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A colourful morning tea followed the IDAHOBIT Day service at Redfern THQ. Many Salvos across the Australia Territory commemorated the International Day Against  Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) last week to support inclusion, welcome and grace to all in our expressions.   Territorial Headquarters at Blackburn (Melbourne) and Redfern (Sydney) hosted chapel services and morning teas last Thursday to observe the day. The official date for the day each year is 17 May.   Other smaller events marking the day were held in various Salvation Army corps and centres around the country.   “Across our movement and in each one of our spaces, it’s essential that we create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expressions,” wrote Colonel Winsome Merrett, Chief Secretary, in the lead-up to the day.   “Our collective commitment to support one another is paramount in combating discrimination, promoting positive health and wellbeing outcomes and growing connection.   “Let’s use this opportunity to strengthen our connections and deepen our understanding of the diverse experiences within our community.”   Blackburn THQ celebration About 60 people attended the celebration chapel in Melbourne, where staff members reflected on the meaning of the day and its connection to The Salvation Army’s inclusion statement. Aux-Lieut Rosy Keane ( Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) introduces Amanda Brummell Lennestaal (General Manager – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) to read her chapel blessing. Amanda Lennestaal (General Manager – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) read a chapel blessing she had written especially for the day.   “IDAHOBIT Day is a day to stand up against the discrimination and violence experienced by many LGBTIQA+ people across the world, while also celebrating the rich diversity and strengths of the LGBTIQA+ community,” said Nicole Telfer, LGBTIQA+ Specialist – Social Mission and Community Engagement. “It’s a day to remember that the negative outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people – exclusion from family and faith spaces, discrimination, loss of employment, homelessness – is not because they are LGBTIQA+, but because of the actions of others.   Major Kim Haworth, Assistant Chief Secretary - Mission; Major Stuart Glover, Assistant Chief Secretary - Business; and Lieut-Colonel Gregory Morgan, Secretary for Mission, weave flowers as an act of remembrance, repair, reconciliation and reflection. “It’s a day to remember that there is ‘power in communities’ where meaningful, authentic relationships and positive connections with community can buffer against negative experiences to foster positive health and wellbeing outcomes – why wouldn’t we at The Salvation Army want to do this? This is at the core of who we are.” As part of the service, people were invited, if they chose to participate, to take the flowers they had received upon arrival and weave them into a wreath as an act of remembrance, repair, reconciliation and reflection.   A morning tea followed the chapel service.   Redfern THQ celebration Major Robyn Pullen led the IDAHOBIT Day chapel service in Sydney. About 25 people attended the service in person, along with about around 40 online. The service was followed by a morning tea. Major Robyn Pullen, Stefano Verrelli and Danielle Bowman share during the IDAHOBIT Day chapel service at Redfern THQ.  During the service, Robyn invited two staff members – Stefano Verrelli (Research Analyst – Policy Research Social Justice) and Danielle Bowman (Accreditation Specialist – Social, Community Projects and Operations) to share what IDAHOBIT Day meant to them.   “IDAHOBIT is a reminder that while we’ve come a long way, discrimination is still a reality for many LGBTIQA+ people,” Stefano said. “But it’s also a day that shows there are many people willing to take a stand against it.   “Working at The Salvation Army, I’ve seen how genuine inclusion can make a real difference, not just for staff but also for the community members we support. And as someone who’s part of the LGBTIQA+ community, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel seen, safe and included.    “Being part of IDAHOBIT today, I really hope it sparks reflection and respectful conversations, because that’s where change starts. No matter a person’s background or beliefs, we can all play a part in creating a culture where everyone feels they can be their authentic selves without fear of persecution.   “My hope is that today marks part of a bigger journey toward deeper inclusion across every part of The Salvation Army.”   Among those in attendance was a group from Oasis Youth Services in Surry Hills who shared how they supported the LGBTIQA+ community.

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Bundamba Corps volunteers with their care packages for flood-ravaged outback Queensland. BY SIMONE WORTHING As recent flooding across western Queensland continues to impact remote communities, The Salvation Army’s support is ongoing.   When Tropical Cyclone Alfred appeared on weather radar screens in March, Majors Jo and Mark Bulow, The Salvation Army’s South Queensland Flying Service and Rural Chaplains, were watching. They anticipated the need for essential items, care packages and other supports and started to organise chaplains and volunteers to respond, in collaboration with local councils, and with funds released by The Salvation Army Disaster Emergency Fund. In the first three months of the year, record-breaking floods hit northern Queensland before Cyclone Alfred tracked unusually far south and made landfall in South East Queensland, bringing widespread winds and rains. The rain then tracked inland, and some regions in central and outback Queensland have experienced highest rain and flood levels ever. Majors Mark and Jo Bulow, South Queensland Flying Service and Rural Chaplains. The Bulows oversee a team of chaplains from Longreach to Mt Isa – an area 7.5 times as large as Victoria. “When western areas began to flood and people from Jundah (1250km north-west of Brisbane) were evacuated to Longreach, we went out to Longreach to assist chaplains Greg and Kathy Weller pack toiletries and other essentials and work with the local council,” said Mark. “The water levels continued to rise, but we made it to Thargomindah (1066km west of Brisbane) when the water went down and provided packs for those still left in town. Many had already been evacuated to Charleville. All but 12 of the more than 90 houses in Thargomindah were impacted by up to a metre of floodwaters through their homes. We also had packs for Jundah.   “Our thanks to the Bundamba Corps volunteers for their help in putting together care packages for those impacted by this flooding.” “The spirit of these beautiful people gives you the energy to keep going,” said Jo.   For the Bulows, Thargomindah holds a special place in their hearts. “We were visiting there every Christmas until COVID,” said Jo. “We would run Christmas concerts and cook our donuts for people when there were no other events on. It’s different now with a town Christmas party, but we still visit and catch up with people. Travelling by road allows the team to take extra support people and supplies. “After Anzac Day, we went out again with more and helped with some tools and a few tradesmen to do some basic maintenance until insurance reps come out – if the people have coverage.   “The floods of 2025 are now the measuring stick for water levels, surpassing the previous record from the 1974 floods.”   Mark said that, when the roads are cut, they can fly to remote areas and assist those impacted by the flooding. However, due to weight limits and the need to return fuel, they can’t take out extra people or supplies. “It’s ideal if we can drive so we can take out five to six people and essentials for people and livestock.” Jo shared that the people in these remote towns are going through the stages of grief. Volunteers putting some packages together for those impacted by the floods. “Some are angry, in disbelief, overwhelmed or good spirits – there is a range of feelings,” she said. “When they showed us through their houses and shared how hard it was and how frustrated they were, they weren’t looking for answers or solutions, just someone to listen to them.”   It’s hard work for the Bulows and their teams, too, and everyone is tired. “The spirit of these beautiful people gives you the energy to keep going,” said Jo. “They energise us and it’s just so worth spending time with them.”   Canvas Cathedral In between flood relief efforts, Mark and Jo also participated in the annual Canvas Cathedral on Good Friday. Around 800 people attend the Good Friday service each year. In empty paddocks outside Kalbar, three crosses are erected on a hill two weeks prior to Good Friday. The week prior to the day, the crosses are illuminated at night by a generator that also powers the Good Friday service.   Up to 800 people from around South East Queensland attend the ecumenical service, held under a massive canvas tent. “Lots of people who don’t usually attend church come,” Mark explained. “It’s non-confrontational and community-focused, with leaders from five denominations, including the Salvos, leading segments of the service. Jo led our segment this year, while I cooked over 1000 donuts for morning tea.   “This has been happening for 20 years, and we have been involved for the last seven. It’s a special atmosphere on a special day.”

At just 16 years of age, Maxx Jenkins from Warragul, Victoria, runs ‘Maxx’s Cans for Kindness’, a thriving charitable initiative he launched in 2023 to help people in need in his local community, including those supported by the Salvos.  (Photo courtesy of Warragul and Drouin Gazette)  BY LERISSE SMITH Meet Maxx. Salvos fundraiser, volunteer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, cook, Baw Baw Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year for 2025 – and one seriously inspiring teen. At just 16 years of age, Maxx Jenkins from Warragul, Victoria, also runs ‘Maxx’s Cans for Kindness’, a thriving charitable initiative he launched in 2023 to help people in need in his local community. And it has been a roaring success. Despite not drinking soft drinks himself, Maxx and his family have collected an amazing 48,744 recyclable cans and received cash donations with a total value of $5064. Over $2700 has been donated to the Salvos. “I like to help people in need,” he says of his support for the Salvos. A chat with Maxx, who takes pride in the special double ‘x’ in his name and lives with Autism and an intellectual disability, and his equally proud mum, Leah, makes one thing instantly clear: he’s driven by compassion and empathy, not attention. And being a little bit famous in his hometown hasn’t changed him one bit. Leah is the first to tell you that Maxx has no real interest in keeping money for himself. He is happier to give it away. “He simply doesn't need or want the money for himself,” Leah emphasised. “He’s really happy to share, especially when he knows he’s helping others who need it more than himself. He has never been a greedy person. It is within his nature. He has a good heart and is very caring of people, even though he might not communicate it in the typical way.” Maxx's fundraising drive has enabled his local corps to buy food for people who doing it tough. Here he is pictured with Major Jenni Frost, Corps Officer at Warragul. So how did it all start? Quite simply, with a home-schooling project on recycling.  But it didn’t stay small for too long. After its initial inception in November 2023, it took off into a thriving community effort. The concept for ‘Maxx’s Cans for Kindness’ is simple yet powerful: collect bottles and cans, exchange them for cash, and donate the proceeds to charity. Every cent collected goes to helping local people in need through various charities. The idea to donate to The Salvation Army came from his dear friend and support worker, Sam Gardiner, who works for the Salvos as a case worker in Pakenham. She knew donated funds went directly to people in need. Since the project took off, the young entrepreneur has collected tens of thousands of cans and bottles, with locals regularly dropping off their recyclables, and the Jenkins family, friends, his Pop, and close friend Sam undertaking plenty of pickups, too. They all have eyes on one special target: To hit 50,000 bottles and cans by next month. And last Christmas, Maxx took his mission even further. He organised an appeal through Facebook to give people a brighter Christmas. It raised $1000 in gift vouchers and $1000 in groceries for Salvation Army hampers. After several trips to the Salvos to ascertain what was needed for the hampers, he embarked on several shopping trips filled with festive cheer and scanning fun. Christmas puddings and custard were among the array of festive treats that ensured the hampers were packed with seasonal joy. But his relentless fundraising efforts don’t stop there. Maxx has also helped organise the Biggest Morning Tea to raise money for the Cancer Council. And at this year’s Australia Day awards, the Baw Baw Shire Mayor, Cr Danny Goss, praised the outstanding work of the young teen, describing him as someone who went above and beyond, and a shining example that having Autism was no barrier to helping others. Maxx proudly displays his Baw Baw Shire Young Citizen of the Year for 2025 Award. “I cried happy tears,” Leah says when reflecting on the night her son won the award. “It is not just making a difference to the people that Maxx is helping, he is also gaining and learning so many skills from the social aspect, to using his communication skills, not to mention the educational benefits, which are real-life skills.” There have been plenty of other exciting and surprising discoveries, too. Through Maxx’s various fundraising ventures and initiatives, he has developed valuable life, social and educational skills. These include estimating recycling numbers, counting money, addition, communication, community and social involvement, using spreadsheets and calculators, banking, shopping, budgeting, physical coordination, navigation, spelling, learning addresses, dates, and record-keeping. It has paid off in unexpected ways. “Autism works in such mysterious ways,” Leah reflected. “Maxx can have excellent skills in one area but really lack in another, which typically wouldn’t make sense. Or a skill can just pop up, and unfortunately, just as easily disappear. And with an added intellectual disability, we actually don’t know what Maxx is capable of sometimes, or from day to day. So, for him to have money in his hand and be able to count it, or to estimate a large number of cans, for example, accurately estimating 1800 cans when there were actually 1900, is truly amazing. And then for him to remember those numbers from week to week and add them together is even more amazing! A talent we didn’t know existed.” Maxx has the most remarkable memory in certain areas, particularly numbers and dates. He only needs to know a person’s birthday once to remember it when you least expect it, Leah explained. However, he needs support and prompting to remember simple day-to-day tasks: “So, a lot of skills have been uncovered throughout this amazing journey, and the donation part is just the icing on the cake!” Counting thousands of cans and bottles is just one of the many tasks Maxx undertakes with family and friends for 'Return-It Victoria’  - Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme. In his downtime, Maxx loves bushwalking and spending time with his beloved dogs, Diesel and Lani. He is also never far from Sam, whom he has known since he was five years old and originally his aide in prep. She is part of his circle of support, along with other special helpers for his home schooling. But no matter how far his story spreads, Maxx’s heart is always with his family. Reflecting on her close-knit family, which includes her husband, Warren, and three other sons, Oscar, George, and Charlie, Leah said they have been blessed with a strong support network of friends and family. Two of Maxx’s favourite people are his Nan and Pop, who were honoured to receive Maxx’s special award when the family were away. Maxx loves staying with them, helping out, getting up to mischief with his Pop, and cooking with Nan. His signature dishes? At the top of the list are hedgehog slices, scones, lemon slices, Kit Kat slices, and sausage rolls. He loves a good party too! Leah also recalled how, even as a toddler, Maxx’s empathy shone: if he had something, he made sure his close younger brother, Oscar, had it too. Furthermore, his fundraising ventures have led to stronger social connections with the community. “We are very proud of Maxx – he is quietly becoming famous, not that he needs to be or understands what the big deal is,” she remarked. “When people see and hear of Maxx giving and helping so much, they can’t help but want to jump on board and join in by helping him collect cans. Kindness is contagious! Maxx is humble in his success:  “I don’t do it all on my own,” he said. “Other people help me.” And the young entrepreneur isn’t slowing down. He was recently filmed to feature in a promotional video for ‘Return-It Victoria’, Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme. The project aimed to share his story and highlight how communities can make a difference together. He is also looking forward to organising another morning tea for the Cancer Council in the next few months and cooking up a storm with his helpers and family. His next big dream? Launching his own clothing line. The t-shirts and hoodies will be printed with his favourite saying, “That’s Harsh!” – a favourite slogan that he often shares affectionately with others. And as for ’Maxx’s Cans for Kindness’ – that’s not going anywhere. “We really should add a tagline, ‘Kindness is Contagious,’” Leah remarked. “Because when people see what Maxx is doing, people want to be involved. It has been a wonderful accidental good news story – and we could not have dreamt of more success or a better outcome for all involved.”   Last Christmas, Maxx took his mission even further and organised an appeal through Facebook to give people a brighter Christmas, raising $1000 in gift vouchers and $1000 in groceries for Salvation Army hampers. He embarked on several shopping trips for the hampers filled with festive cheer and scanning fun.

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Each week throughout 2025 year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (19-25 May) we are praying for the Spain and Portugal Territory .   Lieutants-Colonel Karina and Rafael Giusti lead the territory.   The Spain and Portugal Territory has 35 officers (28 active, 7 retired); cadets 1; envoys 1; employees 104; corps 17; outposts 2; senior soldiers 509; adherents 70; junior soldiers 66.   Pray for Spain and Portugal Territory We praise God for: ·  The way he strengthens and helps us in all the challenges we face as a territory. ·   Allowing us to begin our governance board and for the impact it will have on the development and objectives of the territory. ·  The people he is calling to serve as officers in both Spain and Portugal. ·  The increase in membership reported by the corps. ·  His faithfulness and for his mercy that remains with us. Prayer requests: ·   For the successful development of the boards, councils and committees throughout 2025. ·   For the gathering planned for the people interested in becoming officers, that God may confirm his calling in the life of every participant, and that every detail of the event may be guided by the Lord. ·   For the Territorial Institute of Music and Arts, that it may be of great blessing to each participant and that our musicians may feel a strong desire to evangelise through music and grow in their spiritual lives. ·   For the summer camps for children in both countries and for our young people taking part in EYE (European Youth Event), that God may pour out abundant blessings. ·   We pray for the spiritual life and emotional wellbeing of our officers, soldiers, volunteers and employees. ·   We pray for the successful development of the various training programs taking place this year, including soldier training, women’s ministries local leaders training, ongoing education, awareness programs and others. ·   For success in the different fundraising campaigns and for steady progress towards greater self-sustainability in appointments. ·   For wisdom, strength and the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon territorial leadership. ·   For the effective impact of The Salvation Army's mission in social programs, food and clothing distribution, breakfasts for the homeless and lunches for people in poverty. For more information about the Spain and Portugal Territory, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Last week, The Salvation Army joined commemorations for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed on 17 May each year. Territorial Headquarters at Blackburn (Melbourne) and Redfern (Sydney) hosted chapel services and morning teas last Thursday to observe the day. To read the story on these events, click here . As part of the Blackburn service, Amanda Brummell Lennestaal read a chapel prayer she had written for the occasion. Amanda is General Manager – Diversity Equity and Inclusion. May the God of all-encompassing, limitless love,   Remind you today that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, in the image of the Divine.  To all who have been cast out, shut down, or made to feel ‘less than’,   May you hear again the truth:  You bear the likeness of God.  May the spirit stir in those of us who attempt to build community -   To open doors that were once closed,   To widen tables where none are turned away,  To plant gardens where once there were walls,  To call resolutely for healing and restoration.  To the wounded and weary: May you find rest in the arms of a saviour who knows rejection,   bears your pain, and calls you beloved.  And may the blessing of our Creator,  The grace of Christ who walks with the outcast,  And the fire of the Spirit who births renewal and belonging,   Go with you now,  As you seek and shape in a world  Where all are seen, safe, and held in sacred worth.   Amen. – Amanda Brummell Lennestaal

Major Iga accepts her award from America’s First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Photo: Freddie Everett, courtesy of US State Department) Salvation Army officer Major Velena Iga, of Papua New Guinea, was one of eight women to receive the International Women of Courage Award at the USA State Department on 1 April 2025. First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented the award. The award recognises women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength and leadership – often at great personal risk and sacrifice. Major Velena Iga is The Salvation Army’s national contact person for modern slavery and human trafficking response in Papua New Guinea. She is a key figure in combatting violence against women, sorcery-accusation-related violence and human trafficking. Her work spans advocacy, training and direct case management, and has established her as a trusted adviser, counsellor and leader. “I will continue to fight for justice – not because of the award, but because it has always been a passion and a love for me to do what is right for the women and children of Papua New Guinea.” Major Iga’s initiatives, such as a counselling hotline and the modern slavery and human trafficking training manual, have provided essential support services to survivors. Her efforts have driven systemic changes in Papua New Guinea’s legal and social frameworks, significantly enhancing protection and support for at-risk populations. In response to receiving the award, Major Iga said: “It is a remarkable honour. It makes me humble, because though I have my name on the tablet, I dedicate this award to my women and girls of my country, the families who have gone through modern slavery and human trafficking, and also other violence against women, I owe this to them ... “I will continue to fight for justice – not because of the award, but because it has always been a passion and a love for me to do what is right for the women and children of Papua New Guinea.” Following the award presentation, Major Iga was interviewed by Priscilla Santos, International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Coordinator. In the interview Major Iga discussed her time in Washington DC and defined what courage meant to her. To watch the interview, click on the video below: For more information about The Salvation Army’s global modern slavery and human trafficking response, please view the 2024 impact report, click here . More than 200 women from more than 90 countries have been recognised as Women of Courage since 2007. For more information about the award, please visit the  US Department of State website .

Way back in 1978, the Bible hit ‘top ten’ singles charts in 17 different countries with a song that sold more than 20 million singles. The song was ‘Rivers of Babylon’ and the group was Boney M., who were based in Germany.   The lyrics were based on verses in Psalm 19 and Psalm 137. However, they – wisely! – didn’t include the first part of Psalm 137:6, perhaps one of the oddest verses in the Bible.   In the NIV it says: “May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you ...’. The writer – exiled in Babylon – is speaking of Jerusalem and committing to never forgetting their home.   The NLT says, “May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I fail to remember you.” The KJV says, “If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth.” Several versions refer to the tongue sticking to the ‘palate’.   It’s an interesting personal threat made by the writer – “If I forget you, well, um, gosh, darn, I don’t know, um, may ... may ... um ... I know: may my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth!”   I wonder what other personal punishments the writer considered first for forgetting Jerusalem.   “May my little toes fall off.”   “May my elbows be stapled together.”   “May my nostrils be filled with sand.”   “May my knees bend backwards.”   “May my belly button fill with ants.”   “May my thumbs be permanently stuck in my ears.”   I guess we should feel fortunate that the writer was prepared to self-inflict these punishments rather than using them as a threat to others: that wouldn’t be nice.   “Don’t you forget Jerusalem! If you do, well ... if you do, may your eyeballs always be itchy!”   I’m also glad God doesn’t work this way; he just waits for us patiently and offers acceptance. It would be very different if God said to us: “Don’t you forget about me, or I’ll stick your legs together and make you waddle everywhere like a penguin!”   However, God doesn’t do that – he loves us. And don’t you dare forget that, or may your nose be turned upside down before it rains heavily for a week!   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

Wagga Wagga Salvos collaborates with other services and organisations in the regional city to support people in need by sharing resources.  BY LAUREN MARTIN   When Wagga Wagga Salvos (NSW) were recently blessed with 1000 frozen meals from the Australian food charity, Second Bite, excited staff and volunteers hit the phones to share the love.   “We’ve built great partnerships with other organisations, it’s fantastic,” said Wagga Wagga Doorways Coordinator Jen Fowler, explaining that many of the frozen meals were distributed to other not-for-profit services, including the Salvos’ Indigenous partnerships with Rivmed and Ngurra Hub.   “We have found in the last 6-12 months that food security demands are really high. Some organisations in this area aren’t getting much support from anywhere else, so we are helping to boost them up.” “So, it’s a circle [of blessing] that keeps spinning around – it’s really wonderful.” Displaying loving generosity is a biblical principle, and it’s amazing to see how often God multiplies blessings when they are shared.   “We might just randomly get a pallet of pasta sauce turn up, so we distribute some to community members, and we also send it down to an organisation called ‘Care Van’ ... they rely on donations for food,” said Jen.   “They have a big commercial kitchen, and they cook frozen meals ... then that comes back to us in meals. A lot of those meals go on the ‘street run’, which is done on a Tuesday night through Wagga Corps. They go out as hot meals to the homeless.   “So, it’s a circle [of blessing] that keeps spinning around – it’s really wonderful.”

Captain Hummera Ashir (left) with her family at Sydney Harbour.   1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I have had the privilege of serving as the Corps Officer of Bendigo since 2023. I am also a member of the Central Victoria Salvos team. I have been a Salvation Army officer for the past 10 years, having been commissioned from the Salvation Army Training College in Pakistan. My journey in ministry has been filled with purpose, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunities God has given me. I am blessed with a loving family. My husband’s name is Captain Ashir Morris, and I have two beautiful children: my daughter, Anora, who is six years old, and my son, Ephraim, who is three. They bring so much joy to our lives. In 2023, my family and I moved to Australia, a country I had dreamed of visiting since my childhood. One of my biggest dreams was to see the Sydney Opera House, and in 2024, that dream came true. It was a special moment for me and my family to stand before such an iconic place and thank God for His faithfulness. A dream come true – flying a plane! Another dream of mine was to fly an airplane, and by God’s grace, I was able to achieve that in April 2024. With the help of a wonderful instructor, I flew a plane over Bendigo. It was an unforgettable and thrilling experience! Here in Bendigo, I work alongside an amazing team. We have around 65 staff members and volunteers who serve the community daily across various streams. I truly admire the way people in Australia treat each other with respect, kindness, and encouragement. The culture, language, and systems are very different from what we knew in Pakistan, but the support and warmth we have received have made our transition smoother. I am deeply grateful for how The Salvation Army continues to help people everywhere it can. Seeing the mission in action here gives me great joy and satisfaction. I feel blessed to be part of this work and this community. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I love spending quality time with my children, especially now as they are growing. We enjoy doing different activities together – going bowling, shopping, watching movies at the cinema, and visiting new places. Another joy of mine is hospitality. I really enjoy inviting people into our home, sharing meals, and creating a warm and welcoming space for others. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? One of my favourite songs is ‘I Believe We Shall Win’ . I also truly believe that we shall overcome if we fight in the strength of the King. Everything is in God’s hands, and when He gives us strength, we can do all things. It is through His authority that we receive what we need, and because of Him, we will have victory. Another favourite song is ‘It Was On A Starry Night’ – a Christmas carol.   4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?   I want to share a little about someone whose story is powerful – Jonathan, the son of King Saul and the loyal friend of David. Jonathan had every reason to protect his place as the future king of Israel. As Saul’s son, he was next in line. But when he saw God’s hand on David, he chose to support him instead, even though it meant giving up the throne. That takes incredible humility and trust in God’s plan.   What stands out most about Jonathan is his loyalty. Even when his own father tried to kill David, Jonathan didn’t turn away from his friend. He helped David escape, spoke well of him, and even risked his life to protect him. His friendship was not based on comfort or benefit; it was based on love, truth, and faith in God.   Jonathan also teaches us about courage in conflict. He had to walk a hard line, loving his father but also standing for what was right. That must have been painful and confusing, but Jonathan stayed faithful to God above all. In a world where people often look out for themselves, Jonathan’s life reminds us of what it means to be selfless, loyal, and faithful. He was a true friend and a quiet hero of the Bible – someone we can all learn from. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Yes, I do recommend officership, but only if God is calling you to it. It’s not just a job or a role; it’s a sacred calling to serve others, preach the gospel, and live out the mission of The Salvation Army with your whole life.   Officership gives you a powerful platform to lead people to Christ, to stand for justice, and to help those in need. It aligns us with what is right, not just morally, but spiritually. It keeps us close to the mission of loving God and loving people. It challenges us to grow in faith, in humility, and in service.   But it’s not always easy. It means sacrifice. It means living differently. It means being available wherever God wants to send you. If He is calling, then say yes. There is no safer or more meaningful place to be than in the centre of God’s will.