In the sixth of a series spotlighting this year’s cadets of the Rescued session, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH chatted with Mike Salomo about the plot twist he never saw coming – swapping a 25-year career in the property industry for a life of ministry and mission. From a quiet moment in a bush chapel to a calling he never planned, Mike shares how saying ‘yes’ to God has taken him on a life-changing mission – one he wouldn’t trade for anything. Mike, rewind for us … when did the call to officership hit, and what made you say that big ‘yes’? Early last year, I attended the Salvos’ What’s Next conference. I was open to officership and was intrigued, following on from a spiritual transformation and journey over the previous five years. During a quiet walk on the Sunday morning of the conference to reflect on everything and to speak to God and hear what He has to say, I found myself alone in a bush chapel, where I felt the calling strongly. After 25 years working in the property industry, I had retrained in social work to work with people who want to be helped. In that moment at the chapel, I sensed God saying, “I am at the centre of your calling.” Mike with Lieut-Colonel David Godkin, his Local Placement Officer at Miranda Salvos. Where are you serving at the moment, and what’s your role? I’m serving as a cadet at Miranda Salvos, which is part of Shire Salvos in Sydney, and I am learning so much from the leadership team and the entire church family. What I love about Miranda Salvos is that there are just so many community services and programs that happen there. It’s a drop-in centre where we help people, meeting them where they are at. Any standout moments that are shaping you as a future officer? There have been so many already, but one that stands out at the moment is the time I get to open myself to God and share my life with others. I’m passionate about ministering to other men and am doing regular journaling at the moment with others, where I have the privilege of discipling while also allowing myself to be discipled. And it’s incredible how much learning takes place, not only about the Word and others, but about myself and the life of ministry that is in front of me. I love it and want more of it. I feel strongly in my element. Where are you feeling stretched right now? Pretty much everywhere, but I’ve also realised how much I’ve learned. There are things I say now where I stop and think, “Wow, where did that come from?” Although it feels like that it has been a messy, muddy space where I’ve given my absolute best, after six months I’m also seeing so much gained from experiential learning and growing through all of it. When not busy with his studies, Mike loves to pick up his guitar and belt out some favourite tunes. What strengths do you lean on most? My faith in knowing that God has got this – that God has called me, and that God wastes nothing. Sometimes I wish I had received this calling 30 years ago. I think about where I might be today, 30 years into officership with all the experience that comes with it. But at the same time, I recognise that I have stepped into this calling today with life experience and lived experience that I otherwise would not have had all those years ago. What areas of officership really fire you up – and why? Seeing God transforming people’s lives. I’m drawn to ministry that happens with people who are struggling and disconnected and trying to work out where God is in their life. I’m increasingly excited about spreading the Gospel. I have seen that people can change in many ways, but I believe there is something deeper that happens when people encounter Jesus and start to understand that their life can be different. If you could design your dream appointment today, what would it look like, and who would you most hope to impact? I was in Melbourne recently and spent one evening on a tour of Project 614. I love that place! I shared on that night that it would be my dream appointment. I’ve never seen a bigger drop-in centre, and everywhere I looked I saw the Holy Spirit at work. It was beautiful while it was also complex. So many different needs and different groups being looked after, and all of it radiating the love of Jesus. The Salomo family – Mike pictured with his two sons, Luke (left), Patrick and his wife, Nicola*. And just for fun … when you switch off, what do you love doing? I love reading, although most of my reading right now is textbooks! Otherwise, I love books that deal with healing from complex trauma and attachment disruptions. I had paused a postgraduate social work degree to come to Training College, but I’m always passionate about therapeutic and recovery spaces. As mentioned before, one of the things I feel called to in my officership is helping other men – particularly men who have grown up with childhood trauma. *Mike is married to Captain Nicola Salomo Poore, Mission and Ministry Coordinator – Officer Formation at Eva Burrows College (Sydney Campus).

Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hateley (Secretary for Communications) and Amity Cartwright (Head of Brand and Marketing) with the Charity of the Year award. BY SIMONE WORTHING Roy Morgan – Australia’s best known and longest established market research company – held its Trusted Brand Awards for 2026 last week, with The Salvation Army winning the Charity category. “It was my privilege this evening to accept, on behalf of The Salvation Army, the Roy Morgan award for the Most Trusted Charity in Australia,” said Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley, Secretary for Communications. “This award isn’t given by a panel. It’s given by the public which makes it both the most meaningful recognition we could receive, and the most humbling. “There’s a saying I keep coming back to: trust is won in drops and lost in buckets. It’s earned slowly – one conversation, one meal, one night of safe accommodation, one person treated with dignity. And it can be emptied in a single moment. Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley speaks at the awards ceremony. “So, we don’t accept this as a verdict. We accept it as a balance we’re responsible for maintaining – one that has to be topped up daily, by thousands of officers, employees and volunteers, most of whom will never be recognised like this. “For an organisation like ours, trust isn’t a reputational nicety. It’s the operating condition.” “The Salvation Army does not work alone, and we couldn’t. We work alongside and in partnership with extraordinary organisations – in homelessness, family violence, addiction, disaster recovery, financial hardship – many of whom are doing work that no one applauds, in places no one is watching. Trust in our sector is something we hold collectively. When one of us earns it, we all benefit. When one of us loses it, we all carry the cost. So, this recognition belongs, in part, to all not-for-profits who are working tirelessly for better outcomes for others. “For an organisation like ours, trust isn’t a reputational nicety. It’s the operating condition. “To our donors, thank you for trusting us with your gifts. To the people who come to us at a time in need, thank you for trusting us. To our officers, staff and volunteers, thank you for being the creators and custodians of trust. You are the heroes.” Return win According to the Roy Morgan website, “The brands represented across all 22 categories have had exceptional years with high levels of trust, and exceedingly low, or negligible, levels of distrust. “All winning brands are highly regarded in their respective industries, and many have built on previous wins to continue their market leading levels of trust for another year.” The Salvation Army was among three brands that returned to the winners circle this year, with its last win as Charity of the Year in 2023.

In this God-defining moment, Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane reflects on how God interceded in her life, despite her walking away from him as a 13-year-old. Discovering that God hadn't given up on her – even at her worst – transformed her understanding of who he really is, and has led her to say 'yes' to him ever since.

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 (7-14 September) we pray for The Canada and Bermuda Territory. This territory has 1376 officers (483 active, 893 retired); 4 Aux-Captains; 13 cadets; 259 corps; 13,348 senior soldiers; 24,040 adherents; 1362 junior soldiers; 9607 employees. Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves lead the territory. The work of the Canada and Bermuda Territory includes: · Homelessness services · Disaster response · Summer camps for young people · Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Serving others in need is a focus of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Prayer requests: · Pray that the territory will be Holy Spirit led as we give our focused attention to achieving our strategic objectives of ‘Jesus Centred – Others Focused’ in the advancement of the mission. · Pray that we would continue to realise the beautiful impact of the spring 2026 visit of our International Leaders, General & Commissioner Buckingham, as we celebrate the quiet revival that we thank the Lord, is underway. · We continue to pray for the harvest as souls are being saved, discipleship is taking place and members are being made. · Pray for response and availability in answering the call of God to fulltime ministry and service. · We pray for God’s leading in our prayer & preparation for the Global Holiness Event 14-16 May 2027. · Pray for decrement in choosing God’s representatives and influencers for the upcoming International Youth Congress in July 2027. To find out more about the Canada and Bermuda Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here. Famous for its ice hockey, The Salvation Army incorporates national culture into ministry.

Through The Salvation Army’s international emergency response network, funds have been provided to support relief efforts in Nepal. The Salvation Army Australia is supporting the National Heads of Churches appeal through its partner Act for Peace. To donate to the appeal, please click here. To read the latest report on Nepal from International Headquarters outlining how the partnerships work, click here. Through The Salvation Army’s international emergency response network, funds have already been provided to support relief efforts in Nepal, where local teams are preparing to distribute food, blankets, emergency lights, soap and other essential supplies as access to affected areas improves. The Salvation Army Australia Territory is supporting this international response to the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa District on 26 August, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Salvation Army personnel across Australia have also been encouraged to pray for affected communities and those involved in rescue and recovery efforts. General Lyndon Buckingham has called on Salvationists around the world to stand with those affected. “With deep sorrow, The Salvation Army around the world stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and Tibet (China). We are praying for the families of those who have died and for the many thousands who have lost their homes and livelihoods.”

The Salvation Army joins with partners and local contacts to assist in the unfolding emergency in Nepal. BY IHQ INTERNATIONAL The Salvation Army is working with partners and local contacts to assess needs and support communities affected by the unfolding emergency in Nepal, with some of the hardest-hit areas still inaccessible. Some aid has reached isolated communities. Salvation Army contacts have begun visiting affected communities to carry out initial assessments, following news of the emergency last week when Salvation Army leader General Lyndon Buckingham issued a heartfelt call to prayer for all those affected. Access remains extremely difficult. Roads and other transport routes have been washed away, leaving severely affected areas including Timure, Uttargaya, Dhunche and Betrawati largely cut off. Despite these challenges, one Salvation Army contact was able to reach Dhunche and Syafrubesi by chartered helicopter, gathering information on local needs and distributing a limited quantity of essential supplies, including rice, salt, light blankets and clothing. Through Salvation Army partners and local contacts, further supplies including clothing, blankets, mattresses, noodles, soap and rice have also reached affected communities. The Salvation Army Australia is supporting the National Heads of Churches appeal for Nepal through partner Act for Peace. To donate, click the button below. At the same time, The Salvation Army is coordinating with Nepal's Social Welfare Council to secure the necessary approval for the emergency response. Once the funds are released, teams will begin procuring and distributing additional relief items, guided by assessments of the needs of affected communities. Please continue to pray for those who have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones, for communities that remain isolated and for everyone working to bring help to those who need it most.

Major Gareth MacDonald has released an album of piano arrangements close to his heart. “Playing the piano for me, I’ve always acknowledged that it is a gift from God to me, and as a response to that gift, I could use it to honour and glorify his name, and so it’s a very personal worship experience.” – Major Gareth MacDonald. Major Gareth MacDonald has always been drawn to music in his personal and spiritual life. Inspired by his father, he began playing the piano at six and found a deep connection to God through the keys. “Most of the time, I’m home in the study with the lights off and the headphones on, and it’s just the music and the lyrics, which speak to me of my love for God and His love and grace to me,” he said. Gareth, the Corps Officer at Preston, Melbourne, has been a member of the Melbourne Staff Band since 2019, furthering his musicianship on baritone and serving as the band’s pianist when called upon. He recently released an album, In the love of Jesus, with the help of the Melbourne Staff Band. It is a compilation of Salvation Army songbook tunes, something he “stumbled across by accident”. The album launch was held at Preston Corps on Saturday 15 August, with Gareth performing a selection of songs and being interviewed by host Major Matt Reeve, Corps Officer at nearby Camberwell. Major Gareth MacDonald performs one of the arrangements at the album launch at Preston Corps. Major Matt Reeve interviews Gareth at the launch. “The process was heavily inspired by The Salvation Army Songbook. Being in The Salvation Army my whole life and having been around Salvation Army music all my life, it’s just been a part of my life,” Gareth said. “It became clear that [all the music I chose] had all been songbook songs, and so when it came to designing the artwork, it was heavily impacted by the look of the songbook, and it was the theme that I ran with.” Songs on the album include ‘In the love of Jesus’, ‘I bring them to Jesus’ and ‘In the Secret of Thy presence’. Gareth is the son of Salvation Army officers Alan and Margaret MacDonald, who served in appointments across Western Australia and Victoria. When his parents moved to Albany (WA), piano clicked for him through the work of his teacher, Mrs Clifton. With a move to Gosnells (WA), he furthered his abilities in a Salvation Army setting. Major Gareth MacDonald with Edith Jones, a major supporter of the album from Western Australia, and who also happens to be Gareth’s mother-in-law. “When we moved to Gosnells Corps, when I was 13 or 14, I started playing for the songsters, and that just stretched my playing ability along with following and reading a lot of music.”Gareth later moved to Perth Fortress in his early 20s, where he was the songsters’ pianist. He started the Contemporary Band and became bandmaster for 10 years before becoming an officer. He says recording the album was something he always wanted to do, but his recent inspiration came from his YouTube hobby. “It sort of came about because of the response I got from people as I did my YouTube clips. And the recording was an extension of that,” he said. “But to be able to do something in a professional studio, on a grand piano, is a little different from doing my YouTube clips in the study.” The proceeds from the album In the love of Jesus will go directly towards funding the Melbourne Staff Band’s Impact Plus camp, where young Salvation Army musicians aged 14 to 30 join the band for a three-day music camp in Victoria. The band subsidises travel for interstate attendees and camp running costs. During the recording, Melbourne Staff Bandmaster Mark Hamilton assisted Gareth and said that the weekend of Impact Plus was at the core of the band’s mission. “The Melbourne Staff Band wants to invest in young people,” Mark said. “For me, personally, my musicianship has developed just really through The Salvation Army. Music is an amazing tool to share the Gospel, but it is also just a great tool for developing young people.” Major Matt Reeve (right) interviews Melbourne Staff Bandmaster Mark Hamilton, with Gareth watching on, at the launch. Gareth hopes the album will be used as a worship tool to bring people closer to God through the music. “My hope, my prayer for the recording is that people will be drawn closer to God by listening to the music and responding to the words that it represents.” The In the love of Jesus album is currently being sold for $20 through https://msbshop.com.au/ with online streaming coming soon.

Long-term SAES team members Maria Varelas and Robin Fisk officially open the new Victorian SAES depot in Epping with Major Kim Haworth (Assistant Chief Secretary – Mission). BY LERISSE SMITH An exciting new chapter has begun for The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES). The Emergency Services Depot in Victoria has relocated to a new home in Epping, after more than 30 years in Eltham. “This move marks an exciting milestone for our team,” says Major Bindy Lupis, National Response Manager for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Service. “And it creates new opportunities to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and support communities when they need us most.” A large crowd attended the official opening of the new depot on 25 July, with long-term team members Maria Varelas and Robin Fisk officially opening the new premises alongside Major Kim Haworth, Assistant Chief Secretary – Mission. Joining the Woolworths team at the depot opening were Major Bindy Lupis (National Response Manager for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Service), Major Kim Haworth (Assistant Chief Secretary – Mission), and Major Mal Davies (Victoria Divisional Commander). Woolworths have been long-term supporters of the SAES. Bindy said it was wonderful to see the community come together and share in such a special milestone. “We are incredibly grateful for the support, partnerships, and encouragement we continue to receive, and to our phenomenal volunteers who make our work possible every day,” she says. “A special shout-out to the team members who dedicated countless hours to cleaning, organising, preparing food, and maybe even a few sleepless nights to ensure the official opening was a success. Your commitment and hard work did not go unnoticed. Thank you all for being part of this exciting new chapter with us.” Bindy added that the team was grateful for the support of Lieut-Colonel Gregory Morgan, Secretary for Mission, and many in the business support portfolio, particularly those in property, who worked with them to make the new depot a reality. A large crowd attended the official opening of the new SAES depot on 25 July. Carolyn Spratling, State Coordinator – Response Victoria, said the relocation meant better community engagement. “It enables a much quicker turnaround for responding and also a space for our volunteers to come and gather,” she says. “At Eltham, we had to move many vehicles to get vehicles from down the back. Now everything is spread out, so we can take whatever vehicle we need and it’s ready to go, instead of moving a lot of equipment to get to our supplies and other trucks or whatever. It means everything can be stored in one location instead of at storage units and stored off-site.” Carolyn Spratling (State Coordinator – Response Victoria) says two of the key features of the new depot are its size and its close proximity to all the major freeways across the state. Carolyn said two of the key features of the new depot were its size and close proximity to all the different freeways across the state. The larger space at the new depot also allows room to park the team’s five vehicles. Additionally, the new facility has storage for material aid and an area for single-incident house fire supplies, plus a kitchen, offices, a training room, a small workspace, and a workshop. “This newly leased facility provides the space and capability SAES has urgently needed,” Carolyn says. “As the operational hub for SAES in Victoria, the depot will house staff, vehicles, and supplies in one location - enabling faster response times when disaster strikes. It also opens the door for training, meal preparation, and hosting corporate visitors at functions which were not possible before.” Major Bindy Lupis (National Response Manager for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Service) says the relocation of the Emergency Services Depot in Victoria marks an exciting milestone for the SAES team. She is pictured with Major Kim Haworth (Assistant Chief Secretary – Mission).

Matt is proud of his three daughters and the relationship he has with them. BY AUX-LIEUTENANT MATT CAIRNS* In March this year, I had the absolute blessing of walking my first-born daughter down the aisle – I then got to turn around and do the ceremony! What a privilege. In the days leading up to the ceremony, I spent plenty of time reflecting on my time as her father – the time she would giggle as she sat in my hand, her whole being so small and perfectly formed. The times as a toddler she would collect flowers for her mum and me. The times as a kid she would snuggle with me on the couch to watch some TV. The times as a teenager she would ignore me but then interact just enough to know we were okay. Then, as she moved into adulthood, our relationship changing again – grown-up conversations, laughter and tears. My heart is bursting just writing these words. Matt and his daughter, Caitlin, on her wedding day. Image: Supplied I now have three adult daughters (and yes, the jokes about my grey hair are valid), and I’ve been reflecting on what it has meant to raise, alongside my wife Kristen, three kids into adulthood. I sometimes find myself in conversations with other Christian parents about how one of their children are no longer faith and pondering ‘how they got it wrong’ and I don’t think that’s a valid reflection. Perhaps we do get things wrong as parents – I’m sure we do – but as a child enters adulthood, they get to choose faith for themselves, and that choice is valid and not a fault of ours as parents. My girls’ faith decisions are their own. Sure, they are shaped by us as their parents and the community around them, but ultimately their own. In thinking this through, I explored Jesus’ interactions with children and how he approached instructing them. There are a few examples, but instructions about kids are nearly always directed at adults. Except for the case of Jairus’ daughter which we read about in Mark 5: 37-43. Capacity and strength Jairus, a local Synagogue leader, comes to Jesus to seek healing for his very unwell daughter. Sadly, on their way to her she dies, yet Jesus continues to the family home to see her. In Mark 5: 41, Jesus takes the 12-year-old girl’s hand and says directly to her, “Talitha koum” – Aramaic for “Little girl, I say to you, arise” – and to everyone’s astonishment she does – she raises to new life. Matt and his wife, Kristen (Rockdale Corps Leadership Team – Strategic Planning) with their three girls. Image: Supplied What is fascinating to me is that the command is tied to healing/resurrection but with an emphasis on her reaction – the miracle restores her capacity to stand and walk under her own strength, not just her pulse. That’s a striking contrast to a controlling, do-it-for-them kind of care that we as parents so often want to do for our kids. If that had been me, I would have done everything in the world to raise my daughter up – but here in this story the arising is hers to do, even though Jesus is the one who makes it possible in a miraculous sense. Sometimes, caring and nurturing our kids means calling them into their own strength rather than acting on their behalf. It is not simply about moral or religious instruction; it is also about teaching them to rise into adulthood. It is interesting that in the story the girl is 12, right on the cusp of adulthood in first-century Jewish life. Was that an intentional lesson for us parents? We need to teach our children well, but at some point we also need to let them rise into adulthood, to find their own way, and be there for them, whatever that path takes. It can be a hard lesson for us to learn, but I believe it is an important one. *Auxiliary-Lieutenant Matt Cairns is a Student Support and Higher Education Lecturer for The Salvation Army Eva Burrows College

John Chamness with his father, Phil. Image: Supplied BY COLONEL JOHN CHAMNESS* Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the influence fathers have in shaping the lives of their children. As I think about my own father, I am reminded of the many tools he placed in my hands while growing up on a small seven-acre farm. Some of those tools were made of steel and timber, while others were values and life lessons that would guide me long after I left home. My father taught me how to use a variety of practical tools. Together we built our barn, we constructed fences that surrounded our property, and he showed me how to prepare the garden for planting and prune fruit trees so they would produce a healthy harvest. These lessons were about far more than manual labour. Through them, he taught me patience, perseverance, responsibility, and the satisfaction that comes from hard work. The practical skills he passed on have benefited me throughout my life and helped equip me for many of the challenges I would face. Yet, the greatest tools my father gave me could never be stored in a shed or toolbox. He taught me respect, honesty, integrity, honour, and a strong work ethic. He taught me how to treat people with dignity and how to carry myself as a man. Interestingly, he did not always teach these lessons through conversations or formal instruction. More often, I learned them by observation. I watched how he conducted himself, how he treated my mother, how he interacted with neighbours, and how he responded when life became difficult. His character spoke louder than words ever could. The Bible emphasises the important role fathers play in preparing their children for life. Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Children are constantly learning from those around them. They listen to what we say, but they pay even closer attention to what we do. Fathers have a unique opportunity to influence future generations, through both instruction and example. When I became a father myself, I sought to continue the legacy my father had begun. Raising my three children, I tried to provide them with practical tools that would serve them well throughout their lives. I taught my daughters how to change a tyre, understand basic vehicle maintenance, and make sure their cars were regularly serviced. I wanted them to be confident, capable, and prepared for unexpected situations. My son learned how to use power tools safely and how to work on his vehicle. These moments became opportunities, not just to teach practical skills, but also to build confidence and spend meaningful time together. Beyond these hands-on lessons, I taught all three of my children how to prepare their annual tax returns, manage their finances, save money and make wise decisions. These are life skills that can make a significant difference as young people step into adulthood. However, while practical knowledge is important, it is not the most important gift a father can give. The greatest responsibility of a father is to teach his children how to love God and love others. Children need fathers who demonstrate kindness, compassion, forgiveness and faith. They need role models who show them what a healthy marriage looks like and who teach them how to honour and respect their mothers. Our society desperately needs strong fathers who are willing to invest time, energy and love into the lives of their children. Fathers who teach practical lessons are valuable, but fathers who model Christ-like character are invaluable. The example we set each day leaves an imprint on the hearts of our children that can last a lifetime. This Father’s Day, I am grateful for a father who gave me both practical tools and spiritual foundations. His influence continues to shape my life today. I am also thankful for the opportunity I have had to pass those lessons on to my own children. Fathers may never fully realise the impact they have, but every lesson taught, every example set, and every moment invested helps prepare the next generation. Never underestimate how powerful it is to be a father who leads by example. The tools we give our children today will help shape the people they become tomorrow. And some of the most valuable tools we can ever provide are faith, character, love, and a life lived faithfully before them. *Colonel John Chamness is Chief Secretary of the Australia Territory.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? My husband (Major Peter Gott) and I have the privilege of being Corps Officers in the beautiful coastal town of Port Macquarie. I am in a season of watching my kids bring their friends to church/youth/etc and being able to journey with families, which is spectacular. I love more than anything when people – kids and adults – begin to grasp the love God has for them and experience His desire to see them live their best lives! 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? Time away from my appointment makes me better when I’m in my appointment! I love a good book, taking the dog for a beach walk, going to the gym or doing something creative. On Saturdays, we Parkrun as a family, then have brekky at the beach together. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? Choosing a favourite song is like choosing your favourite child – impossible! I find different songs come to mind for different seasons. Sometimes God might remind me of a particular Bible verse time and time again in particular circumstances; sometimes it’s a song he whispers in my heart; sometimes it’s both! Songs of praise and songs of promise. The song, ‘I Thank God’, reminds me of God’s grace and all God’s done for me, and it’s super fun to sing. ‘I speak Jesus’ enables me to sing and declare the all-powerful Jesus over situations can be. ‘Your Grace Still Amazes’ me has come to mind a lot lately. 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? Peter – there’s something incredibly relatable about him. He was passionate, impulsive and courageous; he sometimes got it completely wrong, but he was always all in. He experienced both incredible moments of faith and some pretty spectacular failures, yet Jesus never gave up on him, and he proclaimed the Gospel boldly. I’d love to talk with him about what it was like to follow Jesus so wholeheartedly, to fail so publicly, and still get back up and keep going. Mostly, I’d want to hear what he learned about grace, courage and being willing to risk it all for Jesus. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I’ve had some amazing experiences as an officer. It’s not always easy, and it comes with sacrifice, uncertainty and seasons that stretch you. But it is an incredible privilege to see people transformed by Jesus and to serve alongside some of the most generous, passionate and faithful people you’ll ever meet. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

Commissioners James and Jan Condon with their children, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Image: Supplied For retired Salvation Army officer Commissioner James Condon, coming to understand his earthly father was part of a journey of faith, forgiveness and, ultimately, a deeper understanding of God as loving Father. With Father’s Day this Sunday, we are sharing James’ story of building a beautiful, connected life shaped by acceptance, forgiveness and redemption. BY NAOMI SINGLEHURST For many years, every time James visited his father’s grave, he would weep. Not just for the loss of his dad, but for the conversations they never had and the deeper connection he had always longed for. It wasn’t until a friend, who was also a counsellor, suggested he visit the grave and pour his heart out to his dad, that healing truly began. James is a devoted father to two daughters and grandfather to four grandchildren. The man who longed for a deeper relationship with his own father has since spent his life mentoring, encouraging and nurturing others though his work with The Salvation Army and wider community. Conversations never had Growing up in Nowra on the South Coast of New South Wales, James describes his father as a hardworking but emotionally distant man who left home before dawn each morning to work as a milk inspector. His father was Roman Catholic and his mother Presbyterian, a marriage that in those days was frowned upon by many. “My dad would finish work, go to the local pub, have his beers and by the time he got home his dinner was in the oven,” James recalls. “He’d eat and go to bed.” “We never really connected,” he says. “We never had any in-depth conversations.” Home life brought other challenges as well. James (left) with his father and sister. Image: Supplied James says he grew up hearing that he was “no good” and would “never be any good” from his mother, who could be extremely harsh in her discipline. Discovering God as Father As a teenager, James drifted away from church. “Those years away from God and the church were very difficult years,” he says. “I contemplated suicide. I didn’t see myself as a person of value and worth.” Everything changed when he attended a youth rally organised by local churches at a Salvation Army corps. It was the first time he had heard of The Salvation Army. That night, a young woman stood and shared how God had transformed her life. “I remember saying to myself, ‘I want what she’s got’,” James says. After surrendering his life to Jesus, James’ life changed in many ways, but he continued to wrestle with feelings of inadequacy, something that slowly changed as his faith matured. “I absolutely now see God as my Father,” he says. “But it’s been a journey.” Believing in good for his family James married Jan, who became not only his wife but a faithful partner in life and ministry. “Jan’s been absolutely marvellous,” James says. Together they have shared more than five decades of marriage, raised two daughters, welcomed four grandchildren and served in ministry across Australia and overseas. Looking back, James sees that busyness at times kept him from being the father he wanted to be. Yet today, he treasures the close relationships he enjoys with his family. “I’ve got a great relationship with my daughters, my grandchildren, absolutely,” he says. And some of his favourite memories are the simplest ones. “I’ve had the joy, among many things, of teaching each of our grandchildren to fish,” he says with a smile. Moments of grace and reconciliation Despite the distance he felt from his father, there were moments James treasured. One came on his wedding day. During the reception, his father stood to give a speech and, as part of it, said: “I’m proud of James.” Simple words, but some of the only words of affirmation he heard from his dad. More than 50 years later, the memory still moves him. Years later, another moment would stay with him. James was leading a Salvation Army event in Brisbane when he received a call from his mother. His father was in intensive care and asking for him. He felt a deep sense of God’s reassurance that he would see his father before he passed. When he arrived at the hospital, James walked quietly to his father’s bedside. “I walked over to the bed and he just burst into tears,” James recalls. His dad’s emotions showed a love his words couldn’t. In the days that followed, another piece of the story emerged. A friend who had shared the hospital room told James that shortly before his death, his father had asked a simple question: “Do you think there’s a place in heaven for me?” At the funeral, James was invited to read the Scripture: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” “When I was reading that, I felt God say, ‘That’s your father’,” James says. Understanding his parents’ story As the years passed, James began to understand more about his parents’ lives. A relative revealed that his father had effectively been ostracised by his large family when he married. "I thought about the impact that would have had on Dad," he says. Later, his mother shared many things she had never spoken about before. "I absolutely honour my father and mother because I know they gave their best and did what they could, despite their own story, their own circumstances and their own needs in life," James shares. A father to many James and Jan poured their lives into others as they served God through The Salvation Army. During their years leading The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea, they opened their home to young leaders for Bible study, mentoring and fellowship. James and Jan Condon. Image: Supplied Over time, the relationships became something more than mentoring. “After a while they started to call us Mum and Dad,” James smiles. “We have two daughters, but many sons.” The same heart can be seen every Tuesday evening at Just Men, a men’s mentoring and support group at Caloundra Salvos (Qld) that James started and continues to lead. For James, one of the most rewarding aspects of the ministry is seeing men discover God as their friend and as Father. ‘Well done, son’ Earlier this year, while attending an interdenominational faith event, a young man he had never met prayed for James and shared what he believed God wanted to say to him. The words were simple. “Well done, son.” “There were no more powerful words that could have been spoken to me,” James says “That penetrated my heart.” Today, James speaks often of gratitude – for faith, the power of love and forgiveness, Jan, his daughters and grandchildren, the many people he has been privileged to walk alongside, his parents, and the God he has come to know as Father. Looking back on the life he and Jan and family have shared, he smiles again. “We’ve had the most wonderful, blessed adventure with God,” he says. “And it’s not over yet.” If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, support is available. Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14. Beyond Blue can be contacted on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000. Commissioner James Condon served as a Salvation Army officer for more than 50 years, including as Commissioner (leader) of the former Australia Eastern Territory. Since retiring in 2016, he has remained highly active in ministry through The Salvation Army and the wider Christian community. He currently serves as chairman of Australia Prays, an interdenominational prayer movement that brings together Christians from across Australia, while also continuing to mentor and encourage people in their faith journey.