Search Results

Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (27 April - 3 May) we pray for The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory. Commissioner Bente Gundersen leads the territory. This Territory has 274 officers (103 active, 171 retired); 14 cadets; 143 corps; 95 outposts; 2907 senior soldiers; 1155 adherents; 268 junior soldiers; 8505 employees. The work of the region includes: · Homelessness services · Recycling · Community support · Older people's services · Modern slavery and human trafficking response The Netherlands Praise: We thank God for the ‘move of hope’ and for the clear direction God has shown us to develop faith‑based community work in neighbourhoods and local communities across the Netherlands. We thank God for the way in which the Christian identity and the passion for the mission of The Salvation Army are made visible in and through thousands of committed employees and officers. We thank God for the dedicated spiritual leaders serving within The Salvation Army: officers, envoys, missionary workers, and chaplains. Prayer Requests: We pray for the further development of the ‘move of hope’; for courage and boldness to keep our focus on God’s Spirit and to continue taking brave steps in response. We pray for a deepening of our Christian identity and spiritual life, that we may remain faithful to God's direction and rooted in who he calls us to be. Pray we can slow down, allowing more solitude and rest. We pray for people who feel called to serve as spiritual leaders within The Salvation Army, that God will stir hearts and raise up a new generation of servant leaders. Pray we will be people who embrace the ‘whosoever’. We pray for children and young people, including students, especially those who feel lonely and disconnected. We ask God to show us new ways to support them on their journey of faith towards Christ, and to help us in creating safe places for them and giving them space to play their part in shaping the mission of The Salvation Army. Pray for victims of forced criminality, the fastest‑growing form of human trafficking in the Netherlands. Pray for our probation workers and colleagues responding to this. Also, pray for our support for people in prostitution who wish to leave and seek restoration. Czech Republic Thank God for the Spiritual Day on 24 April and the Women’s Day on 25 April. We thank God for his strong presence. Pray for the Men’s Day on 23 May. Pray that God will work powerfully in the lives of the men who will attend. Pray for financial resources for community work - for sufficient financial resources to continue the community ministries. Pray for spiritual growth, that people will respond to God’s call to officership and other forms of service. Pray for growth in our corps—both in numbers and in stability—including the work among children and young people. Slovakia Pray for the promotion of cadets to second year – 27 June: that this moment will be a blessing, and that God’s voice will be heard so that people may respond to his call. Pray for spiritual growth and stability within the corps in Slovakia. Pray for the development of the spiritual work in the Trebišov Roma settlement, and for protection for the officers and staff who serve in a challenging environment. Pray for ministry opportunities, that Jesus will send us to new places in Slovakia so that more people may come to know him. Pray for sufficient resources and new donors to support our kindergarten project. To find out more about The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here. To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Colonels John and Lani Chamness have warmed to Aussie Salvos since their arrival in the country earlier this year through their musical and communication skills. It’s been four months since Colonels John and Lani Chamness touched down on Australian soil – John serving as Chief Secretary and Lani as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries & Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officer). After much fanfare and a host of welcome meetings, the couple sat down with Salvos Online journalist LAUREN MARTIN to talk about the reason they believe God called them to the ‘land down under’. It’s easy to like John and Lani Chamness. They smile readily and laugh often, and there’s a familiarity about them that is instantly inviting. The Salvation Army officer couple from the USA Western Territory love thrifting, exploring and listening to true-crime podcasts. They hardly ever talk ‘shop’ at home and have each developed their own creative ways to commune with God and process the day’s ministry load – Lani sits with her guitar, writing, playing and singing; and John heads outside for a jog. As we sit and eat lunch together on the balcony of The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters in Sydney, there’s very little pomp and ceremony. It’s not until they start to speak about their roles, the challenges they’re facing, and the work they believe God has set before them that the reality of their senior leadership positions is felt. John becomes incredibly focused and passionate. His speech quickens. Lani is serious and just as focused. Her responses slow down, and her eyes become thoughtful. “We feel very hopeful for greater things God will do through The Salvation Army here in Australia,” says Lani. “We support Miriam 100 per cent. [Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Australia.] She is an amazing leader, she is brave and courageous, and I’m grateful to be serving alongside her. I see myself as coming in, to really offer encouragement, to those on the field, to those that I work alongside.” John echoes the sentiment, saying that they both strongly believe Miriam’s leadership is a divine appointment for the Army in Australia at this time, with her ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-Led, hope revealed’ mandate: “Jesus should be central in all that we do. Everything, from thrift stores, Salvo Stores, to our enterprises. We are a holiness movement. So, we need to be filled and led by the Spirit and then to [reveal hope].” The Chamnesses say they support Commissioner Miriam Gluyas 100 per cent as she leads the Territory. Supporting Miriam and the vision laid out for The Salvation Army’s future in Australia is what John and Lani firmly believe God has called them to do in this Territory. But they know it won’t be easy. “I think every visionary needs somebody to come alongside and help them to hold up their arms,” John says, referencing the Battle of Rephidim in the Book of Exodus, when Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms, in order for the Israelites to prevail. Sometimes, it seems, leading a Salvation Army territory can be like being in battle. “She sees what God is trying to do, and she listens to God carefully,” says John. “We need Miriam right now in our Salvation Army here in Australia. She's absolutely central to us being brought back to who we are, who God has called us to be.” “Our international mission statement is pretty simple: to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination. And so, how do we go about really fulfilling that mission? If an activity or program isn’t leading to the proclaiming of the Gospel, should we consider whether it should continue?” “If we’re true to what we’re called to do and be … we will experience difficult challenges.” It’s an area of focus that John returns to time and again in our chat. He says he’s not a ‘details’ person, but his alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission and purpose is so strong that it makes him highly attuned to any deviation. “The thing that I always worry about is mission-drift, mission-slip. And I think we're really good at that in The Salvation Army, because we want to help everybody, but I think God has called The Salvation Army to some really specific things. And I think it's when we get away from those things, that we begin diluting what we do and the impact that we can have.” Which is why John and Lani have spent the last three months asking questions. What do we do here in The Salvation Army Australia? Why do we do the things we do? Are there things we are doing that other organisations or even companies can do, and do better than us, that we may need to let go? And if we’re not speaking ‘Jesus’ in the places and spaces that proclaim to be Salvation Army, then potentially some difficult decisions are coming about whether or not we continue those services. “If we’re true to what we’re called to do and be … we will experience difficult challenges. At some point, I think we need to say, ‘This is who we are, and this is what we're about.’ And we have to trust God,” says John. And, he adds, it’s up to all Salvationists to be brave. “Is this The Salvation Army’s Gideon moment here in Australia [Judges Chapter 7], where we'll bring the 10,000 down to the river, but only 300 will actually end up going with Gideon into the battle? It may be that we are at our Gideon moment, and people have to make a decision, ‘Am I with Jesus? And if I'm with Jesus, what does that mean? What does it look like?’” The Chamnesses with fellow territorial leaders Major Kim Haworth, Major Stuart Glover and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. He’s calling on soldiers, adherents and congregation members of Salvation Army corps to be brave and proclaim the good news of Jesus to those in our communities who don’t yet know Him. “We somehow have to recapture that passion to speak to people about their need for Jesus. Our voices are important in our community. Australia needs The Salvation Army.” In her role as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Lani is reawakening a ministry stream that has always been operational within The Salvation Army in Australia. “The women here are incredible, and there are many strong ministries serving women across the Territory. Lieutenant-Colonel Debra Stevens and I are working together to reconnect, rebuild, and encourage women in ministry, while exploring opportunities to revitalise and strengthen this important work. Ministry to women has always been a vital part of The Salvation Army’s identity.” She says she’s also working to bring more focus back to the officer covenant in her other role as Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (officer), “to bring awareness and refreshment to the officers because officers can drift as well.” The drift she’s referring to is a ‘theological drift’ that both John and Lani say they’ve seen across the Western Church, with Lani moving to place more focus for officers on The Salvation Army’s Wesleyan Theology. “There's some opportunities for officers to really find encouragement and flourishing in their ministry and their leadership,” and she’s working on how to develop that space more in order to keep The Salvation Army Australia’s officers strong in their relationship with Jesus and strong in their focus on the mission. John and Lani believe that Australian Salvationists have an incredible opportunity to innovate what corps life looks like and to return to our roots as a mobile Army that expands and springs up wherever there is a ‘Salvo’ in an area of the community, among people who are passionate enough to speak ‘Jesus’ to the people around them. Lani, who has a gift for ministering to others through singing and playing her guitar, has almost finished a song for the Australia Territory. It is titled We Will Be Jesus. May it be so. Colonel Lani Chamness prays with the territorial leadership team at a recent event.

Flagbearer Norma Morana with the new senior soldiers at Cairns holding their certificates (from left) Karen Hassall, Nadine Furaha, Daphrose Nsimire, Paul Bitangimana and Uncle Peter Hyde. At the back is Pastor Peter Rwagasore (minister of the corps’ African service). BY DEAN SIMPSON Cairns Corps has boosted its ranks again with the enrolment of five more senior soldiers in a ‘Spirit-filled’ ceremony on Sunday 19 April. Over the past three years, Cairns Corps Officers Majors Ben and Emma Johnson have enrolled close to 40 senior soldiers and adherents. Those enrolled last Sunday were Karen Hassall, Nadine Furaha, Daphrose Nsimire, Paul Bitangimana and Uncle Peter Hyde. Major Ben conducted the ceremony and said he was “thrilled to welcome five new soldiers into the fighting force of The Salvation Army Cairns”. Newly enrolled senior soldier Uncle Peter Hyde with Cairns Corps Officers Majors Ben and Emma Johnson. “They committed bravely to fight against evil and for their community in Far North Queensland. We thank God for each of them and love them very much!” he said. Ben also conducted the soldiership classes for each of the new members and hinted that a few more could be enrolled in the coming weeks. “The powerful way the Spirit moved during the service and enrolment itself has moved six others to ask to do classes,” Ben said. Karen is from a Catholic background but has found a place of service through The Salvation Army. Nadine and Daphrose, who have refugee backgrounds, have found a spiritual home at Cairns Corps and are both completing the CALD Emerging Leaders course with The Salvation Army. Uncle Peter with Margaret Gesa ... the first two Indigenous soldiers of Cairns Corps. Margaret was enrolled last year. Paul moved to Australia about two years ago, married, and has recently become a father to a baby boy. He serves as the “faithful bus driver for the corps community”, Ben said. Uncle Peter is a local Indigenous Elder (Traditional Owner of the Gimuy lands) and found a place of faith and belonging at Cairns Corps through his involvement in the Family Store. God certainly has his hand on this North Queensland corps community. Please pray for more people to find Jesus and take the step of faith in serving through The Salvation Army. READ MORE: Enrolment avalanche hits Cairns Corps and Cairns enrolment celebrates cultural diversity and unity

Salvos Online continues a new series of unexpected and decidedly prescriptive teachings that General William Booth gave to his soldiers 124 years ago, excerpting the 1902 publication Letters to Salvationists on Religion for Every Day (volume 1). We are publishing General Booth’s thoughts on everyday topics, including sickness and bereavement, sleep, hygiene, life challenges, conversation, clothing, poverty, the Bible and the Sabbath, industrial relations and more. “See to it that you experience in your own hearts the blessings the Bible offers you.” Reading the precious Book BY GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH Salvation Army co-founder (The article below is General William Booth’s original transcript.) My dear comrades, you will all know that the Bible is a very important Book and I have no doubt you set great store by it; yet I am afraid that the precious Book does not receive the attention that it demands. If, to a wise man, the choice were offered of the Bible, on the one hand, or all the books in the world, on the other, he would choose the Bible. It is so valuable because: In the first place, God is its Author. He caused it to be written under His special direction. The Holy Ghost put the thoughts which it records into the hearts of 159 Holy men. They wrote them down; that is the reason we speak of it as the Word of God. The Bible is an important Book, because it tells us of God. We might have expected that our Heavenly Father would not leave us in ignorance about Himself. If there is a God whom we ought to serve, we might be quite sure that He would want to tell us of His Power and Love, and to declare what His feelings are towards us. And that is just what He has done in the Bible. It is a precious Book because it is a revelation of God. The Bible is a valuable Book, because from it we learn all that we know about the Birth and Life, the Sufferings and Death, the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Except for one or two passing remarks in one other very ancient book, we should all be in ignorance of the career of our Lord but for the Bible. Then we have the wonderful story of His Earthly Journeyings, His Marvellous Miracles, His Wonderful Addresses; His glorious Death and Resurrection; and oh, what a fascinating story it is! The Bible tells us all we know with certainty about the Future State. We should be in utter ignorance of what happens after Death if it were not for the Bible. It is the Bible that tells us of the Resurrection of the Dead, the Great White Throne, the Heaven of Delight, and the Hell of Misery. But for the Bible, we should be in complete darkness concerning these important things. It is the Bible that tells us of the merits of the Precious Blood of our dear Saviour, the possibilities of the Forgiveness of Sins, the Purification of our Hearts, the Protection of God, and the Triumph of a dying hour. Of these blessed possibilities, mankind would know nothing without the Bible. The Bible has had a mighty influence for good on the World in the years that are past. It has won the hearts and enlightened the lives of millions. It has rescued multitudes from the Horrible Pit, led their feet to the Rock of Ages, filled their mouths with singing, kept them from falling into Hell, and guided them safely to the golden streets of the Celestial City. The Bible has been more bitterly attacked and more cruelly slandered than any other Book in existence. Again and again, men have exerted every power to effect its destruction. But it has survived all opposition, and today is more widely circulated, and is probably more generally read than ever before. Not all the powers of Earth and Hell combined have been able to destroy the blessed Bible. Bad men hate the Bible, denounce it, call it bad names, call in question its truths, and wish it were out of existence. Good men love it, read it, make it the guide of their lives, spread it abroad, and thank God for its precious pages. The Truths written down and explained in the Bible have done wonders for Salvationists. What would you have been without them? But for the free Salvation set forth in the Bible, many of you would have been in the grave, and your souls cast into outer darkness, while others would have been on their way there. Oh, precious Book! What a priceless blessing it has been to The Salvation Army! Now, my Comrades, I want to ask the question: What ought you to do with the Bible? Ought you to Neglect it? Pass it over for the Newspaper, the Story Book, or other rubbish? By no means. That is how the godless world around you deals with the precious treasure. What, then, ought you to do? I will tell you. The very least that you can do with the Bible is to Read it. If I, your General, sent you a letter, you could not do less than read it over, try to understand it, and strive to do what I requested in it. The Bible is a Letter from your Heavenly Father you cannot do less with His Letter than you would do with one from The General. Read it alone. Read a few verses at a time; read them on your knees; read them as you walk the streets; while you take your midday meal, when you rise in the morning, when you retire at night; and read the blessed Book in your spare moments. Read it in your Families. Impress its precious Truths on your children, if you are Parents. Explain them to the ignorant, make them understand. See to it that you experience in your own hearts the blessings the Bible offers you. Remember, it will be little better than a curse to you if you only know the Word, and do not possess and live in the spirit of it. If you only believe it with your head, and do not enjoy the things that it describes, and accept the Mercy, wash in the Fountain, receive the Holy Ghost, and live and die in the light and joy of its good tidings, it will only add to your condemnation and guilt. Fulfil the Duties it commands. It is the doers of the Word who are blessed. Make it the guide of your life: at home, abroad, in your Corps, in sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, everywhere and all the time. Publish the Salvation of the Bible wherever you go – in the Streets, in the Barracks, in your Home, at your Work, everywhere tell the Glad Tidings. Oh, my Comrades, do not let the Bible rise up in judgment against you, as it surely will if you either neglect it, or if, reading and knowing about the Salvation and Victory of which it tells, you do not enjoy that Salvation and experience that Victory. NEXT WEEK: General William Booth’s thoughts on keeping the Sabbath. *This series has been compiled by Barry Gittins, The Salvation Army Australia Museum Specialist (Melbourne)

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them” (Matthew 19:14). So, what would it look like for The Salvation Army, as a church community, to take Jesus’ words seriously, not just agreeing with them, but living them? To become a church where children are not on the edges, but are fully part of the life, the joy and the worship of the community? Today is International Day of Children and Young People, and the Salvos Studios team, in collaboration with the territorial Children’s Ministry department and Kidzone magazine, has put together this animation to encourage us to be a church movement that breaks down the barriers and clears the way for children to freely express their young faith. Click here for resources

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am appointed as Team Leader at Merri-bek City Salvos, working alongside a great officer, employee and volunteer team. We have vibrant community spaces throughout the week in both Coburg and Brunswick, and I especially love the opportunities we have to collaborate with other TSA services – Doorways, Homelessness, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Family Violence and Moneycare services. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? For me, it is important that we ‘make it possible’ to find time for ourselves in the midst of the busyness of life! Self-care is essential, and something I have learnt needs to become a priority. I enjoy walking in nature, baking cookies, watching movies and reading autobiographies. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I had the privilege to attend the International College for Officers (ICO) recently, and a beautiful song called ‘He Will Hold Me Fast’ became of great importance to us. When we feel like life is overwhelming, that the devil is ‘pushing our buttons’ or we feel ourselves not making the time with God … He is always there. We are held ‘fast’ and secure in the love and promises of God. 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 times that I find myself to be a ‘Martha’, often busy serving and doing. I would love to sit with Mary and hear her wisdom on why she took time to just stop and listen. To be. Did she feel guilt watching the hustle and bustle around her, or was her joy and anticipation in making time for Jesus of greater importance to her? I would love to learn from her intentionality to be still before Jesus and what that experience was like for her. 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 definitely recommend officership if people feel that God is calling them to full-time service and if there is a preparedness to go anywhere. It is important for people to know that God, through The Salvation Army, will open up opportunities to serve all around Australia and possibly the world. The sacrifice in serving in full-time ministry through officership is being away from your immediate family and creating your own connections and relationships on a bigger scale. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

Now and then ... (Left) Jean proudly holds an 80th anniversary newspaper to celebrate the victory and end of World War Two. (Right) Peace at last! Jean (second from right) celebrates the end of the war in 1945 with her unit at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, Sydney.   BY LERISSE SMITH   Few people can claim the remarkable life Major Jean Bird has led.   She has lived through World War Two, survived a near-fatal car crash, witnessed the moon landing and devoted an incredible 78 years to active and retired service with The Salvation Army.   And now this sprightly World War Two Returned Service Woman from Queensland has reached a new milestone – her 100th birthday! Jean gives a speech at her 100th birthday celebrations earlier this month. But age? It’s just a number – and definitely no barrier for this powerhouse centenarian.   With Anzac Day tomorrow, Jean will lead both the dawn and early-morning Bundamba Dawn Parades by golf cart, pray at both services, recite The Ode, and join thousands of people commemorating the day.   “It is a special time for me,” reflects Jean, who served two years in the Australian Women’s Army Service as a clerk and now serves as Patron of the local Anzac Day Observance Committee.   “A time to remember lost family members and friends who served, and a time to give thanks. I feel very proud to be living in this country.”   The City of Ipswich recently honoured Jean on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two [which officially ended on 2 September 1945], with the esteemed guest delivering a moving speech reflecting on her family and faith. Jean delivering her moving speech last year, reflecting on her family and faith. “It is obviously special to have someone who served during World War Two able to tell us about her experience, about her family who also served,” says Major Kaelene Greenaway, Corps Officer at Bundamba, where Jean has attended for several years.   “The fact that she was a Salvationist throughout the entire experience is another layer that makes her all the more special. But there is so much more to Major Jean Bird. Jean became an officer at a young age and served as a single officer for more decades than many people will live on this earth.   “The result is an incredibly humble, simple, non-fuss faith that keeps the focus on the main thing. Jean doesn’t worry about peripheral issues. She gets herself to church on a regular basis. She doesn’t worry too much about what’s coming next. Her main concern seems to be loving and serving God. She does not shy away from an opportunity to serve God, but she also doesn’t make too big a deal about the part she plays in the Kingdom business. Her experience over the years has taught her that God is in control. And she can trust in him.”   Memorable month With Anzac Day and her 100th birthday falling in the same month, April has been especially memorable for Jean.   And she wasn’t expecting the magnitude of her century celebration, with many family and friends turning up to mark the occasion. She even received letters of congratulations from many dignitaries, including King Charles and Queen Camilla.   “It was a really big surprise,” she says. “One thing that really stood out was that so many people had come from such long distances. They went to a lot of effort and expense to be there, which I thought was really wonderful.”   Jean (sitting in the middle) celebrates her 100th birthday with friends and family. Jean received letters of congratulations from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Queensland Governor Dr Jeanette Young. Longevity, she insists, isn’t a mystery.   “My doctor tells me I’m too healthy!” she laughs. “I’m not on any medication of any kind, and she thinks I’m pretty good. I think it’s because the Lord has been with us, and with me throughout my career.”   But life hasn’t always been easy.   Surviving a serious car accident as a young woman left her with injuries including multiple fractures, plates in both arms, a compound knee injury, and a nail from hip to knee.   “The Lord was good and kept us alive,” she recalls. “I have no memory (of the accident), which is a better thing.”   World War Two service Born in Wollongong (NSW) and raised in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Jean grew up in a family steeped in military service. Her father served with the Australian Army in France during World War One, while her three brothers all volunteered for World War Two – with one paying the ultimate sacrifice on the Sandakan ‘Death March’ in Borneo.   Enlisting in Paddington (NSW) in 1944, she served two years in the Australian Women’s Army Service based at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, Sydney. Her role was a clerk, assisting with driving duties, guard duty, logistics/Q store and administrative tasks. Although she had hoped to join the transport unit, she knew her work mattered and enjoyed marching around the parade ground with the Army Band. Jean (back row, far right) with her unit at Victoria Barracks in Paddington, Sydney. Her role was a clerk, assisting with driving duties, guard duty, logistics/Q store, and administrative tasks. “In keeping the army going and the work we were involved with, we felt we were contributing something towards the Commonwealth and the Government in that way,” she says.   “Personally, serving in World War Two gave me some maturity and an understanding of things that needed to be brought to light.”   At the end of World War Two in the Pacific, the young servicewoman celebrated with thousands of others in Martin Place and Hyde Park in Sydney. (From left) Jean attended a special service at Milford Grange to celebrate the 80th anniversary last Anzac Day. Here she is pictured with Doug Simmonds, aged 102; Jean at the Bundamba Honour Stone war memorial; Jean in her golf cart leading the Anzac Day Bundamba mid-morning parade last year.   Mother’s example A key inspiration in her life was her mother, who left a lasting impression. Despite a difficult childhood marked by illness, hospitalisations, limited schooling, and hardship, her mother worked tirelessly for her family and community: “That example for me was something very rich, and it has stayed with me.”   After leaving active duty, her service took a spiritual turn. She became a Salvation Army officer, dedicating the next 40 years to serving in appointments throughout the former Australia Eastern Territory. APPOINTMENT HISTORY: To read Jean’s list of appointments as an officer, click here   “It developed my character; it helped me in lots of different ways,” Jean reflects. “It has helped me make the right decisions and to do the right thing.”   Her joy in her work has been simple but profound.   “I think about the opportunity to proclaim the message [of the Gospel],” she explains. “To see people getting saved and seeing progress in various situations.”   Faith continues to anchor her daily life. Early-morning devotion time is all-important, as is reading the Bible, meditating on Scripture and letting it guide her daily decisions.   Now living at Riverview Gardens (Qld), Jean remains very active at her retirement home and at her church in Bundamba and has been known to many people in the congregation for years through her ministry as officer alongside her friend, Major Daphne White.   “Jean is a vital member of Bundamba Salvation Army. She still maintains her daily devotions, she practices gratitude, she smiles a lot,” says Kaelene, her corps officer. “These are things even more than her incredible age, that make her a priceless treasure.”   Jean’s community work also involves visiting local schools before Anzac Day and reciting The Ode at the Welsh Church Remembrance Sunday service, the Riverview Farm Chapel service, and the Milford Grange VP Day Service.   “When many places have to read about history from a book, we still have someone who was there. As a Salvationist, that extra value is just marvellous,” says senior soldier Brad Strong, who organised her 100th birthday with politicians and RSL Representatives in attendance.   “While she’s still carrying the torch for Anzac Day, she continues to witness, which is truly marvellous.”   Jean commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two last year with her fellow servicemen and women. Five Fun Facts with Jean!   A memorable world event over the past 100 years? When man landed on the moon. It was amazing! They thanked the Lord for stepping on the moon. It was wonderful.   And your thoughts about Artemis II, NASA's historic 10-day crewed lunar flyby mission? It was very interesting. You wonder what on earth they are going to find out next and  what they are going to do next. It was fascinating to read about it and see it on television. You wonder how on earth they get up there and back safely!   What makes you tick? I always try to get things done, and I like to make sure everything’s right.   Favourite hobby? I like good detective stories, a variety. I like putting the puzzles of a story together – and see who comes out the winner!   So, you have turned the big 100 ... what do you look forward to in the future? Just to try to live my life as Jesus would want me to live.   Jean is patron of the Bundamba Anzac Observance Committee. Here she is (sitting in the centre) pictured with committee members.

Salvos Online continues a new series of unexpected and decidedly prescriptive teachings that General William Booth gave to his soldiers 124 years ago, excerpting the 1902 publication Letters to Salvationists on Religion for Every Day (volume 1). We are publishing General Booth’s thoughts on everyday topics, including sickness and bereavement, sleep, hygiene, life challenges, conversation, clothing, poverty, the Bible and the Sabbath, industrial relations and more.   “You cannot, therefore, be surprised, or complain, if you also should be called to endure Tribulation for Him who, for our sakes, was the greatest sufferer of all.”   Trials, tribulations and tough times   BY GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH Salvation Army co-founder (This article is the original transcript reflecting the mindset of General William Booth and his Salvationists in light of the physical and legal assaults they endured for decades around the world, while marching down streets and holding open-air meetings.)  My dear comrades, Tribulation is the lot of all men. Suffering, in one form or another, is the inheritance of every son and daughter of Adam. It is a ceaseless source of wonder to me, as I travel up and down the world, to find, how invariably every individual I come in contact with seems to have a bitter [brew] of some kind or other in his cup; and it is further cause for wonder, to mark the variety of the trials, and sorrows, and cares that come alike to one and all. I have noticed, also, that there is no exception to this rule in the case of those who choose the present world as their portion. They will tell you that they prefer the certainties they can see and feel and handle to the uncertainties that are only apprehended by faith; or, as a secularist leader used to put it, they would rather have “the bird in the hand than the bird in the bush”.   But this preference for the things which are temporal, and which pass away, to the things which are eternal, does not, even when it is realised to the full, in the least degree deliver those who express it from the Tribulations, either present or future, which are inseparable from human life. These woes are ever with them and will be to the end. Nor does the lot of God’s own people ensure any departure from the same rule. “In the world,” said Jesus to His chosen disciples, “ye shall have Tribulation.” The choice of Christ, as their Lord and Sovereign, and the consecration of all they possess to His Service, will not save them from the sorrows that are common to all who live beneath the sun. On the contrary, it may bring them many additional trials. That this should be the case ought not to surprise you, my Comrades. It should not cause you to question the overruling wisdom of Providence, or make you doubt the love of God for you. Biblical hardships Tribulation has been the portion of God’s choicest Saints from the beginning. Read the history of Abel and Noah, of Lot and Abraham, of Joseph and Moses, and the whole host of Prophets and heroes who followed them, as set forth in the Bible.   Take the brief summary given of their history in the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Let me quote a few of its thrilling sentences: “And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson ... of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ‘Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to fight the armies of the aliens.” Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: “And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented ...” What a record of similar conflicts and triumphs we have, in the early history of the people of Christ! What crucifixions, and burnings, and drownings; what tearings to pieces by wild beasts; what imprisonments and slaveries; what unheard-of tortures and starvations! What waves of sorrow and suffering have been endured for Christ’s sake, for the truth’s sake, for the sake of souls, and for the sake of a good conscience, by the followers of Jesus Christ all the way down the ages to the present day! READ MORE: The Skeleton Army – opposition, violence, persecution You cannot, therefore, be surprised, or complain, if you also should be called to endure Tribulation for Him who, for our sakes, was the greatest sufferer of all. Jesus Christ said to His disciples, and through them He says to you, “In the world ye shall have Tribulation ... If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”, while Paul assures us that all who will live godly lives in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. When you are a sufferer, when your burden of care and trouble increases, think upon the following: God has promised to support you in your trials while you walk in the light. That is, while you do His blessed will. Some of the most beautiful and precious passages in the Bible describe the consolations He promises to His Soldiers as they battle the difficulties, persecutions, and sufferings of life. Let me name one or two. He promises you His support: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).   He promises you the comfort of His Presence: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).   He promises you victory: “God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it ... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:37). Tribulations are intended for your profit: “All things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Rightly accepted, they will promote your Holiness and usefulness and help you to understand and struggle for the welfare of those around you. Paul says that, for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. What is more, they strengthen faith, and help the formation of that character which God desires His children to possess.   And then, at the end, they add lustre to the glory of that bright inheritance, where it can, truthfully, be said of those who have fought their way through; these are they which came out of great Tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. NEXT WEEK: General William Booth’s thoughts on reading the Bible. *This series has been compiled by Barry Gittins, The Salvation Army Australia Museum Specialist (Melbourne)

(From left): Fighting Mac William McKenzie, a Sallyman truck, and a Salvation Army Hop In station. BY PETER LEAHY* The Australian Army has an enduring and special relationship with The Salvation Army. It stretches from the horrors of World War One through more than 100 years of conflict and strife to more recent conflicts. Today, it is nurtured during humanitarian and disaster emergencies and everyday training environments across Australia. On Anzac Day, it is worth celebrating this unique relationship. It has served the nation well in the past and will be needed in the future. It is a relationship built on trust, performance, consistency and deep care for our servicemen and women. Their work on battlefields far and wide has brought about a deep and enduring affection for The Salvation Army. It would be hard to find anyone who has been in the Australian Army who will say anything bad about the ‘Sallyman’ or ‘Sallyma’am’. Not many will go past a ‘Sally’ collecting in a shopping centre or elsewhere without tossing in a donation or making an effort to participate in the Red Shield Appeal. Going ashore at Gallipoli with the 1st Brigade, men like Salvation Army chaplain ‘Fighting Mac’ William McKenzie started a magnificent tradition. In one three-day period, Mac conducted 647 funeral services. After one of these services, he found three bullet holes in his hat. For his courage and dedication, he was awarded the Military Cross, a gallantry honour virtually unheard of for a military chaplain. Not much changed as Australia returned to conflicts far and wide across the 20th Century. Working as the Red Shield Defence Service (RSDS), The Salvation Army was a consistent and welcoming presence in places like Tobruk, Kokoda, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. They were close to the frontlines, the hospitals and the rest areas. They were there with a cuppa, an encouraging word and efforts to uplift the spirits of those around them. “ ... every soldier knows they care, they will be there, and they will not judge.” The ‘Hop In’ tents became a constant across all theatres of war and provided a place to rest, read, write a letter and seek solace and spiritual care with the resident Sally. Here, they found a little bit of home and a softer touch. General Stanley Savige, one of Australia’s most famous wartime commanders and the founder of Legacy, highlighted the value of the relationship with our soldiers when he said, “It is the knowledge that someone cares.” Today, every soldier knows they care, they will be there, and they will not judge. Today, it is a relationship built on the delight of seeing a Sallyman and his green truck at the end of a hard day’s training or gut-busting march. The Sally will be standing there with a smile, a friendly word, a hot or cold drink, some biscuits and often some chewing gum. READ MORE: Still serving our Australian Defence Forces after 125 years These days, many soldiers may not share their religious convictions, but they admire and respect the Sallyman and Sallyma’am for their genuine, caring and compassionate manner. They offer practical, emotional and spiritual help to servicemen and women. We all know that their mission is backed by Christ, but they don’t push it down your throat and are ready to respond should the need arise. Most soldiers are just thoroughly good people, sharing the difficulties, the danger, and the privations to bring just a bit of normality to difficult situations. Who else but a Sally would drive hundreds of kilometres to get some ice for the cordial? Today, the RSDS are a small but enthusiastic group located in the larger military barracks and training establishments across Australia. The Sallies have been there for the troops in the past and are still with us today. Their mission is to provide physical, mental, social, and spiritual support to the ADF through a service that understands the challenges of service life, whether in barracks, in the field, or on deployment, helping ADF members and their families at their point of need. In recent years, they have been deployed with our troops to the Middle East, East Timor, Bougainville, and Cambodia. In addition, the broader Salvation Army supports servicemen and women facing challenges in transitioning to civilian life due to PTSD, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Crucially, they help provide purpose, direction, and hope. The Sallies have been there for the troops in the past and are still with us today. They will be needed again in the future and will be welcome.   *Peter Leahy is a retired Chief of the Army and is the current Chairman of The Salvation Army Advisory Committee in the ACT Lindsay Cox (left) and Colonel Rodney Walters at the launch of Lindsay’s new book ‘Still Serving’ in 2024. The Salvation Army Australia Museum Manager Lindsay Cox has authored two books on the Salvos’ relationship with the Australian Defence Forces. Purchase these two books – Still Serving and Cuppa tea, digger? – from Salvos Publishing To read a review of Cuppa tea, digger? click here

Major Brent Haas, Corps Officer of Encounter Church in Halifax, takes General Lyndon Buckingham through the traditional Newfoundland welcome. BY DEAN SIMPSON*   Embracing the costumes and customs of different cultures is all part of the role for The Salvation Army’s world leaders as they traverse the globe.   From Asia to Africa, and from South America to Australia, they may receive special gifts or be adorned in a variety of traditional clothing as a welcome.   In Canada ... well ... they get to kiss a codfish. Upon arrival in St John’s to begin their tour of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham were greeted with a traditional Newfoundland welcome by the Atlantic Division.   Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham got her turn. The greeting involved a ceremony known as a ‘Screech-In’, during which one of the activities is kissing a raw cod and then doing a little jig.   Major Brent Haas, a local corps officer, conducted the unusual ceremony, complete with yellow fisherman’s hats. The General’s Private Secretary, Major Chris Mulryne, also got to have a cod-kiss. The Buckinghams and Major Mulryne were subsequently granted the title of Honorary Newfoundlanders! Major Brent Hass, in full fisherman’s attire, presented the Buckinghams and Major Chris Mulryne (Private Secretary to the General) with Honorary Newfoundlander certificates. A little jig with the Buckinghams was all part of the welcome ceremony. And Major Chris Mulryne got his cod-kiss too. The Buckinghams are now several days into their tour of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, under the theme ‘Jesus Our Compass’.   The Salvation Army’s world leaders are visiting four of the territory’s divisions between 19 April-4 May.   They opened the tour in St John’s, Newfoundland, with a Sunday morning worship service at the Sheraton Hotel on 19 April, followed by a youth service in the evening at Conception Bay South Corps.   “It was a rousing start to the international leaders’ tour,” a post on the Canadian Salvationist Magazine Facebook site stated.   “The moving of God’s Spirit was evident as 500 Salvationists packed the Sheraton Newfoundland in St John’s for Sunday morning worship. Lt-Colonels Scott and Michelle Rideout, divisional leaders, and Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial leaders, welcomed our international guests. General Lyndon Buckingham in full flow during his message in St John’s to open the tour. “Worship was enhanced by Newfound Brass, Children’s Chorus and Worship Team. Four individuals and groups were recognised with the inaugural Others Awards for their sacrificial service to the Lord through The Salvation Army.   “In his message, General Buckingham urged the congregation to not only make Christ present and prominent in their lives, but also preeminent.”   The tour continues today with a rally and youth service in Calgary, followed by visits to Winnipeg (Sat 25 April), Vancouver (Sunday-Monday 26-27 April), Ottawa (Thursday 30 April), before concluding in Toronto (Sat 2 May). VIDEOS   The Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Secretary for Communications, Lieut-Colonel John Murray, interviewed the Buckinghams on the eve of their tour, unpacking the tour’s theme and hopes for The Salvation Army’s future. Click on the video below: Click on the video below for highlights of the start of the General’s tour: *Information and photos for this article has been sourced from the Canadian Salvationist.

BY LAUREN MARTIN   You could say that Launceston Salvation Army worker Suzanne Wynne wears many hats.   Three days a week, Sue serves as a case manager for the Care Finder team, a federally funded program supporting vulnerable older people.   On the other two days of the week, she works in the Doorways to Parenting program, supporting young mums and their toddlers.   And in between you can find her volunteering for The Salvation Army in any capacity, wherever she’s needed.   Sue says she “just loves helping people”.   Care Finder role At Care Finder, Sue often conducts home visits for vulnerable older members of her community in Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city.   “One lady is still waiting to get all her in-home services set up,” says Sue. “In the meantime, once a week, I might go visit her and say, ‘Do you need anything from the shops?’ or, ‘Would you like to go for a coffee?’” The woman Sue is talking about has been in and out of the general hospital psychiatric ward with severe anxiety, and Sue’s visits show her that she is not alone.   “It’s just so nice to be able to support people,” says Sue, who is clearly in the right job for her passion and personality.  In her role with the Care Finder program, Sue Wynne works with other agencies to assist vulnerable older Australians. She loves and values older Australians and spends her time supporting them to connect with the aged care supports they need and working to prevent vulnerable older people from becoming homeless.   “Every day is different. You are meeting amazing people ... with such resilience. So many of them were children during the war, and the stories they have [are fascinating.] It’s just an incredible cohort of people!”   Doorways to Parenting role With Doorways to Parenting, Sue is a social worker who comes alongside mothers who struggle with postnatal depression or have experienced traumatic births.   On Friday mornings, she’s in the thick of toddlers at a supported playgroup, singing ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands’ and chatting with parents and carers.   “It’s a playgroup, but the mums can also sit and talk to you, and we can provide referrals if they need other support,” she says. “Occasionally, we are also a space for a fun and safe visitation for a parent who doesn’t have custody of their child.” After working with the elderly, Sue has no problem switching hats and working with children. She also runs parent education programs and provides individual casework for parents and carers of young children.    Her two roles see her supporting people at very different stages of their lives: the transition to parenthood and the transition to aged care. She has worked in both roles for the past 10 years and wouldn’t have it any other way.   Sue can also be found serving in a variety of other ways, whether it’s representing The Salvation Army with the Launceston Benevolent Society or simply serving coffee at the corps.   “It’s really fulfilling,” she says. “For a lot of people, we are the only person they have meaningful contact with … I’m just really passionate about supporting people.”   Whether it’s Christmas preparations or simply serving a coffee, Sue is always on hand to help.

Maureen Abdilla (standing with white shirt) and the Merry Widows of Eastlakes Corps who meet regularly to support and encourage each other.   BY LAUREN MARTIN   Every week, a group of ladies meets for lunch at a club overlooking Lake Macquarie in the Hunter region of NSW.   Some of them have known each other for a long time, while others have only just met.   But they all have something in common. They’re all widows who gather to support one another and, importantly, to share in fun and laughter.    “They love each other so beautifully and support each other through the tough times and keep each other smiling,” said Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Terri Muendel.   “The ladies are part of our CAMEO [Come And Meet Each Other] women’s group that meets on Tuesday, and have found camaraderie with each other. They call themselves the ‘Merry Widows’ and they have lunch once a fortnight.”   One of the ‘Merry Widows’, Maureen Abdilla, said the friendship group is a highlight of her week. She added that apart from the regular Wednesday lunches, the group encourages and supports each other through life’s ‘ups and downs’.   “We get along so well. It’s a happy, loving group,” she said.   Maureen said they don’t dwell on the people they have lost in their lives, but share meaningfully together (in between laughs!) The Merry Widows group meets regularly for coffee or lunch and a chat – a beautiful example of Christian fellowship in action. “We talk about what’s important to each and every one of us, what our goals are, what our obstacles are, what we find an obstacle in living on our own and things like that.”   As well as being a ‘Merry Widow’, Maureen also led Eastlakes Corps’ CAMEO group for a few years, until the end of last year. During that time, the group grew from six to about 25 people and included not only women who attend Eastlakes Corps but also community members invited by others.   “Anybody can come; they don’t have to be in The Salvation Army,” she said.    The group gets together once a week at Eastlakes Corps, hears from interesting guest speakers, and participates in craft activities and occasional outings.   As well as being a social outlet, members are also supportive outside of the group.   “We have had several members sick, and there’s always someone to visit and always someone to make a meal for. So, it’s a very valuable group,” Maureen said.    And there’s always prayer.    “Prayer is the foremost thing. As soon as we start our group, we have a prayer. Because it’s through God that we are where we are.”   During school holidays, when regular Salvation Army groups take a break, they make sure to keep meeting up and choose a few cafes and restaurants to try as a treat.   “We keep the meetings going so that people have somewhere to go,” said Maureen.   The Eastlakes Salvation Army CAMEO group and the widows’ group who meet the next day socially are a beautiful example of Christian fellowship in action.   Corps Officer Terri said it’s been beautiful to watch the groups grow in love and in strength.   “I love their gorgeous friendships that have grown so organically and are so important in this season [of life] that can sometimes feel very lonely,” she said.   “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35