BY ANTHONY CASTLE Callum Greenaway is a new coordinator with the Worship Arts team, based in Queensland. Callum has been in the role for just over a month, supporting local Salvo mission expressions and working with the national team on projects and events. Callum’s songwriting first caught people’s attention during the COVID pandemic, when an opportunity to have fun on YouTube kickstarted a musical career. “My wife Lara and I started making these cheesy YouTube videos during COVID,” Callum explains. “We’d write songs and make home videos for them. The videos got some people’s attention. We started some work with the local council, and someone from the Worship Arts teams saw it and reached out. We were invited to write the song for The Salvation Army’s Self-Denial Appeal.” Callum, who attends Bundamba Salvos in Brisbane’s west, co-wrote the song Hands Could Change a Life. The song was used during the six-week Self Denial Appeal campaign in 2021. “Lara and I weren’t married at the time we wrote that song,” Callum says. “We were writing as a duo. I’d play guitar, we’d both sing and do harmonies. We had also played live music for Salvation Army events, Red Shield Appeal breakfasts, and camps.” Worship Arts seeks to support and resource artistic expressions, including music teams, brass bands, choirs, songwriting and composition, dance, timbrels, drama, spoken word, worship tech, graphic design, photography, visual art, multimedia and more. Callum’s new role will support the needs of local Salvo communities while helping to facilitate national events and assist with projects and resourcing. “I’d say the primary job of our role is to work out how best The Salvation Army can spread the love of Jesus through the arts.” “A big part of my job is coming alongside the division to help with events or whatever comes my way,” Callum says. “I’m meeting with corps officers, area officers, advocating for people’s needs and asking how we can support them. I’d say the primary job of our role is to work out how best The Salvation Army can spread the love of Jesus through the arts. A facet of that is developing musicians from a technical, and more importantly, character perspective, so they better reflect Jesus.” Worship Arts runs events, camps for kids, podcasts and training days to help support that creativity in artists across The Salvation Army in Australia. While the team assists with event coordination and resource releases, the heart of the team is to show and grow creativity in The Salvation Army. “The team organises other creators, finding talented people with stories to share and connecting them so they can be meaningfully used,” Callum explains. “It can help create a sense of identity, to have your own music. That’s a big part of what we do on the Worship Arts team, to involve others as well to write The Salvation Army’s story into song.” Worship Arts seeks to ‘encourage, support, challenge and develop’ individuals and faith communities in their use of creative arts. The team, and Callum’s role, reaches out to that same creative process that started it all on YouTube and seeks to grow that in others. “My process is messy,” Callum says. “Sometimes I sit down at the piano, play with some chords, chart out what I like, then leave it and come back to it later. It’s a refinement process. Then, other times, you sit down on the guitar and just write a song in one go. “If we are creatives and we have a message, it’s on us to write that. Songwriters have a role to play, everywhere. It’s a beautiful thing to share.”

Nearly all church services, including in the Army, finish with some sort of benediction – a final blessing before the service concludes. For many corps officers, it’s generally just a short prayer to close the service, while others like to read a verse of Scripture. Some officers have a favourite benediction that they pronounce at the end of every service. As a young man, I served under an officer who used a well-known prayer from Numbers 6 at the end of every service, “The Lord bless thee and keep thee …” and so on. I’ve been thinking about other benedictions we could use to conclude a Sunday meeting, and maybe you could suggest one of the following to your corps officers. The Porky Pig benediction is possibly a little irreverent but seems fitting. Imagine it: you finish singing the closing song, the officer gets up and reminds you of the main challenge or theme of the morning and then says a short prayer before concluding with – “Thee-a-thee-a-thee-a-thee-a-thee-a-thee-that’s all folks!” Another option would be ‘Joliet’ Jake Blues’ closing words as The Blues Brothers concluded their gig at Bob’s Country Bunker: “Well, folks, it’s time to call it a night … You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” For a real memorable finish, you could then move straight into your final vocal – “Move ‘em on, head ‘em up, head ‘em up, move ‘em on, move ‘em on, head ‘em up, Rawhide!” Perhaps you prefer something from an older, gentler time; maybe the classic farewell from ‘The Sound of Music’. I’m sure you can picture it now: As the Sunday meeting draws to a close, the officer suddenly starts waving to you and singing: “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodnight,/ I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.” He dances in a little circle and adds some verses until he sits at the foot of the lectern and sings: “The sun has gone to bed and so must I,/ So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye”, and the whole congregation could wave and sing “Goodbye” as the officer exits stage left. Personally, I’m a big Beatles fan, so I’m thinking of finishing with the last line from the last song of the last studio album made by The Beatles. I’d say a little prayer concluding with, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make”, and I’d add an “amen”. No one particularly knows what that lyric means, but it sure sounds deep and meaningful. Even Paul McCartney, who wrote the lyrics, said he was just trying to write a couplet that sounded Shakespearian. Nevertheless, it sounds like something you could say at the end of a church service. In fact, you’d probably have people asking for the Bible reference for that verse! Perhaps officers could just close with the last words of social theorist and philosopher Karl Marx, who passed away in 1883, saying to those gathered around his bed: “Go on, get out – last words are for fools who have not yet said enough!” I guess as long as you add an ‘amen’, that might work. – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

The Queensland Government has committed more than $1 million to The Salvation Army to continue to deliver its specialist homelessness service in Cairns. With this funding, Centennial Lodge provides 12 places of temporary supported accommodation for women and mobile support services to five external properties for families. This adds to previously funded 23 places of temporary supported accommodation for men. “We welcome the news of increased funding for The Salvation Army to continue supporting vulnerable women and families in the Cairns community,” said Aaron Pimlott, State Manager Homelessness (Qld) Social Mission. “Our partnership with the State Government continues to grow stronger as we work together to see vulnerable Australians housed, supported, and cared for. “Ending homelessness is possible, and when suitable housing and support is made a priority, we will see homelessness as rare, brief, and non-recurring.” Member for Cairns Michael Healy said, “This funding means The Salvation Army will be able to continue helping women and families in the Far North.” Information courtesy of The National Tribune

​ ‌‘Yakila – Walking and Talking Together’ (8-11 February 2024) is a special conference in two halves. The first two days will focus on truth-telling with The Salvation Army’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel, and the final two days are for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous personnel to come together in ‘faith days’. ‌​ As a movement, The Salvation Army remains committed to travel with, listen to, and seek better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Yakila will help us to recognise our commitment is more than words and needs to translate into practical realities and efforts. As leaders in our faith settings, we would love to see you at the faith days on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February. ​ Register your attendance here >>

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The purpose of this campaign is to raise public awareness of violence against women. It is a call to action for us to work together to eliminate violence against women and children. This animation contains family and domestic violence themes. If you or someone you know is affected by any issues raised by this video, please contact the following services: 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732 or Lifeline: 13 11 14 Family violence occurs in all cultures and communities and across all demographics including age, gender, and socio-economic status. This is Yas’* story (*names have been changed). To read the full story click here To read For Our Daughters by Captain Sandra Pawar click here

BY CLIFF WORTHING School students throughout Australia are turning knowledge into action by creating Christmas hampers for struggling families. Hamper of Hope is a special Christmas initiative facilitated by Salvos Schools, the dedicated schools engagement team for the Salvation Army that aims to equip, empower and engage school communities with social justice and the mission of the Salvation Army. “Schools are hungry for community connection, and we find they are really engaging with the Hamper of Hope initiative as it asks students to think very consciously about who they are giving to as they put together a hamper for someone in need” said Grace Davidson, National Schools Engagement Coordinator. “In light of the pandemic, today's students are more aware of challenges for struggling families. There is an increased sense of empathy and motivation for students to get involved.” Students are invited to fill a bag with eight or more non-perishable food items to form a complete hamper for someone doing it tough. Salvos Schools supply a suggested ‘shopping list’ to help decide on appropriate items. An individual student, or class, family, or small group can work together to create the Christmas hampers. “Schools are a powerful force when they come together and get involved in an initiative like this. The food donations go a long way to make sure people have access to some Christmas joy and practical support through the summer period,” Grace said. “In our education sessions, we are having so many heartening conversations as students are inspired to take social justice action.” Boroondara Park Primary School in Victoria has been a supporter of Hamper of Hope since it was established. In 2022, the school donated more than 350 filled hampers. Principal Susanne Lowe reflected, “Each year, the Christmas tree is in place in the foyer, the posters are up around the school and information is shared with the community. As the number of items under the tree increases students are amazed each day when they walk past. They are able to see the generosity of our community growing before their eyes.” Last year, the Hamper of Hope initiative saw more than 3100 hampers donated by schools across the Territory. In 2023, Salvos Schools hopes to significantly increase Hamper of Hope donations. “The Hampers of Hope initiative means more people can feel some festive joy and hope in the holiday period,” Grace said. “It is such a practical way for students to take social justice action and support their community at this time of year.” Corps that wish to engage with their local schools can contact Salvos Schools for resources. For a school engagement toolkit, click here. For more information or to register, click here.

Session: Defenders of Justice From: Auburn Corps (NSW) Appointed to: Corps Officer at Cairns Corps (Qld) Silver Star recipients: Mrs Genny May. Mr Peter Woodbury Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry – in progress I was born and raised in Sierra Leone. I am married to Beola. Due to a civil war, I resettled in Australia in 2009 with the assistance of The Salvation Army. My conversion to Christianity occurred during a Christian crusade led by Reinhard Bonnke, where I gave my life to Christ. Since converting to Christianity, I have found a deep sense of peace and fulfilment I never experienced before. My favourite Scripture verse is 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again.” This reminds me that God will always help us when we turn to God in humility and obedience. I have a loving God who will always provide me with peace and strength. From 2016 to 2017, I felt the deep call to lead. I started as a ministry assistant and became an auxiliary-lieutenant in 2019. I saw God holistically working in me when I got to The Salvation Army Eva Burrows College. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, college helped me gain spiritual strength and understanding, building a solid foundation for my future. Through the process of learning and unlearning, God has helped me to see my true self and make use of my gifts and talents. He has also helped me recognise areas that need improvement and prepared me to make the most of future opportunities. I am a testament to God’s love and grace. Still a work in progress, I know I am not alone. Throughout my journey, Jesus guides, comforts and gives me hope. Therefore, I have no doubt that God’s love and grace will lead me to success. Bible verse: Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” Mark 12:29-31 (NRSVUE translation).

Journey to Bethlehem is an adaption of the Biblical nativity story, depicting the birth of Jesus with all the festive fun of a Christmas musical. Directed by Adam Anders in his feature-length directorial debut, Journey to Bethlehem stars Milo Manheim and Fiona Palomo as Joseph and Mary, with Lecrae as Gabriel and Antonio Banderas as King Herod. This live-action Christmas musical celebration for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies into new pop songs in a music-infused retelling of the timeless story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. For those seeking the meaning of Christmas and a fun family time during the holiday season, Journey to Bethlehem opens in cinemas in Australia on 30 November.

To read Graham’s tribute, click here

Session: Defenders of Justice From: Auburn Corps (NSW) Appointed to: Corps Officer at Cairns Corps (Qld) Silver Star recipients: Mrs Winifred Wallace. Mr Prince Coker Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Diploma in Theology I am Beola. I have come from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and came with my husband Edward to Australia in 2009. Due to a civil war, my husband and I had to flee to a neighbouring country and later resettled in Australia with the assistance of The Salvation Army. I was born and raised in a Christian home in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. I came to know the Lord at the age of 15 in a Scripture Union meeting. My journey to where I am now all started when I came to Australia and was introduced to The Salvation Army at the Auburn Corps. The impactful influence they had on me made me feel a sense of spiritual belonging, as if it gave me a chance to give back. This is how my journey at The Salvation Army started. My husband and I were given the opportunity to come to Eva Burrows College to study theology. Entering college was a very exciting moment for me. However, being in college has continued to reveal God’s faithfulness and plan for me. My favourite Scripture verse is Joshua 1:9 (NIV): “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do no be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This always reminds me that God is with me always. As I am here now using the gift that was given to me to give the gift of love that God showed to me many years ago. Bible verse: “With great understanding, Wisdom is calling out as she stands at the crossroads and on every hill. She stands by the city gate where everyone enters the city, and she shouts: ‘I am calling out to each one of you! Good sense and sound judgement can be yours. Listen because what I say is worthwhile and right. I always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie. Every word I speak is honest, not one is misleading or deceptive. If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need. Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold. Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire’” (Proverbs 8:1-11 (CEV).

In communities across the Central American nation of Guatemala, known for its violence and high crime rates, The Salvation Army is working hard to provide a place of refuge for students, parents and primary caregivers. The Salvation Army in Guatemala operates four primary schools and two after-school programs in the southern part of the country, all within three hours’ driving distance from Guatemala City. The Salvation Army World Services Office (SAWSO) School and Teacher Empowerment project supports five of these schools. Located in extremely disadvantaged communities, these schools not only provide an education for children, but they are critical to The Salvation Army’s ministry in Guatemala. Guns, violence and criminal gang activity are part of daily life here. Schools provide a safe learning environment for children and also provide support for parents, such as socio-emotional training, and a food pantry when supplies are available. Educational support However, schools are reliant on tuition fees to cover operational costs. As disenfranchised families struggle with meagre incomes, collecting school tuition has been increasingly challenging. Instructional material, teacher salaries, and professional development opportunities have been under-resourced. These factors, combined with a lack of infrastructural investment, significantly impact the quality of education on offer. Specialising in ongoing educational support in countries around the globe, SAWSO has been supporting this project for the past three years, along with temporary operational community resources. SAWSO’s goals for this project include improved quality of education and financial self-sustainability. To reach these goals, SAWSO collaborated with the local Salvation Army, seeking to transform the four primary schools into renowned centres of educational excellence. These schools will also serve as community engagement and outreach centres for children from disadvantaged families and those seeking quality education for their children. SAWSO immediately improved the allocation of funds for temporary salary aid and other classroom needs. Schoolteachers, principals and administrators were provided with a two-year professional development program, tailored to meet local educational challenges. Active learning, literacy instruction, subject-specific training (including special needs), monitoring tools and skills, assessment and inclusion, financial administration, after-school remedial and enrichment activities, and community engagement were identified as key trainings for success. Community engagement Community engagement is also a critical aspect of improving home-learning environments and educational capacity to tackle future public health challenges. Prodessa, a Guatemalan educational Non-Government Organisation, provided much of the training for this project. Prodessa’s focus on inclusion, community engagement and localisation are uniquely suited to the community-based education offered by The Salvation Army. The four Salvation Army schools in Guatemala provide more than an education to children; they serve as major sources of community outreach. The teachers and principals of these schools provide a safe and encouraging environment for children. Motivated by their values and passion, they work to set the next generation up for success. Kendy Diaz, a primary school teacher proudly working in The Salvation Army school in Tierra Nueva for six years, said, “We are always here as teachers, regardless of the circumstances that may occur with nature or the environment in the community.” Another teacher, Patricia Ordonez, said, “Our mission is to give (children) an education with Christian values so that they can be blessed in their families.” This article first appeared in the SAWSO Annual Report 2023. To read the report, and for more information, click here.

To read Cliff’s tribute, click here