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Jacob Browning says he loves his role at Menai Salvos in Sydney. Jacob Browning is a Youth Worker at Menai Corps in Sydney’s south. He enjoys witnessing positive changes in young people and often their families when they find support and a sense of belonging. Salvos Online asked Jacob about his role and how God is using him. So, Jacob, what do you do to help your community? I’m passionate about giving back and supporting my local community in every way I can. As a youth pastor, I have the privilege of making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. My role allows me to engage with local high schools, helping students who are struggling to find their place, and to run programs that foster both community and faith. Being part of the Salvos has deepened my understanding of the importance of healthy, supportive communities. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation that happens when young people find a space where they feel valued, important, and truly belong. What impact your work and/or other actions have on people/community? I’ve been fortunate to witness the incredible impact of my team’s efforts and the programs we’ve run over the past few years. Not only have we been able to invest in and connect with young people, but we’ve also had the opportunity to support their entire families. This has allowed us to extend our reach, fostering deeper connections and making a lasting difference in our local community. Our support goes beyond mentorship – it includes financial assistance, holistic care, and spiritual guidance. Whether it’s helping families navigate the loss of a loved one or providing aid during difficult times, we are committed to walking alongside them and ensuring they feel supported in every way possible.   Why you do this? I love my job because it is incredibly rewarding and allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community. Every day, I have the opportunity to give back by being intentional with young people – walking alongside them, supporting them, and helping them navigate life’s challenges. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is witnessing real transformation in people’s lives, seeing them grow in confidence, find their purpose, and build strong connections. Being part of that journey is both a privilege and a constant reminder of why I’m so passionate about what I do. Where you see your work/actions/community going in the future? Our vision for the future is to create more spaces across the Sutherland Shire where young people feel a true sense of belonging and acceptance. We want every Salvation Army building to be a safe, welcoming environment where young people can experience God’s love first-hand. While our programs already do this well, we believe there is always room to grow and expand our impact. Moving forward, we aim to be even more open in fostering faith-based programs, giving young people more opportunities to explore and deepen their faith. Additionally, we want to create spaces where they can give back to their community, empowering them to make a difference in the lives of others just as they have been supported themselves. Jacob (left) on a Cultural Mission Immersion Experience to the Northern Territory with a Salvation Army team in 2023.

The Salvation Army’s Cassie Shaw (left) and Sally Courtney (right) with Riani Morgan from Australia Bay Seafoods. A partnership between the Salvos and a local seafood supplier in Darwin is helping residents at two Salvation Army hostels maintain a healthy, protein-rich diet.               Australia Bay Seafoods, which has been operating out of Darwin since 1987, donates fresh fish weekly to the Army’s hostels in Darwin (Red Shield House 49) and Berrimah (Sunrise House).   “Australia Bay Seafoods have supported The Salvation Army Hostels for over three years now, 52 weeks of the year,” said Sally Courtney, former Public Relations Manager for the Northern Territory.   “It is a tremendously generous commitment from the company, as they not only provide fresh fish weekly but also deliver the fish to both hostels in the city and at Berrimah.   “Most people love to receive and eat fresh fish. A lot of people are not in the position to go fishing, a majority of people only get to eat fresh fish if they buy it from a shop, and fish is expensive.”   Sally said numerous sizeable ‘saddle tail snappers’ are a welcome addition to both hostels’ residents, not to mention also “a healthy addition of protein to their diet”.   Both hostels run Positive Lifestyle Programs for their residents, and Sally said the regular supply of fish has given staff and residents the opportunity to teach others how to fillet their own fish. The fish delivery also extends to people experiencing homelessness in and around the Darwin area.   Michael O’Brien, General Manager of Australia Bay Seafoods, said, “Our whole company structure is interlaid with the Darwin community. They support us by buying our fish, and we support local by buying and refitting our vessels locally. Supporting those less fortunate is part of our community structure.”

Salvos Online  continues a new weekly column – Three Books. Today’s guest bookworm is  Major Donna Todd , who is the Faith Communities Development Secretary in Queensland. We asked Donna three book-related questions:   Besides the gospels and Psalms, which is your favourite book in the Bible and why? It’s most definitely the book of Acts . I love the story of how the early church was birthed, its challenges, structure, effectiveness, obstacles and, most importantly, the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The boldness of the early Christians is so challenging. They were sold out to the message and prepared to give everything to follow Jesus. They were led by the Holy Spirit and saw incredible things happen. They hadn’t planned to start churches the way we experience church today. Rather, they sought to live radically counter-cultural lives and so began a movement, which allowed the exciting and life-changing message of Jesus to spread.   Besides the Bible, what is a Christian book that has strongly influenced your faith? Recently, it would be The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, which challenged me to consider my priorities and the speed at which I sometimes approach life. Although I aim to have some good spiritual rhythms in my life, this book really encouraged me to look at these more. I backed this book up by then reading Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson, which is all about listening and following the Holy Spirit and moving out of what’s comfortable and predictable. So good, and I believe these books tie together well.   What is a secular book that has revealed to you a Christian message or theme? I’ve just been sitting on this question and wracking my brain, and I have to admit I’m struggling to come up with an answer. I haven’t read many of the greats who write novels with Christian messages or themes. When I read for leisure, I read for pleasure. It’s pure escapism. Recently, I read a fabulous series called The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. It’s an epic series with eight books that traces the lives and histories of seven adopted sisters and their much-loved father. The author sadly passed away as she was writing the final book, and her son finished it for her. Each book tells the life of one of the sisters and explores the background story of her family history and what led her to be adopted. Absolutely captivating and sensational. You’ll need a few months to read through this series, but so worth it.

Major Gaina Vali accepts the government donation from Minister Jason Peter. For the first time, The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea has received a government donation for the work it carries out through its network of social programs.   Jason Peter, the PNG Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, presented the Army’s Major Gaina Vali with one million Kina (AUD$368,000 approximately) and expressed his gratitude for the Army’s “serving in the frontlines and giving hope to the hopeless”.   The Salvation Army’s social programs include those in health, education, literacy, community services, restorative justice and victim support and counselling.

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Margaret, and her service record, click here

Major Harold Hosier being greeted by Salvation Army leadership and staff on his return to Australia after World War Two. BY LINDSAY COX Salvation Army officer Major Harold Hosier was 48 years old when he landed in Greece in March 1941 as a Red Shield Representative attached to the 6th Division, Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Less than a month later, he would become a prisoner of war for nearly four years. Born at Kingaroy (Qld) in 1892, Harold became a member of The Salvation Army in his teens and entered Officer Training College in Melbourne in 1914. He was commissioned in 1915 and had four corps appointments in Victoria until receiving social appointments in New South Wales and Queensland. Just seven weeks after World War Two was declared, Harold was accepted as a Red Shield Representative (Welfare Officer) and was one of the first three Salvation Army officers to accompany the 2nd AIF overseas. Harold Hosier (centre) served in North Africa and Greece during World War Two. He arrived in Palestine with the 6th Division in February 1940, where he immediately experienced difficulties as his supplies had been pilfered during unloading from the ship. Also, he did not have a vehicle allocated to him, causing him to depend on unit transport to visit the troops. The 6th Division was ordered to Libya to confront the Italian army. Every motor vehicle of the division was accounted for, leaving no possibility of transport for Harold, who was desperate to accompany the men of the battalion he was responsible for. The only alternative was to purchase a vehicle from a Cairo used car dealer. A station wagon was obtained and suitably camouflaged by the military. As the AIF prepared to attack the coastal town of Bardia, the 2/1st Battalion history records state: “At dusk, the Battalion commenced its long march to the assembly area ... Padre Hosier, from The Salvation Army, was dispensing cups of coffee and telling those who took it he would be praying for them.” On 5 January 1941, Harold’s camouflaged mobile canteen entered Bardia in the dust clouds of the leading AIF units, and he was handing out hot coffee to weary soldiers within seven minutes of the entry of the AIF into the captured Italian stronghold. Harold Hosier (right) with the mobile Salvation Army vehicle, in Bardia, North Africa. The nearby town of Tobruk was captured from the Italians on 22 January 1941, and Harold entered the township before the firing had finished, driving around handing out very welcome drinks and cake, and giving a cheery word to the men of the 6th Division. Greece From Tobruk, Harold and his mobile canteen, along with the 6th Division, were ferried to Greece, where the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was to halt the German invasion. As a point of interest, this was to be the first time Australian and New Zealand troops (Anzacs) would fight together since Gallipoli in World War One.   By late March 1941, Harold had established a refreshment post outside Athens, where he provided coffee to Australian troops moving north. Then, blitzkrieg! The German army thundered into Greece, swiping aside all resistance and racing for the southern coast in order to cut off the Allied forces retreating in panic and disarray. As one of the great debacles of World War Two unravelled, Harold maintained his refreshment point at Athens and then used his mobile canteen as an ambulance until its destruction was ordered. Prisoner of War The last of the rescue flotilla left Greece on 28 April 1941. Harold was one of the thousands of AIF soldiers left behind to become prisoners of war of the Germans. Red Shield Commissioner Ralph Satchell reported: “Major Edgar of the 2/2nd Battalion offered Harold Hosier a seat on the last plane out of Greece. Hosier refused to leave the 30 soldiers he was with and was last seen down on his knees helping a wounded digger.” Major Harold Hosier’s Prisoner of War identification card. Harold Hosier was interned in a prisoner of war camp at Corinth along with 7000 Allied POWs. He was later transported to Stalag VIII-B, a large prisoner of war camp at Lamsdorf in Silesia. From there, he wrote to his wife: “When in a prisoners’ camp in Greece, a Y.M.C.A. man and myself had some wonderful services, over 2000 men attending, we had a choir of 50 men, and special classes with spiritual results. In the prison camp here in Germany, we have two services on Sunday, a Bible reading and discussion groups, and prayers every evening.” The German commandant made Harold the prisoner’s chaplain and afforded him the military rank of captain (hauptmann), and, until he was repatriated back to Australia in November 1944, he helped look after the spiritual and physical needs of his fellow prisoners.  Upon his return, Harold was appointed to The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Social Department. During this time, he helped start the Prison Aid Society in Brisbane and was its first president. Brigadier Harold Hosier retired in 1957 but continued active involvement with the Prison Aid Society for a further 12 years. Harold was promoted to glory in 1987 after a life of spiritual and temporal ministry. Many men who had been deprived of their freedom, judicially or as prisoners of war, would attest to his exemplification of ‘Heart to God, hand to man’. * Lindsay Cox is manager of The Salvation Army Australia Museum (Melbourne) Lindsay Cox books Salvos Publishing has two books by Lindsay Cox on sale now – Cuppa Tea Digger? and Still Serving . Cuppa Tea Digger? relates the history of The Salvation Army’s service in World War Two.  Still Serving , the prequel to Cuppa Tea Digger? , tells the story of the early days of The Salvation Army’s philanthropic attachment to the military. The book was launched at the Red Shield Defence Services 125th anniversary dinner at the Australian War Memorial on 7 November 2024. Both books are available for purchase from the Salvos Publishing  website. Cuppa Tea Digger? , click here   Still Serving , click here

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it?   My current appointment is Corps Officer at Ringwood (Vic.). I took up the appointment in January 2024. Being appointed here is a blessing as I describe myself as an ‘Eastern Suburbs Boy’, having lived the bulk of my life in the shadow of Mount Dandenong. I have a feeling of belonging here in Ringwood. I find it immensely satisfying and a privilege to try and shape culture in line with the Great Commission. In our context at Ringwood, we promote an inviting culture that prioritises the formation of Christ’s character in us. This is something I can easily give my life to. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   Running. I am what a friend described as an ‘Adult-Onset Runner’, only taking it up at 47, and have been running consistently for the past 15 years, the highlight being my participation in the 2019 London Marathon. I recently ran my 500th parkrun, which shows it has become a significant part of my life. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   In recent years, I have been influenced and blessed by Brian and Jenn Johnson’s song, ‘For the One’ . For me, it’s a musically beautiful song that simply expresses my desire to embody God’s love and extend it to others. I am constantly challenged by the line in it that says, Oh, let all my life tell of who You are. 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? There are many unnamed characters in the Bible. One I would like to talk to is the father of the boy Jesus healed in Mark 9:14-29, who said, in response to Jesus’ words, “Everything is possible for the one who believes. I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” I would like to thank him for his honesty in admitting that right alongside belief can be unbelief, as I find this in myself at times. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Rather than recommending officership, I would just share my story – for me, I felt a definite calling to offer myself for officership. My recommendation would be, if you sense a calling, you ought to follow through on it, as this is where you will find satisfaction and purpose. Officership has afforded me many opportunities for which I am grateful.

In recognition of The Salvation Army’s 160th anniversary on Founders’ Day (2 July) this year, IHQ has created eight short videos chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years, with one video released each week, beginning 5 June.   This week’s video – 160 Years of Women in Leadership – concludes the series. Commissioner Janine Donaldson, Territorial Commander of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, introduces the video.   For 160 years, The Salvation Army has envisioned women who are empowered by the gospel, enriched by local and global connections, equipped to fulfil their potential, and engaged in positively impacting the world.   To learn more about how Salvation Army women use their voices to make a difference in the world, click on the video below.   To view all the videos in the 160th anniversary series, click here .

The memorable photo of the Hope and a Future team encouraging Ratah (centre) over the finish line in 2023. BY FAY FOSTER In 2014, the first group of ‘Hope and a Future’ participants ran the Gold Coast Marathon. These young men and women from Papua New Guinea were trained to run the marathon, mentored in leadership skills and assisted with their education to help them become leaders in their corps, communities and country. These activities are modelled around the four key pillars of the Hope and a Future program – faith, fitness, education and leadership. One of the first Salvation Army officers to help and encourage these potential leaders was Major Heather Unicomb. Heather, who is now retired, served in PNG from 1990-1994 as a youth officer, and from 2014-2017 as Assistant Secretary for Program. Major Heather (left), with Major Gwenda Pratt and Michelle Hunter - all Hope and a Future supporters - in traditional PNG wear. Since Hope and a Future began, Heather has put her heart and soul into supporting the teams practically, emotionally and spiritually, including making the annual trek to the Gold Coast once she returned to Australia. On 3 July, just prior to the 6 July marathon this year, Heather saw the Salvos Online article promoting the event.   “When I saw the photo from 2023 (see above), it reminded me again how inspiring the Hope and a Future program is,” Heather commented on the Salvos Online Facebook post .   “This photo tells an amazing story of team spirit, of teammates being there for each other, of encouragement, of perseverance, and confidence to face current and future challenges of life. The whole team ran back along the course to meet up with Ratah and run her to the finish line. Ratah lives her life for God, putting him first in all she does. “Since then, Ratah has embraced the four pillars of the Hope and a Future program. Most recently, she was featured in the PNG national newspaper, highlighting her achievements as a coach for The Salvation Army under-15 soccer team during a week-long tournament, where they received the Fair Play Award. “Her advice to the girls, ‘Trust in God, put God first in everything you do,’ is how Ratah lives her life.”   Ratah’s response Ratah responded to Heather’s comments via email. She wrote: “That moment in the photo will always stay in my heart. It reminds me that when we walk together, believe in each other, and put God first, we can finish any race – no matter how hard it gets. “The Hope and a Future program changed my life. It gave me the strength to believe, to lead, and to never give up. It taught me that we are not made to walk alone – God is always with us, and so are the people he brings into our lives. “Coaching the U15 girls was more than just soccer. It was about helping them believe in themselves, stand strong, and trust God with everything. That’s how I live my life – always putting God first. “This journey is not about me. It’s about what God is doing through me. All glory to him.”

To read the appointment bulletin, click here

“You don’t realise how much you have until it’s gone,” says Talia. After experiencing a series of devastating losses, Talia found herself without a job, without hope and facing homelessness with her children. Relocating to Port Macquarie to live with her sister, Talia found The Salvation Army, which provided immediate support, housing assistance and, above all, hope. Today, Talia is part of a church community and has grown in resilience and confidence. She is proud of how far she and her children have come.

Lindsay Ferguson, Julie Norton and Ann Gregory with their certificates after being enrolled as members of Noarlunga Corps. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   A decision by Noarlunga Salvos leader Aux-Lieutenant Deb Strapp to “cast the net” earlier this year has led to three new members at the South Australian corps, with more to come!   One senior soldier, Julie Norton, and two adherents, Ann Gregory and Lindsay Ferguson, were enrolled during a Sunday morning service on 22 June. Another senior soldier, Carol Dawes, will be enrolled on 3 August, after missing the June ceremony due to illness.   “How great is our God!” said Deb. “The Holy Spirit is fanning into flame a passion within his people to step into their God-anointed destiny. The church is rising up, the Spirit is calling us out of complacency and into commitment. Commitment to be the hands and feet of Jesus – no more sitting back and warming the pews!   “I really felt led earlier in the year to cast the net and invite people into the membership,” Deb continued. “For us, it was about understanding our roots, where we came from, and the heart of The Salvation Army as a unique faith expression.   Corps Officer Aux-Lieut Deb Strapp with new senior soldier Julie Norton. “But we don’t realise how powerfully people yearn for that sense of belonging ... we tend to draw in such a wide diversity of people in our movement, and I love that about us. There are no exclusions.”   Deb is expecting more people to make a membership commitment – to become senior soldiers or adherents – in the near future.   “I’m going to put it out there again [when we] celebrate the 160-year anniversary of The Salvation Army and share a meal,” she said. “It’s not about worshipping The Salvation Army, but about understanding our past, knowing the heartbeat of our movement.   “The world needs to see a unified Church; it needs to see our churches on fire ... passionate believers living and breathing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, praise the Lord, the Spirit is moving!”   And a new fire pit ... Ralph Jones oversees the construction of a new area for the youth group, from a chalk outline to a flaming fire pit. Meanwhile, the Noarlunga Salvos junior youth group gathered for the first time around the corps’ newly created fire pit on 27 June.   “They toasted marshmallows, enjoyed baked potatoes, played celebrity heads, sang and prayed. It was a truly beautiful night!” Deb said.   “And I want to publicly acknowledge and give a heartfelt thanks to Ralph Jones, our bandmaster, who captured the vision God gave me and created such a beautiful space for community, youth, church … the whosoever to come and connect together.” The fire-pit space will also become a Yarning Circle. “For our community to gather around, our church to gather around. A place to connect, care and create together,” Deb said.