Laugh, live, play

, h g u La e, livplay Loving life the way God intended

Wonderfully Made Captivated by the Word Life in abundance

Empowering women around the globe Take time for yourself M A R C H

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team talk

From the desk of the Women’s Ministries Department

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hen it came to goodbyes, it was Ghandi who said, “There are no goodbyes, wherever you’ll be, you’ll be in my heart”. And that is true for me too, as I say goodbye to the beautiful women of the Australia Eastern Territory and head for the Philippines to take up my new appointment as the Territorial President of Women’s Ministries.

Thank you each for your friendship, encouragement and the prayer support shown to me, not just during the last two years as Territorial Secretary of Women’s Ministries, but for all the years that I have served in this territory. As I leave, know that you remain in my heart.

Colonel Robyn Maxwell makes friends with members of a Filipino chior that performed at a women’s event in Townsville recently

The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4P 4EP Linda Bond, General Australia Eastern Territory 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 James Condon, Commissioner Territorial Commander Bruce Harmer: Major, Communications and Public Relations Secretary Editor: Simone Worthing Graphic design: Kem Pobjie COVER Photo: Shairon Paterson Editorial and correspondence: P0 Box A435 Sydney South NSW 1235 Phone: (02) 9266 9690 Email: eastern.editorial@aue. salvationarmy.org Published for: The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

by Commissioner James Condon Printed at: SOS Print + Media Group 65 Burrows Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984,

by International Bible Society Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers No part of this publication may be reproduced whatsoever without written permission from the publisher

It has been an absolute privilege serving the women of this territory and to be a witness to the wonderful things the Lord has been doing in your lives. I commend to you your new leader, Colonel Janet Munn, who is a gifted woman of God and communicator of the Word.

When we say our goodbyes, we usually have a parting word. As I say my goodbyes to you, I would like to leave you with a word that the Lord laid on my heart to share with you.

In working my way through the Psalms over recent weeks, I came across this verse in Psalm 45:13: “The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.”

Psalm 45 is known as a wedding song. One of the most often asked questions after you’ve attended a wedding is, “What did the bride wear?” There’s even a TV series showing at the moment called “Four weddings” where each of the brides rate each other on the outward appearance, entertainment and food at each wedding to see who wins a special honeymoon. It’s the outward details that are given all the attention.

However, take note of what the king’s daughter is wearing in Psalm 45:13: “The king’s daughter is all glorious within ...” The verse continues, describing her clothing, “Her clothing was wrought with gold” King James Version. For those of us who belong to Christ, our true beauty should be within. And, if it’s within, it will radiate from our life.

As I depart, may I encourage you to continually go deeper in your relationship with Jesus. As women who belong to him, may your true beauty be from within – wrought with gold! And may what’s on the inside reflect outwardly how wonderful our Saviour and Lord is, to a world who desperately needs him.

“The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favour) to you; The Lord lift up his [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).” Numbers 6:24-26, Amplified Bible.

Much grace,

Colonel Robyn Maxwell Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries

contents features

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Captivated by the Word

Reports from the Captivated conference in Sydney, and meetings in Queensland, featuring guest speaker Lieutenant-Colonel Connie Canning

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Wonderfully made

Major Sue Davies shares openly about her life’s struggles and how understanding her uniqueness has brought freedom and hope

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Gender equality

Salvation Army International Development launches an exciting new campaign to raise awareness of gender equality

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A walk on the light side

Major Chris Reid takes a look at how laughter and humour can help us to re-focus, re-charge and enjoy life the way God intended

about this issue

from the editor’s desk

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regulars

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Team Talk

From the desk of the Women’s Ministries Department

Young Women in Touch Stories, ideas and articles for our young women

Women In Ministry

eports from around the Territory R and beyond

Heart Songs

he focus of this issue is joy, laughter, celebration and the abundant life.

It can often be hard to celebrate and experience joy when we’re facing major upheaval, heartbreaking relationships, trials of all shapes and sizes – or even the daily grind of life with its everyday stresses and challenges.

Jesus knows this. He understands human frailty and human need, and he has given us divine grace and power that gives us all we need to get through, or live with, whatever it is we are facing – it just doesn’t always seem like that!

As the articles in this issue discuss, joy isn’t about a permanent smile on our faces and a constant feeling of happiness. Deep, real and lasting joy, which can only come from God, is a total confidence in and assurance of God’s promises, strength and grace, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

Lieutenant-Colonel Connie Canning, guest speaker for the recent Captivated evenings and conference, spoke at length about joy, grace and celebration in her presentations, which we report on at length on pages 10-13.

Other articles and testimonies give support to our focus on joy, especially in tough, and seemingly endless, challenging circumstances.

Majors Chris Reid and Tracy Briggs takes a look at how laughter and humour can help us to re-focus, re-charge and enjoy life the way God intended, even if life’s journey has not taken us where we might’ve hoped to be.

In her refreshingly open testimony, Major Sue Davies shares her life’s struggles, including a battle with depression, and how understanding her uniqueness has brought freedom and hope.

For our younger readers, Lieutenant Vanessa Kohler also talks about joy, and the importance of self-care to maintain energy and a positive outlook.

In our western nations, materially speaking, we have many physical blessings which we can so easily take for granted. In our news section we look at some of the ways the women of our territory have, and still can, contribute to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of women and children around the world through territorial and international development projects.

From the team at Women in Touch, we hope you enjoy this issue and find a message of practical help, hope and encouragement within its pages!

Simone Worthing Editor

, h g u a L

Feature | Laughter

In a world that is too often sad, stressful and painful, laughter and joy can be hard to find.

Major Chris Reid takes a look at laughter and humour, and how they can help us to re-focus, re-charge and enjoy life the way God intended

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aughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster, or more dependably, to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh.

Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.

Laughter:

• Is good for your health.

• Relaxes the whole body. A good,

hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.

• Boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infectionfighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

• Triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

• Protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Photo: Lena Pobjie

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Photo: Shairon Paterson

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, e v il play

• Dissolves distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.

• Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.

• Humour shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light.

Social benefits of humour Humour and playful communication strengthen our relationships by triggering positive feelings and fostering emotional connection. When we laugh with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment.

Humour helps us:

• Be more spontaneous. Humour gets you

out of your head and away from your troubles.

• Let go of defensiveness. Laughter helps you forget judgments, criticisms, and doubts.

• Release inhibitions. Your fear of holding back and holding on are set aside.

• Express our true feelings. Deeply felt emotions are allowed to rise to the surface.

Life on the lighter side There are many ways to help ourselves see the lighter side of life. These include:

• Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing •

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moments.

Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them. Look for the humour in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you.

Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.

Keep things in perspective. Many things in life are beyond your control – particularly the behaviour of other people. While you might think taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is admirable, in the long run it’s unrealistic, unproductive, unhealthy, and even egotistical.

Deal with your stress. Stress is a major

impediment to humour and laughter.

• Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.

Checklist for lightening up When you find yourself taken over by what seems to be a horrible problem, ask these questions: • Is it really worth getting upset over?

• Is it worth upsetting others?

• Is it that important?

• Is it that bad?

• Is the situation irreparable?

• Is it really your problem?

Laughter | Feature

often those difficult times are when we do our greatest learning. Relaxing is about refocusing; God is in control, and he has promised us rest.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11: 28, 29, New Living Translation).

Choose to change negative life messages How can we laugh and enjoy life more, and overcome some of those negative life messages that play over and over in our minds and have

Humour takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful, and balanced perspective.

As laughter, humour, and play become an integrated part of your life, your creativity will flourish and new discoveries for having fun with friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and loved ones will occur to you daily. Humour takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful, and balanced perspective.

God’s Word – therapy for life Take a look at Philippians 4:4-9. Satan’s greatest ploy is to rob us of our joy.

In verse four we are commanded to rejoice, to enjoy being with God and in what he is doing. God is always good, even when life is not. Sadly, too many of us base our happiness on what is happening around us. Paul was a man who knew great trauma in his life, but from a prison cell writes, “Rejoice”. Keep reading verses 11-13: I trust in a God who can do the impossible, why shouldn’t I rejoice?

Also, in Proverbs 15:15 we read that, “The cheerful heart has a continual feast”. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are instructed to, “Be joyful always” and to “give thanks in all circumstances”.

It is in the worries and busyness of life that we lose sight of God and truth. Prayer is our connection point with God, and we need to take time to be in God’s presence, listen to him and see him at work. God is always present and

the potential to cause such damage?

• Philippians 4:8: Fill your mind with whatever is positive, true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17: Know that you are a new creation, worthy in Christ, and nothing can separate you from God’s love.

• Do life with positive, godly people. Find people who have encouraging God stories, who have time to listen to you and spur you on. It’s so easy to get sucked into negativity and lose our joy.

• Philippians 4:7, 9: Find God’s peace in every situation. Paul could rejoice because he knew that, no matter what the situation, God was walking with him. He looked to find God even in the chaos, and he found peace. Peace brings joy, joy turns to laughter, laughter turns to fun, fun invigorates life and we begin to experience life as God intended it to be – life in all its fullness.

Joyful people are the ones who laugh, play and even sing – all to the glory of God!

Major Chris Reid Divisional Mission & Resource Director – Corps South Queensland Division

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restored In the challenges of life, joy is often hard to find. Major Tracy Briggs shows how God can restore our joy and enable us to experience life in all its fullness

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hould the devil have all the good laughs?

Absolutely not! We read in John 10:10 that Jesus has come so that we can live life and live it to the full.

What does that mean? Surely if we are living life to the full, we are spending some time in laughter?

When I read my Bible, I can see God’s amazing sense of humour and purpose as he created life. All we have to do is look at some of the creatures that walk, crawl, swim, fly, swing or run their way around this great earth. Think about a caterpillar going along a leaf – it looks like it’s doing the butterfly stroke without arms or legs! Or consider a huge walrus lumbering up the beach, huffing and puffing, doing doggy paddle on dry land; or a lizard dancing over hot sand, as we’ve all done when we’ve forgotten our thongs at the beach!

I imagine that Jesus smiled and laughed when he saw a new born lamb trying to stand for the first time as it wobbled around trying to gain its balance, or as he blessed the children

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sitting at his feet and listened to their chatter and heard some of their stories.

We’ve all smiled at children’s stories when they share their news in church.

Laughter heals

I have often heard that laughter is the best medicine and I know that to be true in my own life. There have been many times where, if I didn’t laugh, I would have cried. I have many good friends who, over the years, have dished out many laughs and taught me to laugh at myself too!

I love those all out belly laughs where my shoulders are going up and down like a yo-yo, tears are streaming down my face, my stomach muscles are getting the best work out ever and I know that in about ten seconds I’m going to wet my pants – which will be fodder for many jokes for years to come. Every time I get together with my friends I’ll remember the hilarious time I laughed so much I wet my pants! I love those kinds of laughs and the good times with friends making those memories.

God restores

I also love the words of Psalm 126 which is a song of joy for the restored community of Zion. Many of us, too, need the joy of restoration in our lives as we constantly face sadness, challenges, brokenness, hurt, disappointment and despair.

Sometimes life just stinks. We struggle to find joy or anything to laugh about. Our burdens are heavy and weigh us down to the point where it is even too hard to get out of bed in the morning.

Our hearts are so broken that even our dreams are shattered and we are captives of darkness.

So, where is this life in all its fullness that Jesus spoke about?

It’s in these dark yet searching moments that I usually turn to the book of Psalms, and I take great encouragement in them. Two psalms in particular are of special significance to me – Psalms 125 and 126.

In Psalm 126 we read that the Lord had brought back the captives from Zion and in their delight they laughed

Joy | Feature

Photo: Lena Pobjie

and sang songs of deep joy and wonder.

They had been dreaming of this moment for years, but could hardly believe their dream had been realised and they had been restored to their homeland.

Our God is a God of restoration.

My God restores me, and I have learnt to trust him even in my times of great sadness. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

God surrounds us

Psalm 125:1-2 also encourage me when I am feeling lost, alone and a captive to darkness.

I want to share these verses with you and I pray that they will put a smile on your dial and a song in your heart.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever more.”

Think about the mightiest mountain

you have ever seen. Perhaps you have been in awe of its majestic strength and what it has endured over the centuries to remain standing today!

The Psalmist says that if you trust in the Lord you are like a mountain which cannot be shaken. Just as those mountains cannot be moved, the Lord is surrounding you, and he is immovable.

Wow! I am surrounded by the Creator, I am surrounded by the Lord who knit me together in my mother’s womb and has all my days planned out (Psalm 139). My heart sings a song of joy!

Don’t let the devil rob you of your joy. Trust in the Lord and be surrounded by him, he is gentle and kind and able to restore your joy and bring laughter to your lips.

Trust in the Lord and be surrounded by him, he is gentle and kind and able to restore your joy and bring laughter to your lips.

Major Tracy Briggs Corps Officer, Menai

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Perspective

Reflection - Give Thanks

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s a little girl I was entranced with the story of Pollyanna and her Glad Game. Pollyanna went through life determined to always find something to be glad about, even when she suffered injury and disability, even when it was hard to be glad.

When I grew older this seemed rather superficial, like putting on a mask to deny real feelings and pretend that all is well, until as an 18-year old student going through a rough time, a friend challenged me to think every night of 10 things for which I was thankful. I scoffed at the idea, thinking it childish. But since I was fairly desperate I began doing this and was amazed at how easy it was, even in the depths of teenage anguish.

When circumstances improved though, I lost that habit.

Later, I became a Christian and discovered the verse, “Give thanks in all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Again I was fascinated with the idea of being thankful, whatever the circumstances – but again only infrequently practiced this in my life.

As I experienced more of the anguish and ecstasies of life, I yearned for a more constant sense of God’s presence. I’d be devastated by experiences

of loss and disappointment, I’d be thrilled when things went well, but I wanted a more consistent way of living in peace and joy, of experiencing the abundant life that Jesus called us to (John 10:10). Paul’s words encouraging us to be joyful and to give thanks always touched my heart but filled my mind with doubt. How could this be possible?

I practised being more attentive to God’s presence in nature, in encounters with other people, and in circumstances where it wasn’t immediately obvious that he was at work but a closer look showed that he was indeed there.

I learned to breathe more deeply, to slow down, to notice signs of his grace and glory and to hear the whisper of his voice. I began to give thanks, even in the hard things, and in doing so I am discovering deeper joy and more abundant life.

Major Jo-Anne Brown Corps Officer, Calamvale

A year of giving thanks

“I

found this picture and love it to bits,” said Major Angela Eyles, Divisional Community Care Ministries Coordinator for the ACT and South NSW Division.

“Sometimes our journey in life requires boots, and sometimes we can relax and feel the sand between our toes, but we are assured of God’s continued presence.”

At the beginning of last year, a Facebook post challenged Major Angela and started her on a journey that has changed her life.

“I was challenged to complete a year of gratitude, saying ‘thank you’ to God every day, regardless of the

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situation. It sounded good, it sounded easy and it was even scriptural.

“And so I began…”

What started as a New Year’s resolution for Major Angela ended as a realisation that God’s presence changes our outlook.

“My year of gratitude has really changed me, but not in the ways I imagined,” she shares.

To read more of her journey with gratitude, go to my.salvos.org.au/inspire/articles/year-ofgratitude/

Congratulations to Candace Hall who has won last issue’s book, Finding Favor with the King.

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Perspective

recommended read One Thousand Gifts Ann Voskamp Zondervan, 2010

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moment of tragedy occurs and lives are changed forever. The author refers to her life as being “snapped shut to grace” from that moment. This is Ann Voskamp’s story of opening to grace and her journey to a lifestyle of thanksgiving. She shares with deep honesty her feelings of failure, anxiety and fear, of waking every morning wanting to die, and living a life doubting God’s goodness. “Where is grace when things are going wrong and there is death, doubt and despair?” Ann asks herself.

Ann discovers the word “eucharisteo” – a word that means thanksgiving, and contains the roots of the words joy and grace. As she ponders this word, she begins to understand that joy can only be found at the table of thanksgiving.

She then receives what she calls a “love dare” – to write a list of 1000 things she loves; to name 1000 blessings.

This dare changes her life. She begins to name her blessings, to look for beauty and joy and to take note of them. She uses her camera to record these blessings and finds that her life is transformed by joy. She discovers that, “in giving thanks for the life she already had, she found the life she’d always wanted” (front cover).

In embarking on this journey of thankfulness, Ann discovers that contentment is something to be learned (Philippians 4:11-12). She realises that contentment is learned by taking time and living fully in the moment, and that one can learn to give thanks even in the hard things.

The subtitle of the book is, “A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are” and this is indeed the challenge of the book. It is written beautifully and honestly and captures the longing that all of us have to live life more fully and more joyfully.

Major Jo-anne Brown Corps Officer, Calamvale

Win a copy of this book!

Simply send your name and email address to simone.worthing@ aue.salvationarmy.org for a chance to win our giveaway copy.

Russian ricotta cheesecakes • “Sirniki” • Healthy breakfast or snack alternative.

Great for lunch boxes.

Makes 8 500gr ricotta cheese (full cream or low fat) 2 eggs 5 tblsp plain flour 1 tsp vanilla essence 3 tblsp sugar pinch of salt ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil Extra flour for dusting Place ricotta, eggs, flour, vanilla essence, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Using the electric mixer or your hands, mix thoroughly. Form 8 balls.

Flatten them in to patty shapes. Cover both sides with flour.

Put oil in a frying pan and fry cakes on a medium/low heat until golden on both sides.

Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and jam or sweetened condensed milk.

Sirniki are also yummy with an extra ¼ cup of sultanas or diced dried apricots.

Recipe and photo courtesy Lena Pobjie.

Gratitude... goes beyond the “mine” and “thine” and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realise that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.

Henri Nouwen, 2002

Feature | Captivated

in Captivated by the Word

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f you are young and think that church is irrelevant; if you are older and feel excluded, or burned out; if you are seeking God but have been hurt by those in the church; or if you feel that there is more to life than what you are experiencing, then this conference has something for you!”

So said Lieutenant-Colonel Connie Canning, described as “the Barbara Johnson of The Salvation Army” who was guest speaker for the February Captivated by the Word conference in Sydney, the Embrace night in Brisbane, and Captivated Coffee & Dessert in Townsville.

The overall theme for all three events was “abundance” based on John 10:10.

Lt. Colonel Connie, from the USA Southern Territory, spoke with passion, conviction, depth and humour, emphasising God’s extravagant love and grace, the abundant life he promises regardless of circumstances, and our need to celebrate his work in our lives.

Other guest presenters for the weekend conference in Sydney at The Collaroy Centre included Betsy Pineda, Marketing Co-

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ordinator for the Salvation Army International Development Office, who spoke about the “She Is” campaign for gender equality (see page 22), Robyn Evans, Team Leader, Sydney Streetlevel Mission and Rebecca Raymond, soloist with the Melbourne Staff Band.

Over 300 women from around the territory gathered for the conference and a time of worship, fellowship and rejuvenation.

It’s outrageous

John 3:16 was Lt. Colonel Connie’s theme verse for the first session.

“This verse is not a cliché,” she said. “Its claims are outrageous because they are absolutely true. The abundant love, joy, peace and life God gives us is there for us and all we have to do is ask for it.

“Being loved is the most powerful motivator in the world and we are all looking for love in some way or another.

“This verse, John 3:16, really is the hope diamond of the Bible and all we need in life is packed into these words.”

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Lt. Colonel Connie acknowledged that past mistakes, the trials of present-day circumstances and fear of the future can overwhelm us, but that, through God’s love, we can endure and overcome.

“No mistake you have ever made is bigger than God’s unconditional love, and his amazing love is greater, stronger and deeper than we could ever imagine,” she said, referring to Romans 8, Ephesians 3:18 and Psalm 136.

It’s bubbling

Lt. Colonel Connie had the women laughing as she told jokes about the many different pills she took, and describing her figure as “an hour glass with extra minutes”.

“It’s good to hear you laugh,” she said. “We need an epidemic of laughter, an abundance of joy.”

Lt. Colonel Connie explained that joy is not a permanent smile that we wear, regardless of our worries and sufferings, nor something seasonal, like tinsel and candy canes at Christmas time.

“I too can get ground down by the daily

Captivated | Feature

Brisbane hosts Embrace night

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Photos: Shairon Paterson

grind, or when I have too much to do to be joyful,” she explained. “I let circumstances dictate my joy but joy is an attitude, a determined choice; it’s not based on what is going on around me.”

Nehemiah 8 was the focus chapter for the session. Lt. Colonel Connie showed that that joy comes through obedience and is a quiet confidence, a settled assurance, and a reflection of God. “You don’t find joy living in disobedience to God,” she said. “Jesus has to be the source of our joy, through the Spirit flowing into us. This joy is deep, abundant and powerful and will give us the strength to endure hardships.”

Life’s tough times were addressed, with Lt. Colonel Connie explaining that trials show us where we need to grow.

“Joy and sorrow are often linked, but we have to stay attached to the vine of Christ to endure and mature,” she said.

Serving the broken

On Saturday morning, Robyn Evans interviewed

t was an evening of laughter, joy, celebration and worship, as almost 400 women from around South East Queensland gathered to hear Lieutenant-Colonel Connie Canning at North Brisbane Corps on 11 February.

Captain Donna Todd, North Brisbane Corps Officer, and Major Michele Terracini, Carindale Corps Officer, led the evening, keeping everyone entertained with their “words of wisdom”, light-hearted banter and humorous asides.

During the evening Major Julie Campbell, South Queensland Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries, acknowledged the leadership of Colonel Robyn Maxwell, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, who had previously served for six years in the division.

She presented Colonel Robyn with a financial gift for the women of the Philippines, where Colonel Robyn has been appointed as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries.

Meredith Moore from North Brisbane Corps spoke about how God had given her a “burning desire” to serve the people of Papua New Guinea, her two years serving with The Salvation Army there, and how those years changed her life.

Major Michele interviewed Brittany Klee from Carindale Corps who survived acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a child and is now achieving two of her main goals – to work as a pharmacist in a children’s hospital, and to serve in children’s ministry.

“God has given me a full and busy life,” she said. “I know that God is in control and it’s my relationship with him that brings fulfillment to all I do.”

Life in abundance

Lt. Colonel Connie introduced herself and her family before giving the main message. Her humour, warmth and love for God instantly engaged the audience.

She spoke with energy and passion about God’s gift of an abundant life – a life filled with meaning, purpose and joy.

Top and middle: Six corps combined to provide music for Embrace; Bottom: Major Michele Terracini (left) and Captain Donna Todd hosted the evening.

“Only when living with Christ does life become worth living, worth celebrating,” she said.

“God has issued us an invitation to an abundant life, to joy, and to celebration, even in the midst of the challenges and trials we face each day.”

Lt. Colonel Connie challenged the women to accept the invitation, unwrap the gifts God has given them and begin the celebration.

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Feature | Captivated

Top: LieutenantColonel Connie Canning, guest speaker for the Captivated conference and events; Below, left to right: Artist Sarah Rowan Dahl painted an artwork during a session at Captivated; Captains Heisy Goina and Lennie Suave from Papua New Guinea Territory were guests for the conference; the creative worship dancing from Shirley Borch was one of the conference highlights. Photos: Shairon Paterson.

Photo: Len

a Pobjie

Kristy, café manager at Sydney Streetlevel Mission, who has found Jesus, left a lifestyle of partying and drugs and is focused on serving “the lost and broken community at Streetlevel” and bringing others to Christ.

“Keep praying for your family and friends who don’t know Jesus, continue to love them and don’t pressure them to go to church or criticize their lifestyle,” she advised.

“Remember too, that you can impact the lives of those you come into contact with. It wasn’t family or friends that led me to Christ, it was a stranger!”

It’s extravagant

As she wrapped a purple scarf around her head and shoulders, Lt. Colonel Connie transformed from joking with the ladies about the “abundant” morning tea, to acting out the story of the woman caught in adultery, after she was seized (John 8).

“What is happening?” she cried out, moving

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dramatically around the stage. “Why are these men dragging me to the temple and what are they going to do?”

Lt. Colonel Connie progressed through the story, narrating the developments from the woman’s point of view as she waited for the stones to hit her, saw Jesus tell her accusers to “Stone her, but let those who have never sinned throw the first stone”, and watched in amazement as they dropped their stones and left.

“Is it true, are they no longer condemning me, am I going to live?” she asked, only to receive the most gracious words she had ever heard: ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’”.

Lt. Colonel Connie concluded the drama with: “I looked at him and felt safe. In a strange way I felt pure because I have experienced God’s extravagant grace.”

Grace, Lt. Colonel Connie explained, is not like anything else we could ever experience. It is God’s chosen expression of love that needs to

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permeate deep into our minds to transform us.

“There is no heart so hard that grace can’t soften it; no heart so low that it cannot be lifted up by grace,” she said.

“Grace works when we believe it, receive it, and live it.”

Quoting from 2 Corinthians 12:9, Lt. Colonel Connie showed that God’s grace is all we need, and it is always enough.

“It’s only when we are weak that the Lord has the opportunity to be strong,” she said. “I can’t handle all my problems, but through me, the Lord can.”

Workshops

Workshops took place after lunch. Topics included women’s health and wholeness, justice and human trafficking, sharing your faith, and the sexualisation of women and children.

Lieutenant-Colonels Don and Connie ran a marriage enrichment workshop, for which they are both certified leaders and trainers.

Captivated | Feature

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The ladies from PNG gave “billums” – colourful hand-made bags, to the women at Captivated. In response, the ladies who received the bags wrote notes of encouragement to the female PNG officers whose names were on cards inside the billums.

After the workshops, the “Captivated Lounge” provided a place where the ladies could relax, reflect and fellowship during the afternoon.

Coffee & dessert in Townsville

ver 90 ladies gathered to hear Lieutenant-Colonel Connie Canning at the coffee and dessert night in Townsville on 12 February.

The division was well represented, with women from Bowen, Ayr, Atherton, Cairns Townsville Faithworks and Townsville Riverway Corps, Townsville Recovery Services and Centennial Lodge in Cairns, attending the event.

“The Filipino ladies sang, and their second song was preceded by six from the group painting a canvas each that, when put together, became the face of Jesus,” said Major Beth Twivey, Team Leader, Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission.

A group of women from Riverway Corps provided music for worship.

Lt.Colonel Connie spoke on the abundant life (see main story).

Top: Major Cherylanne Pethybridge, Lt. Colonel Connie Canning, Commissioner Jan Condon and Colonel Robyn Maxwell; Bottom: The canvas depicting the face of Jesus.

A night of abundance

Sarah Rowan Dahl, a live painter and worship artist, and vocalist Rebecca Raymond shared their passion for God through their painting and singing respectively, on Saturday night.

Rebecca sang a rich variety of praise, jazz, and songs from musicals and Disney movies, sharing her powerful testimony throughout the evening. As she sang and spoke, Sarah painted, bringing to life a large canvas with vibrant colours and images that showed God’s abundant love for his children and the divine opportunities he makes possible in our lives.

Prayer walk

Annette Donovan from Auburn Corps organised a 16-station prayer walk for the first Sunday morning session, including scrabble prayer, sand confessions, newspaper prayers and a letter to self.

The women could choose any of the stations they felt drawn to, with only the “table of abundance” being compulsory. Around this beautiful, luxurious and breathtaking table, full of silver, glass, sweet delicacies and scriptures verses showing God’s abundant love and grace, each woman received a personal “princess letter” from God and in turn was able to write a letter to self, focusing on God’s words to them over the weekend.

All over The Collaroy Centre women stood, sat and knelt in prayer, drawing close to God.

“I love to see women using all their senses to connect to God,” said Annette.

Let’s celebrate

Just before Lt. Colonel Connie’s final session, Commissioner Jan Condon, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries (TPWM), paid tribute to Colonel Robyn Maxwell, Territorial Secretary of Women’s Ministries who begins her new appointment as TPWM in the Philippines on 1 April.

“You are a woman of prayer and of the Word,” said Commissioner Jan. “We pay tribute to you as a leader who has a heart for women of the territory, and as a mum who absolutely loves her family.

“You go to the Philippines with our love and prayers and we know you will help the people there to realise their potential in Christ.

“On behalf of the women of this territory, I give you the verse from Joshua 1:9: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.’”

As she began to pull together all her sessions, Lt. Colonel Connie briefly summarised her presentations on love, grace and joy.

“All these together make an abundant life,” she said. “They support and strengthen us so we can celebrate the life he gives us.

“Jesus is with us every day – let’s celebrate that and revel in him.”

Lt. Colonel Connie emphasised that, as Deuteronomy 30:19 says, it’s up to us to choose the abundant life.

“The quality of our life now and eternally is determined by our relationship with God,” she said.

Lt. Colonel Conning reiterated that it was easy to thank God in the good times, but more difficult when times were tough.

“When you feel like you’re drowning in life, remember though, that your lifeguard walks on water!

“Take courage in what ordinary people like us can do and be when we’re invaded by the living God. “Jesus has rescued us from the pit of hell.

He took the punishment, we don’t have to hear the nails, or suffer the pain we deserve.

“If you want the abundant life – love, joy, peace, forgiveness, grace – take it. All you have to do is ask.”

Simone Worthing Editor

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Feature | Beautiful

Beautifullymade Major Sue Davies shares openly about growing up with a disability, her battle with depression and how realising that she is “beautifully made” has freed her from perfectionism and guilt and set her on a new path of assurance and hope

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ne of my favourite stories is You Are Special, by Max Lucado,” Major Sue explains. “It’s about a little wooden person named Punchinello who lived in a land where people were recognised and tagged by a system of stars for those who looked good or could do great things, or dots for those who looked different or weren’t that good at what they did.

“Punchinello kept getting dots because he couldn’t sing well, he wasn’t really clever and he couldn’t run like the others. It made a huge impact on him until one day when he met Eli, the craftsman who had made all the people.

“The words Eli said to Punchinello are so

true – ‘It doesn’t matter what other people think.

It’s what I think that matters and I think you are special’.

“It’s a powerful story. We are all special and unique and yet so often feel like Punchinello.

We too, can place value on people according to their abilities. And we can live under a system of stars or dots and find it hard to feel good about ourselves I suspect we long for this system to be different.”

Differently-abled

Major Sue explains how she has loved this story for many years, as she could relate to Punchinello.

“I was born with rare deformity; the thigh

bone, or femur, on my left leg didn’t form and my parents were told I probably wouldn’t walk,” Sue says. “I was determined though, and at 14-months of age I was fitted with my first artificial leg and started to walk.

“My amazing parents supported me and fought for the best for me. Growing up though, and even now, I’ve had to wrestle with how I was made. To only have one leg, in a world where long-legged women are beautiful, was a huge issue and I wondered if anyone would ever love me and accept me as a beautiful person.”

After leaving school, Major Sue worked at Westpac Bank in Brisbane, before transferring to Melbourne in 1986. She was active in The Salvation Army there, met her now husband, Majors Bryce and Sue Davies, together with the now General, Commissioner Linda Bond, at the opening of Brisbane Streetlevel Mission.

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Beautiful | Feature

“God specialises in people who are honest enough to be real about their weaknesses” Major Bryce Davies, and they were married in 1989.

The couple entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in Melbourne in 1993, with their two-year-old daughter Eliza, and spent five years in Adelaide after their commissioning.

During her second pregnancy in 1995, Major Sue was struggling. Due to her leg, she spent almost five months in a wheelchair, and found it difficult after Georgia was born to cope with a new baby, an active toddler, a full-time appointment, and her own health and mobility.

“I had reactive depression then, and felt quite isolated and unsupported,” she shares.

“At the start of 2000, we moved to Moonyah, (Brisbane Recovery Services Centre) in the Eastern Territory, we loved it, and I recovered well.”

about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed ...

(Contemporary English Version)

Hitting the wall

Decreased mobility

In 2006, then Captains Davies were appointed to Stafford Corps.

“Here I really pushed it to be the perfect officer,” Major Sue explains.

“By November I hit the wall and ended up in a very dark place called depression. It was a culmination of 40 years with a deformity, dealing with life, motherhood, perfectionism, trying to please people, everything. I took a couple of months out to rest, and for the next two years just did what I could. Bryce was terrific and supported me totally.”

A new way of thinking

During this difficult time, Major Sue began focusing on the ways of thinking and looking at life that were debilitating her. She confronted these problems, and worked on making changes.

Knowing that she needed help, Major Sue began visiting a Catholic Nun. “She gave me a special amount of love and listening time and allowed me to be angry and hurt and be myself in a safe environment,” Major Sue explains.

“She didn’t give out dots or stars and, through these times, I was able to regain a sense of God’s love and goodness in my life.”

“She also showed me Psalm 139, verses 1316, which have become incredibly significant in my life now: You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvellous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing

“Those words have helped me believe that God can make something out of my frailties,” says Sue. “I am not a mistake. God made me unique. I am wonderfully made!

Major Sue has also remained on some medication to manage the depression.

“I have stayed on the same tablets as I’m a bit anxious without them,” she explains. “That’s my lot and that’s OK. My medication helps me do life – and I like the way I can do life being on them!

Setting aside a time to rest, refresh and rejuvenate has also played a vital role in Major Sue’s recovery.

As time goes on, Major Sue is struggling with losing more mobility, increased pain in walking, and needing to spend up to 95% of her time in a wheelchair.

“Over the past ten to fifteen years, the energy required to carry an artificial leg seems to be increasing, and the wear and tear on my back is huge,” she explains.

“My dots are no longer just what other people think of me, they are also the limitations of tiredness, pain and the general struggles of life.

“I am now on a journey to learn how to relinquish physical activities and accept the help of others – very tough for a control freak like me.

“I know the dots are not important to God though, that he loves me just as I am and has allowed me to be this way for a reason.”

Counselling degree

In 2009, Major Sue began a Bachelor of Social Science degree (Counselling) at Christian Heritage College, Brisbane. At the same time, Major Bryce was appointed team leader at Brisbane Streetlevel Mission.

“Going through the course has been eyeopening and I am learning to work through my own pain to help others,” Major Sue shares.

In her new appointment as a member of the Officer Well-Being Team for Queensland, Major Sue, now graduated and a qualified counsellor, will be working with officers and their families who are going through tough times.

Majors Bryce and Sue Davies celebrate the 21st birthday of their daughter, Eliza.

“The role is an evolving one, but I am excited about the possibilities and ready for the future,” says Sue. “I am looking forward to helping officers build on their strengths, to developing relationships built on trust, and to working with those who are struggling so they don’t reach crisis point.”

The future

Today, Major Sue chooses to live a hopeful and positive life and reach out to others as they journey through life.

“I wonder if you’ve felt defeated and crushed by the circumstances of your world?” she asks.

“Maybe you’ve been hurt or neglected or have had problems that seemingly can’t be fixed.

“God specialises in people who are honest enough to be real about their weaknesses. I encourage you to find some hope in God. You are not a mistake. “Why not experience the amazing plan God has for your life?”

Simone Worthing Editor

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Young | Feature Photo: Shairon Paterson

Take time for yourself and J-YO! Lieutenant Vanessa Kohler looks at the importance of looking after yourself, both for your own well-being and for others, as you reach out to them

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hen I was in Sunday School I learnt a chorus that went a bit like this: “J O Y, J O Y, that must surely mean, Jesus first, Yourself last and Others in between. “ This was probably my introduction to the concept of “joy”, a definition that I have challenged in my young adulthood. Is this really what “joy” is?

After living out the “putting yourself last” bit for years, I found myself a bit burnt out and started to wonder if putting yourself last is absolutely necessary (and healthy).

I’m going to propose a different chorus – Jesus First, Yourself Second and Others will thank you for it. I know, I know, J-YO isn’t quite as catchy as the original chorus, but if “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) can become a catchy phrase, then so can J-YO!, right?!

Jesus must always be first. He is the reason we live; He is the source of our freedom; He is God with skin on. Without Jesus we are nothing. So no matter what happens, the J will always be first.

Look after yourself

However, I’m going to propose that in second place is the Y, Yourself. I believed for many years that others must always come before me and my own needs. I had some pretty poor boundaries and was often found myself coming to the rescue, for friends or even in ministry. I would constantly be putting the needs of others before my own.

Isn’t this what Sunday School taught me? Jesus first, yourself last? I would rearrange my life if something came up where a friend needed me because I was afraid I would let people down. No matter what was going on in my life or what was happening for me, if a friend needed me I would drop everything to be with them, even if there were going to be some negative consequences for me and my own well-being.

Girls, we have to look after ourselves and make it a priority. Recently, I was on staff at a kids camp. It was a full-on week and by the end of it I

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was absolutely exhausted! I had been flat out all week and had been really slack with replying to text messages. I had promised a friend I would give her a call once camp was over. However, I knew that before I did, I needed to do something life giving for myself, so I grabbed a soy chai latte and got a pedicure.

That night, I gave my friend a call and I was a much better friend to her because I had taken the time to look after myself and re-energise. If I had called her straight after getting home from camp, I would have been giving her a tired, half-listening version of me. Jesus First, Yourself Second and Others will thank you for it.

Don’t feel guilty!

Learning to look after yourself may take some time. One thing that is important to note here, is that we shouldn’t feel guilty about looking after ourselves and sometimes delaying being there for others in order to do that. I have learnt that I am a better friend, sister, daughter, role model and officer when I have taken time out to look after myself and do things that are life giving to me. It might be a pedicure, or a “hot date with Jesus” where I take myself out somewhere nice with my Bible, ipod and journal and chill out for a while. It might mean making time for yourself so you can get yourself into a good routine with exercise. You could take yourself out for a coffee at your favourite coffee shop.

Jesus first, Yourself second and Others will thank you for it. J-YO!

Lieutenant Vanessa Kohler Mission Director Oasis Youth Service, Wyong

Testimony | Young

Everybody has a story ...

Mel Patterson (from left) with two of last year’s School For Youth Leadership students, Drew Williams and Nathanael Hardaker. Photo: Shairon Paterson

Confidence

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or a long time, Mel Patterson thought she was never the type of person who would spend nine months waking up to captivating views in Lake Munmorah at the School for Youth Leadership.

“My brother had previously gone to the school,” she explains. “When he went I sort of thought, that would never be for me. Over time my view of that changed and I decided that’s what I really wanted to do and that God wanted me there.”

Throughout her year at The Salvation Army School for Youth Leadership, Mel says she developed fruitful friendships, grew in her relationship with God and gained confidence in herself. Before entering the school, Mel struggled with public speaking but now she feels

comfortable on stage preaching or speaking to a crowd.

“During my year at School for Youth Leadership, I really found my voice in God. He told me I do have a loud voice, I’m a confident person and I can find confidence in him.”

As part of her practicum, Mel spent 10 weeks in America at Camp Gifford ministering to children. While working 22-hour days, Mel says the whole experience was rewarding, watching God work in the children’s lives.

Mel firmly believes the school has altered her life for the better and encourages young Salvos to enroll. “It’s amazing what God does in nine months,” she exclaims.

Visit www.boothcollege.edu.au/youth for further information about the course.

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Young | Social Justice

Social Justice Snapshot An ethical Easter

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t’s easy to get caught up in the hype of Easter – chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! The message of a Saviour can often be lost during this time. There is an easy way, however, you can mix both Jesus and chocolate this Easter.

How, you might ask? Well, in the Bible (read Matthew 25:31-46) Jesus shows us plenty of examples where he helped the lost, the poor and the sick. God calls us to assist those in need and fight for those who are unable to help themselves.

This Easter, by purchasing chocolate that is certified by Fairtrade, you are helping to remove slave labour. Fairtrade endeavours to produce ethical chocolate that does not exploit labour in developing countries.

So, when you buy your Easter eggs this year, look for the Fairtrade logo on the box to make sure you are purchasing ethical Easter eggs. Visit fairtrade.com.au for more information.

Laughter – the best medicine!

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have been blessed with laughter all my life. Some of my earliest memories are of my family all together telling jokes and stories, and laughing until my ribs hurt. My own giggle has been described as unique and infectious. People often identify my presence in a room by my laughter.

I love to laugh and I love to hear other people’s laughter. I have always believed in the old saying that laughter is the best medicine.

This has proven true in my experience.

I have found laughter to be healing for my spirit, mind and body.

In my early teenage years I fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. As I struggled with the restrictions of having this debilitating chronic illness, it was laughter that gave me strength. It was friends who brought humour into my life that helped me to stay connected to people. Finding joy in moments of laughter helped me to cope through the more difficult times.

Attending the School for Youth Leadership was a real turning point for me, not only in my struggle with illness but also in my spiritual and emotional growth. This was when I discovered the healing properties of laughter

in real Christian community. I experienced healthy community that accepted me, loved me and laughed with me (and not at me).

Having the support of mentors and the encouragement of fellow students as we worked together, learnt together and enjoyed life together, I learnt to laugh in a whole new way.

I discovered a deeper respect for who God has made me and a greater trust in the hope of my Saviour.

I began to develop a Proverbs 31 character, endeavouring to become a noble woman of God. Proverbs 31:25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come”.

I have found that I can laugh no matter what I am going through and whatever might be ahead because I have the hope and strength of God on my side.

Lieutenant Katherine Mills Assistant Corps Officer & Director Long Jetty Corps & The School for Youth Leadership

Where to find ethical Easter Eggs?

• Green and Blacks organic milk chocolate and dark chocolate eggs – available at Woolworths • Chocolatier dark and milk eggs – available at Oxfam shops. Visit chocolatier.com.au for store locations • Lindsay and Edmunds Easter eggs – only available in Canberra. Visit lindsayandedmunds.com.au for stockists.

YoungWIT

YoungWIT “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my saviour ... “ 2 Samuel 22:2 #Easter #cross #saviour

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Reviews | Young

Reviews Music Review

Burning Lights – Chris Tomlin

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hris Tomlin has brought a decade of inspirational worship with staples such as How Great is our God, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) and Holy is the Lord.

Returning with his latest 12-track album, Burning Lights, Chris continues to write songs that glorify God and offer heart-felt worship for a congregation. This is evident in particular through Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies], Lay Me Down and White Flag.

For all the Chris Tomlin fans out there, don’t worry, Chris’ typical style remains throughout his new album. However, in an attempt to stay current, Chris mixes up his style by teaming up with Christian hip-hop

artist Lecrae, and contemporary worship artists Christy Nockels, Phil Wickham and Kari Jobe.

These tracks are surprisingly refreshing.

In particular, Awake My Soul with Lecrae moves away from Chris’ typical congregational singing style. This song, along with Shepherd Boy, offers personal listening and reflective worship.

The only downfall on this album is God’s Great Dance Floor. Chris attempts a dance-infused worship song but it lacks the contemporary feel for a modern audience.

You can pick up a copy of Burning Lights on iTunes for $17.99

py a co Win is CD! e h of t your nam d n o t ss ly se Simp mail addre aue. @ e g d n i n a ra orth ne.w my.org fo ay o m i r s w a a n e tio giv salva o win our ’s n li t m To ce chan y of Chris . ights cop ing L Burn

Congratulations

Congratulations to Nicole Park from Carindale Corps who has won our giveaway copy of Hillsong’s We have a Saviour. Well done, Nicole!

Blog reviews

ponderings and wonderings

Heart to Heart with Holley

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ieutenant Vanessa Kohler, Wyong Oasis Youth Centre’s Mission Director, prefers to be referred to as “Ness” while writing on her blog ponderings and wonderings. Since April 2010, Lieutenant Vanessa has been inspiring the world with her thoughts on faith, mission and justice.

Through her own ministry as a Salvation Army officer, Lieutenant Vanessa shares stories from her experiences out on the daily mission field, some of the challenges she faces and offers perspective on different passages of scripture.

While Lieutenant Vanessa is an officer, she doesn’t pretend to have it all together. Ponderings and wonderings is a place not to be judged. Lieutenant Vanessa easily admits her own faults and failures but also provides godly insight into how to move on and pursue life’s journey.

In her bio section, she writes: “Injustice shouldn’t occur but it does. And I’m passionate about doing something about it.”

Lieutenant Vanessa discusses certain injustices in her blog, and how she is playing her part in turning these injustices around.

Visit khaora.wordpress.com to read Lieutenant Vanessa’s blog.

n author and blogger, Holley Gerth is passionate about helping young women discover God’s potential for their lives.

Quality blogs are not always easy to find, but Heart to Heart with Holley offers spiritual advice on topics that are relevant to young women. If you need a pick-me-up or some God-inspired advice, then Heart to Heart with Holly is for you. Plus, Holley is honest. Not only in her “about me” description but in her blog articles. When someone is honest about where they are at, we can instantly relate to them.

From the moment you start reading this blog, you quickly realise that Holley would love to sit down with each of her readers, have a coffee and share each other’s dreams. This is actually possible, even if you’re across the other side of the world. Holley is a qualified life coach and you can spend a free 15 minutes with her via Skype or instant messaging, asking for advice upon various areas of your life.

Visit www.holleygerth.com for all the details.

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Women In Ministry

2013 project to focus on children Australia Eastern Territory

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he Territorial Women’s Ministries department would like to thank the women of the territory for raising $99,000 for the 2012 Women’s Ministries project – medical flip charts for Africa.

“We are most grateful for all the work that has gone into raising this money and for the difference it is going to make,” said Commissioner Jan Condon, Territorial President for Women’s Ministries.

During the recent Captivated by the Word conference and Embrace nights, Commissioner Jan also announced the 2013 project – the refurbishment and upgrading of two childcare centres in Papua New Guinea.

The fundraising target is $110,000.

The childcare centres are located at the Officer Training College in the capital, Port Moresby, and the Leadership Training Centre at Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands.

Both centres need extensive renovations as well as chairs for the children, toys, books, paints, mattresses and covers, and music. The centre in Kainantu also needs a kitchen and toilet, outdoor swings and a locked fence.

“Childcare centres here are so blessed, and we look forward to being able to make a difference in the lives of the children and their families at these centres,” said Commissioner Jan.

The 2013 women’s ministries project is raising funds to benefit children from The Salvation Army childcare centres in Port Moresby and Kainantu.

Government funding for Little Steps playgroup Sydney East & Illawarra Division

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he Tarrawanna Corps has recently received local government funding to continue “Little Steps” playgroup – a group for mothers who have been diagnosed with post-natal depression.

Left to right: Member for Keira Ryan Park, visits Little Steps playgroup. Soldiers Mary Lefley, Lyn Mather and Divisional Public Relations Secretary, Karen Walker, are on hand to assist.

Retreat offers time of renewal ACT & South NSW Division

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ver 50 women recently attended the Divisional Women’s Retreat at Warrambui Conference Centre.

“In this beautiful country environment the women renewed friendships, were refreshed physically and spiritually and blessed and encouraged in their faith by the teaching from Major Sue Cox,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Jan Cairns, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.

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Little Steps was originally funded by Playgroup NSW. The group rented The Salvation Army hall for the playgroup and members of the corps, including corps officer, Captain Emma Moore, attended each week to spend time with the mums.

One year ago, Little Steps lost its funding, with the aim of making the group independent.

“As a corps, we felt that the group still needed a co-ordinator, and that the mums needed that extra support,” said Captain Emma. “We decided that the playgroup was too important to finish, and that we would fund the coordinator in the hope that other funding could be found.”

Captain Emma and the leadership team approached local Member of Parliament, Ryan Park, who came to the corps and wanted to know, not just about the playgroup, but what The Salvation Army did in the local community.

“As a young dad himself, he saw the need of continuing the group, and wanted to find some funding for us to continue Little Steps,” said Captain Emma. He also signed up for, and then collected for the Red Shield Appeal!”

Ryan Park, with the NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, visited the playgroup late last year and announced that funding would be made available for the playgroup, through The Salvation Army.

“The relationships with the mums are slowly building, and we can really see the difference in trust that a year has made,” said Captain Emma.

Major Sue, with her husband Major Garry, are corps officers for the Campbelltown Corps in the Greater West Division.

“Sue used David from the Old Testament to remind us of such truths as God looks at the heart while we look at the outward appearance.

“She also reminded us to focus on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent (Philippians 4:8).”

Robyn Evans, Territorial Social Justice Co-ordinator, and Janice, spoke at the conference, sharing their stories of trafficking in Australia.

“This segment highlighted The Salvation Army’s role in caring for the women caught up in trafficking and raised our awareness that this is not just a city problem,” said Lt. Colonel Jan.

Women In Ministry

Women’s Ministries world leaders 2013 In February, The Salvation Army welcomed a new World President for Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Silvia Cox. Commissioner Silvia replaces Commissioner Sue Swanson, who has returned to serve in her native USA. Commissioner Silvia Cox welcomed as World President of Women’s Ministries

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here was an upbeat atmosphere and sense of affirmation at the welcome meeting for the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner André Cox, and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries at International Headquarters (IHQ) on 6 February.

Commissioner Silvia responded to the words of welcome, saying said that she looks forward to discovering the IHQ family and the world family of Salvationists. For her appointment as WPWM, she shared a verse from Isaiah 43:1, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; have summoned you by name; you are mine”.

For more information, and to view the video, go to: www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/ news/inr060213

Biography

Commissioner Silvia Cox (née Volet) was born in Argentina, to Swiss officer parents, and gave her heart to the Lord just before her seventh birthday. She was also quite young when she became aware of God’s call on her life to become a Salvation Army officer and knew that this would involve serving in Africa.

Following her marriage to André Cox, who

was born in Harare, Zimbabwe to an English father and Swiss mother, the couple entered the International Training College, London, England. They were commissioned in 1979 and returned to serve in corps appointments in Switzerland. From there, with three small daughters, Myriam-Christine, Esther-Ruth and Sarah-Priscille, they were appointed to Zimbabwe. For the next ten years they served in a variety of territorial headquarters appointments.

Returning to the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, Major Silvia spent eight years in the Mission Development department where she became increasingly aware of The Salvation Army’s desire to reach across the world to resource, support and empower struggling and often poor communities. Community projects including feeding programs, literacy classes, and water and sanitation requirements were often Home League based and as such involved an on-going partnership of women across the globe.

A passion for women’s ministries took hold in her heart.

Subsequent territorial leadership and specific responsibility as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in Finland and Estonia;

Southern Africa and the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland have deepened Commissioner Silvia’s belief that: “As women of God we have a vital and definitive part to play in the Army. My hope is that we will unite as a force of change for better in the world and in the communities where God has placed us.”

Commissioners Cox are very proud of their daughters with their respective husbands and also their grand-daughters, Rebecca and Lily.

Commissioner Sue Swanson returns to the USA husband, Commissioner Barry Swanson.

Below, Commissioner Sue reflects on the opportunities God gave her to witness his family at work throughout the world during her appointment as WPWM.

Beautiful Community

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ommissioner Sue Swanson, former World President of Women’s Ministries (WPWM) who was guest speaker at Captivated by the Word women’s conferences in Brisbane and Sydney in 2012, has been appointed to the USA Eastern Territory with her

The beautiful community! That is what author Gilbert Bilezikian calls us. You know who we are; the community of the redeemed.

I testify today that is has been a blessing to be a part of the “beautiful community” that is Women’s Ministries. God has given me opportunity to witness his family at work in the world.

• Concentrating on leadership issues with the women of Africa and India.

• Celebrating the Word at the Captivated weekends in the Australia Eastern Territory.

• Experiencing the culture of joy with the women of Bolivia.

• Marvelling at the Junior Miss ministry in Kenya.

• Serving with the amazing Zonal Secretaries for Women’s Ministries at IQH.

• Worshipping with the women of Italy, Norway, France, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Fiji and New Zealand.

It’s wonderful for me to know that when we are doing Women’s Ministries right, we are inviting women to join and contribute to that lovely community of Christ. It’s a place of love, acceptance and hope.

It has been my honour to serve the Lord as your World President of Women’s Ministries. I have been enriched and blessed.

Bring more women to Christ. Invite more women to know the blessing of the redeemed and beautiful community!

Commissioner Sue Swanson Territorial President of Women’s Ministries USA Eastern Territory Editor’s note For information about Commissioner Sue’s farewell at IHQ, and to view the video, go to www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr300113a

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International Perspective

She Is – empowering women around the globe

L

eading up to International Women’s Day on 8 March, The Salvation Army’s International Development Office (SAID) launched “SHE IS”, an awareness raising project for gender equality, on 22 February.

The main area of focus of this project is the Millennium Development Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women.

“The aim of this project is to present the reality of women’s and girls’ conditions in today’s world, as well as the complex issues of gender inequality in many developing countries,” said Betsy Pineda, Communications and Marketing Coordinator for SAID. “We also aim to increase the knowledge of the Australian community about The Salvation Army's work in the area of international aid and development.”

The project website SheIs.org.au provides facts, figures and news about some of the key issues that women face worldwide, including illiteracy, lack of access to healthcare, gendercide and human trafficking. It also features stories about the work The Salvation is doing to address gender inequality around the world.

The “She Is” project is an Australian Government, AusAID initiative supported through the AusAID NGO Cooperation Program.

For more information, go to SheIs.org.au

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WOMEN IN TOUCH M ARCH

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International Perspective

SAID projects address gender inequality Through SAID projects worldwide, the Australia Eastern Territory funds or supports a wide range of projects that are contributing to alleviating the many and complex issues of gender inequality.

Water project, India

Water project, Myanmar

Literacy project, India

Teacher Training, Kenya

“Before, I was not allowed to use the well during the day as I am from a low caste because I am Christian. I could only get water at night time when it was too dark and unsafe for me.

Now that there is the water pump, anyone is allowed to access the water pump at any time of the day. The Salvation Army lets all people get water; Salvationist and non-Salvationist, it doesn’t matter. Now the Hindus are not discriminating against the Christians and the community is united. There is also less disease in the community.”

“I have three grandchildren. Now that I have learnt to read, I read books to them each night.

My grandchildren ask, ‘Grandma, are you a teacher? You are teaching us! Did you teach my father in this way too?’

Being able to read to my grandchildren means we are getting more love from each other.

I am expecting to learn more and more.”

“Before this time, especially in summer when there was no rain, it was very difficult. Due to population increases over the years, there was not enough water in the summer so we dug a ditch during the rainy season to scoop water out of in summer. We had to collect the water every day from a hole in the ground. This water was not drinkable, so it had to be filtered.

Now we have a well and it is very useful for the community. We are very glad to have regular, clean water and thank The Salvation Army.”

“Doing my diploma in Teaching Training has not only made me a better pre-school teacher, but also a better mother to my children. Now I have a better understanding of the growth and development of a child, so I am in a better position to nurture and teach my students. I have a rich knowledge and skills which I did not have before.”

Income generating project, Pakistan

“I’m using the income I get from making handicrafts to pay the water and electricity bills, rent, and to pay for my brother’s medical bills as he was in a motorbike accident. Because of the literacy classes, I can now read utility bills and directions. I can also read the price of items when I go shopping, so I know the correct price.

I had to quit school when I was younger, but am now able to continue working. It has meant I can also help my family.”

Street Children’s Literacy Program, India

“I live on a train platform, so sometimes I smoke or take drugs. But I don’t like these things. I want to become a good citizen and stand on my own two feet. I want to study so I come to class for 2-3 hours each day. I want to be able to change my life and have a better future.”

For more information on SAID projects, go to salvos.org.au/said/projects Alana Zammit Projects Coordinator Salvation Army International Development Office

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Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Psalm 51:12 New King James Version

Photo: Shairon Paterson