“TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BRILLIANT, RICH, BEAUTIFUL, OR PERFECT. YOU JUST HAVE TO CARE.”
– GERMANY KENT
Editorial
What is The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
Vision Statement
Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by:
• Caring for people
• Creating faith pathways
• Building healthy communities
• Working for justice
The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children. Scan here to subscribe to Salvos Magazine. Scan here to connect with The Salvation Army services
A vital trait
We hear a lot these days about power, strength, and the use of force, but not so much about kindness, compassion and empathy. And yet, as human beings created for connection and emotionally fulfilling relationships, these traits are vital.
Thankfully, acceptance, caring for others and selflessness are more common than we might think. And when we do see, read or hear about empathy in action, we are usually encouraged and warmed, often motivated and even inspired.
In this edition, we focus on empathy – what it is, how it differs from compassion, how easy it is to lose, and the power it has to change lives, communities and beyond.
Our stories focus on humanity being created to care for each other, and the importance of allowing ourselves to feel with others and respond to what they are going through.
Founders: William and Catherine Booth
Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn
Buckingham
Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas
Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Colonel Rodney Walters
Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker
Editor: Simone Worthing
Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison
Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au
All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58
Press date: 23 May 2025
Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
Maxx is a beautiful example of this, as you will read in My Story on page 12. Empathy has the power to make a profound difference in people’s lives.
For these stories and more, go to salvos.org.au
Simone Worthing Editor
Responding to a changing world
by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas
The world is changing at an ever-increasing pace –at what cost?
My nana, who lived for 104 years on the earth, used to tell me the story of when she was a girl. She grew up in Launching Place in Victoria. Her mum was a midwife and was often called out to deliver babies in the middle of the night. Nana used to go with her, in the horse-drawn jinker, and she would hold the light. Such different days. Nana would also talk about when her mum would look to the sky and say, “One day, man will fly.” Well, her daughter, my nana, did fly, and saw incredible changes through her lifetime. And now, there are everincreasing changes – some good, some bad. How do we negotiate those well?
Real community
It seems that people are tired of isolation and are looking for real community. COVID, social media, broken relationships. So much
isolation. Many are looking for community – loving and being loved, serving and being served, knowing and being known, celebrating and being celebrated.
It seems that people are becoming tired of secularism, looking for a moral compass, looking for depth and understanding. Spirituality is becoming more important again. We would encourage you to explore Jesus, who he is, and what following him might mean for you.
Purpose
It seems that people want to contribute something meaningful. They want their life to count. Perhaps we can’t change the whole world, which becomes overwhelming, but we can change someone’s world. There are so many ways to be involved. I love that the person who serves, and the one who is served, often want to give more, or give back. You matter, and the contribution that you make matters.
Community, depth, spirituality and impact. Are these the keys in a changing world?
If you, or someone you know, needs help, please contact us. You can call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or go to salvationarmy.org.au/ need-help
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas is the leader of The Salvation Army Australia.
Keeping Tassie warm this winter
The Salvation Army is partnering with ABC Hobart this year to deliver hand-knitted blankets to Tasmanians who are feeling the cold this winter.
The Rug Up Tassie drive is an annual initiative begun by the ABC to gather 20cm x 20cm knitted squares from across the state and join them into blankets, ready for donation. This time, the goal is 500 blankets, and the Salvos
are the main collector and distributor alongside the ABC.
The blankets will be distributed to those who seek assistance from the Salvos and other service providers in the state.
The ABC and Salvation Army are open to donations of knitted squares, full blankets, beanies and scarves from across the country.
For details go to abc. net.au/hobart/rug-uptassie-2024/103746318
– Kirralee Nicolle
Social housing project for Toowoomba
A dynamic new $17 million social housing project in Queensland’s Toowoomba region is set to transform lives by providing people in need with affordable and secure accommodation.
The innovative development of 23 modern units is the second largest Salvos Housing development in Queensland to date and the first of its kind in the state.
It also marks the first partnership development between Toowoomba Salvos and Salvos
Housing, featuring a ground-floor communitycare zone run by the corps (Salvos church).
“It has been really, really exciting,” said Cheri EraiCollins, State Manager of Salvos Housing (NSW, Qld, ACT).
“We expect construction to be completed by mid-June. I believe the greatest impact will be for the Salvos continuing the connection with the local community in providing the access space both to residents and wider community. Having that space and connection to corps, and
An artist’s impression of the completed Salvos housing project.
the connection to the mission of The Salvation Army, will probably have the most impact.”
– Lerisse Smith
Empathy in Action
Changing lives through human connection
by Jo-anne Brown
Every now and then we experience the amazing feeling that someone ‘gets’ us. They truly understand and seem to know exactly what we are going through, whether we are sad, hurting, angry or happy, and we know we are not alone. This experience –the gift of empathy – can be truly life-changing!
Empathy is the ability to feel what another person is feeling – to be with them emotionally. It helps us understand others’ emotions and, in some way, experience them ourselves. Empathy strengthens relationships, builds connection and fosters compassionate communities. Far from being a weakness, it is a vital strength – a survival mechanism that enables us to thrive as social beings. Empathy and compassion are often confused, but they are different. Empathy involves feeling with others, while compassion
goes a step further, motivating us to act to relieve another’s suffering.
Empathy is the first step – if we don’t feel with others, we are less likely to offer support or kindness. Compassion builds on empathy by turning those feelings into action.
Research shows infants as young as three to nine months old prefer behaviours that are kind and social over behaviours that are unkind or antisocial.
From birth, our brains are set up to connect with others in an emotionally meaningful way. Our brains contain mirror neurons, which fire when we observe someone else’s experience, making us feel as if it’s our own. If we see someone stub a toe, for instance, our brain responds similarly to how it would if we were the one in pain.
Emotional overload
Why then is empathy not always obvious in our lives? Sometimes,
depending on what’s happening for us, it might feel like we have zero capacity to care about, or even think of, others. We can barely cope with our own emotions and experiences, let alone what’s happening for other people. Our nervous systems end up overloaded or shutdown.
Our nervous systems are beautifully created for us to both survive and thrive. When we face some kind of threat or danger, our nervous system alerts us to this and enables us to fight that danger or flee from it. This survival mechanism is crucial, but if we are faced with too much, we can lose the capacity to either fight or flee. We lose our ability to empathise, stop connecting with others and begin to isolate.
The good news is that we can learn to soothe our nervous systems and return to a state of calm and connection. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, prayer and gratitude can activate the parasympathetic nervous system – the part that restores peace and allows us to engage with others again. When we regulate our emotions, we can feel
deeply for others without becoming overwhelmed.
Created to care
Other practices to nurture empathy may include lighting a candle in solidarity with those who are suffering, being attentive to those around us and noticing when they are struggling, inviting people to share their stories with us and learning to really listen, as well as praying for them.
How amazing it is to know that we are physiologically created to care about others! This is part of who we are as humans, and it is how the world is meant to be. Despite all that is going on in the world, there is something within us that keeps drawing us back to empathy, and allowing that empathy to flow into acts of kindness and compassion that can transform our relationships and our world.
When we allow ourselves to feel with others, and when we act with compassion, we create a world that is kinder, more connected and more resilient.
In the Bible, the book of 1 Peter, chapter 3, verse 8, encourages us to live in this way:
“Finally, all of you, be likeminded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” When we allow ourselves to feel with others, and when we act with compassion, we create a world that is kinder, more connected and more resilient.
Recognition for inclusive hiring practices
The Salvation Army’s excellence in workplace inclusion practices has recently been recognised in an Australian and New Zealand human resources award category.
The Salvation Army has been named a finalist in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in the TIARA Talent Acquisition Awards ANZ. This follows TSA’s embracing of the Australian Disability
Network’s Employing 100 Program, an initiative designed to encourage employers to onboard staff with disabilities.
As part of Employing 100, The Salvation Army appointed 29 new staff with disabilities over a period of 14 months, exceeding the goal of 25. At the close of the program, 100 per cent of the new members were retained.
The Salvation Army is a finalist alongside Informatica, nbn, Axe Group and Capgemini, among others.
Salvos commemorate IDAHOBIT Day
Many Salvos across Australia commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) last month to support inclusion, welcome and grace to all. The official date for the day each year is 17 May.
“Across our movement and in each one of our spaces, it’s essential that we create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expressions,” wrote
Colonel Winsome Merrett, Chief Secretary, in the lead-up to the day.
“IDAHOBIT Day is a day to stand up against the discrimination and violence experienced by many LGBTIQA+ people across the world, while also celebrating the rich diversity and strengths of the LGBTIQA+ community,” said Nicole Telfer, LGBTIQA+ Specialist at the Salvos. “Being part of IDAHOBIT, I really hope it sparks reflection and respectful conversations, because that’s where change starts,”
said Stefano Verrelli, a research analyst with the Salvos. “No matter a person’s background or beliefs, we can all play a part in creating a culture where everyone feels they can be their authentic selves without fear of persecution.”
LGBTIQA+ community disadvantage
While Australia has made significant strides in advancing LGBTIQA+ rights through legislative reforms, there is still much to do to address systemic discrimination and create a more inclusive society.
Members of the LGBTIQA+ community continue to face various forms of discrimination and prejudice in different aspects of their lives.
Many LGBTIQA+ people live healthy and happy lives, but research demonstrates that a disproportionate number experience homelessness, exclusion, discrimination and poorer mental health outcomes than non-LGBTIQA+ individuals.
LGBTIQA+ people are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition, and to report high levels of psychological distress. This is related to experiences of exclusion, violence, stigma, discrimination and abuse.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE GOVERNMENT ACTION
Governments can commit to appropriate research and data collection (such as through the Census) to inform better policy making.
Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE), also known as conversion practices, are particularly harmful. Governments can do more to introduce measures to prevent SOGICE.
Governments need to include members of the LGBTIQA+ community in service design and policy development across all service systems to ensure they are welcoming and fit for purpose.
COMMUNITY
We need to ensure that workplace and community spaces are inclusive for all. To make sure that members of the LGBTIQA+ community feel welcome, we might physically display support (such as rainbow motifs) to remove doubt and fear.
PERSONAL LIVES
We can treat all people with love, respect and dignity; be conscious of our own language and behaviour; and call out any discrimination, exclusion and abuse.
REDESIGNING THE FUTURE
How empathy can reshape our world
by Lieutenant-Colonel Lyn Edge
I was never a fan of anything sci-fi until my husband introduced me to Star Trek. Even if you don’t know the series, you might know one of its famous quotes, “Beam me up, Scotty,” a phrase used when moving between different worlds. Among the cast of fascinating characters in those early series was Deanna Troi, who was known as an empath.
Empaths possessed the capacity to understand and experience the feelings and emotions of another person. In the series, only a few races embodied the trait of empathy, including Betazoids like Deanna, and humans like us.
Attack on empathy
I did not find that shocking as I, too, believed that empathy was a significant attribute of being human. However, we are living in days where the idea of empathy is under attack as being weak, and kindness is being equated with being gullible.
There is a new wave of voice in business and politics advocating the idea that strength is synonymous with aggression, and that scapegoating marginalised groups is tough love. We are seeing a leadership where compassion and kindness are being devalued. Even in the Church, these ideas are being spread through books suggesting that empathy is a sin. While these books are from the USA, we can see their insidious shadow being cast here in Australia.
How did we get to the point where we think strength is a binary to compassion, or where power is the opposite of kindness?
Emotional overload
In a world where we have access to so much information about suffering on a global scale, I wonder if some wish to dial down empathy to cope with the emotional load that
it brings? Even on a local and personal level, it is easier to walk away from pain if we don’t allow ourselves to feel kindness or practise empathy.
I also note that the anti-empathy ideas are advocated by those in positions of privilege who feel threatened when the previously powerless have a voice. It has been said that when you have lived with privilege, even equality can feel like disadvantage.
In the light of arguments against these virtues, amid damaging rhetoric and hostile actions, I believe we must reclaim the power of kindness, compassion and empathy.
Jacinda Ardern was a recent world leader who talked openly of a politics of kindness. “Kindness, and not being afraid to be kind, or to focus on, or be really driven by empathy. I think one of the sad things that I’ve seen in political leadership is – because we’ve placed over time so much emphasis on notions of assertiveness and strength – that we probably have assumed that it means you can’t have those other qualities of kindness and empathy.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
– Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Words of wisdom
The heart of empathy – entering the joy, and the pain, of others
“Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.”
Romans chapter 12, verse 15 (The Message translation)
“And yet, when you think about all the big challenges that we face in the world, that’s probably the quality we need the most. We need our leaders to be able to empathise with the circumstances of others; to empathise with the next generation that we’re making decisions on behalf of. And if we focus only on being seen to be the strongest, most powerful person in the room, then I think we lose what we’re meant to be here for. So, I’m proudly focused on empathy, because you can be both empathetic and strong.” (I Know This to be True: Jacinda Ardern,
interview and photography by Geoff Blackwell.)
Jesus’ example
In the life of Jesus, we see strength in kindness and compassion. We see power in empathy and gentleness, and virtue in generosity and charity. And these are the values of the world as God intended it to be.
Star Trek characters had the capacity to beam down to explore new worlds. When we practise kindness, compassion and empathy, I believe that we have the power to help create a new world, right where we are.
True empathy means helping others bear their struggles, not just feeling for them.
“Carry each other’s burdens …”
Galatians chapter 6, verse 2 (New International Version)
The importance of empathy within a community
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded and show sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to and for each other.”
1 Peter chapter 3, verse 8 (The Voice translation)
Cans for kindness
Empathy in action inspires a community
by Lerisse Smith
Meet Maxx – Salvos fundraiser, volunteer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, cook, and Baw Baw Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year for 2025.
At just 16 years of age, inspiring teen Maxx Jenkins, from Warragul, Victoria, also runs ‘Maxx’s Cans for Kindness’, a thriving charitable initiative he launched in 2023 to help people in need in his local community.
Despite not drinking soft drinks himself, Maxx and his family have collected 48,744 recyclable cans and bottles, raising $5064. Over $2700 has been donated to his local Salvos and used to buy food for people in crisis.
Empathy motivates
“I like to help people in need,” says Maxx, who lives with autism and an intellectual disability. His motivation stems from empathy, not attention. According to his mum Leah, “He simply doesn’t need or want the money for himself. He’s really happy to share, especially when he knows
he’s helping others who need it more than himself.”
The idea to support the Salvos came from Maxx’s friend and support worker, Sam Gardiner, who works with the organisation.
Locals regularly donate their recyclables, and Maxx’s family and friends help with pickups. The goal is to hit 50,000 cans and bottles by the end of June.
Last Christmas, Maxx expanded his mission by organising a Facebook appeal, raising $1000 in vouchers and $1000 in groceries for Salvation Army hampers.
Maxx also helped run a Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council. At this year’s Australia Day awards, Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss praised Maxx’s outstanding work, describing him as someone who went above and beyond, and a shining example that having autism is no barrier to helping others.
“I cried happy tears,” says Leah. “It’s not just about
making a difference to the people that Maxx is helping; he is also gaining and learning so many skills.” These include communication, budgeting, banking, shopping, estimating numbers, record-keeping and physical coordination.
“Autism works in mysterious ways,” Leah reflected. “We actually don’t know what Maxx is capable of sometimes. So, for him to have money in his hand and be able to count it, or to estimate a large number of cans, is truly amazing. And then, for him to remember those numbers from week to week and add them together is even more amazing!”
In his downtime, Maxx enjoys bushwalking and spending time with his dogs, Diesel and Lani. He’s closely supported by Sam, his long-time aide and now a friend, along with a team helping with home schooling.
Maxx is part of a close-knit family, including his father, Warren, and his three
Maxx proudly displays his Baw Baww Shire Young Citizen of the Year for 2025 Award.
Last Christmas, Maxx raised $1000 in gift vouchers and $1000 in groceries for Salvation Army Christmas hampers.
Counting thousands of cans and bottles is just one of the many tasks Maxx undertakes with family and friends.
brothers, Oscar, George and Charlie. Two of his favourite people are his Nan and Pop, who were honoured to receive Maxx’s special award on his behalf when the family was away.
He loves cooking with Nan and his specialties include hedgehog slices, scones, Kit Kat slices and sausage rolls.
Community connections
Leah recalls how, even as a toddler, Maxx showed empathy. If he had something, he always made
sure his younger brother Oscar had it, too. His fundraising has helped him form stronger community connections, and Leah says people are inspired to get involved because “kindness is contagious”.
“I don’t do it all on my own,” Maxx insists. “Other people help me.”
Maxx was recently filmed in a promotional video for ‘Return-It Victoria’, Victoria’s container deposit scheme, sharing
his story to highlight how communities can make a difference. He also plans to organise another morning tea for the Cancer Council.
His next dream? Launching his own clothing line featuring his favourite saying: “That’s Harsh!”
His ‘Maxx’s Cans for Kindness’ project isn’t slowing down. Leah jokes they should add a tagline to it: “Kindness is Contagious.” Because with Maxx, it truly is.
Microwave Polish cauliflower
Ingredients
1 cauliflower cut into florets; 1 cup peanut butter; 2 tbsp honey; 200ml natural yoghurt; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; ½ cup breadcrumbs
Method
Place cauliflower in microwavable 20cm dish.
Add 2 tbsp water, cover and cook for four minutes. Set aside.
Heat peanut butter and honey in a large jug for 40 seconds.
Add yoghurt and stir well. Pour over cauliflower.
Combine parsley, eggs and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes until hot.
☺ Believe in Good: Tips
June 15 – Nature Photography Day
Take the opportunity this week to appreciate God’s creation. Take a photo at sunrise or sunset, photograph your favourite flowers or the view from your favourite lookout.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good,” (Genesis chapter 1, verse 31a).
Quiz
Are these a fruit or vegetable?
1. Tomato
2. Broccoli
3. Olive
4. Onion
5. Beet
6. Pumpkin
7. Asparagus
8. Avocado
9. Cucumber
10. Artichoke
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
PHOTO KAREN MASTERS
❓ Did you know?
The earliest record of juggling is found in an Egyptian tomb (19941781 BC), showing female dancers and acrobats throwing balls. Juggling has been recorded in many early cultures.
The longest time juggling three balls is 13 hours, 10 minutes and five seconds by David Rush.
The record for the most balls juggled is 11 by Alex Barron.
The most people juggling simultaneously is 1508 people.
It is estimated that only 21% of people can juggle.
✏Answers
Quiz: 1. Fruit 2. Vegetable 3. Fruit 4. Vegetable 5. Vegetable 6. Fruit 7. Vegetable 8. Fruit 9. Fruit 10. Vegetable Tum-Tum: is hiding behind the cake on page 8.
�� Sudoku
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
a laugh
What is a potato’s least favourite day?
What do you get when you drop a pumpkin?
What did the lettuce say to the celery?
How do you mend a broken tomato? Fri-day Squash Stop stalking me. With tomato paste.
“When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad.”
Romans chapter 12, verse 15 Contemporary English Version
Deeper understanding
Deeper understanding.
Upskill your life, faith, leadership and service through a Highe Education Award course at Eva Burrows College.
