In this week’s video, we meet Pascal, a 25-year-old from Rwanda whose life was transformed through the Kayenzi TVET Project and the support of The Salvation Army. Growing up with limited education and no clear future, Pascal faced unemployment and uncertainty. But thanks to vocational training, mentorship, and practical skills in mechanics, he discovered a new path. Today, Pascal is building a better life for his family and dreams of owning his own garage. His story is a reminder that education and opportunity can break the cycle of poverty. The Kayenzi TVET Project equips young people with skills, dignity, and hope-lifting rural communities out of poverty. This life-changing work is only possible through your generosity. Be motivated by love. Give generously to the Self Denial Appeal and help transform lives. To find out more and donate, click here .

A team from The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters has released a four-part podcast series focusing on the role of women across the history of the movement. The series, titled Unalterable: Reclaiming The Salvation Army’s Unalterable Legacy of Women Who Lead  was released in time for International Women’s Day this Sunday 8 March. The series has been endorsed and affirmed by General Lyndon Buckingham. “The unalterable conviction woven into our history is clear – God calls and equips women and men alike to lead, to preach, and to serve without limitation,” the General said. “Unalterable is an important and timely conversation, inviting us to reclaim the essence and message of our founders within today’s Army. It calls us to ensure that our practice faithfully reflects the theology we embrace. “I encourage Salvationists everywhere to listen, reflect, and recommit to ensuring that the gifts of women are fully recognised, valued, and celebrated across The Salvation Army.” Hosted by Rebekah McNeally from the Canada and Bermuda Territory and Lauren Westwood from the UK and Ireland Territory, the podcast is also a collaboration with the USA Southern Territory. Episode 1, titled ‘Her Place in the Army’, explores the evolving role of women from the Army’s roots, examining how culture, calling and expectation have shaped the state of women’s leadership now. Episode 2, titled ‘Voices from the Uniform’, brings together the perspectives of men and women serving in roles across the Army, as well as bringing theological and historical insights on leadership, identity and the Army’s original vision for women. Episode 3, titled ‘Looking Ahead’, considers the future for women in The Salvation Army, and how the movement might go about responding with faith and courage to current hopes and challenges. Episode 4 is titled ‘Reflecting and Responding’, and in it, hosts Rebekah and Lauren encourage ongoing dialogue around partnership, shared leadership and equal calling. This news update is taken from an original report from International Headquarters. To find out more and listen to the podcast, see here .

To read Don’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment service history, click here

The metal ‘Blood & Fire’ cross that adorns the top of an Army flag was confiscated by airport security in 2024, and (inset) the new flag that was displayed during the installation service for Colonels John and Lani Chamness at Parramatta Corps last Sunday. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Fighting spiritual battles using military language and marching under a flag of ‘red, yellow and blue’ has been synonymous with The Salvation Army for over 140 years.   ‘Unfurl the Army Banner!’ we sang for decades ... ‘March ’neath the Flag’ ... ‘Unfurl the Army Banner’ ... and ‘We’ll Never Let the Old Flag Fall’ ...   Except when it’s confiscated at the airport.   For being a weapon.   During last Sunday’s installation ceremony in Sydney for new territorial leaders Colonels John and Lani Chamness, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas quipped that “we have a brand new flag today”, which begged the question ... what happened to the previous territorial flag?   Apparently, parts of the last flag were confiscated by security at an Australian airport during the 2024 visit of world leaders General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham because its ‘Blood & Fire’ finial (the metal cross on top of the flagpole) and yellow, red and blue cords were considered ‘weapons’.   “It is a weapon,” Miriam boldly declared, pointing out that The Salvation Army flag, with its distinctive ‘Blood & Fire’ motto, symbolises the Holy Spirit and the Army’s fight against sin and social evil.   Although now mainly displayed inside corps buildings, the flag was frequently taken ‘into battle’ in the early days of the movement, when Salvationists would march through towns and hold open-air meetings.   The metal finial at the top of the flag features a cross, wrapped with an ‘S’ and the words ‘Blood & Fire’, symbolising the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit.   “Obviously, we regret that parts of the flag were confiscated, and we would never have taken it had we known it would be considered dangerous,” Miriam told Salvos Online . “But it serves as a reminder that we are an Army of Salvation.   “These symbols should spur us on to pray against the forces of darkness in our world. They should spur us on to act with love and compassion as we fight against the sins of injustice, poverty and violence that are active in the communities in which we minister.”

The Salvation Army Motorbike Ministry is growing around the world, including Australia. Photos of TSAMM bikers are by Sanne Romeijn. BY MARINA LEY*   When William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, said, “Don’t be deceived by appearances, men and things are not what they seem”, he could hardly have imagined that a group of motorcycle-riding Christians would be the ones to prove just how true those words are.    Leather jackets, roaring motorbikes and biker boots stuffed with Bibles: this might not be the first image conjured when you think of a Christian evangelist. However, The Salvation Army Motorcycle Ministry (TSAMM) is here to prove you wrong, one piston at a time.    How it all began Connecting the snow-covered roads of Norway, rural Indonesian mountain ranges and bustling city streets in the Netherlands, is the unifying sound of revving motorbike engines. The cacophony of radical salvation.   In 2014, local Christian biker club, ‘The Holy Riders’ was founded in Norway. From these humble beginnings, TSAMM has now blossomed into one of The Salvation Army’s most exciting and rapidly expanding initiatives. Founding member, Bjorn Edvart Andersen (TSAMM, Norway), had recognised the pre-existing popularity in Christian biker groups and began to establish a similar but distinctively Salvation Army biker group; from the crest-covered leather jacket, to serving those in need without discrimination through faith-based action.    Motorcycling and my belief in Christ are based on the same thing: freedom. The freedom found in Christ and the freedom on the road.   Shared passions TSAMM is a masterclass in showing how lives can be transformed in spectacular ways when like-minded people have the freedom to bond over shared passions. Bjorn says, “Motorcycling and my belief in Christ are based on the same thing: freedom. The freedom found in Christ and the freedom on the road.”   This radical ministry created a domino effect across other Salvation Army territories. Once word got around, it wasn’t long after that the likes of the USA, Indonesia and the Netherlands were dusting off their leathers and following suit. Brothers (and founders of TSAMM Netherlands), Henk and Martin Schipper, fondly remember how building intra-territorial connections, born from the shared passion of motorcycling, was crucial in establishingtheir own TSAMM. They attended two ride-outs with ‘The Holy Riders’ and forged a strong bond with the Norwegian TSAMM. The experience inspired them to start their own group in July 2025.    (Salvos Online is working on a story on the Australian motorbike ministry – watch this space!) In The Netherlands members of The Salvation Army Motorcycle Ministry meet together for riding, mission activities and fellowship. Now, the Netherlands’ chapter host their very own successful ‘MotorCafe’ – a space for likeminded bikers to socialise and share fellowship. In addition, they host the popular ‘Ride for Salvation’ event, an all-inclusive annual ride out uniting bikers from both TSAMM and any riders who want to join regardless of their faith or background.  We cannot just be a church waiting for people to come in. We have to be part of the neighbourhood.   Embracing creative freedom to inform unconventional methods of ministry resonates across TSAMM groups. Members from the Netherlands and Norway spoke about using pre-existing common ground as a foundation for building a wider community to connect people socially and spiritually.    While the approach may initially seem unconventional, Mirjam Kuijt (TSAMM Netherlands) suggests that it is precisely this unconventionality that renders it profoundly Salvation Army – “We know William Booth liked to seek very different ways to spread the gospel. So, if I must stand on my head to spread the gospel, I think then using the motorcycle is an even easier way!”   Distinguishing TSAMM from other forms of ministry, is that they are not solely reactive, but proactive. Jan-Willem van Schaik (TSAMM Netherlands) highlights that real change begins the moment one immerses themselves in a community, gaining a deep understanding of who they are and what they need. “We cannot just be a church waiting for people to come in,” he stresses. “We have to be part of the neighbourhood.”   Jan affirms the importance of utilising shared connection and trusting relationships, to initiate spiritual conversation. “If there are many people who have an interest in motorcycles, it’s just a means to connect with them. You then get involved in each other’s lives and, hopefully from that you can have a conversation about the real things that are important.”   Mutual trust From building relationships, to mounting a bike, trust spans all corners of TSAMM. Speaking about a mission trip to Kalamanta, Yusak Tampai (TSAMM Indonesia), illustrated how biking demands trust among fellow riders, due to its inherently dangerous nature. ‘We ride across numerous rivers and through jungles. Many of our colleagues are falling over on mountainous tracks … they’ve fallen and almost lost their lives. That’s when you really feel we are together.”   Such acute encounters with vulnerability and mortality bring human bonds, trust, and connection into sharper focus, rendering them immediate and deeply significant. By the time they arrive at the village they are serving, often after a perilous journey, they are already attuned to the value of relationship. Consequently, when TSAMM are welcomed into local residents’ homes, conversations of faith arise with a natural depth and openness, fostering a shared and deeply enriching ‘fellowship’ that strengthens and encourages both host and guest alike. Relying on one another while experiencing the fragility of life firsthand deepens both trust in one’s faith and in one’s community.  TSAMM members in The Netherlands meet together in social spaces to share their faith. Faith in the neighbourhood TSAMM Netherland’s focus on strong social bonds has been shaped by the Dutch campaign ‘Faith in the Neighbourhood’ (launched in 2020), in which several community projects were realised, designed to build social networks. But the desire to establish social connection through shared activities is integral to TSAMM across countries and regions. This often creates a space for faith-based conversations to emerge naturally as a by-product. Bjorn says, “It’s about having an open door, and an open heart.”   While TSAMM may not stand on street corners, preaching with a Bible in hand, the iconic red crest of The Salvation Army helps people to understand that faith lies at the foundation of TSAMM’s work, and, consequentially, inviting conversations about faith more organically.    What are your dream routes? Martin Hessel:  “I would love to ride my current motorcycle (Royal Enfield Super Meteor) across the bridge between Denmark and Sweden.”   Jan Willem van Schaik:  “My favourite route so far has been the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria. Next, I’m planning to cross Austria all the way to the Stelvio Pass. Dreaming, dreaming and more dreaming …”   Mirjam Kuijt:  “My dream is to ride my motorcycle (Honda NC750x) through the villages of Italy and France on balmy late-summer evenings – which I’m actually going to do this (northern) summer.”   Yusak Tampai : “If it was in Indonesia, I used to dream to ride through the Sulawesi roads, and across the Java roads. That would have been nice. The dream. Or across alpine mountains in Europe – beautiful.”   Some dream routes for motorbiking, from top left: bridge between Denmark and Sweden; The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria; along the Java Road; the popular motorcycle route – Passo Del Stelvia, Italy TSAMM in action Initiatives and services run by TSAMM varies across different regions, with each TSAMM group typically responding to the needs that are specific to their local communities.*    Norway has established a highly successful bike workshop for 13 to 18-year-olds, of whom many live with learning difficulties. Due to the success of the workshop, many young people have learnt skills that have equipped them to join trade schools and carve out strong careers.    Bjorn speaks candidly about the role of faith in TSAMM, “Most of them haven’t heard anything other than what they have learned at school about Christian faith. We can be role models for them, Christian role models.”   The Netherlands echoed the same desire to nurture pre-existing projects whilst thinking ahead. “I hope our TSAMM community will grow and that people will feel they belong to something and make new friendships, get a network, and maybe start thinking about the questions of life,” says Jan. “We are constantly open to ideas and we pray for that.  For example, there are trucker groups such as ‘Truck Aid’ who give individuals diagnosed with certain illnesses/disabilities a day where they ride alongside them in their truck. We could do a similar thing with our motorbikes and sidecars!”   What binds these ministries together is not the motorcycles themselves, but the values they carry: freedom, trust, service and community.   In Indonesia, TSAMM is perhaps less unconventional given that motorbikes are the country’s most popular mode of transportation. Due to Indonesia’s unique socio-political and geographical landscape, TSAMM often works with other ministry providers to provide food parcels and emergency aid to families in need, in rural, hard-to-reach areas. Motorbike mission trips have also resulted in longer-term projects being realised, such as fundraising for building toilets in a deprived village, and a spiritual revival meeting in Besoa Pedele.    Riding into the future When William Booth urged his followers not to be deceived by appearances, he issued a challenge that still resonates today. The Salvation Army Motorcycle Ministry is living proof that faith and ministry do not need to look a certain way to be authentic, effective and beautiful. Whether navigating mountain tracks in Indonesia, hosting a workshop for young people in Norway, or sharing fellowship over coffee in a Dutch MotorCafe, TSAMM meets people exactly where they are: on the road, in their neighbourhoods and in the realities of everyday life.   What binds these ministries together is not the motorcycles themselves, but the values the riders carry: freedom, trust, service and community. The Salvation Army’s ability to connect with people on their terms is perhaps its greatest strength. In choosing presence over performance and relationships over results, TSAMM embodies this strength of mission that is active, courageous and deeply human.   * The Salvation Army TSAMM groups operate in many Salvation Army territories including: Australia, Canada, North America, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Iceland.   *Marina Ley is Staff Writer | Administration and Editorial Assistant and part of the Communications team at The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London, UK   This article is courtesy All the World.

The mural outside Kurlana Padnipadninya in Whitmore Square, Adelaide. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army has unveiled a new series of Indigenous murals at several of its Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support programs in Adelaide. The murals are the work of a team from Marra Dreaming, an Aboriginal art collective based in the northern suburbs of the South Australian capital. Social Mission State Manager Kim Herbert commissioned the murals – which are on display in Whitmore Square in the CBD – for programs including Kurlana Padnipadninya (New Journey), Warrondi (The Way Out) Engage and Link (WEL) Day and the Sobering-Up Unit, Kim said she wanted to freshen the area outside the entrance to the Kurlana Padnipadninya program where staff often park, and which is located next to the WEL Day program lawn. She had also become aware that Sobering-Up Unit Team Leader Kirsten Pennington wanted to install another mural in the men’s courtyard area of the unit. The works in progress, and the new painting in the Sobering-Up Unit (right). Images: Supplied After doing some research, Kim came across Marra Dreaming, and began discussing the idea. She explained the purpose of the programs and services, and the journey clients take as they move through the different services. She said the artists at Marra Dreaming understood the vision she was seeking to convey, and recommended the fence on which the large mural is mounted be painted black, to ensure the artwork stood out. “I was so pleased that we did, because it’s really made it pop, and it looks fantastic,” she said. Challenge to change The artists provided the story behind the work, and in the mural outside the Kurlana Padnipadninya program, the artists said the “long winding journey lines” represented the individual’s journey of moving through challenges toward change. The artwork has been completed in natural ochre colours, earth-derived pigments used by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years in ceremony, body painting and rock art.  “Along the way, meeting places show moments of connection, where people are supported, guided, and linked with services, culture and community,” the artists wrote. “As the journey progresses toward the end, the pathways draw closer together, symbolising how support becomes stronger and more connected through trust, support and community. All the different coloured sections in the background represent burnt country and the burnt tones of the land, acknowledging hardship, loss and disruption, while also honouring resilience and regeneration. The animals and plants depicted represent Aboriginal Peoples’ strong connection to the land, the water and all of its animals.” READ MORE: New mural a welcome addition to Sobering-Up facility in Adelaide According to the artists from Marra Dreaming, the mural at the Sobering-Up Unit is also reflective of a journey, where the individual is supported through a difficult period. “The flowing journey lines represent people arriving from many directions, carrying heavy experiences, and being gently guided toward calm and stability,” the artists wrote. “The meeting place with people around it symbolises moments of support, care and time to rest – where people are held and helped. The background with different coloured sections represents burnt country. Just as land recovers after fire, people too can recover after hardship. “The mural reminds us that healing begins with safety, patience and connection, and that renewal is always possible.” The artworks were completed by four artists over a five-month period, with the long mural outside Kurlana Padnipadninya extending 20 metres in length. “We are so thankful to Kim and everyone at The Salvation Army for the opportunity to share our art in a meaningful way,” the artists wrote. “We hope it can support The Salvation Army’s mission and message to positively impact people in their programs, and we hope to work with you all again in the future.”

Turning Point films director Perri Prince with her Aunt Elizabeth Meyers, who knew ‘Mr Eternity’ Arthur Stace personally. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army has offered its support to an upcoming film centred on the life of Arthur Stace, better known as Sydney’s ‘Eternity’ man. Arthur, a Christian who faced alcohol addiction, was later in life known for his uniquely scripted writing of the word ‘Eternity’ on footpaths across Sydney, following his conversion in the 1930s, and was subsequently called ‘Mr Eternity’.    The film Eternity is the conception of Perri Prince, Director of Turning Point Films . She said she was inspired to revisit Arthur’s legacy – which has been previously immortalised in documentaries, museum exhibits, multiple books and even the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony – after conversations with her aunt Elizabeth Meyers. Elizabeth, the author of Mr Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace , knew Stace personally. She said while there were great documentaries that had captured much of his later years and writing of the word ‘Eternity’ across the city, the feature film would focus on more aspects of Arthur’s life, including his love story with his wife, his preaching and his work with those who were homeless.   The book ‘Eternity’ and an image of ‘Mr Eternity’ Arthur Stace that appears in the book. “It’s just such a fascinating story,” she said. “There’s so much more to Arthur’s story that is not yet known.”  The feature film Eternity is set to cost over $16 million to produce. According to data from Screen Australia, only around 24 per cent of Australian films have budgets over $10m. The Salvation Army has already contributed $10,000 to the project, and will feature in the production. Perri said Australia had produced very few faith-based films in recent years, but she hoped the focus on Stace’s life would bring “a new direction”.   “I’ve had so much support and so much interest from the Christian community, across many denominations,” she said. “That just means the world, because there’s a ready audience there keen to support the project.”  Information on casting, directors and other updates will soon be found here .

The Waterhole in Alice Springs (NT) is a drop-in centre that has become a vital gathering place for hundreds of people in the local community. It’s more than just a place for a meal, a shower and laundry facilities, The Waterhole offers friendship, a sense of home, and the opportunity of spiritual connection, making it an essential service in Australia’s Red Centre.

Salvation Army community workers will benefit from a new initiative operated by the Integrated Mission and Rsoucing Department. BY LAUREN MARTIN   A new Community of Practice (CoP) for Salvation Army corps-based community engagement workers across Australia is filling a need for pastoral care and ideas sharing in the space.   The CoP is being coordinated by two streams within the national Integrated Mission and Resourcing department.   Around 30 community workers from across Australia joined the first 90-minute online meeting, which discussed how the community of practice would operate and which topics would be most helpful for upcoming discussions.   “This is a place to discuss challenges, share wins, learn from one another, and grow in confidence,” said CALD Community Engagement National Lead Nuria Gonsalves, who co-facilitated the meeting alongside Local and Integrated Mission Specialist Narelle Gurney. “None of us are meant to do this work alone. This is not just a meeting, this is a network you all belong to, we all belong to.” Nuria Gonsalves is the CALD Community Engagement National Lead. One participant, Lawrence Besant (pictured above left) from Villawood Salvation Army, agreed, saying, “We can become very isolated in this work because it’s very complex … [For me,] I need the wider community, I need that space to be able to say, ‘This is really hard.’ We can’t do it by ourselves.”   Discussion in smaller ‘breakout rooms’ enabled participants to share directly with one another, and feedback received in the wider group afterwards showed that those who attended were excited to learn from one another, share ideas, and discuss strategies for community engagement and resources.   One participant said, “We are working on how to make our SAL Connect card distribution less transactional and more relational.” Other participants shared their experiences of frontline ‘fatigue’ and strategies for managing it.   The Community of Practice is open to all Salvation Army community engagement workers and will be held every two months. A Microsoft Teams chat group will be open between sessions for participants to share challenges, ideas, and resources.   “This community of practice is the group I didn’t realise I needed,” said one participant at the end of the session, “Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing group of people.”   Any community engagement workers interested in joining the CoP can contact: Nuria Gonsalves: nuria.gonsalves@salvationarmy.org.au or Narelle Gurney: narelle.gurney@salvationarmy.org.au

Eva Burrows College is offering training to assist in recognising and responding to the first signs of a mental health crisis. Eva Burrows’ Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses train and equip those in the community or workplace to recognise, understand and respond to other adults experiencing mental health problems or crises. The evidence-based approach is taught by qualified professionals in an appropriate classroom setting. Face-to-face, blended and refresher options are all available, with in-person options provided at both the Melbourne and Sydney campuses. The blended option is available to complete remotely, with a self-taught component as well as Zoom sessions, which will held on 11 and 18 March. To find out more, see 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 ( 2-8 March )   we pray for the Taiwan Region.   Major Sara Tam is the Regional Commander. Major Grace Weng is the Regional Secretary for Women’s Ministries.   This region has 17 officers (13 active, 4 retired); 22 cadets; 5 corps; 1 outposts; 242 senior soldiers; 85 adherents; 56 junior soldiers; 6 employees. The Salvation Army is constantly exploring new and relevant initiatives to serve the people of Taiwan, dedicated to meeting their physical, spiritual and social needs. The work of the region includes: ·      Mental health for the elderly ·      After school care for children ·      Community centres ·      Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Prayer requests: ·       Pray for the persistence and continued commitment of the cadets in Proclaimers of Transformation session. ·       Pray for the two candidates who will be admitted to officer training in July. ·       Pray for our young people to keep responding to the calling from God and commit themselves in full-time ministries. ·       Pray for spiritual growth in the region as we move forward with our yearly theme, ‘Be Fruitful: Bless the Families’, and pray that our family members will accept Jesus. ·       Pray for our Brengle in October. The theme is ‘The Perspective of Sacrament’ in The Salvation Army, and will equip officers and local officers to teach this topic to new believers.    To find out more about the Taiwan Region (English), click here .   To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here . To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here .

Attendees at the 2018 Conference. Image: Albin Hillert/WCC BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army is partnering with the global church to prepare for the 2028 Conference on World Mission and Evangelism, led by the World Council of Churches’ Commission on World Mission and Evangelism. Invitations to the 2028 event in Jamaica are extended to 356 church groups from more than 120 nations, representing a total of 580 million Christians across the world. The conference is only held every 10 years, The proposed theme of reflection for the conference is: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit” ( Zechariah 4:6 ): Witnessing to the Spirit’s mission to renew, repair, reorder and recreate. The Commission is entering a three-year process of reflection, discernment and listening as it prepares for 2028. This process seeks to “engage churches, mission bodies, ecumenical organisations and, importantly, communities whose voices have too often been marginalised or silenced”. Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane said the upcoming conference was an exciting opportunity to partner worldwide with the ecumenical church. Rosy said the event was being shaped around the motif of ‘Re-storying’, a Spirit-led retelling of the stories that shape faith and mission. “It invites us to recover and renew narratives that have caused harm or exclusion, to listen deeply to voices from the margins, and to explore together how God is healing, reconciling and restoring right relationships with one another, with Creation and with God,” Rosy said. Aux-Lieut says she the conference is an exciting opportunity for The Salvation Army. Rosy said when thinking about the conference, she felt a genuine sense of anticipation. “It feels like a beautiful opportunity for The Salvation Army to join with the communal Church around the world, bringing our unique position and purpose into the wider body of Christ,” she said. “God has given us a distinct calling, a holiness and mission expression that has shaped our movement in powerful ways. I would love to see our voice, and our unique prophetic insight, shared with the wider Church, and for us to mesh with our sisters and brothers across traditions as they share theirs with us.” Contributions to the conference are particularly encouraged from (but not limited to): Oceania including Pasifika, Māori, First Nations peoples of Australia, Zenadth Kes and South Sea Islanders, as well as from disability networks, Indigenous networks, Dalit communities, youth and student movements, women’s networks, migrant and diaspora communities, and those engaging with justice and creation care. The Commission is seeking reflections that help discern: How the Spirit is renewing, repairing, reordering and recreating in communities today Where signs of God’s new creation are emerging or under threat How decolonial practices and mission from the margins are shaping Christian witness How re-storying is restoring truth, dignity, relationship and hope in different contexts Images: Albin Hillert/WCC In reflecting on the call for responses, Rosy said when we intentionally seek out the voices of the majority world, diverse cultures, languages, and abilities across our nations and movement, especially those who have not always been given equal platform alongside their sisters and brothers in Christ, “we begin to see a richer and fuller picture of the Christ we love and serve”.   “I find myself reflecting on how rare voices in Scripture often carry particular richness,” Rosy said. “When something is rare, we study it carefully. We drill down into it like a vein of diamonds or rubies. In scholarship and church life, platforms and positions have often been passed on, sometimes unintentionally, to those who already hold privilege, power, or influence. “I want to say this clearly: your voice in the room counts. Your voice in the Church counts. We cannot see all the stars in the galaxy with our naked eye, yet Scripture tells us that God calls each one forth by name. In the same way, God knows and calls each of you across our movement, across The Salvation Army Australia, and across the global Church. “However you are connected to The Salvation Army, whatever your journey toward Jesus Christ who loves you, whatever your vision, perspective, culture, or experience, there is something entrusted to you. I would love to see that shared with the communal Church. I believe it will be as beautiful and majestic as the Milky Way, and perhaps we will get to experience that wonder together.” Responses may take many forms, and written reflections, theological resources, stories of practice, liturgical or contextual materials, video or audio submissions and other creative expressions are all welcome. An early or initial response by 31 March 2026 has been requested to help shape pre-conference activity throughout the rest of the year. Rosy has requested that those who would like to participate send through a copy of their submission by this date. Some contributors may be invited into further online seminars, regional hearings or conference participation. Registration information for the 2028 conference will be available in 2027. If you would like to make a contribution and are from The Salvation Army Australia, please send your response directly to: rosy.keane@salvationarmy.org.au