General Lyndon Buckingham (left) and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (right) with Commissioners Garth and Patti Niemand at the welcome ceremony at International Headquarters. BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS Commissioners Garth and Patti Niemand have been welcomed into their new roles as The Salvation Army’s Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, with a call to lead with courage, unity and continued dependence on God. The commissioners were welcomed and installed in their new responsibilities during a meeting at International Headquarters (IHQ) in London on 1 October. Responding to the welcome, Commissioner Garth described his appointment as both “an incredible privilege” and deeply humbling. Commissioner Patti drew on Joshua 3 in her devotional, reflecting on the Israelites preparing to cross the River Jordan into unfamiliar territory. Speaking on behalf of the worldwide Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham described Commissioners Niemand as people of “character, integrity and passion for the Lord”, with extensive international experience and a deep commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army. The Niemands steps into their roles following the retirement of Commissioner Edward Hill (previous Chief of Staff) and Commissioner Shelley Hill (previous World Secretary of Women’s Ministries), who were honoured at an IHQ gathering on 10 September. To read the full story of the Niemands’ welcome service on the IHQ website, click 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 (5-11 October) we pray for the Ghana Territory. The nation of Togo is part of this territory. This territory has 369 officers (273 active, 96 retired); 26 Aux-Captains; 7 Envoys; 168 corps; 237 outposts; 25,254 senior soldiers; 6 adherents; 5532 junior soldiers; 2138 employees. Colonels Seth and Janet Appeateng lead the territory. Anti-human trafficking is a major focus area in the territory. The work of the Ghana Territory includes: Health services Education Social work Support for disabled people Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Prayer requests: Pray for the territory’s leadership, cabinet secretaries and divisional leaders – pray for unity and God’s protection for the progress of the territory. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s revival and empowerment through the Word of God. Pray for all our land issues to be resolved in our favour. Pray for harmonious relationships with community leaders and the local chiefs. Pray for the Officers Training College staff to open their hearts and minds to receive instruction, correction and new ideas with a humble, teachable spirit. Pray for the new cadets, that they may take their studies seriously, trusting God for sustenance. Pray for the President, Vice President, and Members of Parliament of Ghana. Ask God to grant them divine wisdom, integrity and the grace to formulate policies that eradicate corruption and improve the standard of living of the people. Pray for our youth for divine wisdom in making life choices and understanding God’s Word. Pray for our youth to respond to God’s call to become Salvation Army officers. Pray for our young people to develop a personal relationship with God. Pray for all active and retired officers in the Ghana Territory – pray for God’s protection and good health, and for those who are retired to enjoy their retirement. The Salvation Army in Ghana loves to sing! • To find out more about the Ghana Territory click here. • To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here. • To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Salvation Army ‘roadies’ and new volunteers brought music and genuine care to remote communities across Queensland’s remote south-east. BY SIMONE WORTHING The Salvos’ annual mid-year mission trip in Queensland is over for another year, with the regular ‘roadies’ and new volunteers visiting small towns and communities to bless and encourage local populations through band and variety concerts, magic tricks, cinnamon donuts, ice cream and genuine care. The mission is organised by Majors Mark and Jo Bulow, who are the Rural and Remote Chaplains in Queensland, based out of Dalby. This year, the mission team visited Wondai, Kingaroy, Kingsthorpe, Laidley and the Lockyer Valley – as well as a few even smaller communities in between – throughout Queensland’s rural south-east. “We have our ‘roadies’ who come each year, including Majors Bob and Estelle Strong, who do a lot of the organising as well as play in the band,” says Mark, who is also a flying padre for The Salvation Army. “We talk together, work out where to go and make it happen. We’ve been doing this for 14 years now.” Bob and Estelle plan to continue their involvement and, as Estelle says, “do what we can, while we still can ... We all enjoy it, and Jo and Mark are so great to work with.” Bob enjoys the response of locals in the rural and remote towns they visit. “We love giving our God-given talent to share in the music we play and sing, the fellowship is great, and the response of people is just terrific,” he says. The Lockyer Valley was on the itinerary for the mobile mission team. Mobile mission Every year a contingent of regular volunteers, as well as new faces, join the mission trip. “One volunteer comes from as far south as Victoria; and this year we’ve also had someone from Mt Isa, and others from Taree, Tamworth and Grafton,” says Jo. “Many of them are retired and they just love playing music to the communities as well as getting together and enjoying the fellowship. Some take holidays to drive up and participate. “Our oldest band member, Don, is 89, and has been part of The Salvation Army all his life.” The team members travel in their own caravans, with one couple choosing to stay in cabins or motel rooms. They meet all their own expenses. “We haven’t been back to the same place twice, except when we started off,” says Jo. “Our focus is on the smaller towns.” Mark explains that most of the communities they visit don’t have live music in their venues. “In Wondai, for example, we did a concert at the local RSL, which was really well attended. We also led a church service in the Uniting Church, as most of these little places don’t have a resident pastor. “Friday nights we generally do a barbecue and always bring out the trusty donut machine, which has now done many miles. People love them, and the ice cream too.” Friday night barbecues (left), and Major Mark Bulow’s magic tricks are regular features of the mission in each of the towns they visit. Connection is key The variety concerts are deliberately varied, with something for everyone. There is music, singing, magic, bagpipes and even a timbrel ensemble. Some of the team members had not played the timbrel for 25 years, but under the experienced guidance of retired soldier Christine Creamer, they refreshed their skills and were soon performing smoothly together. The variety concerts also showcased the breadth of talent within the team, with Kevin Cause leading the band, Trevor Williams leading the singers and Mark performing magic tricks. There were even renditions of songs associated with artists ranging from AC/DC and John Farnham to KISS. “It’s a bit of a motley crew,” Jo says with a laugh. The timbrellists performing in Wondai, and worship in Kingaroy. For the communities, the evenings are an opportunity to come together, have fun and reconnect. In Wondai, the response was so positive that the team was invited to return for Christmas. “By the time we left, they had seconded us to come back and do Christmas,” says Mark. “They said it was a great blessing and brought back great memories.” The mission isn’t limited to concerts. During the trip, the team also visited a nursing home in Laidley and spent time connecting with people in the community. For Mark, that personal connection is at the heart of the mission. “It’s exciting. That is what ministry is all about,” he says. “It’s the best ministry outside of the church building. “If you don’t have passion, you can’t do ministry. Passion drives it. Being outside and doing stuff in the community is our passion. We love to bless people. It’s never a burden.” The team visited Kingsthorpe (left) and Kingaroy communities as part of the trip. That passion extends beyond Salvation Army communities. “We ask local bandsmen – Salvos and others – to come along and play with us,” says Mark. “We can minister to them and bless them.” This year, volunteers included people from Anglican and AOG churches as well as Salvation Army members. “Come and be a part of us and let’s worship together,” says Mark. “Come and worship Jesus together. That’s what it’s all about.” For Jo, the volunteers themselves are one of the greatest blessings. “We couldn’t do it without our volunteers,” she says. “They make a massive investment. They pay their way, give up their time and go through all the training, including police checks and Blue Cards.” Some volunteers travel long distances, return year after year and even make the journey again at Christmas. “They go out of their way,” says Mark. “They come up for Christmas because they see the value of our ministry and want to come and bless the people here.” Music and a community meal in Lockyer Valley. Better together For Mark, the mission reflects what can happen when different parts of The Salvation Army work together and use the gifts already present within their communities. “This is The Salvation Army working well – corps, centres and communities,” he says. “We use our local knowledge. We are better together.” And the impact can go deeper than a concert or a shared meal. Jo recalls one man, who was not a Salvation Army member but had developed a connection with the team. After becoming extremely unwell, he was particularly looking forward to their visit. “When we got to [the town], we went to his house and we all played together with him,” Jo says. For the team, moments like this capture the heart of their mission: showing up, building relationships and being present in people’s lives. The annual trip concluded in the Lockyer Valley, where the team presented another variety concert before worshipping with the local corps. “It’s been a great time of ministry and sharing together and blessing communities,” the team reflected. And while this year’s journey may be over, thoughts are already turning to the next one. There are more towns to visit, more people to meet, more music to play – and, no doubt, many more donuts to make. Many of the team are already planning to return next year!

Salvation Army workers have been able to reach some of the most isolated areas of Nepal that were devastated by the floods and landslides. BY IHQ INTERNATIONAL The Salvation Army is continuing to support devastated communities in Nepal five weeks after the glacial collapse, catastrophic floods and landslides. About 84,000 people, including approximately 32,000 children, have been severely impacted by the tragedy that unfolded on 26 August 2026 in Nepal and Tibet. The official death toll is 1400; however, more than 5700 are still listed as missing. The Salvation Army is providing ongoing emergency relief while preparing for a long-term recovery effort. Officers and volunteers have been meeting survivors, hearing first-hand accounts of loss and helping families face an uncertain future. The Salvation Army’s Officer in Charge in Nepal is Major Lalsangpuii. She said despite extremely difficult access, The Salvation Army has delivered emergency assistance to Syabrubesi, one of the hardest hit areas. Salvation Army workers delivering supplies to communities in dire need of support. “So far, 170 flood-affected families have received relief packages containing rice, lentils, cooking oil, noodles and fibre quilts, while 160 sets of children’s clothing have also been distributed,” she said. “The journey from Kathmandu took the team more than 14 hours, with muddy and damaged roads reduced in places to narrow single-vehicle access. Thulo Syabrubesi was the last point accessible by road. Beyond this, the road connection had been cut off by the flash flood.” Major Lalsangpuii said The Salvation Army continues to work closely with local municipalities, district authorities, the District Disaster Management Committee and the Social Welfare Council to ensure assistance reaches those most in need. Personal accounts Major Lalsangpuii described meeting Mr Harnarayan Shrestha, a government schoolteacher who lost his father in the floods. “He personally witnessed the flash flood, which he described as an unimaginable disaster,” she said. “He returned to his house hoping to recover money and valuable belongings but found that his house and possessions had been buried by the flood.” Many survivors have since relocated temporarily to Kathmandu, uncertain when they will be able to return home. Major Lalsangpuii said that it is particularly hard for the children who are keen to return to school, but whose schools have been destroyed along with their homes. Communities swept away Major Lalsangpuii said The Salvation Army has been working in communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, where the flood destroyed homes, businesses, roads and bridges. She said that an avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, triggering a sudden surge of water. Timure, close to Nepal’s border with China at Rasuwagadhi, was among the first communities hit. “With no rainfall reported in the area, residents had no warning of the disaster and were going about their daily routines when the flood struck,” Major Lalsangpuii said. The Salvation Army is one of many organisations bringing aid and supplies to the Nepalese, especially in isolated communities. Walking alongside survivors In Betrawati, another severely affected community, homes, shops, agricultural land and livelihoods have been destroyed. Many families returning to the area have found their belongings buried beneath hardened silt and debris. On their return journey, The Salvation Army team met Mrs Anjali Dhungana, a teacher who survived with her husband and baby but lost 11 family members and relatives, as well as her home. Mrs Dhungana was travelling to Kathmandu so her baby could receive medical treatment. With no other transport available, The Salvation Army team brought the family to the capital in its vehicle. Preparing for long-term recovery Assessments in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts have identified continuing needs for temporary shelter, household items, warm clothing, blankets and other winterisation support as colder weather approaches. Plans are also being developed to support around 300 households with longer-term shelter solutions as families begin rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and sense of security. Recovery will take time, but The Salvation Army in Nepal is committed to walk alongside affected communities. To donate to the Nepal relief efforts, there is a link in this story here

One of Arthur’s most famous songs – Jesus Thou Art Everything to Me – and (right) conducting at one of his Melbourne Exhibition Centre Young People’s Demonstrations, which often involved 1000 children. BY BARRY GITTINS Arthur went on to serve for 37 years in various roles, including Director of the Melbourne Subscribers’ Department, Men’s Social Secretary (1906-12), Secretary for War Work in the Great War, Special Efforts Secretary (1912-21 & 1933-35), and Young People’s Secretary (1921-33). His other gig was serving as the first side-officer at the new training garrison. Arthur would take his squad of cadets out scouting through Melbourne’s narrow streets and alleys, picking up drunks to get cleaned up, fed, prayed with, and put to bed at the training garrison. Those drinkers, on waking, were said to be “not infrequently led to Christ”. Eventually, he became Colonel Arthur. For 33 years, he dashed up the annual Young People’s Demonstrations at the Melbourne Exhibition Hall, working with 1000 children with zeal and joy. He loved this ministry. “It is impossible to sing and grumble at the same time,” he’d tell the kids. “But it is quite natural to sing and pray and rejoice all at once.” A brilliant mimic and choreographer, Arthur would have “two thousand young hands opening and shutting simultaneously, two thousand eyes upturned, and twenty thousand waving fingers” entertaining and moving the audience as their voices soared. Arnott, still a presence in our songbook and our memories, left the Army with more than 90 songs. Arthur wrote many tunes for young people’s song books. Musicians may be surprised to find that the songwriter in Arthur was not strongly influenced by classical music; creatively, he lived for and was moved by melody. Arthur loved children's singing; he loved kids, and they loved him. He would sit among them and laugh heartily at their enthusiasm and interplay. If he enjoyed music, his highest compliment was “there’s real soul in that”. Arthur, when presented with a baby, would raise it aloft and say, “This is how we grow them in Australia.” He saw the future in their joy and openness. He sweated through decades of Australian Christmases, dressed as Father Christmas; Santa Arthur brought tidings of comfort and joy to children living, for better or worse, in Salvation Army children’s homes. On Saturday afternoons, as a young bloke at a loose end, Arthur would spring for a rowing boat and, armed with his violin and copies of the War Cry, he’d row out to ships in port to entertain and engage with the sailors. Envoy David Rogers said Arthur was “a singularly pure and single-minded soul; no narrow-souled puritan, but [a man who] enjoyed a joke and a romp with the best”. Colonel Arnott retired in 1933 and remained just as busy with the Canterbury (Vic.) Corps, visiting, collecting, and spending time and money on people who needed him. Living in a dry area meant he had no pubs to boom in, so instead, he visited a circuit of dance halls with his trusty violin. He loved it, and so did the dancers. He’d often drag himself off his sickbed to attend his gigs. When they heard that Arthur had died (dance hall regulars may not have known our concept of being promoted to glory) on 1 May 1941, the young couples at one club observed a two-minute silence for their old mate. Arthur’s ‘trusty’ violin, on display at The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne. His biographer, Adelaide Ah Kow, knew Arthur well. She saw him as a man with “the soul of a poet and the abiding wonder of a child”. Arthur loved cricket and rounders and would play them and other games with kids. He had a great passion for chess but indulged it rarely, as it took time he could spend on the work of his captain, Jesus. Self-denial meant something to Arthur. Arnott was quicksilver. Mercury. A good-natured sprite. Puck, Robin Hood and the Scarlet Pimpernel, all rolled into one. “The Colonel’s whole life has largely been governed by quick impulses,” the War Cry wrote upon his retirement. “Inspiration for his many children’s songs has come to him all of a sudden, and he has switched off from what he was doing to put on paper some haunting melody or some poetical thought which later he had been able to develop into a stirring Army song ... “Hardly anybody less conventional than the Colonel could be imagined. He was always doing unexpected things, and turning up in unexpected places, and he had a Divine restlessness, which indicated the secret of much of his success in Army work.” Arnott always knew what would draw a crowd. He had a flair for the dramatic and a quick response at the ready. Yet Arthur was also the sort of man who would drive 40 miles into the bush after receiving an SOS that a man was about to commit suicide. While life was often grim, Arthur embodied sunshine. His wit and humour were a constant. His biographer said, “he never used the gift merely to raise a laugh or to appear smart, much less to interrupt another’s discourse. But let it be in a meeting, an embarrassing moment, a time of tension, a feeling of boredom, a stiffness that a leader found difficult to dispel – and [Arthur], with one of his terse comments, could dissolve the congregation in laughter”. The colonel was a decent scratch artist who could whip off a comrade’s profile with a few strokes of his pen or pencil. Sometimes he gleefully rendered them when he was supposed to be doing something else or listening to someone else. That suggests to me that he was staving off the fear of every creative soul – boredom. For a man who was so quick-witted, who could talk birds off trees and loved games and wordplay, Arthur could be awful at small talk. He lived by the saying: ‘If you can’t say anything good about a person, don’t say anything at all.” He wouldn’t gossip. That is a rare quality indeed. One officer who served on Arthur’s staff for 17 years recalled he’d only seen Arnott lose his temper once. “I had heard that a man whom we not infrequently employed was strongly suspected of dishonest practices,” the person said. “The evidence seemed to me fairly conclusive; I thought the Colonel should know of it. “He listened – as he invariably listened to anything in the nature of gossip or uncharitable judgment – in absolute silence, sitting perfectly still, his eyes upon his desk; and he made no comment whatever.” The junior officer wasn’t sure the message had got through, so they figured “his mind had been on something else ... finding myself in his office shortly after, I returned to go over the whole story again. This was evidently too much for him. “He spoke no word, but struck the desk sharply with his fist. I lost no time in escaping. Five minutes had not elapsed. I was in the garage, getting my car, when he came down for his. “I’m sorry,” he said, briefly but sincerely as he passed me. “As it happened, the story of the man’s dishonesty was true; but the Colonel would never hear ill of any one till forced to do so. This was, in an administrator, perhaps a weakness as well as a strength, but it certainly fulfilled Paul’s law of love: ‘Charity … thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity’.” To read Part Four of the series, click here.

Arthur and his wife, Lucy, and their two daughters, Margaret (‘Madge’) and Florence. BY BARRY GITTINS Arthur Arnott was Christlike in his worldview. Some would call it naïve. A consummate fundraiser, he took joy in seeing people able to eat and sleep safely. Arthur’s office was often full of drunks sleeping off a rough night. He was constantly hit up for cash and was no doubt taken advantage of, but he didn’t care. He didn’t covet money. Commissioner James Hay described Arthur as “a humble man with big ideas – the essence of humility and service to the least, yet he was possessed with the most expansive ideas of the place of the Army, the work it could do, the impression it could make and the forces it could release that would travel on through the centuries. Commissioner James Hay, who led The Salvation Army in Australia from 1909-1921. “As a social secretary he was, if anything, too credulous. No one seemed ‘impossible’; an attempted suicide, a prodigal boy, a wanderer from home and family – he got their stories and a hundred times told me of amazing results. “He firmly believed that many who were far from righteousness had been badly handled by the world. I often wondered what kind of corps he would have formed had he been on the field for 10 years. Many a time his own money was spent freely in helping ‘lame dogs over stiles’.” The commissioner’s latter phrase, comparing people in need (possibly fraudulent) to lame dogs needing a push over a fence, may well sound harsh to our contemporary ears. It also plausibly reflects how Arnott’s fellow soldiers viewed his nature and mission. When it came to raising funds, no one did it better. Arthur’s take was this: “Christ bids us feed the hungry and clothe the naked; it cannot be done without money. He bids us go to all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature; it needs money to do this. Therefore, raising money is an essential part of the work of the Kingdom.” Arthur’s day job was largely about raising revenue, and he once said he’d be happy if he could raise 10,000 pounds for the Army in his lifetime. Commissioner James Hay estimated that Arthur had raised “probably ten times that amount” – 100,000 pounds in the 12 years during which Hay had commanded Down Under. So, multiply that figure. Only God knows how much mission work Arthur funded and sustained in this country and around the world throughout his years. Only God knows how much of his own money Arthur gave to keep things going ‘tickety boo’; money that Arthur could have spent on himself and his own family’s needs. “When Jesus emphasised that charming incident of the widow and her two mites,” Arthur once wrote, “he lifted the curtain on the real value of things. What we have left it seems somehow to regulate the value of what we give ... as a nation we must learn the great secret that to prosper we must give – give to weaker nations – give to missionary enterprise ... To give is to get. To withhold is to die. We may all be agents in benefaction.” We all benefit from giving and receiving grace. Arnott had a genius for raising money from a crowd, and his enthusiasm was infectious. He must have had charisma and integrity; those two qualities don’t always go hand in hand. Arthur was also a loving, if unpredictable, husband to the long-suffering Lucy; he married Ensign Lucy Tucker in 1904. They had two daughters, Margaret (‘Madge’) and Florence. Indeed, with all his strengths and graces, Arthur must have made life chaotic for his good wife. Unpredictable and often absent without leave, the lover of Christ would bring home all sorts of villains and saints for his wife to feed and find somewhere to sleep. If the pubs were closed, Arthur would be out and about in billiards rooms and picture theatres, having a yarn with blokes who’d popped out for a smoke. Adelaide Ah Kow’s biography of Arthur Arnott. “These protégés occasionally gave the household anxious moments,” writes his biographer, Adelaide Ah Kow. “With one wild-eyed, semi-intoxicated youth, bent on self-destruction, Mrs. Arnott sought to hold till her husband’s return from one of his evening missions, not daring to leave him for a moment lest he should set the house on fire.” There is a famous quote from Arthur’s daughters to his wife, when his whereabouts were being sought, that has survived for our delectation: “Well, Mum, he’s either in the commissioner’s office or chasing a drunk.” Flying in the face of our modern understanding of clinical distance, professionalism, duty of care, etc., Arthur often put those individuals up in the family’s small two-bedroom quarters. To read Part Three, click here.

Arthur Arnott and the SAO biscuit, which is believed to stand for ‘Salvation Army Officer’, named in Arthur’s honour. Colonel Arthur Arnott was one of Australia’s most beloved Salvation Army officers, whose life and service to the Lord in the first half of the 20th century impacted thousands, including generations to come. The Salvation Army Museum (Melbourne) Specialist, BARRY GITTINS, profiles Arthur Arnott in a four-part series. BY BARRY GITTINS Arthur Smith Arnott was born on 17 June 1870 in Newcastle (NSW), one of five sons of biscuit mogul William Arnott. Life, it may be said, was pretty cushy. Young Arthur was reared by his Methodist Sunday school superintendent father and raised to participate in the family business. That’s where the script changed, to everyone’s surprise. The rich young ruler of the country’s kitchens was mates with a Salvationist, and in 1893 Arnott accompanied his friend to an open-air meeting at St Leonards Park, North Sydney. It must have been a doozy. Arthur Arnott, born and raised a churchgoer, was on the path to making a public commitment and joining The Salvation Army. Striking up a chat with the local corps treasurer, Arthur accepted a dinner invitation to the Salvationist’s home, where he would commit his life to Christ. He was up to his boots and, wearing a Salvo jacket, walked into his office to manage the Forest Lodge factory. Arthur started a series of prayer meetings and Bible studies with his employees. This was not the done thing. When posted to run the family’s Newcastle factory, Arthur became a local officer with Newcastle Central Corps. There, he soon became known for his work with alcoholics and homeless people. He took Jesus literally, rounding up men from outside the pubs at closing time, bringing them to his home, cleaning them up, feeding them, and praying with them. For five years, Arnott served his new movement as a ‘special’, visiting various corps around NSW. He was a talented violinist and concertina player, and a popular, humorous guest. A corps report in the War Cry from Newcastle noted that “Mr Arnott of biscuit fame [sent] the Captain fifty parcels for distribution among the poor folk of Lambton”. Such acts of generosity were a lifelong habit. There are varying strands in the story’s tapestry about how his family reacted to Arthur joining Bill Booth’s Army. It’s suggested they believed that Arthur’s health (repeated bouts of rheumatic fever, which weakened his heart) would not allow him to thrive as a Salvation Army officer. Nevertheless, Arthur travelled to the Melbourne training garrison in 1898 to become a cadet. Sadly, while he was training, he lost both of his parents within 10 months of each other’s deaths. Arthur was a noble soul, helping and encouraging others. One session-mate called him “a generous and big-hearted brother to everybody… particularly to the backward”! After being commissioned, Arthur was appointed to the field department and later became Herbert Booth’s private secretary. He was known and counted among the Army’s leaders and movers. Arthur Arnott was a lunchtime diner with the ‘Saveloy Club’ – leading officers of his generation who shaped the Army in this country, including the future General George Carpenter and ‘Fighting Mac’, William McKenzie. The group got its name because they met every Wednesday in 1909, and William McKenzie used to heat up saveloys (a type of seasoned sausage) for their meal. The ‘Saveloy Club’ – (from left) John McMillan, Arthur Arnott, George Carpenter, Walter Suttor and William McKenzie. We may ask at this point, what led Arthur to abandon his life of influence and advantage? I suggest it was prayer and the Holy Spirit’s conviction that Jesus wanted him to be a Salvo, the belief and knowledge that he could make a difference, and the hope that he would be like Jesus. While the biblical rich young ruler failed to take up the financial challenge set by Jesus, it seems that surrendering his life and birthright to the cause was never an issue for Arthur. He lived humbly and simply, and from all accounts was happy to do so. Throughout his life, he would use his independent financial status to help others and the Army. Arthur never drew an allowance of more than a shilling a year, we are informed, as he was supported by the Arnott family, who grew reconciled to his decisions. The Arnott family is also said to have supported the Army by donating profits from their SAO biscuit line, introduced in 1906 – the SAO was reputedly named after Arthur Arnott’s custom of signing as a ‘SAO’, a Salvation Army Officer (see appendix below) To read Part Two, click here Appendix About that SAO business Historical addendums from The Salvation Army Australia Museum database: For your interest ... I was talking to my father about the article re: SAO biscuits in the latest Heritage newsletter. Herb Begby is a Salvationist of 91 years of age (now living in a hostel at Judge Book retirement village in Eltham). When he was in his early teens attending the Thornbury Corps, he lived in the same street as Colonel Arthur Arnott and often drove around in his old Dodge car with him. His understanding from back in those days regarding the SAO biscuits was that a percentage of the proceeds of sale of the SAO biscuits went towards the officers' retirement fund. There is no doubt in his mind that the SAO stood for ‘Salvation Army Officer’, as that was what Colonel Arnott told him once. – Glenda Shearwood 23 January 2008 ... I am writing in regard to the matter of the SAO biscuit! I have recently been able to peruse the second edition of the “Hallelujah” magazine and have been fascinated by its contents. I note that on page 58 it states that ‘We shall probably never really know the origin of the name SAO’… I happen to know the origin, and this is the reason … My mother, Mrs Colonel Rust, lived in retirement with Mrs Colonel Suttor, who was the second wife of Colonel Walter Suttor (her single [maiden] name was Monod). Mrs Suttor told my mother in my presence that her husband, Walter Suttor, used to have lunch with Arthur Arnott and other officers when they were at Territorial Headquarters. Walter Suttor asked Arthur Arnott if his family firm could make a large savoury biscuit in which they could place cheese, tomato, etc. Arthur Arnott suggested this to his family firm who manufactured it, and they named it SAO, because Arthur had suggested it – he was a Salvation Army Officer; the only one in the family. I hope this is useful. – Gwen Pedersen 1983 Regarding the name SAO ... Some time ago, when managing a business in the country, I inquired of the traveller for Arnott's biscuit firm as to the true meaning of the letters SAO on the biscuit. Was it, as is so often claimed, a tribute to Colonel Arnott and did it stand for Salvation Army Officer? I was informed that it was a tribute to Arthur Arnott, but the letters did not refer to officers but represented ‘serve and obey’. This, I suggest. would have been a typical Arthur Arnott twist to the song, ‘Trust and obey’… Thanks for the memories. – Charles E. McDonald, Dee Why Regarding SAO ... Thank you for your interesting info regarding Arthur Arnott (Under the Tricolour, Issue 67, June, page 3). My mother formerly Millie Dawkins was a Salvation Army officer for 10 years before she married my father, a farmer in the Peak Hill district. She knew Colonel Arthur Arnott when she was stationed at Ashfield. He verified the story that the SAO biscuit stood for Salvation Army Officer. He told her that it did. – Maurine Redenbach

Arthur Arnott (in the second row with his violin) with a session of cadets at the Federal Training Garrison, Melbourne. c.1900 BY BARRY GITTINS Arthur Arnott, the young man whose heartbreak at Herbert and Cornelie Booth’s departure from the work* may never have fully healed, was described as “absolutely oyster-like” if anyone said anything that reflected badly “on either the Army or any of its members”. Ah Kow cited an anonymous source who boasted of a 45-year acquaintance with Colonel Arnott: “I can truthfully say that I never once heard him express an opinion of anyone that was unfair and that could not safely be repeated.” Herbert and Cornelie Booth. Arthur Arnott was Herbert’s private secretary for a time, and was said to be heartbroken at his superior’s decision to leave The Salvation Army. Who among us can claim to possess the same measure of self-control and grace? Arthur took the words of Jesus seriously, more seriously than we do, I suggest. Arthur lived generously because he was God’s child and God owned everything. Therefore, in Arthur’s view, the world belonged to all of us. “Everything I can enjoy is mine!” he once told a mate. “This broad street is mine; it was laid out and paved for me. The trees that border it were planted for me. “The trams are mine; they were built for me; they run for me. This one is to take me into the city. When I want to return, there will be another. A staff of men are kept purposely to run them for me. They attend to them as well in my absence as in my presence. Mine, mine ... and they cost me only threepence a ride.” Arthur lived and breathed prayer, and would be at it before his fellow conversationalists realised he’d included the Almighty in their chat. People would find themselves in tears as they spoke with their Creator alongside Arthur; for some, it had been years since they had done so. Prayer has an intimacy that reveals who we are. Arthur lived in that intimacy as a child of God, bringing people into God’s presence through his life and music. Arthur, the first officer at headquarters to own a jalopy, used the vehicle for Jesus rather than for family holidays or joyrides. It carried bags of coal around in winter and large bags of second-hand clothing for poor people wearing rags. Arthur Arnott’s last months on this world were saddened by the horrors of the Second World War. The hopes that World War One would be the war to end all wars had come undone. Two of Arthur’s medals: for service in the Great War 2014-2019 (left) and a reward for Long and Faithful Service to The Salvation Army. As an older chap, Arthur had lost a lot of weight and was described as ‘gaunt’. While still possessing a ‘soldierly bearing’ and, stick in hand, looking not unlike a retired military officer, he was visibly slowing down. His spirit, however, was still young and amazed by the beauty of creation. Once, Arthur was lost in thought, gazing at nature’s beauty. When prompted, he replied, “Just admiring my tree ... Everything is yours while you enjoy it.” Arthur was God’s child. The world was God’s; hence, the world was Arthur’s. What a philosophy. Arthur’s service helped to some extent set up the infrastructure and the culture of the current territory. In his memory, 15 years after Arthur was promoted to glory, Sir William Angliss, Australia’s ‘meat king’, left a bequest of 10,000 pounds to the Army’s work. Arthur lived generously and inspired generosity. Arthur’s songs, with joy and sorrow intermingled, are still sung today. His words and melodies still move us. Arthur’s ready, and his often-exercised compassion sets an example we often fail to meet. The Salvation Army, such as it is today, rides on our reputation for compassion, mercy, grace, and active assistance for those who are hurting. That body of work is still being done, thank God, largely by employees and volunteers. The rank and file of Salvationists have precious little engagement with our social work. Arthur’s example challenges members of the Army today. If Salvationists had the habit of recognising saints amongst us, Arthur would likely be canonised. As it is, if we listen closely enough, we can still hear Arthur Arnott’s laughter and picture his smile and delighted face when we hear his songs. His old mate, General George Carpenter, had suggested that Arthur Arnott ‘lived Christ’ – a sentiment that can be no better epitaph. *Early in 1901, the emotional toll on Herbert Booth from his strained relations with his father, General William Booth, and his big brother, Bramwell, led Herbert to resign his commission as a Salvation Army officer. He spent time at a Salvation Army property on the Collie River in Western Australia, preceding his departure and the negotiations for his severance. Herbert left the work knowing from the experience of some of his siblings that he could be ostracised by his family and by the Army. Commissioner James Hay even had Herbert’s name removed from foundation stones and building plaques [some were later restored]. Sources: I am indebted to the following: The War Cry, Barbara Bolton, Adelaide Ah Know, Lindsay Cox, Percival Dale, Dianne Edwards, Wesley Harris, Ron Inglis, Leslie Rusher, David Woodbury.

The Salvation Army continues its global collaboration against contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons. COMPILED BY SIMONE WORTHING The Salvation Army has co-signed an oral statement on contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons. The statement was presented on 11 September 2026 to the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, during an interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur. Delivered by Dr Janet Epp Buckingham, Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Geneva Office, the statement focused on one of the continuing challenges in tackling human trafficking: identifying those who are being exploited. The joint advocacy builds on previous collaboration between The Salvation Army and WEA. In September 2025, the organisations issued a joint statement to the Human Rights Council calling for urgent action to address the worst forms of child labour. Through its international modern slavery and human trafficking work and engagement at the United Nations, The Salvation Army continues to advocate for approaches that place the dignity, safety and rights of victims of exploitation at the centre of the response. For the full story, click here Protecting rights of older people with cognitive impairment The Salvation Army has delivered an oral statement by video on the human rights of older persons with cognitive impairment. The statement was presented on 11 September 2026 at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council during an Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert. Marcus Hofer, United Nations Representative in Geneva, speaks on behalf of The Salvation Army. The dialogue considered the Independent Expert’s report, Cognitive Impairment and the Continuing Exercise of the Human Rights of Older Persons, which examines how older people can continue to exercise their rights when cognitive abilities change. Speaking on behalf of The Salvation Army, Markus Hofer, United Nations Representative in Geneva, welcomed the report’s focus on autonomy, participation and human dignity. “We share the view that cognitive impairment must never be equated with a loss of personhood or human rights,” the statement said. “Older persons retain their values, preferences, relationships and right to participate in decisions affecting their lives.” Drawing on The Salvation Army’s experience of supporting older people around the world, the statement highlighted residential care, community and pastoral programmes, and dementia-inclusive initiatives that seek to place dignity, respect, participation and protection at the heart of care. It also pointed to dementia-friendly communities and caregiver education as ways of helping people remain included, safe and meaningfully engaged as their needs change. To read the full story, click here. UK Prime Minister thanks Salvos A coordinator from The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Vehicle at the Dunwich Heath wildfire in the United Kingdom was a guest at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street last week. Debbie Charles from Stowmarket, along with 20 volunteers, provided food and drinks to emergency crews as they battled to keep the Suffolk wildfire under control back in July and August this year. Debbie Charles attended a thank-you event at Downing Street of behalf of The Salvation Army. Debbie and The Salvation Army team rotated 11-hour shifts during the 14-day wildfire, serving up hundreds of drinks, rolls and snacks to firefighters, police and other emergency responders. Pastoral support was also available to exhausted crews. Debbie was among 150 guests from a range of organisations gathered at Downing Street to be thanked by the Prime Minister for their work in responding to the challenge of the 2026 summer heatwaves, going above and beyond to provide vital support to people and communities across the country. Debbie paid tribute to all the services who came together to tackle the blaze, which affected about 370 acres. She said: “When we were on site, we became a team. Everyone adapted to what was needed and worked alongside each other. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to serve emergency responders on the frontline.” At Downing Street Debbie met people involved in other emergency responses, heard their stories and spoke about The Salvation Army’s work. To read the full story, click here. Poland joins NGO festival The Salvation Army Warsaw Corps in Poland joined the recent NGO (Non-Government Organisation) Festival in Praski Park, Warsaw, where a range of organisations and institutions offered activities and information for everyone. Salvation Army representatives, primarily the youth, spoke about The Salvation Army’s support for people in need, modern slavery and human-trafficking, the Youth Project, Seniors’ Club and other programs. Face-painting and teaching scouting ‘tricks of the trade’ were popular activities. Everyone was invited to the Warsaw Corps and assured that there was a place for everyone. Canada celebrates Indigenous culture Canadians celebrated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation yesterday (30 September). This is recognised as an important day to give space for, listen to and learn from Indigenous Peoples. In August of this year, The Salvation Army partnered with Indigenous Pathways to host the annual Celebration of Culture, bringing more than 70 people together to take a step on the path of reconciliation. The event was a time of growth, healing and learning, as stories were spoken around sharing circles, a tipi was built, through song and dance at the Saturday afternoon pow wow, and around an evening campfire. Testing roads to deliver aid The Emergency Response in the Kenya East Territory traversed the hills of Mbitini in thick fog, rain-soaked roads and almost-impassable potholes to reach 250 vulnerable families in need of food relief. A difficult journey became an opportunity to stand alongside a struggling community in a moment of need.

Main photo: Wollongong Salvationist Bill Simpson is heavily involved in his local corps and community ... as well as daily rides on his new pedal-assisted e-bike. Insets: Retired Salvation Army officers Major Maree Strong (top) and Major Coral Hodges. The United Nations International Day of Older Persons is held annually on 1 October. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution older people make to families, communities and society, as well as to focus on their particular needs and challenges. Salvos Online asked three Salvationists – Bill Simpson, Major Coral Hodges and Major Maree Strong – to share their experiences of retirement. BY BILL SIMPSON I retired three times, really. The first time was in 2000 when I was 56, after almost 40 years as a journalist in mainstream media and completing a Master of Arts (Journalism) degree late in my career. I then worked for four years in a friend’s international computer (IT) consulting company, recruiting selective specialists from around the world to work for Australian companies and government departments. He wanted a colleague not for their IT skills but for their ability to talk with people! When I retired from that company in 2005, a Salvation Army Divisional Commander asked if I would consider becoming full-time manager of a Salvation Army welfare centre in Wollongong (NSW). I did that for five years, also writing a feature article once a month for The Salvation Army Pipeline (later Others) magazine, finally retiring in 2010 at 65. In the last 10 years of working, I suppose I was gearing up for retirement, ensuring I had sufficient superannuation and looking for ways to get through each day with something meaningful. I remained at the welfare centre as a volunteer two days a week, assisted at a school breakfast program one day a week, joined a Lions club, assisted at English Conversation classes once a week, and later joined the board of an organisation assisting homeless people. I still volunteer in welfare, English Conversation classes and the Lions club (currently Service Chair). I also do other things, like pastoral care and life group (Bible study) organisation at my corps. I bought my first pedal-assisted e-bike when I retired and still ride it most days. Bill and his e-bike he rides most days. My hopes and dreams for retirement were to be available to better assist my wife. I am now an expert weekly grocery shopper! I also wanted to spend valuable time assisting our three sons and our seven grandchildren. Those hopes and dreams have been met. I live my retirement life doing all of the things listed above, as well as travelling overseas and interstate to meet up with friends my wife and I made during my working days. We have made some great friends, especially in The Salvation Army world. I love everything retirement brings, from still being healthy enough to serve in some way, to helping family and having time to catch up with friends. I don’t think I would change anything about how we planned and live our retirement. My wife and I are very content with what and who we have in our life. We have had some sadness. But this is where God has done his best work for us. We know the peace he promised. Opening new doors BY MAJOR CORAL HODGES Retirement came to me earlier than expected. At 58, I retired so I could be with my husband, David, and care for him full-time. Those years were both demanding and deeply precious – an opportunity to love, support and walk closely with him. After David’s passing, I returned to officership for five years and then retired again in 2019. Major Coral Hodges attends Wollongong Corps in NSW. This second retirement opened new doors. I found joy in supporting my children and grandchildren, travelling overseas, and embracing new experiences. The greatest surprise for my family and me was falling in love, marrying, and moving to a new corps (Wollongong, NSW). Marriage brought significant changes – new home, new opportunities, and the need to downsize twice – but it also opened a beautiful avenue of service at the corps as prayer coordinator, nurturing spiritual growth in me whilst encouraging others in their spiritual journey. Through every transition, keeping my eyes on Jesus has been essential. Remaining connected to my family, praying, travelling, and sharing life with my husband (John) have brought deep blessing. Looking back, I see God’s wisdom guiding each step. An exciting new journey BY MAJOR MAREE STRONG Retirement began in quite an unexpected way during COVID lockdowns in March 2020. It wasn’t how we imagined beginning this new chapter, but in retrospect it gave my husband Trevor and me the headspace to reflect on 40 years of full-time service. During those early days of ‘mandatory confinement’, we sorted through resources and belongings that had mysteriously accumulated, and we learned new skills, including online Scrabble and baking various breads and buns. Major Maree Strong now attends Caloundra Corps on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. At first, retirement carried a sense of novelty: slower mornings, spontaneous outings and the simple pleasure of not rushing or being bound by the demands of working life. Over time, however, it has become less about stopping work and more about choosing how to live well. Just as we were becoming settled, though, we felt a real prompting to move north from Canberra, back to the place where our lives together had started – the Sunshine Coast. Navigating the various state restrictions during COVID was challenging, but we managed a one-week reconnaissance trip to South Queensland to explore our options. Eventually, we settled happily into Palm Lake Resort in Caloundra, where we have found a welcoming over-50s lifestyle community. We are actively involved in a vibrant community life and have learned to play cards, lawn bowls and enjoy the numerous exercise and social activities available. The local corps (Caloundra) has become our spiritual home, and we are both actively involved in corps activities beyond the band on Sundays. Like most retirees, we continue to manage health challenges, but we are grateful for good medical support and for numerous opportunities we have had to travel, serve, connect and grow. These initial years of retirement have not simply been a permanent holiday from work. They have formed a rich and meaningful experience, and we are truly contented with this exciting retirement chapter! International Day of Older Persons resources can be found on MySalvos here.

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

What started as a plan to hassle a mate at a beach mission turned into a life-changing encounter with Jesus. In this God-defining moment, Albert shares his faith journey from an unexpected conversion at 17 to stepping into a leadership role he never saw coming. It is a wonderful reminder to never tell God what he can’t do.