A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.
– Amelia Earhart
PHOTO BY NATHAN ANDERSON ON UNSPLASH
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.
Acting kindly
Is it hard to be kind?
Not at all, according to The Kindness Test, an online survey developed by the University of Sussex. Conducted by BBC Radio 4 in 2021, more than 60,000 people from 144 countries took part in the world’s largest study on kindness. Interestingly, the study showed how ordinary most acts of kindness are. The most commonly reported acts were lending a hand when asked, opening doors, helping with luggage or shopping, and giving up seats on public transport. Other everyday acts of kindness were as simple as a friendly smile or chatting to someone.
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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: Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley
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: 1 April 2026
Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
Jesus took a proactive approach to kindness. Throughout the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we read how he healed the sick and accepted those on the fringe of society. He encapsulated the concept of kindness in what is often called the ‘Golden Rule’ – “Treat others just as you want to be treated,” (Luke chapter six, verse 31 (Contemporary English Version).
Everyday kindness; it’s a simple but powerful way to live.
Faye Michelson Acting
Editor
A kind word is a cut above
The grass is greener on the other side
by Dean Simpson
Sam was a tough kid – a leader-ofthe-pack type. I’d seen him around the suburb with his mid-teen mates, hanging out in the local park, smoking and laughing.
Over the previous 12 months, my wife and I had bought a block of land and built a house in a new estate at the edge of a lower socio-economic suburb.
About six months after we’d moved in, we received a knock on the door. When I opened it, there stood Sam. “Can I mow your lawn, mister?” he blurted. I shrugged and said, “Sure, go for it.”
“Really?” he replied with a hint of suspicious surprise. “Yes, really,” I said, though I was curious. I quickly discovered that Sam didn’t have a lawn mower, so I brought mine out of the shed and showed him how to use it.
To be honest, Sam didn’t do a great job; it was a bit patchy, and his rows were wonky, but he had a go. I gave him $20 for his efforts.
Three weeks later, he knocked on the door again with the same request. He did a better job this time, and I complimented him. “Thanks, Mr Simpson,” he replied. “Not many people say anything good about me.”
Over the next year, Sam became our lawnmowing lad and improved dramatically as he began to take pride in his work.
Throughout this period, however, there had been a significant number of house break-ins, along with an increasing police presence in the new estate.
Wrong road
One day, while I was at the local park with my two young children, I saw Sam and his mates. I went over to him and asked if he knew anything about these break-ins.
“No, I know nuthin’, Mr Simpson,” was his quick reply, laden with guilt. “Anyway, you’re protected Mr Simpson. You’ve got nuthin’ to worry about.”
“Sam,” I said gently. “What are you talking about?” Sam walked away from his mates and motioned for me to follow him.
“Look,” he said. “You know when I asked to mow your lawn? Well, I knocked on about 30 doors before you, and you were the only one to give me a go. So, yeah, your house is safe.” I mumbled a hesitant ”thanks, good to know”.
Summoning up a bit more courage, I got serious and looked Sam in the eye. “Sam, this is the wrong road to go down. You’re better than that. In fact, I believe in you. You have something that not many young people your age have ... and that’s initiative. Do you know what that means?” He said he didn’t, so I explained. “It means you’re
willing to have a go. You had the courage to ask me to mow my lawn, and then you set about getting better at it. I can see ambition in you ... and leadership potential.”
Sam mowed my lawn a few more times. He had even progressed to doing the edges, weeding and sweeping up – for an extra $20.
But not long after that, he went away, and I never saw him again. I asked some of his mates where he’d gone, but I never got a clear answer. “He’s gone AWOL,” was all they’d mutter. I dug deeper and eventually discovered that Sam was serving time somewhere in a youth detention centre.
Years passed, and by now we’d moved interstate as a family. I’d started a new job, our kids were growing up, life was busy, and, to be honest, Sam was a distant memory.
Encouragement power
One day, a letter randomly arrived in the mail. It had been redirected from our previous address. Intrigued, I opened it and staring back at me was a photo of an older Sam, with a beard. He was standing beside a Jim’s Mowing franchise trailer.
“Look at me now, Mr Simpson,” was scrawled in an accompanying note.
“I decided to take your advise and have a go. I’m in charge of 4 other guys and we mow heeps of lawns now. Thanks for encouriging me to be better.” I didn’t mind the spelling mistakes.
Standing by the mailbox, tears came to my eyes as memories of my interactions with Sam many years ago flooded back. I couldn’t believe he’d listened to my
bumbling attempts to encourage him. Not only that, he had shown initiative and had a go at making better choices in life.
It also hit home the power of positive, uplifting words and reminded me of the Apostle Paul’s advice in the book of Romans in the Bible: “We should help others do what is right and build them up” (Romans chapter 15, verse 2 New Living Translation).
Other people may also have spoken positively into Sam’s life, perhaps during his time in youth detention. But everyone can play a part in ‘building others up’. Because you never know what God will do with that word of encouragement in someone else’s life.
New film project to highlight social conscience of the ‘Eternity’ man
The Salvation Army has offered its support to an upcoming film centred on the life of Arthur Stace, better known as Sydney’s ‘Eternity man’.
Arthur, a Christian who faced alcohol addiction, was later in life known for his uniquely scripted writing of the word ‘Eternity’ on footpaths across Sydney, following his conversion in the 1930s.
The film Eternity is the conception of Perri Prince, Director of Turning Point Films. She said she was inspired to revisit Arthur’s legacy – which has been previously immortalised in documentaries, museum exhibits, multiple books and even the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony – after conversations with her aunt Elizabeth Meyers.
Elizabeth, the author of Mr Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace, knew Stace personally.
Perri said while there were great documentaries that had captured much of his later years and writing of the word ‘Eternity’ across the city, the feature film would focus on more aspects of Arthur’s life, including his love story with his wife, his preaching and his work with those who were homeless.
“It’s just such a fascinating story,” she said. “There’s so much more to Arthur’s story that is not yet known.”
The feature film Eternity is set to cost over $16 million to produce. According to data from Screen Australia, only around
Turning Point Films director Perri Prince with her Aunt Elizabeth Meyers, who knew ‘Mr Eternity’ Arthur Stace personally. Image: Supplied
24 per cent of Australian films have budgets over $10m.
The Salvation Army has contributed $10,000 to the film project, and will continue to offer its support. Perri also plans to feature The Salvation Army in the film.
Perri said Australia had produced very few faith-based films in recent years, but she hoped the focus on Stace’s life would bring “a new direction”.
“I’ve had so much support and so much interest from the Christian community, across many denominations,” she said.
“That just means the world, because there’s a ready audience there keen to support the project.”
– Kirralee Nicolle
Salvos Stores launch Textile Recovery Facility in Brisbane
Reducing landfill and protecting the environment are key goals for the Salvos.
“Innovation has always been a part of The Salvation Army,” said Colonel John Chamness, Chief Secretary, speaking at the official opening of the Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility in Carole Park, Brisbane – the first of its kind in Australia.
“From developing the first matchstick factory that removed phosphorus from the production of matches in the 1800s in London, to the beginning of its collecting, sorting and recycling used clothing and fabric in the late 19th century, innovation is a part of who we are,” he continued.
“The first Salvation Army recycling depots in Australia began in the 1880s, operating with the dual purpose of recycling used goods and providing equipment, supplies and support to those who need it most.
“This site embodies that mission, caring for creation and strengthening communities.”
Colonels John and Lani Chamness joined Salvation Army Queensland and Salvos
Stores leaders for the opening, which was also attended by business and industry partners, academics, community stakeholders and government representatives.
In Australia, over 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions that the Textile Recovery Facility provides.
The facility will annually process and sell up to 5000 tonnes of textile waste, collected through Salvos Stores and from other business partners, enabling the decommissioned materials to stay in circulation, reduce landfill, protect the environment and generate additional revenue to fund the frontline work of The Salvation Army across the country.
Lasting impacts
The process features innovative technology, including artificial
intelligence and robotics, to sort and decontaminate textiles. This ‘feedstock’ can then be transformed into new products such as insulation, plastics, yarn, woven cloth and acoustic panels.
Government support
The Queensland Government has invested $4.97 million in the project, supporting Salvos Stores to establish this cutting-edge circular economy textile hub in Brisbane.
Major David Collinson, Executive Officer, Mission - Salvos Stores, shared that the facility’s journey has been “a few years” in the making. “Some of our team went overseas to see similar facilities and brought the dream back to Australia,” he said. “To have a not-for-profit take it on was awesome.
Salvation Army leaders at the official launch.
“It’s all about what it means for our work with those impacted by alcohol and other drugs, family and domestic violence, and homelessness.
“And we hope that many volunteers will find community or a home here, as they find them in our shops.”
– Simone Worthing
Salvos respond to Top End floods
The Salvation Army was on the ground providing food, refreshments and emotional support in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle and devastating flooding in the Top End last month.
The team served thousands of meals and refreshments in the region, with more than 800 people relying on the support of SAES personnel as they seek to begin recovery.
As the initial disaster response transitions into the recovery phase, The Salvation Army will remain active and involved to assist those impacted to get back on their feet.
“We are so grateful for the huge community effort that has taken place during this disaster so far,” said Peter
Some of the Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) personnel assisting in the Top End. Image: WA SAES
Sampson, The Salvation Army’s External Communications Lead.
“It is during these times of crisis that we see the Aussie spirit of generosity shine through, and we are certainly seeing that in the Northern Territory at the moment.”
– Kirralee Nicolle
Start with one
Small acts of kindness when we can’t fix everything
by Rosy Keane
There’s a well-known modern-day parable of the starfish. An old woman comes around the corner of the beach and sees thousands of starfish stranded. She notices a young girl picking them up one by one and taking them out to the ocean so they can survive. She says to her, “You can’t possibly save them all. Why bother at all? It won’t make a difference.”
And the young girl says, “It made a difference to that one.”
When I was thinking of how many starfish, how many people in need, are on that beach each day, the thought suddenly struck me that I am a starfish, too.
Jesus picked me up and put me back into the ocean of his love.
How must it be for Jesus, walking along the beach, looking at the thousands upon thousands upon millions of stranded starfish, and wishing to pick each one up and save their lives?
While I was praying over the sense of overwhelm I feel about the world and all that is needed, this scripture came to mind:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
‘I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me.’”
(Matthew chapter 25, verses 34-40 The Message version).
It wasn’t, ‘I was hungry and you built a bakery that fed thousands and became a ministry.’ It wasn’t, ‘I was thirsty and you built a well and a church sprang up around it.’ It wasn’t, ‘I needed clothes and you started a new clothes bank’, or ‘I was in prison and you converted the whole prison.’
It was just the one.
Do it anyway
The person we give a cup of water to might not join a church. The person we visit in prison might not preach to their entire block or come to faith.
But Jesus says, whatever we do for the least, the one, the small – we’ve done for him.
If we invest whatever resources we have – our time, our talents, finances and
more, we too can make a difference to that one ‘starfish’ – and to that one, and that one, and that one.
Inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta are these words:
“ The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God.
It was never between you and them anyway.”
Saving lives in Hamilton –one tin in the bin at a time
by Lerisse Smith
It all began with a phone call.
Anthony Bolden, a local resident who works full-time in earthmoving, rang the Salvos in Hamilton to better understand what was happening locally.
After connecting with Mark Thomas, Community Engagement Worker and Ministry Assistant at Hamilton (Victoria) Salvos, Anthony was shocked by the number of people seeking help each week.
Mark asked if he wanted to volunteer.
“I said no, I work full-time. But I asked, ‘What do you need?’ recalled Anthony. “And he said, ‘Food.’ So, I said, ‘Right, I’ll see what I can do.’”
Starting with a single donation bin in his driveway, Anthony invited locals to drop off non-perishable food.
“I thought it was going to be quite small at the start,” he says. “But it grew quickly.”
Local supermarkets soon came on board, followed by the post office and bank. Barbecues and fundraisers helped the initiative expand even further.
Today, Tins in the Bin receives weekly donations from regular donors. Anthony collects the food, and Mark picks it up during regular deliveries or emergencies.
The name came almost by accident. “I told a reporter, ‘It’s not rocket science
– you put a tin in a bin,’” explained Anthony. “And it’s gone off from there.’”
The need is great
Mark says there is a “phenomenal”
number of people doing it tough. People are living in cars and sheds, and isolated in bushland, often without power or water.
One man living remotely with no utilities has no contact with anyone except Mark. He accepts a hamper quietly, thanks Mark, and sometimes gives his vegetables in return.
“I reckon there’d be 12 people that say that they wouldn’t be alive if they didn’t have the food that we give them,” reflects Mark.
“I’m going to one (local resident) this afternoon. When I first met him, he was living off pigface plants in their front yard. He was in his late 60s, stooped over from malnutrition. He couldn’t carry the food box I gave him. He was skin and bone. He was just in tears when I gave him food.
“Now he meets us at the door, carries the box, he’s joined the community, and spends time with his grandchildren ... he’s even taking in other people who are homeless.”
Mark and his Hamilton Salvos team feed around 190 people a week, including community meals. Food placed on outdoor tables is sometimes discreetly picked up at 2am.
Hamilton Salvos Community Engagement Worker and Ministry Assistant Mark Thomas (left) and Anthony Bolden, who initiated Tins in the Bin.
The incredible generosity of Southern Grampians residents.
The Grampians community has responded with generosity to help their fellow community members struggling to make ends meet.
“People doing it tough themselves still put a tin in,” Mark says. “They think, ‘If I’m struggling, others must be worse off.’”
And it’s not just about food. Anthony recalls a man discharged from hospital into an empty unit, with only the clothes on his back – no toaster, no kettle, no way to heat up food. He and Mark provided food and essential household items immediately.
“I’m proud that I’ve become that middle man,” Anthony says. “I know from the past it’s not that easy to get hold of someone if you don’t know where to go or who to talk to.”
The ripple effects have even reached unexpected places. Once meal deliveries
started, shoplifting dropped dramatically. “Police told us it happened within months,” says Mark.
Once a year, the community gathers for the ‘Tins in the Bin Family Fun Day’, attracting up to 2000 people and raising thousands of dollars for local charities and Christmas support.
Today, Tins in the Bin supports multiple agencies, supplies a range of items from hygiene products to pet food, and reaches people often invisible to the system.
“It’s about the whole community,” Anthony says. “If you’re hungry, we’ll make sure you’re alright.”
�� Double layer truffles
Ingredients
1½ cups ground walnuts, 1½ cups icing sugar, 2 tbsp golden syrup, 200g chocolate, 60g butter, ¾ cup condensed milk
Method
Combine walnuts, icing sugar and golden syrup in a bowl.
Press into the base of a greased 20cm square baking pan.
Combine chocolate and butter in a saucepan, adding the condensed milk. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
Pour over nut mixture and refrigerate overnight.
Cut into squares.
Enjoy with your favourite cuppa!
☺ Believe in Good: Tips
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
– Mother Teresa
Quiz
1. Where did the samba originate?
2. What is a dancer who specialises in tap dancing, soft-shoe or theatre performances called?
3. What year was the foxtrot first danced?
4. When and where was the swing first danced?
5. Where did barn dances originate?
❓Did you know?
Space is a vacuum, which means sound waves can’t travel through it in the same way they do on Earth. As a result, we can’t hear anything in space. However, electromagnetic vibrations, such as plasma waves or magnetic field interactions, can be translated into sound.
The moon is shaped like a lemon.
One day on Mercury, from sunrise to sunrise, lasts 176 Earth days.
Neptune takes 165 Earth years to orbit the Sun.
laugh
�� Word search �� Have a
What did the ballet dancer say when her shoe was stolen?
What is a mystery writer’s favourite dance?
What sort of dance does a plumber do?
What do cars do at the disco?
What is an owl’s favourite kind of dance?
This is pointe-less. The twist. A tap dance. Brake dance. The hoo-la.
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
✏ Answers
Tum-Tum: is hiding behind a can in the donation tub on page 13.
3. 1914 4. 1920s in Harlem, New York 5. Scotland
Quiz: 1. Brazil 2. A hoofer
Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy!
Compassion
Sincere
Smiling Support
Sympathy
Thankful
Thoughtful
Warmth
Willing
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John chapter 3, verse 18 New International Version
