Worship at the conference, led by Worship Arts Coordinator for SA/NT Dan Casey and Worship Arts Coordinator for Queensland Callum Greenaway. All images supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE More than 130 youth and young adults from across the country recently gathered in country Victoria to be inspired by spiritual teachings, gain greater confidence in creative expression and connect with one another. This year’s National Creative Arts Conference, held at Rutherford Park Country Retreat in Blampied from 12-17 January, was the biggest yet, with 132 delegates and 40 leaders attending to focus on the theme of ‘Metamorphosis’. Keynote speaker Major Matt Reeve spoke on the theme, leading the delegates through what it means to embrace change while following Jesus. At the close of the conference, the delegates performed in a livestreamed concert . Major Matt Reeve, Camberwell Corps Officer, speaks at the 2026 National Creative Arts Conference. With last year’s delegates numbering 85, Worship Arts Team Leader Julia Roper and Territorial Youth and Young Adults Leader Auxiliary-Lieutenant Melissa Purcell said they were encouraged to see the event, now in its fourth year, gaining such momentum. This year also marked the first time the event was held as a collaboration between the Creative Arts Team and the Youth and Young Adults Team. Julia said the collaboration allowed for a clearer focus on the target age group, with the Youth and Young Adults Team able to focus on Bible studies, social aspects and other operational needs, while the Creative Arts Team could give more attention to the creative streams, final concert and all arts aspects. “It actually worked quite well splitting it that way,” she said. Julia said the teaching Matt offered in the sessions was the aspect of the event which had kept delegates talking about the conference long afterward. “It’s the spiritual element that comes from the camp that is the long-lasting effect,” she said. “The relationship-building as well – that’s the other thing that’s really important. “It’s really quite a unique experience in that sense.” In testimonials from attendees, campers spoke of how reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, being able to be open about their faith journey, the support offered when trying new creative ventures and the worship experience were all positive memories they would take from the camp. One delegate wrote that they really appreciated the genuine care and effort from the leaders to be supportive and allow campers to feel inspired in the space. “Thank you for following God and using what he has given you to pour into young people so they have the space to deepen their relationship with God and make relationships with precious friends,” another wrote. “So nice to meet other creatives in the Salvos who also have the passion to glorify God with their lives and the gifts he has given them!” Click through the slideshow below for more photos:

To read Elva’s Promoted to Glory notice and her appointment service record, click here

Jess (centre) with fellow volunteer Ann (left) and Auxiliary-Lieut Deb Strapp. Image: Kirralee Nicolle Content warning: The following story contains references to family and domestic violence (FDV), and its impacts. If this is a sensitive topic for you for any reason, please proceed with caution. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army Noarlunga, a brick building in the coastal south-west of Adelaide, might not look like the typical scene for a supernatural event. There’s no water to walk on, no holes in the roof – thankfully, and of course, there is no new wine. But recent events speak to a kind of transformation which sees brick, mortar and even the trauma of abuse as no barrier to hope. When Noarlunga Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Deb Strapp describes the way Jess Priest came to volunteer at Noarlunga Corps, her eyes light up, and she says it is nothing short of miraculous. When Jess first walked into the centre, she was looking for referrals to services. She had been forced to leave her rental and move into a new house. When she left the Salvos, it was with a piece of furniture for her new rental. Deb had been rearranging some rooms at the corps and wasn’t sure what to do with a couch they no longer needed, until Jess arrived. “I was starting from scratch, and I just came in to talk to Deb and ask if there was any organisation [or] anyone that could help,” Jess says. “And she actually gave me a leather lounge suite, which looks brand new and perfect. I was really thankful for that. “I wasn’t expecting a couch, just numbers that she could have given me that I could have gone elsewhere. But it just happened at the right time. It was such a big help and such a stress off [me] as well.” In return, Jess wanted to give back in some way. And it just so happened that Deb was needing some help too. Two years ago, in 2023, the corps lost a much-beloved member of the volunteer team, Paul Norton. Paul was a key part of delivering Café Life, a community meal initiative served out of the corps. His sudden death was crushing to the team, and Deb had no one to fill his shoes. Faithfully, Deb had set about a kitchen redevelopment, using a generous donation Paul had left to the corps. Now, she just needed a cook. With experience in catering for functions and a job in food service at an aged care facility, Jess was the obvious answer to the corps’ need. Deb and Jess in the new kitchen. Image: Kirralee Nicolle “I just fell straight into the kitchen,” Jess says. And the community meals, which happen twice a week, with brunch on a Tuesday and lunch on a Wednesday, mean far more to her than just a way to give back. “It actually makes me very emotional, to be honest with you. They [the community members] leave full and fed. It’s good. It brings tears to my eyes and goosebumps, and I love it. Absolutely love it. I love seeing them come in so hungry [because] then they leave and they literally cannot fit anything else in.” The darkness many who come in to eat her lovingly-cooked lasagnes, chocolate mousse and bacon and egg rolls feel is something Jess knows far too well. Over the past few years, Jess has been recovering from the effects of a dangerous and controlling relationship with someone she describes as narcissistic. The relationship lasted two years and left her homeless, traumatised and unable to walk. “I stopped cooking,” she says. “I pretty much was locked in a bedroom [for several hours of the day]. I wasn’t allowed to use the toilet, I wasn’t allowed to eat, wasn’t allowed to drink. I pretty much got out of that and had to start living again.” Jess says in the course of the relationship, she lost her passion for life, and even once she left, her anxiety was so high that she couldn’t cook for a long time. But volunteering at the Salvos, she says, has “brought it all back”. She says she regularly encounters people from the community with a very similar story to hers, and being able to feed them is a healing experience. She has tears in her eyes as she describes the difference it makes to care for those who come in for a meal and a chat. “I love seeing them leave with smiles on their face and hands on their tummies. It brings joy knowing that they have got somewhere to come.” Jess’ children have watched her face the trauma of the relationship she left, and now, come out the other side. She says her children have noticed the difference in her since she began volunteering. She says one son recently said it was like he had his “old mummy back”. “That was really touching,” Jess says. “That meant a lot. [He] says ‘It’s nice coming home and seeing you with a big smile on your face’. “That means the world.” If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can reach out to 1800RESPECT , The Orange Door , or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Manly Salvos is a community hub on Sydney’s Northern Beaches where people can find meaningful connections and encounter the love of Jesus. Mission Leader Malcolm Smith says that there are a lot of people experiencing homelessness in this area and a lot of lonely people looking for community. He takes us behind the scenes to show what this corps is doing to reach out with physical, emotional and spiritual help to those doing it tough.

Salvation Army leaders gathered for the National Apology to the Stolen Generations Breakfast at Parliament House last week. BY SIMONE WORTHING “On this anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, I want to say, ‘Thank you, we love you, and I am, and we are, sorry,” said Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at the annual National Apology to the Stolen Generations breakfast at Parliament House, Canberra, on 13 February . “Saying sorry is so important ... I am genuinely grateful for our Indigenous Ministries team in The Salvation Army, who we stand with absolutely.” Salvation Army leaders joined more than 130 Stolen Generations survivors from around Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor General Sam Mostyn, and other guests at the breakfast on Thursday 12 February.   This year was the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. On 13 February 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, on behalf of the nation at Australian Parliament House. The annual breakfast began in 2009*.   Delegates at the breakfast (centre); Major Stuart Glover (right) attended the event. Ongoing process “It was confronting and challenging to hear the stories of mob who had endured the policies and practices that resulted in the Stolen Generation,” said Major Stuart Glover, Assistant Chief Secretary – Business, and a proud member of the Bundjalung Nation.   “It reminded me again of the need for us as a Salvation Army to join others in the Australian community in the beautiful but challenging  process of reconciliation and truth-telling that must lead to real tangible change in our communities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We need to do this both at the territorial, but also at the local level.”   Colonels John and Lani Chamness – The Salvation Army Australia’s new Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development, also attended the breakfast. “Lani and I were seated at a table with four survivors,” said John. “As we listened to them and others, we were both grateful and deeply saddened. Grateful to see how they have overcome many very difficult circumstances and how, despite all that was done to them, these were overcomers. Somehow, they have found the will to move on.    “We were also deeply saddened that people experienced such deep trauma in their lives. While we could listen to them, it would be impossible for us to ever understand what has been taken from them and the depth of pain they held.   “Experiencing this apology breakfast helps to give us the resolve necessary to stand with all peoples that have experienced abuse to stand with them. To acknowledge and recognise them and their stories, we hope brings healing and helps us all to strive towards building bridges of reconciliation.” Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (left) wtih Uncle Vince (Order of the Founder, back left) and Auntie Enid Ross, and Shirli Congoo and Sue Hodges (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team.   *The National Apology Breakfast is a significant event that honours the Stolen Generations and their resilience. The breakfast serves as a platform for reflection, education, and support, acknowledging the historical injustices and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Stolen Generations and their families, who continue to seek healing and recognition for their contributions to Australia’s history.     A personal reflection – Auntie Sue Hodges (Reconciliation Action Plan and Projects Manager - Secondment) Sue Hodges with Coionels John and Lani Chamness. The morning was full of anticipation and emotion as we gathered for the 18th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. Our Salvation Army delegation met at 6.30am, and I chose to wear my soldier’s uniform so mob could see that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are part of the Salvos – working, volunteering, leading, worshipping.   The moment I arrived, connection happened. My cousin Kim from Wellington and I shared a long hug. Then an Aboriginal woman named Claire came straight up to me saying, “I saw your Salvos shirt and had to say hello.” Her late father had been with the Salvos, and in just minutes we shared so much story.   During the presentation, my uncle texted asking where I was. When I told him I was at Parliament House, he said, “Did you tell them I was part of the Stolen Generation?”I said, “I tell everybody.” He replied, “Good.” That moment meant everything – his story deserves to be known.   It was deeply moving to see so many Salvation Army leaders present – including Order of the Founder recipient Uncle Vince Ross and Aunty Enid, commissioners, territorial leaders, and Shirli Congoo, our general manager from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team. Their presence mattered.   Watching the footage from 2008, seeing the faces of those who have since passed, I felt proud that they were honoured so beautifully.   Today gave me hope. I truly feel The Salvation Army is becoming fair dinkum about reconciliation – listening, learning, and taking us seriously. “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 ) This is the way. Click through the slideshow below for more photos:

Did you know that in 2024, General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham became the first world leaders of The Salvation Army to visit Poland ? 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. The international leaders receive a traditional welcome to Poland – the first visit of a Salvation Army General to the country. This week ( 16-22 February )   we pray for the Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory.   This territory has 106 officers (53 active, 53 retired); 2 Envoys; 2 Aux-Captains; 36 corps; 3 outposts; 604 senior soldiers; 337 adherents; 75 junior soldiers; 655 employees.   Colonels Dean and Eirwan Pallant lead the Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory. The work of the territory includes: ·  Homelessness services (16 residential centres) ·  Support for children, elderly people and families in need ·  Support for refugees ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response. The Salvation Army at work around the territory. Praise points: We thank God for: ·    The positivity, hard work and Spirit-filled leadership given by officers and employees across the territory. ·    The Women’s Ministries weekend, led by Commissioner Jane Paone, with 86 women from across Germany participating in worship and fellowship together. ·    The work with young people in Warsaw, Poland and the enrolment of new soldiers. ·    The October 2025 Leaders Conference where officers and leaders of our social services worked as one to focus on what we need to do to build a confident, growing, healthy, Christ-like Salvation Army. ·    The approval of the first Territorial Governance Charter by The General. Progress updating legal and finance matters in Poland and Lithuania. Salvation Army ministry in Poland Prayer Requests ·    Pray for the continued well-being of officers. Loads are often heavy, and health can be a challenge. ·    Pray for the implementation of the new territorial Strategy Action Plan. ·    We pray for deepening spiritual sensitivity within our corps and institutions. ·    Pray for support of our cadets and a continued number of people offering for officership. ·    Pray for discernment and guidance in the buying of a new corps building in Klaipeda, Lithuania. ·    Pray for the appointment of new regional leaders in Poland. ·    Pray for the full salvation of people connecting with The Salvation Army every day across our territory.   Find out more about the Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory here .   Find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus here . Download the 2026 prayer schedule here .

Hornsby Gateway Corps Officer Captain Sean Li (centre) with Sam (left) and Tyson. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Sam and Tyson had no idea that being placed with The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service would change their lives in such a profound way.   The two men from Sydney’s far northern suburbs were referred to Employment Plus Inclusive Employment Australia worker Wendy Law. She met with the men at Hornsby Gateway Salvos, where Wendy operates a few days per fortnight. Both of them immediately felt a warmth from Wendy, describing feeling comfortable, accepted and “listened to”. The feeling of being seen and really heard and understood is something that meant a lot to both men. Sam, a taxi driver for most of his life, had been struggling to find work since suffering from diabetes related health issues that affected his eyesight. Tyson, who had graduated from The Salvation Army’s Dooralong Transformation Centre in 2021, still suffered with debilitating anxiety and depression. Hornsby Gateway Corps Officer Captain Lydia Hong (left) with Employment Plus Inclusive Employment Australia worker Wendy Law. As they got to know Wendy, through their Employment Plus appointments, they felt encouraged and supported. And meeting her at Hornsby Gateway Salvos, where they could grab a coffee at Friday’s Gateway Café and take home some frozen meals and other food items from time-to-time, felt comfortable and relaxed. “I think it’s very important for the vulnerable people, and especially our clients, they have a disability, that they feel that they are seen and loved,” said Wendy, who adds that working collaboratively across the different Salvation Army services is a highlight of her role. “We are under the same umbrella of The Salvation Army, and we are not only providing free food and support and wellbeing [at Hornsby Gateway Salvos] but through my role, we also provide them opportunity to work.”   Volunteering opportunity It wasn’t long before Wendy had suggested to both Sam and Tyson that they might benefit from volunteering at Hornsby Gateway Salvos, whilst they continued to look for paid work. Sam took up an opportunity to become a café volunteer, and Tyson started volunteering at the Family Store, which is also onsite. The process for the two men was easy, given that they had already met Hornsby Gateway Corps Officers, Captains Lydia Hong and Sean Li, who often stop to chat with Wendy and her clients when she works onsite. The Hornsby Family Store Manager, James (left), with volunteer Tyson. “I’m doing four days a week here and it’s really good,” says Tyson. “I get to meet Sean on Fridays for the coffee. And just the interaction with the people who come in from different walks of life, and telling them a bit about my story and everything like that … I feel like God is placing me here for a reason.” Tyson, who reconnected with his faith during his time at Dooralong Transformation Centre, says the past two years have been the best he has ever experienced. “I still have anxiety over things, but I am now out of the house, I’m out doing things and out talking and interacting with people.” Sam, who came into a relationship with Jesus during the COVID-19 lockdowns, also feels like God has led him to Hornsby Gateway Salvos for a reason. He is passionate about sharing his faith with members of the Chinese community, and has recently become a Voluntary Mission Assistant at the corps. He will assist with translation at the weekly English language classes and share the gospel when people ask questions about faith. “I really like The Salvation Army the way they serve the people,” he says. “I thank Wendy and I thank God [for this opportunity].”  Sam (centre) volunteers at the Hornsby Gateway Salvos café.  Mission delivery For Captains Lydia and Sean, the collaboration between the corps, the family store and café, Employment Plus and their corps community welfare worker, is an example of The Salvation Army’s Local Mission Delivery model working. “This is holistic mission, not just spiritual connection, not just material assistance and not just social enterprise. Our place incorporates all three,” they say.   A small change being made this year really showcases the holistic nature of the ‘Jesus-Centred, Spirit-Led, hope-revealed’ ministry at Hornsby Gateway Salvos. The corps newsletter has been expanded to be not just corps news, but all news from across all the different expressions, and will be distributed as such. “We are integrated together – all our ministries work together. A church to the community, all throughout the week,” says Sean.

As the season of Lent begins this Wednesday 18 February, The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London has released resources to assist people begin their Lenten journey and follow Jesus toward the cross and the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.   “We want to take time this year to remember what this season is really about,” the IHQ team shares.   “Lent isn’t just about giving things up, although many of us may practise that discipline. Lent is also a time to refocus on God’s love and let it shape our everyday lives.   “Our new resource, Love Story, is created to help us do just that.”   Over the next six weeks, the devotional invites you to “walk the path Jesus modelled: a life shaped by generosity, service, forgiveness, restoration, surrender, suffering, and triumph.   “Each week explores one expression of Christ’s love, guiding you from reflection to action through simple daily practices that make love visible. This isn’t about what we give up - it’s about what we give over to God, allowing his love to transform the way we see, serve, and live.   “The purpose is to simply: deepen our understanding of Christ’s love, turn reflection into action through daily love practices, and prepare our heart for Easter renewal – where love has the final word.   “This devotional is your invitation to slow down, lean in, and let love lead the way this Lent.   Why not join us on this journey and rediscover the greatest love story of all: the incredible love Jesus has for each one of us.”   The resources are available in a range of languages. To download the resources, go click here .   Aussie magazines At our Australian Salvos Publications, we have special Easter editions of Salvos Magazine   and Kidzone Magazine coming up (28 March), so look out for those to keep updated with news, activities and encouraging stories inside. Click on these links to update your subscription for Salvos Magazine and Kidzone Magazine.

(Left) Major Chelea Wilson, Major Scott Ellery, Captain Mitchell Stevens and Major Darrell Wilson at The Way launch at Rockingham Salvos (WA). (Right) Captain Scott Frame launches The Way at Ingle Farm Salvos (SA). BY LAUREN MARTIN   Hundreds of Salvationists gathered across Australia from Friday to Sunday 13-15 February to focus on The Salvation Army’s spiritual direction for 2026 and beyond – ‘The Way’.   “I can’t even put it into words, but there was a strong sense of spirit-led worship and God moving amongst us,” – Captain Amy Jones, Greater Ballarat Salvos (Vic.).   “There was a felt movement of the Holy Spirit in the room!” – Tamara Forde, Corps Ministry Team Member, Townsville Corps (Qld).   “This wasn’t information only. It was formational,” – Lieutenant Jose Porcia, Westside Melbourne Salvos (Vic.).   “I have no doubt that God is doing a new thing here, and in many places across our amazing country,” – Lieutenant Karen Clark, Caloundra Corps (Qld).   These responses, and hundreds more of them, flew across the Facebook pages of Salvationists around the country who gathered at dozens of ‘launch sites’ in each state to worship, pray, engage with teaching on discipleship and spiritual disciplines, and hear from God.   “It was so good knowing all over Australia people are focusing on and praying for the same things,” said Area Officer Major Chelsea Wilson from Western Australia. The teaching, from Dr Arseny Ermakov, lecturer at Eva Burrows College, were on the ancient patterns of discipleship and emphasised that mission is a mix of both ‘presence’ (sitting at the feet of Jesus) and ‘practice’ (living out his calling.) North Brisbane Salvos listen to teaching by Eva Burrows College lecturer Dr Arseny Ermakov. There were also elective sessions on evangelism, discipleship, prayer, mission and spiritual warfare, taught by Salvation Army officers from across Australia via videos.   “The day was full of energy, connection, and inspiration, reminding us all why gathering as a community is so vital,” said Major Dianne Jarvey who was at the Morley launch site in Western Australia. “We left encouraged, motivated, and excited for the ways God is moving among us!”   Major Narelle Unicomb was at Wagga Wagga Corps, where Salvos from across south-west NSW gathered: “The teaching was great and I really valued the breakout spaces to wrestle through what discipleship looks like in our everyday lives and to learn from each other!”   The response was similar hundreds of kilometres away in the western Victorian town of Delacombe.   “We all gained so much from the teachings of Arseny and all the elective speakers,” said Captain Amy Jones. “The discussions around the break-out groups were significant for us, so much of this we are keen to press into further and take into our congregations and ministries for 2026!”   Many corps leaders have decided to continue focusing on ‘The Way’ through sermons and small group discussions as the year progresses.   Lieutenant Tim Clark from Caloundra Corps in Queensland made this comment at the end of the launch: “I feel like I’m drinking from a fire hydrant, with a straw!”   “We’re thirsty for good teaching, we’re hungry for more, we want to go deeper.”   The Way launches at Auburn, Caloundra, Riverland, North Brisbane, Camberwell and Chatswood corps. In Lismore, northern NSW, the congregation who gathered felt led to make ‘The Way’ a year-long theme.   “ To delve deeper, unpack it and give practical ways for our corps to apply it into their everyday ,” said Captain Phil Sutliffe. “So, a 25-week preaching resource has been developed, spending five weeks on each of ‘The Way’ pillars – evangelism, discipleship, prayer, mission and spiritual warfare.”   ‘The Way’ has been grounded in prayer, with a week of uninterrupted prayer preceding the launches. Each division and Territorial Headquarters covered a full day and night, with participants of all ages taking part.   Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas said she has been inundated with positive responses from around the country.   “There is a strong sense in The Salvation Army that God has taken us through the fire, and we are emerging, ready and expectant for the harvest he is revealing to us.   “Rise up, Salvation Army Australia! Now is the time to be bold and to follow the Spirit into the new.” The Way launches at Ingle Farm, Tweed Heads and Lismore corps.

Prayer warriors at Dee Why Salvos on Sydney’s northern beaches.     BY LAUREN MARTIN   Lieutenant Alex Robinson, Corps Officer at Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches, thanks God for the faithfulness over decades of men and women, soldiers, officers, volunteers and corps members, who, she says, prepared the soil for God’s harvest ‘in such a time as this’.    The corps is experiencing something of its own ‘quiet revival’, as families and young people express an interest in finding out about Jesus and coming along to Sunday meetings.   Alex puts the breakthrough down to good old-fashioned prayer – then and now. After being appointed to Dee Why, her first corps as a new Auxiliary-Lieutenant, at the end of Sydney’s COVID-19 lockdowns, Alex felt God’s call to prayer for a new season that was coming. “In late 2022, I felt led to pull back from preaching and ask our Sunday crew to focus on praying during the meetings for at least six weeks,” she remembers. “I sensed God saying the prayers of the remaining long-term Salvationists would be a particular key to breakthrough.”  Dee Why corps leaders (from left) Sharon, Natasha, Lewis, Alex (Corps Officer) and Tomo.  “To obey this leading,” she says, “to be honest, was difficult, because I feared disapproval from [corps members because I wasn’t] preaching. However, everyone joined together beautifully and we prayed. Holy Spirit prayers, old style Army prayers like I’ve always wanted to be able to pray – ‘Send the Fire!’” The corps had committed to pray on Sundays for six weeks. God didn’t wait that long to show himself. A marked increase in numbers started showing up at the Dee Why Corps’ preschoolers music program on a Tuesday, and the group has remained at four to five times its original size since. Six teenagers from the corps’ youth group accepted an invitation to go to The Salvation Army Equip Youth Camp for the first time. The experience proved life-changing, and all six made commitments to follow Jesus.  “We were blown away as the youth returned hungry for God, and this is thanks to the awesome Salvation Army ministry teams who run the camps, and also Sharon, our children’s worker at Dee Why, who has been journeying with some of these teenagers for a long time.” Dee Why Salvos kids club with leader, Sharon, the corps’ Children’s Worker. With the corps’ mid-week children and youth ministries experiencing new growth, Alex and the team began to notice many of the parents staying around, instead of just dropping their kids off at Kids Club. “People wanted to stay and chat,” Alex says. This became an extension of the corps’ community outreach (which runs on Thursdays), where Alex, Sharon, and centre coordinator Natasha would listen and provide referrals, pantry items and whatever assistance they could.   “Wednesday afternoons became a multi-generational space,” she says. “Parents were staying and helping, or chatting, and youth group kids started turning up early, so they began helping out at kids' club. It became a buzzing space, sometimes chaotic, but always beautiful, all of us having dinner together." With Red Shield funding, the corps has since been blessed to employ a community worker, Tomo, who joins the team on Wednesday evenings and Thursdays. The Dee Why Corps Centre Coordinator, Natasha, with YWAM volunteer Lewis Smith, leading a youth group. The corps were also praying for children and families to return to the Sunday Service. Every week, they faithfully laid out children’s activities, and kept praying. One day, a new mum with children walked in. A week later, a dad with two children. “It was the start of a shift,” says Alex. “It was hard to describe our excitement!” Each of these families had connected with the Salvos through Christmas Cheer, which was then run on the northern beaches in conjunction with nearby Manly Salvos and Major Louanne Mitchell.   As they celebrated the goodness of God, circumstances changed. The corps was receiving assistance in the form of a shared Youth Group leader from another Salvation Army site. Unfortunately, she was no longer able to assist.   “Our numbers had grown and we didn’t know what we were going to do without extra leadership assistance,” says Alex. So, the corps got back on its knees.   “We were in church on a Sunday and we turned around and saw five young adults sitting in a row,” Alex says. “We were surprised!” It turns out, the young adults were from the local YWAM (Youth with a Mission) campus and they were trying out different churches, looking for a place to serve.    YWAM staff member Lewis Smith said the reason they had decided to try Dee Why Salvos was that earlier, when he had been walking the streets and praying about where to take his team on Sunday, he happened to be walking past the Dee Why Corps building. “I felt like, ‘Oh, is this a coincidence? Maybe we should go here.’” Natasha (Dee Why Corps Centre Coordinator) runs a game at the corps’ youth group with Lewis Smith (YWAM volunteer). Lewis said each of the team members felt that God had placed them in the right place for ministry. “When you know God is making the connections, you feel like you’re in the right place. Even being an answer to prayer for other people is such a rewarding experience to have. To see the happiness it was for them, the relief for them believing that God was answering their prayers.”   For the past year, Lewis and members of his YWAM team have assisted every Wednesday, running Youth Group. Dee Why corps Centre Coordinator, Natasha, also stepped up to help with youth to ensure the right number of leaders was present for safeguarding. They recently ran Youth Alpha, which was a transformative experience. Lewis says: “We are seeing hearts change, seeing people opening up to prayer, opening up to the Holy Spirit. Those are the changes we are seeing - we are seeing changes in people and that is the Kingdom of God - the Kingdom is people.”   Alex says a promise she has had from God in the past was, “You will reap where others have sown,” and she feels blessed to see God’s faithfulness in action. “It feels a little bit like, ‘I haven’t done anything to deserve this joy. This is God, honouring the work and prayers of faithful people over decades.’ It feels like it’s a season where there are quiet but exciting signs of new life. We are so thankful to be part of it.”   Dee Why Corps would like to thank the generous donors who help make this work possible. Special thanks to Mr Alex Gottshall OAM.

SAES volunteers from New South Wales have travelled to Darwin to assist teams on the ground at the evacuation centre. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With possible flooding on its way towards Darwin, a Salvation Army team have been providing meals and refreshments to evacuees. Concurrently, in the southern part of the SA/NT Division, corps and SAES personnel have been collaborating to feed crews fighting ongoing bushfires south of Adelaide. With 300 being fed each mealtime at the Darwin evacuation centre, a team of four have deployed from New South Wales to assist Darwin Corps Officer Major Kim Hawke, Area Officer Major Kaye Viney and corps volunteers, who have already been serving on site for more than seven days. In South Australia, where bushfires have been burning for the past week near Yankalilla on the Fleurieu Peninsula, SAES teams have been feeding hundreds of fire personnel each mealtime, with numbers at times reaching 440. The team has now been on location serving meals for 11 days. Newly-appointed Corps Officer at Victor Harbor Corps, Lieutenant Colette Albino, joined the team on Monday to provide assistance at Yankalilla. Colette Albino with fellow volunteers at the Yankalilla fire response. Image: Facebook The South Australian team has also been assisted by local community groups, including a team organised by Independent candidate for the seat of Finniss Bronwyn Lewis, Fleurieu Foods, Fast Eddies and the Lions Club of Yankalilla and District. Images: Facebook

BY GINA REROMA GAOGAO Gina’s story shows how human traffickers exploit the vulnerable, but that with help and support, it is possible to follow your dreams.   My name is Gina Reroma Gaogao. I am a proud member of the Subanen Tribe of Barangay Trigos, Ozamiz City in the Philippines. I write, not just as a mother, a wife or a professional. I am a woman who has survived hardship, injustice and human trafficking, and I have become a stronger person through faith and perseverance. I want to share my story to help other people.   Denied an education As the eldest of 14 siblings, I learned responsibility at a very young age. At five years old, I was already waking up before sunrise to prepare food for my brothers and sisters so I could still attend school. Life was difficult, and because we were poor, I was forced to stop studying. I worked as a housemaid, hoping to save for my education, but even my small salary was taken. I felt trapped in a life with no direction.    I worked in several houses enduring exhaustion, hunger and emotional distress.   In time, I got married and started a simple life with my husband. But even then, I continued to dream of giving my family a better future. This led me to work abroad, hoping for the good salary that the recruiter had promised. But when I arrived, I discovered the painful truth: a low salary, heavier workload and conditions that violated my dignity. I worked in several houses enduring exhaustion, hunger and emotional distress. Even after my two-year contract ended, I was still forced to stay for four more months. I didn’t know then that I was a victim of human trafficking.   Second chances Gina worked hard for more than eight years to achieve what she thought was an impossible dream. By God’s grace, someone helped me return home. When I came back, I paid all my debts, completed our home and most importantly, I rebuilt my life. I then came into contact with The Salvation Army’s Community Awareness and Recovery Project (CAR Project). Through the CAR project’s livelihood program, and in conjunction with government programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Tertiary Educational Subsidy (TES), One Family One Professional (OFOP) and Indigenous People Educational Assistance (IPEA), I was given a chance to pursue my most impossible dream: to finish college. It took me eight long years because of curriculum changes and many challenges. But I never gave up. And today, I proudly say that I am now a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. A professional who once thought she had no future!   I was given a chance to pursue my most impossible dream – to finish college.   My journey has taught me that no trial is too heavy when you put your trust in God. He will always send instruments in the form of people who lift you up, programs that support you, and he will give you the strength you never thought you had.   To all survivors of human trafficking, this is my message: Do not surrender. You are not alone. Protect yourself. Stand up and believe that you deserve dignity, respect and a future filled with hope. Gina holds a BSc Social Work. She is a survivor of human trafficking and a contributor focused on education and prevention.   To find out more about how The Salvation Army is tackling modern slavery and human trafficking, click on this link . This story is courtesy All the World .