Some of the team at Newcastle Salvos – (from left) volunteer and soldier Vicky Brown, Majors Leanne and Peter Bennett, and volunteer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Melissa Purcell. BY LAUREN MARTIN Without provision or manpower, Newcastle Salvos stepped out in faith 18 months ago to serve the local community. They’ve found that God has provided everything they’ve needed, and more than they could have imagined. Major Leanne Bennett states the obvious when she says, “You can’t influence people for Jesus if you don’t know them.” The ‘matter-of-fact’ corps officer and her husband, Major Peter Bennett, lead two large corps and mission expressions in the Hunter region – Newcastle and Norwest Lake Macquarie. Moving into the Newcastle appointment at Hamilton in the inner city just after the COVID-19 lockdown years, the couple has worked to open the centre up more and more to collaboration and community connections. But it hasn’t been easy. “I think, personally, one of the mistakes that you can make as [Salvation Army] officers or managers is to think, ‘I’m not going to start something because I haven’t got the volunteers or the finances’,” Leanne says. “I think if you’ve got a God idea, you just get rolling with what you’ve got and let it continue to grow.” Market Day at Newcastle Salvos is held in the corps hall. Major Leanne Bennett says some attendees have started to come back on Sundays to the same space to worship Jesus. That’s exactly what happened 18 months ago, when they started a food ministry from the corps’ back activity room. Within months, word had spread, the cost-of-living crisis had intensified, and they needed to upscale the operation, moving it into the corps’ worship space. What Leanne found was that with God at work through the community initiative, it was “easy to recruit a whole lot of volunteers when they arrive and see a hive of activity and feel inspired … and as we’ve rolled on over the last year, we have probably tripled the number of volunteers that we’ve got.” Marilyn loves volunteering at Newcastle Salvos. Some volunteers and community members have now started returning to the large auditorium on a Sunday to worship God in the same space where they felt so welcome during the week. One volunteer, Marilyn, says she gives her time because she wants to give hope: “I like the community, and I like helping people in need, so people don’t feel so destitute. I know a lot of people who are homeless in Newcastle … I know there is a lot of hopeless feeling around here. We just try to support them.” Newcastle Salvos Market Day volunteer Sonny Purcell on the coffee machine. Another, Sonny, says he loves making hot drinks from the coffee van outside the corps food market to bless people while they wait: “People really appreciate being served a coffee; it makes the whole experience more humane with more connection. It encourages people to sit around and chat with each other and helps build a sense of community and makes people feel like they belong and are appreciated.” That community spirit is on display in the foyer of the main hall, where dozens of people chat as they wait for their number to be called at the food market. One woman, Sharon, says she’s been coming for the past 12 months and found out about it through friends: “I see a lot of my friends, in fact I just ran into an old friend today!” she says. “It’s very helpful too because being on the pension you can’t afford a lot.” Collaboration is key The Newcastle Salvos building is large and well-equipped. It houses The Salvation Army’s Doorways service, Moneycare Service and call centre, Employment Plus and the corps. As more people in need accessed the Wednesday food market and the Corps’ Friday lunch, connections with other organisations and service providers began to form organically. Earlier this year, Street Side Medics, a service delivering healthcare to people experiencing homelessness, chose Newcastle Salvos as the location for a weekly GP and nurse service. Orange Sky Laundry also parks its laundry truck on site two days a week. Recently, homelessness services provider REACH Homelessness decided to partner with Newcastle Salvos. “They were operating their meals and services out of a van in public spaces,” says Leanne. “They’ve now been able to move in here with us and offer a much nicer space in our old café.” The Department of Corrective Services uses the building to run groups for offenders, and some volunteers at the Wednesday food market and the Friday community lunch are on Work Development Orders or Community Correction Orders. Leanne says working together strengthens support for community members in need, as referrals between services and agencies are smoother and easier to follow up on. The corps community worker, Lyn Gilmour, works to streamline ministry throughout the week, linking community members who access services with corps-based programs such as Walking Group, Bible Study, Home League and Craft Group. Some mission partners, such as Moneycare employees, also volunteer with the corps-based social activities to provide hands-on support. Moneycare Financial Counsellor and Team Leader for Newcastle, Kahlee Upton, says she and her team regularly volunteer at the Wednesday food market. “It’s really important for us to be as involved with the community as we can … we can share information about our service, learn about what’s happening in the corps, and then pass that information on to community members,” she says. “This particular corps has so much happening each day, so the opportunity to be involved in those things is really beneficial, and it’s a really beautiful way to be able to support the corps officers who do such a wonderful job in the community.” God building his church Major Peter says he sees God’s fingerprints all over what’s happening at Newcastle Salvos. “We are providing a place for the community to come. “It’s a glorious ‘hodge-podge’ of community folks and church folks and volunteers, and we come, we gather, we open our doors, everybody floods in. We see God in this entire operation.” Newcastle Corps Officer Major Peter Bennett dons his ‘volunteer’ vest each Wednesday – food market day. Fellow corps members, Auxiliary-Lieutenants Adam and Melissa Purcell, agree. Adam, the national General Manager for Frontline Support, and Melissa, Youth and Young Adults Secretary, joined the nearby Norwest Lake Macquarie Corps after moving back to the Hunter region from Melbourne following the COVID-19 lockdowns. They were renting office space at the corps, where Leanne and Peter also minister, and naturally began to get involved. “It keeps me connected with what’s happening on the ground,” says Melissa. “Being in a national role, you can be so far removed from what’s happening or even what the struggles are for corps officers and church leaders.” She says it’s wonderful to be able to volunteer at Norwest Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Corps, alongside her national role. “It’s building relationships and being able to have faith conversations with people as you get to know them,” she says. “It’s more than about feeding people because we want to care for the whole of the person, not just the physical side.” She says seeing the Gospel in action strengthens her faith. “Church is not about Sunday, this is church [every day of the week]. Friday lunch could be church for people, as we open with grace and gradually being able to introduce a Bible verse and discussion time.” Kingdom expansion is happening every day the doors are open at Newcastle Salvos. Major Peter says it’s the ‘gospel in action’. “This is ministry unto the Lord. Some folks cringe and go, ‘Oh, you’re inviting those people from ‘the world’ into our church!’ But that’s how it should be! That’s exactly what the Gospel is – the church coming to the world.” The entrance to the Newcastle Salvos main worship centre. READ MORE: Newcastle volunteer Vicky’s unexpected blessing

Children greet General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham as they arrive for their visit. BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS The Salvation Army’s international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries), have visited the Ecuador and Peru Divisions of the movement’s South America West Territory for congresses marked by celebration, spiritual renewal and commitment to mission. The visit was particularly significant for Ecuador, where a serving General of The Salvation Army was welcomed for the first time. A moment of prayer as the international leaders arrive in Ecuador. Officers, cadets, local leaders, families and young people gathered for worship, teaching and prayer, with General Buckingham challenging Salvationists to deepen their relationship with Christ and serve with faithfulness and love. Many responded in prayer and consecration, while young people were encouraged to embrace their role in the future mission of The Salvation Army. A Thanksgiving Meeting celebrated 41 years of Salvation Army ministry in Ecuador, as well as the opening of Cochaloma Corps (church), pioneering work in Cuenca and the enrolment of new soldiers. Local and Salvation Army traditions marked the leaders' visit. Celebrating in Peru In Peru, Salvationists from across the country gathered to celebrate the division’s 116th anniversary. The congress included worship, teaching and gatherings for local officers, candidates, families, children and young people. New soldiers were enrolled, while a musical telling the story of missionary Eduardo Palací challenged those present to continue sharing the good news of Jesus. Actors on stage tell the story of missionary Eduardo Palací. Young people were called to play an active part in the revival and mission of The Salvation Army, and throughout the congress many came to the mercy seat* seeking God’s guidance. The continuing growth of the Peru Division was also celebrated, including developments at Ventanilla Outpost and Viñani Corps. The congress concluded with a joyful Fiesta de la Peruanidad, celebrating Peruvian identity, unity and diversity. Across both countries, the Buckinghams’ visit offered a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and a renewed challenge to Salvationists of every generation to move forward in faith and mission.

Salvation Army humanitarian workers share the values that drive them in their challenging work around the world. Last week (19 August) The Salvation Army joined nations around the world to observe World Humanitarian Day – honouring those who step into some of the world's most difficult situations to serve others with compassion, courage and hope. The Salvation Army also stands alongside the millions of people whose lives have been dramatically changed by events beyond their control. In the video below, Salvation Army humanitarian workers share why their faith-based approach makes the difference in what they achieve and what values fuel their efforts. In a world where global challenges are great – individual acts of kindness can make a world of difference. Click on the arrow to start the video.

Salvos Online continues a 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. BOSSES AND WORKERS BY GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH Salvation Army co-founder (The article below is General William Booth’s original transcript.) My dear comrades, in settling how much Work he will do, a man must have due regard to the claims of his own health. If he rushes at his work without due discretion, and does more than his strength will reasonably allow, he will probably break down, and so prevent his working altogether, or for a season, at least. Whereas, if he exhausts no more energy than he can recover by sleep and food and rest, at the time, he can go steadily forward, and by doing so, accomplish a great deal more, in the long run, than he would by temporary extravagant exertion. When speaking on this subject, I sometimes say that I use my body as I should use a horse (if I had one); I should not seek to get the most labour out of him for a week, regardless of the future, but I should feed and manage him with a view to getting the most I could get out of him all the year round. When the proper performance of a particular task depends upon the united labour of a number of individuals, who have agreed to work in co-operation, it will be necessary, in the interests of the whole, that each should conform to the regulations laid down, always supposing that such rules are in harmony with truth and righteousness. The wishes and interests of employers have also to be taken into consideration. But, in every case, the principle is equally obligatory upon all. These duties will demand, and must have devoted to them, a measure of the time at our control. What that amount of time shall be must be determined by the relative importance of those duties. I protest against … the notion, born of indolence and selfishness, which affirms that we should do as little, rather than as much, Work as is consistent with the maintenance of health, and with the claims arising out of the relations in which we stand to those about us. However, circumstances will transpire during the earthly career of every one of us, calling for self-sacrificing Work that must be performed, regardless of consequences to health or any other interest. I am continually haunted by the curiosity which seeks an answer to the questions: Does anyone read what I write? And reading, do they understand what I say? And understanding, do they agree with what is said? But what is most important of all: Is anybody the better for what I have written? However, without waiting for answers to these questions, I suppose I must practise what I preach, and go on writing my Letters, as well as I possibly can. And at the risk of being tedious, I propose again to mention some of the things for which I have contended, and to add one or two more arguments in their favour. My contention then, is, that whether in the shop or on the ship, in the parlour or in the kitchen, in the factory or in the field, on the Salvation platform or in the coal mine, whether Officers or Soldiers, we are all alike, as Servants of God, under the obligation to do all we possibly can in the service of men; and to do it with the holy motive of pleasing our Heavenly Master … You must work for [your] master, or mistress, as the case may be, from the voluntary principle of love rather than the earthly and selfish principle of gain. A man does not say, I will toil for my delicate wife, and deny myself pleasant things, in order to obtain for her the necessaries and comforts she requires, because she would do the same for me, if I were in her place and she in mine. Nothing of the kind. Every employer is responsible before God for supplying his servants, to the extent of his ability, not only with the bare necessities of existence, but also with the care and the sympathy, the counsel, and the thousand other things indispensable to the servant's well-being, for which the master ought to feel some reasonable concern. Not to consider and provide for the well-being of those in your employment, so far as you have ability, up to the level of this standard, is to place the servant on as low, or even a lower, level than the southern planter placed his slaves, or the farmer places his cattle. If a mother would like a nurse to care for her children, which most mothers would, then the mother must care for the nurse. If a husband would like a maid to care for his wife, wait upon her in health, and watch her in sickness, then he must show, in some suitable manner, his consideration for the maid. If the master would like his employees to give their whole souls to the promotion of his business, making that their first concern, and working all hours, reasonable and unreasonable, for its prosperity, then he must minister to the welfare of those employees with the same practical anxiety. Do I advocate that masters and mistresses should aim at placing their servants on a social level with themselves? No; I advocate nothing of the kind, and that for two reasons. It would be impossible to accomplish it, even if attempted. The instincts of both servants and masters would be against such an arrangement. Perhaps, this instinct is nothing more than a prejudice. Well, if so, it is there, and its eradication would be impossible without filling up the social gulf that at present separates the two classes, and the distinction necessitates a difference in their treatment. Servants themselves do not desire such equality. For instance, they would, as a rule, be like fish out of water if invited to take their meals in the dining room with the family, or to pass their evenings in the drawing-room with the visitors. A wife told me the other day that she had not had her clothes off for 17 days and nights in nursing her husband; it did not make it appear that she thought she was doing anything extraordinary, or that she rendered this service to her companion in life because she felt sure that had he been the wife and she the husband, he would have gladly done the same for her. We come down to the low level of self-interest. We insist then, that those who work from the motive of love, rather than the motive of gain, will not necessarily be sufferers in consequence, so far as this world goes. But it may be asked, “Will not unprincipled masters or mistresses be likely to take advantage of this docile and unselfish spirit?” Perhaps, nay, doubtless, in many cases, they will. The Salvation Army has been taken advantage of all through its past history, and so have all the true Saints of God, because they have submitted to wrong, and have not fought the injustice and false representations and persecutions inflicted upon them from the beginning. It will possibly be so to the end, but that does not affect the principle for which I argue, which is, that we must do good Work, and as much of it as we can, regardless of what the world may give us in return. I now say, as plainly as I possibly can, that it is the Duty of the master to deal with his servants on the same principles, and from the same motives, that he expects his servants to deal with him – that is, he must promote the welfare of his servants to the utmost of his ability. The servants are placed under his charge, by God, for this very purpose, and he is under an obligation to make them, as far as he can, happy, holy, and useful. And that obligation is, to a certain extent, as binding upon him as if the servants were his own children … Neither have I had money, or the supply of things that money will buy, exclusively in my mind. In addition to the supply of the bare necessities of existence, I have been thinking of the care and the sympathy, the counsel, and the thousand other things indispensable to the servant's well-being, for which the master ought to feel some reasonable concern.

To read Betty’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here.

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? My husband, Dillon, and I currently serve as Corps Officers at Burwood Corps in Sydney. Burwood is a wonderfully multicultural community, with around 48 per cent of residents having Chinese heritage. It is a privilege to serve in a corps made up predominantly of Asian congregations, alongside a smaller English-speaking congregation. Beyond the corps, I also have the opportunity to serve the wider community through outreach initiatives and by collaborating with local churches, community organisations, and Burwood Council to support and engage our diverse multicultural community. My husband, Dillon, and I count it a privilege to serve the people of Burwood in Sydney. The most satisfying part of my appointment is seeing God transform lives. Whether it is someone encountering Jesus for the first time, a family finding hope during a difficult season, or a believer taking the next step in their faith journey, those moments remind me why God called me into ministry. I also love seeing people discover their God-given gifts and grow into leaders who serve others. Watching lives change, disciples grow, and people become part of God’s mission is one of the greatest joys of my life. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I enjoy spending time with my family, especially creating memories together over a meal or during holidays. I also enjoy catching up with friends over coffee or a meal. Those conversations are often life-giving as we share what God is doing in our lives, encourage one another, and celebrate God’s faithfulness together. Prayer walking is another way I unwind. Walking while I pray, listen to sermons or Bible teaching, and reflect on Scripture helps me slow down, refocus, and reconnect with God. Ministry can be busy and demanding, but spending unhurried time in God’s presence renews both my heart and my perspective. Interestingly, I also find that stepping away from the day-to-day demands of corps ministry to attend conferences, leadership training, or spiritual retreats is deeply refreshing. I love learning, being challenged to grow, and returning with fresh vision and new ideas that strengthen both my personal walk with God and my ministry. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? One of my favourite Christian songs is ‘Christ Is Enough’ by Hillsong Worship, written by Reuben Morgan. The message of the song resonates deeply with me because it reminds me that Christ alone is all I need. In both life and ministry, there are seasons of joy, uncertainty, challenge, and change, but this song continually brings me back to the truth that my identity, hope, and purpose are found in Him alone. The lyrics, Christ is enough for me, are a simple yet powerful declaration of faith. They remind me that following Jesus means trusting Him wholeheartedly and finding contentment in His presence rather than in circumstances or achievements. As an officer, this song encourages me to keep Christ at the centre of my life and ministry and to invite others to discover that He truly is enough. 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 so many biblical characters I could learn from. Whether they were faithful or flawed, strong or weak, courageous or fearful, each of them has something to teach me. Their stories remind me, challenge me, warn me, shape me, encourage me, and reassure me that God works through ordinary people. If I had to choose one person, I would love to sit down with the Apostle Paul. I would ask him how he remained so focused on Christ despite suffering, opposition, imprisonment, and constant uncertainty. I would love to hear more about how he developed leaders, planted churches across different cultures, and maintained joy and hope in the midst of hardship. Serving in a multicultural community, I am especially inspired by Paul’s approach to mission. He was willing to adapt to different cultures, languages, and contexts without ever compromising the truth of the Gospel. He spoke people’s language, understood their culture, and met them where they were so they could understand Christ. I would love to learn from his wisdom about contextualising the gospel while remaining faithful to God’s Word. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Absolutely! Officership has stretched me, humbled me, and grown my faith in ways I could never have imagined. It has taught me to depend more deeply on God and to trust Him in every season. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for this journey and for the privilege of serving Him. For me, officership is not simply a career; it is a calling, a lifestyle, and a lifelong commitment. It is not something I retire from when I finish a position or reach a certain age, because the call to serve God and His mission continues throughout my life. There are challenges, sacrifices, and moments when the journey is difficult. Yet there is no greater privilege than joining God in His mission by bringing hope to people, sharing the Gospel, walking alongside others, and seeing lives transformed through His love. If God is calling you, do not let fear hold you back. God does not call the qualified; He equips those He calls. Be open to His leading, pray consistently, stay close to Him, and trust that His grace will always be sufficient. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

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 (17-24 August) we pray for The Salvation Army in the India South Eastern Territory. This territory has 642 officers (375 active, 267 retired); Aux-Captains 14; cadets 14; corps 320; outposts 164; senior soldiers 58,864; adherents 13,742; junior soldiers 3858; employees 492 Colonels Lalhmingliana Hmar and Lalhlimpuii Chawngthu lead the territory. The work of the India South Eastern Territory includes: Community health and nursing Education Vocational training Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Praise and worship in the India Eastern Territory. Praise points: · We thank God for the grand success of all the programs in 2025. · We thank God for the successful visit of the Chief of the Staff. · We thank God for the cadets covenant, ordination, commissioning and appointment of four new lieutenants. · We thank God for the more than 79,000 soldiers in our territory. · We praise God for the successful Brengle Institute held for all the officers serving in the districts and extension areas. · We thank God for the ongoing online prayers run regularly and routinely by Women's Ministries. Commissioning of Salvation Army officers of the India Eastern Territory.. Prayer requests: · Pray for the candidates for officership. · Pray for all the sustainability efforts and the program for our territory to move towards self-support. · Pray for all our soldiers to be strengthened in the spirit of Salvationism. · Pray for the spiritual life development of our territory. · Pray for the newly opened Dorcas Tailoring Institute, established through the initiative and efforts of our Territorial President of Women's Ministries. · Pray for the 'Come & Shine' territorial competition for youth and children on 29 August. · Pray for the prospective candidates' orientation program on 11 September. · Pray for the self-denial week of prayer, running 14-19 September. · Pray for the anti human trafficking seminar and child protection training throughout September and October. · Pray for the self-denial altar service (1 October-30 November). · Pray for the Brengle Institute for officers and soldiers (October 26-28). · Pray for the National Level Sports which will be hosted by the territory in October. · Pray for the Local Officers' Renewal for 2027 process starting in October. · Pray for the formation of the territorial council on 10 December. · Pray for the retired and living alone officers' get-together on 16 December. To find out more about the India South Eastern Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

To read Edward’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here.

Colonel John Chamness, Chief Secretary, speaks at the Disciples in Mission gathering in Brisbane. Photos: Darryl Whitecross BY SIMONE WORTHING Colonels John and Lani Chamness were special guests at the Disciples in Mission gathering in Brisbane on Sunday 16 August. Approximately 760 people from Salvation Army corps around South East Queensland, as far north as Cairns and down to Northern New South Wales, attended each session at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event was described as a congress to “worship, and become equipped for mission in everyday life”. More than 320 people watched the livestream. Colonel John Chamness, Chief Secretary, challenged Queensland Salvationists to embrace God’s call to ‘go’ and share the gospel, drawing on the example of the early church in Acts 18 and the witness of the woman at the well. He said the Church and The Salvation Army were never meant to remain comfortable and inward-focused. Instead, they were ‘born’ to take the message of Jesus into communities, workplaces, neighbourhoods and families. He urged Salvationists to follow the example of the first Christians, who believed every person mattered and actively shared their faith. Praise, worship, mission and discipleship were featured across both sessions of the Disciples in Mission gathering in Brisbane last weekend. Photos: Daryl Whitecross Through his morning and afternoon messages – ‘Drawn to holiness’ and ‘A movement at the crossroads’ – Colonel John emphasised that, before people can ‘go’, they must first ‘know’ Jesus personally. He invited anyone who had never truly surrendered their life to Christ to respond to God’s call, explaining that Jesus offers forgiveness, hope, freedom and a fresh start to all who come to him. “Friends, our responsibility is not to save people,” he said. “Our responsibility is simply to tell the story, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest ... There are people in your workplace, your neighbourhood, your family and your circle of friends who may never hear a sermon. But God has placed you in their lives.” Colonel Lani Chamness (Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development) added to the worship focus of the event, presenting a solo in both the morning and afternoon sessions. Worship also included band messages, Scripture readings, congregational singing, testimonials and prayer. WATCH MORE To watch the morning session of the gathering, click here. To watch the afternoon session, click here.

Salvation Army teams are assisting in the aftermath of five earthquakes around the world, including, most recently, Colombia. By IHQ COMMUNICATIONS Salvation Army teams are providing emergency assistance and long-term support to communities affected by a succession of devastating earthquakes across the Philippines, Indonesia, Venezuela, Japan and, most recently, Colombia. Since 8 June, separate earthquake emergencies have killed thousands of people, displaced families and caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services. While individual disasters have disappeared rapidly from international headlines, Salvation Army teams have remained alongside affected communities, providing practical help, emotional care and spiritual support. Across the responses, assistance has been shaped by local needs. In the Philippines, where a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on 8 June, 900 families received rice, drinking water, groceries and sanitation and hygiene supplies. In Indonesia, Salvation Army teams responded following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Central Sulawesi, providing food, ready-to-eat meals and tents to families displaced or fearful of returning to damaged homes. The Salvation Army’s Woodward Hospital in Palu has also supported the response. Salvation Army team members distribute supplies in Venezuela. In Venezuela, where two earthquakes struck less than a minute apart on 24 June, The Salvation Army has reached 7134 people with food, water, hygiene supplies, bedding, clothing, emotional care and spiritual support. More than 3100 meals and 1000 food parcels have been distributed, alongside hygiene kits, medicines and other essential supplies. When a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan on 28 July during extreme summer heat, teams transported water, food and hygiene products to Kumamoto. As assessments continued, support expanded to include generator fuel, cooling fans, storage batteries, portable toilets and other equipment needed in evacuation shelters affected by power cuts. An earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, flattened many houses. Stronger through partnership Partnership has been central to each response, allowing local Salvation Army teams to work alongside government agencies, churches, community organisations and humanitarian partners to identify needs quickly and avoid duplication. In Venezuela, the Ministerio Apostólico Internacional Emanuel church in Caracas provided accommodation, meals, internet access and transport for The Salvation Army response team. Pastor Gerson Hernández recalled the fear of the earthquake and the days without electricity, but also the strength found in working together. “The Salvation Army has worked with us unconditionally,” he said. “We hope to be able to continue to assist people ... We are grateful for your prayers and hope to be a blessing in this time of crisis.” Bringing hope For Salvation Army responders, emergency assistance is about more than the supplies distributed. Captain James-Mark Casidsid, Territorial Emergency Service Coordinator in the Philippines, said: “Disaster response is about far more than delivering relief. It is about restoring dignity, offering hope and demonstrating God’s love through compassionate action.” Local Salvation Army teams respond to Colombia’s devastating earthquake. On 10 August, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake was felt across Colombia. According to information available to International Emergency Services on 12 August, more than 200 people had been killed and thousands affected. The Salvation Army’s Latin America North Territory completed an initial needs assessment and is preparing to provide food, hygiene items and shelter support to 300 families. In addition to providing practical assistance, The Salvation Army is offering pastoral care, emotional support, and encouragement to individuals and families coping with the aftermath of the earthquake. These responses are being led by the respective Salvation Army territories, supported by the organisation’s International Emergency Services out of its International Headquarters in London, which helps coordinate international resources. As one emergency follows another, The Salvation Army remains committed to serving people without discrimination, meeting immediate needs, supporting recovery and bringing hope to communities facing some of their most difficult days.

Lieutenant Keven Williams is expanding his role as a men’s ministry champion. “Our aim is to help men of all generations rediscover who they are in Christ and live courageously for him.” BY LAUREN MARTIN Lieutenant Keven Williams has been appointed Territorial Men’s Ministry Coordinator, signifying a strengthened focus on supporting and raising up men to walk with Jesus and to invite others to do the same. Keven and his wife, Major Joanne Williams, are the Corps Officers at Eastern Beaches Corps in Maroubra, Sydney. Keven’s territorial men’s ministry role is an additional appointment. “We live in a world where many men feel and face isolation, disconnection, and spiritual weariness,” said Keven. “Our aim is to help men of all generations rediscover who they are in Christ and live courageously for him.” After many years as NSW/ACT Divisional Men’s Champion (additional appointment), Keven has jumped at the chance to invest more heavily into Men’s Ministry across the Australia Territory. The national role came into effect on the first of July. Keven and Jo Williams lead the Eastern Beaches Corps. Keven helped design the role and says it centres on four pillars: – Connect – Grow – Serve – Lead. “Connect means that we want to meet men where they’re at, building genuine friendships and doing life together,” he said. “Grow is to support them to become better men, explore faith, learn from others and walk in the way of Jesus. “The Serve part comes naturally in discipleship – creating opportunities where men can give back and support our community and make a difference. “And then encouraging them to step up and Lead. To mentor and encourage others, invest in the next generation and build a legacy that’s not our legacy, but God’s legacy.” Keven, who has years of experience coordinating the NSW/ACT Divisional Men’s Camp, ‘Arise’, which has grown in popularity among men of all ages, is passionate about seeing other divisions equip their men, young and old, in a similar way. “A busload of men even travelled from Victoria to attend our [Arise] camp last year,” he said. About 130 men attend the NSW/ACT Divisional men’s camp each year. Already in the new role, Keven has released two resources on the mySalvos toolkit to equip and encourage Men’s Ministry among mission leaders across the territory: • Tips and Ideas for Starting a Men’s Ministry is exactly that – a downloadable resource to kickstart ideas for corps and Salvation Army expressions that want to invest in men. • Come to the Table is an outline of a men’s ministry that provides a safe space for men to journey together in a deeper way than they might typically engage. Click through the slideshow below for more photos of Keven in his role leading the Arise men’s camp. All photos: Bryan Bartlett. READ MORE: Standing with the Bondi community

To read Iain’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here.