The new campaign aims to fund the refurbishment of The Salvation Army Women’s Refuge in Papua New Guinea. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The 2025-26 Making it Happen project has been announced, with the wellbeing of women and children experiencing family and domestic violence (FDV) in Papua New Guinea the focus of fundraising for the initiative. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the most dangerous places to be a woman or girl , with more than 1.5 million people in the country experiencing gender-based violence per year. The goal of the Making it Happen appeal is to raise $150,000 (AUD) to fund the refurbishment of The Salvation Army Women’s Refuge. Salvation Army International Development’s (SAID) Special Projects Lead Major Jenny Begent says the refuge is in dire need of repairs to the paintwork, flooring and bathroom facilities, new furnishings and bedding, as well as an expansion to the facility to accommodate women with more than one child in their care. Jenny says despite the challenges of the facility’s infrastructure, the staff at the centre were still doing amazing work. She says for women who are facing FDV, a refuge is often a last resort and making such a decision can be accompanied by a lot of shame. “If women come into a safe space and feel welcome but also feel empowered and supported, then that's the best we can do in the first instance to lift their spirits a bit so that they get to a point where they [feel like] ‘actually, I can do this, I am in a safe space, it's only for a short time, and I will get through it’,” Jenny says. “I think the physical environment adds to those feelings. The space being lovely and clean and welcoming – it all adds to their recovery and their ability to get some perspective to live beyond the violence.” Jenny has a passion for those impacted by FDV following years of experience in the sector. She says she would also like to see the money go to providing a stronger resource base for women, including teaching life skills to women who have experienced FDV, education, training and a training module for corps officers to understand best practice for referrals. She says she would also like to see some more grassroots work with men, helping them to understand women’s rights, how to treat their partners well and how to appropriately care for their families. She says PNG is not the only nation facing this issue, as Australia also has its own heartbreaking challenges in this area, with one Australian woman a week being killed by an intimate partner*. “You just have to keep whittling away at it,” Jenny says. “I think if we can start that work, particularly with officers in PNG who really are embedded in their communities, then we've got a shot at changing communities.” For more information on the project and how to give, click here To go to The Salvation Army Family and Domestic Violence site, click here *Source: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that on average in 2023-24, one woman was killed every eight days by an intimate partner. To read more, go to https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/responses-and-outcomes/domestic-homicide .

Countless families are going hungry - but thanks to the Salvos Foodbank, food donations are delivering help, hope and life-changing support to people like Will's family.  (photo courtesy of  iStockphoto.com ) Will knows hunger all too well. As a young boy growing up in Melbourne in a single-parent home from the age of nine, he endured nights when sleep replaced dinner and the fridge stood empty. Now a successful IT Executive, Will shared his experience of food hunger and insecurity with Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH to shine a light on hidden hunger during Anti-Poverty Week – and how the Salvos helped transform his family’s life.     The moment Will first poured Coco Pops cereal into a bowl of full-cream milk is indelibly imprinted into his memory.   He was 10 years old.   But it wasn’t just a   long-awaited breakfast cereal treat or chocolatey indulgence that made it memorable.   For Will, it was a defining and momentous occasion – one that signalled, for the first time in a long time, life was going to be okay. His stomach would be full of delicious treats thanks to the Salvos Foodbank .  There was finally food in the house to enjoy – not just rations to barely survive on.   Will enjoyed his first bowl of chocolate cereal at 10 years of age thanks to the Foodbank Salvos. ( photo courtesy of Cottonbro Studio,  pexels.com ) And with it came something even more nourishing: hope.   “I had not been able to have Coco Pops ever as a child up until that point,” he recalled.   “Knowing food was for survival, not enjoyment, was the source of shame and embarrassment. I recall feeling desperate at meal times to satisfy hunger. Food was a competition amongst me and my siblings. When we got home (from the foodbank) and loaded up the cupboard, it was full. I remember thinking this is what other people's cupboards normally look like, and the next morning, full cream milk, Coco Pops was there in a bowl.”   Before food instability and eating for survival, not enjoyment, took hold between the ages of nine and 16, Will remembers a time when life was easier as a young boy. His parents were together and both worked steady jobs. They weren’t wealthy, but things were stable. However, finances and money were often a heated discussion point at home. It came with problems, it came with challenges, and it came with arguments. It was never far from Will’s mind that money was tied to safety – even as a child.   Then life changed forever. Will's single father struggled to care for his children and provide for them. At home, some nights were worse than others. At times, it meant sleep replaced a nonexistent dinner.  (photo courtesy of  istockphoto.com ) “My mum disappeared,” he said. “We came back from being up the shops, came back home, and she had disappeared, all the stuff gone .”   From that day forward, survival replaced stability.   Now a single dad, his father struggled to work, to pull himself up, to pull himself together, to care for his children and provide for them.   Will recalled how their family went from not struggling to worrying about food and where the next meal would come from on a daily basis. Rapidly, he was thrown into thinking about how the family would get the next meal.   “It was all about problems,” he remarked. “It was like, what next? Where do we go to?”   WATCH: An animation video of Will’s story will be uploaded on Salvos Online of Wednesday morning Desperation at mealtimes quickly set in, and food became a competition between Will and his siblings, each vying for the biggest or extra portion, pleading their case to their father.   “I didn’t have a sense of dread about our situation, we (myself and my siblings) just knew that we ate for survival,” he reflected. “And other families seemed to eat for enjoyment.”   These differences stood out most at friends’ houses, where leftovers were common, a foreign experience for Will, and name-brand items like tomato sauce sat freely on the table – never rationed.   “I would get embarrassed to invite these friends over knowing dinner at my house was widely different,” he remarked. “Inviting a friend over for dinner was another mouth to feed, which meant someone was going with less.”   Life also became quickly about getting by – however they could.   “Almost to survive, you knew that you had to do some things that you weren’t comfortable with,” he explained. “Being known as ‘cheap’ or a ‘scab’ among schoolmates, as I didn’t have my own food, rather I would need to go and hassle (or beg) other kids for their food.” In a little community hall, Will's family were given a basket and told they could choose whatever food they wanted from the Salvos – much to their disbelief. Compounding the family’s struggles was a deep scepticism toward those offering help, especially Christian organisations.  Their mother had “somewhat weaponised Christian values and beliefs”, leaving the family wary of faith-based groups. At school, church-run lunch programs allowed the opportunity for Will to enjoy free food, but the distrust remained.    “I look back and they were such nice people, such genuinely nice people. But I was horrible to them,” Will reflected. “I was thinking, I’m getting the free food, but you are not going to catch me believing in this God thing.”   At home, some nights were worse than others. At times, it meant sleep replaced a nonexistent dinner.   Then came a major turning point.   A mother of Will’s friend, active in the church, dropped off some bread to their doorstep, expecting nothing in return and with no questions asked. Suddenly, the friendship went from being good to great, Will recalled. Cheesy rolls, Boston Buns were just some of the “good stuff”.   She mentioned a Foodbank run by Salvos was available anytime if they ever needed food, disarming the feeling that the Salvos wanted something in return. So, the family decided to check it out.   Unsure of what to expect, Will’s father piled his family into the car and drove to the Foodbank. In a little community hall, the family were given a basket and told they could choose whatever they wanted – much to their disbelief. The food was laid out. No strings attached. No questions. Just help.   The family filled their basket in disbelief, amazed to find themselves choosing branded items instead of the usual no-name basics.   “I remember we just walked out and were like, what was that?!” Will recalled.   From then on, the family knew the Salvos would be there – and when the cupboards were bare. At school, Will felt the difference too. No longer the ‘scab kid’, he appreciated that the Salvos team offered help without a forced  ‘God chat’. The Salvation Army ... giving hope where it’s needed most. “I was anticipating they were going to hit us with some God chat,” he said. “I am so glad that they didn’t because it would have been such a barrier for us. What stuck around in my mind was just the desire to help above all else – that’s where it started.”   His father, burdened with shame and pride, started to soften. He began attending parenting groups and connecting with community. Life had one less worry, and food was finally enjoyed, not rationed or begged for such as in the past years.   Now, as an adult with a fiancée, home and career, Will describes himself as a very open-minded person to people's beliefs, perspectives and what drives him to be a good person.   That is who he is today. He reflects back on the tough years and the many lessons learned.   So, what would he tell his younger self?   “You can trust people,” he emphasised. “Have your wits about you ... ask for help because you are worthy of it.   Now working in the IT Industry, Will has a different perspective on the Christian organisation that exists to help others. Everyone is driven by the same purpose and the same motivation, he remarked .    “They are compelled by a mission,” he said. “Salvos were part of the food, but they are also part of some of these communities, some of these groups. “And when we would come across someone from the Salvos, my immediate thought was, they are here to help. They are part of the good ones; they are the trustworthy ones. It reframed who they are in my life.”   And his life motto?   To this day, his purpose is made up of three pillars :  make a dollar, make a difference, and don’t die doing it   – in that order! He wants to earn enough to be comfortable, to show up and make a positive difference in the community, and to ensure that being healthy is always a priority.   For those just surviving in the community and in need of help, he has a message.   “Show up as you are,” he emphasised. “You don’t need to know exactly what you want. Just start somewhere, let them know what some of the things that you’re struggling with and see what comes forward. Take one step at a time. Trust that someone knows these sorts of challenges – and that they are going to help you through it.”

Lilyrose, leader of the corps in Vanuatu (left), and Major Bindy Lupis take some time out from their busy schedules to enjoy a relaxing cuppa and chat. Major Bindy Lupis is National Response Manager for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Service (SAES) – now merged into the new Emergency, Aid and Development department (EAD), led by Daryl Crowden (General Manager). As EAD oversees The Salvation Army’s work in the South Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu, Bindy is supporting Lilyrose (corps leader in the capital, Port Vila) in a mentoring role. She shared some reflections about her recent visit to Vanuatu in an interview with  Salvos Online  journalist  SIMONE WORTHING . Can you share some of your experiences during your recent visit to Port Vila? I was in Vanuatu from 28 August to 4 September. The visit was a mix of working with Daryl Crowden (General Manager EAD), checking in on the development work following the earthquake that struck near the coast of Vanuatu on 17 December last year, a visit to one of the schools where we have installed a water tank, and meeting with other stakeholders. The annual beach picnic is a highlight for everyone. This was also my first visit to meet with the faith community at The Salvation Army’s 21 Jump Street site and see all that happens there. I spent a few days getting to know them and their community. This included a church family outing to the beach on the Saturday, leading worship along with Lilyrose (who currently overseas the corps) on Sunday, and visiting the property that helps support some of the women to grow and cook food to sell so they have an income to support their families. There were also lots of opportunities to sit and chat, see the food gardens and the Mama’s kitchen, play with the children and just do life together for the few days. READ MORE: Australian officers lead Salvos response to earthquake in Vanuatu. What does your mentoring role involve? How will you manage this from Australia? The ‘overseeing’ of the work of The Salvation Army in Vanuatu is currently in a time of transition, and there are conversations with International Headquarters (IHQ) about what it will look like going forward. However, during this time it was identified that what would be most helpful for Lilyrose is to have someone in more of a ‘mentor’ role. So, for me, this looks like chatting when we can via video calls, and a couple of visits a year. Really, it looks like me cheering on my sister, praying with and for her and advocating for her when needed, from Australia.     What did you love about your recent visit, and what was challenging for you? There was so much to love and, to be honest, I am hoping The Salvation Army takes its time deciding what is next so I can continue to do life with the Vanuatu family as long as possible. I am part of them now! Bindy spent time engaging with children and youth. The Salvos in Vanuatu are blessed to have stacks of young people as part of the faith community. I was welcomed beautifully by them, and it was pretty rare to go anywhere without holding hands with two or three children at once. The young people are leading the way there. They are using their gifts to serve their community, they are passionate about visiting elderly community members to sing and give food, they are proud of the food gardens and all that their church is doing and their part in it, and they love to worship. This excites me! However, it is also one of the things that challenged me. To know that, despite so much incredible potential in these young people, not all of them will have the opportunities to fully discover and step into their strengths and passions.    How are the corps and Jump Street residents coping since the earthquake?   From my point of view, having not been there after the earthquake, I see a resilient community of faith who have gotten back on their feet to continue loving and serving each other and their community. They want to learn from it, and Lilyrose has a dream to build a bigger, stronger church building that will be a safe shelter for the community during the next earthquake or cyclone. There are still visible signs of the damage the earthquake caused, but there are also signs of life returning to normal. There was a sense of excitement and busyness on Sunday when a cruise ship was docked off the coast and tourists filled the markets buying local handicrafts. This is so vital for the local economy. READ MORE: Australia wraps up Vanuatu response following earthquake What would you particularly like to share about getting to know the Vanuatu Salvation Army family? There were so many special moments, conversations, stories I could share, but my one little subtle ‘soapbox’ is that The Salvation Army in Vanuatu understands what it means to be an Acts 2 church. They don’t get caught up in what they don’t have or complain about lack of money or resources or an inadequate building. They are generous with the little they do have, and they just get on with doing life together and serving their community in all that they do. It’s a beautiful expression of the Kingdom.  Joy and family at the Vanuatu Corps annual picnic, with Daryl Crowden (far left) and Major Bindy Lupis (centre, in hat).

Girls everywhere need our love, care, attention and empowerment, writes Rosy Keane. BY AUXILIARY-LIEUTENANT ROSY KEANE   You may or may not have heard of the International Day of the Girl Child , celebrated this year on 11 October, which was yesterday, with the theme The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead .   Most articles about the Day of the Girl Child will be written and read by adults, yet our hope is to turn our hearts and minds toward the girls in our midst and around the world, focusing our efforts on recognising their value and participating in actions to co-create a better future for them.  The statistics are frightening: 133 million girls are out of school today. For perspective, the population of Australia is about 27 million. That’s almost five times our entire nation of girls without education, options or a viable future. They could not write or read this article.  Why do we have an International Day of the Girl? Because statistics like these show how uniquely vulnerable girls are. Yet the theme The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead  reminds us that girls are also uniquely empowered to transform the world.  Familiar story My great-grandmother Bel was born in 1902. When she was six years old, she was given away to make room for one of many more children. The man in the new ‘family’ quickly ended schooling for Bel, and at eight years old she was forced into farm work and house labour. Bel became one of these statistics.  She ran away and eventually was placed into one of The Salvation Army’s orphanages in rural New Zealand, where she went on to become a Salvation Army soldier. Over 120 years later, here I am, with The Salvation Army still. This tenacious young girl who endured so much impacted generations to come.  For many girls, Bel’s story isn’t so far removed from their own. Around the world, simply for the crime of being born a girl, she could face child marriage, female genital mutilation, sex trafficking and forced labour, male violence and compromised access to health care. She will also grow up to be disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.  At times, it could feel frightening to be born a girl, and maybe even like a curse.  God’s perspective But the Scriptures remind us otherwise:  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be,” (Psalm 139, verses 13–16, New International Version).   Malala Yousafzai, world-renowned activist who survived the Taliban and champions young girls’ education, shares in her book, I Am Malala , how, when she was born, her father showered her crib with coins and fruit, gifts usually reserved only for boys. Her father taught her that being a girl is a source of wonder and pride, not disappointment and pain. Because of his belief in her purpose and position, she went on to change generations.  We believe God has a great plan for us. God made girls. God does not see a girl’s birth as a curse. God’s grace to the world is girls, promising them that they can be part of restoration for the world.  What can you do?   Girls everywhere need our love, care, attention and empowerment. Their unique skills and presence in the world will herald powerful opportunities for transformation, bringing balance, creativity and growth to a world that desperately needs them. (Imagine the grace, solutions and wholeness that would emerge if five times the population of Australia worth of girls were simply given the gift of education?)  So, we ask:  Where can you give, or invest in local and international causes, that will benefit girls?  How might your heroes and examples of faith include and uplift girls?  And finally, how can your prayers and generosity transform not only Australia one life at a time, but the entire world, one girl at a time? Who knows what influence your belief in girls will have 120 years in the future.

Girls impacted by violence and discrimination across the world are not just numbers – they are lives, stories, and futures that matter deeply, writes Grace Hall. BY GRACE HALL* This year, for the  International Day of the Girl Child , which is today, The Salvation Army’s  International Social Justice Girls (ISJG) group has created powerful and hope-filled resources to celebrate, uplift, and champion girls everywhere. The theme of their campaign this year is: ‘The Warrior, Her Voice, His Victory’ – based on words from the book of Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10-18, which encourage us all to stand firm and speak up for what is right.   Girls around the world face serious and heartbreaking challenges every day. From child marriage – where an estimated 12 million girls under the age of 18 become child brides each year – to modern slavery, where over 63 million girls are trapped in child labour, the statistics are staggering. In Australia alone, one in five children experience domestic violence, and one in three teenagers report experiencing sex-based discrimination. These are not just numbers – they are lives, stories, and futures that matter deeply.  Believing that the voices of women and girls are critical to addressing many social issues that negatively impact societies, The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission launched in 2021 an initiative called the International Social Justice Girls group. It arose out of the significant engagement of Salvationist girls in the 2020 International Day of the Girl Child observance during which interest in further development of advocacy was expressed.  The initiative has opened the door for girls aged 14 to 25 to learn and develop as advocates for women and girls. The ISJG was created for the purpose of empowering, encouraging and educating women and girls in The Salvation Army from around the globe. More than 40 girls applied, and 25 were selected. They represent 15 countries and 10 languages.  The ISJG wants girls around the world to know that they are not forgotten and are not alone.   *Grace Hall is an Administration Assistant at Queensland Divisional Headquarters, and is also an ISJG Girl Advocate.

General Lyndon Buckingham has congratulated the Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally on her appointment as head of the Church of England. The Salvation Army’s international leader, General Lyndon Buckingham, has congratulated the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Anglican Bishop of London, on her appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.   His Majesty the King (King Charles III) approved the nomination of Bishop Mullally by the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, and the appointment was announced on 3 October 2025 by the office of the UK Prime Minister. Bishop Mullally will be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the office. She will lead the Church of England and become the most senior bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion. General Buckingham recognised the nomination’s approval in a letter to Bishop Mullally, written on behalf of members and employees of The Salvation Army throughout the world.   The General congratulated Bishop Mullally and shared: “As the first woman to hold this office, this is a momentous milestone for the Church and for the world.   “I join countless others around the world in my gratitude that you accepted God’s calling long ago ... I have every confidence that his wisdom and providence will continue to be yours as you take on this new ministry.”   “Be assured of the prayers of myself and the worldwide Salvation Army as you prepare to transition to your new responsibilities,” General Buckingham concluded. Bishop Mullally’s Confirmation of Election will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, UK in January 2026, and Bishop Mullally will be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, UK in March 2026.   Prior to Bishop Mullally’s ordination to the priesthood in 2001, she was the UK Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37. She has described nursing as “an opportunity to reflect the love of God”. She is married to Eamonn, and they have two children. General Lyndon Buckingham speaks to the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and incumbent Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally.

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

Two illustrations from a 1925 edition of the War Cry depicting The Salvation Army’s view on ‘the world’. BY BARRY GITTINS One hundred years ago, in their 1925 periodical, the War Cry , Salvationists were bemoaning the influence of popular culture (films, sport, gambling, ‘the funny paper, the dance rooms’, etc.) on ‘the worldlings’ they wanted to recruit – that is, on their neighbours, relatives, workmates and fellow citizens who they believed were seduced by ‘the world’ and all its pleasures. The role of ‘the world’ in distracting people from joining The Salvation Army, in cahoots with those other distractions ‘the flesh’ and ‘the devil’, was a serious issue for Salvos, as shown by the illustrations from that year. The 3 October cover showed ‘the world’ focusing on money, drama, fashion, gossip, etc., ignoring The Salvation Army’s invitation. It’s a common theme for many churches, this fear and jealousy of the world’s drawing power. It possibly stems from Jesus Christ’s evocative command to be in the world but not of the world; to swim in the culture but not be part of the culture. The Salvos were a curious case of embracing and using popular culture when it suited them, and no lesser an authority than William Booth had dreamed that The Salvation Army could be ‘the whole world redeeming’ in scope, if they swam in Christ’s love (in his 1893 song, O Boundless Salvation ). Another way to see the world – as a beautiful creation of God, who as Jesus taught wanted people to have ‘life in all its fullness’ – was that the world could point people to the One who made it. The classic 1927 song (we used to call them Negro spirituals) He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands used the examples of creation to encourage singers to see God’s hand present and over all creation. Three more illustrations of the era when the War Cry ‘went to war’ on the lure of ‘the world’. It was in 1934 that the Army’s fourth world leader (and first female General) Evangeline Booth wrote the life-affirming, ambitious anthem, The World for God , with its pledge: ‘I give my heart! I’ll do my part!’ The Salvation Army is at its most alluring when it presents the message of Christ’s love to the people it encounters, be it at the movies, the shops, at the corps or in the workplace. The notion of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’ all conspiring to lead humanity away from God is not necessarily one that Jesus pushed; the Son of man was more likely to be found hanging out with his mates or with ‘dodgy types’ at parties than sitting morosely with Pharisees and the respectably judgmental. READ MORE: For more articles on Salvation Army history, click here

General Lyndon Buckingham, in traditional Maori costume, prays at the Together Congress. BY VIVIENNE HILL* The Salvation Army’s international leaders – General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) – recently led the Together Congress 2025 on their ‘home turf’ of New Zealand. The Buckinghams are the first New Zealanders to lead The Salvation Army in its 160-year history. They joined with people gathered from all parts of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory in the New Zealand north island city of Hamilton, for the congress from 26-28 September. The weekend was a powerful celebration of unity, cultural richness and spiritual renewal, with delegates from the four nations – who had not been together for six years – experiencing shared worship and mission fellowship. The congress opened with a deeply moving pōwhiri, a traditional Māori ceremony of welcome, honouring the presence of the international leaders. It was a moment of reverence, hospitality and connection to the land and its people. (Left) General and Commissioner Buckingham and various leaders of the NZFTS Territory during a praise and worship time. (Right) Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham has her traditional Maori dress adjusted. A celebration of culture Throughout the congress, the Fiji, Tonga and Samoa delegations brought vibrant energy that enriched every moment. Their cultural expressions – through music, dance, language and dress – added colour, depth and authenticity to the gathering. From powerful Pacific songs to traditional attire and heartfelt testimonies, their presence reminded all delegates of the beauty and strength found in the territory’s diversity. These contributions were not just performances, but acts of worship, identity and unity. The Buckinghams delivered stirring messages that reverberated across the territory, igniting hearts with renewed purpose. Their call was unmistakable and urgent: “We are commissioned to be salt and light in a world aching for healing and hungry for hope.” What also shone through was the undeniable joy they felt as they stood among familiar faces in their homeland – a moment rich with warmth and connection. (Left) The Buckinghams are interviewed on stage at the congress. (Right) The General presents a message at the congress. A powerful sense of divine orchestration emerged when it was acknowledged that both the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory and the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory had this year named their gatherings  Together . This was seen by some as a prophetic declaration of global alignment, spiritual unity and shared mission. It was a reminder that the work of transformation is not isolated, but collective; not temporal, but eternal. Faith in action On Saturday afternoon, delegates stepped out into the community for ‘Love Kirikiriroa’, a city-wide outreach initiative to serve others. From rubbish clean-ups and prayer walks to toy-making for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, delegates lived out the mission of being Christ’s hands and feet. The ‘Together Festival’ added a celebratory dimension to the weekend. With food trucks, live music, pop-up markets and family-friendly activities, the event welcomed the wider Hamilton community into the congress experience. Territorial Commander Commissioner Janine Donaldson described it as “a festival for the whole community”, and it truly was a joyful expression of faith, fellowship and inclusion. Many dances took place at the congress that reflected the different island cultures of the territory. Workshops and breakout sessions offered space for reflection, learning and spiritual growth, and included contributions from missiologist and prolific writer on mission Mike Frost. Delegates explored themes of leadership, justice, youth empowerment and holistic mission. The congress was more than an event; it was a prophetic moment in the life of the territory. A declaration that, together, we are called to be light in the darkness, salt in the fire and love in action. *Vivienne Hill is Communications Manager and Editor of   SALT ,  New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory For more information and to read the SALT magazine, click here .

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

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With The Salvation Army’s Thought Matters Conference fast approaching, spots for in-person attendance are now filled.  According to conference convenor Major Sandy MacDonald, though all in-person registrations had been taken, online spots were still available up until the conference commencement on 10 October. This year’s event is being held at Eva Burrows College in Melbourne. The conference presentation schedule features diverse papers, each addressing the topic of ‘Theologies of Work, Play and Rest’. There is a paper by first-time Thought Matters presenter Lieutenant Sarah Walker that draws parallels and contrasts between faith communities like those within The Salvation Army and Parkrun. Another paper, by Salvos Stores Chaplain Richard Wiltshire, focuses on reclaiming the concept of logos  as a pattern of sacred living. And there is another paper by The Salvation Army New Zealand’s Major Sue Hay and Lieutenant Tammy Mohi, which presents the concept of wellbeing within Māori culture known as ‘Whiti Te Rā’. Sue and Tammy are two of many New Zealand attendees at the conference.   Sandy said the conference schedule also allowed for fun activities and for those who attended Parkrun to do so on the Saturday. She said there was a wide range of presenters, including both officers and staff. She said this year’s conference was very accessible as it offered something for everyone.   “There’s some very deep, theologically-heavy papers, but there’s also some more lived experience [ones],” she said.   “Often people pit work versus play or work versus rest. But there’s this important synergy that we’re hoping will come out of the conference. It’s not going to be a conference that bashes all work and says work is terrible. We’re hoping that there’s a bit more of an opening of conversation than just sort of pushing one thing versus another.”  To find out more about the conference, click here .

A new table at Salvos’ Village café at Panania in Sydney encourages community and connection. BY LAUREN MARTIN   There’s a saying that resonates at ‘The Village’ café run by The Salvation Army in Sydney: “When you have more than you need, build a bigger table, not a higher fence.”   That’s exactly the ethos of ‘The Village’, which opened in 2024 as a mission expression of Shire Salvos Panania, serving great coffee and inviting people into loving community and ultimately sharing the love of Jesus.  The Panania Mission Leader, Lieut-Col Sandra Godkin. And community connections are growing exponentially. So much so that Panania Mission Leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandra Godkin, said one day, “We need a bigger table!”   “We already have a book club that comes here,” said Sandra. A Bible study also meets at The Village, and a group of retired officers meet every fortnight to encourage each other.   “We were getting very busy – all our tables were full, so we needed new tables and thought, ‘Let’s get a really big table that can be a focus point for the café.” In true Salvation Army ‘thifting’ style, a table was discovered in the local area that someone had put outside for the local council to take away in a ‘clean up.’ The work experience student, Jake, sands the edges of the table destined for The Village café. Shire Salvos member and local builder, Luke Soper, got hold of it and worked alongside a teenage work experience student and another volunteer to sand it back and give it a new life. “It looks lovely!” said Sandra. “It’s become a real focus on our verandah. A lot of parents gather there because it’s right near our play area.”   Last month, a new connection group started at the table, called ‘Connect at the Village’, run by a volunteer who is studying counselling.   “The Village is all about loving people and helping people to realise their full potential,” said former Panania Mission Leader Natalie Sheehan when the café first opened.   And that’s exactly what is happening, as the Holy Spirit draws more and more people to the table. READ MORE: Café offers hope and connection Volunteer Jeremiah (left) and work experience student Jake deliver the refurbished table to the Salvos café in Panania in July.