Ann says Parramatta Corps is ‘one of the most amazing places I have ever walked into’. Photos: Adam Hollingworth BY LAUREN MARTIN Ann was living in her car with her four children when a support worker suggested she go to the nearest Salvation Army centre for food and other assistance. That centre was the Parramatta Corps in Sydney’s west, where Ann found belonging and reconnection with Jesus. “You feel like a complete failure,” says Ann about her experience of homelessness with her children. “It wasn’t just going without; it was the physical and mental toll that it took on me to see my children suffering … living in a car with no blankets and no pillows. “What food I could get, I fed my kids.” Ann was unable to provide her kids with the basic life essentials that millions of Australians take for granted – a shower, a pillow, and a hairbrush to detangle her child’s hair before school. After suffering through more than 20 years of domestic violence, the humiliation of homelessness nearly broke her. “God only gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers because he knows they will come through the other side, and that was my belief and what kept me going,” she remembers. When Ann met Major Kylie Collinson and the team at Parramatta Salvos, she received more than material support. “They made me feel loved and appreciated and welcomed into the community.” After receiving initial assistance and finally securing housing, Ann began volunteering at the corps’ Market Day on Wednesdays. A fellow volunteer then invited her to church. Ann shared her story at The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal media launch in Sydney. “I was a little bit hesitant to walk in,” she says, citing some bad experiences has had in church when she was a child. “But what I found was The Salvation Army is completely different from any other church. The community there were so friendly and loving.” She says reconnecting with her faith and seeing her children make their own decision to follow Jesus have been life-changing. “My twins have just become adherents,” she says. “I cried. I was so proud!” Her youngest son has become a Junior Soldier, and her seven-year-old daughter is preparing to do the same. The kids love attending Salvation Army camps in Collaroy; the older teens go to Parramatta Salvos Youth; and one of the highlights of the year for the family is attending Parramatta Corps’ weekend away. “I used to find it very difficult to trust people,” says Ann. “But I can talk to them about anything. They know my story; they have not judged me. Whether you’re covered in tattoos and piercings, whether you have drug or alcohol problems, the Salvos don’t judge.” Major Kylie says it’s been a privilege for her and the corps community to journey alongside the family. “Ann is a great mum and Ray [Ann’s partner] … are great parents. Their kids are fantastic. Our community has really embraced this beautiful family in lots of different ways,” the corps officer said. Earlier this year, the corps family threw a birthday party for Ann. It was the first time in her life that her birthday had been celebrated. Kylie says, “And last week, Ann asked me if I would conduct their wedding next year, which is really exciting!” After the birth of her youngest child, Ann asked Kylie to dedicate her. At the same time, Parramatta Corps officers and leaders dedicated all of Ann’s other children. It was a public symbol of the family’s inward commitment to God and to their church: Parramatta Salvation Army. “This corps is one of the most amazing places I have ever walked into,” says Ann. “The people here uplift you. They make you feel wanted and needed. They have changed mine and my children’s lives in so many ways.” Interested in volunteering for the Red Shield Appeal? We would love to have your support – just two hours of your time over the weekend of the 30-31 May can make a huge difference! You can sign up to volunteer at the links below. Don’t forget, you can volunteer with a colleague, friend or family member to make the experience that much more enjoyable. To sign up for the Doorknock >>> CLICK HERE To sign up for a Bucket Collection >>> CLICK HERE If you would like to donate to the appeal please go to: https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au (All donations will be automatically issued with a tax-deductible receipt.)

Major Manikya Mera (centre) with fellow Salvation Army delegates. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army’s Intercultural Officer, Major Manikya Mera, recently attended the 70th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held at the UN Headquarters in New York from the 9-19 March.  For the past four years, Manikya has been a member of the International Women’s Social Justice Group, which is part of The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC), located in New York. The group mirrors the United Nations’ CSW group, and deals with the main themes of the Commission for that year, also addressing women’s issues discussed in other UN commissions and forums.   Manikya Mera (centre) with other TSA delegates in New York. Image: Supplied As part of the ISJC group, Manikya regularly meets online with other uniformed Salvationists from across the world to discuss impact on a global and grassroots scale. She described the group as a “learning platform” for reflection and growth, enabling Salvationists to critically engage with the ongoing work required, while also recognising the progress that has been made. The group provides space to acknowledge and reflect on the ways in which The Salvation Army globally is actively working towards advancing gender equity.    “Being based in Melbourne, my work is principally focused on Victoria,” Manikya said. “The group meets every third week of the month. These meetings provide valuable insight into developments and emerging trends within the global Salvation Army.”    The UN proceedings in New York. Image: Supplied This year’s UN CSW was the first Manikya had attended in person, and she said a key feature which struck her from the event’s plenary sessions, stakeholder briefings and other faith-based activities was the opportunity to engage with the lived experience of individuals  who have faced gender disparity and inequity, as well as to hear the stories of survivors of abuse.  “This was deeply impactful for me, as opportunities to hear directly from those with lived experience are rare,” she said. “These perspectives came from individuals who are actively addressing these issues, informed by their own experiences.”  Manikya reflected that a key challenge arising from the conference was the tendency to approach systemic issues such as misogyny through a Western lens.   “As Australia continues to become increasingly multicultural, it is essential that we adopt an intersectional approach, with a strong understanding of cultural context and the ways in which communities operate,” she said.  Manikya added that key takeaways from the event included the importance of prioritising culturally safe, trauma‑informed justice pathways for migrant women; sustaining partnerships and networks with other agencies; and ensuring that local voices play a central role in policy submissions and public campaigns. She also emphasised the importance of strengthening the development of women leaders across all levels of governance and decision‑making, while intentionally addressing intersectional factors such as cultural diversity, disability, and multiple forms of disadvantage.  “When developing policies or procedures of any kind, it is essential to apply a gender‑informed lens,” she said. “This is a priority that I consider critically important.”

The youth drama group at Unley Corps performing their Easter production. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Several Salvation Army corps in the Adelaide region have collaborated to form a youth drama club for young people seeking an alternative to costly community theatre memberships. The club, which hosts gatherings at Unley Corps, performed for the first time at Easter, with a modern take on the Biblical story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The club is the design of Majors Gaye and Richard Day, corps officers at Arndale Corps, and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Colin Sampson, Corps Officer at Unley Corps and wife Marion Sampson, who also works at the corps. Gaye said the idea came up while the group were socialising over the Christmas period, and reminiscing about how they used to perform ‘Psalty’ musicals as children. “It all kind of emerged from there,” Gaye said. “I know of at least 500 kids involved in different theatre companies [in this area]. So, we thought drama’s quite a big thing, but we also know how much it costs to be in those theatre groups. So we thought maybe we can reach some kids [who] wouldn’t be able to access the fees for the professional companies but would like to get involved in something.” Images: Supplied Additional to Unley and Arndale, staff at Adelaide Congress Hall have supported the effort by encouraging their youth to get involved. Gaye said the team decided to use Unley Corps because it was a convenient location, but that the group was facing challenges in getting children to and from rehearsals. “That’s probably our biggest issue at the moment – the logistics of where do we hold it to connect with the most kids,” she said. Gaye said even though the group had only been operating for a few months, one participant had already developed the confidence to audition for her school musical. This had previously felt out of reach. Gaye said the team was also helping the children to learn technical skills such as sound and lighting, and the group was responding very positively and quickly taking charge of coming up with the ideas. “It’s not about putting on a show,” Gaye said. “It}s about teaching them the skills of how to sing, how to act, how to dance. “The kids are actually guiding where it goes.”

Alex Makes Meals Founder Alex Dekker, who has overseen more than one million meals since starting the organisation six years ago, pictured with some of the many meals given to the most vulnerable in Melbourne. BY LERISSE SMITH Beneath the soaring stained-glass ceiling of the Great Hall at the National Gallery of Victoria, fine dining will meet frontline food relief in a powerful act of community fundraising. Feast to Feed 2026, a culinary spectacular and flagship fundraising event for Melbourne’s food relief organisation, Alex Makes Meals, will bring together some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, food producers and community leaders alongside members of the public, to help tackle food insecurity across Melbourne – including communities supported by The Salvation Army. Every dollar raised on the night, including ticket sales, will go directly to Alex Makes Meals’ vital mission: to produce and deliver free, nutritious, chef-prepared meals to people experiencing hardship across Melbourne. “We’ve been working with The Salvation Army for about six years now, providing meals through locations in Sunshine and St Kilda,” says founder Alex Dekker, who has overseen more than one million meals since starting the organisation six years ago. “These sites distribute about 15,000 meals per year. Through this partnership, the centres can provide healthy, nutritious meals, helping create trusting relationships, which in turn can encourage people to access the additional support. We see food as a way to bring people together. That’s what our community partnerships are all about, and it’s what Feast to Feed is all about, too.” For the Salvos, the impact of Alex Makes Meals has been immediate and life-giving. Captains Fi Allan (left) and Phuong Reynolds, of Sunshine Corps, pictured with some of their Alex Makes Meals. The corps has worked with the organisation for many years distributing the meals to many local community members urgently needing food relief. Reflecting on the impact at the grassroots level, Captain Phuong Reynolds, Sunshine Corps Officer, said that Alex and his team had made an amazing and significant contribution to their local community over the past few years, often stepping in at critical times to ensure no one went without a nutritious, tasty meal. “Their support has been critical to our corps, enabling us to provide tasty meals to those who need it the most,” she remarked. “They came to our rescue during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing meals for so many of our community members, and have continued to support us since that time with their generosity. We continue to work with Alex and his team to make a positive and significant difference in our community through providing a lot of food to vulnerable people who visit us each week.” Great food, fun and festivity are high on the agenda for the event to be held on Saturday, 20 June, featuring a five-course menu. Feast to Feed 2026 aims to surpass last year’s $130,000 raised, with a line-up of renowned chefs including Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, Emelia Jackson, Nat Thaipun, Andrea Vignali, and MasterChef Australia’s Sofia Levin as Master of Ceremonies. “This year, the event is going to be bigger and better than ever,” says Alex. “We’re hosting under the stained glass of the iconic Great Hall at the National Gallery of Victoria, and the bigger location means we can seat more people and raise more money for food relief in Melbourne. Every ticket sale allows us to distribute more than 250 meals to vulnerable people all over the city each day, helping us meet demand that is only ever increasing.” Securing some of Australia’s leading chefs was central to the vision. Every dollar raised on the Feast to Feed night, including ticket sales, will go directly to Alex Makes Meals’ vital mission: producing and delivering free, nutritious chef-prepared meals to people experiencing hardship across Melbourne. “Each of these chefs are people I greatly admire and have grown up admiring,” says Alex. “I remember watching Matt and Gary on the first series of MasterChef when I was nine years old! To have all of these renowned chefs involved is incredible. I’m starstruck, but it also speaks to the value of what we do at Alex Makes Meals. They’re volunteering their time to help us out and make a difference because we’re doing important work that resonates with them.” It’s a belief rooted in a simple philosophy: that a meal is more than just food – it’s a way to show care and make someone feel seen. He added that chefs often understood, more than most, how good food can bring people together and build community. At Alex Makes Meals, that idea shapes everything. Food not as charity, but as care; not as transaction, but as connection. And that connection between food and dignity sits at its core. What began as a spontaneous kitchen response in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into one of Melbourne’s most significant food-relief operations. In March 2020, unable to visit his immunocompromised family, Alex channelled his energy into cooking for his sister and her fellow healthcare workers battling COVID-19 on the frontlines. One lasagna became 10. Ten became a hundred. A hundred became a movement. Today, the organisation delivers more than 4000 meals each week to people in crisis. Its model is simple yet deliberate: prioritising dignity through quality – fresh ingredients, chef-prepared meals in professional kitchens; consistent nutritional standards; and treating recipients as valued community members. Volunteers helps prepare meals for the next delivery. Dignity and nutrition are key drivers of the organisation. “We’ve proven that when you respect people enough to serve them quality food, you don’t just fill stomachs” reflects Alex. “You restore dignity, build community, and create lasting change.” Today, major corporations, including Toyota and Nando’s, support the organisation, recognising the impact of its approach. “Our mission is to provide nutritious meals to Melburnians in crisis while connecting them with essential support services, ensuring no one faces hunger alone,” says Alex. “Ultimately, our vision is a Melbourne where every person facing hardship has access to nutritious meals and the dignity of quality food, powered by community compassion and local action.” Everyone is welcome to Feast to Feed 2026 hosted by One Light Many Hearts Foundation. The evening will include live and silent auctions. Tickets can be purchased through the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/feast-to-feed-2026 (Left) Volunteers are an integral part of the success of the food relief organisation. Alex helps prepare another box of meals with one of his volunteers. (Right) Alex Makes Meals Head Chef, Heather, ensures meals delivered to the most vulnerable are tasty and nutritious.

Colonel Lani Chamness shares two amazing God-defining moments from her time in the Marshall Islands (located in the Central Pacific Ocean) that strengthened her faith and demonstrated God’s provision, presence, and how he uses his people to encourage one another in times of need.

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 (11-17 May) we pray for the Hong Kong and Macau Territory. Australian officers Colonels Phil and Deslea Maxwell lead the Territory. The Hong Kong and Macau Territory has 51 officers (29 active, 22 retired); one cadet, 17 corps; one outpost; 2492 senior soldiers; 21 adherents; 514 junior soldiers; 3015 employees. Praise: · While the tragedy of last year’s high-rise fire continues to impact our community, we give thanks for the compassionate and highly visible response of our personnel whose practical, emotional, and spiritual care for the victims has opened up new ministry opportunities for the territory. · We are thankful for the far-reaching impact of last year’s ‘Legacy of Hope’, celebrations which enabled us to thank God for the Army’s impact in the past, and to anticipate his power and promise for the future. · We are grateful for the launch and growing adoption of the ‘Hope Builders’ initiative. This programme which addresses youth suicide, has already equipped close to 200 individuals to recognise and respond to the needs of “at-risk” young people. Prayer Requests: · Pray for the ongoing adoption and effective integration of the six territorial priorities across all areas of the territory’s daily operations. · Pray that this year’s theme, Living Hope, will build on last year’s focus, and will bring fresh momentum to the Army’s mission across the territory. · For the further advancement of the ‘Hope Builders’ initiative. That this programme shall have a positive impact on the high number of youths experiencing mental distress and those contemplating suicide. · While we rejoice in the increasing openness of our youth and young adults to God’s calling for their lives, and for older ‘second career’ candidates considering ministry, we pray for the strengthening of our officer numbers. To find out more about the Hong Kong and Macau Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus and download the 2026 Prayer Calendar, click here.

Salvation Army Corps Officer Captain Sean Li, who relates an experience on a Sydney train while travelling home from a Red Shield Appeal launch. At Red Shield Appeal time, we hear many stories about how The Salvation Army has impacted the lives of everyday Australians who may be doing it tough. But our Salvation Army officers can also experience ‘God at work’ during the campaign, as one Sydney officer shares. BY CAPTAIN SEAN LI Hornsby Corps Officer If you ask me whether I would recommend Salvation Army officership, I wouldn’t quickly say ‘yes’, because this path is not easy. Officership is very different from a career in business or industry. But if you are clear that this is God’s calling for you, then I would say it is a challenging but very worthwhile journey. I can honestly say that I am still being shaped through it. Let me share a story that might help explain what I mean. After attending the Red Shield Appeal Sydney launch, I was on the train heading back to the office. I walked past a few rows and chose an empty seat further down to sit. During the trip, I noticed a woman sitting in front of me who kept turning around to look at me. I started to feel a bit uncomfortable. I was wondering, “Is something wrong with me? Is my Salvos uniform too noticeable? Did I spill coffee on myself? Or is there something on my face?” It made me quite uneasy. When the train reached Hornsby, the final stop, I stood up and prepared to get off. Suddenly, this woman also stood up and started walking towards me. I felt a bit nervous, wondering what she would do. But then she asked, “I saw your uniform – are you from The Salvation Army?” I nodded, still feeling unsure. Then she said, “I just wanted to say thank you. Thank your Salvos for saving me. I had lost myself and almost killed myself before, but the Salvos helped me. Because of that, I was able to find myself again, and now I’m in a much healthier place. God bless you.” After saying that, she simply walked away. I was deeply moved. In that moment, I felt how meaningful and significant this calling [to be an officer] really is. Through an ordinary stranger, and through the legacy of Salvos, God encouraged me – a very ordinary Salvation Army officer. It reminded me that what we do is not ordinary at all, for both the people we serve and those who serve. That moment has stayed with me deeply. In some ways, it was just as meaningful as the day I was commissioned [as an officer]. And it gave me a strong sense of assurance – that I made the right choice. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here. Interested in volunteering for the Red Shield Appeal? We would love to have your support – just two hours of your time over the weekend of the 30-31 May can make a huge difference! You can sign up to volunteer at the links below. Don’t forget, you can volunteer with a colleague, friend or family member to make the experience that much more enjoyable. To sign up for the Doorknock >>> CLICK HERE To sign up for a Bucket Collection >>> CLICK HERE If you would like to donate to the appeal please go to: https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au All donations will be automatically issued with a tax-deductible receipt.

Stephen Schlenk covers Tasmania as a Salvation Army rural chaplain. BY LAUREN MARTIN When Salvation Army rural chaplain Stephen Schlenk met Michelle and her partner Garry at their rural property in Tasmania, they were living in a two-car tin shed with no running water and a small generator for electricity. Michelle suffers from serious mental health issues, and her partner’s dream of building them a home on the property had stalled because of unexpected compliance costs. “Our world changed,” said Michelle when she remembers meeting Stephen. “He was so easy to talk to, and to tell him everything. And he helped us so much.” Stephen remembers that the first thing he was able to do for the couple was to help them install solar panels on their shed so they could have power 24/7. “They had been switching on their generator during the day to keep the fridge running but had to turn it off at night to conserve fuel,” he said. From the small settlement Michelle’s partner received from his previous marriage, Garry had purchased a shed-house to build as their new home on the property. However, after the slab was poured, the local council intervened and issued a ‘stop work’ order on the building, saying that the project required architectural drawings, engineering reports and a qualified builder to sign off on it. Michelle and Garry were devastated. They simply didn’t have the funds. Michelle truly believed they would be living in the two-car tin shed for the rest of their lives, and her mental health began to deteriorate. She said Stephen’s prayers kept her going: “When he used to pray, it was just like, I felt so different, and so calm, and it was just wonderful.” “I contacted an architect friend and an engineer friend who both agreed to do what was needed at no cost,” said Stephen. A builder also helped out. The council signed off on the plans, and Michelle and Garry’s dream was back on track! “Then the unthinkable happened,” said Stephen. “Garry had a heart attack and was put into hospital and had surgery to repair his heart. Everything was put on hold, and I could see that they were at a point of, ‘What next?’” Again, Stephen not only provided chaplaincy support, prayer and Salvation Army assistance with food and petrol vouchers, but he also used his extensive networks to organise the practical help that Michelle and Garry needed. “He knew people, like a Men’s Shed,” said Michelle. “They all got together and volunteered and did the insides for our house. Stephen brought food for a barbeque and everything – it was beautiful.” Direction Tas, a Christian Men’s Group that Salvation Army Tasmanian rural chaplain Stephen Schlenk is involved with, dedicated several days of labour and generously donated floor coverings for Michelle and Garry’s home. The group was actually a Christian men’s group called ‘Direction Tas’. As well as helping to fit out the inside of the house, they also blessed the couple by contributing funds to pay for the carpet and floor coverings throughout the home. Two weeks after their first visit, they were back on site to do the insulation, and then a local plumber and electrician offered their services for next to nothing, as well. “This has not only been a blessing to Michelle and Garry in that their home is almost built, but that they have had a group of men [from the Men’s Shed] doing church around them, blessing them and showing unconditional love.” Speaking from her new home, Michelle said she still has her ‘ups and downs’ with regard to her mental health, but she is in a much healthier place since she first met Stephen. Garry has recovered from his heart surgery, and the couple and their dogs are enjoying their home. “I love the quietness here; there are no houses around,” said Michelle. “It’s wonderful.” They don’t see Stephen as often now, but he still checks in with them, and they know he’s only a phone call away for a chat and a prayer. “This has not only been an incredible journey for Michelle and Garry but also for me and the many helpers, as we have opened our hearts to loving people that needed love,” Stephen said.

Nuria Gonsalves and her two daughters – Rishona and Rionah. As mothers are honoured around the country today, NURIA GONSALVES, National Lead of The Salvation Army’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Engagement team, reflects on what it means to be a mum of two daughters and on the influence of her own mother. For me, motherhood is made up of both extraordinary and everyday moments. I have two daughters – Rionah and Rishona. Sometimes the smallest things, like making their favourite food, hearing them laugh as they play or chat with each other, teaching them a simple recipe, doing chores together as a family, or even thinking of them when I’m eating something in their absence and bringing it home for them, are the ones that matter most.  I always relate things to my own experiences when I’m correcting them, so the examples are real, and sometimes it ends up being a little funny too. When I want to pass on a lesson, I sometimes do it while driving so they can’t escape from the car.   I treasure moments of prayer together as a family. I treasure gardening with the children, weaving faith, curiosity, and joy into daily life. Through it all, I want them to see that fear need not define us and that love, kindness, and compassion should guide every action.  Reflecting on my own mother’s life, I know that she was very hardworking and disciplined. Even today, she goes to church every single morning and is up at 5am. I don’t even know if I will ever come close to that. She was consistent, always guiding us to the Lord, and carried herself with a positive smile, even in difficult times. I want my daughters to embrace that same spirit. She taught us that happiness and sadness are both part of life and that we need to accept whatever is God’s will without losing hope. Nuria and her mother, whose ‘guidance continues to shape my decisions and the way I live’ says Nuria. She always said, “Let everyone find happiness, and may our lives follow it. Wish well for everyone, no matter what. Be a giver, and fill others’ cups, and yours will automatically overflow. Share the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”   Even though we now live miles apart, with my mum in India and me here, her inspiration and teachings remain deeply rooted in my heart. In so many moments, when I am unsure what to do, I find myself asking, ‘What would my mother do in this situation?’ Her guidance continues to shape my decisions and the way I live.   I also recall the advice my mother once gave me from the book of Joshua in the Bible: “Be strong and courageous … for the Lord your God is with you.”  I say the same to my daughters. I pray they grow into women who lead with compassion, stand firm in their convictions, and bring light into others’ lives.  And I want Rionah and Rishona to carry the courage and resilience my mother showed me to trust God even in the most uncertain times. I also hope they cherish our Indian roots, the culture, the language, the festivals, the food and the sense of community while embracing the opportunities of life here in Australia. These are gold nuggets that shape identity, faith, and a sense of belonging.  So, Mother’s Day, for me, is a celebration not just of my role, but of the circle of lessons passed down through generations, a reminder that faith, love, courage, laughter and generosity transcend borders, cultures and time.  PODCAST: To hear Nuria tell her story, click here

Salvos Mission Leader Lauren Martin and Baptist Church Minister Brad Blacker outside the Cupbearer Café in Helensburgh. A new ‘Table Church’ in Helensburgh, run in partnership with the Helensburgh Baptist Church, is seeing a number of high school students connect with God. Shire Salvos Helensburgh Mission Leader Lauren Martin partners with Helensburgh Baptist Church Minister Brad Blacker in the ministry that involves dinner, a short teaching, and a connected Bible study or facilitated workshop. Table Church is held at The Cupbearer, the Helensburgh Baptist Church’s missional café. “We wanted to engage with people that we had gotten to know through the cafe, or through my ministry as a Salvation Army community worker,” said Lauren. “People who have expressed interest in faith or spirituality but weren’t connected with existing faith communities and don’t express interest in attending a Sunday service. “We invited several adults and, all of a sudden, there was interest from a few of the invitees’ teenage children to also attend. Now, we have a lovely group of about 18 people, half of them in their senior years in high school, all sitting together discussing faith and what it means to be connected to God and to follow Jesus.” Brad admitted it was encouraging to see how relationships formed through the coffee shop have grown. “I love the connections that we make through our Cupbearer ministry,” he said. “It allows us to invite people into the Kingdom of God who don’t necessarily want to walk through the doors of a church on Sunday.” The small Table Church is one example of the way God is creating different forms of discipleship-focused faith communities across Shire Salvos. ‘Soul Food’ evenings at Shire Salvos Miranda and Shire Salvos Heathcote take place on weeknights and involve community members connecting over a meal and a faith discussion. Shire Salvos Panania has a Bible Study that meets on its cafe deck, and Shire Salvos Helensburgh runs several Discipleship groups during the week, mostly with new Christians or those who aren’t connected to existing faith communities. “I love how God weaves a beautiful tapestry of different ways to connect with and worship him,” said Lauren.

Each month on Salvos Online, Rosy, the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, shares her thoughts and reflections on the spiritual issues that shape our lives as Christians, exploring how our faith intersects with our everyday experiences and how we can deepen our relationship with God. Today she focuses on worshipping God amidst the trials of life. Do you get sick the moment there is even a hint of a holiday coming? Please tell me you do, so I feel less alone! Apparently, three per cent of the population have the same unfortunate knack for getting sick every time a holiday comes. I just returned from two weeks’ holiday in our homeland, New Zealand. Logistically, all our plans to see friends and family went off without a hitch, but I became unwell on day one and remained so for the entire time. It wasn’t a great feeling to return from what should have been a break, exhausted and unwell. I read about the term “soldiers’ sickness”, coined for soldiers returning from war who would instantly fall sick as their immune systems crashed after prolonged fighting. I try as best I can to manage my time, build rhythms of rest into my day and week, and “look after myself”. I’ve heard all the “you just need to …”, of diet, exercise, sabbath and sleep, but the reality is that chronic illness means my immune system is worse than most. And when other illnesses pile on top, it can feel so wearing that it becomes a burden too great to bear. On returning from New Zealand, one of my first work commitments was two days in Cairns with The Salvation Army’s Board. I have served on the Board for the past three years, a great privilege and a glorious challenge. We meet every quarter, always in a different part of Australia, to spend time experiencing the services and ministries in that region before we commence the immense work of governing across the movement. This time, we were met at the airport by Majors Emma and Ben Johnson, who serve the community through The Salvation Army in Cairns. With multiple stores and services, and multicultural, multilingual members and staff, Cairns is a vibrant expression of the ministry of God at work in a remote part of the nation, drawing close partnerships with community members and organisations alike. The Australia Territory Board visited The Salvation Army’s Kubirri Aged Care Centre in Mossman, Far North Queensland. We visited a local aged care centre and heard stories from the chaplain and staff about the triumphs and challenges of serving some of the most vulnerable in the aged population, including using the chapel as a makeshift shelter when cyclones hit and knocked out local roads. We met staff and leaders who welcomed us and represented the collaboration that has been nurtured over Emma and Ben’s nine years in the area. While we were there, the community experienced a sudden loss, prompting a question about whether the cultural night planned for the Board would still be appropriate. The community decided we would proceed. As we were honoured with gifts and cultural clothing, dance and food, the generosity of the Cairns network was on full display. As we worshipped in different languages and prayed for one another, there was a shared reverence, I felt, because we knew this community was inviting us into a tender moment in their lives. They chose to rejoice and celebrate with us even as they grieved. As I reflected on the hospitality of this experience, I realised there was something deeply radical about the generosity and love I saw modelled. The cultural night hosted by the Cairns Corps was filled with generous love and open faithfulness. I think God is trying to tell me something through the faithful openness of the Cairns Salvation Army family – that the measure of love and endurance is not when things are going well or only a little trying, but perhaps when we are at our lowest. Refusing to withdraw, choosing instead to hold together in community through trial and grief. The New Zealand national anthem says, “In the bonds of love we meet.” I often feel let down and disappointed by my own body and its limitations, and a little angry with God for not healing me more quickly. Brooke Fraser wrote the lyrics, “even when it hurts like hell, I’ll praise you”. Because love is not only about loving one another but receiving the love of God and offering worship in the midst of trial. It is about loving ourselves and our bodies even when they fail us or fall short. After all, they too were made by God. Take this mountain weight Take these ocean tears Hold me through the trial Come like hope again Even when the fight seems lost I’ll praise You Even when it hurts like hell I’ll praise You Even when it makes no sense to sing Louder then I’ll sing Your praise (Hillsong United, Even When It Hurts) Maybe that is how the bonds of love deepen and strengthen. In the midst of trial, refusing to stop praising. Refusing to stop rejoicing. For God is good, and God’s love endures forever. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15–16 NIV)

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? My husband [Nathan] and I are the Corps Officers at Bayside Salvos, in the Redlands region, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We have been here since the beginning of January, so, at the moment, what I am finding most satisfying is getting to know the people, hearing their stories, and building relationships and trust with them. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? We have three boys (aged 12, 9 and 7) who are very active. So, I love getting out with them, exploring places and doing different activities with them. I also like to read (when I get the chance). My favourite types of books are biblical fiction, and I am particularly loving the author Tessa Afshar. I just love how she can take a person from the Bible and create a story around that person. My favourite book of hers is Land of Silence because it tells the story of the woman Jesus healed of her bleeding. I just love how it gives a bit of insight into how this woman had to live and how lonely her existence would have been. Kylie says she loves “getting out and exploring places”. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I love a lot of different songs. I love some of the recent music Phil Wickham has put out, particularly ‘What An Awesome God’ and ‘It Really is Amazing Grace’ because it takes the old songs and puts a new spin on it, which my boys love – I love any songs that they can relate to and connect with God. My ultimate favourite at the moment, and it has been for a number of years, is ‘Goodness of God’ (in fact, it’s my ringtone!) because it reminds me that no matter what, God has been faithful, He continues to be faithful, and I need to live in His goodness. 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? This changes so often. My first answer is always some of the women Jesus had encounters with (e.g. the woman bleeding, the woman caught in adultery, the Samaritan woman), and to hear from them about their interaction with Jesus and how it affected the life and how Jesus made them feel valued in a time where women were not. At the moment, though, I’m reading through First and Second Samuel, so, I would like to stand chat with David and talk about how he maintained his faith God, particularly in those years where he knew what God’s plan was for him, but Saul was pursuing him. 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: Make sure that it is something that God is calling you to because if God is calling you, you will never be satisfied doing anything else, and when you follow His calling, you will always find, fulfilment, satisfaction and joy, no matter whether the days are uplifting or heartbreaking. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.