In this Christmas message, Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett looks at the gospel of Luke and reflects on the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth. These humble beginnings remind us that from the outset, Jesus identified with those who experience exclusion and the impacts of poverty in our society. As we serve others in our community this Advent season, especially the most vulnerable, we also serve Jesus. Amidst the busyness of Christmas, may we all be encouraged to slow down and meditate on the wonder and joy of Christ with us.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? I’m the Corps Officer at Ulverstone Corps and Burnie Corps in north-west Tasmania. Both corps are growing in number and in depth of faith; new ministries are starting and there’s a strong missional intent behind all we do. We are seeing new faces nearly every week at Ulverstone, which is very exciting as they commence their faith pathway with us. At Burnie, there’s a lot of co-located mission expressions who are keen to work together to provide holistic outreach to our community. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I go to the beach or play games with the family, and I play trombone with the City of Burnie Brass Band. Also, north-west Tasmania is a beautiful place to explore with mountains, caves and beaches. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I have many favourites, but one I keep coming back to is Wesley’s And can it be. It has such amazing lines like, ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free – for O, my God, it found out me’ and ‘My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee’ – it is as if Wesley wrote of my own conversion! Christ’s love sought me, liberated me, transforms and compels me. 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? Moses – although I expect I’d be mostly listening. What a life! The burning bush, his encounters with Pharaoh, leadership through wilderness, Mt Sinai, mentoring Joshua – I’d love to hear his take on what happened and his reflections on God. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Absolutely – but know why you are doing it. Officership is a covenant-with-God lifestyle, and The Salvation Army is the ‘vehicle’ by which you are enabled to do it. Sure, the vehicle might look like a banged-up Holden Commodore at times (!) but officers really are immensely privileged to be paid to live out God’s calling. We are with people in their best and worst moments; we speak truth and life to those who need to hear it most; we point them to Jesus and witness the joy come flooding in when they are saved. Sure, every believer can and should do that, but officers are supported to make it their number one priority in life. The Army’s flaws are trivial next to the realised power of the Spirit at work through us.

Congratulations to the following officers on their promotion to the rank of Major: Captain Jennifer Reeves (18 November 2023) Captain Joanne Brookshaw (30 November 2023) Captain Peter Brookshaw (30 November 2023) Captain Scott Ellery (30 November 2023) Captain Kim Haworth (30 November 2023) Captain Steven Haworth (30 November 2023) Captain Pauline Middleton (30 November 2023) Captain Aaron Stobie (30 November 2023) Captain Ashley Barkmeyer (7 December 2023) Captain Bronwyn Barkmeyer (7 December 2023) Captain Richard Day (7 December 2023) Captain Paula Glover (7 December 2023) Captain Stuart Glover (7 December 2023) Captain Jeff Goodwin (7 December 2023) Captain Terri Goodwin (7 December 2023) Captain Craig Harlum (7 December 2023) Captain Matt Moore (7 December 2023) Captain Narelle Unicomb (7 December 2023) Captain Alison MacDonald (10 January 2024) Captain Gareth MacDonald (10 January 2024) Congratulations to the following officers on their promotion to the rank of Captain: Lieutenant Ashley Biermann (2 December 2023) Lieutenant Rita Biermann (2 December 2023) Lieutenant Star Conliffe (2 December 2023) Lieutenant Aaron Coombes (2 December 2023) Lieutenant Keryn Coombes (2 December 2023) Lieutenant Charlie Jung (2 December 2023) Lieutenant Steph Glover (2 December 2023) We thank God for their dedicated and faithful service over the number of years represented by these promotions.

REVIEWED BY GARTH R. HENTZSCHEL* Do you like a good yarn from the Aussie bush? Bush yarns and other offences is a book for you! Max Lewis is a Salvationist and retired Queensland police officer who spent his service in rural and remote Queensland towns. This book is a collection of 61 very short chapters with images of bush trackers and old police stations. Each chapter tells a different story from the point of view of the non-drinking, non-gambling policeman in locations where these pastimes are often the only forms of entertainment. Most of Max’s service was in Far North Queensland at places such as Atherton, Burketown, Camooweal, Laura, Mt Isa, Palmerville, and Ravenshoe. The remoteness of these towns was clearly portrayed in the yarns. Eumundi police station, which was another place Max served, although not geographically remote, carried with it unique experiences for the emotions of the police officers. This too was portrayed in such a way as to secure empathy from the reader for what people in law enforcement are required to do. Similar to other memoirs from professionals in law enforcement and medicine, there are examples of black humour with stories of road accidents and death. It shows the way these professionals deal with such matters to sustain their mental health. Stories of chickens in the police quarters and alcohol locked in the watchhouse give cases of a more whimsical note. There are interesting and unique characters to meet and the birth of the Laura Rodeo (Far North Queensland) to explore. For a self-published book, it is clearly written and professionally arranged. The stories are authentic and reveal the true nature of the roles performed by country ‘coppers’. Bush yarns and other offences uncovers uniquely Australian bush tales and a lovely example of community policing. Max Lewis, Bush Yearns and other Offences: A Police Officer’s Initiation to Country Service by Bush Folklore is available as Kindle or Paperback from Amazon.com.au or other online booksellers. *Garth R. Hentzschel is a Salvationist living in Brisbane and is a freelance historian and writer

From rocky beginnings in November 1883 – when onlookers exploded flour bombs in the Salvationists’ faces or threw mud and beer, to near unanimous support in 2023 – The Salvation Army in Launceston has come a long way. The Salvos were not always received warmly in the early days – they were seen as a “noisy and disrespectful bunch to many, encouraging the larrikins of the town”, and often arrested during their parades. However, on Sunday 26 November, the Launceston Corps received a very different reception when the community came together to celebrate exactly 140 years from their first service. Corps Officer Aux-Lieut Roderick Brown said the celebration was a testament to the faithfulness and hard work of those who had come before. “We have a long history of supporting people in practical ways, in tangible ways, and supporting people holistically with their spiritual needs too,” Roderick said. “The Salvation Army is a faith-based movement, motivated by the love of Jesus. So that’s why we do what we do; helping and caring for people and trying to show them how valued each and every person is in the eyes of God. We want to lift them up.” Over the past 140 years, 96 corps officers have been appointed in Launceston, all doing their bit, as Roderick says, to support others when they need it most. “I’ve been involved with The Salvation Army all my life,” he said. “But I've been working here the last eight years, and seriously involved for the past 16 years. “God called me into this to serve people and serve the community. And seeing the positive transformation made in some people’s lives makes it all worthwhile.” During the anniversary celebration, photos and archive materials were available to look at and church friends and family shared stories and memories from their time in the corps. Within two years of the Army ‘opening fire’ in Launceston, the present corps site in Elizabeth Street was obtained and built upon in 1885. It’s reported that about 1100 people attended the opening of the Elizabeth Street Barracks, with a further 300 to 400 more outside, unable to get in. In November 2010, the latest building restructure and remodel occurred, integrating all of the Launceston services into one site. Over the years, the Salvationists opened many social service initiatives and places, including a maternity hospital for unmarried mothers and other young women “to whom life had been unkind”; provided shelter to unemployed single men; fed and clothed those affected by the 1929 Invermay floods; ran soup kitchens in the winter and during the Great Depression; and much more. After 1945, The Salvation Army responded to new social problems by extending its services to assisting people experiencing homelessness, missing persons, drug, gambling, and alcohol abuse, disability and migrant services, employment, and aged accommodation, and helped in emergencies like the 1967 bushfires. In 1970, the annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock began, raising much-needed funds. In the first year, The Salvation Army raised $9153, equivalent to about $119,206 today. Despite the initial protests against the Army, The Examiner newspaper reported on 30 November 1883 that “the effects of the good these people are doing is becoming plainly visible”. An edited version of an article that first appeared in Launceston newspaper The Examiner, author Stephanie Dalton. Photographer: Phillip Biggs

BY JULIA HOSKING This year has been filled with all sorts of challenges on both a widespread and personal level. The good news of Christmas is that, even when the world or our circumstances change, the message is timeless because Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, and how he came to give us love, hope and joy. In a display of the importance of women, the angel Gabriel first appeared to a young woman named Mary. He told her that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus – that is, she would give birth to the Son of God. “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus,” the angel said (Luke chapter 1, verses 30-31). Mary had every reason to be afraid. She was unmarried but engaged to Joseph, and to be pregnant out of wedlock would have been scandalous, but the angel assured Mary of God’s love and his plans for her. It is doubtful that all her family and friends believed her story, but thankfully Joseph did, as an angel had visited him too. Through all the challenges and difficult situations she would have faced from that moment on, Mary held onto the promises of God. “No matter how hard or hopeless our situation may appear, God is there for us.” When the time came for Mary to give birth to Jesus, she had to travel to Bethlehem for a census. The census meant the town was very busy, and no guest rooms were available for Mary and Joseph. So she gave birth in a stable or barn and laid Jesus down in a manger (an animal feeding trough). There was no royal welcome in a palace for Jesus, the Son of God. Instead, on the night of his birth, he was sleeping rough. As he grew, Jesus experienced persecution, loneliness, grief, hunger, anger and more. He came into the world to experience life as a human – to live among people and understand their struggles. Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew chapter 1, verse 23), is another name for Jesus. His birth and life is a message of good news for us because it means we are never alone. No matter how hard or hopeless our situation may appear, God is there for us. “You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful.” It is this message that gives us comfort and great joy to celebrate at Christmas. As the angel said to a group of shepherds on the night Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke chapter 2, verse 10). Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or a Christian festival. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus, our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus – the gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future. Your Christmas this year might look different to previous years. It may not match up to the commercial images you see or hopes you have. But the true meaning of Christmas doesn’t depend on the number of gifts under a tree. The message of Christmas doesn’t change if you are surrounded by family, missing loved ones for the first time or on your own. God’s love is for everyone. You are not alone. You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful. That is the true meaning of Christmas. Where in the Bible can I read the Christmas story? You can read the full Christmas message in the Bible, in Matthew chapters 1 and 2, and Luke chapters 1 and 2.

BY LAUREN MARTIN A group of teenagers from Caringbah and Woolooware high schools in Sydney joined forces this year to change their local communities for the better through The Salvation Army’s Hope Internship Program. The Salvation Army Hope Internship Program is an initiative designed for students who are passionate about social justice and making a difference in the community. The program teaches students the skills needed to be innovative, strategic and influential leaders – now and in the future. Participants in this year’s program met throughout the year to work on community engagement, fundraising and advocacy projects supported by a network of professionals from the Salvos and the local community. The program was initiated and run by the territorial ‘Salvos Schools’ team’s Roza Gutschow, who worked closely with the local corps and services in the Shire Salvos area where the schools were based. Joel Campbell, Shire Salvos Mission Leader (Menai), said the students were passionate fundraisers for the Red Shield Appeal earlier this year and also had raised awareness at their schools around the work of The Salvation Army and the various local social issues they were learning about in the Internship Program. “It’s great to see that the next generation wants to have an impact on the world, and The Salvation Army can partner with them to make their visions become a reality.” On Friday 1 December, the Shire Hope Interns celebrated their achievements and showcased their final project – a food pantry for The Salvation Army’s new mission work at Heathcote. The interns have committed to supplying food for the pantry by collecting donations through their school communities. “Our pantry box was originally created because we, as the Hope Interns, decided that there wasn’t enough available,” said Hannah, one of the interns. “And we wanted to create something for people that not only benefitted people when they needed it but was able for the community to give when they had too much and take when they had too little.” Another intern, Cheryl, said the Hope Internship was one of the highlights of her year: “The best thing about the program was being able to connect with other young people who also had the same passion to make a difference in the community.” It’s hoped that a second year of the Hope Internship Program will be offered in high schools throughout the Sutherland Shire in 2024.

To read Margaret’s tribute, click here

BY IVAN BEREZKIN The Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has been constantly bombarded since the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. A small Salvation Army team recently provided assistance to the residents of Saltivka, the district of Kharkiv that has suffered some of the worst destruction due to constant Russian shelling. Despite all the hardships of life in Kharkiv, people continue residing here. The Salvation Army team, including local corps leaders, responded to community needs when some humanitarian aid arrived from overseas. Saltivka is located next to the Russian border. For this reason, fierce battles in the first days of the full-scale invasion took place here. Even during these days, many days after the Russians were pushed out of the Kharkiv region, Saltivka remains restless and continues to suffer from Russian shelling. The people still living here have nowhere to go and are in need of care and attention. We saw the ‘wounds and scars’ of the war everywhere during the humanitarian aid distribution to the Saltivka residents. These included lots of broken windows, smashed roofs, burned and demolished houses and, of course, lots of pain – pain that penetrates the very heart when you look into the eyes of those who continue to live here. Yuri is one of the residents we met in Saltivka. He lives in his old house, built in 1933. “You know, my house was not damaged at all during the German occupation during World War Two, but it was not able to survive the ‘fraternal Russian’ war. I constantly repair my home, but I don’t have time, the damage is increasing.” To somehow support Yuri, we gave him a refugee kit – a tent; two beds, sleeping bags, tables and chairs; a gas cylinder with a stove; a kettle and essential utensils. Yuri was surprised and moved. “Thank you for coming here to us and bringing such wonderful gifts!” he said. “Now I have a place to rest while I renovate my house. I have a place to cook and even sleep! Thank you! Your kindness gives me hope and faith in the future, because we are not alone, and the world supports us! Thank you!” In addition to the food aid, we distributed 10 of these refugee kits. One of them was given to a 50-year-old man with disabilities, Ihor Viktorovych Davydenko. He lives in a multi-flat building which is constantly shelled. “I am very grateful to The Salvation Army for the refugee kit,” he said. “I will use it when the heating gets cut off, or when I get my windows broken. Unfortunately, this is a very common situation for Saltivka, so most of my neighbours have left, but I stayed. Thank you for helping me!” Oleksandr suffered a stroke a few years ago. He had a heart attack at the beginning of this (northern) autumn. He also caught our attention. His house has seriously suffered from this brutal war. The Salvation Army in Ukraine, together with the residents of Saltivka, would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who has given prayer, emotional and financial support! May the Lord richly bless you and return you a hundredfold! Thank you!

Gallery 101 at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London is featuring an exhibition throughout December entitled ‘The Quiet Heart of Christmas’. To view the exhibition online, click here. Based on the Christmas message from General Lyndon Buckingham (available at Salvosonline.org.au on 20 December), the exhibition features the Christmas story from the perspective of each of the four gospels. It will operate through to 4 January 2024. “Each of the gospels presents a different view of Christmas,” writes General Buckingham. “It’s easy for us to become so engaged with the trappings of the Christmas story. That may include things that we have become accustomed to, that are not even mentioned in any of the gospels. Instead, we can sometimes miss the quiet heart of Christmas as related in Scripture. “This year, perhaps we can focus again on what the gospels actually tell us about the coming of Jesus. One who comes for those who are sinners and outcasts. One who comes to be King. One who comes to be Immanuel – God with us. One who comes to be our Saviour. One who has existed from all eternity.” For more information, go to sar.my/gallery101

A partnership between 2508 Salvos in southern Sydney, the local Salvos Store and a generous music teacher has resulted in a local child accessing piano lessons. The primary school-aged boy realised his love for music when visiting a friend’s home and noticing a keyboard. He started to play and didn’t want to leave! The boy and his sibling are cared for by their grandmother, who relies on Centrelink benefits, so they are financially unable to pay for after-school activities. The family is regularly supported by 2508 Salvos. “One of the disadvantages of living in financial stress is that children often miss out on things that their peers take for granted,” said Lauren Martin, Mission Leader of 2508 Salvos, based in Helensburgh. “Things like weekend sport, swimming lessons, and after-school activities.” “Here in Helensburgh and the surrounding suburbs, we like to support individuals and families holistically, and we work with the local community in caring for each other. With that in mind, I often partner with local businesses to see if they can provide subsidised services for locals in need, with The Salvation Army contributing to some of the cost and the family or individual also contributing, but at a lower amount than the advertised rate. “When we heard about this boy’s love of music, I approached a local music tutor to see how we could work together to support him.” That music teacher is Alison Garvie, who jumped at the chance to help. “I love to teach, and if there’s an enthusiastic kid out there that wants to learn and can’t afford lessons, I’m happy to help,” she said, adding that the boy is fun and creative and enjoying learning C-intervals and reading music. Lauren spoke to her local Salvos Stores about the potential for sourcing a donated keyboard to assist in his learning. Area Manager Dale Cheetham put a call out throughout the area, and a few weeks later, a good-quality keyboard and stand was delivered by Salvos Stores truck to the Helensburgh store with a note to say it had come from Nowra Salvos Store on the South Coast, to be used for the mission. “What a delight it was to deliver that keyboard and stand!” says Lauren. “His grandmother contacted me later in the afternoon to say that the boy had been using it for hours.” His grandmother says if it weren’t for the Salvos and Alison’s generosity, she would never be able to afford for her grandson to pursue his passion for music. “He’s really getting into it,” she said. “There’s one classical song, and he’s getting really good at it. It’s something positive to do with his time. “It’s his special thing.”

For the past 80 years, The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) have aimed to support people and communities at their greatest point of need during natural disasters. Cyclones, floods, bushfires or earthquakes – there will always be SAES teams on the ground supporting those on the frontline of any emergency. The Salvation Army is privileged to be part of these displays of great resilience and strength, partnering with communities and being present for the long haul.