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Coalface News | Features | Holy Habits | Letters | Mission Priorities | Opinion | Promoted to Glory | Reviews | Social Justice Read me at: pipelineonline.org

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory November 2011 Volume 15 Issue 11

Also insideING

ISSION COMM CHURE BRO

God Called by

Cadets ready for officership

In this issue THE WHEEL DEAL Salvos launch driving school CREATIVITY IN FULL FLOW Gospel Arts Camp 2011 APPOINTMENT CHANGES Who’s going where in the territory

ARTICLES BY

Commissioner James Condon | Major Alan Harley | Captain Mavis Salt | Mark Hadley | Major Barbara Sampson

Sunday 27th November 2011 10.00am Ordination and Commissioning - Friends of Christ 2.30pm

Sent out to Serve

6.00pm

The Movement - God through us

(Celebrating Young People involved in Mission)

Venue

Sydney Convention Centre

Contents COVER

STORY

8-12 CALLED BY GOD

Friends of Christ session of cadets prepare for officership

8 F E AT U R E S 13-15 APPOINTMENT CHANGES

Find out who's going where in The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory 18-19 INTERNATIONAL VISION

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General Linda Bond reveals Mission Priorities for the global Salvation Army. By Kevin Sims

20-21 THE WHEEL DEAL

Simone Worthing reports on The Salvation Army's new driving school in Sydney 22-23 GOSPEL ARTS CAMP 2011

Esther Pinn finds creativity in full flow at Collaroy

REGULARS 3 EDITORIAL 5 TC@PIPELINE 6-7 INTEGRITY 17 HOW TO DO JUSTICE 17 HOLY HABITS

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25 UNLOCKING ARMY’S ARCHIVES 28-29 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW? 34-45 COALFACE NEWS 46 PROMOTED TO GLORY

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 James Gardner, 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

Editorial Obeying the call to follow and serve

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ater this month, 20 people drawn from all walks of life will be commissioned as Salvation Army officers of the Australia Eastern Territory.

Each will have undergone two years of intensive preparation at the Army’s School for Officer Training in Sydney, and every one of them will have made huge sacrifices to follow what they believe is God's calling for their life.

In this issue of Pipeline, five of these cadets tell the story of this calling and how the two years at college has prepared them for officership.

While their journey may have taken them down the path to officership, the fact they have been called

by God to a particular lifestyle is by no means unique.

Anyone who says they are a follower of Christ, I believe has a threefold call on their life.

First, we are called to know Jesus personally through faith. Responding to this call changes everything for us, but it’s only the first step.

Next, we are called to follow Christ. It’s a call to discipleship; the very same invitation that Jesus issued to the disciples at Galilee when he said: “Come, follow me.” And just as his disciples were able to walk and talk with their Lord, we, too, if we take up this invitation to follow him, have the same opportunity to get to know our Saviour intimately.

The third call is to serve. It’s something we often struggle with and yet is essential to experiencing the fullness of life that God promises (John 10:10).

Working for God, you see, is not an optional extra for Christians. Why? Well, because God wants to bless us. Just ask anyone who has dedicated their life to serving him and they will tell you about the abundant joy there is in working for God.

Opportunities abound

And there’s plenty of opportunity to serve in The Salvation Army. Take, for starters, the new International Vision for the Army launched by General Linda Bond in London last month. You can read about it on pages 18-19 of this issue of Pipeline.

The vision will have a familiar ring to it for readers of Pipeline who over the past few years have been encouraged to embrace the seven Mission Priorities developed and introduced while the General was leader of the Australia Eastern Territory.

The International Vision contains 12 Mission Priorities for the global Salvation Army, but, in effect, they are a call to service – to serve God and to serve others.

Where do you stand in relation to God’s call on your life? Do you know Christ? Have you obeyed the call to follow and serve him? It takes obedience in all three aspects to experience the abundant life Christ promises.

Scott Simpson Managing Editor pipeline 11/2011 3

Letters Jesus’ words good enough for me

Standing up for the man refer to the article “Inclusive language good news for all” (September Pipeline). I am astounded that we even need to consider so-called “political correctness” when it comes to pointing “men” (people) to Christ, nor can I agree with the sentiment of the title. Good news for whom?

As I sat in Salvation Army meetings aged 8 or 9 and started taking notice of the words of songs, I had no need of anybody to explain that “Christ receiveth sinful men” (Salvation Army Song Book 262) was not gender-specific, nor when I sang about being a “fisher of men” in Sunday school.

I laughed heartily in later years when a visiting commissioner told us of the boy who was also crying after Sunday school, and when asked by his mother the cause, stated “Teacher said Jesus wants me for a sunbeam and I want to be a fireman!”

Life is full of such anecdotes but surely they are not such that we must use them to argue a cause. It is tragic enough having to counter influences telling us where and when we can sing or play Christmas carols, let alone changing words to suit some fancy thinking.

I do not even support referring to the Deity without using capital letters as we do in the current Salvation Army Song Book. When we use caps for earthly titles but omit them when referring to members of the Trinity, I think we’ve got it around the wrong way.

And i want 2 no will the sasb n Bible b rewritten 2 b more like fone txting, there4 OK cos people think its ezr 2 read and wot every1 else is doing?

Where is this nonsense going to end?

I cannot see any of these changes assisting “Saving Souls, Growing Saints or Serving Suffering Humanity”. And if we agree with Captain Adam Couchman (Pipeline letters to the editor September 2011) it won’t even be noticed by the “Aussie bloke”, (or his girl), in our endeavours to win him or her over to Him who died for us all.

Let’s not get sidetracked from the task.

Let’s dare to be different and maintain some presentation standards.

nclusive language good news for all” (September Pipeline) by Major Leanne Ruthven is a thoughtprovoking article, however I was left wondering just how far the Word of God, documented in the Bible, hymns and choruses, will have to be rewritten to capture non-Christians.

The article appeared to stem from a young girl of four crying as she had not yet received the education to fully understand the Word of God and the generic use of “man” to describe mankind. With maturity she would have discovered that the word “man” is often used to cover men, women, and children of all races. A young girl of four, or for that matter anyone interested in our Lord, would soon discover with daily reading, or church attendance, the Lord does not exclude anyone.

The article included the statement: “However, while such wording may have been appropriate for its time, I suggest that the 21st century Salvation Army needs to leave it behind and use language that literally includes everyone.”

This raises the question, where does change stop? If based on Major Ruthven’s logic, i.e. “appropriate for its time”, Psalm 23 will require an overhaul as shepherds are scarce around suburbia in 2011.

Changing context of words can create a danger that the fundamental context can be lost. I refer to the question Jesus asks in Matthew 16:13: “When Jesus came into the coast of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, saying ‘whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’” “Men” and “man” are both used; Jesus did not elaborate, when using “men” he was concerned about all.

Ultimately the question Jesus asked his disciples is a question we all have to ask of ourselves. Changing the words to “political correctness” or “inclusive language” will not alter the response he requires.

Major Ruthven’s sentiments are commendable as from what I read she basically wants more people to understand God. Jesus used simple everyday analogies and spoke generically, i.e. man, men. Surely if those words were good enough for Jesus, they are good enough for me.

Gordon Burtenshaw, Wollongong.

Keith Mackie, Newcastle.

Warm welcome the key

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s a new member of the Salvation Army’s church I feel a little awkward responding to letters from a captain and a major regarding whether evangelism or worship is more important at a Sunday morning meeting. However, I decided that as they were talking about me, my response might be of interest.

I came along to my first Salvation Army meeting nine months ago to worship God. I stayed, not because of the quality of the service

Have something to say?

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“I

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presented by the officer (although I am sure it was excellent), but because of the welcome I received from the people attending.

I can’t comment on whether evangelism or worship is more important but unless the newcomer is made to feel welcome, they aren’t likely to come back. And that welcome is best coming from the congregation as a whole rather than publicly from the officer which might embarrass the shyer newcomers Anne Ducray, Bega.

Send your letters to eastern.editorial@aue.salvationarmy.org Letters should be no more than 250 words in length.

Doing whatever it takes to swell the ranks Commissioner JAMES CONDON wants all Salvationists to make it their mission priority to see a significant increase of new soldiers and officers of The Salvation Army

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hese days are full of hope and opportunity. “The fields are white unto harvest. The workers are few.” In a few weeks I will commission and ordain 20 cadets into fulltime service of The Salvation Army.

We need leaders! We need officers! We need you to partner with Jesus in seeing people come to Jesus!

I am encouraged to see an increase in the number of officers.

We will do whatever it takes to see not only a significant increase in the number of officers but soldiers across the Australia Eastern Territory. Your prayers for candidates to be raised up are vital.

I am grateful to Margaret Poore from Parramatta Corps, the coordinator for Mission Priority Number 7 (Soldiers), who is doing a wonderful work in making us all aware of the need for soldiers. New soldiership preparation material will be available shortly and I want to see the Soldiers Boot Camp concept being used in every division.

If you look into the Facebook page “Celebrating Soldiership of The Salvation Army”, one person read about a soldier’s enrolment on Facebook and was challenged to share on their Facebook page about the privilege of radical discipleship through soldiership in The Salvation Army. That’s what we are looking for ... people who will sign up, stand up and speak up!

We all need to be proactive in challenging people we know in our corps to become soldiers and, yes, encouraging our youth to be open to the call of God to officership.

Is soldiership celebrated at your corps?

A telephone survey was conducted across the territory asking the question “Would you say that soldiership is celebrated at your corps?” with three possible answers: not often, fairly often, or in every opportunity.

It is obvious from the results of the survey that we need to do more to promote and celebrate soldiership.

In a Facebook discussion about soldiership, a Salvation Army officer in a rural corps said – “Had a great morning joining with our church family as we enrolled a senior soldier of The Salvation

Army ... wonderful to know that God is still doing His thing and calling His people. Come join the battle! Be a radical disciple of Jesus in His Army.”

Radical discipleship

Let us continue to do whatever it takes to see a significant increase of new soldiers and officers. People are searching for spiritual things and I believe there are those who are willing to sign up for radical discipleship. Look out for them in your corps and encourage them to sign up.

General Clarence Wiseman said, “How tragic when a corps becomes introverted, clinging to unproductive religious routines, meticulously fulfilling a hectic program that provides little, if any, space where the Holy Spirit can break into the soldiery in revelation of the new theme that God wishes them to do. The immediate challenge we face is to examine objectively, methods and programs under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, probing at depth to discover if they are effectively achieving the primary purpose for which we were called into being.”

This is my challenge to readers of Pipeline – are we achieving the primary purpose for which we were called into being? To get saved, keep saved and get others saved and then intentionally seek to engage in encouraging people to sign up as soldiers of The Salvation Army – to radical discipleship?

We all need to do whatever it takes to ensure that there is an army of active soldiers to move forward, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Commissioner James Condon is Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory

pipeline 11/2011 5

The miracle of spiritual Concluding his two-part article, Major ALAN HARLEY continues his theme of truth and how it sets believers free by being born of the Spirit and becoming part of God’s family

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S

idney Cox was one of the 20th century’s leading writers of gospel songs. I heard him give his testimony, months before his death.

He was talking about his song, The Saviour Sought and Found Me. With tears streaming down his face, he said: “I didn’t seek him.

He sought me.”

No credit went to Sidney Cox for his conversion. All glory went to Jesus. It was all the work of the Holy Spirit.

Theologians have pondered this profound concept from earliest times.

For some it is seen to indicate that God chooses some, not all. For others it represents the mystery of the gospel and the workings of the Spirit. I share this view. Jesus said: “The wind blows where it pleases ... So it is with ... the Spirit,” (John 3:7, 8).

And it is a mystery.

Whether we came to Christ in our childhood, never really knowing a time when we weren’t a part of God’s family, or whether we were converted later in life, it’s still a mystery. God did something in our lives we can’t explain. He worked in the depths of our being, awakening our hearts to turn to him, and showing us our need of him. Then he enabled us to turn away from sin and to Christ. And he actually gave us the ability to believe in him. At every step in our conversion, the Spirit of God took the initiative (known as Prevenient Grace, the grace which precedes or goes before).

Of course, some experience this inner working of God’s Spirit but fail to respond. They choose to not utilise the gift of faith. I’ve seen it happen.

I was inviting people to Christ one Sunday evening and the sense of the Spirit’s convicting power was intense.

People were responding to the invitation.

But at the back of the congregation a man stood and shouted, “No! No!” He walked away. He didn’t return. Some time later he died not having turned to Christ.

But for that “company which no-one can number” the fact that they didn’t resist the Spirit’s call to Christ is not something they brag about. A drowning man doesn’t draw attention to his wise choice in accepting the life-belt when thrown to him. He thanks the one who threw it and attributes the whole of his rescue to that one.

For us it’s even more wonderful than that. The one who reaches out to Christ finds Spirit-given strength to take the hand of the Rescuer. And he knows that the Rescuer made the first move. Indeed, without that mysterious working of the Spirit he would probably be like those drowning people who actually fight off their rescuers. The Spirit lets us know we are drowning. Then he points us to the Rescuer and helps us to reach out to him.

Our salvation is not by our might, nor by our power, but by God’s Spirit.

New life

The theological term for re-birth is “regeneration”. But it’s not a word invented by theologians.

A few years ago there was a devastating fire in the Royal National Park just south of Sydney where I live. It seemed to consume everything it touched.

When extinguished, it left behind a vast expanse of destruction. Thousands of trees were gone. Many animals perished.

The once-beautiful park was now dead.

Experts prophesied that it would take decades for it to come back to life. We who saw it believed them.

Integrity

Growing Saints

regeneration But then the miracle happened. Tiny leaves starting appearing on those skeletal forms which once were trees. Then blossoms. Then grass. Slowly the dead park came to life. Gradually the animals returned. Regeneration, they called it. The gloomy prophets were proven wrong. The park came back to life.

So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

The Spirit isn’t like a gardener who takes over a run-down garden and makes it better. He’s like Jesus when he called Lazarus out of the tomb. Wherever the Holy Spirit works, he gives life. That’s why an ancient creed (the Nicene Creed, which dates to the fourth century) speaks of him as “the Lord and giver of life”. By calling him “Lord” we affirm his deity. By calling him “giver of life” we define his ministry.

Someone to whom the Spirit gave was Eleanor. Carol, one of my colleagues and a cancer volunteer, had visited Eleanor because she was on her list of cancer patients. Eleanor, who was in her 60s, lived in a tiny apartment above a shop in our city’s business district. Her cancer had destroyed much of her jaw bone. She was badly disfigured and her speech was badly impeded. Because of these problems she chose to avoid the public as much as possible.

But Carol finally convinced her to attend church with her. The two of them sat in the back row the first Sunday morning Eleanor attended worship. At the conclusion, Carol told me that Eleanor wanted to talk with me. We made our way to my office and with Carol’s help Eleanor said, “I want to become a Christian”.

I responded by taking her, step by step, in simple terms, into a relationship with

Jesus. She left our meeting saying, “I feel such peace inside me”. Whenever I visited her in her little apartment she would assure me that she was still enjoying God’s peace.

Some months after her conversion, Eleanor asked if we would pray with her for her healing. Feeling that our midweek meeting would be an appropriate time, I arranged for Carol to bring her and asked two of my colleagues in pastoral ministry to assist me. Toward the end of the gathering I said to the congregation: “Eleanor, who is with us this evening, has asked that we pray for her healing.

Different people have different ideas regarding healing. Some hold that miracles ceased at the close of the Apostolic era, and that we should not expect such things today. Others teach that God always heals those who really believe in him, and that there’s something wrong with the person’s faith if she or he is not healed. I suggest a different position. I believe that God always responds positively to those who come to him. To some he grants an instant healing. To others he initiates a healing process. And to others he gives courage and resources to be ‘more than conquerors’ in the face of affliction. In whichever way God responds, we are better off for having come to him.”

I then invited my pastoral colleagues to join me, and we prayed for Eleanor. From that moment she reported great relief from pain, but not from the cancer itself. Some weeks later, she asked me to visit her.

“The doctor has said my cancer is getting worse,” she said. “I must undergo more major surgery, but there’s no guarantee that it will work. In fact I will be left even more disfigured and without a voice. On the other hand, if I don’t have the surgery,

I will die. What should I do?”

I told her that the decision must be hers, and that I would stand by her whatever her decision. We prayed together, and she made her decision. She would not have the surgery.

The day came when I accompanied her to the hospital where she would be receiving palliative care. In just a few days she died.

I walked away from the hospital that final day wondering, did we fail her? Should I have been more emphatic regarding God’s healing power? But I knew that she had now experienced total healing. She had found “life, and health and peace” in Christ. She had been touched by the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life. She had experienced the power of Christ’s resurrection and was now enjoying it in that place he’d gone to prepare for her. The miracle happened that Sunday morning in my office when Eleanor said to God: “Please forgive all my sins and make me your child.”

If you’ve prayed a prayer like that, the Holy Spirit has worked a miracle just like that in your life. You’ve been born of the Spirit. You’ve been made a member of God’s family. And there’s no greater miracle.

Part one of this article appeared in the October issue of Pipeline

Major Dr Alan Harley is a lecturer on the Territorial Spiritual Life Development Team, and member of the International Doctrine Council.

pipeline 11/2011 7

Called by God ...

Each year, men and women who have been drawn together from all walks of life are commissioned as officers of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.

It follows two years of intensive training, during which these cadets study subjects as diverse as theology, pastoral care, community development, public relations, world religions and ethics, among others. They are also exposed to practical outtraining and regular pastoral and public-speaking ministry.

On Sunday, 27 November, cadets of the Friends of Christ training session will be commissioned at the Sydney Convention Centre. Over the next few pages, five of the cadets tell the story of their calling to officership and time in training.

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Cadet JI SOOK WUNDERLICH

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hen we got married, my husband, Marcus, could not wait to take me to The Salvation Army. Then, one day, he expressed a desire to become an Army officer. “Over my dead body,” I thought.

I wanted to serve God in my way, which definitely did not include officership.

After moving to Taree on the Mid North Coast of NSW, I had a year of suffering from depression which culminated in doubting God. God, however, shone upon me through the people at Taree Corps.

Not long after, we moved back to Sydney. I was content with my life and settled at the Korean Corps (Belmore).

Then Marcus started nagging me about officership again. My biggest concern was my family in Korea. How could God save Australians through me when my family – who weren’t Christians – in Korea were going to hell?

We attended a Candidates’ weekend and there God called me to officership by

assuring me that he would save my family in Korea. To my amazement, within a year my family started going to church.

Now I am nearly finished my officer training. The experiences in college have been priceless, especially the three months of out-training at the Gold Coast Temple which reassured my calling. During that time, I shared much laughter and tears with the people there.

I don’t know how to lead people but I will be a good follower of Jesus. He is my leader. God is going to use this small, weak Korean for his Kingdom either in Australia or wherever he calls.

There have been times when I could not stop asking “Why? Why am I here in Australia having to speak English. Could I not serve God better in Korea?” But I don’t ask “why” anymore. God has a plan and a purpose for me. I have come to know that it is not who you are, what language you speak, or where you are from, but it is the heart that delivers God’s love.

The 20 Friends of Christ who will be commissioned this month as Salvation Army officers. Photos: Shairon Paterson

Cadet Ji Sook Wunderlich with her husband, Marcus, and children Zelma (Jooha) and Christopher (Minha).

pipeline 11/2011 9

Cadet PHILIP FARTHING

W

hen Jesus went into the desert he fended off the devil with three bits of Scripture. Well, I, too, have had a few bits of Scripture which have helped me through the past few years. I’d like to share two of them.

First is from John 21. Jesus has just restored Peter and told him to “follow me”. But Peter became concerned with John and asked Jesus, “What about him?”.

Jesus replied, “What does that matter to you ... I’ve told you to follow me”.

One Sunday when I was driving home from a Salvation Army meeting, I was feeling low and began comparing myself to others. I was thinking, “this person has these gifts and this person could do this well”. It is so easy for me to compare myself and then wonder why God didn’t give me certain gifts and so on. On this occasion I felt him saying, “What does that matter to you? Philip, you must follow me”. I had probably remembered the verse out of context but it really spoke to me.

I must stop comparing or wondering if I have the right gifts to be here. God has called me to follow him in this way and that is all that’s of concern to me. My job is to follow Jesus.

The second piece of Scripture comes from Romans 1:16. For a while I had lost the Bible; I had lost my certainty in its truth and I had lost my confidence in prayer. But like Decartes, whose existence was reduced to a single phrase of assurance, “cognito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), I am building my existence on this phrase from Romans, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation”.

I cling to this truth. I can meet all sorts of challenges. To live my faith can be hard at times but I know the gospel is true, for it is the power of my salvation. God has been good and faithful to me and I am excited to serve him wherever he will have me.

Cadet MARTY HERRING

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or too long I perceived “God’s call” as something big that God needed me to do. God’s call on my life is simply to know him, glorify him, and enjoy him. When I realised this it changed our relationship.

From this healthy space God helps me become a better husband, father, friend, and has guided me towards different opportunities to serve him.

Some time ago I sensed God inviting me to consider Salvation Army officership, and after much wrestling to confirm this, I began moving towards that role.

The School for Officer Training has been challenging to juggle family,

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friendships and the pace of study. Yet the study has been beneficial and at times enjoyable in stretching my thinking and considering topics and questions about faith essential for discipleship. The opportunity for out-training under Major Terry Grey and Captain Lyn Edge (Sydney Congress Hall), and Captains Alwyn and Debora Robinson (Tweed Heads) has been the highlight of this experience. I thank them for their guidance and friendship.

God has brought me face to face with fears, past hurtful ministry experiences, some habits and self-judgments and invited me to pursue personal growth and

healing that will enable me to be more effective at home, in ministry and to enjoy life more.

I was raised by a good family and have a beautiful wife and three good kids (soon to be four), and enjoy good mates. Growing up in sunny Wollongong was great and I have travelled overseas, worked in the music and building industries and in youth work.

I look forward to building on these experiences in the capacity of a Salvation Army officer, being part of new experiences that spread the message of God’s love and hope to the community.

Cadet VANESSA KOHLER

“I

never thought I would have ...” is a statement which I think would sum up my calling, my journey to college and the adventure I’ve been on these past two years.

I have known since I was 18 that God was calling me to be a Salvation Army officer, but I always thought I would end up at the training college after I had done all I had wanted to do in life. Perhaps I’d get married, travel the world and have a successful career as a social worker and then go to college.

I wanted to do everything my way for a while, and then “give the rest away” to God when I was in my mid 30s. God really challenged these plans I had for my life and said, “I don’t want what is left of you in your mid 30s. I want all of you. Now!” As I reflect on the past two years, there have been a lot of times when I’ve been left in awe of God, saying, “I never thought I would have been doing this”. I’ve been humbled as he’s used me in ways that I never would have thought possible, and he’s blessed me in the most unexpected times.

I had put God and my calling to officership in a box, determined to come back to it later. I’m glad I didn’t wait and said yes to his call now. I now see that becoming an officer at 25, at this time in The Salvation Army, is better than any of the plans I had made for my life. I am so excited about the future and about partnering with God to see lives changed and communities transformed.

Cadet Marty Herring with his wife, Kylie, and children (from left) Lucy, Sigrid and Simeon.

Photos: Shairon Paterson

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Cadet SAKI A’O

I

was a village bloke in a remote part of Papua New Guinea just going about my daily work, which is subsistence farming and enjoying life one day at a time and for leisure. I would just watch the day go by, which I thought was life in its fullness.

But one day, at the start of a new year, I heard a voice speaking directly to my heart and saying, “Why are you spending your time and working for the things that will not bring you happiness and life in its fullness?” Upon hearing that, it gave me a whole new perspective on life.

From then on I said to myself that I must commit myself to God. I wrote it as my New Year’s resolution, not knowing what would become of this commitment and also not knowing what this new journey would bring. But deep inside me I felt that God was calling me. This was far greater than what I could perceive and its potential to transform and change my life forever.

God gave me a deep conviction to do more for his Kingdom. It was like a burning fire inside me, to take up the call to be his servant.

I went to The Salvation Army Training College in Papua New Guinea without much knowledge and confidence, but God spoke to my heart saying from his Word that you didn’t choose me but I chose you (John15:16). It took the doubt and fear away and put in me a confidence. From then on I believed that God would give me the knowledge and confidence I needed.

During my training, God has done far greater things than I had imagined, both spiritually and physically. One of these has been coming to the School for Officer Training in Sydney to complete my second-year training.

College has been one of the great things in my life in which God has used his faithful servants to help me through.

Their love, encouragement, prayer, wisdom and knowledge has helped transform my life, ready for the service that God had called me for. Here now I stand with thankfulness to God and the

people whom he has brought into my life to help equip me.

If God is calling you to be his servant to help build his Kingdom, do not hesitate

to respond because it comes at a time which is right for you. It is indeed a great privilege and honour to serve God our sovereign King.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY The New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory is seeking to employ a Director of Creative Ministries to be based at its Territorial Headquarters in Wellington.

The successful applicant will need to display an ability to be mission-focused; servant-hearted; creative; innovative; have an understanding and appreciation of contemporary musical groups including brass bands, choral groups and music teams; and a working knowledge of broader creative arts in a church context.

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The successful applicant should also be a Soldier of The Salvation Army and be able to strategise and implement a plan, have a track record in management, including people management, marketing and facilitation skills, and be able to devise exciting learning experiences and events.

For a job description or to apply, contact Christie Baird in Human Resources Department: christie_baird@nzf.salvationarmy.org Applications close 21 November, 2011

Appointment changes The following appointments of Salvation Army officers are effective 12 January 2012, unless otherwise stated. Please pray for these officers and their families as they prepare to move and take up new challenges across Queensland, NSW and ACT.

NATIONAL SECRETRIAT RED SHIELD DEFENCE SERVICES Senior Representative and Officer in Charge, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Major Colin Kingston; Representatives, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Will and Janet Bragg; Representatives, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Envoys Stuart and Heidi Grice.

OFFICE OF THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER; OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND WOMEN'S MINISTRIES Spiritual Life Development Prayer Ministry Territorial Consultant (Additional appointment), Major Kerrie Farthing.

School for Leadership Training Director – incorporating School for Multicultural Ministry, Captain Kathy Crombie; Assistant Director and Ministry Workers Training Co-ordinator, Major Peter Davey; Team Member – School for Multicultural Ministry, Captain Peter Godkin.

Counselling Service Counsellor, Counselling Service, Canberra, Major Julie Radburn.

PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION

Aged Care Plus Senior Chaplains and Directors of Mission Riverview Gardens Aged Care Services, Majors Bruce & Margaret Dobbie; Chaplain – Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Services, Major Karen Masters; Chaplain – Maybanke, Major Amanda Choy-Show; Chaplain – Mountain View Aged Care Services, Major Sue Hale.

Secretary for Personnel, with promotion the rank of Lieut-Colonel, Major David Godkin; Assistant Secretary for Personnel, with promotion to the rank of LieutColonel, Major Sandra Godkin; Assistant Secretary for Personnel, Administration, Major Mark Watts; Chaplain to THQ and Member of Territorial Pastoral Care Team, Major Daphne Cox.

Office of the Chief Secretary Projects Officer, Governance and Compliance, Major Ian Channell Director, Salvation Army International Development Office, Major John Rees; SAID Office – Project Officer, Major Kelly Mulligan; SAID Office – Project 1:8, Captains Jacob and Julie-Anne Robinson.

Candidates Territorial Candidates Secretary, Major Shelley Soper; Territorial Candidates Secretary, Major David Soper.

BOOTH COLLEGE

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Principal and Secretary for Education and Training, Major Howard Smartt; Assistant Principal, Major Stuart; Library Assistant, Captain Debbie Bust.

Territorial Mission & Resource Team – Corps Children’s Ministry Team – Territorial Strategy Development, Captain Steven Smith; Children’s Ministry Team – Territorial Resource Officer, Captain Joanne Smith; Territorial Families and Children’s Consultant (Additional appointment), Major Kevin Unicomb; Territorial Multicultural Ministries Coordinator (Additional appointment), Captain Nesan Kistan.

School for Officer Training Training Principal, Major Stuart Evans; Assistant Training Principal and Director of Spiritual Formation, Captain Sharon Sandercock-Brown; Academic Program Officer, Captain Grant Sandercock-Brown; Spiritual Formation Officers (Additional appointments), Majors David and Shelley Soper.

School for Christian Studies Acting Head of Discipline – Christian Practice, Major Christine Unicomb;

Pastoral Care & Officer Well-Being Team Mentor to Newly Commissioned Officers NSW & ACT, Major Narelle Rees.

Territorial Mission & Resource Team – Social Chaplains Territorial Chaplaincy Coordinator and CIM Coordinator, Major Robin Pullen

Territorial Mission & Resource Team – Recovery Project and Design Manager, Captain Vannessa Garven.

Employment Plus Chaplain (Additional appointment) – Wollongong Office, Major Ray Lotty; Chaplain – Emerald Office (Additional appointment), Captain Richard Day. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Office of Secretary for Business Administration Secretary for Business Administration with the rank of Lieut-Colonel, Major Kerry Haggar; Assistant Secretary for Business Administration, Major Edwin Cox. Communications and Public Relations Territorial Communications and Public Relations Secretary, Major Bruce Harmer; Territorial Planned Giving Director, Major Sue Winterburn; Territorial Planned Giving Director, Major Carolyn Harmer; Territorial Planned Giving Director, Major Vicki Clarke.

Property Manager Property Services (Additional appointment), Major Colin Maxwell.

Salvos Stores Chaplain – Salvos Stores NSW, Envoys Seamus and Sue Corcoran

pipeline 11/2011 13

Salvos Legal Chaplain, Major Susan Reese ACT & SOUTH NSW DIVISION DHQ Divisional Commander, Lieut-Colonel Philip Cairns; Divisional Director Women’s Ministries, Lieut-Colonel Jan Cairns; Divisional Mission & Resource Director – Social, Captain Christine Gee; Divisional Community Care & Seniors Program Coordinator (Additional appointment), Major Angela Eyles.

Corps Corps Officer, Bega Corps, Lieutenant Karen Harrison; Assistant Corps Officer, Bega Corps, Cadet Vanessa Kohler.

CENTRAL & NORTH QUEENSLAND DIVISION DHQ Divisional Secretary & Second in Charge, Major Glenn Whittaker; Divisional Community Care Ministries, Seniors Ministries & Community Welfare Services Secretary, Major Lynn Whittaker.

Corps Corps Officers, Bundaberg Corps, Majors Kevin and Heather Unicomb; Corps Leaders and Hub Leaders – Far North Queensland Cluster, Lieutenants Darren and Karyn Kingston; Team Members – Far North Queensland Cluster, Lieutenants Ben and Daisy Wakpi; Corps Officer, Townsville Faithworks Corps, Captain Meaghan Gallagher; Associate Officer, Townsville Faithworks Corps and Dark Places Coordinator, Townsville, Major Garry Johnson; Team Leaders, Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission, Majors David and Beth Twivey; Public Relations Director – Townsville (Additional appointment), Major David Twivey.

Social Manager – Townsville Recovery Service Centre, Major David Twivey.

NEWCASTLE & CENTRAL NSW DIVISION DHQ Divisional Commander, Major Gavin Watts; Divisional Director Women’s Ministries, Major Wendy Watts; Divisional Secretary & Second in Charge, Major Warren Parkinson; Divisional Mission and Resources Director – Corps & Divisional Candidates Secretary, Major Denise Parkinson; Divisional Community Care Coordinator (Additional appointment), Major Denise Parkinson; Divisional Mission and Resources Director – Social, Captain Jennifer Wheatley.

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Corps Corps Officer, Cessnock Corps, Cadet Jacoba Czoban; Corps Officers, Long Jetty Corps (Additional appointment), Captains Andrew and Melissa Humphreys; Assistant Corps Officer, Long Jetty Corps, Cadet Katherine Mills; Corps Officers, Singleton Corps (Additional appointment), Captains Peter and Leanne Bennett; Corps Officers, Westlakes Corps, Captains Daniel and Amanda Ross.

Chaplaincies Rural Chaplains (Dubbo), Majors Trevor and Maree Strong.

NORTH NSW DIVISION Corps Team Leader, Armidale Corps (Additional appointment), Lieutenant Ged Oldfield; Team Member, Armidale Corps, Leadership Team, Cadet Teena Hughes; Mission Leaders, Byron Bay Street Level Mission, Captains Neville and Jenny Hall; Corps Officers, Inverell Corps, Majors Peter and Helen Pearson, Corps Officer, Maclean Corps, Envoy Penny Williams; Corps Officers, Moree Corps, Captains Chris and Patsy Shadbolt; Corps Officers – Tamworth Corps, Majors David and Catherine Rogerson.

SOUTH QUEENSLAND DIVISION DHQ Divisional Community Care and Seniors Program Secretary, Major Sue Hopper.

Corps Corps Officer, Beenleigh Corps, Captain Lyn Cathcart; Corps Officers, Caboolture Corps, Majors Bruce and Helen Ellicott; Corps Officers, Caloundra Corps, Captains Stuart and Paula Glover; Corps Officers, Centenary Corps, Captains Derek and Sonia Whitehouse; Corps Officers, Coolum Mission, Cadets Martin and Kylie Herring; Corps Officer, Dalby Corps and Rural Hub Leaders, South Queensland Flying Service, Captains Mark and JoAnne Bulow; Corps Officer, Ipswich Corps, Captain Greg Pack; Corps Officers, Noosa Corps, Cadets David and Lara Sutcliffe; Corps Officers, North Brisbane Corps, Captains Craig and Donna Todd; Corps Officers, Redcliffe City Corps, Captains Ed and Yvonne Henderson; Corps Officer & Indigenous Ministries Leader, Roma Corps, Envoy Judith McAvoy; Corps Officers, South Burnett Region, Majors Allan and Carolyn Kerr; Corps Officers, Stafford Corps, Captain Deon and Major Michelle Oliver; Corps Officers, Toowoomba Corps, Majors Kevin and Valmae Holland; Corps Officers, Tweed Heads Corps, Majors Darren and Leanne Elsley.

Social Chaplain, SAILSS, Major Jacqui McGrath; Manager, Glen Haven, Captain Leanne Stevens.

Chaplaincies Family Support Chaplain, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Major Denice Strong; Rural Chaplains – Charleville, Majors Allan and Christine Daly.

SYDNEY EAST & ILLAWARRA DIVISION DHQ Divisional Commander, Lieut-Colonel Peter Laws; Divisional Director Women’s Ministries, Lieut-Colonel Jan Laws; Divisional Mission and Resource Director – Corps, Major Dean Clarke; Divisional Youth & Candidates Secretary (Team Leader – Children’s and Youth Ministry), Captain Karen Flemming.

Corps Coordinator for Korean Speaking Ministries, Major Kim Hwan-Ki; Corps Officers, Burwood Corps, Cadets Marcus and Ji-Sook Wunderlich; Corps Officers, Chatswood Corps, Captains Clayton and Leanne Spence; Corps Officers, Earlwood Corps, Captains Chris and Melissa Millard; Team Leaders, Miranda Corps (Additional appointment), Majors Neil and Sharon Clanfield; Corps Officers, Narwee Corps, Majors Craig and Ros Walker; Corps Officers, Rockdale Corps, Captains Anthony and Janice Rees.

Social Assistant Director Sydney Samaritan Services & Manager to Foster House, Major Colin Haggar; Chaplain – Samaritan Services, Lieutenant Tammy Rees.

Chaplaincies Chaplain – Sydney International & Domestic Airports, Major Joanne Slater; Team Leader, Downing Centre Court Chaplaincy (Additional appointment), Major Lyn Prince; Divisional Chaplaincy Coordinator (Additional appointment), Major Heather Rose.

THE GREATER WEST DIVISION DHQ Divisional Mission & Resource Directors – Corps, Majors David and Bev McMurray.

Corps Assistant Corps Officer, Auburn Corps (Additional appointment), Captain Peter Godkin; Corps Officer, Dural Corps, Captain Russell Hung; Corps Officers, Bathurst Corps, Cadets Aaron and Alana Reid; Associate Officer, Hawkesbury City Corps, Cadet Cara Brackstone; Corps

Officers, Panania Corps, Lieutenant Nathan Hodges, Cadet Kylie Maxwell (following marriage); Corps Officers, Parramatta Corps, Captains Alwyn and Deborah Robinson.

Director of Practical Ministries – Officer Training College, Captain Gaina Vali; Director of Business Administration – Officer Training College, Captain Jenny Vali

Nepean Hub, Assistant Officers Penrith with Responsibility for Chifley, Cadet Philip Farthing, Cadet Rachael McMurray (following marriage); Corps Officers, Springwood Corps, Majors Phil and Gwen Sharp.

2012 - Imminent Retirements We would like to honour the following officers who will be retiring in the very near future. We thank God for their faithful and gracious ministry.

Chaplaincies Chaplains Western Sydney Courts, Penrith and Mount Druitt, Captains Peter and Wendy Spindler.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Our thoughts and prayers are with all officers who are moving to new challenges and opportunities for ministry.

We realise the implications of such moves for all the children of officers and their extended families.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the many valued congregations, employees, clients, residents, and volunteers and communities affected by this change.

Welcome Home We will welcome our friends who are returning home from service in other territories. It is great to have you back home.

Major Mark Watts from International Headquarters.

Captains Allan and Carolyn Kerr from Australia Southern Territory.

Captain Christine Gee from Papua New Guinea Territory.

Officers Transferring We also welcome to our territory officers from other territories, and pray that you will soon feel part of the Australia Eastern Territory family.

Captain Deon and Major Michelle Oliver from USA Central Territory.

Lieutenants Ben and Daisy Wakpi from Papua New Guinea Territory.

Returning to Home Territory Captains Gaina and Jenny Vali are returning to Papua New Guinea from Cairns Corps, Far North Queensland Cluster. We have valued your ministry in our territory, and we pray God’s blessing on you as you return home to your new appointments.

Major Bruce Hodges; Lieutenant-Colonels John and Pam Hodge; Major Marina Randall; Majors Bob and Estelle Strong; Major Diane Maxwell; Captain Keith Atkinson; Major Heather Gill; Major Mavis Humphreys; Majors Bill and Judy Hutley.

SAID Office – Project 1:8 Captains Jacob and Julie-Anne Robinson have a real heart for mission and they will be involved in a new area of ministry.

They will oversight Investa Treks, Project 1:8 teams and Church Without Walls – some exciting areas of ministry.

Multicultural Ministry We have enormous opportunities in the area of multicultural ministry. So many people are arriving from other nations.

God is bringing them to us. Corps that have embraced this have seen significant growth. Captain Nesan Kistan will take on this additional appointment to raise awareness, develop program, and help to move this forward. Great opportunities exist for us in this area.

School for Multicultural Ministry Captain Kathy Crombie has been appointed Director of the School for Leadership Training at Stanmore and will also oversight the establishment of the School for Multicultural Ministry. With our ministry opportunities expanding into many areas of multicultural ministry, there is a need to offer targeted and relevant training to ensure that our people are equipped for ministry. So there are exciting possibilities in the establishment of this new School.

Missional Hubs At this time, in the life of our Territory, we want to look at how we might come together as “One Army One Mission”.

We will work together in geographical areas, to see how we might partner up, to see whole towns, cities and regions impacted for Jesus. This is exciting. We will commence with eight potential hubs, and learn from these. We continue to work together for the very best outcome for the Territory. We will continue to keep you informed and do the journey together.

South Queensland Division Captains Mark and Jo-Anne Bulow have been appointed Corps Officers, Dalby and Rural Hub Leaders, South Queensland Flying Service. The South Queensland Flying Service has been established through a newly donated helicopter.

Mission Priority No. 7 – “A significant increase of new soldiers and officers”.

Please continue pray for the realisation of this Mission Priority as you will notice that there are corps and centres and some headquarters positions without officers appointed because we have insufficient numbers to cover every appointment need.

In some cases there will be recruitment of suitable lay people to fill positions.

Please join me in praying for everyone involved in a change of appointment in January 2012 – that God will give them assurance and courage to face the new assignment and that His hand of blessing will be upon them.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.

– Commissioner James Condon

School for Youth Leadership There is a strong conviction that the School for Youth Leadership should be attached to a corps – hence the additional appointment of Captains Andrew and Melissa Humphreys, current Directors of the School, as Corps Officers. The students at the school will be fully involved at the corps, and Cadet Katherine Mills, a former student and staff member of the School for Youth Leadership, is appointed Assistant Officer, Long Jetty Corps with responsibility at the School for Youth Leadership as well.

pipeline 11/2011 15

16

with Major Barbara Sampson

Psalm 1 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers,” (v. 3, New International Version).

J

ust as a training regime helps an athlete prepare for a race, so the discipline of meditation helps believers develop spiritual muscles.

In meditation we seek a deeper, clearer, fuller understanding of God, ourselves and our world – in other words, wisdom. Unlike Solomon who asked for wisdom and got it immediately, we need to set aside time, give our energy and make it a priority to seek and find this grace. The psalmist wrote: “Once again I’ll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I’ll ponder

all the things you’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts,” (Ps 77:11,12, The Message). Notice the verbs here. Another translation lists them as “call to mind, remember, meditate, muse,” (New Revised Standard Version).

When we meditate on the Word of God we find nourishment. Of course it may not be as easy as it sounds. We may need to wage war against a whole host of enemies before we come to this still, quiet, deep place. Noise, hurry and an overcrowded schedule will not easily let us go.

The desire to begin is the first step.

Next comes a decision about a place, a time and a posture for meditation. Then ask God to meet you in Scripture. The message of the Bible is not just that help is coming – it has arrived. In the person of Jesus the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

So we can count on God’s presence.

Read with a repentant spirit, a vulnerable heart and an open mind.

Immerse yourself in a short passage such as a psalm. Read slowly, mull it over, let God speak to you. Then take a thought or a verse or even one word from the passage with you as you go into the day. Allow this word to sink deep into your spirit, healing, nourishing and renewing you.

One of the desert elders saw himself as a spiritual physician offering to others “a poultice made from texts of Scripture” which they could apply to their minds through meditation. God offers us the same tonic today.

To reflect on ...

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. (Ps 4:4, New American Standard).

How to Justice Perserverence in pursuit of justice

By ROBYN EVANS

T

here are so many instances in history when justice does not seem to prevail, when it actually seems to fail. Why is this so?

Unfortunately, those on the side of justice do not always win, and this is the reality we live in. This does not mean we should give up; it may be the second, third or a much later attempt that can bring about the change we’re pursuing.

What we can do, each time that our efforts do not result in bringing about

justice, is look at why it didn’t succeed.

Someone once told me, “There’s no failure, only learning”, and that is how we need to see our disappointments.

Maybe we didn’t see the change we were advocating for, but what were the reasons? Who was blocking change? What can we learn from the experience that can strengthen our argument, advocacy or strategy for the future?

Do we need to involve different people, develop further partnerships or choose a better time to meet with people and ask them those difficult questions?

Apparent failure can be a great learning tool, so don’t let it get you down when things don’t happen as quickly as you want them to.

Learn, grow and keep going! ..

Robyn Evans is Social Justice Community Development Coordinator for 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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General unveils International Vision for Salvation Army y m r

on e

on e

G

eneral Linda Bond has made a passionate call for The Salvation Army around the world to be united in mission and message and to grasp new opportunities as she launched the International Vision: One Army, One Mission, One Message.

The vision is given substance through 12 Mission Priorities – full details of which can be seen in the Vision Plan (http:// sar.my/one). These priorities call on Salvationists to say “we will” to principles such as deepening spiritual life; reaching and involving youth and children; and communicating Christ unashamedly.

General Bond (right), world leader of The Salvation Army, said she was aware that, if not approached practically, a vision could be “only a pipe dream” but that the Mission Priorities make it clear that “you have to do something”. She emphasised that One Army, One Mission, One Message should not be seen as “the General's vision” but that she wants Salvationists around the world to say: “This is our vision.”

“As General I need to own the world's priorities,” she told a packed meeting room at the Army's International Headquarters (IHQ) in London. She committed IHQ to ”owning” the Mission Priorities and explained that the final wording had come about after extensive consultation with Salvation Army leaders around the world.

a

By KEVIN SIMS

ion iss m

message ne o

One Army

The General spoke to Salvationists around the world when, referring to the biblical promise that God would care for his people, she said: “I truly believe Salvationists need to know we have a hope and a future.”

She told the congregation that in order to be “One Army”, The Salvation Army “needs to be marked by holiness and prayer”. She took this point further: “People should look at us and say: 'Here is a holy people of God – a people with a passion for the gospel'.” She called on Salvationists to see self-denial – sacrificial giving to the Army's world mission – as a vital part of their service.

One Mission

Moving on to the next aspect of the vision, the General reaffirmed the importance of The Salvation Army's integrated mission,

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General Linda Bond launches the International Vision in London.

saying that it “has to be emphasised again and again and again”. The vision statement speaks about going “into the world of the broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means”.

The General explained further that the Army must not hand over its “service to suffering humanity” to its social services; nor could it leave it to the officer training colleges to do all the work to grow saints within the Army. She had a clear message for corps, social service centres and headquarters everywhere: “If there is a Salvation Army shield on your building, you do all the mission!”

The General was equally clear about

the Mission Priority to reach and involve youth and children. “The future of The Salvation Army,” she said, “may hang on the priority to which we give our approach to children and youth.” She said that work with young people should not be ignored because of a perceived lack of time or resources.

Speaking about the Mission Priority to “stand for and serve the marginalised”, she challenged her listeners by saying that The Salvation Army needs to “find its voice and stand for people who are marginalised in society,” explaining that the Army is “married” to such people.

Innovation in mission, said the General, is to be encouraged. “Just go for

The Sa lvation Army's Internationa l Vision

ONE ARMY: We see a God-raised, Spiritfilled Army for the 21st century – convinced of our calling, moving forward together We will ...

• deepen our spiritual life • unite in prayer • identify and develop leaders • increase self-support and self-denial

ONE MISSION: Into the world of the hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means We will ...

• emphasise our integrated ministry • reach and involve youth and children • stand for and serve the marginalised • encourage innovation in mission

ONE MESSAGE: With the transforming message of Jesus, bringing freedom, hope and life We will ...

• communicate Christ unashamedly • reaffirm our belief in transformation • evangelise and disciple effectively • provide quality teaching resources

it and give us good ideas,” was her call to the Army. She backed this up with a call for Salvation Army boards to have a “can-do” attitude such that their natural response to ideas should be “yes” rather than being over-careful and instinctively negative.

One Message

The General admitted that in parts of the world where The Salvation Army is adored by the public there is a danger that “we wouldn't want to jeopardise it by being politically incorrect”.

She said that the Army should always make clear that it does its work because “the love of Christ compels us”, adding

Book gets to heart of vision

T

he release of the International Vision also included the launch of a new book, Love – Right at the Heart by Commissioner Robert Street (pictured above with General Bond).

The book, written to work in harmony with the International Vision, examines how Salvationists have a responsibility to one another, while taking their caring

ministry to the world.

A new song titled As I Have Loved You has also been released to accompany the book. A recording of the song, sheet music and a backing track are available online at http://sar.my/aihly.

Love – Right at the Heart is available from Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (www.salvosuppliessyd.com).

that she would love to see that phrase on the wall of every Salvation Army social centre. Taking a strong stand on its motivation may mean that the Army sometimes loses money, admitted the General, before adding: “But I would rather have the blessing of the Lord.”

Picking up on another of the Mission Priorities, the General called for a reaffirmation of the belief in transformation, explaining that – through the power of the Holy Spirit – a person can change his or her life not by making resolutions but by undergoing a revolution!

Communication was highlighted as a priority. She called on Salvationists to grab

the opportunities presented by modern technology. “We need to use the World Wide Web,” she said. “We could have a million people at our open-air meetings!”

Drawing her thoughts to a close, the General admitted that there was nothing inherently new in the International Vision.

However, holding up her Bible, she told the congregation that from Genesis to Revelation there was a common thread – “God's relentless pursuit of relationship with humanity”.

The General wondered what Salvation Army Founder William Booth would think of the International Vision, concluding that he would probably say: “Go and do something about it!” o

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The Salvation Army is taking to the streets, literally, reports SIMONE WORTHING, with the launch of a new multicultural driving school

A

t a time when multiculturalism is one of the biggest issues facing Australian society, The Salvation Army is meeting a particular need through a new, holistic driving school.

The initiative, Salvos Plus Driving, will be connected to the Army’s Auburn Corps in western Sydney.

Major Lyall Reese, a qualified diesel mechanic and newly appointed Territorial Multicultural Driving School Co-ordinator, will serve as the licensed driving instructor. Major Reese will also teach driver awareness, vehicle safety, what to look for when buying a car, and basic car maintenance.

Mentoring the learner drivers will be

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an integral part of the program.

“Each person who sits in the passenger seat will be able to help the clients with their language skills, teach about Australian society, about Jesus, and help them [the learner] engage with faith and wrestle with spiritual issues,” said Captain Nesan Kistan, Auburn Corps Officer.

While Salvos Plus Driving will initially operate out of Auburn Corps, it is hoped that the program will extend across the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory which spans Queensland, NSW and the ACT. Auburn Corps is located among one of the most multicultural populations in Australia. The corps has embraced its community and has been heavily involved

with the large migrant population, particularly refugees from Africa.

“We found that new migrants coming into our community were struggling to get employment, often because they didn’t have a [driver’s] licence to get to work or for work,” explained Captain Kistan. “One in three people in our area don’t have licences.

“It’s a vicious cycle – they can’t get a job, so many drive without a licence which leads to legal issues and fines to pay. This creates further barriers to employment, more risks are taken and it becomes a social issue.

“Having a licence is an integral part of life here and not having one puts up barriers to functioning as part of

Major Lyall Reese (above) in his new role as the Territorial Multicultural Driving School Co-ordinator. (Opposite page): Major Reese with Auburn Corps Officers Captains Nesan and Cheryl Kistan, who have initiated the Salvos Plus Driving program. Photos: Shairon Paterson

Australian society. We can help people become proactive in solving some of these problems. Multiculturalism is one of the biggest issues facing Australia and we want to be effectively ministering to people from all nations. ”

Community support

Captains Nesan and Cheryl Kistan work with an independent newly arrived migrant taskforce – individuals who have a passion to see The Salvation Army provide direction, guidance and support to new migrants.

“They [the taskforce] saw the need for a driving school and what it could achieve. We pitched it to The Salvation Army and it’s now taking shape,” said Captain Kistan.

“Major Reese is a perfect fit for the job and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Nissan Australia has donated two cars – both Micras – to the driving school, and has committed to replacing these every 7000-15,000km.

Cabcharge Australia has also promised additional vehicles and the use of its training facilities as the program develops.

Fees for the driving school will be well below market rate and set just to cover the cost of petrol. There will also be a small

charge to register for the program.

Major Reese is completing his driving instructor’s training with the Roads and Traffic Authority.

“In NSW this will qualify me to teach learner drivers, assess their knowledge and ability, and prepare them to pass their P1, P2 and Driver Qualification tests [full licence],” he said.

“I am also undertaking training that will enable me to instruct people to get a light truck, medium rigid, heavy rigid and bus licence.”

Major Reese will assess his students and draw up individual lesson plans for each of them, based on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

“Personal mentoring will be an integral part of this process,” he said.

Trained volunteers from Auburn Corps will assist Major Reese by taking clients out to practice their driving skills before they take their test.

“Eventually we would like to get old cars, do them up and give them to people,” said Captain Kistan.

“We hope this will help get people a job, connect them with this church and encourage generosity and future giving.

“We see the initial recipients being single mums, refugees and those on low incomes.”

One-stop shop

Auburn Corps has a vision of being a place where the community can get help at every level – spiritually, emotionally, financially and practically.

“We have Employment Plus [Salvation Army employment service] working out of our office, Salvos Legal, Centrelink, housing services, welfare, no interest loans, a refugee worker, English case worker and now the community driving school,” said Captain Cheryl Kistan.

“The community can come for practical help and be connected spiritually as well, as [Salvation Army founder] William Booth envisioned. It’s a holistic process and ministry.

“People from church are engaging with it and it’s an exciting time.”

The Kistans acknowledge that the corps is at a capacity building stage with much work still ahead.

“We are getting there with a few minor successes,” said Captain Nesan Kistan.

“We want to see major community transformation come from these beginnings – we are responding to community need which is what The Salvation Army has always done.”

To register for Salvos Plus Driving, send an email to Major Lyall Reese at: lyall.reese@aue.salvationarmy.org o

pipeline 11/2011 21

y t i v i t a Cre t a fl ws Gospel p m a C Arts

By ESTHER PINN

P

aintbrushes, brass instruments, timbrels and video cameras were just some of the wide variety of “tools” used by young Salvos to explore their God-given talents at this year’s Gospel Arts Camp.

More than 180 young people aged between 12 and 30 spent seven days, from 25 September to 1 October, at The Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches, discovering new artistic abilities and mastering familiar skills while having tons of fun getting to know other campers.

Each delegate completed one major, twice a day, and an elective, once a day, as well as attending both worship and Life Group sessions.

This year’s Gospel Arts Camp theme was “Create” – fitting for a camp devoted to the creative arts.

“So I guess with it being a creative arts camp, it’s just a way of us exploring the fact that our God is our Creator and that any good creative idea comes from him,” explained Claire Hill, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Mission Coordinator – Youth.

“Also, exploring the idea that even those who say I can’t draw, I can’t play an instrument – we’re all designed with the ability to create something unique, new and beautiful.”

Many young people were also encouraged to have their creative minds switched on all hours, both day and night.

Delegates completing the journalism elective had their eyes open and their ears tuned for the latest scoop and their iPhones ready to capture any interesting footage for a story for “The GAC Project”, the evening news program at Gospel Arts Camp.

Claire said that while many young people came to camp to sharpen their artistic skills, they also had the

22

Young people from all over the Australia Eastern Territory converged on Sydney’s Collaroy centre to let their creative juices flow. It was also a special time of building relationships and allowing God to speak into their lives.

Photos: Shairon Paterson

opportunity to grow in their spiritual walk with God. “The Life Groups we had every day were a massive highlight. The feedback is that young people have experienced a lot of encouragement and support in those groups.”

The worship sessions were also a major hit with the campers and this year’s guests speakers were all home-grown Salvos, including Mark Soper, Menai Corps Ministry Assistant, Harry Golden, Youth Community Worker at Auburn Corps and

Jason Poutawa, Youth Trainee at the Oasis Support Youth Network.

Pipeline spoke to a few delegates about what they enjoyed and how they had been impacted by God at Gospel Arts Camp.

Fourteen-year-old Ashley Cocking, from Port Macquarie, shared: “I enjoyed when Harry Golden spoke about being free in Christ. I have learnt that I need to let God have my burdens and give it all over to him.”

Connor Hutchinson, also 14, from Wollongong Corps, said: “Everything’s

been great, especially the Life Groups and Bible study. I’ve got a lot out of it. Just to keep going strong in my devotions and that I need to have a strong relationship with God.” Thirteen-year-old Jessica Thorton, from St Marys Corps, said: “I’ve really enjoyed the worship sessions because I could feel God talking to you.”

On the last day, delegates had the chance to showcase their talents at the Gospel Arts Camp open day which was attended by many family and friends. o

pipeline 11/2011 23

Ready, set, go for Olympic mission trip

By ESTHER PINN

H

ow would you like to be at the 2012 Olympic Games and see the sights of London while serving on a mission trip?

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory is planning to send two mission teams to London for the Olympics and Paralympics and would like to invite you to come along.

There are 30 places available on the teams, which will work alongside the international More Than Gold mission organisation.

Major Trevor Nicol, the Hurstville Corps Officer, will be leading a mission team for 10 days during the Olympics that will focus on sports and children’s ministry.

The second team will be led by Major Mark Brooks, Eastlakes Corps Officer, for two weeks during the Paralympics.

This team will participate in service projects, hospitality and community outreach.

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“We’ll be supporting the excess of visitors. You’ve got millions of people coming into the city which is putting pressure on the local economy and local

“It’s a great opportunity for Salvos to serve in the heart where the Salvos began” community. So we’ll be trying to ease some of that pressure,” says Nathaniel Brown, Territorial Youth Missions Coordinator.

“We’ll be meeting the needs of the community through sports clinics, kids’

afternoon programs and community meals.”

Nathaniel would like to encourage Salvationists to take up this opportunity because he believes it will be like no other mission trip.

“It’s a great opportunity for Salvos to serve in the heart where the Salvos began – literally on the streets where the Army was started,” he says.

“I’d encourage them because a mission trip can be a really critical point in your faith journey.

“It’s a significant time where God can speak into your life and give direction for the future.”

The mission trip will cost approximately $3500 which includes all travel, meals and accommodation.

Applicants under the age of 14 will need a parent or guardian to accompany them on the mission.

If you are interested, ask for an expression of interest from your corps officer or email Nathaniel Brown at: nathaniel.brown@aue.salvationarmy.org.

Unlocking the Army’s archives with Major Frank Duracher

Royal telegram that transformed Army

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he Salvation Army was still in its infancy. The growing pains that would come in its earliest years would serve only to make it what it is today. Case in point: the title of ‘’General’’ officially placed upon the Founder, William Booth.

In those early days the Army had much opposition. More hurtful than the sticks and stones hurled at our comrades during outdoor meetings were the burning words printed on the pages of England’s newspapers. Booth and his ragtag following had been hounded by the press, accused of everything from public deception to embezzlement.

So in 1878 when the name of the organisation was changed from “The Christian Mission” to “The Salvation Army” – and Booth began being called “the General” – well, the press had a field day.

Thank God, then, for one simple telegram that would change public opinion. It also gave credence to the way we now view our international leader. The story surrounding that telegram and the identity of its sender qualifies it as a story from the Army’s archives.

When Booth founded the East London Christian Mission in 1865, it was not at all evident that from it would spring an Army. Recalling those first years, Booth would later say: “God in his providence has led us, unwittingly so to speak, to make an army. We called it an army, and seeing that it was an army organised for the deliverance of mankind from sin and the devil, we called it an army of deliverance, an army of salvation - The Salvation Army.”

Any army designed to rout the forces of evil needs a general to lead it. When we were simply The Christian Mission, Booth was acknowledged simply as “general superintendent”.

But by 1878 we had become an Army and William Booth would be our General.

It only seemed natural.

Not even Booth himself was at first entirely comfortable with the title of General. His son, Bramwell, said of his father: “He was still in thought and mind a Methodist. He, of all people, had no ambition to be a pope.”

The British newspapers cruelly persisted in printing the word “General” in quotation marks. This, Bramwell admitted much later, bothered William Booth most of all.

But then the telegram came. And it changed everything.

A telegram from Queen Victoria to General William Booth was the catalyst for widespread acceptance of The Salvation Army in England.

Booth’s new Army had convened at the famous Crystal Palace in London.

Booth was there, of course, and was marvelling at the rapidly expanding forces God had placed at the Army’s disposal.

Queen’s approval

It was at that moment he was handed the telegram. The message conveyed congratulations to The Salvation Army for tremendous strides made in just a few scant years. It was signed by Queen Victoria. And it was addressed to General William Booth – no quotation marks!

Booth was beside himself with elation.

He waved the telegram before his troops and shouted: “Now they can keep their inverted commas! I am a General – the Queen says so!”

The crowd roared their agreement.

This was the break Booth and the Army needed. The Queen gave her approval. Public ridicule gave way to respect, and even the press began to see that Booth’s Army was here to stay. The monarch of the world’s greatest empire had legitimised a title that would from thenceforth be beyond dispute. With one

stroke of the pen, Her Highness confirmed both a General and an Army.

There’s really no way of knowing whether Queen Victoria realised the positive affirmation bestowed by her royal message. At the very least, it was a message of gratitude for all the good this Army of Salvation was doing among the poorest of her empire. At best, it could be the Queen’s subtle rebuke of newspapers generating one negative after another.

Especially to those of us who dearly love our Army, we probably prefer to think an otherwise courtesy - like countless other congratulatory notes sent from the Queen’s signature by an unknown personal secretary - this one ... was the most important.

At least it is for us, because now we know the rest of the Army’s story.

Major Frank Duracher is the editor of Warcry in Australia.

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Pastoral care and the elderly In the second instalment of a two-part article, Salvation Army chaplain and mission director in the aged care sector, Captain MAVIS SALT, examines the Church’s responsibility to care for older adults and how it fulfils this role in an ageing society

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he church within Australia and elsewhere has often been the first provider of residential aged care and, as a not-for-profit focus, has endeavoured to provide holistic care to frail elderly people.

A great benefit within these aged care centres is the provision of chaplains to care for spiritual needs. However, many governments, including Australia, are now providing funding to enable older people to remain living in their own homes. This is through the provision of a care package providing such things as nursing, housework, meals etc.

A negative of these packages is the lack of spiritual care they provide. Although there is some contact with a carer, it might only be a few hours per week and many older people are at great risk of isolation.

There are now some church providers of these packages within Australia, but it is very important that local churches provide pastoral care visits to the elderly in their homes. The church can also be supportive of older people by working with other churches and agencies.

Another crucial role the church can play is being alert to and actively seeking out marginalised older people. Of great concern is the number of older homeless people in many affluent countries.

There are several factors contributing to marginalisation of older people such as low income, ill health, breakdown in family relationships and often an unrelenting cycle is established.

The breaking down of relationship support and inability for self-care leads to further isolation, with its pervasive sense of despair and hopelessness. This is where the church can have a significant role in lobbying government on issues to do with older people as well as conducting research and seeking opportunities to help provide low-cost accommodation. Such accommodation need not be within formal aged care centres as these can also have an isolating effect, in that for some older people it becomes a withdrawing from society.

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A good model of care is that of hostel accommodation on a crisis and mediumterm basis. Clients then have community housing opportunities to prepare them for more independent living. Significantly, statistics now estimate that 250,000 people over the age of 60 are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Australia.

War veterans are said to make up approximately 10 per cent of these people.

The church must be a voice on behalf of these vulnerable seniors.

Ritual and symbolism

The church has much to offer to older people in its ritual and symbolic practices.

This is now being acknowledged as benefiting the spiritual quest and adding significant meaning to life for older people.

The corporate act of a worshipping church community is most meaningful when it is fully entered into and not simply something they observe the leader doing. Ritual itself can assist in meeting human need, and this is something the church can provide. The need to make sense of life’s experiences and events is something fundamental to all. The complex issues of life such as suffering, the purpose and origin of life itself, death and what follows are not easily answered.

But symbolism and the meeting together in community both help create significance and to bring comfort.

The church could once again place more confidence in what they have to offer people through symbolism, ritual and worship and to seek ways of providing more communal experiences for people rather than fewer (Ramshaw, 1987). However, it is still pertinent to note that spirituality is greater than religious symbols or acts of themselves (Ellor, 2000).

It is now being acknowledged that people who attend church generally cope and enjoy life more. This is because they have a support network as well as a faith structure and belief system.

Churches, then, must not forget their own parishioners once they are unable

to attend. Stafford points out “the life of older people helps to cast light on the scale of human values; to reveal the continuity of the generations and wonderfully to demonstrate the interdependence of the people of God – it is in the church that the various generations are called to share” (Stafford, Vatican, 1998).

It has also been observed that many older people are returning to the church.

A role of the church is to encourage them in the valuable part they, too, have in ministering to each other and those outside the church. It can also be instrumental in reminding society that older people can continue developing and participating fully in life. The church perhaps is one of the few settings where there are usually all generations represented to some degree. Rather than the segregating of various age groupings within the church, it would be of benefit to all to have intergenerational worship and ministry that values each other.

Groups therapy

Working against the spiritual reflective task within ageing is a society consumed by time pressures and materialism. Older people are not immune to this. However, it has been found that reading groups can help create an avenue which encourages reflection and spiritual growth. The small group setting of reading, thinking through and discussing literature, in both theology and other classics, is beneficial.

The church role here would be to continue fostering small groups, already a strength for many churches, of which a reading group is one method that has important influences socially as well as aiding understanding of self. The importance of people congregating together is vital, and reading literature, both religious and non-religious, can stimulate contemplation with resultant spiritual outcomes.

A further helpful reflective practice the church could facilitate for older people is in guided autobiography groups. This is a way of helping people understand

their past from current time with the added dimension of group work. The sharing of story is valuable and has the added benefits of physical, emotional and relational enhancements (Birren and Dutchman 1991).

At a time when countries have been gradually realising the significance of their ageing populations, the church has been instrumental in providing research and offering support in how to care for this new phenomenon of people living longer. Of particular help is thinking of post-retirement as not a single period, but a time made up of some constancy but also change. The variables which will occur for people can mean that they might have several years of constancy.

On the other hand, they may face sudden change such as debilitating illness. These stages are what Simmons and Wilson (2001) call “Early Transition, Revised

Lifestyle, Later Transition, Final Period and Dying”. They have provided a grid to map out and document more precisely what is happening for seniors in a church congregation and the wider community.

The tasks of community, prayer/ worship, service, teaching and sharing one’s spiritual story happen with different intensity at various ages and stages of life.

When the final stage of life’s journey is drawing closer, the church has a vital role in not only taking the ritual and sacrament to the dying, but that of the pastoral carer spending precious time being present, listening to the heart and concerns, perhaps facilitating reconciliation between family members and validating that life within God’s narrative.

In conclusion, the church has much to offer an ageing population worldwide. The period of time during which current older people have lived

has seen tremendous changes at a rapid pace and the distractions this has caused has contributed, along with science and medical ability, to people losing a spiritual focus.

This loss of spiritual focus has also affected the church, in that people have not seen the relevance of spirituality and religious practice and have withdrawn.

However, the church at its best can offer critical support and validation to all older people through its rituals and symbolism, and genuine pastoral care.

Captain Mavis Salt is The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Pacific Lodge Chaplain and Mission Director.

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The First Grader RATING: M RELEASE DATE: 8 September

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y family has a standing joke about what will happen every time my father and his brother get together. They have more than 150 years of local history between them, but the only thing they ever want to talk about is what colour the school bus really was.

Yellow? No, green! You get the picture.

It’s not a bad miniature for the theme behind one of this year’s most endearing films. The First Grader shows us how deeply embedded and all-consuming our past is. It also demonstrates that what seems trivial to youngsters can be the very thing that has shaped the course of our lives.

The First Grader is the true story of 84-year-old Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge’s struggle to learn to read. Some time after Kenya’s emergence from British colonialism, the nation’s government offered free education to anyone who could produce a birth certificate. The politicians have children in mind but Maruge, a withered Kenyan villager, thinks otherwise. He appears at the gate of his provincial primary school with his fluttering certificate, determined to learn.

“Why does someone as old as you want to go to school?” the head teacher Jane asks. “I want to learn to read,” Maruge replies.

He possesses a mysterious unopened letter that somehow relates to his past.

Demands that he produce a notebook ... sharpened pencils ... a uniform do not dissuade him. Neither does the opposition of affronted parents or embarrassed teachers. Maruge will take his place alongside the six-year-olds. And as he opens his books, a wound opens in the nation’s heart about its own unresolved past.

On the surface, The First Grader looks like a simple story about the value of education. Maruge tells his teacher he will continue to learn “until he has soil in his ears”. But the film has more than one lesson to offer. Maruge is a member of

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The First Grader is the moving, true story of an elderly Kenyan man’s struggle for an education.

the Kikuyu tribe and a former Mau Mau rebel who resisted British rule. His story is interspersed with brutal recollections of torture and death that explain his desire for change. But Maruge’s past is meaningless to some characters in Kenya, and a deep disturbance to others: Maruge: “They were loyalists to the British!”

Jane: “My family were loyal. The British didn’t give us a choice. You were either for them or they killed you.

Maruge: “I had two children and they killed them. The Kikuyu chose and we paid. We paid.”

In an age where Hollywood repeatedly informs us that we do not have to be bound by our past, it’s challenging to be reminded that personal guilt is complex and harder to shift than we would imagine. Sometimes it’s the decisions that others have made; other times it’s the mistakes we’ve made for ourselves. But Maruge knows that the past cannot be

resolved by simply forgetting about it. He warns Kenya’s education board: “We must learn from our past. We must not forget.

We reap what we sow.” – a truism first found in the book of Job. At the other end of the Bible, James represents the same truth but in a positive light: “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

But James is not offering Hollywood’s usual bogus lesson, “Do good things and good things will happen to you.” The peace he refers to is much more certain because it comes by paying attention to the “wisdom that comes from heaven”.

Only by learning what God has done for our past can we hope to attain to that righteousness.

The First Grader is a tear-inducing triumph about the power of education.

It reminds us that our greatest duty is to learn from our mistakes. Ignorance may be less trouble but only resolution of our guilt offers lasting peace.

What would Jesus view?

Wild Boys CHANNEL: Seven TIME-SLOT: Sunday, 7.30pm RATING: PG

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ild Boys chronicles the adventures of mythical bushrangers Jack Keenan (Daniel MacPherson) and Dan Sinclair (Michael Dorman), who perpetually rob traffic in and out of the equally fictional settlement of Hopetoun. Thanks to the PG rating no-one gets hurt (who doesn’t really deserve to) and even the robbed are the well-deserving rich. Yes, Jack and Dan are bushrangers with morals, bringing a touch of Robin Hood to the Australian bush.

Wild Boys makes no real attempt at historical authenticity. It’s a modern drama draped in the trappings of a period piece – dress-ups for the cast of Home and Away, if you like. The men are bearded ruffians sporting well-sculpted bodies and naturally hairless chests. The women are hard-working frontier types with flawless complexions and well-set hair. Neither are the issues they face the day-to-day depredations of The Drover’s Wife.

But there’s no doubting that Seven’s commercial take on our colonial history has struck a chord with audiences. The series debuted with 1.68 million viewers nationally and has continued to push over the million mark. I think it’s because Australians are prepared to bear with the historical anachronisms for the myths they long to hear. Bushrangers may rob the mail coach but it’s authority that’s under fire. Wild Boys feeds a typically Australian disrespect by making the police the enemies of every larrikin who’s just trying to get along ... er ... with a gun.

Christianity is also stripped of its moral authority by referring to it as “religion” and reducing it to church attendance – more a pastime than a means of explaining the world. In a recent episode a “dishonest” bushranger spends his days posing as a preacher to throw everyone off the scent – everyone except those armed with the right Christian cliches: Mayor’s wife: “I notice with some interest that you’re drinking wine. I’ve

never known a preacher to drink alcohol before.”

Preacher/Captain Moonlight: “Jesus Christ turned water into wine. What’s good enough for him is good enough for me – and I dare say it’s good enough for you ...” (helping her to another drink).

But the audience already knows he’s lying, so what he says about Jesus comes off as a convenient manipulation. Faith ends up the refuge of the gullible and the tool of the hypocrite.

However, I think there’s a better reason for Wild Boys’ success that goes beyond a longing to “stick it to the man”.

Australians despise authority because they

desire justice. Jack and Dan are honest in their own way, doing their best in a game that’s stacked against them. Their definition of good relies more on what a man does than what he says, and their greatest enemy is not the law but those who enforce it. They wouldn’t mind their day in court if they could trust their judge to take everything into account. But the only court likely to set Jack and Dan free is one where a friend sits on the bench.

What a pity, then, that Wild Boys doesn’t lift Jesus higher than a good bloke to get a drink from. On the last day he’s exactly what every Australian will need: a friend on the bench.

Michael Dorman (left) and Daniel McPherson are bushrangers with morals in the Australian drama Wild Boys.

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Caboolture Celebrates 120 years HIS TRUTH STILL MARCHES ON 3-4 March 2012 • • •

Open house historical display 3pm-5pm on Saturday with free afternoon tea provided.

Dinner at 5pm (cost $5), followed by a 7pm corps concert.

Sunday morning Celebration Service at 9.30am, followed by a light lunch at 11.30am.

Special guests for the weekend are Major Keith (former corps officer) and Ruth Hampton.

All are welcome to come and celebrate 120 years of service for God within the Caboolture community.

For more information, contact Cathy Norton on 07 5495 4627 or email: cathy.norton@aue.salvationarmy.org

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Position Vacant Youth and Community Meeting Place Leader Goodna Meeting Place (South Qld) Permanent Full-time, 38 hours per week.

The Salvation Army is establishing a vibrant and modern community meeting place in Goodna, which will operate a suite of innovative programs to assist the local youth and community.

You will develop, co-ordinate and provide strategic direction for the Goodna Meeting Place, ensuring it is equipped to provide a range of services for disadvantaged youth and children in the community. You will develop relationships and facilitate initiatives in line with the mission and values of The Salvation Army in order to bring about a positive life change for young people.

For more information please visit our website www.salvos.org under job opportunities.

Applications close 20 November 2011.

Send a Christmas greeting to Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory personnel serving overseas SWEDEN AND LATVIA TERRITORY BECKETT, Majors Norm and Isabel The Salvation Army Regional Headquarters Bruninieku iela 10A LV 1001 Riga LATVIA Email: norm.beckett@pestisanasarmija.lv isabel.beckett@pestisanasarmija.lv CANADA AND BERMUDA TERRITORY COWLING, Major Alison 95 Thorncliffe Park Drive #2605 Toronto Ontario M4H 1L7 CANADA Email: alison_cowling@can.salvationarmy.org GHANA TERRITORY CRAIG, Majors Graeme and Heather The Salvation Army THQ PO Box C5452 Cantonments Accra GHANA Email: graeme_craig@gha.salvationarmy.org heather_craig@gha.salvationarmy.org DALE, Katherine The Salvation Army Begoro Rehab Centre PO Box 10 E/R Begoro GHANA Email: katherine_dale@gha.salvationarmy.org

TAIWAN REGION DUNCAN, Majors Robert and Leanne The Salvation Army Regional Headquarters PO Box 44-100 Taipei TAIWAN ROC Email: robert_duncan@taw.salvationarmy.org leanne_duncan@taw.salvationarmy.org

RWANDA AND BURUNDI COMMAND

SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA AND MYANMAR TERRITORY

EVANS, John and Wendy Rwanda and Burundi Regional Headquarters The Salvation Army PO Box 812 Kigali RWANDA Email: john_evans@rwa.salvationarmy.org wendy_evans@rwa.salvationarmy.org

HAUPT, Captain Zane Territorial Youth and Candidates Secretary The Salvation Army THQ Ang Mo Kio Central PO Box 640 SINGAPORE 915605 Email: zane_haupt@smm.salvationarmy.org

SOUTH AFRICA TERRITORY

ZIMBABWE TERRITORY

GARLAND, Captain Elizabeth The Salvation Army THQ PO Box 1018 Johannesburg 2000 SOUTH AFRICA Email: elizabeth_garland@saf.salvationarmy.org

HAWKE, Majors David and Kim The Salvation Army Enterprise House, PO Box 3208, Bulawayo, ZIMBABWE Email: kimmethg@hotmail.com crazyharry71@gmail.com

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TERRITORY KOREA TERRITORY Mailing address: The Salvation Army, PO Box 1323, Boroko NCD, PAPUA NEW GUINEA MAXWELL, Majors Philip and Deslea Email: philip_maxwell@png.salvationarmy.org deslea_maxwell@png.salvationarmy.org GEE, Captain Christine Email: christine_gee@png.salvationarmy.org GILL, Major Heather Email: heather_gill@png.salvationarmy.org ROBINS, Wayne and Janine The Salvation Army Lae Primary School, PO Box 138, Eriku Lae, Morobe Province, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Email: salps@datec.net.pg MALAWI COMMAND GURNEY, Narelle The Salvation Army Director of Development Service and Projects PO Box 51140, Limbe, MALAWI Email: narellegurney@hotmail.com

JOHNS, Envoy Joy The Salvation Army Central PO Box 1192, Seoul 100-709, KOREA Email: joy.johns@kor.salvationarmy.org INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Mailing Address: The Salvation Army International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH UNITED KINGDOM ROBERTSON, Lieut-Colonels Laurie and Simone Email: laurie_robertson@salvationarmy.org simone_robertson@salvationarmy.org WATTS, Major Mark Email: mark_watts@salvationarmy.org THE SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION SEYMOUR, Lieut-Colonel Geanette The Salvation Army 221 East 22nd Street, New York, New York 10022, USA Email: geanette_seymour@salvationarmy.org

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MISSION PRIORITY 7 – SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF NEW SOLDIERS AND OFFICERS 

We need you for officership

By Commissioner Jan Condon

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s I read the story in Matthew’s Gospel of Jesus calling the disciples, I wondered why the Son of God would bother to call people to follow him.

After all, he is the Saviour and the answer to the world’s need. So why did he call rough fishermen?

I believe Jesus knew he needed help to spread the Good News for several possible reasons. He knew that the mission field was so vast and he would need more workers.

He was aware of the urgency of the situation and I believe he wanted to model discipleship and train others to do the Kingdom work. And Jesus probably enjoyed the company of these men, as well.

The disciples were hand-picked and given a divine appointment: “I will make you fishers of men.” Their response was immediate.

Why is it different today? Why are people not responding immediately when Jesus calls them?

The needs of our world today are obvious; not that much different, really. We are in urgent times. The mission field is getting bigger. People still don’t know Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

So we need you – men and women who will leave all to follow Jesus and become a Salvation Army officer. This is a

divine appointment. God will provide all you need and you can be assured of his continual presence.

When Jesus sent his disciples out, he told them: “Take nothing for the journey.” I suggest you need to leave behind ambitions, concerns of what others may think, security, doubts and anything else that might stand in your way.

We need you to obey God’s call on your life and sign up for the greatest adventure. After 40 years of service, I can attest that I’ve never been sorry I obeyed God and stepped out in faith to become a Salvation Army officer.

It truly is a divine appointment. I know some who should have become officers but chose to put it off. They have regretted their disobedience.

We need you. God needs you. The Salvation Army needs you to say yes and sign up. You won’t be sorry and you really cannot say no if God has called you.

Commissioner Jan Condon is Territorial President of Women’s Ministries.

Steps to officer training

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he Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory has an official step by step guide to people expressing an interest in applying for officer training.

Titled The Application Procedure for Salvation Army Officer Training, the guide is available through Corps Officers (CO).

It suggests that once a person believes they have been called to officership and have responded, they should discuss the matter with their CO, who, after initial discussion, will advise their Officer Recruitment Representative.

An application form is then sent to the Corps Officer for completion by the applicant and endorsement of the CO. The Corps Officer forwards the application form to their Officer

7 MISSION PRIORITIES 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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Recruitment Representative.

The Officer Recruitment Representative then organises for the applicant to attend a Divisional Interview Board, which then sends the endorsed application form with its comments for submission to a Territorial Candidates Board.

If approved by the Territorial Candidates Board, the applicant is officially registered and receives a letter of acceptance from the Territorial Commander.

The applicant also receives Medical and Dental, Working with Children Background Check Consent, and Undertakings of an Officer forms for completion, and commences Candidate/ Applicant Studies – an important pre-requisite for acceptance as a Cadet.

The Officer Recruitment Representative issues to the Corps Officer applicant appraisal forms for completion by the CO and local officers. The forms go to the Candidates Office.

The Candidates Secretary organises for a Psychometric Assessment to be conducted and the Candidates Office will make contact directly with the applicant.

The applicant is also required to attend a candidates’ residential weekend.

Following the completion of all the above steps, the application is submitted to the Territorial Candidates Board for final approval. If accepted, the applicant is officially registered as a Candidate, completes the initial studies, is farewelled from their division and enters officer training as a Cadet before graduating – usually two years later – as a Lieutenant.

Karyn Kingston Lieutenant

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remember very clearly when God told me it was right for me to become an officer. He told me that it was his kindness to me.

Even then, it caused me to laugh to think that God would consider officership a “kindness”. And yet, I know that this is exactly the right place for me.

Being an officer has ruined me for any other job. Despite its many challenges, I can’t imagine being satisfied doing anything else.

When I first started in full-time ministry, it was just me and my husband, Darren. We were both totally committed to our ministry, ready to go wherever God sent us, prepared to take on any challenge, as long as we knew God was in it.

Our hearts didn’t change after we had our children, but what did change was my availability and my ability to do

Stuart Evans Major

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y journey towards officership was over a long period of time.

My introduction to a Salvation Army meeting was entering the building of the Wollongong Corps for what was described as a holiness meeting.

I entered the building with Donna (who would become my wife). A stranger shook my hand and I promptly sat down. To my shock, there was a great trumpet noise emanating from the platform at the front of the hall.

I found myself leaping from the seat with surprise like nothing I had previously experienced!

Since then, I have found that God is a God of surprises

Jan Laws Lieut-Colonel

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s a teenager, I was privileged to be part of a corps where I witnessed God at work in a powerful way.

It started for me when my parent’s lives were transformed as they accepted Christ. Then, I saw God working in and through the lives of my faithful corps officers and, particularly, my corps cadet counsellor.

God continued to be at work as several families living in the local community attended the corps and “got saved”.

During my first youth councils, a call to officership was issued. It was then that I felt this overwhelming sense that God had laid his hand on me to serve him as an officer.

I have been asked why I became an officer. My response is why wouldn’t I! God had called me and officership was being modelled to me in a beautiful and positive way.

I wanted to ”be and do” what they modelled. I could see the difference they were making for the Kingdom and as this young teenager I believed that I, too, could make a difference.

In just a few more years, my active service will conclude.

How has the journey of officership been for me? After many

whatever and wherever, because now I have to consider lives other than just my own.

Easily the hardest challenge of officership for me has been trying to manage both officership and motherhood.

Motherhood is more than a full-time job all on its own. It is all-consuming.

Officership is equally an all-consuming job. It becomes your whole life, and the reason why you do all the things you do. So how do you squeeze two jobs into one lifetime?

I have asked for and received lots of advice over the last nine years about how to be an officer and a mum. The answer is much more complex than I can explore in this short note, but safe to say, it’s mostly trial and error.

The reality is that as an officer and a mum, there are no rules; you have to find your own way. That is both a blessing (I have freedom to choose) and a challenge (there are no goal posts). The only thing I can do is be myself and God will use me along the way.

The only thing I know for sure is that God has called me to both, so there must be a way.

and the God of immeasurably more. So much so, that the still small and relentless voice of God brought me to a point over many years where I made the decision to respond and embark on the journey of an officer.

So, how has the journey been? Well, our immeasurably more God has provided me with many opportunities to be a part of something that is extraordinary; to come alongside people from all walks of life and see God transform and enable them to once again stand tall and overcome adversity.

To me, officership is a privilege.

As a Messenger of Hope graduate, I can confirm the words in Ephesians 3:20 ring true: “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us; His Spirit deeply and gently within us,” (The Message).

That is my story.

years of experiencing the power of God in my own life, I give thanks to him that officership for me has been a journey in which God has most definitely used me and continues to use me to make that difference that I wanted to as a young person.

I continue to be amazed at God’s transforming power in action in the lives of people as I had witnessed in my home corps. This does not by any means infer that my journey has been “a walk in the park”.

But it does mean that “the God who called me is faithful ... and he will do it”. (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

If today I was that young person sitting again in youth councils and felt the call of God to officership, I would most definitely say as I said at my farewell meeting at college: O for a heart of compassion, Moved at the impulse of love, Lost ones to bring to thy footstool, Thy gracious riches to prove.

Take thou my life Lord, In deep submission I pray; My all to Thee dedicating, Accept my offering today.

A resounding yes would be my response!

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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

NEWS FEATURE

Salvos step up fight against human

By SCOTT SIMPSON

T

he Salvation Army’s fight against the insidious business of human trafficking has gained momentum, with the launch of the Freedom Advocates Project at Parliament House in Canberra last month.

The Army has partnered with Project Futures in the groundbreaking initiative, which seeks to empower those who have been rescued from the trafficking industry to speak out to assist others, while also reaffirming their worth as a member of society.

The project’s primary goals are to:

• Improve the response to trafficking and slavery in Australia by considering the victim/survivor experience;

• Enhance the effectiveness of advocacy in the field by • •

survivors using their experiences in a constructive and useful way; Engage the Australian community with the issue of human trafficking and create community connections amongst victims and survivors; Network and liaise with the global anti-trafficking/antislavery community towards sharing expertise.

Three Freedom Advocates spoke at the launch, sharing powerful and emotional stories of the abuse they suffered after finding themselves trapped in the human trafficking industry.

“Human trafficking is a growing problem in our world and we want to totally support any endeavours to eradicate this evil,” said The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, at the launch.

“From its beginnings in the East End of London in 1865, The Salvation Army has sought to stand in the gap for poor, marginalized, voiceless people, the victims of evil.

“Jesus always treated people with dignity and respect.

People are not objects to be used and abused but to love, to serve and to give a future and a hope.

“Therefore we will support any efforts in trying to help people find a way of escape from the horrors and enslavement of human trafficking to enable them to live in freedom which is their God-given right.”

Project Futures, which started in June 2009, will act as the fundraising arm for the initiative. It is a not-for-profit organisation run by a passionate network of socially engaged young professionals.

“Our aim is to empower and engage a generation in raising awareness and funding to combat trafficking globally,” said Project Futures Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Lorenzo.

“We are 100 per cent voluntary and so far have raised more than $400,000 for anti-trafficking projects. We are very excited to be partnering with The Salvation Army in a project of this nature.”

In Australia, The Salvation Army delivers comprehensive (From left to right) Federal Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek; Project Futures Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Lorenzo; Jenny Stanger, supervisor of The Salvation Army's safehouse for victims of human trafficking.

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trafficking support and services to people who have lived through the horror of trafficking. It operates Australia’s only safehouse for victims of trafficking, in Sydney, while holistic support is provided in collaboration with the Salvos legal service and through Salvation Army services in client countries of origin.

In addition to The Salvation Army, Project Futures, and the Federal Government, representatives from 15 community groups and specialist agencies who have an interest in the issue of human trafficking were at the launch.

Pedal power for freedom project

DVD designed to help floods victims rebuild lives

By JOANNE BRAIN

I

n January this year, severe flooding and a category 5 cyclone devastated much of Queensland. North NSW was also hard hit.

The disaster unfolded in stages, so as the flooding and storms began to subside in one area and locals, emergency services personnel and volunteers started the clean-up, it would strike again close by. For some, it would have seemed a neverending cycle.

More than 40 people died, and thousands became temporarily homeless. Farms and businesses were flooded and communities wiped out.

In the months since the disasters, those affected have struggled to rebuild their homes, replant crops and clean up the streets. Even now, almost 12 months on, for many the disaster continues.

In an effort to help people through the ongoing emotional trauma, The Salvation Army has a made a resource DVD, Still Standing, to guide victims through the recovery process.

Research has shown that recovery from such disasters can take anywhere between two to three years. Clinical psychologist Dr Robert Gordon explains in the film: “You don’t feel the pain of a bruise straight away, you feel it afterwards, in the shower, when the adrenaline has faded away.”

Producer of Still Standing, Anna Rudd, says, “People think that the rebuilding of the house is it. But the process of getting to that point has a huge cost attached to it. Hopefully by watching Still Standing, people who are hurting will think it is possible to recover over time. The stories we’ve heard demonstrate there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Still Standing profiles three victims of previous natural disasters in Australia and overseas, and contains advice from Dr Gordon on post-traumatic stress and children and teenagers in trauma.

Every household in Queensland that was affected by the floods will receive a copy of Still Standing in their letterbox.

People can also go to www.stillstanding.com.au (available from 5 December) to share their stories as a community, and to watch the DVD.

Captain Karen Flemming (pictured) is in training for The Salvation Army/Project Futures Australian cycle challenge.

The 11-16 November ride from Sydney to Canberra (there's a three-day ride from 11-13 November for the more serious cyclist) will heighten awareness of human trafficking, and also raise money for the Freedom Advocates Project. To sponsor Karen, go to: www.projectfutures.com/ cycles/2011cyclechallenge.php Photo: Shairon Paterson Flooding devastated much of Queensland earlier this year.

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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

Global recognition for Salvos Stores

By SCOTT SIMPSON

• Over the past five years it has reduced the amount of

waste it sends to landfill by 75 per cent (4000 tonnes of he valuable work of Salvos Stores has been recognised at waste has been eliminated); the prestigious Oracle World Retail Awards in Berlin.

• Found new ways to recycle products that previously Salvos Stores, a venture of The Salvation Army Australia would have found their way to landfill sites; Eastern Territory, was nominated as one of six finalists in the • Developed a program which has helped slash plastic Responsible Retailer of the Year category, which was ultimately bag usage by more than three million in the past year, won by giant UK-based company Marks and Spencer. and has reduced its carbon footprint through “Don’t Despite missing out on the major global award, Salvos Stores Dump” campaigns.

General Manager Neville Barrett said just being nominated was • Introduced “Shopping with a Conscience” and “Furnish a phenomenal achievement. with a Conscience” campaigns.

“It was a privilege and an honour to reach the finals,” said • Encouraged its staff, customers and donors to sponsor Mr Barrett who attended the awards ceremony in Berlin. “Our children in need through the territory’s International nomination was a great recognition of the Army’s mission.”

Development Office. Each Salvos Store has an individual The Oracle World Retail Awards, which recognise global child or program that it sponsors; excellence across all key areas of retail, attracted a record • Sent more than 4500 bales of unsold items to Third number of entries this year.

World countries; Among the companies represented at the awards ceremony • Reduced electricity consumption across its stores – as a held at the German Historic Museum on 27 September, were result of an internal campaign – by 23 per cent.

Adidas, Ikea, Macy’s, Apple Retail, Kingfisher, Burberry, Tesco and Myer.

To find out more about Salvos Stores or to shop online, go to: “We were just thrilled to be a finalist and to go up against www.salvosstores.org.au the big guns of Marks and Spencer, the Coop Cooperative, Kingfisher PLC and others. It’s a clear reflection of just how far Salvos Stores has come,” Neville said. “Every cent of profit we raise helps The Salvation Army with critical programs helping people in need – whether it’s supporting the homeless, families in need, addiction recovery support and more.”

These days, Salvos Stores, while remaining true to its mandate to provide customers with goods at affordable prices, is a treasure trove for quirky second-hand clothing, antique furniture and other unique buys.

It’s come a long way since its low-key origins more than 120 years ago.

“Salvos Stores started in a very humble way in the 1880s to help people in crisis. They were focused on helping poor people with clothing and assisting their children,” Neville said.

“Today in the Eastern Territory [covering Queensland, NSW and the ACT] there are 106 stores. We serve over four million people a year and get customers from all walks of life.”

As part of its nomination for Responsible Salvos Stores Marketing Manager Freddy Choo (left) with General Manager Neville Retailer of the Year, Salvos Stores has Barrett at the Oracle World Retail Awards in Berlin. demonstrated that:

T

Lockyer Valley juniors receive awards T wo young Laidley-based Salvation Army members have received awards at a recent Lockyer Valley Corps Sunday service.

Sarah McNeish received her Crest award at the Junior Soldier Renewal ceremony.

Corps Officer Major Marie Gittins said Sarah had been attending Junior Soldiers for the past four years and had worked hard to achieve all her awards.

“The Crest was pinned on her uniform by Penelope

36

Summersby who had two of her own children receive the same award a few years ago,” Major Gittins said. “Sarah’s brother Andrew also received his Bronze award.”

Andrew’s mother said his family was extremely proud of him for receiving the award as they thought that, with his autism, the intensive program could have been beyond him.

But the Army's youth department has been able to adapt the program so that children with special needs can also participate in Junior Soldiers.

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Booth College Gala Day a huge success

By SIMONE WORTHING

P

romoted as a day of fun, food and a festival atmosphere, the annual Booth College Gala Day welcomed more than 1000 people on Saturday, 15 October.

“The day is about Salvation Army corps and centres getting together, it’s a fundraiser for the School for Officer Training, and it’s an outreach into the community,” said Cadet Cara Brackstone who coordinated the event.

“This year we were intentional about focusing on ministry and community outreach and there was a terrific feeling of unity and The Salvation Army working together as One Army One Mission.”

The Gala Day committee invited different Salvation Army ministries to attend the event and promote their work.

Employment Plus, Youth and Children’s Ministries, the Justice Van and the Red Shield Defence Services were among the many that set up stalls and gave out information on the day. There was also a ministry area, with people praying for the event and witnessing.

The Youth and Children’s Ministries representatives spoke about their faith with families from the community and gave away 12 Bibles to those who didn’t have one.

“We even received reports from our ministry team that a couple of people got saved!” said Cara. “People from the community really experienced what we are about.”

In the “marketplace”, people sold craft, food, and trash and treasure to help with fundraising, while face painting, a

African nations bank on clothing donation

By NATHALIA RICKWOOD

C

ommunities in Mozambique and Madagascar will soon benefit from changes to Westpac Bank’s corporate wardrobe after 52,000 items of clothing were donated to The Salvation Army.

The launch of a new uniform range affected Westpac employees from 700 branches and 178 in stores. Westpac, which has had a strong partnership with the Army for many years, saw sending the old uniforms to Africa as a practical solution.

Due to company branding, the uniforms could not be resold in Australia.

Freddy Choo, Marketing and Retail Manager for Salvos Stores, said the purpose of sending the uniforms overseas was for women to sell them to provide an income.

“We are looking at women living in the cities who have lost their partners,” he said. “They are often ostracised by the community and forced to move to the country. Women apply to get clothes free of charge to be able to start a market stall.”

The women, who will be provided with 110kg bales of clothing, are free to return and purchase additional bales for $1 as often as they like.

Salvos Stores General Manager Neville Barrett, said the program would also help teach the women independence.

“It’s a hand up, not a hand-out,” he said.

“They still have to work for it. It’s a further initiative where items that can't be used in our territory are donated to third world countries.”

jumping castle, games, slime and cartoon characters were a hit with the kids.

The Kamis singers, youth from the Korean Corps, a group from Miranda Corps and the “Citybillies” (Booth College lecturers) provided entertainment for the crowds, while the touch football competition received its usual strong support.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers provided a sausage sizzle throughout the day.

“Everyone enjoyed and benefited from this day as we worked together and assisted each other in unity,” said Cara. “It was great to see.”

There was a festival atmosphere at the Booth College Gala Day with the “marketplace” a popular area. Photo: Matthew Ryan

Salvos Radio hits Italian airwaves S

alvos Radio has hit the Italian airwaves with one-minute evangelistic messages gaining morning spots on Rete Italia.

Rete Italia is Australia’s primary Italian radio station with the main studios in Melbourne and Sydney. Overnight the program comes from Italy.

Salvos Radio is producing the Italian messages to be broadcast on the first Saturday of each month between 7am and 10am. At this stage, they are being broadcast in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide.

Chris Elliott, Production Coordinator for Salvos Radio based at Australia Eastern Territorial Headquarters, speaks fluent Italian and will present the segments. Chris is the driving force behind the concept and said the messages would be about trying to reach Italians where they were at.

“They’re very spiritual people and a lot of them have no problem talking about God, and we’re hoping to encourage them to connect with Jesus more,” he said.

Chris praised the support of Rete Italia Station Manager Giuliano Pedano, Accounts Manager Giuliano Tossolini and Engineer Paulo Rajo, who were extremely supportive in getting Salvos Radio on their airwaves.

This is another positive step forward for Salvos Radio which also produces the weekly Light & Life program. The 30-minute program or its individual segments, are broadcast on around 80 radio stations and 400 narrowcast stations Australia-wide, and contain teaching and music. For more information go to www. salvos.org/radio

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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

Youth Councils encouraged to finish the 'great' race T

he Great Race, breakfast church and powerful messages were among the highlights of The Salvation Army ACT and South NSW Divisional Youth Councils on 27-28 August.

Delegates all wore bright orange beanies as they worked their way through the road blocks and detours of the Great Race Canberra, and made the tough choices necessary to accomplish their tasks.

“Apart from a mandatory rest period and lunch, they were on their feet or their bikes for hours,” said Karen Connors, Divisional Youth and Children’s Secretary.

“Several people saw the beanies all around the lake and stopped to find out what they were up to.”

After the race, leaders debriefed the team and talked about the race of life. “We read from God’s word and discussed the roadblocks and detours we all encounter in life, and how best to deal with them,” Karen said.

At Northside Corps later that afternoon, a “Have Your Say” session saw delegates discussing social justice, events and worship, discipleship, life groups and mentoring. Their feedback will have an impact on decisions being made for next year’s youth programs.

Lieutenant Nathan Hodges, Tuggeranong Assistant Corps Officer, led worship with the WHO band. Jarrod Newton, Territorial Mission Consultant – Youth Communications, gave the message.

In his message, “You are perfect”, Jarrod spoke from Luke 18:9-14. “He challenged us to consider whether we were on the race to perfection, like the pharisees, or the race towards humility and Jesus, like the tax collector,” said Karen. “Lives were given to Jesus, damaged relationships healed and restored

and decisions were made to live more authentic Christian lives.”

Breakfast Church the next morning included worship, prayer and another challenging message from Jarrod. The group also played Karen's Race of Life board game which generated some lively and thought-provoking discussions around life situations, justice issues and God. “The game was a bit hit with the kids,” said Karen.

“God is amazing and his purposes will come to pass when we humble ourselves and pray, give him control and place no limits on what we expect him to do.”

If you would like more details about The Great Race and board game, please contact Karen at: karen.connors@aue.salvationarmy.org

The Great Race participants, complete with their identifying orange beanies, at Youth Councils in Canberra.

Nambour honours Family Store volunteers T

hirty Family Store volunteers, their families and friends joined the Nambour Corps meeting to celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to The Salvation Army in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town.

During the meeting the Family Store volunteers were presented with an engraved travel mug to remind them that The Salvation Army appreciates their efforts.

Senior Soldier John Fidler spoke of his introduction to The Salvation Army through the Family Store and of his

first Salvation Army meeting, which was at a volunteer’s appreciation meeting.

The volunteers enjoyed a morning of familiar and new songs and a challenging message from Captain Glenn Price. After the meeting, the volunteers joined the Nambour Corps worshippers for morning tea and fellowship.

God is blessing The Salvation Army Nambour with continuous contacts with volunteers, welfare clients, customers and community seven days a week at the “village complex”.

The Family Store volunteers who attended the celebration.

Captain Glenn Price presents volunteer Terry Rouse with his mug.

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Army benefits from crafty ‘toy boys’ E

very year, a group of men from the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild at Montville on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, make more than 300 wooden toys to donate to The Salvation Army. They give them to the Army’s Nambour Corps to distribute to needy families at Christmas.

Affectionately known as the “toy boys”, the men have been donating the product of their handiwork for more than 10 years.

They plan to increase the number of toys made every year.

“The Salvation Army provides services to kids and disadvantaged families and that’s what we want to support,” said Keith Muirhead, a member of the guild.

“We want to let the kids know that someone is thinking about them.”

The toys are designed for children of all ages and follow strict safety standards.

“We make puzzles, planes, trains, trucks, kangaroos, snakes, cots for dolls and games for older kids,” said Peter Simpson, guild secretary. “We have pull-along toys, push-along toys and anything we think would bring pleasure to the children.”

Nambour Corps Officers, Captains Glenn and Julia Price, are very thankful for the toys the guild provides.

“These toys are a big blessing to us at Christmas,” said Captain Glenn Price.

“The toys are distributed to over 200 families from the local community through the ‘Adopt a Family’ program, an initiative of the Sunshine Coast Daily [newspaper].”

Families receiving the toys include those which have been hard hit financially, single parent families, those with sick children, families dealing with grief and loss and those with a range of other needs.

Some of the colourful wooden toys made by the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Nambour Corps Salvationist John Vidler thanks the woodworkers for their generous donation of toys to The Salvation Army.

Korean delegation on fact-finding mission T

he Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory hosted a visit by Major Kim Jong-koo, Divisional Commander of Seo Hae Division in the Korea Territory, and nine officers from his division last month.

The group spent 10 days examining the Australia Eastern Territory’s social and community services to gain ideas for their work in Korea.

Major Hwanki Kim, Australia Eastern Territorial Coordinator of Multicultural Ministries, took the officers to various Salvation Army community and social services including The Collaroy Centre, Foster House, William Booth House and Booth College.

“We are here to look around Australia’s facilities and how they operate,” explained Major Jong-koo.

“We focus on evangelism in Korea rather than community services. Australia is doing a good job with community work and we want to adapt this kind of work in Korea for our future.”

Divisional Commander Major Kim Jong-koo (front row, third from right) with the delegation from The Salvation Army's Korea Territory.

Photo: Shairon Paterson

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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

Wagga gives thanks for 125 years T

he Wagga Wagga Corps of The Salvation army celebrated its 125th anniversary with a thanksgiving weekend on 8-9 October.

Special guests Lieutenant-Colonels Don and Bernice Woodland led the celebrations, while Waverley Temple Band (Victoria) provided music for the weekend.

A few days prior to the celebrations, The Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers manned its trailer in the local

marketplace, with displays of corps history. This generated much community interest, with many taking information about The Salvation Army and the weekend festivities.

Waverley Temple Band gave a recital for the public at the Farmers Markets on Saturday morning.

A mayoral reception followed, attended by Corps Officers Lieutenants Ian and Tammy Shelley, the local leadership team, ACT and South NSW

divisional leaders, Majors David and Sandra Godkin.

The Waverley band held a concert on the Saturday night which attracted more than 200 people.

Lieut-Colonels Woodland led the Sunday worship meeting, and Waverley Temple Band held an afternoon concert.

“It was a great weekend and will be remembered for a long, long time,” said Rhonda Godwin, Wagga Wagga Corps Secretary.

(Left) Lieutenant-Colonels Don and Bernice Woodland, special guests for the weekend, with the 125th birthday cake. (Above) Waverley Temple band performs at the Wagga Wagga Corps celebrations.

Campsie girls earn top guard award “Y

ou’ve got to be in it to win it” was the theme for the Campsie SAGALA Awards presentation on Sunday 2 October. Two young ladies, Rachael Sutton and Katherine Brown, became “winners” last month when presented with the General’s Guard Award by Major John Rees, the Sydney East and Illawarra Divisional Commander.

Major Glenys Domrow, Campsie Corps Officer, said she was extremely proud of the two girls who had overcome many obstacles, particularly Rachael who is wheelchair-bound due to her disability.

“No matter what challenge came their way, they stuck to it,” said Major Domrow. “They have kept their eyes on the end prize.”

Major Rees also presented SAGALA members Bianca Drury and William Robinson with the Southern Cross Award.

The service began with a SAGALA parade, then moved into games and a few skits before Major Domrow preached about being a winner and how to run the race.

After the awards presentations, the children were asked to run through the finishing line ribbon if they wanted to become winners for Jesus.

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Major John Rees conducts the awards ceremony at Campsie where Rachael Sutton and Katherine Brown received the General's Guard Award.

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Major Proud challenges seniors in Grafton

By ESTHER PINN

“T

heophany”, which means experiencing God in the everyday, was the word on everyone’s lips at this year’s Salvation Army Seniors Assembly.

More than 130 seniors from around the Army's Australia Eastern Territory gathered at Grafton Corps for fellowship and teaching by Major Ray Proud from 29 August to 1 September.

Preaching at multiple sessions, Major Proud spoke on a variety of topics that all focused on the theme of “theophany”.

“He encouraged us to be aware of God’s miraculous deeds happening around us,” explained Major Lyn Daines, Territorial Seniors Ministry Coordinator.

“He also has a great sense of humour. One minute we were rolling in laughter and next we were silent. Everybody was really moved by his messages.”

Other guest speakers included Major Maree Strong, Director of the School for Leadership Training, who talked about mentoring, and Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Secretary for Program, who encouraged the seniors to remain positive in all situations.

Lieut-Colonel Gluyas also read a message from the Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, and presented each senior with an appreciation card.

The worship sessions were led by the “Chosen” worship band with Captain Sonia Whitehouse, South Queensland Divisional Seniors Program Secretary, Captain Gai Cathcart, Ballina Corps Officer, and Louise Mathieson, South Queensland

Creative Ministry Coordinator, as well as the Assembly Band led

by Graeme Packer, Shellharbour Corps Bandmaster.

The Territorial Mobile Mission visited the seniors and shared stories and photos about their travelling ministry around the territory.

Corps members and children from the local school gave a concert for the seniors on the Wednesday night.

A bring and buy stall was also present throughout the week to raise money for the Bible for Kids program run by Major Kevin Unicomb, Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary, as well as a data projector for the Moree Indigenous Community.

The stall raised $2450.

“The seniors said it was a good week,” said Major Daines.

“Everybody also enjoyed the opportunity to also catch up with old friends and share with people who have similar interests and backgrounds. I really appreciated the seniors’ spirituality and friendship during the week. I thought it was a great success.”

Major Daines is excited about next year’s Seniors Assembly which will be held at Hervey Bay in Queensland.

(From far left) The Seniors Band performs; Major Ray Proud gives one of his inspiring talks; three delegates of the Seniors Assembly catch up for a chat.

Gold Coast hosts first youth conference T

he Gold Coast Temple Youth (Unleashed) hosted its first youth conference from 30 September to 2 October.

“Revolution [Unleashed] Conference was not about an event, a band, or a single youth group,” said Yvette Walters, Gold Coast Youth Pastor.

“It was about a generation of young people experiencing God in his fullness and allowing him to revolutionise our world.”

Friday night worship opened the conference, with young people attending from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and other areas around the South Queensland Division. Saturday featured

worship and teaching sessions, as well as two elective blocks.

Majors Mark and Julie Campbell, South Queensland divisional leaders, spoke on leadership. Other elective options included worship, the heart of the Salvos and spiritual habits.

On Sunday, the corps joined the young people at the popular Broadwater Parklands and provided a community barbecue, activities for children, information stalls on The Salvation Army and its services and a concert by the Gold Coast Temple Band.

“We are so thankful that God used our efforts to bring people to himself and to effectively reach into our community,” said Yvette.

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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

For they are jolly good Fellows

By VICTORIA HOLLICK

L

eadership, e-learning and field research were at the heart of the inaugural Fellows Program awards ceremony held at The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Headquarters in September.

The goals and ambitions of 12 Fellows came closer to reality when Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon joined Sharon Callister, Aged Care Plus Chief Executive Officer, to present the first Fellows Program fellowships to staff from across the territory.

Commissioner Condon applauded the winners, acknowledging the diversity of their talents and goals. The aspirations of the recipients ranged from training in advanced new technology to publishing a resource book in the area of Christology.

Freddy Choo, Marketing and Retail Manager for Salvos Stores, said he would use his fellowship to research and do field work exploring how Salvos Stores can “make a difference” to social exclusion, rebuild hurting communities while at the same time putting the Salvation Army mission at the heart of abandoned communities.

The territory’s Social Justice Coordinator, Robyn Evans, and

Laura Vidal, a case worker in human trafficking at the Army’s Samaritan House, will use their awards to visit similar services in the United States and to attend the United Nations Status of Women Conference in New York next year.

Woodport Retirement Village Care Manager, Les Anderson, and Centre Manager, Alison Scott, will expand their knowledge by attending the 30th Annual Aged Care Conference in Queensland.

An Aged Care Plus initiative, the Fellows Program is an annual award and will offer fellowships to employees and officers who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and also display a capacity for self-direction.

“It is intended to encourage these people to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations to develop others and benefit the Army,” said Sharon Callister.

“The fellowship is both a reward for past accomplishment and an investment in a person's insight and potential.

“We hope the fellowships will enable all the recipients to exercise their creative instincts for the benefit of human society.”

Other recipients include Kristen Cairns, Jarrod Newton, Kym Briggs, Major Dean Smith, Vic Singh, Christine Graffitti and Mahfuz Matin.

Kingaroy centenary refocuses on future T

he Salvation Army in Kingaroy celebrated its centenary in the region on 17-18 September.

Retired Commissioners Ivan and Heather Lang led the centenary dinner and concert at the Kingaroy Town Hall on the Saturday evening. More than 200 people attended the event.

Visitors included former officers and soldiers; Major Rick Hoffmann, the Army's South Queensland Divisional Secretary; and Councillor Kathy Duff.

“Councillor Duff represented the regional council and spoke about her observations of the local Salvos involvement in the region’s recovery process after the floods,” said Divisional Envoy Neville Radecker.

The combined Kingaroy, Pine Rivers and Caboolture corps bands played a special festival march, Kingaroy Centenary.

Graeme Press, Territorial Mission Coordinator - Music and Arts, composed the march for the occasion.

“The evening’s program acknowledged the past, but also focused upon God’s call for us to be an Army of Salvation in the present and the future,” said Envoy Radecker.

Commissioner Ivan Lang led the Sunday morning congregation in a celebration of all that God has done, is doing, and will do, in the region.

“His inspiring message challenged the corps to build on the good work that's been done in the past and to refocus on The Salvation Army’s mission for the present and future,” said Envoy Radecker.

A centenary book and other special items were available for sale throughout the weekend.

Commissioner Ivan Lang preaches during the Sunday morning service at Kingaroy.

More than 200 people enjoyed the celebration dinner and concert on the Saturday evening.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

General leads Africa zonal conference in Mozambique S

alvation Army leaders from across Africa assembled in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, for the Africa Zonal Conference to capture General Linda Bond's vision for the future of the Army as well as to share with her the African perspective.

Preceding the conference, General Bond,the world leader of The Salvation Army, inaugurated Maxixe Corps hall, which is situated in a complex that will house the South Divisional Headquarters of this new territory. The other leaders were

divided into groups to visit corps in the Maputo Capital Division.

This beginning set the tone for the discussions that were to take place during the conference, where the fundamentals and essentials of the Army were studied, debated and strengthened.

All delegates returned to their home countries energised by what the Lord had done during the week, and by the Mozambican hospitality.

The congregation marches to the inauguration of Maxixe Corps hall where the South Divisional Headquarters will be based.

The General is welcomed by enthusiastic crowds on arrival at Inhambane Airport in Mozambique.

Salvation Army launches famine relief program T

he Salvation Army's Kenya East Territory has begun a threemonth famine relief programme in Isiolo District, at a cost of 13.5 million Kenyan shillings (AU$130,000). The territory is partnering with The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services to provide assistance.

In the first phase of the exercise 5000 people have been given enough food to last a month. They have received a 50kg bag of maize and three litres of cooking oil. The Salvation Army team is trying to source beans which can be added to future packages.

Distribution took place at eight different centres across the Isiolo East and Central government divisions. The aid was focused on the most vulnerable people, including the elderly, nursing mothers and people with disabilities.

Hundreds of people thronged the distribution points, braving the heat of the day for hours.

They have been delighted with the assistance, with some saying it was the first time they had received such amounts of food. “We usually receive maize that only lasts a couple of days,” said one of the recipients.

The Salvation Army’s assistance comes in the wake of a hard-hitting drought that has left the Horn of Africa suffering severe famine. The situation has been declared a national disaster in Kenya, with environmental specialists labelling it the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years.

Funding is in place for the current project but further funds are being sought to deal with the ongoing crisis.

A mother and daughte r with a food packag e they received from The Sal vation Army.

pipeline 11/2011 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

ENROLMENTS

Wellington Corps

Gosford Corps

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ajor Kate Young recently enrolled Will Jones as a senior soldier at Wellington. Will (pictured with Major Kate Young and Team Leader David Bower holding the flag) testified to God’s power to change people and how happy and excited he is at taking the step to become a soldier. “God is doing wonderful things here and we feel so blessed to be a part of it,” said Major Young.

amilla Hall was enrolled as a senior soldier at Gosford on 24 July by Corps Officer Major David Palmer. Camilla, who grew up in The Salvation Army at Gosford, is one of the youth leaders in the corps. The decision to become a soldier was not one that Camilla rushed into, and she testified to the fact that she had been thinking and praying about it for a long time. Tim Haggar (pictured giving his testimony) was enrolled as a senior soldier on 25 September, also by Major Palmer. Tim shared that it had taken a long time for him to come to this point in his life, and that he hadn’t taken his call to soldiership lightly.

Maroubra Corps

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orps Officer Captain Lenore Johnson had the privilege of accepting three new adherents at Maroubra on Sunday 9 October. Pictured with Captain Johnson are (from left) Nuttiken Mori (friend), Thomas Huang (new adherent), Captain Lenore Johnson, Jenny Huang (new adherent), Douglas Mori (friend), and Grace Hsin-Chun Lee (new adherent). It was a particularly poignant moment for Grace who returned to her native Taiwan less than a fortnight after becoming an adherent. She became a Christian at Easter this year after being invited to Maroubra Corps by her friends, Thomas and Jenny. Grace is excited at returning home as a Christian and adherent of The Salvation Army. She said: “I just know that for many years I have been searching for something but did not know what it was. And then in Australia I found that God has always been with me but I didn’t realise it. I have found a happiness and confidence in knowing Jesus, for now I know that God will guide and direct me in my future life and how to care and serve my patients.”

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Taree Corps

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n Sunday, 25 September, Glenda Battishall renewed her covenant to follow God and be a senior soldier in The Salvation Army once again. Glenda (pictured with Captains Roscoe and Melanie Holland) has known God for many years, but walked away from a relationship with him. Only years later did she realise how much she needed God in her life. Through the support of fellow Christians and family she came back to The Salvation Army and to live in relationship with God again.

She chose to renew her Soldier’s Covenant to indicate that she was again a follower of Jesus Christ. Glenda is now involved in children's and youth ministry work, helping kids find Christ just as she has.

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

Gold Coast Temple

Wynnum Corps

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ajor Andrew McKeown enrolled Anthony Hunt and Leighton Time as senior soldiers at the Gold Coast Temple Corps on Sunday, 18 September. Friends and family gathered for this special occasion to support and encourage these young men of God. Anthony and Leighton each gave their testimony, speaking of God’s work in their lives and their trust in him for the future.

Both are active in youth ministry at the corps and serve tirelessly whenever there is a need. Leighton also plays drums in the worship band.

Redcliffe City Corps

D

rew Williams was enrolled as a senior soldier by Corps Officer Major William Hutley during a recent Sunday morning meeting at Redcliffe which was attended by many of his family and friends. In his testimony, Drew (pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Lieutenant-Colonel Joyce Greentree, and Major Hutley), told how he had been challenged by the question, “When was your last ’God-moment’?'” He said at the time he really didn't have an answer. He was later invited to become a soldier by a retired officer. Following these encounters it was Romans 12:2 which caused him to think seriously about his commitment to God. The words of Ephesians 2:10 confirmed in Drew’s mind that God had a plan for him and he felt he needed to respond in obedience to God’s will for his life. In concluding his testimony, Drew quoted Galations 2:20, acknowledging that “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. ... I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

here was much excitement at Wynnum recently as four young people were enrolled as junior soldiers, the first at the corps for many years. The enrolment commenced with the four junior soldiers (pictured clockwise from back left) Chey Bearsley, Tara Leisk, Christopher Bowman and Kayla Townsend, and their leaders, Garth Hentzschel and Rachel Muller, marching down the aisle behind The Salvation Army flag to the tune of Dare to be a Daniel. They then knelt with their prayer pals at the Mercy Seat to sign their promise. Corps Officer Major Kevin Hentzschel prayed for the new junior soldiers and their families.

Mackay Corps

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orps Officers Lieutenants Jeff and Terri Goodwin recently enrolled four new senior soldiers at Mackay. The new soldiers are (pictured, left to right) Amanda Greham, Shirley Barba, and Emma and Brent Neale. “They all felt they wanted to be obedient to God, step up in their discipleship and become a soldier,” said Lieut Terri Goodwin. “Amanda is a Mainly Music mum who also organises our women’s pamper nights, is very motivated and loves doing God’s work; Shirley has been coming to The Salvation Army for 18 months now and is a very spiritual person; Emma is heavily involved with youth nights, Sunday school and wherever she is needed; and Brent heads up Friday night youth and worship band.” All four signed their Soldier's Covenants and were presented with certificates at the end of the service.

We want to hear about your enrolment news. Send a story of no more than 100 words and a photo at least 1mb in size, to eastern.editorial@aue.salvationarmy.org pipeline 11/2011 45

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

‘Trophy of grace’

J

oseph Clark was promoted to glory on 23 July, aged 86.

A service of thanksgiving for Joe’s life was held at Auburn Corps on 28 July, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Wally Greentree, a close friend of Joe’s.

Captain Nesan Kistan (Corps Officer, Auburn) prayed and Peter Woodbury spoke on behalf of the corps, recalling Joe’s strong Christian influence and involvement in leadership positions.

Amanda Whittaker, Elizabeth Taylor and Natalie Cutmore provided a musical tribute with their vocal message What a Friend We Have In Jesus, and Lieutenant Jon Cory (Corps Officer, Granville) read 2 Corinthians 5: 1-10.

Providing an insight into Joe’s family life was shared by Steven and Natalie Cutmore and Jodie Paewai before Lieut-Colonel Greentree gave a Bible message. Major Chris Witts (Pastoral Care Coordinator) led the final song Shall We Gather at the River and pronounced the benediction.

A few hours later, Major Witts led the committal service at Rookwood crematorium chapel where Malcolm Clark (Joe’s nephew) gave a family tribute and Elizabeth Taylor sang Amazing Grace. In his talk, Major Witts said Joe had “finished the race” just as the apostle Paul had done many years previously.

Joe was born on 13 March, 1925, in Lidcombe, NSW, to Arthur and Joannah Clark. With Arthur, Davey, Dawn and Tom, the family moved, in 1930, to Boorea St, Lidcombe, where Joe spent his life until he was married in 1951.

Joe struggled with schooling and joined his dad as a bricklayer at age 14.

He endured a bout of tetanus at 15 which ended a promising trade career. He tried a variety of jobs until joining the Australian Armed Forces at age 17.

Later, he went bush to Tumut and Junee, until arriving in Sydney in his early 20s. Here his life was dominated by rough habits, cigarettes and alcohol. But one day in 1946, he noticed young Salvationist Betty McWilliams playing trombone in The Salvation Army band outside the hotel where he was drinking. He got to know Betty and she invited him to attend church on Sunday which culminated in Joe’s miraculous conversion to Jesus Christ. This eventually led him into senior soldiership as a bandsman, corps secretary at Auburn, a songster and male voice party member. This “trophy of grace”, renowned for his reliability, compassion, and exemplary Christian behaviour, gave

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over 65 years of dedicated service for his Lord.

Joe and Betty married in April 1951 and moved into their new Auburn home in 1954 where they lived for 50 years.

Their home was a happy place with family celebrations – a great delight for Joe. He was a master at carpentry, plumbing, building, electrical, and allround tinkering. His Lidcombe “Reliable Dry Cleaners” business was successful for more than 37 years.

Joe and Betty travelled extensively in caravans and motor homes, including an extended trip around Australia. They also travelled overseas.

In 2004, they relocated to Blue Hills Retirement Village and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In recent years, Joe experienced failing health, but he will always be remembered for his loving, caring nature; his welcoming arms, terrible jokes and sharp sense of humour. He had a robust laughter and never spoke ill of anyone.

Joe was also honest, straightforward and helpful. His unswerving dedication to Christian principles meant he lived a very fulfilling life.

Life of holiness

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ajor Ronald Weaver was promoted to glory on 18 May, aged 84.

The last of The Salvation Army’s true “Hallelujah Men”, Major Weaver’s life was celebrated at Stafford Corps, Brisbane, in a special funeral service on 25 May on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Having lost a battle with cancer, he will be remembered as one of the “old school” of Salvation Army officers not afraid to preach fire and brimstone from the pulpit and to shout a “hallelujah” of approval from the pews when the occasion permitted.

Ronald Weaver was born in Lithgow, NSW, on 25 May, 1926, the second son of Samson and Alice Weaver and brother to Harry (deceased). The family moved to Sydney where Ron became a Salvation Army soldier at Belmore Corps. He was an accomplished cornet player and became the deputy bandmaster at Belmore.

He put down his tables and calculator as an accountant for a time, to serve in the Australian Air Force, before picking them up again afterwards.

His passion for service in The Salvation Army saw him enter the training college for officers in Sydney in 1949 as part of the Peacemakers session. There he met Mary McComb whom he married on 10 January, 1953.

Together, Ron and Mary served in a range of positions, including as corps officers, in Army social institutions, as headquarters staff and at the trade department. They also were administrators of the iconic People’s Palace in the heart of Brisbane.

They had three children – Lynette, Rhonda and Phillip – and he was a doting grandfather to Natalie, Megan, EmmaKate, Rebekah, Nathan, Candace, Benjamin and Bianca. They were his joy and delight as were his great-grandchildren, Callum, Evie and Isla.

The Weavers retired in 1991 and settled at Boondall on Brisbane’s north side, before moving into Riverview Gardens Retirement Village late last year. In retirement, Ron continued as a hospital chaplain for as long as his health held out.

The funeral service was co-conducted by an old mate of Ron’s, LieutenantColonel Walter Greentree, and Major David McMurray (Ron’s nephew by marriage). Pastor Geoff Woodward (sonin-law) read the Scripture and South Queensland Divisional Commander, Major Mark Campbell, read a tribute from Australia Eastern Territory Commander, Commissioner James Condon.

But of all the tributes paid during the service, the most telling was from his wife, Mary. In a diary entry in May 1986, while recovering from a long illness, she said she couldn’t imagine life without Ron and his “calm and controlled nature and unshakeable faith”. “I never ceased to have felt privileged to share life with him.

I would not be the person I am today if I had not met him and married him. I have never changed my mind,” Mary said.

Daughter Rhonda said her father’s life was marked by holiness and purpose: a life committed firstly to God and then to his family. Grand-daughter Emma Halliday said Major Weaver was the most excited person about going to Heaven that she’d met: “He couldn’t wait to meet his Saviour face to face.”

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.

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

about people

Appointments

Effective 26 September: Major John Hindle, Courts and Prison Chaplain Brisbane, South Queensland Division; Lieutenant Craig Harlum, Recovery Service Centre Mooonyah, South Queensland Division; Major Russell McLeod, Assistant Officer, Property Department Territorial Headquarters; Major Lorraine McLeod, Assistant Officer (protem), Personnel Department Territorial Headquarters.

Effective 1 October: Major Ian Spall, Senior Chaplain, NSW Rural Fire Service; Major Kerry Spall, Senior Family Support Chaplain, NSW Rural Fire Service.

Effective 5 December: Captain Carole Smith, Private Secretary to the Territorial Commander, Territorial Headquarters.

Bereaved

Major Cec Woodward of his father Aubrey Woodward on 27 September; Colonel Roy Stiles of his sister-in-law and Major Innes Stiles, Major Lyndal Barker, Captain Alwyn Robinson Captain Malcolm Robinson and Major Glenys Fairhurst of their aunt, Mildred Morris on 7 October.

Promoted to glory

Mission and Resource Team – Social, Territorial Mission and Resource Team – Systems, Territorial Moral and Social Issues Council, all THQ; The Anchor Men’s Crisis Centre, NSW; Indigenous Working Party (17-18); Children and Youth Decision Week (20-27).

20-26 November

The Collaroy Centre, The Salvation Army Employment Plus Australia Eastern Territory, both THQ; The Greater West Chaplaincy Services, The Greater West Divisional Headquarters, Thornton, all NSW; DYCS Conference (22-24); Covenant Day (24).

27 November – 3 December

Kenya West Territory; Toowoomba Corps, Toowoomba Crisis Centre, Townsville Faithworks, all Qld; Advent commences (27); Commissioning (27).

4-10 December

Brazil Territory; Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission, Qld; Tuggeranong Corps, ACT; Tuggerah Lakes Corps, Tweed Heads Corps, Umina Beach Corps, Upper Blue Mountains Corps, all NSW; Volunteer Day (5).

Major Cecil Hall on 23 September.

Resignation

Majors Ken and Joy Harvey on 3 October.

SAGALA Awards

The following people have received the General’s Award: Madalin Lothian, Maitland City Corps; Kathryn Hardy, Blacktown City Corps; Dannielle Pershouse, Mandy Richards, both Bundamba Corps. The following people have received the Commissioner's Challenge Award: Xanthe Cartwright, Megan Cooling, both Caboolture Corps; Emily Greenwell, Kalbar Corps; Tamsyn Scott, Lily-Rose Manuel, both Lockyer Valley Corps; Julia Farrell, Kandy Lee, both Dee Why Corps.

School for Officer Training College

The following people have been accepted for training in 2011 in the Disciples of the Cross session 2012-2013: Helen and Bradley Whittle, Townsville Riverway Corps.

time to pray

30 October – 5 November

Latin America North Territory; Sydney Congress Hall, THQ; Sydney East and Illawarra Chaplaincy Services, Sydney East and Illawarra Divisional Headquarters, Sydney Streetlevel Mission, all NSW.

6-12 November

Tamworth Corps, Taree Corps, Tarrawanna Corps, Temora Corps, Tenterfield Corps, all NSW; Territorial Candidates Department, Territorial Mission and Resource Team – Corps, both THQ; Finance Conference (7-9); First Year Officers Retreat (7-11); South Queensland Division Adventures and Rangers Camp (11-13); School for Youth Leadership Graduation (13).

13-19 November

Majors Phillip and Deslea Maxwell, Papua New Guinea Territory; Territorial Mission and Resource Team – Recovery, Territorial

engagement calendar

Commissioners James Condon (Territorial Commander) and Jan Condon *Solomon Islands: Fri 4-Sun 6 Nov – Grand Opening of The Salvation Army work in Solomon Islands Stanmore: Mon 7 Nov – 1st Year Officers Residential, School for Leadership Training *London: Wed 9-Fri 11 Nov – International Finance Conference Long Jetty: Sun 13 Nov – Graduation of School for Youth Leadership *Sydney: Thu 17-Fri 18 Nov – National Indigenous Conference Bexley North: Thu 17 Nov – Territorial Historical Society *Collaroy: Fri 18 Nov – Territorial Finance Conference Collaroy: Fri 18-Sun 20 Nov – Auburn Corps Weekend Dulwich Hill: Mon 21 Nov – Sydney, ACT and South NSW Retired Officers Fellowship Bexley North: Thu 24 Nov – Covenant Day Bexley North: Sat 26 Nov – Silver Star Reception and Principal’s Lunch Sydney: Sun 27 Nov – Commissioning, Ordination Service and Sent out to Serve, Sydney Convention Centre Darling Harbour Sydney: Sun 27 Nov: The Movement – God through us, Sydney Convention Centre, 6pm Sydney: Mon 28 Nov: Officers Councils, Sydney Congress Hall Newcastle: Tues 29 Nov: Retired Officers Christmas Meeting and Lunch *Commissioner James Condon only #Commissioner Jan Condon only

Colonels Wayne (Chief Secretary) and Robyn Maxwell Bexley North: Thu 24 Nov – Covenant Day Bexley North: Sat 26 Nov – Silver Star Reception and Principal’s Lunch Sydney: Sun 27 Nov – Commissioning, Sydney Convention Centre Darling Harbour Sydney: Mon 28 Nov – Officers Councils

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