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The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory December 2011 Volume 15 Issue 12

In this issue FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS The General’s Christmas message SEASONED WITH LOVE Doug and Ruby Smith’s Christmas Day lunch OUTBACK MINISTRY TAKES OFF New chopper for flying padre

Welcome to the Solomons

Also inside

E 4-PAG NING ISSIO COMM TOUT LIF

Salvos embraced by island nation

ARTICLES BY General

Linda

Bond

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Commissioner

James

Condon

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Commissioner

William

Francis

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Major

Paul

Moulds

ONLINE

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Contents COVER

STORY

12-17 WELCOME TO THE SOLOMONS

Bill Simpson reports on The Salvation Army’s road to opening operations in the Solomon Islands

12 F E AT U R E S 5 FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

General Linda Bond’s Christmas message to the international Salvation Army 8-9 CHRISTMAS LUNCH SEASONED WITH LOVE

Naomi Singlehurst meets a Salvationist couple with a heart for their community

8 18-21 Q&A

Scott Simpson talks to the Army’s International Editor-In-Chief 22-23 OUTBACK MINISTRY TAKES OFF

Flying Padre service gets a second chopper

REGULARS

Editorial ‘Tis the season for forgiveness

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’ve been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately.

Now before you start thinking that I’ve committed some dark, heinous sin (although I readily acknowledge I’m a sinner saved by grace) that has prompted my recent interest in this topic, please let me explain.

I’ve been working my way through a devotional, Daily in His Presence, written by the 18th century South African preacher and writer, Andrew Murray.

Throughout November, the book has focused on the topic of forgiveness. It’s been a fascinating read.

In one of the daily readings, Murray writes, “God desires that we should live as people who have been freely forgiven. And we can only prove our sincerity by forgiving those who have offended us, as freely and as willingly as God has forgiven us.”

Those words caught my attention with a newfound clarity. God freely and willingly forgives us, and expects us to display the same grace and humility towards someone who has wronged us.

In the Lord’s Prayer we are taught to pray, “Forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matt 6:12). Now that, to me, seems pretty clear: if we want God to forgive our sins then we have no choice – we must forgive others. You can’t have one without the other, and yet how often do we see Christians bear long-held grudges, even against each other! How that must break God’s heart.

3 EDITORIAL 4 TC@PIPELINE 6-7 INTEGRITY 24 HOLY HABITS 25 UNLOCKING ARMY’S ARCHIVES 27 HOW TO DO JUSTICE 28-29 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW? 32-41 COALFACE NEWS D E C E M B E R

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42-43 PROMOTED TO GLORY

IN THIS MONTH’S WOMEN IN TOUCH Living Hope

The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder

Cover photo Shairon Paterson

International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria street London EC4P 4EP

Pipeline is a publication of the Communications Team

Linda Bond, General Australia Eastern Territory 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 James Condon, Commissioner Territorial Commander Glenn Whittaker, Major Communications and Public Relations Secretary Managing Editor Scott Simpson Graphic design Kem Pobjie

Editorial and correspondence: Address: PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 1235 Phone: (02) 9266 9690 www.salvos.org.au Email: eastern.editorial @aue.salvationarmy.org Published for: The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

by Commissioner James Condon.

Printed by: SOS Print + Media Group 65 Burrows Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia Print Post Approved PP236902/00023

Plan of redemption

Furthermore, the consequences for those who refuse to forgive are terrifying. Just after Jesus has taught his disciples how to pray, he says, “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not [emphasis mine] forgive your sins” (Matt 6:15).

Later in the book of Matthew, the parable of the servant who refused to forgive ends with this warning from the Lord: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart” (Matt 18:35).

So why, in the lead-up to Christmas, have I chosen to write about forgiveness and not focus on the traditional message of the birth of Christ? It’s because the two are intrinsically linked.

The arrival of the baby Jesus more than 2000 years ago in that manger in Bethlehem, also heralded the entry of a new paradigm of forgiveness into the world.

The Saviour – the perfect lamb of God who came to be a once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins – was born.

By sending his Son, God was putting his phenomenal plan of redemption into place so that we could be made pure – without sin – in his sight.

So hands up who wants to have their sins forgiven.

Well, let us remember to forgive others as God forgives us.

Scott Simpson Managing Editor

Welcome Jesus into your neighbourhood this Christmas Commissioner JAMES CONDON reflects on the theme of Christmas, when the Word became flesh and God moved into our world to live among us

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have lived in many different neighbourhoods in my lifetime.

Some I really enjoyed while others were challenging. In one corps appointment our house was next door to a men’s hostel and at the back of the Army hall – though not attached to it. Living in that neighbourhood was interesting and quite challenging at times, depending on who was in the hostel at the time.

In another corps we had a very thoughtful neighbour who would bring the washing in from the line if it started to rain – or another who would water our garden and collect the mail when we were away.

But not all neighbourhoods are pleasant places to live.

Sometimes there are noisy neighbours, others are plain rude, some are watching your every move and you just wish you could move somewhere else. But, mostly, neighbours are fun to share life with.

John chapter 1 verse 14 in The Message paraphrase says: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood.

We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

He came to heal the broken-hearted, to forgive the sinner, to bring comfort to the sad and lonely, to befriend the friendless, to lift up the fallen, to bring peace, joy and hope to all.

The Word, Jesus, became flesh and lived among us; moved into the neighbourhood; pitched his tent among us. He did something incredibly inconvenient to establish a relationship with us and with one another.

He chose to live among our imperfection and it’s in our sinfulness that we see his grace and glory.

Thank God Jesus moved into the neighbourhood and lives among us. I pray he is a welcome guest in your neighbourhood and that you daily invite him to be part of your life.

He wants to get to know us better and he came nearer to us when he moved into the neighbourhood.

American pastor, author and speaker Timothy Keller said: “Christmas is an invitation to know Christ personally. Christmas is an invitation by God who says, ‘Look what I’ve done to come near to you. Now draw near to me. I don’t want to be a concept; I want to be a friend.”

May your relationship with Jesus deepen over this Christmas time.

God among us

When Jesus moved into the neighbourhood, he chose to make his home among us. He did not mind if the neighbourhood was pleasant or nasty.

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Commissioner James Condon is Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory

The General’s Christmas Message 2011

For such a time as this

H

ow relevant is the Christmas story for the 21st century? It is celebrated every year with carols, trees, glitter, lights and gifts, but is the coming of Jesus into the world of any significance for such a time as this?

More than 2000 years separate us.

Where are the points of connection? The answer becomes clear when we look at two groups that played a central role in the first Christmas – the wise men and the shepherds. The two groups have often been contrasted, emphasising the differences of occupation, religious background and learning. However, what they have in common may be what relates to us now.

Both groups were men of reflection, the wise men studying the heavens, looking for signs; the shepherds with their long evening hours thinking of their occupied homeland and wondering when the promised Messiah would come. Surely there was an expectation that something would happen, must happen, to bring peace to the world. Would such reflection give birth to hope? I think so.

Both groups experienced a divine intervention – a revelation. The shepherds were visited by an angelic host announcing the birth of the Saviour of the world. The wise men saw a star which became their guiding light to lead them to the Christ child. These two groups of very different men responded to the supernatural events and moved out of their comfort zones.

Both shepherds and wise men took the divine signs seriously. An action of faith was needed and they took it.

God never disappoints. For both groups, the realisation was all that God had

promised. The Saviour King was born. And whether it was kneeling at a manger or giving gifts to the child, shepherds and wise men all saw the face of God, the face of love in Jesus, Saviour of the world!

This past year has been a time of unparalleled natural disasters, economic troubles and political upheavals. For such a time as this, reflecting on this world and perhaps even our own needs, there could be cause for despair. Yet Christmas is about hope, as it was 2000 years ago. Jesus not only came, he lived and died for the world.

And he lives today! That gives us hope.

We may not see a host of angels this Christmas or a guiding star, but God will come to each one of us in a discernible way, as he did to the shepherds and the wise men.

We may choose to conclude that it is just the annual spirit of Christmas, but it is God making himself known to us. How we react to it will be a matter of faith, a case of rising from our watch in the fields or following the star, so to speak.

And if we do leave our comfort zone to seek the God who seeks us, we will discover that he is real, just as the shepherds and the wise men did.

He is love. We are loved.

The Saviour of the world came to earth many years ago, but he also comes today to us, to you, to me.

General Linda Bond is world leader of The Salvation Army

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How good was King The legend of Good King Wenceslas focuses on generosity and kindness, writes Commissioner WILLIAM FRANCIS, teaching us to give to the less fortunate

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G

ood King Wenceslas may be the most heartily sung and least understood of all the Christmas carols.

Who was this enigmatic Wenceslas and why do we sing about him? He was not a king, but rather the Duke of Bohemia (907935). He was a good, benevolent nobleman who gave his life to spreading the gospel and expanding Christianity in his country.

His brother, Boleslaus, however, was anything but good. Tragically, he ended up killing Wenceslas and succeeding him as duke. A century after his murder, Wenceslas was canonised as the patron saint of Bohemia (part of the modern Czech Republic).

The Christmas carol by English hymnwriter John Mason Neale is based on a popular legend of the life of Wenceslas.

The tale concerns a king who goes out to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen, the second day of Christmas, 26 December.

During the journey, his servant is about to give up the struggle against the cold weather, but is enabled to continue by the heat miraculously emanating from the king’s footprints in the snow.

Although the bouncy Scandinavian tune we use for the carol has been criticised for its lack of musical finesse, many love this joyful melody that supports the saga. It focuses on generosity and kindness, and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. It is a chronicle about reaching out to the marginalised, the oppressed and the ostracised in our communities. It’s about the love of Jesus.

The question today is not who was the “good king,” but rather what can we do this Christmas to reach out and be a Wenceslas to others? Who will find

warmth, life and love as they cross our paths this Christmas? We can rise to the challenge in the weeks leading up to Christmas, if we do our best to: CONNECT – Christmas is about connecting with family and friends.

However, some people do not have family and countless others have no friends. This Christmas, reach beyond your immediate family and circle of friends. Connecting with others will bring joy to your world.

INVITE – Christmas is a time for eating. It is a time for high-quality meals, delicious baking and seasonal delicacies.

Invite someone new to your home. Your place doesn’t have to be big and the food doesn’t have to be fancy. That’s not the intent. The point is to invite someone new into your home environment. Get to know them and let them get to know you.

SERVE – Christmas is an opportunity to serve. Ask the question, “What can I do this year to help others?” The answer will come in many forms – serving at a homeless shelter, distributing toys to needy children, cleaning up after the countless Christmas parties or visiting shut-ins. Christmas is a time for serving people. As the good carol says: “Therefore, Christian men, be sure; Wealth or rank possessing; Ye who now will bless the poor; Shall yourselves find blessing.”

TELL - Christmas is the occasion to proclaim anew the reason for the season.

This Christmas, let your world know that the Saviour, Christ the Lord, is born. Our Immanuel, God with us, has come. He has transformed our lives and can change the

Integrity

Growing Saints

Wenceslas?

lives of our new friends. It is the best gift we can give to others. Share the good news this Christmas.

May this Christmas be the best one ever for you.

May you see the Christ Child in a new and wonderful way.

May God bless you abundantly!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Commissioner William Francis (Ret.) is a member of The Salvation Army’s International Doctrine Council.

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Christmas lunch seasoned with

NAOMI SINGLEHURST talks to a Salvationist couple who invite the community to share their Christmas Day lunch

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Doug and Ruby do their best to make sure children don’t go without at Christmas.

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n the rural NSW town of Temora, Salvation Army Corps Leaders Doug and Ruby Smith run a Christmas Day luncheon for those in need. Around 65 people came to last year’s lunch and the Smiths are setting the table for more this year.

The couple took on the leadership role at Temora Corps (which also has oversight of West Wyalong Corps) in January 2009 and have become actively involved in a number of community ventures in the town.

As well as running two thriving churches, the indefatigable couple are also involved in Rotary, Quota, Open Minds Brighter Futures, the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, street and hotel ministries, welfare support, The Salvos Family Store, a drop-in centre, kids club and a school breakfast club which feeds 150 kids.

But it is the Christmas Day lunch which the Smiths say has the biggest impact, forming an essential link to sharing their lives with those in the community.

“Ruby and I have always invited people to share our Christmas table with us and since we came out here in fulltime ministry we tell our family that [it’s] Christmas Day here – we have our local people,” says Doug.

Doug and Ruby Smith have been described as an inspiration for the way they serve God at Temora. Photos: Hayley Hillis

Serving Christmas lunch and small gifts for those who are alone or suffering is only possible because of the care and interaction of the whole community.

“For example,” Doug says, “we have a lovely lady in our town who lives alone and is in her late 80s. Last year, in addition to our street ministry box, we put out another box to raise funds for Christmas dinner. This lady came along and put in a wad of money and didn’t want any thanks or fuss.

place their lives in his hands,” says Major Alley.

“It is so beautiful to see that age is not a barrier for Doug and Ruby, and the kids of these communities just love them. They have made lasting connections with the children, youth and their families.”

Tough times

As Christmas 2011 approaches, Doug and Ruby say times are definitely getting tougher for many, and they are seeing an

“If you want a true example of what it means to be the ‘salt and light of the earth’ just look at them [Doug and Ruby] ...”

“And the local newspaper came across with a cheque for Christmas lunch, [then] the pharmacist came along with a cheque for Christmas lunch and the supermarket across the road brought food across. The sense of community care and involvement is absolutely lovely.”

Major Julie Alley, The Salvation Army ACT and South NSW Divisional Resource and Mission Director – Corps, says the Smiths are an inspiration.

“If you want a true example of what it means to be the ‘salt and light of the earth’ just look at them and be inspired and encouraged that God can use everyone in amazing ways ... if they are willing to

increasing number of working families struggling with the rising costs of living.

“Cost of living issues seem to be becoming a far greater problem, plus the demand is always growing here because of the shortage of housing in Sydney and the bigger towns,” says Doug. “So we are seeing at least two families a month moving to our areas and many have nothing when they arrive.”

They are also seeing an increasing number of working families struggling to make ends meet.

“Many of the people we see coming in for electricity are people coming in now for the first time,” says Doug. “They are

used to getting a $350 electricity bill and now they are getting a $1200 electricity bill. They want to and are used to doing the right thing and they try to pay it, but they can’t.”

Whatever the need, the couple work to teach or help clients achieve financial independence, and not become reliant on welfare.

“We try and generate a culture where we don’t generally give people the same type of help twice in a row.

So for instance, if they get a voucher for groceries this time, they will not get a voucher next time but rather we give them a bag of food, so it doesn’t become habitual.”

Doug laughs as he says their age means that they can get away with being tough when they need to be.

“We have a beautiful story of a lass who has two children who were taken off her because of drugs and alcohol,” says Doug.

“One day Ruby got a bit frustrated at the excuses and said to her, ‘you come in here and blame everyone else because you haven’t got your children, but whose fault is it really?’ This lass went home and reflected ... then went to rehab, and is working part-time in our Family Store and she now has her kids.

“It is a true privilege to be allowed into the lives of some of the most isolated and hurting in this community.”

The Smiths officially retire at the end of this year, but admit that God’s calling on their lives will continue in their invaluable service to the community. 

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Keeping it simple Give the right gift this festive season. By JULIA HOSKING

D

uring December the shops are full of people searching for the perfect Christmas gift – maybe a toy for their child, a piece of jewellery for their wife, or a shirt for their husband.

There is a pressure to get it all right, and that also includes a nice Christmas tree, an exquisite display of decorations and a festive party.

But it can come at a price. Anxiety and stress are no strangers at Christmas due to the enormous effort taken to ensure that the season is not only merry but, indeed, perfect.

It is, therefore, important that we embrace a genuine spirit of giving.

Tipsmeaningful for a season

1. Don’t cross Christ out of Christmas.

Think about the message behind the carols you sing. Reflect on the words of love, peace and joy written on your Christmas greeting cards. Include a nativity scene in your decorations. Set aside time to re-read the Christmas story found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

2. Stay focused. Spending time with family and friends is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the day. Ensure that you are able to treasure that time, both leading up to and on Christmas Day, by balancing your schedule and prioritising your commitments.

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Whether this is reflected by gifts, financial donations or the simple sharing of love and joy, we shouldn’t be motivated by the pressure to create a “nice” Christmas.

Matthew 2:11 shows how the three wise men embraced the positive spirit of giving when they gave their prized possessions to the baby Jesus. “... they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Jesus is not here in the physical realm with us, and so unlike the wise men, we cannot physically offer him material possessions. However, the Scripture says

3. Give and receive. Offer yourself to God, asking him to become the Lord of your life and welcoming the Holy Spirit into your heart. John R Rice said: “You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father’s face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift.” Thank God for the gift he gave you many years ago, salvation through the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ.

4. Simplify your gift-giving. If your budget is tight, your list long, or you want to avoid materialistic gifts, start bulk baking. Try choosing an easy recipe for goods that have a long life (either in the freezer or an air-tight container) for advance preparation.

To use your Christmas shopping time productively, write a list of people and gift ideas. Start shopping early, before the shops become crowded and stressful. For alternative gift-giving, visit The Salvation Army’s Gifts That Keep On Giving program at www. salvos.org.au/said to choose items such as chickens and goats for developing countries.

they not only “presented him with gifts,” but they “bowed down and worshipped him”.

Giving our life to the Lord (whether for the first or 12th time) is an activity that requires no funds out of a bank account, and it certainly involves no shopping mall or long queue at a store.

Our life is all we came to this world with, so it is the only present we can truly, generously and wholeheartedly give back to him.

Christ is the reason Christmas exists, so when we offer ourselves to him, the festive season has a realigned and simplified message and focus.

A time to

give

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ive generously to others this Christmas. While we cannot give Jesus a material gift, when we feed the poor and give to those in need, Christ is honoured. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

1. When you are at the grocery store,

pick up a few extra items and donate them to a food bank.

2. As you pay your bills, think about a missionary or ministry that would benefit from a “Christmas gift” and send them a donation. Be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities to help the less fortunate this Christmas.

3. If you are struggling to find room in the closet for new toys and clothes, donate the ones you do not need to your local Salvos or Family Store.

4. Have a spare seat at your meal table?

Invite someone over who would be grateful for dinner and the company.

Share the true meaning of Christmas

By LAUREN MARTIN

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hristmas is such a busy time of the year, that often we let its true meaning pass us by.

As part of its annual Christmas Appeal, The Salvation Army is inviting people to share their true meaning of Christmas with friends, family and the rest of Australia, via a newly launched website, TrueMeaningOfChristmas.org. au.

With a choice of six meanings, the Australian public are encouraged to vote for what they believe to be the true meaning of Christmas – Faith, Love, Hope, Giving, Family or Comfort. The site will keep track of the most-voted for meaning, so we can discover what Australia believes to be the true meaning of Christmas.

Visitors to the site can look at other people’s comments or leave their own message detailing what Christmas means to them and upload their favourite Christmas photos. These messages can then be forwarded to friends via Facebook and Twitter.

Major Jeff Winterburn, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Appeals Director (External), says the site is a way of getting people to take a step back and think about what Christmas is really about, and what it means to them.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in all the rush surrounding Christmas on TV and in the shops,” explains Major Winterburn.

“We want to use this site to encourage people to take the time to think about what the true meaning of Christmas is; and it will be different for each and every person.

“Is it spending time with your loved ones that you might not have seen in three months, or three years; is it giving back to those less fortunate than yourself; is it the hope of the new year to come; or is it coming together and celebrating your faith at this time of year?”

Don’t let another Christmas pass you by without giving some real thought as to what Christmas means to you. Share in the true meaning of Christmas this year at TrueMeaningOfChristmas.org.au and donate to The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal at 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

How to cut festive budget

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s an early Christmas present, The Salvation Army has released a booklet to help people plan their expenditure this festive season.

The booklet, Tips For a Debt-free Christmas, can be downloaded free at salvos.org.au “One of the tips the booklet gives to people is to try and differentiate between their wants and their needs this Christmas, and to do everything possible not to use credit or to get into debt,” says Tony Devlin, head of The Salvation Army’s Moneycare financial counselling service.

“When Christmas debt compounds on other household financial pressures, that’s when people can start to get into trouble.

We would urge people not to accumulate debt by using credit cards to buy Christmas items.”

Moneycare is a free service which provides help to Australians in financial difficulties and crisis. People can contact Moneycare by calling the Salvo Care Line on 1300 363 622 or go to salvos.org.au and look under the heading “Financial Troubles” to find where Moneycare centres are located.

Christmas is

True Meaning Of Christmas.org.au DONATE NOW

13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

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Solomon Islanders are now officially flying The Salvation Army flag with pride in their country. All photos: Shairon Paterson

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Salvos Solomons in the

BILL SIMPSON reports on The Salvation Army’s road to opening operations in the Solomon Islands

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he Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern and Southern territories will jointly fund initial operations in the Army’s newest country – Solomon Islands.

The two territories will commit equally to a $500,000 funding package over the first five years.

Commissioners James Condon (Eastern Territory) and Raymond Finger (Southern Territory) attended the official opening in the Solomon Islands, which is in the Pacific east of Australia and Papua New Guinea, on 5-6 November. Papua New Guinea Territorial Commander Commissioner Andrew Kalai also attended.

The PNG Territory is providing administration support to the Solomon Islands, which becomes The Salvation Army’s 124th country of operation.

PNG native Major Soddy Maraga is the first Solomon Islands officer, with the title Officer in Charge. He has spent most of this year in the Solomon Islands preparing for the official start.

Twenty-one soldiers and three local officers were enrolled during the official opening weekend. Uniforms were provided by Australian Salvationists.

The first group is registered as an outpost (fellowship) of PNG and meets at a hotel conference room in the capital, Honiara. They will be eligible for corps status once they have their own building.

Brisbane City Temple Corps Officer Major Earle Ivers and band supported the opening celebrations.

Repeated requests

During the opening, Commissioner Kalai revealed that negotiations for a move into the Solomon Islands started about 1998 when the first of a series of approaches by various locals was received at the Australia

Commissioner Andrew Kalai speaks at the official opening of The Salvation Army’s work in the Solomon Islands.

Eastern Territory headquarters in Sydney.

The first approach letter, he said, was forwarded to PNG “because our colleagues in Australia felt that being fellow Melanesians, it was better for us [PNG] to deal with the Solomon Islands”.

Major Maraga is the first Melanesian officer to pioneer Salvation Army work in the Army’s South Pacific and East Asia zone (SPEA).

Over the following years, further request letters arrived in PNG, mainly from people who had come in contact with The Salvation Army while overseas, principally in Australia and New Zealand, and wanted the Army to establish in the Solomon Islands.

The PNG Territory, Commissioner Kalai said, was, at the time, not in a

position to finance work in the Solomon Islands. “Serious” discussion started in PNG in 2001, but was adjourned by ethnic clashes on Guadalcanal, the main island of the Solomons.

In 2004, one of the original enquirers – former government official and businessman Peter Maeatua – “vigorously requested [The Salvation Army] to come”.

Commissioner Kalai and Major Allan Satterlee – then PNG Public Relations Secretary – made a fact-finding visit to the Solomon Islands in late 2005.

They held a Sunday meeting, which was advertised in a local newspaper, and about 40 people attended.

They also met with government, business, community and church leaders, who gave full support. As a result, >>>

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Solomons fact file •

The Solomon Islands is in the South Pacific, east of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

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It consists of almost 1000 islands. The capital is Honiara, on the main island of Guadalcanal.

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The Solomons is an independent state, but, like Australia, a constitutional monarchy and member of the Commonwealth of Nations, with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State.

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It has a population of about 525,000. English is the main language.

(Top left) Members of the Brisbane City Temple band mix with Solomon Island locals; (Left) Commissioner James Condon chats with young islanders; (Below) Commissioner Andrew Kalai greets a new soldier.

the official opening in November was held at a Wesley Uniting Church building, with messages from the Roman Catholic Archbishop on behalf of all churches, and the Deputy Prime Minister.

In his fact-finding report, Major Satterlee recommended the PNG Territory begin work in the Solomon Islands.

The Salvation Army International Headquarters gave provisional approval in 2009 and final approval in January this year.

During the waiting stage, the PNG Territory was involved in cyclone and tsunami relief and restoration work in the Solomons. A house was purchased several months ago for Major Maraga and his family [daughters Noho and Georgina, and grand-daughter Norah]. “[So], today [5 November] we come to conduct the official opening of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands,” Commissioner Kalai told the opening

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ceremony. “We give God the glory for his guiding hand on all that has happened to bring us to where we are today. We pray for God to continue helping us in all our endeavours.

“This is an historic occasion for The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

As I stand here to conduct the official opening and dedication service, my heart rejoices and gives thanks to God Almighty.

“For many years, we in PNG wondered if we were ever going to reach the stage where we would actually commence mission work in the Solomons.”

take The Salvation Army to the Solomon Islands.

“When I look around the city of Honiara and see the people and their conditions, I know that these are our people and that God has sent The Salvation Army to the Solomon Islands,” he said.

“It has been a privilege for me to have been there at the ‘idea’ stage. You never know what God has in store for you. “[The move] has been years coming, but there is a time for everything, according to the Book of Ecclesiastes. The time for the Solomon Islands is now.” 

Time is right

Commissioner Condon, who was PNG Chief Secretary in the mid-2000s when discussions were deepening, told Pipeline after the official opening that he felt privileged to be part of the project to

Bill Simpson is a staff writer for Pipeline and supplements.

Ploughing the way for pioneering work

By BILL SIMPSON

M

ajor Soddy Maraga has created Salvation Army history by becoming the first Melanesian (non-white) officer to pioneer Army work in the South Pacific zone.

He is Officer in Charge of Solomon Islands Ministry, which was officially opened on 5-6 November in the capital, Honiara.

Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon, Australian Southern Territorial Commander Commissioner Raymond Finger and Papua New Guinea Territorial Commander Commissioner Andrew Kalai attended the opening.

Major Maraga had been operating in the Solomon Islands informally for the past year, but the November opening made The Salvation Army’s presence official.

The historical significance of Major Maraga’s appointment was revealed to Pipeline by Major Allen Satterlee, who, as Papua New Guinea Public Relations Secretary, made a fact-finding visit to the Solomon Islands in 2005 and later recommended an official Army presence there.

“This [Solomon Islands] is the first country in the [Army’s] South Pacific and East Asia Zone to be opened by non-white pioneer officers,” Major Satterlee told Pipeline at the time of the official opening.

“That is an incredible thing to say.

Major Soddy Maraga, who has overseen Salvation Army work in the Solomon Islands, with Commissioner James Condon. (Below) Prayers at the mercy seat at the opening ceremony.

In the Solomon Islands, Melanesians are opening a Melanesian country. That is just a great step forward.”

Commissioner Kalai also alluded to the Melanesian influence during his official opening speech. He said that although the first approach to The Salvation Army to establish in the Solomon Islands (1998) was made to the Australia Eastern Territory headquarters, it was referred to PNG because it was considered preferable that “fellow Melanesians” be involved.

Major Maraga said that he had not been aware of the cultural significance of his appointment. “I humbly feel that it is special to me,” he said.

The official opening was the pinnacle of Major Maraga’s role to establish The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

He was appointed two years ago, but legal, visa and technical issues delayed an official start.

However, Major Maraga believes The Salvation Army will grow quickly in the new land.

“Response from the locals has been very positive,” he said. “A lot of people have been saying they would like to be part of The Salvation Army here.”

Twenty-one soldiers were enrolled at the opening weekend.

“Attendance of Australian and Papua New Guinea leaders at the opening has been well accepted because it tells the locals they are not on their own. They realise that they are now part of the

big Salvation Army world,” said Major Maraga.

“The visit of the Brisbane City Temple band [for the opening] has also been inspirational. No other church here has a brass band.

“The Brisbane band brought light to the people here. Their music has brought evangelism. Many people came to our [Sunday] worship service because of the public witness of the band.”

Handing over reins

Major Maraga has been a Salvation Army officer since graduation from the Heralds of Jesus session in Port Moresby at the end of 1993.

He has had six corps appointments in PNG, as well as serving in planned giving, disaster and emergency services, and public relations.

Major Maraga’s wife, Norah, was also an officer. She was promoted to glory in 2002. They have two daughters, Noho and Georgina, and a grand-daughter, Norah, who are with Major Maraga in the Solomon Islands.

He was 23 when he joined The Salvation Army at Lae Corps in 1988.

Now that the work of officially establishing The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands is complete, Major Maraga will return to PNG in January to become Administrator of the Army’s Koki Secondary School.

He will be succeeded in the Solomon Islands by a young officer couple.

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Solomons opening in pictures All photos: Shairon Paterson

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Lieutenant-Colonel Laurie Robertson at his desk at International Headquarters in London where he is The Salvation Army’s International Editor-in-Chief.

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Pipeline Managing Editor SCOTT SIMPSON talks to The Salvation Army’s International EditorIn-Chief, LieutenantColonel Laurie Robertson, about literature, the Lord, and living in London 18

SS: Tell me, Laurie, you’re an officer of the Australia Eastern Territory, your appointment prior to this one was as a divisional commander based in sunny, warm Central and North Queensland, and now you find yourself working as International Communications Secretary, Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary based in busy, cosmopolitan and somewhat colder London. That’s quite a contrast.

LR: It certainly is a contrast. Being plucked from Rockhampton and relocated in London has required many adjustments.

Almost two years ago my wife, Simone,

and I left Australia with the temperature at 38 degrees and we landed at Heathrow airport to be greeted by minus 4 with snow. London is an energetic city with millions of residents, tourists, events and attractions. It overflows with history, world-famous landmarks and internationalism. From International Headquarters (IHQ) we can see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, the London Eye and the Tate Modern art gallery. Around five million people walk past IHQ each year – many of them from countries other than the UK. On weekends it is rare to hear English spoken in the streets and on the tube (underground

“

Journalism is about communication and forming relationships.

Christianity is about communication and relationships.

”

railway). In Rockhampton it was a handful of minutes drive to Divisional Headquarters. Our terraced house in Bromley (Kent) is 16km from IHQ and we have a one-hour walking and train commute each way to and from our desks.

Of course, just being at IHQ is different.

We have many cultures and countries represented in the building and we interact with people all over the world.

SS: To help our readers understand just what your appointment involves, I should get you to explain it to us.

LR: Like all Christians my main role is to share the life-saving message of Jesus with as many people as possible.

In my current appointments I do all possible to effectively assist the General as she presents Jesus to the world.

In recent months this has included working with her as she has prepared the Vision Plan that was launched on 13 October. On an ongoing, practical level the communications team and I are responsible for the content that appears on the IHQ websites, arranging answers for enquiries that come through the websites, the publication of books, magazines, international news releases and features, video recording, liaising with people wanting interviews with the General and answering communications, editorial and literary enquiries from Salvation Army territories and commands. I also

report most of the significant IHQ events, including this year the High Council.

Some of our publications are The Salvation Army Year Book, the devotional book Words of Life, the Handbook of Doctrine, The Officer, All the World and Revive magazines and Salvation Books publications.

SS: Tell us about yourself, your service as a Salvation Army officer and, specifically, how you ended up in your current position.

LR: I was born to a Scottish father and Australian mother in Broken Hill, NSW. My mother had been an officer for 15 years in the 1930s and 1940s, but had to leave when she married my father who was not a Salvationist. She resumed faithful soldiership and local officership.

When she left officership she prayed that one of her yet unborn children would replace her. God told her, “not one – two”.

She never told my sister (Major Valmae Holland) or I about this prayer until after I was commissioned as an officer – 10 years behind Valmae. She did not want to manipulate the situation. I thank God for a wonderful Christian mother and deeply caring father. When I gave my life to Jesus Christ at 15 years of age, during a training college cadets (Lightbringers) campaign in my home city, God called me to officership. He also specifically told me to pursue journalism. I became a cadet journalist and then a graded journalist

with the Barrier Daily Truth, the morning newspaper in Broken Hill. From childhood I loved reading and sport. As a journalist I read a lot and I covered much sport.

In 1978 I became a cadet at the Army’s training college, being part of the Joyful Evangelists session. During college I met Simone and we married in November 1980. Together we have been corps officers at Woodridge, Cairns, Gosford, North Brisbane and Chatswood. I have also been Divisional Corps Program Secretary for South Queensland, Editor of The Musician (1986-1992) and National Editor-in-Chief for Australia (2005-2009). We have served as officers for 20 years in Australia Eastern, 10 years in Australia Southern and two years at IHQ. Regarding my current appointments, they came like a bolt out of the blue. In September 2009, Simone and I were meeting with Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas (Secretary for Program) in my office at DHQ in Rockhampton when a phone call for us came from the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster. The commissioner informed us that the General wanted us to come to IHQ in January. She said my appointment would be in the editorial, literary, communications area. Simone and I had settled with God that we would go wherever he sent us. We also had worked through that as he had called us to be officers we would trust him to guide our leaders. So our immediate reply to Commissioner Dunster was yes. >>>

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Photos: Shairon Paterson

SS: So if your interest and background in journalism was there well before you became an officer, is it fair to say there was a sense of inevitably that your officership would take you down the path it has?

LR: Yes, I guess so – well God called me to it didn’t he? But I am very glad the path has been a mixture of appointments. When I committed my life to God, it included all of me – personality, gifts, passions, skills, body, mind and spirit. I am happy for God to use me wherever he wants, including in specific journalistic appointments.

Corps and divisional appointments have

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enabled me to use a wider range of my gifts. However, I have found that in each of my appointments I have used skills I learnt way back in my first cadetship.

Journalism is about communication and forming relationships. Christianity is about communication and relationships.

SS: I remember General Eva Burrows saying that being the Army’s world leader was much the same as being a territorial commander, but on a wider international scale. Would you draw the same comparison with having previously been a national editor-in-chief and now your international role?

LR: Yes and no. Yes in that the practical day-to-day mechanics of the ministry is the same. Each position has a team and administrative leaders to work with, material to read, edit, write, challenges to face, many people to contact and deadlines to meet. But when I consider the emphases of the positions, it is no. At the national level there is a greater emphasis on printed material specifically aimed at helping people accept Jesus as Saviour.

At IHQ the emphasis of the role is more on inspiring Salvationists so that they will actively serve God – including reaching out to the yet-to-be-saved. However, this may be changing as plans in place may

Lieutenant-Colonels Simone and Laurie Robertson always have their umbrellas at hand in London, a far cry from their previous appointment in North Queensland.

see IHQ moving more into the production of material aimed at helping people come into a deep, strong relationship with Jesus.

The IHQ role also has the web content included whereas nationally this was cared for by public relations. The web is a very exciting component to the role – the social media explosion provides an everenlarging forum for Jesus to be presented to the world.

SS: What are the main pressures of your job?

LR: Keeping my personal relationship with Jesus strong when there is always much work to be done. Meeting deadlines.

Spreading myself over a wide range of projects. Ensuring that everything we produce is theologically sound, captivating in appearance and able to be understood right around the world.

SS: You work in the same building as the Army’s world leader, General Linda Bond. How much influence does she have on the material that comes out of the international communications department?

LR: Everything we print electronically or in hard copy is copyright of the General.

The General or the Chief of the Staff personally read and approve much of the material produced. The General shares her priorities with us and gives us freedom to creatively express them through our publications and on the web. For the next three years there will be much produced relating to the One Army, One Mission, One Message Vision Plan. The General has an extremely strong emphasis on Salvationists being praying and doing people. She wants us to strongly promote these aspects. The wonderful thing about my interaction with the General is that she consults, listens and dialogues. You know that when she makes a decision she has included your view in the process, whatever her decision is.

SS: So you have regular meetings with the General?

LR: Yes. It is important I know what she is thinking so we can work with her to produce material that will effectively reinforce her message. I also need to keep her up to date with progress on

projects. The editor of The Officer also has regular meetings with the General as this magazine is the General’s voice to officers around the world.

SS: Looking beyond this appointment, can you see yourself working in any other editorial role within The Salvation Army, or is it a case of once you’ve been International Editor-in-Chief, then that’s about as far as you can take it?

LR: Well as most readers will know this is not my decision. Every appointment is just as important as the others. Unlike the commercial journalistic world it’s not a case of working your way to the top of the tree. I’m trusting God to direct the Army leaders to position Simone and me in the most appropriate appointment for God’s Kingdom at the right time. We have enjoyed and learnt much in every appointment. I love the fact that I am still learning. Every appointment has challenges and blessings. I look forward to God continuing to surprise me.  Turn to Women In Touch to read an interview with Lieutenant-Colonel Simone Robertson.

pipeline 12/2011 21

Flying Padres Envoys Simon and Natalie Steele with the new Robinson 66 Turbine helicopter.

David Waugh, ral Parmalat’s Gene of er ag Man s Marketing, hand to ys over the ke os: the Steeles. Phot th or gw llin Ho Adam

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Outback flying ministry takes off with second helicopter

By ESTHER PINN

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he Salvation Army’s Outback Flying Service ministry is expanding with the addition of a “big brother” helicopter.

The new Robinson 66 Turbine has been generously funded by Parmalat, the makers of Paul’s Milk, to support the needs of rural Australians during times of crisis and to assist those still affected by the Queensland floods.

“Having been directly impacted by the floods at our south Brisbane and Rockhampton factories, we could relate to those people who were similarly impacted and wanted to offer our assistance,” said David Waugh, Parmalat’s General Manager of Marketing.

The Salvation Army’s Flying Padre, Envoy Simon Steele, who is based at Mt Isa in Queensland, is excited that the new helicopter will improve the ability to reach isolated properties and communities during times of disaster.

“It’s a bigger helicopter [than the Army’s current chopper],” he said. “It has a better load-carrying capacity, a cargo hook and it also goes a little bit faster. The cargo hook is more practical [for] moving generators or cattle feed – things you can’t put in the helicopter.

“I’ve been with aviation for the past 19 years and to minister and to help people is everything. For me it is a real gift that I am able to help.”

The new helicopter will replace the Flying Padre service’s Robinson 44 Raven II which is being redeployed to south Queensland to be used in a new ministry run by Captain Mark Bulow. Captain Bulow, a qualified helicopter pilot, is the Corps Officer at Toowoomba and has been diligently supporting rural farmers by driving hundreds of kilometres to their properties.

“Because of the time it takes to go out and visit people who could be five, 10, 15 hours away, the helicopter will mean that I can get out there quicker and visit more people in remote areas,” said Captain Bulow.

“Also, by road you can’t see where the people are struggling, so from the air you can see a lot more and get down to people straight away.”

Captain Bulow believes the helicopter will give him the capacity to not only offer practical assistance, but emotional support as well.

“The whole idea of the rural [flying] ministry is taking Christ out to the rural communities,” he said. “I can fix their fences, but what I want is to get alongside them, listen to their story and offer support where I can.” 

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with Major Barbara Sampson

Matthew 7:7-12 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (v. 7, New International Version).

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ietrich Bonhoeffer described intercessory prayer as “the purifying bath into which the individual ... must enter every day”.

The discipline of intercession does something for others, but it first does something for the one who prays.

Something expands and grows within us as we bring the needs of others before God. Intercession is a holy partnership with a wide embrace. “It begins in the heart of God, sweeps down into a human heart upon the earth, so intersecting the circle of the earth, which is the battlefield of prayer,

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and then it goes back again to its starting point, having accomplished its purpose” (S D Gordon in Quiet Talks on Prayer).

“Intercession is a prayer of meeting, of bringing two or more parties together for reconciliation, for healing, for mutual enjoyment” (Margaret Magdalen in Jesus, Man of Prayer). When we pray in this way we partner with God, taking on the specially crafted, well-fitting yoke that joins us to him.

Jesus encouraged persistence in prayer.

He told the story of a widow who had no power except the ability to nag a stubborn judge until he gave her what she wanted.

He spoke of a man in need coming to his neighbours at midnight asking for help.

He encouraged believers to ask and keep on asking, to seek and keep on seeking, to knock and keep on knocking (Matt 7:7,8).

Paul told his friends at Philippi that he longed for them “with all the affection of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:8). He prayed that the believers at Ephesus would have “power ... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Eph 3:18).

Writing to his friends in Rome he prayed that the God of hope would fill them with joy and peace and that they would overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13).

My quick “Bless them, Lord” prayers for my friends look pretty tame next to Paul’s gracious intercessions for those he loved.

To reflect on ...

Intercession is prayer with a face.

Whose face does God bring before you today?

Unlocking the Army’s archives with Major Frank Duracher

Christmas angel in a bonnet W

alter Vis was a boy growing up in Amsterdam early last century. His family was so poor that one year it appeared a certainty there would be no Christmas dinner, maybe no dinner at all.

Walter’s mum was beside herself with despair.

A knock on the front door signalled a Christmas miracle for the little family – just as another miracle, on another Christmas, years into Walter’s future would come to fruition.

Walter and his mother hurried to answer the door and, upon opening it, found a large hamper containing every kind of grocery needed for a Christmas feast. As if by instinct, Walter’s eyes darted around to identify the deliverer.

Vanishing behind the stairs of the block of flats he spied a Salvation Army bonnet – a “Christmas angel, clad in navy blue” as Walter later recalled. “‘That’s the lady from The Salvation Army,” Walter’s mum whispered to him.

Walter grew up to become a seaman, and his ship often sailed down the western coast of South America. Someone gave him an investment tip on one of his voyages to Chile – shares in the fledgling national oil company. No oil had as yet been discovered and the shares were very cheap. Walter made his initial investment into a bank in Valparaiso, adding more shares each time his ship returned to that port.

Fast forward to the early 1980s and Walter is happily married and living in a retirement home in Maidenhead, southeast England.

Oil had indeed been discovered off the coast of Chile during his lifetime and Walter’s dirt-cheap stock was now very valuable. Walter and his wife were living comfortably, but in order to get their affairs in order they inquired about arranging for the oil shares to be transferred to England.

Facing a mountain of red tape, they decided it would be much easier to donate the shares to some worthy cause in Chile.

But which worthy cause? Walter never forgot about his bonneted Christmas angel, and he suggested to his wife that they consider The Salvation Army. “Was there even a Salvation Army in Chile?” they wondered aloud.

Oh, there most certainly is. For half a world away, at that very time, LieutenantColonel (later General) John Larsson was Chief Secretary for the South America West Territory. One of the greatest prayer concerns for the Army in Chile, Peru and Bolivia was to secure an adequate training college.

General Larsson later wrote in his autobiography, Saying Yes To Life: “The existing building was simply a terraced residential house that had been adapted as best possible, but was wholly inadequate.

As a territory, we regularly prayed that the necessary resources might become available. We kept wondering when the answer would come.”

Contact made

Back in England, God was already at work. Walter and his wife awoke one Sunday morning to discover a 25-piece Salvation Army band, from the nearby Maidenhead Corps, holding an open-air meeting at the end of their street.

Walter ventured out to the street corner, chatted with the corps officer and asked the inevitable question. Within a day or two, the corps officer was in touch with Walter, giving him the Army’s address in Santiago.

For Walter and his wife, it was a sign of confirmation. The wheels for God’s strategic plan for a new South America West Training College were turning.

The Salvation Army in Chile would be the recipient of a “Thank You” that took Walter more than 50 years to send – a “Thank You” for a Christmas food hamper left on a Dutch family’s doorstep by an anonymous Sally-Ann. Not long after, Lieut-Colonel Larsson came upon a crumpled, otherwise insignificant envelope in the morning mail at the territorial headquarters in the

Chilean capital. He noticed the postage stamp as being from England, and that the address was written in long-hand.

“The letter was brief and matter-offact,” General Larsson later described. “He was writing to say that he had some oil shares in the national petroleum company of Chile and that these were deposited in a Valparaiso bank. He wished to donate the shares to The Salvation Army of Chile.

And that was that.”

The transaction took some time to clear, but God’s perfect timing was apparent when Colonel Ruben Neusch, the Territorial Commander, received a call from the bank to come and collect the shares. It was Christmas Eve. One year later, the new training college opened. Mr and Mrs Walter Vis were invited to Chile for the opening ceremony but did not feel able to attend. However, their generous gift is now honoured by a plaque at the entrance hall of the Training College.

Walter and his wife, however, were able to accept an invitation to meet for tea with General and Mrs Jarl Wahlström at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London.

General Wahlström expressed the Army’s gratitude for their donation.

But the real gratitude that Christmas was in the heart of Walter Vis, still thankful for an unknown Salvation Army woman who saved Christmas for he and his poor family in Amsterdam many years prior.

A Christmas box of food had blossomed into another yuletide miracle in South America, an answer to a territory’s fervent prayer, and yet another story unlocked from the Army’s archives.

Major Frank Duracher is the editor of Warcry in Australia.

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How to Justice Realistic expectations vital to fulfilling long-term service

By Major PAUL MOULDS

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ometimes people who get involved in the fight against injustice and seek to help its victims, expect to see immediate change or a quick resolution of the issues they are involved in. Having that type of expectation is the quickest way to get disappointed and “burnt out”.

Spend some time with veterans in the war against injustice and they will tell you that miracles happen, but rarely instantaneously. Work with those who have been the victims of abuse and terrible acts of injustice and you will discover that its effects are not easily undone.

In the 25 years I have worked with people with horrendous addictions that impacted every aspect of their life, I have witnessed some bring their addictions to the altar and rise from their knees transformed and never touch another drug or drink alcohol again.

But I have seen many more come to the altar with tears and sincerity, and rise determined to live a victorious new life, only to relapse and then start again, and then fall again.

The truth is, in all these individuals, God is at work. He is at work in the one who gets the victory straight away and in the one who struggles and falls and returns to struggle again.

It is vital that those who choose to work in the field of justice understand and proclaim that our God is the God of the second and third, and 14th and 15th, and 50th and 51st chance! “How many times should I forgive?” Peter asks Jesus.

And Jesus blows apart his concept of grace and forgiveness by challenging his mathematical ability. “Seven? Seventy?

Ways to

Justice

Volume 1

Seventy times seven?” Don’t count is the point Jesus is making.

That is the standard for our work with the marginalised and hurting people we will encounter. Adjust your expectations.

This is God’s work. In his time, he makes all things beautiful in his time. Remind yourself of that every day.

Too many Christian workers and ministries have moved into this space and withdrawn because they don’t see quick results or instant conversions.

They become disappointed when people relapse, or make poor choices, or slip back, and they move their ministry to greener pastures or more productive soil.

“One of the most important qualities of the warrior against injustice is a long-term vision” The work of bringing about justice and restoration is long term. It involves journeying with people out of some of the deepest darkness and repairing some of the most horrific damage the soul can experience. One of the most important qualities of the warrior against injustice is a long-term vision and commitment to this work. It is vital that you come to serve with realistic expectations.

These are some of my personal expectations as I undertake this work: - I expect that the battle is going to be hard and at times fierce and costly; - I expect that some days my uniform is going to be soiled with dirt and vomit and spit;

- I expect that I am going to be sworn at and misunderstood; - I expect to be emotionally affected at times as I see the impact of evil and meet the victims of injustice and encounter its perpetrators.

The Salvation Army’s founder William Booth didn’t pull any punches when he asked his soldiers to sign up for this type of battle. In his famous speech, “Who Cares?”, he says very clearly: “Does the surging sea look dark and dangerous?

Unquestionably it is so. There is no doubt that the leap for you, as for everyone who takes it, means difficulty and scorn and suffering. For you it may mean more than this. It may mean death. He who beckons you from the sea, however, knows what it will mean and knowing, he still calls to you and bids you come.

“You must do it. With the light that is now broken in upon your mind, and the call that is now sounding in your ears, and the beckoning hands that are now before your eyes, you have no alternative. To go down among the perishing crowds is your duty. Your happiness from now on will consist in sharing their misery, your ease in sharing their pain, your crown in helping them to bear their cross, and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them.

“Now, what will you do?”

Major Paul Moulds is Mission and Resource Director - Social, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.

This article is taken from the book 50 Ways To Do Justice (Carpenter Media) and available from Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (www. salvosuppliessyd.com) or The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory’s Justice Unit (www.justiceunit.com.au) for $7.50.

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The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn RATING: PG RELEASE DATE: 26 December

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here must be some point where you become so successful as a director or a producer that your financial backers stop asking you to send them ideas, and just start mailing you blank cheques. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have clearly reached it. Their Boxing Day animation owes more to their nostalgia for a classic 1940s cartoon character than any current hunger. But Spielberg’s feel for the heroic blockbuster is as sure as ever, and The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn seems set for success.

The Adventures of Tintin introduces modern viewers to a young Belgian journalist who has a penchant for following up mysterious stories. Visiting a flea-market with his trusty dog Snowy, Tintin purchases the model of an old sailing ship that contains part of a map to a lost fortune. A villainous aristocrat kidnaps the hero, hoping to get his hands on the parchment. In the process Tintin meets the scotch-swilling Captain Haddock, a fellow prisoner whose ancestor created the map. They escape into the Sahara and a race begins to unite the ancient fragments, solve their riddle and beat a shipload of modern and ancient pirates to the treasure.

Of course, for many readers, Tintin is as familiar as Asterix and Ginger Meggs.

He is the creation of cartoonist Georges Rémi, writing under the pen name Hergé, whose graphic stories have been translated into more than 80 languages for over 350 million books. But will his Euro-centric, post-World War II antics appeal to an international market raised on Toy Story and Kung Fu Panda ?

Spielberg and Jackson have worked to modernise the little Belgian without losing any of his original flare. Their story is a gorgeous 3D animation that is as easy to follow as an Indiana Jones escapade, and just as thrilling. The voice talents of Jamie Bell as Tintin and the addition of Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis and Nick

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Successful directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have combined to bring the popular 1940s cartoon figure Tintin to the big screen in a 3D animation.

Frost also increases its familiarity.

Introducing Tintin to the 21st century also involved some careful rethinking of the cartoon’s messages. In the original series Haddock is a hopeless but lovable drunk who is never far away from his next bottle.

In this version Tintin’s criticisms drive him towards a new level of moderation.

Spielberg also seems to have a message of perseverance for a generation addicted to immediate communication, instant gratification and easy success.

A setback leaves Tintin slumped in depression, but Haddock challenges his concept of failure: “Failed? I’ll tell you something about failure. You can’t let it defeat you. You hit a

wall? You’ve got to push through it.”

It reminded me strongly of something CS Lewis wrote to struggling Christians.

Like children we often stumble on our way home and our failures leave us covered in mud. However, “No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up each time. The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give it up.

It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us.”

Seeing how much we need God to get through this world is in fact evidence he’s already drawing us closer. And though Tintin is disheartened by the struggle, Haddock reminds him the treasure he thinks he’s lost can still be found by someone who’s prepared to persevere.

What would Jesus view?

Puss In Boots RATING: PG RELEASE DATE: 8 December

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efore there was a grumpy green ogre, before a donkey started making wisecracks, before there was a princess whiling away her hours in a tower, there was a cat … with a penchant for platform shoes.

Puss In Boots is a spin-off from the Shrek series that tells the tale of the swashbuckling feline (voiced by Antonio Banderas) before he met the green ogre with a funny name.

Puss is tempted into an adventure to claim a treasure guarded by giants in the castle in the sky, and like his great green friend he discovers a love interest along the way. A blend of 3D animated action and tough-guy mockery, Puss aims to “protect the innocent” and “uphold justice”.

We Bought A Zoo RATING: G RELEASE DATE: 26 December

War Horse RATING: PG RELEASE DATE: 26 December

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he second Spielberg movie slated for release on Boxing Day, War Horse is based on the best-selling children’s novel

by Michael Morpurgo about the complex relationship between a Devon boy and a farm horse, and the tragic intervention of World War I. Jeremy Irvine (right) plays Albert, a lad whose life centres on the care and enjoyment of his horse Joey. When war breaks out Joey is sold to the British Army

His methods, what he fights for, and why will provide family audiences with plenty to discuss on the right way to make a stand. But beware of the buried adult humour. Like the Shrek franchise, Puss In Boots is not shy of sexually charged gags aimed at the older teen market.

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his production was originally slated for Ben Stiller, and you’ll soon see why.

Matt Damon (left) stars as Benjamin Mee, a single dad struggling to raise his son and daughter. Benjamin pulls up stakes and move to the country to provide his family with “an authentic American experience”. But his new home turns out to be the front of a dilapidated zoo. Does Benjamin have what it takes to reopen this attraction, and renovate his family life in the process?

We Bought A Zoo is well directed by Cameron Crowe who helmed other thoughtful pieces like Almost Famous and Jerry Maguire. There are plenty of comic moments, but much more heart than you’d expect.

The one risk Benjamin takes in making a decision that reworks his whole life is very close to the first step a Christian takes trusting God. As Benjamin tells his son, “All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it”. and sent to the trenches. The death of his rider sees Joey abandoned in a terrifying landscape and before the film is through he will serve on both sides of the line as well as live with a French family caught in between. But he hasn’t been forgotten

by Albert who, though too young to serve, has set off for the front to find his friend.

The film’s decision to view the struggles of war through the eyes of a horse is a clever way of showing the universal suffering conflict brings. The topic matter means it is best kept for more mature children, but by the end of the film viewers will have a clear understanding that this was not the world God designed for man or beast.

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

One Army, One Mission remains top priority A s our territory comes to the end of another year of encouraging implementation of our 7 Mission Priorities, Pipeline asks Territorial Mission Director Major NEIL CLANFIELD for a check-up

How long have the 7 Mission Priorities been in place now?

Three years ago, frontline Salvationists were asked to identify what they believed needed to be the priorities for the territory to focus on. Once identified, the seven priorities became an integral part of our focus and priority at territorial, divisional and local level. The ideal was that everything we do at every level should line up with the priorities. In other words, we need to look at each of the seven priorities and make sure than whatever we do is consistent with the intent of the priorities.

How is it working?

As with change in any organisation as vast as The Salvation Army, it takes time to capture fully the heart of an intention like mission priorities and for everyone to see the possibilities and potential. But I think that right from the start, people sensed that there was a list of priorities. I think they saw the list as confirmation of what many were trying to do already. I think that once we talked of “bricks falling out of the wall,” people realised some repairs were needed to their program and they were able to refocus on priorities. They were able to give some intentionality to things they were already doing.

Have there been any standouts?

There have been many. Some of them have been written about in Pipeline over the past year. In some places, prayer and holiness (MP1) has been made a priority and brought new life to corps. Evangelism (MP2) has been significant in other areas.

More than 125 people have been trained in evangelism in the past year. That is making a remarkable change in the way the territory is working. At territorial headquarters, there has been a bigger commitment to investment of time, resources and finances to help corps and centres with their priorities. There has been significant investment especially in equipping our

7 MISSION PRIORITIES

people (MP4). We are seeing soldiers being made in places where there haven’t been new soldiers for a long time (MP7).

Our youth are on fire (MP6) and children’s ministry is on an exciting journey (MP5).

Are some of our corps/centres yet to embrace the mission priorities?

Yes, but we are on a journey. It is one thing to say that we have mission priorities, but, as I said earlier, The Salvation Army is so vast and we have so many different expressions and concepts that not everyone has yet been able to grasp them for their own corps or centre or individual ministry. And it is important that we do embrace the concept for where we are. For example, our social services people haven’t always found it easy because the mission priorities are written in corps language and social service centres don’t always find them fitting snugly into what they do. The challenge is to try to work them out in the right context for each individual place and ministry. It’s the same for an individual. We need to personalise them; to look at what they mean for me.

Are there plans to assist those corps and centres next year?

We have a territorial task force that meets every month. We are open to ideas. We look at whether the original priorities are still the right priorities. We continually assess where we are. One Army, One Mission is still our top priority. We still want to be a territory as per MP1 – marked by prayer and holiness. We see that the other priorities fall into place if we adopt MP1. But, yes, we have plans to continue to assist corps and centres with encouragement and resources in 2012 as they do their best to apply the mission priorities.

What are you hoping for in 2012?

I am hoping that our territory will capture more and more the importance and necessity of working together as one Army with one mission. I am hoping that we will increasingly prioritise our mission and focus on those things that are important to the Kingdom.

1. A territory marked by prayer and holiness 2. Our whole territory – in every place – involved in evangelism 3. Corps – healthy and multiplying 4. Our people equipped and empowered to serve the world 5. The territory passionate about bringing children to Jesus 6. Youth trained and sent out to frontline mission 7. Significant increase of new soldiers and officers

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Major Neil Clanfield is the Territorial Mission Director

Nine missional “hubs” will be created across the territory.

What will it mean for you?

We will be working together

I

be connected relationally and strategically focused in unity on t’s happened before and it can happen again! frontline mission.

We believed in the past that we could go into a village, There will be no place for silo ministry, lone ranger town, city or region; pray, partner up and see that whole leadership or church-centric thinking. Unity demands that place won for Jesus. we pay the price to embrace team leadership, to become “One Army, One Mission” ... doing whatever it takes. accountable to missional outcomes and to share “One Army” demands unity. resources. Unity comes at a high price, but “One Mission” demands vision. carries in its DNA the blessing of God. The “Hub” missional direction seeks to formalise an approach to see the future The Hub vision is to: One Mission become our reality.

The vision of the hub missional direction is to So how do we go about realising the Unify under common rediscover mission as our organising function. vision? local leadership and Our God is a sending God and we, too, identification all must rediscover our identity as being sent to One Army the people and the missional area he has given Imagine the day when everyone in expressions of The us to see his Kingdom come and his will be the territory is ministering together Salvation Army within done. in hub missional areas determined by defined missional Imagine the day when every Salvationist geography, demographics, governmental areas and to mobilise has on their mind: “Today I want to share life boundaries and existing expressions of with people, explore a faith journey with Jesus The Salvation Army. all personnel in a and inspire them to serve alongside me.”

Every hub missional area will have holistic engagement We will still provide services, we will a hub strategic team commissioned to with the community still come together as a gathered community create unity between all expressions of of worship, and we will involve in the risky The Salvation Army within the missional in the mission. adventure of missional engagement. area and releasing holistic missional It has happened before. It can happen again. engagement with their community.

We believe!

Area prayer teams will be formed, One Army, One Mission realised through the hub missional believing that people will be saved, served and discipled. direction is beyond our capacity. What a perfect place for a Every expression of The Salvation Army will come together missional movement to position itself. under a unified approach to see the Kingdom of God We have no option but to rely on our amazing God! advanced in their hub missional area. Every expression will

pipeline 12/2011 31

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Newcastle and Central NSW Division heads towards 2020

By Major DENISE PARKINSON

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astlakes Corps was the venue for the Great Missional Conference in October, bringing together people and their inspiring stories from the Newcastle and Central NSW Division of The Salvation Army.

Special guest speakers for the conference, which was themed Towards 2020, included Commissioners James and Jan Condon, Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas and Major Paul Moulds.

The weekend involved a number of meetings and workshops under the banners of “Directing the Vision” and “Spotlighting the Vision” with bands and worship music teams adding to the event.

The Friday night celebration kicked off with a rousing rendition of Send the Fire by the Newcastle Band which set the tone for the conference.

Lieut-Colonel Gluyas challenged the congregation of about 100 delegates with the statistic that only 20 per cent of Australians now attend church.

“Our mission is to reach the other 80 per cent with the good news of Jesus,” she said, as many went forward for prayer and to dedicate themselves to The Salvation Army’s mission in the area.

Commissioner James Condon was the speaker at the Saturday morning men’s breakfast where he spoke to 110 men on the theme “Men Behaving Godly”. There were delegates

Greig Whittaker explains the new concept of missional hubs.

from all over the division, including men from the Recovery Services Centre at Miracle Haven and a few from as far away as Dubbo and Mudgee.

Captain Roscoe Holland provided two vocal items.

The Saturday morning session followed with the Maitland Corps band starting proceedings, supported by the Tuggerah Lakes Corps contemporary group Commissioner James Condon leading the worship. presents Madalin Lothian with her But it was the General’s Award during the Towards stories from a variety 2020 weekend. of speakers who shared what God was doing in their particular corps which highlighted the morning.

These included Jody Chadban (Northlakes Corps), Heather Pritchard (Newcastle Corps), Envoy Ron Petterson (Raymond Terrace Corps), and Mark Bower (Maitland Corps). There were also reports of exciting work happening at Eastlakes Corps (children’s ministry), Taree Corps (Messy Church concept) and Tuggerah Lakes Corps (music therapy for autistic children).

The Saturday afternoon session featured a DVD titled Now is the Time with Captain Laithe Greenaway (Tuggerah Lakes) leading the congregation in lively worship. Greig Whittaker then outlined the division’s plan for missional hubs which involved a question and answer time.

On the Sunday morning most of the corps had meetings in their own respective centres. However, at Eastlakes the Towards 2020 Vision continued with Major Moulds bringing a wonderful holiness address. Many people went forward to commit their lives to God and the vision for the division.

Major Denise Parkinson is the Newcastle and Central NSW Divisional Mission and Resource Officer and Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary.

Ministries combine for Ingham show

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hree Salvation Army ministries recently combined to serve the people attending the Ingham Wings & Wheels Show.

Divisional Envoys Simon and Natalie Steele from the Army’s Outback Flying Service displayed their helicopter and also spoke with people about the different ministries the service provides.

“Sallymen” Majors Garry Johnson and Colin Kingston, Red Shield Defence Services representatives at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, set up their trucks to provide tea and coffee for the public, as well as a photo display of their ministries with Australian troops.

“This was the first show for Ingham, and it was also great for me to be part of this experience and connect with the people in my ministry area,” said Major Bev Kingston, team member, Charters Towers/Ingham Circuit.

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Majors Colin and Bev Kingston were part of The Salvation Army presence at the Ingham Wings and Wheels Show.

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Family fun marks Rockdale’s 125th anniversary

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he Salvation Army’s Rockdale Corps in Sydney marked its 125th anniversary with a Family Fun Day on Saturday, 24 September.

The sports centre, hall and foyer were transformed with a variety of activities including a petting farm, jumping castle, face painting, children’s activities, live music, food and coffee vans, as well as opportunities to look at old photographs and memorabilia of years past.

The afternoon was a great way of both celebrating the past and connecting with the many families who are part of the week-day activities at Rockdale – with many families who attend the Mini Muso ministry staying for the whole afternoon.

Sunday morning was cafe church, and there was a great buzz as the Rockdale family, past and present, joined together for a great celebration of praise and worship. The worship band included a number of past members who returned for the special weekend.

The meeting included greetings from previous corps officers who shared their dreams and vision for Rockdale – some were read, some were given in person, and some were on the big screen. The Army’s Sydney East and Illawarra Divisional Commander, Major John Rees, brought a greeting, and worship

The anniversary attracted many past and present corps members.

team leader Matthew Cairns responded on behalf of the senior leadership team.

Captain Clayton Spence (corps officer) concluded with a challenge from Isaiah 43:18-19: “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already – you can see it now!”

Divisional camp revitalises men

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tunning Great Keppel Island was the venue for The Salvation Army Central and North Queensland divisional men’s camp on 21-23 October.

More than 70 delegates came from across the division including Mt Isa, Cairns and Bundaberg. “Men of Honour” was the theme for the camp.

“Spiritual food, the mateship of other Christian men and recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, bushwalking and boom-netting were the focus of the weekend,” said Major Bruce Harmer, Manager of the Army’s Townsville Recovery Services Centre.

Lieutenant-Colonel Wally Greentree (Ret.), Greig Whittaker and Bruce Sullivan led the sessions throughout the camp.

“Through each speaker, God gave an incredible message of hope, restoration and transformation,” said Major Harmer.

“Guilt was released, burdens were lifted, new spiritual beginnings were made and all to the glory of God. “We had a great weekend and everyone came away from the camp with new insights into Christian living, new friendships were made and a new vitality for service gained.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Wally Greentree was one of the guest speakers at the divisional men’s camp on Great Keppel Island.

pipeline 12/2011 33

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

This kid’s got talent Photo: Shairon Paterson

Hayley Paull and Peter Trick receive their awards from Majors David and Sandra Godkin.

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iam Burrows, a recent finalist on the Seven Network’s Australia’s Got Talent, is pictured being interviewed by Salvos Radio producer Chris Elliott for an upcoming segment on the Light and Life program. Liam, 17, wowed audiences with his amazing crooning jazz voice on the hit talent show. In the

interview for Light and Life, the teenager attributes much of his musical ability to God, and talks about growing up attending a Catholic church and singing in church choirs. The interview will be aired in the week leading up to Christmas. For more information, visit www.salvos.org.au/radio

Open day raises Horton Village profile

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erfect spring weather smiled on The Salvation Army’s Horton Village in Toowoomba recently when more than 200 people attended the centre’s open day.

Horton Village provides supported accommodation for intellectually disabled adults and the aim of the day was to lift the centre’s profile in the community.

The theme of the open day was “Alice in Wonderland” which allowed staff and residents to dress up in colourful and interesting costumes. The white rabbit was on hand to direct people and several games were organised including, of course, croquet.

The trash-and-treasure and craft stalls raised funds and a Mad Hatter’s morning tea was enjoyed by all. The Rotary Club of Toowoomba East provided a barbecue lunch.

Other disability service providers in the community joined in the day, including the Endeavour Activity Centres, CPL, Warrina Services, and residents from Baillie Henderson. The managers and some of the staff members from SAILSS, the sister service of Horton Village, also attended.

There was also support from Department of Communities Regional Director Peter Hand, State member Mike Horan MP and Federal member Ian McFarlane.

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The open day encouraged people to dress up as their favourite characters from Alice in Wonderland.

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Army officer acknowledged for service

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he Salvation Army’s Captain Peter McGuigan has concluded three years as president of the Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA).

Captain McGuigan (pictured) announced he would not be seeking re-election for the position at the recent annual ARPA conference in Adelaide. He has been succeeded by New Zealander Errol Pike. The association represents more than 80 Christian publishing stables in Australia and New Zealand.

“It has truly been an honour to serve as president of ARPA for the past three years,” said Captain McGuigan. “I count it both as a privilege and pleasure, but more than that, I’ve seen this station in my life as a calling.

“I also believe that having a Salvationist elected to this position reflects the high esteem in which the Army’s own publications are held in the Christian media community.”

Captain McGuigan has been writing for Christian publications for more than 25 years. In that time he has served as editor of both Pipeline and Warcry, and as Communications Director for the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory.

In September, at the recommendation of the Central Queensland University, the Salvation Army officer was also made an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honour Society for his contribution of leadership and service to the not-for-profit sector.

In a speech at the university, Captain McGuigan told students that the first quality of leadership in the 21st century, across all fields of endeavour, was global perspective.

“This means leading the community – private, public, corporate and government sectors included – towards the end

of exclusivism, the end of judgmentalism, the end of racial inequality, the end of imperial or superior ways of thinking and being,” he said.

“It means asking the question, ‘Through my chosen pathway, how can I contribute to making the world a better place?’”

With his wife, Lieutenant Tara McGuigan, Captain McGuigan currently serves as Corps Officer at Capricorn Region Corps, centred in Rockhampton, Queensland. He will continue to be involved with ARPA as an associate member.

Casino honours volunteers with special service

Sam Willems (pictured left), the youngest volunteer at Casino, is thanked for his hard work; (Above) Col Johnston and Lyn Golding provided entertainment at the appreciation service.

“I

’ve been to a lot of volunteer appreciation meetings, but that was the best one I’ve ever been to,” was the enthusiastic response of a Salvationist following this year’s appreciation meeting at The Salvation Army’s Casino Corps.

Fifteen of the corps’ 23 volunteers attended a relaxed morning meeting that was in the form of a cafe-style gathering.

Trying to attract as many volunteers as possible to the service, the corps decided to use a local drawcard - a band that goes by the name “Check 2”.

It just so happened that Col Johnston (guitarist and support vocal) of the band is also a volunteer at the Army’s Family Store in Casino.

Col and his wife, Lyn, were the special guests for the day, and they entertained with humour and class.

John McDonnell, another volunteer, also contributed to the meeting with a song.

A DVD, The Lost Son, was shown and Corps Officer Major Brian Smith shared about God’s love for each one of us.

pipeline 12/2011 35

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Rotary club raises funds to help dream come true

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he Rotary Club of Brisbane Planetarium recently held a meeting at The Salvation Army’s Brisbane Recovery Centre (Moonyah) to raise awareness for Project NOW (Nurturing Our Women).

“The Rotary Club is raising funds to build a new women’s accommodation wing to house a further 20 women on the recovery program,” said Major Graham Tamsett, Moonyah Manager. “There is a great need in Brisbane for residential beds for women needing a rehabilitation program. So far the club has raised over $400,000 and is well on the way to seeing this dream come true.”

The Rotary Club also encourages businesses to contribute to the project.

“At the club meeting at Moonyah, Wilson HTM investment group donated $20,000,” said Major Tamsett.

The club also arranged a fundraising business breakfast in October, to which 500 people from the Brisbane business community were invited.

“Humes, a construction engineering company, donated the cost of the breakfast so that all money given could be profit to the project,” said Major Tamsett. “Donations from the breakfast added up to nearly $100,000, which was just wonderful.”

Brett Headings (centre) from Wilson HTM, presents a cheque for $20,000 to Rotary Club of Brisbane Planetarium’s Michelle Davis and Peter Slaughter.

Condons lead divisional celebration in Brisbane

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he Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern territorial leaders Commissioners James and Jan Condon were the special guests at the South Queensland divisional celebration held in Brisbane in late October.

The hall at Stafford Corps was filled to capacity with people from corps and centres throughout the division gathering to celebrate what God is doing in South Queensland. The music support was provided by the Bundamba Corps Band, Covenant Singers (Stafford) and a worship team organised by Shelden and Louise Mathieson.

Five people shared briefly “what God is doing” in five different areas of ministry - Youth Outreach Service, Children’s Ministries, Moonyah Recovery Services, rural corps (Warwick and Stanthorpe), and through a corps-based recovery group

for women at North Brisbane. Commissioner James Condon expressed words of appreciation to Envoy Judith McAvoy for commencing and leading the Indigenous ministry at North Ipswich for the past seven years. He also prayed for Envoy McEvoy and her husband, Ernest, who move to Roma in the new year to commence Indigenous ministry and lead the corps there.

The Condons both spoke and reminded the congregation of The Salvation Army’s mission and message of love, forgiveness and hope in Christ.

Commissioner James Condon challenged the congregation as members of The Salvation Army to be involved in the rescue mission and to wake up from our slumber in order to see and respond to the urgent storms in our community.

Special awards presented at Tuggeranong

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ayley Paull and Peter Trick, of Tuggeranong Corps, were presented with significant awards by The Salvation Army ACT and South NSW divisional leaders Majors David and Sandra Godkin during the morning meeting on 16 October.

Major Sandra Godkin, the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, presented 11-year-old Hayley with her Commissioner’s Sunbeam Challenge, the highest award attainable in the Sunbeam program.

Hayley has worked on numerous badges over a fiveyear period, showing much commitment and dedication culminating in the prestigious award.

Major David Godkin presented bandsman and songster Peter Trick with a Certificate of Long Service in recognition of 50 years of faithful and dedicated service.

Peter commenced his participation in band and songsters at Campsie Corps, followed by Green Valley and Bankstown.

He has been a bandsman and songster at Canberra South/ Tuggeranong Corps for the past 30 years.

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Hayley Paull and Peter Trick receive their awards from Majors David and Sandra Godkin.

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Open day draws large crowd at Maroochydore

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aroochydore Corps, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, held an open day for the local community on Saturday, 5 November.

More than 150 Salvo show bags were given out to the children who also enjoyed activities including face painting, sponge throwing and an enormous jumping castle which was in high demand. There was plenty to eat as people enjoyed a sausage sizzle, fairy floss and loads of “slushy” drinks.

Also on display were stalls providing information about the various sections and services of the corps, as well as highlighting other Salvation Army centres in the area which included Employment Plus. More than 400 people attended the open day, with some families now bringing their children to the Mainly Music ministry and SAGALA activities as a result of the event.

Kids Day Camp a great success

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he Raymond Terrace Corps of The Salvation Army recently hosted a very successful and meaningful Kids Day Camp in its hall.

Rocket ships were made, sports were played and there was a visit from our “superheroes” the firemen, as well as hearing and singing about God. The camp was brilliantly run by young people from The Salvation Army’s School for Youth Leadership at nearby Lake Munmorah.

Each day of the camp there was an increase in numbers as children returned and brought friends along, reaching 27 on the final day.

“It has been amazing; they will be back for your weekly Kids Zone Club on Wednesday,” was the encouraging response to the camp from one mum, a comment that was repeated by many others.

The Raymond Terrace Corps has two leaders who have committed to run the weekly Kids Zone Club which commenced in October. Parents are also invited to stay for this activity each week.

A bouncy castle was a big hit with kids at the open day.

Seminar focuses on enriching worship F

orty people from several corps across The Salvation Army South Queensland Division gathered recently to explore ways of enriching corporate worship in their local mission centres.

Guest speaker Captain Nesan Kistan, Auburn Corps Officer, spoke on modelling leadership and shifting culture within corporate worship.

Sharing his own experiences of cultural and congregational changes, he encouraged participants to build meaningful connections within their corps and wider communities.

Elective sessions offered practical approaches to creative service planning; connection and communication between leaders, musicians, groups and congregations; and preparing spaces for meaningful worship.

Participants also shared in a group forum exploring potential opportunities for Salvation Army musical sections to engage with their communities.

“The vision of our training days is to equip Salvationists who lead and organise worship services, to encourage them in their ongoing journey and to build connections between mission centres across the division,” said Louise Mathieson, Divisional Creative Ministries Coordinator.

A visit by firemen was a highlight at the Kids Day Camp.

Aneita achieves SAGALA honour

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he St Marys Corps of The Salvation Army took time to acknowledge the SAGALA achievements of Aneita Roberts during its Remembrance Day service on Sunday, 13 November.

Aneita was presented with the Commissioner’s Challenge Award, the highest honour a Sunbeam can earn in SAGALA.

Aneita Roberts (holding award) with Sunbeam leader Jean Bulfoni.

pipeline 12/2011 37

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FrFrom o m t the h e ccoalface oalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

ENROLMENTS

Cessnock Corps

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lennis Ward was enrolled as a senior soldier at Cessnock on Sunday, 6 November. Glennis (pictured, left, with her friend Yvonne Mills), has been attending The Salvation Army for several years and became an adherent last year. With Yvonne, who became a soldier last year, she has been doing community care at Cessnock nursing homes. “I just felt it was now time to make that extra commitment,” Glennis said.

North Brisbane Corps Maroubra Corps

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aroubra Corps celebrated the enrolment of two adherents, David Larsen and Rachel Fietz (pictured with Corps Officer Captain Lenore Johnson) on 30 October. David has been attending the corps for the past 12 years and Rachel renewed her relationship with Jesus at Easter. Rachel has a background with The Salvation Army, having attended Sunday school as a child.

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here was great excitement as Jessica Reed was enrolled as a senior soldier and Shirley Fredrick accepted as an adherent at North Brisbane on 16 October. Jessica is the first new soldier at the corps in more than eight years, while Shirley is the first adherent in more than three years. Pictured (from left to right) are Shirley, Jessica, and corps officer Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Greentree.

Toowoomba Corps Dubbo Corps

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teve Moy and Lynn Frances (pictured), under the leadership of Majors Colin and Kate Young, were enrolled as senior soldiers at Dubbo. Lynn began volunteering at the Salvos Family Store, met some soldiers from the corps and began regularly attending meetings. “I enrolled as a soldier because the Lord has work he wants me to do for him,” she said. After years battling alcoholism, Steve felt God’s firm and gentle calling through The Salvation Army and says one of the proudest days of his life was becoming a senior soldier.

“To me, those little blue epaulettes weigh a ton - a ton of reputation, responsibility and achievements of all who have gone before me, but certainly not a heavy ton of weight, because my travelling companion, Jesus, was, and still is there to share the burden,” he said.

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orps officer Captain Mark Bulow enrolled two new senior soldiers, and re-enrolled two other soldiers, at a special service at Toowoomba on 6 November. Rebecca and Colin Thompson were enrolled as senior soldiers, having attended the corps for the past year. “The Thompsons are active in children’s ministries and worship and are a blessing to us all,” said Captain Bulow. Jim and Jenny Elmes were re-enrolled after a time of absence from the Army. “This wonderful couple give so much encouragement to those in the corps and bless us with their prayer support,” said Captain Bulow. “They are real prayer warriors.” South Queensland divisional leaders, Majors Mark and Julie Campbell, attended the service. Pictured (from left to right) are Major Julie Campbell, Jim and Jenny Elmes, Major Mark Campbell, and Colin and Rebecca Thompson.

pipeline 12/2011 39

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Swansons visit west Scotland

Prayer for justice continues in 2012

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icture God’s people united in prayer, where one hour isn’t enough in the prayer room, where there is a desire for more, where children and youth are crying out for justice, where people are committing themselves for a day, a week, a month, a year or more of nonstop prayer.

Imagine people intentionally giving voice to the issues that are on their hearts, where faith is increasing and prayers are being answered. This beautiful imagery is happening in The Salvation Army. It is a reality.

Since 1 January 2011, scores of Salvation Army territories, commands and regions have been praying as part of the Global Call to 24/7 Prayer – A Day and Night Cry for Justice. Now, as we approach 2012, the Army’s international leader, General Linda Bond, calls Salvationists around the world to continue in non-stop prayer – a day and night cry for justice.

To get involved visit www. saglobal247.org

Commissioner Barry Swanson at Govan Corps during his visit to Scotland.

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lthough he didn’t use the word “miracle”, The Salvation Army’s Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry Swanson, testified to having witnessed one on his arrival in West Scotland – the sun was shining!

The fine weather didn’t last for the entire visit, but there was no lack of warmth and brightness in the ministry he and Commissioner Sue Swanson, World President of Women’s Ministries, gave to the congregations that eagerly awaited their visit to the Army’s West Scotland Division. The supremacy of Jesus was acknowledged with the enthusiastic singing of Crown Him with Many Crowns, setting the tone for a challenging Sunday morning holiness meeting at Govan Corps in Glasgow.

The Chief commented on the inspiration he receives from his visits around the Salvation Army world.

“Every Salvation Army centre is a mission station,” he said.

Commissioner Sue Swanson, in a challenging message, urged the

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congregation to live and serve so that the glory of the Lord may be revealed in every aspect of life and service.

In the afternoon, the Chief and Commissioner Sue Swanson moved on to Paisley for the West Scotland Divisional Celebration Rally. Salvationists gathered in the impressive Thomas Coats Memorial Church, known to many as the “Baptist Cathedral of Europe”.

The Chief later commented on the privilege of preaching in such surroundings. The acoustics of the building lent richness to the congregational singing and to songs presented by the massed songsters.

In his uplifting Bible message, the Chief reminded the congregation that saying “yes” to Christ was the most important decision anyone could make.

Referring to the splendour of the church, he said it was more than wood, stone and glass and that every Christian must strive to live a life of love to reflect the true Body of Christ in the world.

Global gathering boosts programs

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he Salvation Army’s International Programme Resources Consultancy Group, involving representatives from nine countries and International Headquarters, convened in London from 31 October to 4 November.

Discussion centred on the challenges and opportunities relating to the group’s worldwide ministry involving development projects, child sponsorship, disaster relief and recovery, health, education, social justice and communications.

Consultancy group members presented an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) concerning their section or department. The SWOT analysis submissions highlighted patterns of shared challenges and possible solutions.

Other sessions focused on organisational capacity building, positional statements on international development, a theological framework for development and community disaster preparedness.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Salvos step up Kenyan drought relief

Water is distributed at a remote village 30km north-west of Lokitaung near the Ethiopian border.

By Captain PETER WHITE

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urkana, in North West Kenya, remains the major focal point for The Salvation Army Kenya West Territory’s drought response activities.

Short-term relief programmes are being delivered for struggling communities suffering the direct effects of the crisis. A Salvation Army International Emergency Services (IES) team has been working in the area for more than a month. The situation

remains fragile as communities wait for the anticipated seasonal rains in the hope they will begin to replenish the dwindling water table. Water continues to be delivered to primary schools and outlying village communities around Lodwar and Lokitaung, close to the Ethiopian border.

The Salvation Army is assisting a school to drill a much-needed borehole in an area where the local community doesn’t have adequate access to regular water supply.

A water tank stand has already been built. The Food for Fees project remains a priority for the IES team. With the assistance of personnel from the local department of education, the team has contacted all 19 secondary schools in the Turkana area.

This valuable project enables students, who are often required to board far from home, continuing access to secondary school education and is an effective investment for the future of Kenya.

Haitian students return to rebuilt schools

By KARA LANGFORD

N

early 700 students have started the school year in newly repaired Salvation Army school buildings in Haiti.

The Army’s Haiti Recovery and Development School Renovation and Construction team worked hard during the summer months to repair four of six priority schools scheduled for improvements in 2011. The buildings had been badly damaged by a devastating earthquake in January, 2010 Not only have project manager David White and assistant project manager Raymond Cédoine been working hard to

ensure schools were ready for the start of classes, but they have been training a local maintenance team in repair and upkeep of the buildings. The work has included masonry and carpentry, roofing, latrine and electrical repair and installation of water catchment systems.

Heavy rains have slowed progress on schools in Bellegarde and Campeche, but work should be completed by Christmas.

“We have met many challenges and overcome them with everyday problem solving and great determination,” said David.

Seven schools are listed for work in 2012 including two new complexes.

David White (left), works with the local construction team on the school.

pipeline 12/2011 41

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Promoted to Glory

In tune with God

M

ervyn Cotterill was promoted to glory on 22 October, aged 97.

Major Stan Evans led the thanksgiving service for the life of Merv at The Salvation Army’s Gosford Corps. Graeme Press, Territorial Music and Creative Arts Coordinator, brought a tribute, saying he had known and been encouraged by Merv for many of his own formative years and is still inspired by his life today. Much mention was made of Merv’s sense of humour.

Donna Stoneley, a Salvation Army soldier who represented the Woodport Retirement Village where Merv and his wife Mavis lived, offered prayer and also read the Scriptures from John 14.

Kevin Reddie represented the soldiers of Gosford Corps, and in his tribute spoke of the high respect in which Merv was held. Brian Cotterill (son) spoke of his father’s love for his family – especially Mavis – his kindness, generosity and his love for music. Jane Wilson (granddaughter) read from Psalms 150 and 37.

Jane then shared, on behalf of her brother Paul and herself, wonderful experiences with her grandparents, how Merv played games with them and took them for walks to many different parks and the funny names that Merv had made up.

The Gosford Corps band, supplemented by members of the Sydney Veterans Band, of which Merv was a longtime member, played one of his favourite pieces of music, the selection Divine Communion.

Merv was born in East Maitland on 10 May, 1914, the second youngest of 12 children. His parents, Les and Mabel Cotterill, both died when he was young, leaving Merv to be raised by his siblings.

Music, however, was the family’s passion and when Merv was eight, one of his sisters bought him a cornet. The youngster was hooked and spent every spare moment practising. By his early teens, Merv had committed dozens of pieces of music to memory. He also had learnt how to read music and when the chance came to join the senior band at what was then West Maitland Corps, he jumped at it.

At 16, Merv moved to Taree to take up an apprenticeship as a painter. Music remained his obsession, but a distraction was looming on the horizon.

Majors Len and Pauline Hill were appointed as officers to Taree Corps and they brought with them their daughter, Mavis. Suddenly, Merv had another interest to pursue and, as with his cornet

42

playing, he was determined to succeed. He married Mavis in 1939, three weeks before the outbreak of World War II .

They spent the first few years of their marriage in Taree before Merv decided to join the war effort and enlist. His passion for brass banding, however, was still the overriding influence and he joined the military band. Much of Merv’s military service was spent living in Sydney and whenever he was on leave he would play in the Dulwich Hill Corps band. When the war ended, Merv and Mavis made Dulwich Hill their corps home, staying there for the next 50 years, only broken by a six-year stint on the Gold Coast in the 1970s. Merv was deputy bandmaster at Dulwich Hill for 25 years and songster leader for five years.

In the mid-1990s, Merv and Mavis left Dulwich Hill and made the short move north to Gosford. Typically, one of the first things Merv did was to join the Gosford Corps band. Then up until age 95, he sat on the cornet bench, his trusty Getzen in hand.

Merv and Mavis have two children, Brian and Susan (deceased), two grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In an interview for Creative Ministry magazine in 2008, Merv, when asked what role God had played in his Salvation Army banding, replied: “Oh, that’s easy, he’s number one. I play in a Salvation Army band because I want to serve God. That has always been the main objective.”

Merv’s life has touched many people for Christ, and we believe Merv will gain his reward for his faithful, selfless service to God and mankind.

Unshakable faith

M

eyrna Edith McLachlan was promoted to glory from Gosford hospital on 1 June, aged 95. A thanksgiving service was held at the Mackay Family Home and Crematorium, Palmdale, led by Major Noel Reeves (nephew).

The opening song at her thanksgiving service, Simply Trusting, was chosen by Meyrna and that could well sum up her life … simply trusting, but with a strong, unshakable faith that was evident in everything she did in her life. It was also her faith in her Heavenly Father which she passed on to everyone who became a part of her life.

Meyrna was quiet and unassuming, but at times of difficulty or crisis able to deal with a situation in a calm and straightforward way. She had an extraordinary ability to cope with and

respond to the contrasts and changes in the lives of the individual members of her family and the people she loved. There is no doubt that this was a reflection of her simple trust and faith in God. Murray McLachlan (son) gave the family tribute, while Melissa McLachlan (grand-daughter) shared precious, as well as humorous, memories on behalf of the grandchildren. Niece, Major Allison Wiseman, read from the Scriptures, with her husband, Major John Wiseman, singing As the Varied Way of Life We Journey. Grand-daughter Carlee Sharpe also read from the Scriptures, while Captain Chris Millard, Inverell Corps, offered a prayer.

Meyrna was born in Campsie, Sydney, on 20 February 1916, the daughter of Salvation Army officers, Majors Richard and Ann (Mann) Reeves.

Meyrna was the third child, with two brothers, Bram and Major Fred Reeves, and one sister, Hilda Collins (Brisbane), all predeceasing her.

During her childhood, Meyrna went to a number of different corps and schools including Mount Morgan, Charters Towers, Townsville, Albion, Ipswich, West End, Maryborough and Bundaberg. She left school while at Bundaberg when her parents were transferred back to Brisbane during the depression years.

After several years in Brisbane the Reeves family was transferred to Inverell in 1936, with Meyrna accompanying them and taking up the position of primary leader. It was while Meyrna was living in Inverell that she met Edwin Henry “Ted” McLachlan and they married at The Salvation Army, Inverell, on 28 June, 1941.

Over the next 10 years, Ted and Meyrna had four sons, Derek, Gary, Errol and Murray.

Meyrna became a member of the Home League, assisted with Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at the Inverell Red Shield Centre. There were at least 800 babies who benefitted from booties knitted in her latter years, which were donated through The Salvation Army to mothers at the local hospital.

When it came time to move from the family home after Ted’s death in 1996, she settled into a unit at Cooinda Retirement Village at Inverell, where she lived for almost eight years before her final move to a unit at Woodport Retirement Village at Erina, near Gosford, in 2004.

An incentive for the move was the thought of living virtually next door to her brother Fred and sister-in-law Ena, as well as the thought of warmer winters!

Meyrna will be remembered as a mother of unconditional love who served her Lord simply, trustingly and faithfully.

FrFrom o m t the h e ccoalface oalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Promoted to Glory

Tower of strength

R

ita Ellice Diplock (nee Askew), a soldier of Capricorn Region Corps, was promoted to glory from Rockhampton on 8 October, aged 91.

Born in Charters Towers, Queensland, on 22 April, 1920, Rita’s father was a miner, and in her childhood the family lived in Mount Isa. She spoke of playing in the dry bed of the Leichhardt River.

As she grew, Rita became a natural athlete, winning trophies for running and captaining the school basketball team. She was also an excellent tennis player.

When Rita was in her late teens, the family moved to Mount Morgan. There she worked as a waitress in a hotel dining room where her efficiency was greatly valued. It was in Mount Morgan that she met and married Stan Diplock, an English immigrant, and all their children were born – twin daughters Ella and Anna, Rita and Stan.

Following Stan’s birth, the family moved to Rockhampton where, after a few months, their house was badly damaged by the cyclone of 1949. A second mortgage was taken out but, no stranger to hardship, Rita did her best and got on with raising her family.

During the cyclone, the roof started coming off and Stan (senior) went to the only close neighbour, the Moore family.

The Moores immediately invited the Diplocks over to take shelter in their home.

Mrs Moore was a Salvationist and after the cyclone invited Rita to Home League.

A special friendship developed between Mrs Moore and Rita. The women would walk to Home League at The Salvation Army in North Rockhampton. Rita became one of a group of women who were firm and loving friends for many years.

Rita sent her children to The Salvation Army Sunday school in Lucas St. Ella later became a Salvation Army officer and Rita proudly wore the Army’s Silver

Star badge recognising the contribution of parents to the raising of their officerchildren. Rita soon became a Salvationist herself and wore The Salvation Army uniform as a witness to what God had done in her life and the life of her family.

She loved working in the thrift shop and did so for many years.

There was no financial relief and Rita sacrificed much for her children, all of whom entered into good and stable work.

The injuries her husband received while working at the Mount Morgan mine caused him a lot of pain and came against him in old age. Rita looked after him until he passed away.

After she was widowed, Rita was able to see parts of Australia she had never seen. She accompanied Ella many times on holidays and, when Anna lived in Perth, she spent time there. Rita’s son Stan kept her home in good repair, and his wife Georgena was loved by Rita like they were mother and daughter.

Rita is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and 10 greatgrandchildren. She was proud of them all and loved them dearly. A celebration service for her life and witness was conducted at Capricorn Region Corps

by Captain Peter and Lieutenant Tara McGuigan (Corps Officers).

Good, faithful servant

I

sobel Ruth Dickey was promoted to glory at her home on 17 September, aged 81.

A celebration of Ruth’s life was held at Cardiff Corps, Newcastle, on 22 September, conducted by Major Andrew Schofield.

Majors Stan and Connie Hindle delivered the tribute on behalf of Cardiff Corps, and Graham Dickey (son) spoke of how his mother’s love and care was so very much appreciated by the entire family Major Julie Schofield read a poem she had written to bring comfort to the family.

Ruth and her husband Stan had chosen the Bible passage from John 14:1-7 from which Major Schofield based his address.

Ruth Vickery was born on 16 July, 1930, at Uralla, NSW, to Frederick and Esther Vickery. The family lived at Rocky River near Uralla.

Ruth was a loyal and faithful soldier of the Uralla Corps. She played in the corps band, was a timbrellist, Sunday school teacher and young people’s treasurer.

Ruth married Stanley Laurance Dickey at Uralla on 15 September, 1951, and they settled in Cardiff where they attended the local corps. Ruth busied herself in corps activities including timbrels, songsters, cradle roll sergeant, League of Mercy worker and at the time of her passing, remained a loyal home leaguer.

Ruth was a prayer warrior throughout her life, a devoted and loving wife to Stan, proud mother to Janet, David, Graham and Cathy and to her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom placed a rose on the casket as a sign of their love.

In her later life, ill health prevented Ruth from much of the physical involvement she once enjoyed, but she bravely continued her vital ministry of prayer. Stan and Ruth celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just two days before she went to be with her Lord. One of Ruth’s favourite songs included in the service confirmed her strong relationship with Jesus. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O what a foretaste of glory divine.”

Reports Please email Promoted To Glory reports and, if possible, a photograph to Pipeline at eastern.editorial@aue. salvationarmy.org. Please limit reports to about 400 words.

pipeline 12/2011 43

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

about people Additional Appointment

Effective 12 December: Lieutenant Tara McGuigan, Chaplain – Rockhampton Office, Employment Plus.

Appointments

Effective 12 December: Major Brian Unicomb, Territorial Records Management Coordinator, Booth College.

Bereaved

Major Ella Diplock of her mother, Rita Ellice Diplock on 8 October; Major David Eyles of his father; Captain Debbie Friend of her mother Anne Whitfield on 3 November.

Promoted to glory

Mrs Captain Betty Fuller on 23 October; Major Mervyn Hopper on 26 October; Colonel Bramwell Lucas on 1 November; Major Lila Pearse on 11 November.

Retirement

Major Bruce Hodges on 4 December.

SAGALA Awards

The following people have received the Commissioner’s Challenge Award: Aneita Roberts, St Marys Corps.

time to pray 27 November – 3 December

Kenya West Territory; Toowong Student Residence, Toowoomba Corps, Toowoomba Crisis Centre; Townsville Faithworks , all Qld.

4-10 December

Brazil Territory; Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission, Qld; Tuggerah Lakes Corps, South Queensland Division, Umina Beach Corps, Upper Blue Mountain Corps, all NSW; Tuggeranong Corps, ACT; Volunteer Day (5).

11-17 December

Wagga Wagga Corps, Warringah Place Retirement Village, Weeroona Village, Wellington Corps, West Wyalong Corps.

Westlakes Corps, all NSW; Warwick Corps, Qld.

18-24 December

Papua New Guinea Territory; William Booth Recovery Services

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Centre, Wollongong Corps, First Floor Restoration Program – Wollongong, Woodport Retirement Village, all NSW; Woden Valley Corps, ACT; Women’s Ministries THQ;

25-31 December

Woonona Corps, Young Cluster (Cootamundra Corps, Grenfell Corps, Young Corps), Youthlink, all NSW; Wynnum Corps, Wynnum/Capabala Community Welfare Centre, Yeppoon Mission, Youth Outreach Service, all Qld; Christmas Day (25); Boxing Day (26).

1-7 January

Office of the Territorial Commander, THQ; Inala Community Welfare Centre, Carindale Corps, Redcliffe City Corps, all Qld; Queanbeyan Corps, Hills Corps, both NSW; New Years Day (1); Red Shield Summer Camp (7-14).

engagement calendar Commissioners James (Territorial Commander) and Jan Condon Earlwood: Sun 4 Dec – Retirement of Major Bruce Hodges Melbourne: Mon 5 Dec – Inter-territorial Conference Sydney: Fri 9 Dec – Honoured Friends meeting *Cobar: Fri 9-Mon 12 Dec – Bush Mission Trip Sydney: Sat 17 Dec – Carols in the Domain Tarrawanna: Sun 18 Dec – Corps visit Toowoomba: Tues 20 Dec – Official opening of Toowoomba Crisis Accommodation Service Brisbane: Tues 20 Dec – Moonyah Carol Service #Commissioner Jan Condon only *Commissioner James Condon only

Colonels Wayne (Chief Secretary) and Robyn Maxwell Stanmore: Sat 3 Dec – MASIC lunch Melbourne: Mon 5 Dec – Inter-territorial Consultation Sydney: Tues 6 Dec – Chaplaincy Dinner Cairns: Thu 8-Mon 12 Dec – Corps visit #Campsie: Wed 14 Dec – Women’s Ministries Sydney: Sat 17 Dec – Carols in the Domain # Colonel Robyn Maxwell only * Colonel Wayne Maxwell only

Commissioning Friends of Christ sent to frontline

2011

Pipeline’s BILL SIMPSON reports on The Salvation Army’s annual commissioning ceremony where 20 new officers of the Australia Eastern Territory have been ordained to serve

A

young mother trapped in drug addiction less than seven years ago is one of 20 newly ordained officers in The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.

So is another young woman who as a teenager was severely depressed, reliant on medication, only knew Jesus as a swear word and saw Christians as Biblebashing freaks.

Lieutenants Teena Hughes and Cara Brackstone, with the other 18 graduates of the Friends of Christ

officer training session – all with exciting stories – were ordained and commissioned by Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon at the Sydney Convention Centre on 27 November. As four of the new officers were from Papua New Guinea, PNG Territorial Commander Commissioner Andrew Kalai assisted.

Lieut Hughes’ miraculous reformation was revealed publicly during an honouring segment of the commissioning. She chose to honour Major >>>

Thelma Fischle (formerly Ashford), who was manager of The Salvation Army’s Selah Farm (NSW Central Coast Recovery Services) when Teena was a rehabilitation patient there in 2004-05.

Teena was a nurse in her mid20s when she became involved in serious drugs abuse. She spent the next 10 years in addiction, losing a marriage which included a young son.

In October 2004, with the help of a friend, she handed her life to

the Lord. Within weeks, she had connected with The Salvation Army’s addiction counselling program, firstly at Catherine Booth House and then at Selah Farm.

Fifteen months later, she was in recovery. She returned to Selah Farm as a counsellor and case worker, and entered officer training at the start of last year from the Long Jetty Corps.

In her tribute to Major Fischle, Lieut Hughes said: “Major Thelma was always reminding us [at Selah]

that we were forgiven and loved, and that it was not a matter so much of who I am but whose I am.

Today, I really do have new life; an amazing life.”

In a public testimony, Lieut Brackstone told of her depression as a 15-year-old, walking aimlessly in the streets at night with little regard for safety. On one of those walks, she entered a Salvation Army building during a songster practice, heard a song about God’s strength being made perfect in weakness, and cried “tears of joy”.

She went to her first Salvation Army service and answered God’s call on her life. “When I got up after the prayer, I knew that the depression had left me. I was able to get off the medication and I was a happier person,” she said.

“Growing up, I was always looking for answers to the philosophical questions of life.

Christianity was the last place I thought I would find it. Jesus was a swear word and Christians were Bible-bashing freaks.

“But I [now] know that Jesus has the power to transform lives. He changed mine.”

In another testimony, Lieut Gini Bugave, from the Papua New Guinea Territory, disclosed that training in Australia had provided many personal challenges for him and his family – wife Lieut Regina Bugave and children Mulina, Brigitte and Varo.

There were times, he said, when God “was the only friend I could turn to for peace”. “I praise God for his unfailing love upon my family and me in these two years of training ... and teaching me very important lessons in readiness for ministry.”

Family support

Five other newly ordained officers also participated in the commissioning honouring segment.

Lieut Kylie Maxwell honoured her parents, Majors Philip and Deslea Maxwell. “You have shown me what it means to be a faithful servant of God,” she told them.

Lieut Rachael McMurray also honoured her parents, Majors David and Bev McMurray. She loved and served the Lord because of the influence of her parents, she said. | 2 | commissioning 2011

All photos: Shairon Paterson

Lieut David Sutcliffe honoured his late grandfather, Bob Coller, whom, he said, modelled a life of Christian love, service and worship, and taught him how to be a man of God. Lieut Dulcie A’O honoured her sister, Lutha. “I thank you for standing with me and especially for the way you support me and encourage me in the calling I have in my heart to be in the ministry of God.” Lieut Aaron Reid honoured his brother-in-law Daniel Wayman, whom he said was the first person to welcome him to The Salvation Army and had since been a helpful prayer support.

As representative speaker for the graduates, Lieut Jacoba Czoban proposed that to be a friend of Christ meant “Faithfully Remain In

[Christ to the] END” – FRIEND. General Linda Bond, the world leader of The Salvation Army, sent the new officers a personal message, in which she reminded them that to be a friend of Jesus suggested a relationship ... of trust, love and fellowship.

“But friendship is also a matter of honour,” the General said.

“He has honoured you by calling you friend and giving himself completely to make this possible.

You must continue to honour him with your obedience, trust and selfless dedication to your calling and ministry.”

In his message to the graduates and general congregation, Commissioner Condon took the name of the new officers’ session, Friends of Christ, to remind everyone that that is precisely what Jesus

intended. Basing his talk on John 15: 1-17, Commissioner Condon said his key verse (The Message paraphrase) was: I have named you friends.

“Has it ever impacted you that God Almighty - the Lord of glory; the Creator of the universe – who has the world in his hands, who is all powerful and unlimited in glory, majesty and creativity, has chosen you to be his friend and to partner with him in redeeming work?

“Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship. One becomes a Christian by entering into a lifechanging relationship with Jesus Christ,” he said. “You are chosen to make a difference in the world.”

Chief Secretary Colonel Wayne Maxwell (pictured far left) used the story of a paralysed man forgiven and healed by Jesus because >>> commissioning 2011 | 3 |

Photo: Carolyn Hide

of the faith of his friends.

“These were ordinary people doing extraordinary things because God took control and used them,” he said.

Colonel Maxwell said it was significant that Jesus first forgave the man his sins and then healed him. “Before Jesus healed the body, he healed the soul. Jesus comes to the world today and forgives sin.

When he does, we can never be the same again.”

A large number of people made public commitments around a lamp-lit cross on the front floor of the centre during morning and afternoon sessions.

4 | 4 | commissioning 2011

Silver Star presentation

The previous day, family members and friends joined the cadets, Booth College training staff and members of The Salvation Army’s wider leadership at the Victoria House Function Centre in Sydney for a Principal’s Reception and Silver Star presentation.

Training Principal Major Gavin Watts welcomed the guests, Colonel Maxwell brought a greeting and Cadet Marcus Wunderlich prayed.

The Silver Star presentation ceremony was an emotional time as each cadet expressed words of gratitude to their parents/mentors.

In a break from tradition, the cadets were given the opportunity to personally present the stars to their parents/mentors.

In between courses, further presentations were made to the children of the Friends of Christ, and four cadets from Papua New Guinea who are part of the session, together with their children, presented a vocal item. Cadet Alana Reid gave her testimony, revealing that “one of the greatest lessons I have learnt at college has been that God is sovereign and I need to trust him every step of the way”. Commissioner Condon brought a message from the Scriptures.

During the reception, LieutColonel Philip Cairns presented the William Cairns Memorial Awards which acknowledge cadets who have achieved in three particular areas of their training.

Awards were presented to (pictured above left, left to right) Cadets Kylie Herring (academic studies), Cadet Aaron Reid (field program), Cadet Jacoba Czoban (spiritual formation), and Saki A’O (academic studies).

Bill Simpson is a staff writer for Pipeline and supplements.