There are many ways to get to school – walk, bike, car, bus, tro-tro, on the back of a motorbike, in a tuk-tuk, being pushed in a wheelchair, on crutches, in a parent’s four-wheel drive. According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), 244 million children aged between six and 18 are not in school. The Salvation Army International Schools and Education has a long history of engagement with education and currently works with more than half a million children in more than 2500 schools, supported by 20,000 teachers in 45 countries. For The Salvation Army, the essential element is being able to attend school and receive a high-quality education, regardless of how one ‘travels’ there. The walk to school is a start and symbolises the different paths through education that children and youth take as they prepare for life’s journey. Breaking down barriers The Salvation Army is about removing barriers to education for the most vulnerable, and then providing education that is high quality and enables children to either move confidently to the next stage of education or feel empowered enough to look for employment with the necessary skills, social understanding and mental strength required in an increasingly globalised world. We work with children in rural-remote or urban-complex communities who might not otherwise be able to access a quality education system to ensure they are able to do so. We believe that all children should have access to education, and we have a clear focus on enabling those with special needs – complex disabilities, learning needs, sight issues or hearing loss – to be empowered to go to school. In several areas, therefore, we have schools that provide specialist education and living support so that pupils can achieve independence and go on to play a fulfilling role in their community when they leave school. Girls staying in education We also believe that we should do everything we can to support girls to stay in school as long as possible. There is plenty of evidence that says that every year spent in school for girls in developing contexts reduces their chance of early marriage, gives them a better opportunity to have healthy babies that survive childhood, and greatly reduces the risk of them being trafficked and exploited in the workplace or home environment. This means we need to ensure proper sanitation facilities that make it easier for girls to attend school, that schools need an ethos that encourages and values girls, and that girls are aware of their opportunities for further study and career development. Adding value to communities A key objective is lessening the learning gap between Salvation Army schools and better-resourced schools within a country, city or community. The Salvation Army faces a unique challenge in that it is called to serve people in complex communities who are often economically marginalised and geographically remote. The Salvation Army worldwide goes where others do not go, and this is also true of our education programs. To read more about Salvation Army schools and students, click here . View The Salvation Army schools and education exhibition at IHQ’s Gallery 101 , which explores The Salvation Army’s work in education around the world.

As Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, Salvation Army corps faithfully continue to serve God and care for those in need around the around the country – despite the increasing difficulties and challenges they face. Last weekend, Captains Dmitrij Bessmolnyj and Natalia Yaravaya enrolled Anatolia and Victoria Moskalenko as senior soldiers of the Kropyvnytskyi Corps. The officers quoted Isaiah 41:13 over the young couple: “I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you.” The Kyiv Lighthouse Corps is inviting people to their weekly Basics of Christianity classes each Saturday. The participants discuss relevant Bible topics to increase their understanding of God and the Bible in a warm and friendly environment. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, corps throughout Ukraine are offering all the warm clothing and shoes they can collect for desperate locals and internally displaced people. The Salvation Army in Ukraine is focused on Jesus and being his light in very dark days.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE Research from the Salvos’ National Youth and Young Adults Team has been presented at the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry’s Australasian conference. Developed by James Gallagher and John Marion, the insights were drawn from interviews with young people and explored the reasons so many wrestle with a crisis of faith. “We interviewed young people in The Salvation Army across Australia,” explains James Gallagher, Resource Coordinator for the National Youth and Young Adults Team. “We explored what helps to nurture their faith development and delivered our findings to the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry.” The International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM) is a global network involved in professional youth ministry research. To further youth ministry research, the network organises conferences and publishes The Journal of Youth and Theology. James and John’s research was delivered as the keynote address of the Australasian Regional Conference at Ridley College in Melbourne in August. “The paper explored the faith of emerging adults,” James explains. “First, there’s the content of what you believe, the doctrines, the ideas and beliefs. Second, there’s the how you believe it, like the structure of your spiritual practices, service, prayer, reading the Bible. The ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of your faith develops your unique faith system, and everyone is different.” “Faith communities so often shape the faith of young people but don’t always know how to respond when it is challenged.” People’s faith is shaped by their experiences, their families and their friends. According to the Christian Research Association, 29 per cent of young people aged 18 to 29 indicated that they attended religious services at least once a month in their younger years, but more than 70 per cent of them have dropped out by the end of their 20s. Faith communities so often shape the faith of young people but don’t always know how to respond when it is challenged. “We all know that churches struggle to engage emerging adults,” says John Marion, Youth and Young Adult Specialist. “But the big takeaway is that at some point in the lives of emerging adults, everything changes. It can be external events, like conflict or COVID. It can be internal, like asking questions and not having answers. Inevitably, something will come along that challenges their faith system. We call this dissonance.” Key factors The research highlighted four key factors often causing dissonance, challenging the faith systems of emerging adults – external life events​, doubt​, the church’s attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ matters,​ and interpersonal conflict. Whatever the cause of their dissonance, it can become pressing enough that they can’t ignore it, and faith can fall into crisis. “Resolving dissonance in faith systems can take different forms,” explains John. “Sometimes it’s to reaffirm their faith, which churches can be good at. Another is to reconsider their faith, to keep it but make some changes. They can revise their faith, asking more critical questions and having the right mentors. Of course, they can reject their faith too, which looks like conversion to a different faith pathway or exiting faith altogether.” The church’s challenge is that its version of faith is often static. It is presented to emerging adults as already decided, that there is a set model for what you have to believe and do to be a Christian. The church must become more adaptive in engaging emerging adults whose lives are changing and consider dissonance an opportunity. “Dissonance is not a bad thing,” John says. “It’s the processing of dissonance that helps faith grow. We want emerging adults to develop resilient, personal faith. We need to reframe that struggle and change as actually being necessary because throughout our lives, our faith will be challenged, and we need the tools to respond.” The research presented at the Australasian Youth Ministry conference will form the foundation of Salvo resources available across 2024, helping churches and faith communities to nurture the faith of emerging adults. The key to supporting emerging adults is to listen to how they describe their dissonance and understand what resolution looks like for them. “When you can’t treat that dissonance as an opportunity, emerging adults have their faith systems explode, and faith communities continue to decline,” James explains. “The priority here isn’t to stop emerging adults from leaving churches, but about emerging adults thriving with a faith that is deeply meaningful for them and makes sense in their lives.” For more information, contact youthandyoungadults@salvationarmy.org.au

In his October devotional, General Lyndon Buckingham reflects on love, care and service as a way of worship. One of the things that I love about The Salvation Army is that we’ve gained a reputation for being ‘Christianity with our sleeves rolled up’. Caring for people and serving others is part of the DNA of The Salvation Army. Even in some of the most recent catastrophic events, The Salvation Army has been present there to lend a helping hand. We’ve always been about demonstrating the values of the Kingdom of God and not just talking about them. Serving, helping, caring for other people is a way in which we express our understanding of God’s love for us and our desire to demonstrate that by our care and love for others. Jesus, when he was talking to his disciples, said to them, when you do this for the least of these, my brothers, you are doing it for me (Matthew 25:40). There’s this opportunity for us to see Christ in the people we are caring for, in the people we are serving in this way. Actually, our service – whether it’s a sophisticated social program or whether it’s simply doing the dishes after church on a Sunday – all become acts of worship that bless our Heavenly Father and demonstrate our love for him. Caring for people, serving people, is a way of worshiping our Heavenly Father. I’m praying for you this week that you will look for and engage in opportunities to love, care and serve. This is who we are. God bless you. To watch this devotional, click on the video below.

Today (11 October) marks The United Nations International Day of the Girl. It’s an annual observation held to promote girls’ empowerment and highlight the challenges girls face worldwide and is supported globally by The Salvation Army. Globally, women and girls continue to face systemic oppression and violence and are devalued, disrespected and undermined. Some progress is being made, but deep challenges remain. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Now more than ever, we must renew our commitment to work together so that girls enjoy and exercise their rights and can play a full and equal part in their communities and societies. Investing in girls is investing in our common future.” The Salvation Army stands for equity and equality in every sphere of life for all people. Around the world, the Salvos continue to fight against injustice and give a voice to those who have been silenced. To read stories from Salvation Army women around the world who are overcoming difficulty with faith, hope and determination, click here. To mark this day, The Salvation Army Youth and Children’s and Women’s Ministries teams are focusing on girls’ rights, leadership and wellbeing. For stories and calls to action, check out the Army’s international Facebook page, here. To join The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission for an online event commemorating the International Day of the Girl, click here. ·

BY LAUREN MARTIN When Michelle Wheatley heads out for her Thursday morning Salvation Army collection shift at Menai Marketplace in southern Sydney, she always asks God for opportunities. And God always answers her prayers. The Shire Salvos Community Engagement/Mission Leader splits her work time between Sutherland Salvos Store and engaging with the Menai community, connecting people with local community services and faith expressions. She began collecting at her local shopping centre earlier this year and has found that it’s the perfect place to meet people. “I have people that come in to see me every week,” she says. “People just want to talk, and what is happening is that God is softening the hearts of people.” Michelle believes that The Salvation Army’s style of collection, where nothing is asked of people, opens the doors to great conversations. Whereas other organisations might wish to speak to local shoppers about their cause or ask them to donate, Michelle says she just offers a smile, a sticker or Kidzone magazine for kids, and a listening ear. “There’s no strings attached,” she says. “I’m not asking for anything in particular, although if people want to donate, they can. I just offer a smile, and people feel comfortable to have a chat. And, all of a sudden, lots of different conversations start flowing.” Michelle has been able to direct many people to food assistance and other services, both Salvation Army and other community organisations, and follows up with them on how things are going on their journey the next time she sees the person. Her role as Shire Salvos Community Engagement/Mission Leader enables her to offer Salvation Army services to needy people. And then deliver on those promises. “There is an older gentleman who comes to see me every week,” she says, “and he needed some furniture taken away, so I made a few calls, and I was able to organise that for him. “There is another woman who has shared a lot about the difficult circumstances that she is facing, and we are planning to meet up outside of my collection shift to have a deeper conversation.” Michelle is a trained facilitator for The Salvation Army Positive Lifestyle Program and looks forward to offering that to people she forms relationships with through her shopping centre collection shift. “So many people are sad and they’re lonely, and they want to talk to someone and connect with someone. I do feel a strong sense of purpose that this community needs a non-threatening smile and a listening ear.” It seems God has put just the right person in place for that very thing.

To read the tribute for Valerie, click here

BY CLIFF WORTHING It’s amazing how a sausage and message from God combined to bring transformation into the life of Graham Culbertson and his wife Debbie. In Graham’s words, he was a “strictly funeral and wedding” churchgoer with “no interest in someone who didn’t exist”. Debbie had family connections with The Salvation Army but wasn’t involved in any church. Graham and Debbie live in Dalby, a rural town in the Western Downs Region of Queensland. One Friday night, a chance encounter with the Dalby Salvos’ ‘Sausages on the Street’ ministry encouraged Graham to say he might visit the corps sometime. A short time later, he became seriously ill and was admitted to hospital. While resting in his hospital bed, Graham heard a voice say to him distinctly, “Go to church!” There was no one else in the room. He was shocked and amazed but knew God had spoken to him. So, once he was released from hospital, he turned up at church. Graham and Debbie immediately gave their lives to the Lord. They both engaged in the Soldiership Course and recently enrolled as Senior Soldiers of Dalby Corps. “Since Graham and Debbie started attending our corps in 2021, we have seen a remarkable transformation in them both,” said Christine Brooks, Dalby Corps Leader. “Graham still has some serious health issues, but through his trust and faith in Jesus, he grows stronger daily. They are both growing in the Lord and serving together.” The Culbertsons tend the corps gardens and have created a flourishing community vegetable garden that enables the corps to give out fresh veggies for others to enjoy. Debbie regularly cleans the church building and keeps things tidy. “Graham and Debbie have a great understanding of what it means to have boots on the ground,” Christine said. “They are so grateful to have the Lord in their lives, and we are blessed to have them as part of our corps family.” Coming full circle in the story, Graham and Debbie now cook sausages on Friday nights, looking to facilitate transformation with a sausage and message from God.

BY CLIFF WORTHING Building relationships is paying off with increased participation in corps activities, and a sense of belonging and purpose, according to Major Heather McKeown, Corps Officer at Beenleigh, south of Brisbane. “After COVID, we wanted to offer something to help people feel included,” Heather said. “People want to be involved and have done so.” The corps and the local Salvo Stores have collaborated to create several connection points for corps members and the community. Once a month, a sausage sizzle provides a treat of food and chat time. Heather told the story of one person who attended the event for the first time and immediately asked to be involved. Another person dropped by the store the following Monday to donate food and discuss his situation. ‘Coffersation’ occurs every Thursday at the Salvo Stores centre in Beenleigh, which now attracts a regular clientele who enjoy a coffee and chat with store volunteers and corps members. “Our connection with the store is really building some strong relationships with each other and the community,” Heather said. A local couple came to the corps at Easter enquiring about social events to provide connection and a respite from home duties. Lesley was invited to Women’s Lunch Out, a social gathering every six weeks. She now coordinates this activity for a mixture of corps and community women. “There are only a few of us in the corps, so it can be a bit of a slog sometimes, but seeing how people feel connected and wanting to help out is a real lift,” Heather said.

I’ve long been intrigued by congregations where everyone sits in the same place every Sunday at meetings. I’m guessing this isn’t just a Salvation Army thing but a universal Church thing, possibly even a biblical thing, as in the long-forgotten 11th commandment, ‘Thou shalt not budge!’. At our welcome meeting at one corps, and to help us identify people quickly, the corps sergeant major presented Tracey and me with a floor plan of the hall showing who sat where! That’s how fixed it was. At another corps – on a Sunday morning during school holidays when numbers were lower – I observed people sitting together in some central seats to chat before the meeting, but when the meeting was starting, they all spread out and sat in ‘their’ chairs with metres of empty seats between them. Why not sit together? Very odd. When I was a young man, one corps officer I served under grew tired of people rushing to sit in the back two rows of the hall during meetings while the front rows were quite empty. One Sunday, we arrived to find he’d totally removed the back two rows of seats. While some laughed and sat elsewhere, I observed some well-respected leaders in the corps walk in, saw what had been done, turned around and went home! If they couldn’t sit in ‘their’ seats, they wouldn’t stay for church. Once, when I was a cadet, I was attending a corps one Sunday, and I sat down with Tracey in an aisle seat as the meeting was commencing. A moment later, an elderly couple came down the aisle, stopped right next to me, looked at us, looked around the nearby seats, looked at us again, looked around the hall, looked at us and went ‘humph’, and then they went and sat down elsewhere. Clearly, we had naively filled their thrones. Maybe – in halls that don’t have fixed seating – corps officers need to be more playful with the seating plan: change it around every few weeks and see if people know where to sit. Two aisles, three aisles, semi-circles, clusters of six: maybe even move the musicians and microphones, turn all the chairs around and face the other way. Perhaps you could start worship by playing a variation of the groups game – “Everyone get into groups of seven. Now, groups of three. Now, groups of five. Wonderful, now sit down where you are and stay there.” I wonder if the disciples had these problems. “Oh, Peter. You always sit next to Jesus. Let me sit there this time.” “No, Bartholomew. That’s my seat. Move it.” “But, Peter, the forgotten commandment says not to budge.” “I’ll make you budge, pal ... [Peter reaches for his sword].” I’m sure there must have been times Jesus said, “Come on, lads, settle down. It doesn’t worry where you sit. Near or far, I love you all the same.” “Hear that, Peter? Jesus said it doesn’t worry where we sit.” “I’ll give you something to worry about, Bart ... [Peter reaches for sword, again].” – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek, European Ecumenical Officer, International Headquarters, attended the 13th assembly of the Lutheran World Federation in Krakow, Poland, last month. More than 1000 international delegates were part of the assembly. The only female ecumenical guest from a list of 20 delegates invited to attend, Commissioner Krommenhoek explained, “The assembly meets every seven years to choose a new president and a new committee from among the delegates. Through daily worship, Bible studies, lectures, panel discussions and small group work, a strategy – including topics for consideration for the next seven years – is developed.” The program included a moving excursion to Auschwitz, where so many perished during World War Two, and concluded with fellowship with local Lutheran churches in the region. Following the visit to Auschwitz, Martin Turski, a 97-year-old Jew and Holocaust survivor, spoke to the assembly. He urged delegates to combat hate speech and to turn fear of strangers into empathy for ‘the other’. Mr Turski showed how the past can be repeated if we listen to and accept the ideas of nationalism and hatred of the stranger whilst forgetting about compassion. “Along with the other ecumenical guests, I was present with international delegates at many informal encounters. We came together in fellowship and worship on the final day, and I was able to hand out many business cards and copies of the booklet The Church Known as The Salvation Army,” Commissioner Krommenhoek said. To conclude the assembly, an ecumenical panel from seven Christian world communions shared insights on the road to reconciliation. Topics chosen for the next seven years include climate justice, social justice and gender justice. The assembly affirmed the gift of unity in diversity and the call to serve the neighbour.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? I’m a Corps Officer at Parafield Gardens Corps in Adelaide. I like the variety of interactions with people and that each day is different and challenging. I also enjoy that I can share the love of Jesus in my everyday life as my job! 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Relax? I don’t do relax well at all. But when I do, I enjoy coffee so you’ll find me checking out a new café and catching up with friends, wandering around a shopping mall or slothing on the couch watching movies or shows that don’t require much brain power. I like reading for fun (not so much for learning), and I enjoy taking care of indoor plants. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? It is impossible to choose just one. Lately, I have been drawn to Never Walk Alone by Hillsong Worship. The words remind us that we never walk alone, that God is for us and is always faithful no matter what. It’s great comfort to me in the good times and also in those times when leadership can feel heavy and isolating. 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? I am intrigued by the story of Deborah (Judges 4 and 5). She was a judge, warrior and prophet, which was not normal for women in those times. I would be interested to sit with her and hear her story. Scripture doesn’t give a whole lot away about her story, but it is clear she was obedient, courageous and never wavered in her faith. Her boldness to lead out of the calling she had on her life from God – despite potential persecution, danger or simply her counter-cultural practice – really shows that God doesn’t just call the equipped but also equips the called. 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 yes, and I truly believe there is a calling to full-time ministry and a timing for everything. It can’t be forced and entering into a covenant needs a lot of prayer and understanding of what life looks like as an officer. A strong discipleship journey must come first. Officership is unlike any other role and requires surrender in many ways. But despite the level of ‘hard’ that comes with all full-time ministry, if I had to make the decision all over again it would undeniably be yes. Interview by Major Mal Davies