band, paving the way for the formation of many other Salvation Army and community women’s bands in subsequent decades. The Austral Lasses Band became so popular and proficient that they toured southern Australia and New Zealand – twice. Major Ruby Strange, a band member, recorded many of the band’s touring experiences. The band, she wrote, “drew great crowds because it was unique in being all lassies”. The band toured “the Commonwealth and New Zealand” and so successful was its odyssey that it was renamed ‘The Famous Austral Lassies Band’ for its second tour, according to Ruby. Commencing at Yea, Victoria, on 20 August 1905, the women performed non-stop for two years, “covering something like 16,000 miles by rail, boat, horse-drawn coaches and on foot” with “many and varied experiences during that wonderful tour” including two earthquakes, being [sand]bar bound on the south coast of New Zealand for two days and being asked, “to play at the great Band Contest held in the Exhibition Building at Christchurch”. How’d the girls go? “The adjudicators classed our band as an A1 Organ Band; we were very thrilled,” wrote Ruby. It was a long way from their humble beginnings when they’d practise from 9am to 6pm under Major Will Gore in “the old Hamodava Tea Room upstairs the back of Headquarters, Bourke Street” in Melbourne. “At first came some weird sounds,” Ruby wrote. But the players from NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and New Zealand persevered for six weeks and “Will Gore soon brought about perfection”. Ruby wrote that many of the women “became officers when the band disbanded”, and, most importantly, “many souls were won for Christ during that great tour”. On 8 February 1906, the Barrier Miner newspaper in Broken Hill covered a visit of the Austral Lasses Band. The reporter wrote: “Some curiosity has been aroused by the advent in Broken Hill of a ladies’ brass band having for its name ‘The Austral’ and being comprised of 21 lady performers dressed in Salvation Army costume. As these bandswomen took the tram to the southern suburb last night, many observers speculated on what their bright faces must suffer when puffed up at the end of a bass instrument or when trying to sustain a long passage on the cornet.…“From the opening number, it was easy to see that the Austral Band is one that is worth listening to. The bandswomen do not stand when rendering a selection, but are seated in four rows, and seem to exert themselves no more than is absolutely necessary. The effect of the music in the piano passages is much sweeter and less masculine than a men’s band, while the forte portions of the selections are surprising in their volume of sound. The attention to time and harmony which was evinced in last night’s performance discloses the long training which the Austral Band must have been through under a good master.” The Salvation Army continued its use of female brass bands throughout the first half of the 20th century, predominantly due to the absence of many men who had gone to war. One of the more popular bands in the 1940s was the Melbourne Ladies’ Salvation Army band. But not everyone was happy with the formation of all-female bands during this time, as one writer to Brisbane’s Courier Mail newspaper enthused: “Sir, – Have Queensland women become utterly ridiculous? One can pass over extravagances in clothes, since the clever seamstress can design even a pair of men’s pants in such a way that they will appear attractive on female legs. One can forgive women’s baseball and women’s cricket in the sacred cause of sport. But this idea of a women’s band (a women’s brass band!) is beyond all limits. Your news item in today’s paper says that “no difficulties in playing the instruments – even the big bass – are likely to be encountered by the ladies”. The most adroit bandsman cannot avoid looking absurd when he plays the big bass, yet there are Brisbane women who apparently are willing to attempt it. Surely not – I am, sir, INCREDULOUS.” As men returned from war and Salvation Army corps experienced a growth in membership, many all-female bands were largely disbanded. It became the norm that boys generally joined the band and girls played the timbrel, although over the past 20 years the number of girls playing in corps bands has again increased. Some information sourced from bandblastsfromthepast.blog and The Salvation Army Australia Museum assistant manager (Melbourne) Barry Gittins

This week, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas is celebrating one year in the role of Australia’s Territorial Commander. An avid golfer, Miriam invited Secretary for Spiritual Life Aux-Lieut Rosy Keane onto the course for a chat. Listen as they reflect on the year that has been and be inspired as they envision the year ahead of an army that is passionately pursuing the rallying cry of ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed’. Miriam shares with Rosy, “It’s been pretty tough at times, but we’ve kept going. Now, we want to see the ball go into the hole. We want to achieve completion and see what The Salvation Army was made for. So, I’m believing, just like you’ve become a good golfer today, we can do this. Let’s do it, and let’s do it together.” Commissioner Miriam Gluyas’s message to Aussie Salvos Dear friends, It’s hard to believe I’m already a year into my role, but you know what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” And these past 365 days have been fun, full of: prayer listening seeing and imagining. And my heart is full! Full of possibility, full of hope and full of excitement for what lies ahead. I’m especially excited as we take up our rallying cry of ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and hope revealed’ and the challenge of: Jesus remaining central to all we do. To be intentional about being united, so His love is expressed through our unity (John 17:22-23 NLT). Being Spirit-led as an Army, producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:11-23 NLT). Expecting God’s grace and mercy to be at work, despite our imperfection as individuals and as a movement, so His hope is revealed (Hebrews 11:1 NLT) These aren’t just words on a page, this is our spiritual heartbeat and I hope you are inspired by them. It’s what gives us life and purpose. So, what now? What is ahead for me – for us? I believe friends, it’s now time to: declare! build strengthen and think outside the box! Will you join me, as we take up the rallying cry of ‘Jesus centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed’? ‌ That’s us at our very best! Good, better, best! Let’s go … and let’s make sure we have a bit of fun along the way! Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Territorial Commander

BY SIMONE WORTHING   “What a wonderful expression of The Salvation Army in Indonesia,” said Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander, after visiting the South East Asian nation this week. “The people have so little, and yet they have so much. Officers live on less than $50 a week but know the incredible joy of loving and serving Jesus. They realise how much they need him. They rely on him so beautifully and are so generous. “I have only been here for a few days, but now wish that I was 30 years younger and would make the choice to serve in many nations.”   Miriam was in Indonesia to open an ICU /NICU (intensive care and neonatal intensive care) at the Bungsu Hospital  in the city of Bandung, funded through Australia’s Self-Denial Appeal.   “There has been some internal restructuring and renovation work, as well as the purchase and installation of both medical and non-medical equipment,” Miriam explained. “This will make an incredible difference. It is brilliant! A place of hope and healing. The ministry of Jesus. Our ministry. And, how proud the people are.   “I love that we have the incredible opportunity to support these projects. Let’s give as much as we can. It matters! As we see the results of such projects, may God both challenge and inspire us.” The visit also enabled Miriam and Bruce Edwards, projects coordinator in Australia for Salvation Army International Development (SAID), who was also in Indonesia, to speak with their Indonesian counterparts about a range of projects the Australia Territory is involved with.   “It’s been a privilege to coordinate this project from the Australian end, in partnership with Major Ni Komang A. Wibowo, Territorial Director, Development Project Office, and Dr Albertus Dumas, Bungsu Hospital Director, ” said Bruce. “The opportunity to participate in the opening and see the fruit of our partnership firsthand was a great blessing. The gratitude expressed for what our support has made possible is humbling.” Community impact Komang thanked God for the “great work” he has done through the Bungsu Hospital, and thanked the Australia Territory for the funding provided “so that the dream of having a new ICU/NICU at the hospital, came true”. Komang also outlined the impact these units would have on the local community. This includes:  Improving the quality of the hospital through the provision of comprehensive and holistic services. Fulfilling regulations so the hospital can continue to work with the government healthcare insurance system. Enabling ICU needs for local residents to be more affordable. Increasing the availability of ICU beds in the city of Bandung, which also caters to surrounding towns. Serving and supporting, not just the local communities, but referred patients from around the West Java (Bandung) province where there are limited ICU beds. Out and about Miriam also visited The Salvation Army Senjarawi Eventime Home and Girls Home in Bandung with Indonesia Territorial Leaders Commissioners Widiawati and Yusak Tampai and other senior leaders. “It was very moving to hear some retired officers singing of God’s grace to them at the Eventime Home, and seeing the Girls Home was just beautiful,” she said.   Another “moving and beautiful day” was the spiritual day in Jakarta with 92 cadets. “Stunning. So many beautiful young people, obedient to the call of Jesus. Hope givers. Hope bringers. Blessed beyond measure! Thank you, Indonesia Territory,” Miriam said.

BY TYLER WRIGHT* Despite a recent setback, Ferntree Gully Corps in Victoria is still giving back to the community after launching an emergency relief food pantry. The pantry stocks canned goods, drinks, snacks, and non-perishable items like milk and yoghurt in an on-site fridge, with the service accessible to those in need. Corps Officer Major Rosie Massey said an after-hours pantry was set up outside the church building in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs in May 2023, but demand soared, so a permanent pantry has now been set up. “In the past, we were able to provide emergency relief to members of our community here on a Wednesday through what was known as our mini market,” Rosemary said. “The mini market was a wonderful concept that helped people to get some food, much like food hackers on a weekly basis. However, there wasn’t really a great variety, and we were seeing the same people every single week and felt that we really needed to [meet their needs] as much as we could. “[The external food pantry is] accessible 24/7, and we have noticed since May that it’s getting continually used and even more so since these last two months, so much so that we’re now having to stock it twice a day, and we’re having four to six people come each day to access that pantry.” The food pantry remains stocked through funds raised from the Red Shield Appeal and donated items from church members, FoodBank and the Rotary Club of Ferntree Gully. The permanent pantry opened on Wednesday 7 February, and visitors can access free food, perishable items, cleaning products and personal items. “Given the way that things are in this day and age, we all know the cost of living is not going down anytime soon,” Rosie said. “We’re hoping to be able to provide the best support that we can to make it fair for everyone. We’ve seen people that are not just on Centrelink; they’ve got a mortgage and two jobs, and they’re just not making ends meet.” Rosie said those who visit are given an interview to determine their needs. “We also have the capacity to hand out vouchers,” she said. “We can decide whether they need to come weekly or whether they’re actually able to come fortnightly or hopefully monthly, depending on their circumstances.” It comes as the corps battles extra costs of its own, with its shed broken into only days before the launch of the pantry and thieves stealing the church’s valuable trailer, used to pick up donations from FoodBank. Also stolen were gardening tools and a TV stored in the shed owned by a community member. Rosie said it was “quite a shock” to receive a call from a local church member alerting her they had been robbed. “I came down, and our trailer, which is vital for our work, was gone,” she said. [It was] very disheartening because we’re here to try and support the community.” Unsure of when the trailer will be replaced, the sliding doors to the garage were also damaged, creating an extra cost. Despite the adversity, Rosie said the corps will continue servicing its community “no questions asked”. *Story courtesy of the Star Mail, Ferntree Gully.

BY KEZIAH BOWER* Since 1911, International Women’s Day has celebrated the achievements of women all over the world. The day, held annually on 8 March, provides an opportunity to acknowledge that women equally have a right to be recognised for who they are, and what they bring to the world. Each year, the day promotes a call to action to drive equality for women, and this year, that call is to #InspireInclusion. This means to openly welcome and encourage the diversity of women of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. The impact Throughout history, the world has not always acknowledged the incredible impact and contributions that many women have made to society. We often recognise and remember those, at times to the exclusion of women. In Australia, gender inequity has a signif­icant impact on individuals and greater society. Gender inequity is the great­est driver of violence against women, contributes to Australian women retiring with on average 40 per cent less superannuation than men, and leads to Australia’s gender pay gap. A biblical concept Gender equity is a biblical concept. The Bible teaches that all people, regardless of their gender, are made in the image of God, and that everyone is valued equally by him and that there is no hier­archy in this value. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians chapter 3, verse 28. Throughout the Bible we see many powerful examples of God working through both men and women, despite the world not always seeing or including them as God does. Gender equity and the Salvos As Salvos, we have valued women and their contribution from our beginnings. Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army was a strong advocate for equality between men and women. “Catherine Booth … opened the door into female ministry for … Salvationists of the coming generations. She gave them the right to preach, to break the Bread of Life to hungry souls, and to be servants of all for Christ’s sake.” (Larsson, F. (1974). My Best Men are Women. Salvation Army Publishing.) This equality and inclusion of women resulted in women being considered some of the most influential people of the early days of The Salvation Army. of the early days of The Salvation Army. What can be done? The Salvation Army’s Policy and Advocacy team #InspireInclusion by challenging and advocating to change the systemic and structural barriers that impact a woman’s ability to participate and thrive. We work to influence decision-makers and those in positions of power to implement changes that work towards the inclusion of women and ultimately gender equity – such as increased education and support for family and domestic violence services, more affordable and accessible childcare to support equal access to the workforce, and solutions to lessen both the superannuation and gender pay gaps. Each one of us can use our influence to inspire the inclusion of women and chal­lenge gender inequity. This could look like asking “Why not?” when women are not present or included, and calling out gender stereotypes, discrimination and biases which suggest that women are of less value than men. We all know great women who have had, and who continue to have a signif­icant impact on our lives. Perhaps you could challenge yourself to learn more about a woman whose contribution has not been recognised and share what you’ve learned with someone. This International Women’s Day, we urge you to consider how you can #InspireInclusion as an individual and celebrate the women in your world. *Keziah is a policy and advocacy advisor for The Salvation Army’s Policy and Advocacy team Go to the MySalvos toolkit here for International Women’s Day resources