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Leaders from Alta-1 and The Salvation Army at the official opening of the Hub on 4 April. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE In a movement renewal collaboration, three Salvation Army mission expressions and an alternative education pathway provider have recently joined forces to serve the community as a hub in Western Australia. The Salvation Army Armadale, Community Garden of Hope and the wider Armadale Gosnells Hub have partnered with Alta-1, a holistic education service started in Western Australia. Alta-1 provides disengaged young people and their families support and pathways to self-transformation through Vocational Education Training (VET) courses, the Targeted Engagement Program (TEP) and ConnectEd programs for young people with severe anxiety and depression. WA Faith Communities Development Secretary Major Dianne Jarvey with Alta-1 Chief Executive Aaron Gregory at the launch. Image: Supplied The Hub was officially launched on 4 April with an event attended by Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett. With the phrase “changing lives one at a time” appearing in Alta-1’s vision statement and “one life at a time with the love of Jesus” appearing in The Salvation Army’s vision statement, Area Officer Major Andrew Jarvey said there was a “very close affinity” between what The Salvation Army and Alta-1 were trying to achieve. “Very simply, we’re better together,” he said. “You have the expertise of a schooling company, [who] have been doing it for 35 years. You’ve got the Salvos who’ve obviously been doing their stuff for a very long time as well, so we’re not trying to start new things by ourselves. We’re recognising that the way forward is through collaborative partnerships.” Through the efforts of both Major Nikki Curtis and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Mark Curtis, who run the Garden of Hope at Gosnells, Alta-1 has already been partnering with The Salvation Army through training micro-credentials in horticulture and through the coffee van operating in the garden. Students have been developing key skills as baristas, in hospitality and customer service. The coffee van at the Garden of Hope. Image: Supplied In addition, the team will partner with The Salvation Army’s Seaforth Gardens Aged Care facility, the Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre, which are on the same property, and Salvos Stores to provide opportunities for Alta-1 youth to engage in the local community. The team also hopes that residents from the Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre will be able to access training through the partnership. Nikki said the area, in the southeast of Perth, had one of the highest crime rates in the suburbs and a high rate of domestic violence. She said, despite there being many social services, the key was a more systemic approach. “There’s a lot of material aid available in the area,” Nikki said. “[But] how can we make a significant difference to families? Maybe it's one family at a time, but that will actually be systemic change. It will be a generational change. And the only way we’re going to be able to do that, I think, is to work with families.”

Meetings with the Pope are part of the responsibilities of the General's representative to the Vatican. BY SIMONE WORTHING Since the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, events at the Vatican and the soon-to-come conclave have been at the forefront of news around the world. Did you know that the Generals of The Salvation Army have an official representative to the Vatican? And do you know who the current representative might be? And what they actually do in this role?  Lieut-Colonel Andrew Morgan preaches at an ecumenical service during the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Rome. For the past three years, Canadian officer Lieut-Colonel Andrew Morgan has been General Lyndon Buckingham’s representative to the Vatican, a city-state   surrounded by Rome, Italy, and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. In an interview with the Canadian Salvationist last year, Lieut-Colonel Morgan spoke about his overseas ministry, including his role in the Italy and Greece Territory, including Vatican City. “In addition to being the territorial commander, I’m also the General’s representative to the Vatican. And the opportunities that it provides are absolutely tremendous. The Salvation Army, internationally, has an ongoing dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, and we hold a four- or five-day set of talks annually to discuss matters of theology and Christian faith and practice. Greek officers welcome Lieut-Colonels Andrew and Darlene Morgan. “And being in Rome, there are many other denominations that have a representative here. So, from an ecumenical perspective, I stand as a peer with them and have the opportunity to represent The Salvation Army and be our voice ... [My wife] Darlene (Lieut-Colonel Darlene Morgan) and I have met the Pope on a number of occasions. That doesn’t happen every day as a Salvation Army officer! To read the full interview and listen to the podcast, click here . For the past three years, as the General’s representative to the Vatican, Lieut-Colonel Morgan has been at the centre of The Salvation Army’s journey with the Pope. The role is in addition to his primary appointment as Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army’s Italy and Greece Territory, but he says it has been rich in both blessing and challenge. Lieut-Colonel Darlene Morgan at work at THQ in Rome. On Saturday 26 April 2025, Lieut-Colonel Morgan and Lieut-Colonel Darlene Morgan (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries for Italy and Greece) accompanied General Buckingham, as The Salvation Army’s international leader joined ecumenical and state leaders from around the world to honour Pope Francis through their attendance at his funeral mass, held in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, within Rome. Hundreds of thousands joined them in person and many millions watched the live broadcast. To read The Salvation Army’s tribute to Pope Francis and his legacy, click here . Lieut-Colonels Morgan with General Lyndon Buckingham attend the Pope’s funeral mass. Reflections Following the funeral mass, Lieut-Colonel Morgan reflected on his and The Salvation Army’s relationship with Pope Francis. What was said during the mass about his deep sense of pastoral care, Andrew knows to be true: “I’ve been in Italy since September 2022,” he said, “and have had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on four occasions. As The General’s personal representative to the Vatican, it is my annual privilege to meet with the Pope as one of a group of leaders representing Christian denominations. “However, my first encounter with Pope Francis was after the funeral mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in January 2023. In what I discovered to be Pope Francis’s style, he made an impromptu stop to greet our ecumenical group of leaders who had been in attendance. “He had just presided over a lengthy funeral mass in the coldest month of the year in Italy and positioned on the windswept steps outside St Peter’s Basilica. Yet rather than retreat to get out of the cold as we wanted to do, Pope Francis stopped and offered a warm smile, a handshake and a genuine appreciation for our presence. “That same smile and genuineness were hallmarks of each subsequent meeting. At first, I thought the extra attention was because of my Salvation Army uniform. I was aware that Vatican News had reported on the Pope’s fondness for The Salvation Army in a 2019 meeting between Pope Francis and The Salvation Army’s previous international leader, General Brian Peddle.  “On that occasion, the Pope spoke of his first encounter with ecumenism when, at four years old, he met several Salvationists while with his grandmother. As an encouragement, he said that The Salvation Army’s “example of humble service to the least of our brothers and sisters spoke louder than any words”. Pope Francis thanked Salvationists for caring for the homeless and marginalised, and for their efforts to fight human trafficking.  “I began to observe that in each meeting with Pope Francis, his smile and genuineness extended beyond me to everyone else he met. Reflecting now, I greatly appreciate how, in those brief encounters, Pope Francis could convey his attentiveness and authenticity. It was, for me, a genuine pastoral encounter.” Personal challenge  Lieut-Colonel Morgan says that he now feels deeply challenged to consider how he might be more authentic, present and pastoral in his encounters with others – not only him, though, but The Salvation Army as a whole.  “This is a test for us all,” he stresses. “Pope Francis pointed out one of The Salvation Army’s own values to itself when he said to us, ‘In a world where selfishness and divisions abound, the noble fragrance of genuine self-giving love can offer a much-needed antidote.’ “Does our inner life, our deep-seated attitudes, and our words and actions reflect self-giving love, this most noble of virtues? Right now, it is my deepest prayer.”

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Beryl, click here

The Karratha Glow in the Dark basketball game for WA Youth Week. Image: The Salvation Army WA BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army’s Karratha Youth Accommodation Service  recently celebrated WA Youth Week by assisting in two public events for young people in the Karratha region. The West Australian youth accommodation service has six beds and two independent living units for young people at risk of homelessness in the Pilbara region. The Karratha Youth Shed. Image: The Salvation Army WA The Salvation Army attended the Kick-Off Concert on Friday 11 April, with a market stall featuring interactive games including a ‘Spin to Win’ wheel where participants could win lollies, sensory items, drink bottles and other merchandise. Youth Week WA runs yearly from 10–17 April, and this year was marked by more than 100 events. The theme for 2025 was ‘Our Threads, This Place, Your Moment’, celebrating the ‘patchwork’ of contributions from young people across the state. “Youth Week 2025 was officially launched in Western Australia by the State Minister for Youth, Hannah Beazley MLA, and was followed by an incredible performance by Indigenous rapper Zero Emcee that set the tone for an energetic week ahead,” the Youth Services WA team wrote.“With approximately 200 people in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, and it was uplifting to see young people and families engaging enthusiastically with our stall.” On the following night, 12 April, the Karratha youth team co-hosted a Glow in the Dark three-vs-three basketball competition at The Youth Shed, alongside Headspace and the City of Karratha. About 90 participants aged 10 to 17 competed to crown winners of the girls and boys divisions and additional tournaments. “These events offered the Karratha Youth Accommodation Service valuable opportunities to step into the community, represent our organisation with honour, elevate the service’s profile, and reinforce our commitment to supporting youth in the Pilbara,” the Youth Services team added. WA Kids Camp relaunches with dancing, memory-making, and Jesus   Young people across Western Australia gathered for a relaunched Kids Camp earlier this month.   Held on 11-13 April at CYC camp, Baldivis, the camp saw 62 people attend, including 34 campers, eight emerging young leaders, and 20 adult leaders.   The Kids Camp was the first in four years, a result of the momentum in the Children’s Ministry space in WA.     The weekend gave campers an opportunity to make new friends, build relationships with leaders, and see other kids from local Salvo churches.   The camp offered interactive Bible stories, prayer walk activities, workshops, and free time. Sessions were based on the stories of Jesus that spoke to finding a sense of place in the Kingdom of God.   “Camp has helped me grow in my faith because each session I learnt something new about Jesus,” said one camper. “I feel closer to God,” said another.   Activities on the Saturday included Akwaaba African Drumming, with campers learning new drumming and dancing skills. Other campers created memories from their camp experience, making a photo frame that stated, “I found my place at Kids Camp 2025”. The dancing continued into the evening with a silent disco that has become a popular experience for WA Kids in recent Junior Youth events.    “Towards the end of camp, I had campers who were just wanting to enjoy camp and enjoy the atmosphere,” said one camp leader. “When I asked them what we could add more of to make camp even better, they said ‘more Jesus’, which is just amazing.”   Leaders shared that many kids had asked faith questions, and campers were given the opportunity to explore the next step in their faith journey. The camp was closed with a fun ‘bubble blessing’ activity, during which leaders blew bubbles over the children and prayed for them before they returned home.   “I’ve been so encouraged to serve alongside you all,” shared another camp leader. “What a passionate and awesome bunch of leaders. I’m encouraged that we’ve got the right people in our WA Kids Ministry.” – Anthony Castle

After losing everything, Elliott became homeless and started living in his car. Struggling to get by, he approached The Salvation Army for help and found people who genuinely cared. Elliott’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to never give up. He says, “The Salvos are a place that you can go to for help, feelings do matter ... it’s ok to ask for help.” For assistance, go to: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/ or Lifeline 13 11 14

The new sail and lighting over the playground are making a difference to children and families. The children who frequent the Mt Isa Corps are delighted with the recently installed shade sails and evening lighting over the playground.   “The completion of this project is already making a difference and is being enjoyed by the community up in the far north-west,” says Evelyn Charles, Chaplain at the Mt Isa Corps.   “We are so grateful for the construction of the shade and installation of the light! Both will make a huge difference to the quality of play for the local children, keeping them safe and making possible evening play.”   The playground plays an important role for the children from The Salvation Army’s Serenity House and families who come to the corps for community meals. Serenity House is a residential homelessness support service in Mt Isa, offering five units for women and children experiencing homelessness. To read more about Serenity House and its recent ‘Excellence in Community Homelessness Services Delivery’  award, click here . The project aims to enhance the safety and comfort of children using the playground. The new shade sail provides much-needed protection from the sun, while the lighting ensures the playground can be safely used during the evening.   These facilities will continue to have a lasting impact on the many children and families who will use the playground in the years ahead.   The new installations were made possible by a generous donation from Glencore Mt Isa Mines , and their support and strong commitment to the Mt Isa community. – Simone Worthing

Jesus laid down his life, our Anzac soldiers risked their lives for our safety and Pope Francis gave all he had for the causes he believed in, writes Major Belinda Davis. Image: Ashwin Vaswani, Unsplash BY MAJOR BELINDA DAVIS Last week was Good Friday, a time for reflecting on the impact of Jesus’ sacrificial death for each of us. This year, I was blessed to have the opportunity to lead chapel services on that day with some of the men who reside at the maximum-security prison where I serve as a chaplain.   On Easter Monday, we heard the news that Pope Francis had passed from this world to the next and received his eternal reward. I quite liked Pope Francis, as his theology and focus aligned with my beliefs – that there is power in ministering to and spending time with the people that society generally turns away from, like prisoners.   A few days after this news, we in Australia shared one of our significant days: Anzac Day. It is our national day of remembrance and reflection. This occasion not only allows us to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in this country but also to honour all those who serve and have served in the defence forces over the years.   The following day, during the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis, I observed a crowd of people packed into St. Peter’s Square, where the rites of the Roman Catholic Church were both on display and beamed across the world. It dawned on me that there had been a strong focus on death and sacrifice over the past eight days, with each day having a similar theme interwoven throughout.   Jesus laid down his life for the sake of all, our Anzac soldiers risked their lives for our safety and Pope Francis gave all he had for the causes he believed in and in service to his church. Please don’t mishear me. I am not suggesting that all three examples hold equal importance. It goes without saying that Jesus’ death has no rival, nor will it ever, but each sacrifice has an element of ‘others’ about it.  In this day and age, when we focus on the individual above all else, it struck me as significant that these events occurred in such quick succession. It was time to reflect on what this might mean for me. How do I live my life, or, more importantly, who do I live it for? Some may say that choosing to be an ordained minister in The Salvation Army has come with costs for me. Some are financial, while others involve losing control over where I might live and how I might be asked to serve. Why do I do this? I believe it is what God has asked of me. Does that mean that every minute of every day I am putting the needs of the people I serve above my own? Certainly not. I am ashamed to admit that there are times when my selfish needs and desires take precedence over the needs of others and the service I provide. I am a flawed work-in-progress, as are we all. I guess what has struck me the most is the response of others to the lives given. Good Friday, Anzac Day and the death of a church patriarch demonstrate the depth of the sacrifice through the observances and reflections of those left behind. How people gather to honour and remember the life given is, I believe, the key I needed to find. A line from a Salvation Army hymn has been running through my mind as I ponder what may be said when the time comes for me to leave my earthly remains behind. The song, written by Malcolm Bale, is as follows: O Lord, whose human hands were quick To feed the hungry, heal the sick, Who love by loving deed expressed, Help me to comfort the distressed. What is divine about my creed If I am blind to human need? For You have said they serve You best Who serve the helpless and oppressed. Lord, may Your love translucent shine Through every loving deed of mine, That all may see the works I do And give the glory all to You.  (Emphasis mine) (Song 1003, Salvation Army Songbook 2015) May you, too, consider who you live for. As for me and my life, my earnest prayer is that as people see me, they witness Jesus at work in and through me and give Him the glory – always.  Be blessed.

Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans with the Solomon Islands leadership team in 2023. Image: File BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE  A Salvation Army fundraising program dedicated to equipping territories outside Australia has completed as a resounding success.  The 2023–2024 Salvation Army Making it Happen project was begun with the aim of raising enough money to build a single quarters for corps officers in the Solomon Islands.  While the campaign was originally designed with the goal of raising $120,000 AUD, which is just shy of $600,000 Solomon Islands Dollars, the eventual total surpassed $200,000 AUD, reaching more than $1 million Solomon Islands Dollars.  Australian Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans, Solomon Islands District Officers, said not only can the district team now afford to build a quarters for corps officers at Moscom, a village church on the island of Malaita, they can also purchase a quarters for officers in Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal as well.  Robert and Vanessa said now they have capacity to send the corps officers at Honiara Corps to The Salvation Army Officers Training College in Papua New Guinea, as they can replace them with other officers who will stay in the new accommodation.   “The overwhelming generosity of the Australian public has been phenomenal,” Vanessa said. “It’s very humbling for us because we are just two people doing our thing, doing what God wants us to do and yet we are being blessed abundantly. The Solomon Islands is being blessed abundantly, and I don't think we could ever truly convey our thanks.”  “It's literally a game changer,” Robert said.  Both the new quarters are set to be purchased and construction completed by the close of 2025.

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 (28 April-4 May) we are praying for the Hong Kong and Macau Territory.   Four Australian officers serve in this territory. Colonels Deslea and Philip Maxwell are the territorial leaders of the Hong Kong and Macau Territory, Major Julia Price is the Protection Coordinator for Children and Vulnerable Adults and Spiritual Life Development Secretary, and Major Glenn Price is Secretary for Business Administration. Australian officers in the territory – Majors Glenn and Julia Price (left), and Colonels Deslea and Philip Maxwell. The Hong Kong and Macau Territory has: officers 51 (29 active, 22 retired); cadets 1; employees 3015; corps 17; outposts 1; senior soldiers 2492; adherents 21; junior soldiers 514.   Australian officers Majors Glenn and Julia have also been serving in the territory since January 2024 – Julia   To read more about the Prices, click here .   Pray for Hong Kong and Macau Territory Praising God for: ·  Under the theme  Legacy of Hope , the Hong Kong and Macau Territory celebrates serving Hong Kong for 95 years and Macau for 25 years in 2025. We praise the Lord for his unfailing love, joy and hope, which remain the foundation for both our mission and our ministry. Prayer requests: ·   Pray for the visit of General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to Macau, Mainland China and Hong Kong – culminating in the commissioning of the Keepers of the Covenant Session this October. Through this celebration event, may God revive Salvationists in their passion, call his people to serve him, strengthen our staff in their service and grant hope to those touched by our ministries. ·   We would invite you to join us in praying for the Brengle Institute in September. That God will speak clearly into the lives of our officers and soldiers. ·   As we approach 100 years of service in Hong Kong, the territory has launched the five-year strategy with the theme  Hope and a Future . The six priorities focus on our people, our ministry, our message and our management. Pray for God’s sovereignty over the leadership, administration, ministries and services, and that good and effective stewardship will be seen across the territory. To find out more about the Hong Kong and Macau Territory, click here . To see photos from the territory, click on the arrow below. To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Raft building was all part of the fun at the Victorian Kids Connect Camp held at Anglesea. BY LERISSE SMITH It was a simple gathering, but it made a powerful impact. In Victoria’s seaside town of Anglesea, a special Salvation Army event sparked a wave of hope for kids doing it tough. For four unforgettable days earlier this month, 37 disadvantaged children aged eight to 12 swapped their life struggles for something brighter: a fun-filled camp where laughter, adventure, friendship and the comfort of belonging reigned. But this wasn’t just any camp. The camp offered a first entry into a Christian camp for children doing life tough and a place where hope was reignited and every child was reminded they mattered. Kids Connect Camp provided an initial opportunity for children facing difficulties to experience a Christian camp, a place where hope was reignited and every child was reminded that they mattered. “Our key message to kids is about knowing God has a plan for them and that they are loved by an amazing God,” said Naty Keung, Salvos Children’s Secretary for Victoria. “A successful camp doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of a team of incredible leaders coming together with purpose and passion. Our amazing leaders are all passionate about kids and willing to bring the children closer to Jesus!” “Our key message to kids is about knowing God has a plan for them and that they are loved by an amazing God.” Fully funded by generous external donors, the camp was free for every child and has been running for over a decade. Children and leaders came from various Victorian corps and local mission, including Maryborough, Castlemaine, Delacombe, Wyndham, Frankston North, Dandenong, and Reservoir. From the moment they arrived, the campers were not only welcomed but also seen and known. With 24 dedicated leaders from the local mission and a 1:2 leader-to-child ratio, each child who was invited through a local invitation received care and connection that made a lasting impact. Paid children’s workers, corps officers and junior leaders were also on hand to support and serve the excited campers. Kicking off the camp was Salvos Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator, Chris Waixel, who ran an Acknowledgement of Country workshop. The event kicked off with a moving moment led by Salvos Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator Chris Waixel, who ran an Acknowledgement of Country workshop. The workshop offered the kids a powerful connection to the deep cultural roots of the Indigenous community. Then it was action time! Canoeing, raft-building, skateboarding and mountain bike riding ensured the camp buzzed with energy as kids and leaders alike embraced every challenge. But it was more than just fun. The activities built courage, teamwork, and meaningful connection. And just when it seemed the event could not get more special, it did. Ministry Assistant at Castlemaine Corps, Beth Anstice, unveiled a beautiful hand-painted heart maze to the campers, using it to teach the children about the love of God and that no matter where their life journey took them, God was still there and loved everyone. On the final day, the Ministry Assistant at Castlemaine Corps, Beth Anstice, unveiled a beautiful heart maze she had painted, using it to teach the children about the love of God and that no mattered where their life journey took them, she reminded them, “God is still there and loves us as always.” “The camp was a great success,” Naty said. “It was so encouraging and inspiring to see children from all walks of life embrace friendship, fun and friendship, and to hear and experience God’s love in a powerful way.”

A month or so ago, I had the opportunity to attend our divisional Officers Fellowship (an annual officers retreat for a few days), and I enjoyed the company of my colleagues and also the worship sessions and teaching from our guest speaker.   One afternoon, during a period of free time, the centre we were staying at thoughtfully provided an ice cream bar for us. It was a warm day (around 30 degrees), so they put some umbrellas out for us on a lawn area and served up ice cream with a range of toppings. It was a lovely, relaxed time of chat and laughter; a nice moment to step well away from the busyness of ministry and just relax among peers.   I suggested to a group of corps officers that perhaps we needed to source some special funding to allow all corps to have an ice cream bar! We have many community members enter our doors each week, it would be a great promotion for a local ice creamery if they sponsored an ice cream bar at the corps.   Then I began to wonder what other ‘bars’ we could run at a corps. Except for that type that you’re probably thinking of right now.   A coffee bar – Many corps already have a good coffee machine these days. We can get three or four different types of coffee made for us. Now imagine an actual coffee bar that will make you coffee eight different ways, as well as iced coffees and a range of hot chocolates. Now you have a reason to invite your friends to church.   A shoe-shine bar – For those of us who still wear leather shoes to church, especially if you wear Army uniform, we still have to occasionally shine our shoes. Imagine if church had a classic American shoe-shine station manned by a highly trained volunteer and you could sit there with your coffee while your shoes were cleaned. Have members of your pastoral visitation team work there; it would be a great place for conversations.   A Bible reading bar – You take a seat, and the volunteer smiles at you and reads a short Scripture passage that they’ve selected just for you. You make a gold coin donation and go on your way. Just like getting your palm read, but in a Christian way. What a lovely way to support a corps fundraising effort.   A massage bar – Worship is always best if you’ve prepared for it appropriately. Maybe you listen to worship music while you’re driving to church, or you’ve turned your phone off for the morning, or you’ve read some Scripture to yourself. What better way to complete the preparation than to arrive at church, take a seat at this bar and get a five-minute shoulder rub from a trained volunteer before worship commences?   A Garra rufa bar – These are the fish, also known as ‘doctor fish’, that eat dead skin off your feet during a very fishy pedicure. You put your feet in an aquarium, and these tiny fish nibble away at your calloused feet, leaving you with smooth skin. Imagine being the only church in your community to advertise a Garra rufa bar. You don’t even have to feed the fish – your feet do it. Remember that Jesus and the disciples often went barefoot, and some of the disciples were fishermen. What a lovely, Bible-based way to start your Sunday.   Suggest one of these to your corps officers this Sunday. Tell them you’ve got a great idea for a bar opening at the hall. Good luck with that.   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham received a warm welcome to Pakistan. “Our hearts are full as we reflect on our incredible journey to Pakistan earlier this month,” reflected General Lyndon Buckingham, world leader of The Salvation Army with Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries).   “The warmth of Pakistani culture welcomed us with open arms, gifting us with traditional Kohati caps, Swati shawls, garlands and vibrant flowers. What an unforgettable welcome! The Buckinghams received a warm welcome in Pakistan. “Our spirits soared with dance, choir and timbrel performances, alongside powerful Scripture readings, prayers and heartfelt testimonies. Each gathering was a testament to the community’s faith and devotion, with the mercy seat lined with souls ready to embrace the gospel.   “We had the privilege of meeting inspiring leaders, from department heads and divisional leaders to key figures in the national assembly, education and governance.   “We are thankful for the privilege to be part of The Salvation Army in Pakistan.”   Official visit The world leaders travelled the length of Pakistan – from Islamabad to Karachi – during a culturally rich visit from 1-6 April 2025. Salvation Army personnel introduced the international leaders to Pakistani culture, offering them traditional Kohati caps, a Swati shawl, garlands and flowers throughout their visit.   The leaders spoke at corps throughout Pakistan. “In each gathering, the mercy seat was lined with people responding to the Spirit-inspired messages of the General and Commissioner,” wrote Captain Yasmin Allah Lok, Editor, Pakistan Territory. Lahore to Karachi On 1 April, the international leaders met department heads and divisional leaders in Lahore. They also met with denominational leaders, members of the national assembly and key personnel in the education sector and on the governance board.    The following day, hundreds gathered for Officers’ Councils, during which the General encouraged them to be good shepherds and to ensure their motivation is pure and led by the Holy Spirit. At a public meeting, the General based his message on 1 John 4:7-12, and acknowledged a new corps (church) opening in the city of Chishtian. In addressing young Salvationists, he advised them to stay focused and urged them not to wait to begin their journey with God. (From left): Mrs. Lesley Marshell, Dr Azad Marshell (Moderator President Bishop of Church of Pakistan), Colonel MacDonald Chandi and General Lyndon Buckingham On 3-4 April, the leaders visited Islamabad and Karachi. “They met with denominational leaders with whom they acknowledged the privilege of serving God in different spheres but for the same purpose,” wrote Captain Lok. In public meetings, the General referred to Ephesians 2:4-10 and the ‘abundant grace’ received from God, urging Salvationists to share that love and mercy with others. Music at the meeting in Karachi At the commissioning of the Champions of the Mission Session of cadets on 5 April, the General challenged everyone to serve God as their highest priority. Commissioner Buckingham charged the new lieutenants to spend quiet time with God to guard their hearts and stay focused. Healing and restoration On 6 April, the international leaders visited Jaranwala, where a Salvation Army corps and other Christian churches and homes were set alight in August 2023. They met with people who had been affected by the incident and learnt about the work of The Salvation Army’s vocational trauma training centre that operates in collaboration with Forman Christian College. The world leaders planted trees in Islamabad and Lahore. A psychiatrist continues to work with children impacted by the incident.   To mark their visit, the General and Commissioner Buckingham planted trees in Islamabad and the Joyland Girls’ Home, Lahore.   For prayer requests from Pakistan, click here .