In the last of a four-part series. Salvos Online history writer BARRY GITTINS explores the tumultuous events of 1929, when General Bramwell Booth’s leadership of The Salvation Army reached a crisis point.   The official bulletin that the High Council issued from Sunbury, on 13 February 1929, noted that:   FORMAL RESOLUTION ADJUDICATING GENERAL UNFIT FOR OFFICE AND REMOVING HIM THEREFROM WAS PROPOSED SECONDED AND COUNCIL HAD PLACED BEFORE IT EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT THERETO CONSISTING MEDICAL REPORTS LETTERS WRITTEN BY GENERAL AND REPORT DEPUTATION TO GENERAL … ADJUDICATION VOTE TAKEN 6.30 P.M. RESULTED – FOR RESOLUTION 52 – AGAINST 5 – ABSTAINED VOTING 4. COUNCIL PROCEEDED ELECT NEW GENERAL [STOP] COMMISSIONER HIGGINS … WAS DULY ELECTED AND ACCEPTED OFFICE AS GENERAL. SIGNED – BULLETIN COMMITTEE. The death of General Bramwell Booth laid meagre balm on some wounds. The event, long expected and feared, seemed to have also been something of an anti-climax.   Commissioner David Lamb in London, in a personal letter to Commissioner Sowton in Sydney on 20 June 1929, commented that “although the Passing of General Bramwell appeared to come somewhat suddenly, it really was not a surprise to some of us”. The person who more than any other, save his parents, had shaped ‘the Army’ had succumbed to his infirmities. Grief was genuine among all; loyalists and High Council supporters alike. The outworking of these events was long and complex. By 30 October 1929, Edward Higgins, the new General and former Chief of the Staff, was using the Daily News to dismiss what was termed the “myth of vendetta against [the] Booth family” and “legal action to secure property transfer”. The media blitz was prompted by anonymous attacks that had alleged “victimisation of members of the family of the late General Bramwell Booth, and extraordinary measures to cope with a supposed financial crisis within the Army”. “There is no ‘vendetta’ against anybody,” General Higgins stated unequivocally. “Our wish is that there should be complete unity within the Army, and that members of the Booth family should continue with us their splendid work for the Army.” Higgins, “to his great sorrow”, had to resort to the courts to have Salvation Army trust property relinquished from “the executors of the late general Bramwell Booth”: “It is clear that nothing but an Order of the Court will induce the executors to place the property and funds of The Salvation Army under the control of General Higgins,” the Daily Mail reported.  General Edward Higgins just after his election, at midnight on 13 February 1929. General Higgins took the opportunity to deny that “Colonel Mary Booth was recalled from Germany without explanation and is now unemployed … ... that Colonel Bernard Booth is now a ‘glorified office boy’ without authority, having previously been secretary of the Young People’s Work … ... that members of the Booth family had been invited to address provisional meetings, yet the invitations have not reached them… ... that Staff-Captain Dora Booth has been ‘banished’ to a minor post in France … ... that Major Olive Booth is without work … ... that no member of the Booth family is now allowed to speak in public [and] that it was made impossible for Commissioner Catherine Booth to speak at the Founder’s Centenary celebrations at the Albert Hall …  ... that Commissioner Lucy Booth-Hellberg, the late General’s sister, has been ‘banished’ to South America…” Adding to these denied claims were another six formal refutations of whispered allegations, including a denial by Higgins of “a revolt among field officers of the Army”. The Salvation Army rebuilt the confidence of its members and the general public worldwide, slowly and surely, weathering its leadership crisis. Its holistic mission emphasised, its structures affirmed, its crisis met and resolved, the ship sailed on.   WATCH MORE: The story surrounding the first ever Salvation Army High Council and the removal from office of General Bramwell Booth in 1929. Bill Hamilton investigates with the help of General John Larsson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBEvYfWEbfI

Aneita Roberts (back row right) with her leadership team – (back row): Patrick and Steven. (Front row): Larnie, T’Kiya, Chelsea, Eloise and Carmen. (Absent leaders: Micah, Jett, Ryan, Saxon.) BY MATTHEW PLON    The 2770 postcode in Sydney’s Greater West has a reputation for being a tough area. The postcode covers several suburbs primarily around Mount Druitt, including Minchinbury, Hebersham, Whalan, Blackett, Bidwill, Emerton, Lethbridge Park, Shalvey, Tregear and Willmot – all within the City of Blacktown local government area.  Aneita Roberts is The Salvation Army Community Engagement Worker for this region and oversees a youth group – Belong Youth – with 13 volunteer leaders. Aneita and her volunteers have one goal – to bring respect and the love of Jesus to kids who desperately need it.  Being a low-income region, many young people face hardships at home and at school.   Aneita Roberts heads up Belong Youth. Belong Youth is for high schoolers in this community. Many of these young people are not connected to a church and find their way to Belong through friends and community advertising.  “We are blessed to be able to develop strong bonds and relationships with these young people, and we truly believe, as a leadership team, that God brings them into Belong for whatever season they are in, knowing that our program will be able to impact their lives,” says Aneita. The Belong Youth leadership team serves every second Friday night. Aneita is proud to reveal that six of the leaders were once members of the youth group. The rest of the team comes from all over the Salvos community, connected through friends of other leaders, and from people seeking an opportunity to serve. Belong Youth provides a space where the everyday hardships of life can be forgotten and where young people can feel valued, cared for, and have a sense of belonging.      “Everyone needs a place they feel comfortable and relaxed,” says Carmen, one of the volunteer leaders. “Healthy and important conversations happen when people feel safe. Whether that’s about school, difficulties, or Jesus, these are big topics, and if kids feel safe, those conversations are more likely to happen.” Every second Friday night, Belong Youth starts with a dinner. Belong Youth operates out of the Blacktown Salvation Army hall. Every fortnight, three volunteers drive buses to pick up young people in the area so they can attend. A typical night at Belong Youth always starts with dinner prepared by Auxiliary-Lieutenant Lorelle Vince, who is a Team Member with Greater West Salvos - Lethbridge Park. “We always ensure that we provide dinner for our young people, as we aren't sure when they had their last meal, or will have dinner when they come home. We want to ensure that we are meeting their basic needs as well,” Aneita explains. The night then has ‘Carmen’s Couch’, where the kids listen to an interview that gives them the chance to learn about their leaders and each other. They then break into life groups to study a verse from the Bible. This is followed by games where everyone gets to have fun and get to know each other better.   Carmen (standing) leads her ‘Carmen’s Couch’ segment at Belong Youth where she interviews some of the leaders. “I hope our young people gain a sense of belonging and security at Belong,” says Aneita. “As Christians, we sacrifice our time to share our faith and the story of Christ; however, I believe this is more effective with young people when they are comfortable and feel love. Even if a young person leaves Belong Youth without feeling strongly connected to God, but feels loved, accepted, comfortable in their own skin and so forth, that is still the work of God through us.” For the team at Belong Youth, it’s not always easy, as they face problems from behavioural issues to a lack of adequate transport. They ask for your prayers and support as they continue to serve.      Belong Youth out and about, experiencing a variety of activities, from youth nights, camps, bushwalks, savouring ice cream and volunteering at a Bunnings sausage sizzle.

Like riding a bike and learning to read, learning to pray should be a part of every childhood. Photo: Carlos Magno on Unsplash BY CHARLES WHITE*   Imagine a schoolteacher saying to his class: “Maths is fun. Maths is useful. Math will never fail you. Class dismissed.” How much maths has he really taught? Absolutely nothing.   In this way, maths and prayer are very much alike. No child can hope to learn either without daily practice.   The shame is not that we fail to teach prayer in schools but that we fail to teach it in the home and the church.   We can view prayer as a car that needs to be maintained and repaired, or like maths as a skill that needs to be practised. It really doesn’t matter. When you look under the hood, you always find Jesus and his great love.   Share this checklist with your children and grandchildren. Like riding a bike and learning to read, learning to pray should be a part of every childhood.   Are you praying daily … first thing in the morning? Praying at least once a day is important. It helps us stay in tune with God, to walk with him. The first prayer of the day is much more important than the last. Pray before you get into trouble … not after. Pray early … not late … but whatever time you pray, pray at least once a day ( Psalm 5:3 ).   Are you praying in faith? Do you believe God is real and that he is on your side? Can you picture God leaning over the edge of heaven, looking for ways to bless you and reward you? Or do you tend to blame God for the bad behaviour of the Devil and other human beings? Nothing can hurt a prayer more than a wrong idea of God. He is a fixer. He is a friend. He is a healer. He can be trusted. Trusting in this fact is what faith is all about.   Do you tell God what to do, or do you ask him? If you have been ordering God around, you will never learn the very best thing about prayer … God’s gentle spirit leading you to a better prayer and to fellowship with him ( Jeremiah 33:3 ).   Are you praying with a pure heart? Are you angry with someone? Forgive them. Have you sinned? Repent. Are you ungrateful? Thank God for past prayers answered. Are you praying selfishly? Make a list of others to pray for ( Matthew 6:14-15 , Proverbs 28:13 ).   Is there an ‘altar’ in your home, a small table with an open Bible or a place where you regularly pray? There should be. An altar reminds us of the three great rules of prayer … practice, practice, and more practice. If there is no altar, we will not develop the prayer muscle, a daily prayer habit .   Is your prayer in line with Scripture? We cannot pray rightly without Bible verses, but we cannot understand those verses without praying for the Holy Spirit to help us. Scripture and prayer … you can’t do one without the other ( Psalm 107:19-20 ).   Have you prayed with someone else? Scripture gives only two ways that human beings are joined: in marriage and in prayer. If you want your children connected to the church for life, find them at least three adult prayer partners and two peers. Praying with others is habit-forming … and addictive. Get connected … join a prayer group or start your own ( 1 Peter 5:13 ).   Are you praying in Jesus’ name? This could be many things because Jesus has many names: Healer, Saviour, Deliverer etc., but for sure it means praying with love because God is love. Praying in his name also means letting him come into your heart and guide the prayer as he would ( John 14:2 ).     *Charles White is from Topeka Corps, Kansas, USA. He is a retired preschool teacher.     • For more on The Salvation Army Australia Children’s Ministry, click here   • Visit the Australia Territory’s Kidzone Magazine site here

SAES personnel stocking up supplies in Horsham for last year’s Victorian fires. Image: File BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams in Victoria are currently on standby to provide catering and support to local residents, as bushfires in the centre and North-East of the state continue to threaten communities. SAES teams are on standby in the towns of Seymour and the suburb of Eltham, on the outskirts of the Melbourne metropolitan zone. If deployed, they will provide assistance to fire crews and residents in Wodonga, where a relief centre will possibly be opened to cater to residents of towns including Thologolonh, Bungil and Koetong who are fleeing a fire in the region, and Longwood, where fire crews are working to control a blaze threatening multiple towns, including Highlands, Ruffy, Tarcombe, Upton Hill, Dropmore and Avenel. The fires follow days of extreme and catastrophic heat across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia, with some areas reaching temperatures above 45 degrees. Four regions of Victoria – the South-West, Wimmera, North Central and Northern Country – are facing catastrophic fire danger, with all other regions rated as extreme. Follow for more updates as we continue to check in with SAES crews in the region.

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham encourages The Salvation Army to hold firmly to faith and to support one another. “We are chosen, holy and dearly loved,” writes Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries, in her New Year’s letter to The Salvation Army worldwide. “We belong to the Lord, and we have been given to one another as salt and light, to serve as many parts of one body. We are called to grow into hope-filled communities, where the peace of Christ rules and his Word dwells richly among us.”   The full text of the Commissioner’s letter is below.   Dear Friends, Several years ago, not long after moving to London, Lyndon and I set out for our local corps (church) one Sunday morning only to find that our route was blocked and there were hundreds of people lining the streets. We soon realised that the London Marathon’s halfway point was a short walk from our home and so, following a number of failed attempts to break away from the crowd, we decided to join them. Thousands of runners came past – strong athletes and dedicated fundraisers who had trained for something exceptional – and were cheered on by roars of encouragement from the roadside. We were witnessing something special. Within minutes, I heard my own voice among the calls of the supporters, saying, “Keep going! You can do this!” All of us long to be affirmed and encouraged by those around us. After all, we have been created to belong to something greater than ourselves. All churches are designed for community, both with those who sit beside us every Sunday and those who are yet to know that they have a place among us. It is where we are known and loved. We are welcome to share the highs, lows and in-betweens of life, and receive support to face it all. On reflection, we didn’t miss church that morning – we experienced church on the street! As we welcome a new year, I turn my mind to women serving in ministries of love and care, transforming lives all around the world. I thank God for each of you, your faithful efforts and the untold Kingdom impact you make. Your impact could be felt in the weekly coffee served with a smile, a text message to a struggling friend, the monthly portion set aside for overseas donation, or in prayerful conversation over Bible study. However you live out your faith, your contribution is felt and valued in our mission to see women mutually enriched through local and global connections and support. Paul’s words in Colossians 3:9-17 call us to live as those raised with Christ. We must cast off behaviours that don’t serve us or others well, and instead clothe ourselves in compassion, humility, patience and love. This is more than a personal choice or a kind gesture; this is the hard work of becoming a Jesus-centred community. We are chosen, holy and dearly loved. We belong to the Lord, and we have been given to one another as salt and light, to serve as many parts of one body. We are called to grow into hope-filled communities, where the peace of Christ rules and his Word dwells richly among us. Let us hold firmly to a faith that builds others up. Let our fellowships be marked by grace and loving support. Like the shouts of encouragement that carried the marathon runners to the finish line, may our actions be bold and our words be life-giving. May we continue to cheer one another on in love, believing that we will see lives transformed in the name of Jesus. Blessings, Bronwyn        To listen to an excerpt from the letter, click here

The Salvation Army Emergency Services crew preparing meals for firefighters at the Jane Brook bushfire west of Perth on 22 December.  BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams in Western Australia have had a busy start to the bushfire season, with crews being called out to a number of fires in the state’s south-west since 1 December.   The Salvation Army’s State External Communications Manager, Warren Palmer, said most bushfires have been in the state’s south-west, particularly along the corridor stretching from Perth’s outer north-east through to the south-west and down to regional centres near Bunbury. Salvation Army crews were mobilised in several locations before Christmas, including areas such as Kenwick, Bullsbrook and Jane Brook.   Since Christmas and over the New Year period, crews were once again called out to fires at Boddington, Warnbro, Kalamunda, Boya and Cowalla (100km north of Perth). The Salvation Army Emergency Services was on the ground in response to fires in the Kenwick and Bullsbrook regions before Christmas.   “Rain, hail or shine, our teams travel, prepare and serve our first responders, 24 hours a day as required,” Warren said.   “It is important, though, to acknowledge that we (SAES) do not take a break from Christmas to New Year. In fact, it can be one of the busiest times of the season.” The Salvos’ set-up at Cowalla, 100km north of Perth on Boxing Day, providing meals for firefighters. A good example of the SAES crews’ commitment came in the days between Christmas and New Year when volunteers mobilised to cater for emergency personnel fighting fires near Warnbro (south of Rockingham) and areas north of Bunbury, serving hundreds of meals across a single day.   Warnbro train station and a large part of the Mandurah train line were closed as unexploded ordnance hampered efforts to contain a bushfire.     Rockingham Corps opened its doors to receive donations from the community, and local businesses provided support to the first responders.   Local residents donated carloads of items, with Coles stores at Lakelands and Rockingham, both Woolworths stores in Baldivis and Fantastic Furniture donating and delivering water, snacks and other refreshments. (Top) Salvation Army personnel from Rockingham Corps with donations from businesses and the SAES set-up at the Warnbro fires.   “I want to take a moment to salute and thank our amazing volunteers at Western Australia Salvation Army Emergency Services for sacrificing their time, giving of their energy and skills for our first responders who deserve nothing but our very best. They are a perfect reflection of humility as well,” Warren said.   “Thank you does not seem enough, but at this moment, we say 'thank God for our volunteers'!” Salvation Army volunteers serving at the Kalamunda fires west of Perth on New Year’s Day.

Safety at the playground took on another meaning for Salvos Online journalist Anthony Castle while watching his son interact with friends. Photo: Johnny Cohen on Unsplash BY ANTHONY CASTLE   I watch my child reach out and connect. First, he gets onto the platform and begins to explore. He feels the supports around him, finding his friends. He goes deeper into the network of platforms and people, the activity and noise growing. Before I know it, he makes a leap. For a moment, I can no longer see him. I am scared. Is he safe?   I am at the playground, during school pick-up, watching my son. It is a routine space of play, but also of risk. I worry for him, I watch him, and I see another child among the activity and the noise. They stand on the ground beneath, looking into their hand, holding a phone. They are watching TikTok.   My son lands on his feet and stands up, though I don’t see it. I was distracted by the child on TikTok, which seemed to scare me more, and I have thought about it in light of the Government’s social media age limit. TikTok has been found to harm attention spans in students, and social media has been linked to anxiety, addiction, and bullying in younger users. Some have even connected social media to suicide.   I am a parent, but I have also been a youth worker. I worked with The Salvation Army to support the safety and rights of young people for over a decade. My son sees children with social media apps on smartphones and asks when he can have it too. I explain the risks of growing up with social media, that it’s not safe, and he asks a question I don’t know how to answer: When will it be safe?   As of 10 December 2025, children under 16 have been banned from social media in Australia. The ‘world first’ legislation prevents young people from signing up to social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube and Reddit.   Social psychologists have argued for similar restrictions, observing that teen mental health remained relatively stable for decades but declined sharply around 2012-13 , just as young people began to use smartphones and social media. Sixteen is an age at which individuals are suggested to be more capable of engaging with online platforms.   In that respect, the legislation appears appropriate, welcomed by Australian parents who have lost children to cyberbullying and suicide . The policy has support among polled communities, but not everyone agrees, with some experts arguing that an age limit may infringe on a child’s rights and digital literacy .   Others have argued that banning phones and Facebook may be a distraction from bigger problems. A world-leading study found that the decline in youth mental health doesn’t just correlate to social media, but also to growing generational inequality, financial stress, and global instability. The data doesn’t find that social media is a big factor in mental health, but rather that it could be a soft target for regulation.   Social media is also an important support for marginalised young people, particularly for LGBTQIA+ teens and those experiencing family domestic violence. Advocates have argued that for many young people who are disabled, isolated, at-risk, and marginalised, social media isn’t life-threatening; it can be a lifeline .   When will smartphones and social media be safe? The answer is that they aren’t. The world never is. Young people are growing up amid crises in equality, in housing, in politics, and in the climate. They are growing into a world not just of risk, but of ruin. Taking away social media doesn’t change that.   I think back to that day on the playground, my son making the leap. I’m distracted by the sight of the smartphone, but injury is actually the leading cause of death in children. Playgrounds are one of the primary causes of child hospitalisation. We are right to watch and worry about our children, but risk isn’t just unavoidable; it’s necessary.   There are reasons to think the ban may not even be enforceable, too. Face-scanning technology has proven inaccurate in assessing user ages . Tech-savvy teens can use overlay networks to get around the age limit, and a poll found one-third of parents are willing to help circumvent the laws anyway.   We can’t be complacent about addiction or bullying, but we can’t protect young people from all risks. We must support young people in facing risk, right there, when they need it.   I’m not sure there are easy answers. The legislation will be helpful for some, even as it disadvantages others. The Salvation Army has developed a set of resources to help young people and adults understand this transition and navigate it with compassion.   I consider it all again at another school pick-up. My son asks if he can go to the playground, but one day he won’t. One day, he will be old enough to connect online. He will get onto a social media platform, explore, feel for supports, and find friends. It will be active and noisy – scary – but all forms of play involve risk.   I will watch and worry, but he’ll inevitably make the leap, and I won’t always be able to see him. In that moment, I will trust he lands on his feet. Young people need to grow up with risk so they can stand up to the ruin adults have made for them.   ‘Can !?’ he asks again, while I’ve been distracted.   “Go. I’m right here.” More helpful links:     • For those supporting young people in this transition, Salvo resources are available here . • Young people seeking mental health support can go to Headspace . • Adults and young people seeking more information about the restrictions can refer to the eSafety site here .

The Salvation Army Hornsby Gateway Cafe in Sydney’s north has become more than a meeting place – it’s a community where people feel safe, open, build meaningful relationships and explore faith. Members of the community in speak about the role of faith in their journey, and how this café has offered purpose, connection, and a path toward Jesus. See how Gateway Café is bringing people together in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment through simple conversations over coffee.

Welcome to Australia! Colonels John and Lani Chamness were treated to a view of Sydney Harbour on their arrival by Major Kim Haworth, Lieut-Col Brenda Young and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. BY DEAN SIMPSON Colonels John and Lani Chamness have finally arrived in Australia, touching down in Sydney and receiving a warm welcome at Redfern Territorial Headquarters.   The Chamnesses, officers of the USA Western Territory, have been serving remotely in their new Australia Territory appointments since October due to visa delays – John as Chief Secretary and Lani as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers).   Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas hosted an afternoon tea ‘welcome’ on Monday at Redfern THQ, attended by about 35 people.   “I am delighted that the Chamnesses are now here  ... with us ... in person!” said Miriam.   “They are delightful people ... spiritual, relational and fun ... and they get our Aussie humour! So, we warmly welcome them.” Their arrival in Australia is also a “welcome birthday present” for John, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow (7 January). Commissioner Miriam Gluyas with Colonels John and Lani Chamness on their arrival. Miriam, John and Lani also took the time to roam around the Redfern office, chatting to people at their desks.   Before their appointments to the Australia Territory, the Chamnesses served in the Canada and Bermuda Territory as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, respectively.   Official welcome meetings will be held in Melbourne and Sydney over the coming weeks.   The Melbourne welcome will be held at Camberwell Corps on Sunday 15 February. The Sydney welcome will be held at Parramatta Corps on Sunday 1 March. WATCH: What are the Chamnesses looking forward to in Australia?   ‌

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 (5-11 January)   we pray for the South America East Territory.   The South America Territory has 154 officers (108 active, 46 retired); 4 envoys; 10 cadets; 46 corps; 5 outposts; 1440 senior soldiers; 44 adherents; 901 junior soldiers; 222 employees   Colonels Elder and Roxana Dinardi lead the South America East Territory. The Salvation Army has been working in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay for over 130 years, sharing the message of Jesus and serving people in his name. The work of the territory includes: ·  Children’s clubs ·  Community health services ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response Serving those in need is a focus area of the South America East Territory.   Praise points: ·     We thank God that 10 new cadets will enter the Cadet School in March 2026. Two of them will train in a corps. Thank God for calling these men and women to extend his Kingdom. ·     We thank the officers and employees for their loyalty as part of the mission. ·     We are grateful for the new soldiers committed to being faithful to God in every corps. ·     We thank God for the financial strategies, for God’s provision, and that even in difficult times we see his hand giving what we need. A nutritional workshop helps guide families on preparing healthy meals. Prayer requests: ·     We pray that more young people will be touched in their hearts at the next Territorial Youth Institute; the motto will be "Metanoia" – transformed into the mind of Christ. ·     For the children's camps and Vacation Bible Schools. ·     That we can achieve the goals of our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan in the evangelism and growth of our officers and soldiers. ·     For renewed passion and courage among the officers in their service of the Lord. ·     For the families and children of the officers who, upon seeing the example of their parents, yearn for a life of dedication and dedication to the Lord. ·     Let us pray that our people will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, strengthened in faith and vision. ·     Let us cry out to God for a growing impact of mission, that all that is done may glorify Christ. ·     May the Lord give us a renewed focus to evangelise and disciple, with passion and creativity. ·     May we strengthen community relations, being light and salt in every place of our territory. ·     Let us pray to God that through our example, a sustainable legacy will be built – one that transcends generations. ·     Let us pray for greater levels of stewardship, stewarding well the goods that the Lord entrusts to us. ·     May we move forward in faith toward the implementation of new works, trusting in divine provision.   To find out more about the South America East Territory, click here . To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here . To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here .

Auxiliary-Lieut Mel Purcell and the resources developed by the National Youth and Young Adults Team. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army has developed a series of resources to help young people and adults navigate the Australian Government’s new social media age restrictions. Recent regulations require many social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent young people under the age of 16 from holding an account.   “The resources were created to support meaningful conversations between young people, parents and leaders,” explains Auxiliary-Lieutenant Mel Purcell, leader of the National Youth and Young Adults Team.   “We explored what resources were already available online and worked closely with the National Youth and Young Adult team to shape content that is practical, relevant and supportive. The goal is to help adults start open conversations to understand young people’s experiences and feel more confident in how they can offer support.”   The new changes are designed to reduce exposure to harmful content and create safer online environments, but they may also feel disruptive for young people who rely on digital spaces for connection, belonging, and friendship.   For some, losing access to familiar platforms can bring real feelings of loss, isolation, or fear of missing out. Age-restricted platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Switch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. READ MORE: To view the Start the Conversation resources, click here “Many young people may be feeling uncertain, frustrated, or disconnected as these changes affect how they communicate and stay connected with friends,” says Mel.   “For some, social media has been a key part of their social world and identity, so these changes can feel significant. While we may not see the full impact for some time, it is important that parents, carers, and leaders create space to listen, understand and walk alongside young people as they process how they are feeling.” The new resources were developed to provide practical and compassionate support for young people, parents, and leaders navigating this transition.  VIEWPOINT: A parent’s reflection on the social media ban Each resource explains what the changes mean, acknowledges both the challenges and potential benefits, and offers guidance for healthy conversations. Rather than focusing only on rules or restrictions, the Salvo resources aim to centre wellbeing, understanding, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships, both online and offline.   “This transition offers a valuable opportunity to deepen relationships with young people by being present, listening well, and offering consistent support,” Mel says. “By intentionally investing in real-world connection, we can help young people feel valued, understood and supported while also strengthening trust and community during a time of change.” More helpful links: • Young people seeking mental health support: Headspace . • Leaders, parents, and young people, stay informed about the restrictions here .

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Brownyn Buckingham have resumed their duties from International Headquarters in London.   “Today we experienced a truly special moment at International Headquarters, where we received a warm welcome and I had the privilege of sharing my testimony of God’s incredible restoration in my health,” said General Lyndon Buckingham, upon returning to London in early January 2026.   “We feel deeply blessed and excited for all that 2026 holds, trusting that God will continue to accomplish amazing things through The Salvation Army International.”   Officers and staff from International Headquarters gathered to welcome back General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries. “We are deeply inspired by their testimony, a powerful reminder of God’s miracles and answered prayers,” one participant shared.   The General suffered a medical incident while celebrating the 95th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s work in Hong Kong in October 2025. He was admitted to hospital where he received treatment in the form of heart angioplasty to clear a blocked artery.   He responded to this procedure well and was told to expect a full recovery. He has been recuperating over the past couple of months in his home country of New Zealand with Commissioner Brownyn, including working remotely.   “Join us in praying for abundant blessings and God’s protection over our international leaders as we step into 2026 together!” was the message shared on the IHQ Facebook page. To view images from the ‘Welcome Home’ meeting, see below.