volume 6 number 46 6 December 2025
salvosonline.org.au print post approved PP100001474
Seeing beyond what meets the eye
Understanding invisible disabilities 4 Spreading Christmas joy
10 Three Books
12 Love, not limitation
10 top tips for the season from the Salvos
Changing my perspective on love, life and God
A story of faith, disability and inclusion
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” - Charles M Schulz
6 December 2025
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.
Inclusion for all Many of us live with a disability or know someone who does. These disabilities can include physical, intellectual, developmental, psychosocial or learning impairments. Some have been with a person for life; others are acquired. On 3 December, Australia joined the world in marking the annual United Nations International Day of People with Disability. The theme for the day, and the year ahead, is ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’. In 2022, 5.5 million Australians, or 21.4 per cent of the population, had a disability. This is an increase from 4.4 million (17.7 per cent) in 2018. Some disabilities can be seen and others cannot.
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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: 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: 14 November 2025 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
This week, we feature a story on ‘invisible disabilities’ – those that people carry and live with but are not seen by the general population. In My Story, Lydia Bruford also shares some of her journey living with a visual impairment. Together, these articles offer suggestions on how we can work together to see, understand and include everyone living with a disability – to the benefit of all. For these stories and more, check out salvosonline.org.au Simone Worthing Editor 3
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Spreading joy at Christmas 10 top tips from the Salvos
Did you know our modern-day Santa Claus grew from the story of a generous joy-giver?
Christmas gifts are those that show you’ve taken the time to think about the recipient’s likes and needs.
St Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop in Myra, a town in present-day Türkiye (Turkey), was renowned for his generosity.
4. Spread positivity Positive words create an environment of joy. This Christmas season, start a habit of speaking positively to those around you by challenging yourself to give at least one encouraging comment each day.
The story is that St Nicholas was from a wealthy family but lost his parents when he was very young. He dedicated his life to helping those in need, often performing his acts of kindness in secret. One famous story tells of how he saved three very poor sisters from a life of hardship and slavery by secretly throwing bags of gold through their window. While few of us today have bags of gold to share, we can certainly share from hearts of gold to spread happiness this Christmas. Here are 10 ways to light up someone’s Christmas with joy: 1.
Volunteer your time By giving your time and skills, you create a ripple effect of happiness.
2. Share your talents Everyone has a talent or skill that can bring joy to others. Join a local Christmas carols choir, paint a mural for a community centre, offer to fix things for neighbours, or cook for a family in need. Your talents, when shared, can create deeply meaningful moments of joy. 3. Give thoughtful gifts Thoughtful gifts that bring joy don’t have to be expensive. The best 4
5. Bring people together Community events are a wonderful way to spread joy and build connections. 6. Offer a listening ear Whether it’s a friend going through a tough time, or a stranger who needs someone to listen, being present and showing empathy can bring great comfort and joy to those who need to be heard. 7.
Create joyful memories Sometimes life gets so busy, we miss moments of joy with those we are closest to. Whether it’s baking Christmas cookies, going on a walk in nature, or having a Christmas-themed home movie night, these moments of togetherness are priceless and create lasting joyful memories.
8. Support a cause Whether it’s donating toys or time, participating in a fundraiser or advocating for a cause, your efforts can make a significant difference to others.
Feature
9. Practise acts of kindness Acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day in unexpected ways. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line, leave a kind note for a stranger, offer to return a shopping trolley, or give up a seat on public transport. 10. Embrace Christmas loveliness At Christmas, we celebrate the joy that Jesus brings. When Jesus was born on the first Christmas, an angel announced his birth saying, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke chapter 2 in the Bible).
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The joy that Jesus brings is anchored in belief in God’s goodness and the hope we can cling to, even in the toughest times. So, here at the Salvos, we wish you a joy-filled, meaningful Christmas. We warmly invite you to embrace what brings authentic joy and to extend this gift of joy to others. Together, let’s create a ripple effect that touches hearts and transforms lives this Christmas. And the best part? Joy is like a circle – when you give it away, you receive it back, often in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. 5
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Seeing beyond what meets the eye Understanding invisible disabilities by Karen Masters The world marked the annual International Day of People with Disability on 3 December. The theme for 2025 was ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’. This story focuses on ‘invisible’ disabilities – those that people live with but can’t been seen – and how a humble sunflower can help.
As a parent, you stand back and watch your three-year-old closely after they utter the words, “I can do it myself.” Over the years this becomes, “I don’t need any help,” until one day they come and mumble the words, “Can you help me?” and you gladly assist with their school project. We learn early to be independent and not look for help, but sometimes we do need an extra hand, and asking for it can be difficult. In 2016, the Accessibility Team at London’s Gatwick Airport recognised that some of the 500,000 passengers they assist each year had disabilities that were not obvious, and started to think about how they could identify and assist them. The team chose to use a symbol to indicate that people may need some assistance or extra support. This has become known as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and has expanded worldwide (hdsunflower.com/uk/our-history). The symbol can be worn as a lanyard, wristband or button. It is a tool to let people around you know that you might need a helping hand, understanding or more time to do what you need to – in 6
The Hidden Disabilities sunflower encourages inclusivity and understanding.
shops, at work, on transport or in public spaces. People who recognise the sunflower can ask, “How can I help you?” Sunflower sign Hidden disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent. They include many different disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain and fatigue, dementia, mental health conditions, musculoskeletal conditions (such as arthritis), neurological conditions (such as acquired brain injury), sensory and processing difficulties, or vision and hearing impairments (hdsunflower.com/ au). They also include respiratory and rare diseases and chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
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Feature PHOTO COURTESY KAREN MASTERS
“God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient.” The ‘invisible disabilities’ lanyard.
Helle, who has Pompe Disease, says, “I use the Sunflower lanyard or wristband when I am out and about and can with certainty say it is working for me.” She gives the example of a time when, attending a large event, she needed to use the ladies’ room. Noticing her lanyard, a woman asked if she could be of assistance. Helle mentioned that sometimes doors can be easy to push, but harder to pull open. The lady said she would wait and make sure Helle could get the door open. On another occasion, when alone at an event, volunteers noticed Helle’s lanyard and helped her to her seat, gave her a card and said to ring the number printed there when she was ready to leave and they would come back to further assist. What can we do to help others? We can be on the lookout for the Sunflower and ask, “How can I help you?” Scan here for more information or to purchase Sunflower products.
Colossians chapter 3, verse 12 (Contemporary English Version). At a glance Globally, one in six of us live with disability. That is approximately 1.3 billion people. And of those, it is estimated that up to 80 per cent are living with a non-visible disability. That is over 1 billion people. Only 17 per cent of people with disability were born with their disabilities. The remaining 83 per cent make up the largest minority group in the world, and it’s one that any of us can join at any time. Globally, there are around 240 million children living with disability. Can’t see it? Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. To view the video of the same name, go to tinyurl.com/bdfubrms 7
News
Salvos Magazine
Gender-based violence: keeping perpetrators accountable The United Nations annual 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence campaign kicked off on 25 November and concludes 6 December. Salvos Magazine has been reporting on the campaign, and today we focus on accountability – keeping the focus on the perpetrators of violence. When we talk about ending genderbased violence, accountability is key. Real change happens when we keep perpetrators, not victim-survivors, at the centre of responsibility. Shifting the lens Too often, conversations about genderbased violence drift toward questions like “Why didn’t she leave?” instead of “Why did he choose to use violence?” Shifting that lens is essential. Accountability begins when we stop excusing, minimising or explaining away abusive behaviour, and instead, recognise it as a choice that demands responsibility and change. Overcoming defensiveness Creating accountability can be uncomfortable. It means looking honestly at power, privilege and the ways we may enable or overlook harm. Whether we’re responding to clients, supporting colleagues, or advocating for change, the goal is not to assign guilt – it’s to create conditions for honesty, learning and growth. When we approach accountability with empathy and courage, we model what healthy responsibility looks like – taking 8
PHOTO BY MAKS_D ON UNSPLASH
ownership, seeking feedback, and working toward safer, more equitable relationships. In our own teams and workplaces, we can: •
Challenge victim-blaming language and attitudes
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Support policies and practices that hold perpetrators accountable
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Encourage reflection and open conversations about respectful relationships and power
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Model accountability in our leadership and interactions every day
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Justice begins with facing the truth, not shifting the blame. To access support for men who use violence and want to change their behaviour, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or go to ntv. org.au/mrs To read more about the 16 Days of Activism campaign, go to salvosonline. org.au or tinyurl.com/yc46t5c5
News
6 December 2025
PM launches Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (fourth from left) launched the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal at Parliament House in Canberra.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched the 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, supporting The Salvation Army’s ministry to Australians in need at Christmas time. “The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal reflects the best of the Australian spirit – generosity, compassion and community,” Mr Albanese said. “With the support of Kmart and The Salvation Army, it’s always special to see Australians coming together to make Christmas a little brighter for families doing it tough.” It is the 38th year of the Kmart Wishing Tree, a nationwide campaign in which Australians are invited to purchase and donate gifts in-store, which are then donated to Salvation Army centres to distribute to families who are struggling to make ends meet at Christmas. The Salvation Army’s Colonel Rodney Walters and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley placed the first gifts under the Wishing Tree to kick off the appeal,
which runs from early November until Christmas Eve. Rodney, Secretary for Communications, later posted on his social media, “So many gifts and so much collaboration in bringing gifts with big smiles! Thanking God for opportunities to support those who need it most!” Prayer breakfast Earlier in the day, Rodney had attended the annual Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, which drew more than 500 people, one of the largest recorded attendances in recent years. The theme was ‘Rejoicing in Hope’, with Dr John Dickson as the keynote speaker, who spoke on Romans chapter 12, verses 11-18 and issued a powerful challenge on ‘conflict versus compassion’. “Leaders of the respective political parties shared in the importance of prayer in the everyday aspects of their lives,” Rodney said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to unite in prayer.” – Lauren Martin 9
Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
Changing my perspective
Salvos Magazine continues a new occasional column – Three Books. Today’s guest bookworm is Captain Duane Albino, the Salvos pastor at Albany in Western Australia.
Besides the gospels and Psalms, which is your favourite book in the Bible and why? Alright ... let’s talk Jonah. The book of Jonah is one of the shortest in the Bible, but it’s like reading a divine sitcom with eternal stakes. You’ve got a prophet who literally gets an assignment from God – “Go to Nineveh, tell them to repent.” Jonah’s response? “Yeah, nah.” He buys a ticket on a ship heading in the opposite direction. It’s hilarious, it’s tragic, and somehow, it’s us. Every time we ghost God’s call because it’s inconvenient, we’re just Jonah without the seaweed. Then the storm hits. The sailors are 10
panicking, throwing cargo overboard, and there’s Jonah, snoring below deck. They wake him up, he admits it’s his fault and tells them to toss him into the ocean. He’s not even trying to fix it; he’d rather drown than obey. And then, just when it can’t get weirder, a giant fish shows up like Uber Eats with bad timing. Jonah gets swallowed whole, spends three days in the stomach of grace, and finally decides to pray. But the punchline is what happens next. He finally preaches to Nineveh – probably the most half-hearted sermon in history – and the whole city repents. Like, everyone. And Jonah? He’s furious. He literally sulks under a plant because God was too merciful.
Faith Talk Jonah isn’t really about a man and a fish; it’s about a God who refuses to give up on people who don’t deserve a second chance. It’s a story of grace so wide it makes you uncomfortable, and that’s what I love. Because if God can use a runaway prophet, a storm and a sea creature to change hearts – then maybe there’s hope for the rest of us, too.
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compassion. Her writing reminded me that walking with God doesn’t mean we must always be strong or perfect – it means we can bring our brokenness honestly before him. It’s a book that leaves you both comforted and strengthened, reminding you that God’s love is patient, persistent and always present. What is a secular book that has revealed to you a Christian message or theme? Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove. On the surface, it’s about a grumpy old man and the eccentric neighbours who slowly, and often unintentionally, break through his crusty exterior. But beneath the humour and dry wit lies something sacred – a story about redemption, patience, and the quiet, relentless power of love. Ove isn’t particularly likeable at first; he’s bitter, stubborn, and absurdly set in his ways. Yet through the gentle persistence of others, he begins to rediscover purpose and belonging. It’s proof that sometimes grace comes disguised as nosy neighbours and unwanted interruptions.
Besides the Bible, what is a Christian book that has strongly influenced your faith? One book that has deeply shaped my perspective is Try Softer by Aundi Kolber. Kolber blends her experience as a licensed therapist with a Christian worldview, creating a book that is both practical and deeply spiritual. She doesn’t offer platitudes or quick fixes; instead, she gently guides readers to approach life, faith and themselves with
By the end, I laughed, almost cried, and found myself reflecting on the people God has placed in my own life – the ones who refused to walk away even when I didn’t make it easy. A Man Called Ove reminded me that grace doesn’t always roar; sometimes it just knocks on your door, holding a casserole and refusing to leave. It’s a story that will leave you smiling through tears, whispering, “That’s exactly what love does.” For the full version of this story, go to salvosonline.org.au/three-books 11
My Story
Salvos Magazine
Love, not limitation A story of faith, disability and inclusion by Lydia Bruford Lydia Bruford lives with a rare eye condition called Aniridia, which has caused her to be visually impaired. She is a passionate follower of Jesus, a lifelong Salvo and an advocate for disability inclusion. Her husband, Lieutenant Dave Bruford, is the officer (pastor) of Devonport Salvos, Tasmania.
I start with a story about a God who listens and sees, not to scrutinise, but to support. This story captures the core message of my life journey living with a disability. In the biblical book of Exodus, chapter 4, God calls Moses to go to Egypt and tell the Pharaoh (ruler) to let the Israelites go free. It isn’t a moment of perfect readiness; it’s a scene full of fear, uncertainty and unwillingness. Moses, aware of his difficulties with his ability to speak, pushes back: “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now...” (verse 10). But God doesn’t dismiss him, rush him, or ‘fix’ him. Instead, he listens. Then God does something both human and divine. He validates Moses’ abilities and worries, and offers partnership: “What about your brother Aaron?... I will help both of you speak” (verses 14-16).
Lydia is an advocate for disability inclusion.
Making space When God meets Moses in his fear and limitations, he doesn’t demand anything. He responds with love. God didn’t silence or dismiss Moses. He journeyed alongside him.
We often ask questions about someone’s disability out of curiosity. However, curiosity without empathy can seem intrusive. Listening that fosters a genuine connection – that’s where love develops.
People living with a disability desire the same response from those around them that God gave to Moses. Not pity or performance, but authentic love and care. 12
Not curiosity about their diagnosis, but a genuine commitment to hear their story.
Not broken Living with a disability doesn’t mean you are broken or unseen, even if those around you or society might suggest otherwise. This includes the church.
6 December 2025
My Story
In Exodus chapter 4, God supports Moses’ fear over his speech difficulties. Braille is a tactile reading and writing system for people who are blind or have visual imparements.
When people assume I can’t do something, or that I need fixing, it often reveals more about their view of disability than about my actual abilities. These assumptions have been painful spaces for me, but in finding and encountering Jesus in the pain, I realised that Jesus was the one who didn’t need me to be healed, didn’t need me to be a certain way to be loved. I experienced that he listened. He gave me strength. He saw me. He loves me. That I was worthy of God’s love by just being me. Inclusion I have a couple of suggestions on how to include someone with a disability: •
Don’t assume someone’s limitations or needs; build a relationship first.
Change the questions. Instead of “What’s your condition?”, ask “How can we best communicate with / support you?” •
Avoid asking questions out of curiosity; a person with a disability will usually share the information you need. This might change once you’ve built an authentic relationship with them.
People with disabilities are part of God’s plan, not an afterthought. Are you willing to respond as God did to Moses?” Scan here for more stories on disability and inclusion with the Salvos. 13
Taste of Life
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Frittata
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Salvos Magazine
Quiz
1. Which mountain range is Mount Everest a part of? Ingredients 2 potatoes; 2 tbsp oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 capsicum, chopped; 70g bacon, chopped; 100g spinach; 200g grape tomatoes, halved; 8 eggs; ½ cup cream; ¾ cup grated cheese Method Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease baking dish, 26 x 16 x 5cm. Place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Pierce each with a fork twice. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. Cool and slice thinly. Heat oil in frying pan on medium heat. Cook onion and capsicum for 3 minutes, stirring. Add bacon; cook 4 minutes. Add spinach; cook 1 minute. In baking dish layer potatoes, cooked mixture and tomatoes. Repeat. In a bowl beat eggs and cream. Season to taste. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 30 minutes until set. Stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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Believe in Good: Tips
“If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return.” – Toni Sorenson 14
2. What is the longest continental mountain range in the world? 3. Which mountain range is the Matterhorn a part of? 4. Where is Mount Fuji found? 5. What is the highest mountain in Africa?
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On this day
9 December 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas made its debut on television. 10 December 2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was released. 10 December 1901 The first Nobel Prizes are awarded.
Take Five
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Have a laugh
I have found a way to time travel. It is called sleeping. The tomatoes in my garden are like time travellers. They are developing wormholes.
I received a gift from the local time travellers’ club.
It was two tickets to the Titanic’s maiden voyage
I have a device to fetch futuristic herbs.
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6 December 2025
Word search
R T S L O P E S O Z F K A M E O A O J B E G U E T K O O L V L Q N V G A H G S V WD O S P P E F G Q U O U E U E F X T C S B V U E R I D G E M R P M H I Z Q A J M Z D E Z B M E T Z I U S I T I A R E Q WX I S O M L S Q T I G T E I E C V T T Q X L Z P H O J T C A V E U S L O X S K L J N V E Z Y R K V A L L E Y O A J WO R I P L M B A L P I N E T P O L H O E I C L I M B E R WE P D C O Q U M O U N T A I N T A E N A R R T H I M A L A Y A S U A Z N N T E R R A I N L C I A X K Q O WU R O C K Y B O U L D E R S V
It is a thyme machine.
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Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
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Answers
Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Alpine Alps Boulders Cave Climber Elevation Everest Foothills
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Fuji Guide Himalayas Kosciuszko Matterhorn Mountain Peak Plateau
Range Ridge Rocky Slopes Summit Terrain Valley Volcano
Bible byte
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son … by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” John chapter 3, verse 16 The Message translation 15
Tum-Tum: is hiding behind a box on page 5.
Quiz: 1. The Himalayas 2. The Andes 3. The Swiss Alps 4. Japan’s Honshu Island 5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.