Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week ( 24-30 November ), we pray for the Philippines Territory.   The Philippines Territory has 246 officers (149 active, 97 retired); 13 envoys; 11 cadets; 88 corps; 26 outposts; 8659  senior soldiers; 5560 adherents; 947 junior soldiers; 80 employees.   There are 114 faith communities, 13 schools, and 3136 people have been assisted with emergency relief.   The work of the territory includes: ·  Schools and education ·  Community development ·  Social enterprise ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response Colonels David and Elsa Oalang lead the territory. They have shared the following points to guide us as we pray:   Prayer requests ·    Pray for the recovery of families affected by disasters. During the past months, different areas were devastated by strong typhoons. In fact, there was a time when three typhoons entered the country consecutively. The 6.9. magnitude earthquake in Cebu claimed lives and destroyed properties. ·    Pray for more young people to respond to the call for officership. ·    Pray for the succession plan of the territory – the training of leaders on all levels of ministry is one of the Ten Territorial Priorities. ·    Pray for financial sustainability, that God would bless the territory's business ventures, and that the generous lifestyle program continues to become part of every soldier and officer's spiritual principle. ·    Pray for the implementation of the territorial strategic plan.    To find out more about the Philippines Territory, click here . To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here .   To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Learning to share power, not just offer support is key for Marcus Tawfik. Image: Getty Interview with MARCUS TAWFIK, TSA Senior Manager Practice and Development, interviewed by LILLY MCKEICH, National Family Violence Specialist. With the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starting today with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we are hearing Marcus' perspective on the role of men in this important work. What does it mean to be a true ally in the gender equality movement? Can you talk about a time when you got it wrong as an ally, and what you learned from that experience?   I think for me, it's about showing up consistently rather than when it's convenient or comfortable. A key dedication toward this is to listen deeply to ensure supporting women's voices to be heard and challenge systems that do not support women.  I have always thought of myself as an ally, but I always am actively learning and changing to become a better one. I haven't always got it right. In my early days of allyship, something I always did was to ensure everyone, including women, were heard;  when I started to decentre myself and prioritise the impact of women’s voices, I really started to make steps and strides forward in being an ally for the gender equality movement.  A key message here is that allyship is a practice. It is something that myself and the community that calls themselves allies are continuing to reflect, by enacting change through feedback, and we try to have a genuine willingness to sit with discomfort.   How do you navigate the balance between using your voice and making space for others, especially women, in advocacy work?   Well, the facts are, men are heard differently, and we need to acknowledge that as men. I believe this comes with a responsibility … We need to be using our voice to create safer spaces, challenge other men who may be on a different part of their journey in allyship and to redirect attention, rather than holding the attention ourselves.   Something we do in the family and domestic violence space, and in the social services space in general, is to receive consultation from people with lived experience. I think similar principles need to be applied through our allyship – whether its listening in our relationships, how we behave as men in public, or even how we co-design and consult alongside the women we work with.  Something that has significantly resonated with me is how I have learned to share power and not just offer support. The 16 Days of Activism [against Gender-Based Violence] is a time to reflect on what advocacy means, and I believe it is not just about lending influence: it's about redistributing influence! That is one of the core responsibilities men hold through how our voices are heard differently.      What do you see as the most powerful things men can do to support the gender equality movement? How do you approach having difficult conversations with male peers around sexism, harmful behaviours or gendered violence?   We need to be encouraging men to do the internal work by reflecting on their own biases and anything throughout their lives that may have conditioned or contributed to those biases.  Ensuring that there is self-education, rather than relying on women to do that labour and thinking for us men, is vital here. There is a big difference between saying the right thing and doing the hard thing – and large shifts and progression in allyship often comes from doing the hard things.  We need to be approaching family, friends and all the men in our networks with curiosity and respect, not shame. I have used a question like, “Have you thought about how that might come across?” in a way that requires thinking with no shame. When I am supporting allies to continue their journey, I ask powerful questions like “Who benefits when men stay silent?” or “If your daughter, partner or mother was in the room, would you still say that?”  Marcus Tawfik. Image: Supplied I continually demonstrate that vulnerability is strength, particularly when I'm engaging men. I openly share the mistakes I have made through my journey of allyship to normalise learning the concept of growth as an ally. I have found that modelling the behaviour myself invites others to reflect on their allyship and change to do better.       If you could say one thing to men who want to help but feel unsure of where to start, what would it be? What’s the hardest, but most necessary, truth men need to face when it comes to their role in gender inequality? What does true solidarity with women and survivors look like to you?   Here is the truth, men benefit from the same systems that disadvantage women; even if we don't mean to, we do. We need to remember that silence equals complicity, so good intentions aren't enough when it comes to our role in gender inequality – we have a much larger responsibility here.  It all starts with listening. We need to learn to sit with discomfort instead of rushing to have an exchange or fix or explain. One thing in my experience is that solidarity means risk. Yes, it does mean challenging the people that we may have had a relationship [with] our whole lives, like a brother or a friend or leaders within our networks. It is uncomfortable and unpopular, but it is the right thing to do.  True solidarity with women and survivors looks like advocating for systems to change, even if that system benefits us as men. We need to always ensure that we centre the voices and the needs of those who are most impacted by gender-based violence.  To find out more about the 16 Days of Activism and access resources, see here .

Digital violence against women and girls is one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse, writes Fay Foster. BY FAY FOSTER The annual United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women   takes place today, on 25 November. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.  Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.  It can manifest in physical, sexual and psychological forms, including:  Intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);  Sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, stalking, cyber-harassment);  Human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);  Female genital mutilation; and  Child marriage.  For at least 51,100 women globally in 2023, gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act – their murder by partners and family members ( news.un.org ). That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.  The solution lies in robust responses, holding perpetrators accountable, and accelerating action through well-resourced national strategies and increased funding to women’s rights movements.  Join 16 Days of Activism   From today until 10 December 2025, the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence   campaign will focus on the theme: ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.  Digital violence against women and girls is one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse.  Did you know?   Globally, an estimated 736 million women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. One   in four adolescent girls is abused by their partners .  16% to 58% of women globally experience technology-facilitated gender-based violence . Generation Z and Millennials are the most affected.  70% of women in conflict, war and humanitarian crises experience gender-based violence.  See here for ways you can participate in the 16 Days initiative: 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence 2025 | November 25, 2025 | Awareness Days Men as forces for positive change Marcus Tawfik is The Salvation Army’s Senior Manager for Practice and Development in the Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) team. In this piece to kick off the 16 Days of Activism, Marcus discusses with colleague Lilly McKeich how men can be an active part of addressing negative attitudes or patterns of treating women. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s FDV work, see here . Prayer guide The Salvation Army has prepared a prayer guide to use on each of the 16 days. We hope it encourages you to bring your concerns to God, and gain wisdom as we all seek to address this ongoing, deadly issue of gender-based violence. To read it, see here .

Hundreds of young people have attended vibrant Salvos youth camps around Australia over the past few months. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Hundreds of young people gathered all around Australia from July to October for Salvation Army State Youth Camps.   The youth camps are a chance for teenagers to celebrate, make friends, and strengthen their faith alongside young people from across their states.   “State Youth Camps have been an incredible experience this year,” said Aux-Lieut Mel Purcell, leader of the National Youth and Young Adults Team. Aux-Lieut Mel Purcell says there is greater unity across youth ministries and leaders. “We are seeing greater unity across our youth ministries and leaders, as young people and leaders come together with shared purpose and energy.”   Youth camps are always popular among young Salvos from the states and territories, as well as young adults and leaders representing local corps. And many young people find Jesus at these camps and begin a lifelong journey of faith.   State Youth Camps and the number of young people attending were held in the following states:   South East Queensland: Mount Tamborine, June (83 young people). North Queensland: Townsville, September (29 young people). New South Wales: Collaroy Centre (Sydney), September (266 young people). Victoria: Phillip Island Adventure Resort, September (105 young people). Western Australia: Em Halliday Recreation Camp (North Perth), October (50 young people). South Australia: Mylor Adventure Camp (south-east of Adelaide), October (80 young people).   Several young leaders said the camps were a fantastic way to introduce young people to Jesus and strengthen young Christian lives.   Claire Castley, Youth and Young Adults Secretary, Western Australia, said: “Young people had opportunities to hear about the Good News of Jesus and apply what they have learnt creatively through their streams, making action plans in Life Labs, and praying in their Corps groups on the last night of camp. We had three young people attend from Karratha (remote north-west WA). We also had young people come to camp from Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and Perth. It was great to see a mix of young people and leaders coming together from across WA.”   Sarah Walker , Youth and Young Adults Secretary (NSW), said: “Over the week, young people were invited into relationship with Jesus, reminded that they are accepted and loved, and that they have something to contribute in building the Kingdom of God.”   Leisa Humbley , Youth and Young Adults Secretary (Queensland), said: “Young adults who attended this year were exceptional, leading and influencing the younger generations in positive ways and also supporting the leadership team beyond what was expected. Some of our young adults led our worship times and ran workshops.”   Mel Purcell, leader of the National Youth and Young Adults Team, said it was also pleasing to see a growth in the number of young leaders.   “This year, we have witnessed a significant increase in emerging leaders eager to serve. With the introduction of SYU (Salvos Youth United) music, young people are connecting in more deeply to the life and mission of our ministry. It’s inspiring to see them engage, lead, and grow, building a strong foundation for the next generation.”   Click through the slideshow below for more photos:

Maz (centre) on the day she was enrolled as a senior soldier, alongside Peter and Sally Hall, the Gunnedah Corps and Community Leaders. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Several years ago, after trying numerous churches and seeking God’s will for her life, Maz found herself in the outback of New South Wales, gazing at an eagle. Suddenly, she had a vision of God sitting on a throne. He said to her, “Be still, and know that I am God.”   “But me, being me, I couldn’t do that,” Maz said, years later. “My job was disappearing, I knew that. I was worrying about what I was going to do and where I was going to go … I tried to sort it out on my own.”   When she looked up to the sky again, the vision had disappeared.   Fast forward a few years, and then 69-year-old Maz was living in Gunnedah, in the north-west of the state, with her partner, preparing his house for an imminent flood.   “This fella turned up at the door and offered to see if we needed help moving furniture. He was amazing!   “It turned out it was Peter.” Maz behind the counter at the local Salvos Store where she volunteers a few times a week. The Peter she was referring to is the Gunnedah Corps and Community Leader, Peter Hall. He mentioned to Maz that he was from The Salvation Army, just down the road, and she began asking questions – “because I’d never been to a Salvation Army church before.”   A few weeks later, Maz and her partner went along to a Sunday meeting to check it out.   They enjoyed the people ... and the coffee! So, they stayed, and they have become regular attendees.   Maz remembered that as she walked into the corps building on that first Sunday, she noticed a sign with the Bible verse “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46). She told Peter, “That’s my favourite verse!”   About a year later, a visiting preacher was delivering the sermon when Maz had another significant spiritual experience: “It was like someone slapped me in the face,” she remembered. “I sat there and thought, ‘Oh, this is interesting.’”   Her partner had felt something too, but as they discussed it back at home, they had different opinions about what God was trying to tell them. While Maz continued to pursue what God was calling her into, they drifted apart.   “From the moment I heard that sermon, I was at total peace,” she said. “It was the first time in my life I felt totally at peace, and I thought, ‘I need to be still.” The key difference this time was that she didn’t fight God’s command for her to ‘be still, and know that I am God,’ and the peace remained with her. Maz became a Salvation Army soldier last year. She works as a casual employee for the Gunnedah Salvos Store and volunteers 2-3 days a week at the corps. She says her life has changed “hugely” and she has never been happier. Gunnedah Corps leader Peter Hall enrols Maz as a Salvation Army senior soldier in 2024. “The peace I feel now is a result of me following what God wants me to do,” she said. “I feel like I have a reason to be here [on this earth]. I love everyone in the church. I just feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.”   Maz says joining the Gunnedah Salvos weekly Bible study has been one of the biggest steps forward with her faith.   “I’m loving how much I’m learning. I’ve learned more about the Bible and God since I’ve been here than I ever had before.   “We have great discussions and things just click a bit more with Bible study instead of just reading it on your own. Peter and Sally have been an immense help in my walk with God.”   Please keep Maz and the whole of Gunnedah Salvos in your prayers as they journey deeper with God and each other.

The 2025 Keepers of the Covenant  (back row from left) Cadet Jonathan Abdulai, Cadet Soonsun Kwon, Cadet José Porcia (front row from left) Aux-Lieut David Dobbie, Aux-Lieut Belinda Dobbie, Aux-Lieut Amanda Pethybridge and Aux-Lieut Matthew Pethybridge. BY LERISSE SMITH The Ordination, Commissioning and Sending Out of cadets stands as a pinnacle moment for The Salvation Army – a celebration of faith, service and commitment. But before the public ceremonies and celebrations take place, there is a sacred occasion few ever witness – Covenant Day – a deeply personal moment that carries profound meaning for the cadets as they take their first solemn step toward a lifelong calling. It’s the sacred occasion that precedes ordination and commissioning in the process of becoming a commissioned officer with The Salvation Army. “Covenant Day is a sacred occasion when each cadet signs their Officers Covenant before God,” said Kylie Herring, Leader of Officer Formation at Eva Burrows College. “In this moment, cadets are making a sacred agreement with God – they are accepting God’s call on their life, they are accepting a life of sacred service as a minister of the gospel in The Salvation Army.” In the week leading into Covenant Day, the Territorial Commander (TC) meets with the cadets being commissioned to talk through the Officer Undertakings so they are fully aware of what they are agreeing to, and the spiritual nature of the relationship between them and The Salvation Army. The Officer Undertakings must be signed by each cadet prior to Covenant Day. Cadet José Porcia took a quick snap as Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Officer Formation Leader Captain Kylie Herring (red cardigan) met on Thursday with five of the seven Salvationists being commissioned on Sunday. Yesterday (Friday 21 November), those being commissioned – cadets Jonathan Abdulai, Jose Porcia, Soonsun Kwon and Auxiliary-Lieutenants Amanda and Matthew Pethybridge, as well as Auxiliary-Lieutenants Belinda and David Dobbie (joining online from Mackay, Qld) – entered into a day of spiritual retreat, where the significance of call and covenant was prayerfully considered. Covenant Day this year takes place today (Saturday 22 November) at The Salvation Army’s Stanmore House in Sydney. Those being commissioned gather with ongoing cadets, the Officer Formation staff, significant spiritual mentors and senior leaders in The Salvation Army. “It’s a very intimate, sacred and reflective space,” Kylie explained. “The cadets make their covenant declarations and are invited to sign their covenant, which the Territorial Commander and the Leader of Officer Formation witness. Following the service, we share a meal together, then depart to prepare for the next events.” The cadets and auxiliary-lieutenants sign their covenants as significant people in their lives stand behind them. To be ordained and commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer, the following covenant is made: Called by God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to Him in this solemn Covenant: To love, trust and serve him supremely all my days; To live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life; To care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unloved, and befriend those who have no friends; To maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God’s grace, to prove myself a worthy officer. After ordination, the newly commissioned officers participate in a five-year development program. They gather with their fellow officers for peer support and to reflect on their journey at the end of their first, third and fifth years. There are specific professional development requirements to be completed within five years, and if those are fulfilled, they will be promoted from Lieutenant to Captain.  Ongoing professional pastoral supervision is a requirement for officers and provides important support to new officers, offering a regular opportunity to debrief, discuss challenges and joys, and review how they are integrating their learning with their ministry practice. There are many challenges facing the newly commissioned officers. Auxiliary-Lieutenants Amanda and Matthew Pethybridge (centre) with (from left) Major Brendan Young, Major Kim Haworth, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Captain Sally Stevens on Covenant Day. Kylie remarked that one of them was getting their heads around all the systems of The Salvation Army, the procedures, processes and responsibilities of their appointment. “Corps officership is challenging because of the multiple accountabilities that come with the role,” she said. “You are responsible for leading and developing a faith community and helping them grow, equipping leaders and mentoring emerging leaders, assisting community members needing emergency relief, oversighting community programs, developing relationships and partnerships in the local community, line-managing staff, oversighting volunteers, managing a budget, keeping buildings and premises in good shape and managing the risk and compliance landscape. Captain Kylie Herring, Leader of Officer Formation, with Cadet Soonsun Kwon. “There are more things that could be added to the list, but you can see in that list the scope of responsibility and accountability. There is a lot of complexity to navigate in holding all those pieces and learning how all those pieces fit into the flow of a week, month, or year in that location.” And when it comes to the greatest joy, her answer is immediate. “The affirmation they receive on their commissioning,” Kylie said. “That The Salvation Army is saying to each of them – we believe in you! We recognise you as a minister of the gospel – go and live your calling.” Click through the slideshow below for more photos of Covenant Day:

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am currently the Corps Officer at Carrum Downs Corps, located in a suburb in the southeast of Melbourne, within the City of Frankston. This is my second appointment, following eight years of ministry at Dandenong Corps.   What I find most satisfying is witnessing lives transformed. When people walk through the doors of Carrum Downs Corps seeking help, it’s a blessing to see them leave changed – not the same as they came in. In moments like these, we see the mission of The Salvation Army truly come alive.   It’s also deeply encouraging to see our networks grow stronger – whether with local councils, schools, community organisations, or other Salvation Army expressions in the area. Together, we’re making a real impact in people’s lives.   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I find rest and renewal in solitude; getting away from the noise and busyness of the day helps me to unwind. I enjoy listening to gospel music or going for a peaceful walk.   Spending quality time with my children is also very important to me – they are my world and my greatest blessings. I also cherish catching up with friends over a coffee, as well as connecting with my extended family, including my siblings, nieces and nephews. These moments of joy, laughter, and love fill my cup and keep me grounded.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? This is a hard question for me because I’m a worshipper. I love all gospel music, from contemporary to hymns. Singing and listening to worship songs is how I encounter God on a deep level. Those moments are sacred and priceless to me! During those times of worship, I often wish the music would never stop. Those moments are truly priceless to me.   But if I had to choose one song, it would be Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith. Every time I listen to or sing this song, I feel the Holy Spirit pouring over me. It renews my spirit and affirms God’s presence in my life. The repeated words, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia’, lift my soul. They remind me of the majesty and holiness of God. It’s hard to fully explain the experience because worship is so personal, but for me, this song opens the door to a sacred encounter with God.   4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? If I could sit down and have a conversation with any biblical character (besides Jesus), I would choose John the Baptist. While many people relate to Peter – and I do too, especially in his moments of boldness and doubt – I feel especially drawn to John the Baptist, Jesus’s cousin and the one who prepared the way for the Lord. His boldness, humility and unwavering focus on pointing people to Christ deeply inspire me.   Our conversation would be about discipleship, which is one of my greatest passions. I would love to hear how he remained so focused on his calling, even when it wasn’t easy, even when he was misunderstood or alone, and how he faithfully continued to share the good news, knowing that his mission was to prepare hearts for Jesus, and how he remained so grounded in his identity and purpose. And of course, I would ask what it felt like to baptise Jesus Himself – what a humbling and holy significance that must have been. As a Salvation Army officer, I feel a deep sense of calling to do the same: to share the good news of Jesus and to walk alongside people as they are transformed, equipped, inspired, and encouraged in their faith. It brings me such joy to see lives changed by God’s love. Every person God brings into our lives is an opportunity to reflect His light and help others take steps closer to Him. That, to me, is a true privilege and blessing. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Yes, I would absolutely recommend officership – but only if God has called you. Officership is not just a role or a job; it is a sacred calling. And if you sense that God is inviting you into this ministry, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to accept that invitation with faith and courage.   Each of us has a unique purpose. We were created to worship God and to serve Him with all that we are, wherever He places us. Officership is one of the many ways we can do that, using the gifts, skills and talents God has given us to bless and impact the lives of others. Being an officer has stretched me, shaped me and drawn me closer to God. It has given me the privilege of walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments, sharing the hope of Jesus and seeing lives transformed by His love. Officership isn’t always easy, but it is deeply fulfilling. If you feel the nudge of God calling you into this life of full-time ministry, trust Him. He will equip you, sustain you, and use you in ways you could never imagine.

From: Rouse Hill Region Corps (NSW) Appointment: Corps Officer/Team Leader at Rouse Hill Corps (NSW) Silver Star recipients : Commissioners Cheralynne and Kelvin Pethybridge I have much to be grateful for in my life story. Growing up with faith and ministry modelled from an early age, the presence of God was never seen to be absent, and knowledge of God was always familiar.   Giving my time and skills to serve within the church was never a difficult question, and I developed a strong sense of usefulness within the church. In fact, through many seasons of serving, it became an appealing substitute for the deep, foundational work of developing intimacy with Jesus. So, for many years, I walked near him, but not always with him.    But God always wanted more. And he was patient. He waited for me to learn the hard way the lesson that the character I had formed was not his. He began rebuilding me – showing me that a life lived being busy near him could never sustain me as deeply or form me as fully as a life lived in close friendship with him.    Since then, my journey has not necessarily been one of getting to know God more, but of drawing close to let him in to know me and then allowing him to form me into who he always intended me to be – satisfied in him, serving from the overflow of intimacy, and letting him lead.    Nine years ago, God led me back into service from this deeper place, initially as an auxiliary lieutenant and now as a commissioned officer.   I believe that pursuing service or officership was never his goal, but being led by the Spirit to walk closely with Jesus, to surrender in partnered service for a lifetime, to love the church Jesus loves, and to seek life transformation in the communities they inhabit.   Bible verse: “So guard yourself and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock – His church, purchased with His own blood – over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as a leader” (Acts 20:28 NLT).

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following officers who will reach the retirement milestone: 31 December 2025 Major Rhonda Elkington Major Bev Kingston Major Phillip McCall Major Alan Milkins Major Denise Milkins Major Alwyn Robinson ‌Major David Rogerson               Major Heather Stamp Major Miriam Sutcliffe Colonel Wendy Walters Major Christine Wright 30 September 2025 Major Paul Beardsley Major Gregory Howard Major Julie Howard Colonel Kelvin Merrett Colonel Winsome Merrett Major Marrianne Schryver Major Peter Sutcliffe 31 August 2025 Major Neil Dickson 31 July 2025 Colonel Donna Evans      Colonel Stuart Evans  We warmly welcome home Colonels Donna and Stuart Evans after serving internationally for the past five years.  Effective 30 June 2025 Major Sue Hopper Effective 31 May 2025 Captain Laurel Cummins                                            Commissioner Robyn Maxwell                                            Commissioner Wayne Maxwell Effective 30 April 2025 Major Christine Ellis Effective 28 February 2025 Major Kirsten Elliott                        Lieut-Colonel Winsome Mason Major David Terracini Major Michele Terracini Effective 31 January 2025 Territorial Envoy Rosemary Richardson Lieutenant Colonel Neil Venables Major Craig Walker Effective 31 March 2025 Major Christine Ivers   Major Colin Maxwell

From: Rouse Hill Region Corps (NSW) Appointment: Corps Officer/Team Leader at Rouse Hill Corps (NSW) Silver Star recipients : Lieut-Colonels David and Sandra Godkin   I grew up in the church, witnessing my parents live out their faith and calling.   I encountered Jesus and gave my life to him at the age of eight. I had a deep desire to do anything for Jesus.   As I began to live out my faith in the church, it became more about works and doing things that were seen by others. Over time, I started seeking the approval of man over the approval of God.    It wasn’t until my adult years that the Holy Spirit took me deeper through some dark and broken seasons. Through my pain, he showed me that it was never about what I did for him or for others, but the anointing was in who I was as an adopted child of God.   He took me on an inner-healing journey and showed me his supernatural presence in my life, teaching me what my true Christ-given identity is. I then started to see gifts and mantles placed on me that I had never seen before. My ‘doing’ for him had shifted to a ‘being’ known by him.    This next step in ministry is my next ‘yes’ to Jesus. I have come to love the prayer ‘Disturb me, Lord’. Every disturbance in my life has brought me greater intimacy with Jesus and a deeper surrender to Holy Spirit.   I now have a deep yearning in my heart for all people to encounter that same revelation of what it means to be found, known, healed and transformed by the power of God.   When our lives are surrendered to the Holy Spirit, he takes our fears and turns them into our very calling.     Bible verse: “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:28-29 NLT).

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From: Auburn Corps (NSW) Appointment: Corps Officer/Team Member at Rockdale Corps (NSW) Silver Star recipients : Sia Bangao and Amadu Kargbo   I was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and my childhood was marked by war and trauma.   During the civil war, my mother and I were caught in a rebel attack while shopping. Amid the chaos, we were separated.   Days later, someone told me my mother had been killed. I was forced to live with my uncle. Life became harsh. He treated me like a servant, often locking me in a room without food.   At school, I was bullied, and when I sought help, no one listened. Perhaps the most painful part was never knowing my father. He abandoned me, and I never had the chance to see his face.    I grew up Muslim, but my experiences with religion were painful. As a child, I was beaten for failing to memorise the Qur’an in Arabic, a language I did not understand. Worship was never in my heart language, and I often felt judged and excluded, cast out for mistakes. I grew angry at people, at religion, and at God.    Years later, an unexpected encounter changed everything. A woman from Australia visited Sierra Leone and recognised my uncle. She told him she had seen his sister (my mother) in Australia; that she was alive, living there as a refugee! She had been told her children were dead.   When word reached me that my mother was alive, I refused to believe it. I felt abandoned and bitter. But with encouragement from community members, I agreed to travel to Australia in 2016 to be reunited with her.    Soon after arriving, my mother invited me to her church, The Salvation Army in Auburn. I told her it would be my first and last visit. I had no interest in religion. Yet she did not give up on me, and along with the corps officers, she continues to encourage me to come. Gradually, I began attending church.   The people were welcoming, but I still felt restless and depressed, often sitting alone in my car and weeping. Then I sensed God speaking to me. As I began to read the Bible given to me by one of the corps officers, it was as though Christ himself spoke: words of hope, purpose and love. The anger and isolation that had defined me began to lift.    The corps officers and congregation patiently walked with me. They never forced faith on me. They simply loved me. Through their example, I learned that my worth comes not from rules or human approval, but from God’s grace.     Over time, I became involved in ministry. I saw how many people, even in a wealthy country like Australia, carry hidden pain and loneliness. My own experiences of war, abuse and rejection had opened my eyes to their struggles. I realised that God was calling me to reach out as others had reached out to me.    The Salvation Army has been God’s grace alive in my life. It gave me a family of faith and a place to serve. That is why I feel called to become a Salvation Army officer: to share the love and hope of Christ with people who feel lost, unloved, or forgotten, just as I once did.    God has blessed me with a wonderful wife who has stood beside me throughout my journey. Her prayers and encouragement remind me daily of God’s love. Together, we are raising our three-year-old son, Emmanuel, whose name means ‘God with us’.   Emmanuel is a living reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness in our family. My wife and son are both a source of strength and joy in my life, and I know that ministry will be something we share together as a family.    I once believed I was alone and unloved. Today, I know I am a child of God, redeemed and called to serve. My prayer is that through my ministry, others will encounter the same transforming grace that changed my life.    Bible verse: “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and decrees. (Psalm 25:8-10).