25 September 2010 : : Volume 11 : : Number 19 : : 65 cents
mission and ministry
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory PRINT POST APPROVED PP334385/00059 : : ISSN 1448-7861
sports ministry
i n s i d e : : a fa i r g o : s a lv o s i n c o u r t : : o u r p l a c e : i n g l e fa r m
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reflection
25 September 2010
The umpire’s decision There seem to be a lot of times in life when we’re judged or someone else gets to decide what happens in our lives. Teachers writing reports. Employers hiring staff. Umpires controlling sports matches. Police officers upholding the law. First dates with potential new partners. Bosses firing staff. Doctors ordering operations. Courtroom judges adjudicating. The Bible says we’ll even be judged by God. David wrote in Psalm 9:7, ‘The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.’ And while we often talk about Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25) in relation to serving others, the story is really about God’s judgement. If you stood before God to be judged today—what would the verdict be? ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats’ (Matthew 25:31,32).
The Salvation Army, raised up by God for the work of Transforming Lives, Caring for People, Making Disciples and Reforming Society.
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder International Headquarters: 101 Queen Victoria St, London EC4P 4EP. Shaw Clifton, General. Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, WA, Tas. and NT): 95-99 Railway Rd, Blackburn, Vic., Raymond A. Finger, commissioner, territorial commander. Editorial: Captain Mal Davies, editor-in-chief. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor, On Fire, PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130; ph. (03) 8878 2314; fax (03) 8878 4816; email: onfire@ aus.salvationarmy.org Advertising: Jan Magor, phone: (03) 8878 2304; fax: (03) 8878 4816; email: jan.magor@ salvationarmy.org; mail: PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130 Subscription/ Circulation: Annette Hill. Subscribe within Australia, $40.00 pa, to On Fire subscriptions, PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130. Overseas and airmail rates on application. Ph. (03) 8878 2303; fax (03) 8878 4816 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Raymond A. Finger at BPA Print Group Pty Ltd, Burwood, Vic. Press date: 14 September 2010 Editor: Linda Hogan Deputy editor: Ryan O’Connell Supplements coordinator: Captain June Knop
welcome
contents
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Bound for glory Once again, it’s that one day in September. Everyone from diehard footy tragics to my grandmother will be glued to the TV watching two teams fight for the AFL premiership cup. There have been more than 200 AFL games this season, but the grand final certainly isn’t just another match. More than 100,000 people will cram into the MCG, with millions watching at home, enduring the famously uninspiring pre-game entertainment before that long-awaited bounce. Sport plays an integral role in Australian life. So much of our national identity is tied up in our athletes: swimmers, cricketers, tennis players—pretty much anyone in green and gold. The ability to swim fast or take a great mark goes a long way to being declared a hero in the back pages of a newspaper. Considering how popular playing and watching sport is in Australia, sports ministry makes a lot of sense. Many teams have chaplains, with the Victorian Country Football League (the largest sporting body in Australia) considering inviting chaplains into every club. In addition, there are a number of churchbased sports leagues, including Salvo basketball and volleyball. Salvo sport may have had its heyday in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but leagues continue to draw players from corps, social centres and the community and connect them with the Army. Check out our cover story where On Fire explores the lasting impact of ministry within sporting venues and shares a few stories from the sidelines. In our last edition, we ran an article about the exciting ministries flowing out of Noarlunga Corps (SA). You can now read the full version of this story on our website: www. salvationarmy. org.au/onfire.
5 • Film,
Polly and Me Putting the spotlight on child abuse
Image from the film Polly and Me
25 September 2010
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6 • Cover Story
The Salvos are good sports when it comes to ministry Supplement: Grassroots
11 • Faith in Action
Bob McDonald on service, faith and healing
13 • Practice
Confessions of a court chaplain
14 • Feature
Dennis McMillin: Changing the justice system from the inside
16 •
Small Group Resources God is with us, says Christine Dalziel
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Also:
2 Reflection 4 Letter, Tribute 5 Leadership Today 10 Child Sponsorship 13 Making it Happen 18 Frontlines, About People
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Reviews
Graphic designer: Richard Lewis Proofreader: Dawn Volz
Linda Hogan Editor ®
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letter Humanity and prophecy I think Wayne Pittaway’s letter (‘ModernDay Sham?’ 14 August) misses the heart of the matter regarding your thoughtprovoking article ‘Modern-day prophets’ (31 July). There are two key theological approaches in play here: cessationism (the belief that the gifts of the Spirit described in the New Testament have ceased to be a part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church today) and continuationism (the belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still distributed, in use and necessary today). There are many faithful followers of Christ who subscribe to different interpretations of God’s word without advocating ‘magical categories of prophetic divination and superstition’ and who don’t fall into the ‘diviner or psychic prophets’ categories. I think this kind of language is an unhelpful distraction.
25 September 2010 When I read ‘Modern-day prophets’ I was firstly encouraged by the faith-inaction which motivated June and her gutsy team to roll up their sleeves and engage in serious evangelistic spiritual warfare. Secondly, from a theological point of view (and here Wayne and I may share some common ground), I would express some caution be exercised with regard to ascribing to someone the title of ‘prophet’. This designation is repeated throughout the article regarding June’s team. American theologian Professor Wayne Grudem offers some helpful instruction when he says, ‘The gift of prophecy, when exercised by an apostle, was infallible, [but] when an ordinary member of the body of Christ (including any one of us
today) exercised the gift, the gift was fallible.’ No matter how holy and wellintentioned we may be, we are fallible! One aspect of this discussion which may be confusing is that some folk assume that the gift of prophecy described in the New Testament is the same as the calling to be a prophet in the Old Testament. I agree with Grudem who says that they are not the same. The Greek use of the word prophet in the New Testament does not have the same meaning or connotation as that of the Old Testament. Much more could be said about these matters but here is not the place to expand. The scriptures are given to us to provide us with instruction, hope, and godly wisdom in all matters. I’d encourage us, as disciples of Jesus, to both ‘search the scriptures’ (Acts 17:11) and ‘earnestly desire spiritual gifts’ (1 Corinthians 14:1). I’d also like to encourage June and her team to continue to step out in faith, to walk humbly in his service and to offer counsel and prayerful insight to others in the same spirit. Phil Browne Seaview Downs, SA
Have you got a comment, commendation or criticism? Send your letter of 300 words or less to onfire@aus.salvationarmy.org, or On Fire, PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130. All submissions will be subject to editing for clarity and space.
To put it briefly
TRIBUTE Florence Lewis Florence (Flo) Lewis from Northcote Corps has been promoted to glory, aged 103. She was sworn in as a soldier in 1931, marking almost 80 years on the corps roll. Family and friends gathered at Inala Chapel for a thanksgiving service conducted by Major Timothy Lynn. Kevin Lewis (son) spoke of his mother as a woman of strong character and a friend to those in need. Flo grew up in a family of 14 children and was very helpful to immigrants who moved into the neighbourhood after World War II. Flo was known as a great cook, embracing new domestic inventions. Kevin also mentioned his late sister Dorothy, who lived with his mother, saying the two were good friends as well as mother and daughter. Flo’s husband George was promoted to glory in 1958.
Always involved in corps activities, Flo joined in catering, fundraising, teaching Sunday school and caring for children. Majors Dennis and Thelma McMillin brought a corps tribute, saying Flo’s faith was inspirational. A consistent encourager, Flo was a woman of integrity who liked ‘getting things done properly’. Major Lynn said he often spoke with Flo while chaplain at Inala Village. She was a regular at the worship meetings. Major Lynn read Proverbs 31, saying it described Flo, a woman of Christian confidence. Lyndel Sainsbury (granddaughter) read from Scripture and Emma Lewis (great granddaughter) sang ‘I’m in His Hands’. Peter Lewis (grandson) played the piano.
Have you recently been bereaved? Please don’t forget to submit a tribute and, if possible, a photograph, to On Fire, PO Box 479, Blackburn 3130, or email: onfire@aus.salvationarmy.org
Much of my life has been wrapped up in The Salvation Army, a movement in which I have been a leader for more than 60 years. As I review the past, I have no major regrets. Life has been fulfilling and my confidence in the Army is as strong as ever. I believe that our uniform has helped to make our message visible and our music has made it audible, but only holiness and integrity can make it credible. What matters
most is not what we do but who we are. Character will speak
louder than any song or attire. In this respect, we know that we are far from perfect but at least we are trying to be the best that we can be and will ‘keep on keeping on’. C o mmissi o n er W esle y H arris
news
Image from the film Polly and Me
25 September 2010
The call
Kids at risk: Polly and Me ABC1 partners with Salvos to highlight child abuse On 9 September, ABC1 aired Polly and Me, a film about child abuse and neglect from the perspective of the child, followed by a discussion with abuse survivors, doctors, foster carers and researchers. The story is told by an eight-year-old girl who lives alone with her mother in a small, derelict flat. Her only friend is her doll, Polly. The girl can see other children playing outside, but never interacts with them. Her mother works all night and sleeps all day and, despite her good intentions, her daughter is increasingly neglected and exposed to negative influences, including substance abuse and her mother’s sex work. Although the film is a fictional story, it echoes the situation thousands of Australian children find themselves in and is based on a number of case studies. Polly and Me was produced by Shark Island Films, the group behind the Oasis documentary. Once again, they partnered with Captains Paul and Robbin Moulds, who were also in the audience during the discussion. Host Geraldine Doogue highlighted that there were more than 55,000 confirmed cases of child abuse in Australia in 2009. More than 33,000 children are currently in state care because they can’t live at home with their family, more than double the figure from 10 years ago. The most common age group for children to be removed from their family is age one to four. While filming the Oasis documentary, filmmaker Ian Darling said he realised that much of the trauma suffered by the people at Oasis had happened during their childhood, often in homes with extreme domestic violence, neglect and generational alcohol and substance abuse.
leadership today
‘It opened my eyes to the fact that it’s happening in every community. It’s not far away; it’s happening in your street,’ said Darling. It’s this realisation that started him thinking about creating Polly and Me. Paediatrician Dr Sue Packer supported Darling, saying, ‘I’ve seen this year in and year out for the past 20 years.’ Child abuse survivor ‘Bee’ said her circumstances were ‘quite similar’ to those portrayed in the film. She said her mother was not capable of looking after her, so she was neglected and, like the girl in the film, ate whatever food she could find. When asked if anyone noticed, Bee said she herself didn’t know anything was wrong until she was in her teens, and even then she hid it. ‘Asher’, whose mother was a sex worker, said the mother in the film was like his, simply lacking the skills to be a parent. He turned to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, believing nobody could see the situation he was in. Although the seriousness of the situation was emphasised, Doogue mentioned the high rate of successful foster parenting and programs involving community groups with schools to help identify and protect children experiencing abuse. Viewers were encouraged to ask for help if they’re having trouble parenting, and to take an interest in the welfare of children around them. For further information about the film, or if you need assistance, visit www.pollyandme.com.au Salvo Care Line (24-hour telephone counselling) 1300 36 36 22
Have you ever heard ‘the call’? When, as a child, my parents called me I’d know right away if it was going to be a positive or negative encounter—especially when I was called by my full name. Throughout life, I have been called many times, but none were as promising and positive as the call of God. It came as an invitation to follow him and model my life on his when I was converted. Later my call included serving God in full-time ministry. At a recent conference, I was encouraged and stirred to hear a valued employee of The Salvation Army describe his work as the result of God’s calling on his life. Mostly the word ‘called’ is used in connection with such matters as missionary service or pulpit ministry but this word applies to every Christian, called to be what Christ wants them to be. It is an intriguing thing regarding God’s call; how we separate the secular call from the sacred, as though the call to full-time ministry is more authentic or significant than the call of God on the lives of lay people. The primary difference of an officer or minister’s calling is that of being released from everyday employment to engage in full-time ministry. God’s calling in our lives is a high calling indeed. Sacred or secular, whether lay workers, officers, soldiers or friends, God has called us to fulfil his purposes. The call of God has everything to do with the ‘priesthood of all believers’. We all participate in the magnificent enterprise of God, healing the world of suffering and sin. God help us each in our daily response to his call, keeping us both faithful and diligent.
Commissioner Aylene Finger Territorial president of women’s ministries
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cover story Matt Atkins takes his time with the ball. It’s not that he’s slow—he hustles back and forth across the basketball court’s 28 metres of hardwood with reasonable speed—he’s just surveying his options. After a moment, his brow will furrow and Matt will fire off a pass, or make a decisive drive to the basket; maybe throw in a crossover or spin-move, if the situation calls for it. If he looks comfortable on Box Hill’s (Vic.) Aqualink court, it’s because he is. ‘I’ve been playing for 20 years. Since I was in primary school,’ he says during a timeout. An oddly tender moment occurs as Matt’s teammates file back onto the court: one doubles back, leans over and presents a shaved-bald head for a grinning Matt to touch. Whatever in-joke or sporting ritual is happening before me, I can’t say—but the moment speaks volumes as to what’s different about the Salvation Army Basketball Association of Victoria (SABAV); it isn’t about the scoreboard or the win/loss column posted on a corkboard in the foyer—it’s about relationships. As much as the
nearby Box Hill Salvation Army Corps, this high-ceilinged stadium is a place of ministry.
‘Probably 75 per cent of the league are Salvo-affiliated, or have ties to a church. Almost all Chinese corps field at least one team. It’s great,’ says Matt, SABAV grading secretary. Being a Salvo competition, the players go about their business with a very specific, very outward-looking ethos. The games are a fun way to stay fit and socialise, but ultimately, the 75 per cent ‘Salvo-affiliated’ are there for the 25 per cent—setting a very public example. ‘In Australian culture, we’re sports crazy, so I think sports ministry has really great potential,’ says Matt. ‘The whole idea is incarnational ministry. Jesus was with the people and an example to them. So we try to present that same example by the way we play and interact with the people who come to join us. ‘We try as much as we can not to have any “white-line fever”. When people come here, they’re the same people on and off the court,’ says Matt. ‘We expect each team to have a set of mission values—including respect and good sportsmanship. There’s a higher standard when it comes to things like our no swearing
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policy. We do our best to enforce it, and we’re a lot harder on that than other competitions. Simple things like that.’ SABAV co-ordinators approach all aspects of their competition as opportunities to set themselves apart; while most leagues will purchase trophies to hand out at the end of the season, SABAV offers JustGifts cards, representing purchases made for third world countries. ‘Ultimately, we want this competition to stand out from any social competition. When people leave, we want them to think “That was a bit different than most comps”.’ To that end, the SABAV also works hard to create a sense of community, where players are eager to come before their games and stay long after the final siren sounds, chatting and getting to know each other. ‘We just feel that actions will be more influential in the long run than pushing words on people,’ says Matt. And he’s right. The Australia Southern Territory is full of stories of people who have come for the sport, and stayed for the salvation.
T T A
Salvos giving people a sporting chance at salvation
by Ryan O’Connell
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25 September 2010
For the next 20 years, Christine ‘wandered in the wilderness’. Following a divorce from an alcoholic partner, she eventually found herself struggling to support her three boys on a singleparent pension. ‘I had to quit nursing because I’d burned myself out. I got to the point where I in despair—life was too hard. I had great difficulty just keeping my sons in shoes. I was very depressed and socially isolated. I’d very nearly given up.’ The seed of change was planted when Christine’s sons (Tyler, Angus and Joel) joined a school basketball team, which happened to be coached by Major Geoff Freind. ‘I was very shy when I first started going. I’d sit on the stand and just watch the kids play and wouldn’t talk to anyone. Every now and again, Major Lyn Cochrane would come and sit next to me. Without being pushy, she would just ask how we were going.’ In time, Christine noticed that her sons had brought her into an entirely different world than what she was used to. ‘Coming along to the Salvos,
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For Captain Christine Abram, her love to be found on the sidelines of a basketball court was enough to propel her from a self-described ‘20-year dark period’. ‘When I was 20, my 18-year-old brother Richard moved in with me. We’d only been living together two weeks when he and a friend were in a plane crash. They both died instantly,’ she says. While Christine grew up in a Christian home, attending a Methodist church, her brother’s death was a faith crisis. ‘I hadn’t been attending church because it was clashing with my nursing shifts’, she recalls. ‘When Richard died, I just left.’
R I STI
Team Effort
7 there was no pressure; everyone was welcoming, and they provided the uniforms. One day I found a donation in my letterbox for new sneakers for the kids. ‘The values of fairness, honesty, loyalty, teamwork and relationshipbuilding were so strong,’ she remembers. ‘The coaches I saw were really loving towards their team members, as well as the parents who came to watch. Everyone was gener-
ous in sharing support and looking after one another.
Whether on or off the court, their behaviour was all about relationship. It added so much value to our lives,’ Christine says. She also grew more confident in herself as team leaders offered her various responsibilities, such as scoring and taking extra kids to games. The feeling of hope Christine drew from the Salvo sporting community came to a head when Lyn Cochrane invited her and her boys to a basketball and netball carnival in Adelaide. ‘So many aspects of that carnival helped me to find my faith again. Listening to Christian music in the car travelling to Adelaide, I kept hearing things like “All things are possible” and “God is always with us”. There were testimonies and scripture readings delivered from centre court. Just being there, I felt like “Oh, I’m back out into life again!” There was a joy about it. It was amazing; God seemed to know what I needed. ‘I came back thinking “Wow, God is really interested in us. He can really impact people, not just in a church, but anywhere—like a basketball stadium”. It really blew me away. When I came back, I knew I wanted to be in fulltime ministry in The Salvation Army. I felt God calling me there, even though I didn’t even fully understand what that meant,’ she says At 40 years young, Christine entered the training college in 2001 as part of the Crossbearers Session. Today, she works as the corps
cover story
25 September 2010
[continued]
officer at Kalgoorlie-Boulder with her husband Colin, and, unsurprisingly, has developed a great enthusiasm for sports ministry. ‘We encourage all of the kids that come along to kids’ club to get involved in sport, and support families by helping them with uniforms and transport. We try to invite lots of people along and encourage parents by telling them; “We’re made to be in relationship”, and the teamwork, support and fun of sport is a great way to express that.’ C a p ta i n A n n e L a n e : T h e p r o d i g al p la y e r
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As a teenager, I was searching all the time. I could never quite fully discover who God was and what Jesus meant to me, so I found great value in hanging out with other Christian teenagers in an attempt to work out the whole Christian thing. So, I would involve myself in just about everything that the territory and the division threw at me; especially the Salvo netball competition. At the start of each netball season, there would be a buzz of excitement as all those involved rallied at Fawkner Park (Vic.). When I was finally old enough to play, I bubbled with excitement every Saturday for that entire season. I enthusiastically ran to get my team’s goal post from the storage shed, ready for the start of every game. I loved playing against the many friends I made with each passing season. I enjoyed heading to the
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canteen for the most magnificent lollies after the game (to renew my energy, of course). I remember wearing black Dunlop runners, and how slippery the grass could be after it rained. But mostly, I remember the laughter of those Saturdays. It was so much fun. The excitement of the finals was electric, as spectators adorned themselves in team colours and waved crepe-paper streamers while cheering each goal. But finals meant the worst time was near; when we had to pack up at the completion of play and wait many, many months until the new season started. I will never forget the happy memories I have of those wonderful netball days. My ultimate aim was to figure out the entire Christian life through activities like this. While I gave my heart to Jesus numerous times, there was always the desire to keep searching for more, as I never really felt that I had found enough. When I turned 22, I decided to give it all up. I switched to another church in the hope that they would have all the answers. However, I never made it out of bed early enough on Sunday morning to actually attend that church, so nine years passed before I realised I still hadn’t found what I was searching for. So, at the age of 31, I headed to my local Salvation Army Corps in Rosebud and started the journey to
discovering God all over again—only this time I had maturity on my side. I recognised that the life of a Christian is a journey and that I might not learn all the answers until the day my life is over. The pressure was
off and it was time to get started on this marathon of discovering God. Two years later: Easter, 2000. I went to a divisional Good Friday meeting at Box Hill Corps and had a spiritual encounter with God, where all the teachings I had received in my life to that point became clear. I didn’t respond to God’s calling on my life until the Easter Sunday service at Rosebud. Here I found myself walking forward in front of all these people to make a public commitment to follow Christ. For the next couple of years, I became aware that sports ministry activities contributed immensely in bringing me to salvation. I realised my teenage years were all part of the journey; the entire time I was away from God, throughout my 20s, I remembered the people I had spent time with and all the activities and events that formed my teenage life. They were extremely vital in bringing me to God. I never lost the connection and strong bond I had formed with these people, who had played a significant role in my life. When I entered the training college and began my life of officership, I quickly reacquainted myself with many of my old friends as I moved through the Army world. I truly felt that I was home again. Anne Lane is a planting officer at Mornington Mission Centre with her husband Colin.
news
25 September 2010
Salvo award-winners
15 August 2009 : : Volume 10 : : Number 16 : : 65 cents
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory PRINT POST APPROVED PP334385/00059
::
ISSN 1448-7861
Do vegetarianism and Christianity go hand in hand?
The Salvation Army has won several awards at the 2010 Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA) awards for Excellence. In the category for ‘Best Front Page’, On Fire’s Richard Lewis won the Gold Award for his design on the 10 October 2009 edition (pictured). An ARPA judge said the cover ‘just kept leaping out at me’ and described the collage of a chicken and a cauliflower as ‘clever and incredibly effective in promoting the article on vegetarianism and Christianity’. The Eastern Territory’s Pipeline magazine picked up the Bronze Award in the same category and also a Highly Commended award in the category of ‘best feature by a single author’ for an article by Bill Simpson. The War Cry in New Zealand also received several awards, in categories including ‘best original artwork’ and ‘most improved publication’. The awards night was part of the larger ARPA conference, where 75 representatives from Christian magazines, newspapers and websites across Australia and New Zealand met for workshops, presentations and the awards dinner. National editor-in-chief Captain Mal Davies presented a session to conference delegates on the importance of producing publications—such as Warcry and Kidzone—for a predominantly non-Christian readership. He challenged representatives to move beyond producing only ‘internal’ publications for Christians, pointing out that only a handful of the 50 magazines on display at the conference were designed to introduce readers to Christian concepts. mission and ministry
i n s i d e : : p o w e r o f p r Ay e r : : o u r p l A c e : r i N g w o o d : : o n f i r e — w h y ?
Ryan O’Connell accepts On Fire’s Gold Award (Best Front Page), on behalf of Richard Lewis (smaller photo), from Father Michael Tate. Photo courtesy Ramon Williams.
Geelong withdrawal unit extends services Commissioners Raymond and Aylene Finger (pictured below, centre) officially opened a new extension to the Geelong Withdrawal Unit (Vic.) in August. Part of the wider Kardinia Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, the withdrawal unit offers a three-stage program for those experiencing drug and alcoholrelated problems, including detox schedules and ongoing support and accommodation.
The extension doubles the unit’s capacity to 12 clients under 24-hour care, as well as adding new training rooms, a doctor’s consulting room and a nurses’ treatment room. City of Greater Geelong Councillor Kylie Fisher opened the ceremony with a welcome on behalf of the mayor’s office before manager Debra Little (pictured below, right) spoke about the program’s development and expansion since com-
mencing in 2001. ‘We’ve been accepting more clients over the years by converting offices into bedrooms,’ she said. ‘Eventually, we began to run short on office space—we were having to hold training groups in the lounge room. ‘The extension means we have lovely new office and treatment facilities. It boils down to the staff being able to deliver better services for clients.’
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international news
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child sponsorship In each issue of On Fire, we introduce a few children living in developing nations who have been identified by Salvation Army staff as needing sponsorship. Say hello to... Name: Teddy Age: 4 Country: Uganda Four-year-old Teddy suffers from malaria. Her parents married at 16, and found life so hard that they separated when Teddy was two, leaving her to be cared for by her nineyear-old aunt. Teddy requires sponsorship to help with food, education, clothing and mosquito nets to help prevent disease. Name: Esneider Age: 4 Region: Latin America Esneider lost his sponsor in 2009. The sudden cessation of sponsor money creates a very difficult situation for a sponsored child. Esneider’s father struggles to find regular work and does his best to support his wife and son. With a bit of additional help, Esneider can continue to attend day care and then school. If you would like to sponsor a child, including Teddy or Esneider, or a Salvation Army school, children’s home or program, please contact the Child Sponsorship Department. Once Teddy and Esneider have sponsors, staff can partner sponsors with children in similar situations. (03) 8878 4543 PO Box 479 Blackburn Vic. 3130 childsponsorship@ aus.salvationarmy.org www.salvationarmy.org.au/ childsponsorship
25 September 2010
Villagers flee volcanic eruptions in Sumatra The Salvation Army is providing emergency assistance to thousands of people displaced by the eruption of the Mount Sinabung volcano on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Inactive for 400 years, the volcano began to send plumes of ash into the atmosphere in late August, covering surrounding villages. Since activity began, it has caused 18 earth tremors and 18 projections of volcanic ash, forcing 29,000 people to evacuate to nearby government and NGO emergency shelters.
A local Salvation Army Compassion in Action team is working out of the Kabanjahe Corps, which is near government shelters. Major Marthen Pandorante, divisional commander of The Salvation Army’s North Sumatra Division, has identified the need for additional assistance in the areas of health services, bedding, warm clothing, and nutrition and drinking water for children. Donations can be made via The Salvation Army’s international headquarters website at www.salvationarmy.org
New Zealand quake relief moves into second phase The Salvation Army’s response to the recent New Zealand earthquakes is moving past initial emergency relief, beginning to provide counselling to distraught people in Christchurch. ‘Some people will simply want to vent their emotions, but for many the full emotional impact may not surface for weeks or months,’ says community ministries secretary Major Ian Hutson. Local emergency services coordinator Major Rex Cross says those coming to the welfare centres have been frightened and
need constant reassurance for the first hour or so. Demand has seen counsellors and social workers from the Australian territories called to assist in New Zealand. The Army’s national fundraising coordinator in New Zealand, Major Robbie Ross, says they have also secured warehousing and refrigeration facilities to improve provision of food parcels to those in urgent need. Approximately 2,000 people per day are being fed at Christchurch welfare centres, 400 of whom are staying at the centres overnight.
Pakistan floods impact new regions The Salvation Army is continuing to assist in the flooded regions of Pakistan, where it is estimated that 20 million people (more than 10 per cent of the population) have been affected by the disaster. Five weeks after the downpour that began the crisis, floodwaters continue to impact new areas as they flow south. Relief teams are preparing to distribute almost 5,000 tents to families in southern Pakistan.
At the time of publication, more than 2,000 families have received goods from the Army. As needed supplies are becoming more readily available, it is expected that teams will be able to assist 16,000 more families in the next month. ‘It is good to see the work done here by the local Salvation Army,’ says International Emergency Services worker Major Drew Ruthven. ‘Many people have been helped, but so many are still in need.’
faith in action
25 September 2010
Major Bob McDonald on 40 years of officership, service and healing. Six years ago, while I was being treated for leukemia, my doctors discovered I had kidney cancer and both lungs were peppered with secondary cancers. I asked the specialist what this meant and he told me that I
had, at most, one year to live.
I was surprised at my reaction. I accepted it calmly, realising that, across the years, I had conducted many funerals of much younger people than myself. Why should I be exempt? Besides, I had packed a lot of living into my then 59 years. Some weeks later I read Psalm 42 in my devotions. Verses 1–3 seemed to leap out of the page—‘Blessed is he who has regard for the weak...the Lord will restore him from his bed of illness’. A voice seemed to whisper, ‘This promise is for you’. It was two years later before I learned that my wife had, around that time, read the same Psalm and had a similar experience. We had been reluctant to share it with each other, let alone with anyone else, lest it arouse false hopes. But time has proven it to be of God and his healing assured. Sixty-five years ago, I was born into a Salvationist family. At the age of eight I gave my life to Jesus. I remember it well, as the YPSM who counselled me had been eating onion sandwiches for her lunch! But God worked in spite of her breath! As far back as I can remember, I have always known I should be a Salvation Army officer. It was an awareness so strong that I have never been able to doubt it and so, 43 years ago, I entered the Training College from Sunshine Corps (Vic.). Then followed 40 years of active officership—17 appointments in five states, including 13 demanding, yet fulfilling, years at the Bridge Program working with people battling addictions.
Some weeks after entering Training College, I was at a Sunday morning open-air meeting with the South Melbourne Band and I was given the task of leading the march back to the hall carrying the flag. The band was in fine form and as I marched my head was full of dreams. I was no longer a humble cadet but a corps officer and I was marching at the head of my band—much bigger than the South Melbourne Band. Behind this fine band of mine were hundreds of converts, men and women, old and young. I had such big dreams of what would happen once I was an officer. However my imaginings were rudely interrupted— I suddenly realised the band had become very quiet. I looked back, only to discover they were four blocks behind me and I had to mark time until they caught up! Alas such dreams were simply that, the stuff of fantasy. But six years ago when everyone (myself included) thought I was dying, I had another dream. It was much the same dream of nearly 40 years before—except this time I was not full of delusions of grandeur. I didn’t take much notice of the band but rather the faces of the many converts. They were real faces of real people. Some of them are now in the Glory Land but all of them were people my wife and I have known, whose lives had been touched through our ministry. I was in the middle of a terrible time. I was bearing more than the wounds of terminal illness. I was bearing the wounds of war inflicted during ministry. Those deep wounds suddenly seemed as nothing. Any cost I
had paid was more than worth it all. For with songwriter Ruth Tracey I could say, ‘O the happiness he gives me far outweighs the toil and loss. Sweetest joy I find in leading weary sinners to the cross. For there’s pleasure in his service— more than all,’ (SASB 399).
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our place The Salvation Army at Ingle Farm is an exciting place to be. Set in the northern suburbs of Adelaide amid light industry and a working class estate, it is not unusual to see hundreds of people a week walk through our doors. All have differing needs and desires yet are confident that this is a safe place where they will be treated with dignity and love. On any given day, you will find activities and programs that meet a myriad of needs and cater for all ages. Each weekend up to 300 people gather for worship in four congregations. Each congregation has its own target group, ranging from multigenerational families, time-poor 35–55 year olds, high school aged youth and young adults. Flowing out from these congregations are programs that serve the discipleship process including: + Pathways groups (First Steps Play Time, mainly music, Companion Club, Home League, basketball, getaway weekends, 4WD club, craft and bus tours). + Caring ministries (care groups, Encouragers Ministry, prayer team, welcome team, newcomers ministry and congregational care). + Discipleship programs (planned giving, membership recruitment, leadership training, Christian education, children’s ministries and corps cadets). + Worship Enhancing Groups (worship planning team, senior and junior band, Ingle Farm Singers and Junior Vocal, senior and junior timbrels, multimedia, and sound and lighting). + Ingle Farm also helps thousands of people in need, assisted by 63 staff
25 September 2010
and 72 volunteers; operating some 82 housing units and three residential care units, managing eight different government contracts and running three thrift shops. + Communities for Children creates a child-friendly community environment for children 0–12 by assisting parents and communities in building family relationships and connecting families with local services, agencies and community groups through a range of programs. + Young Mums is a mentoring service that works with homeless or at-risk adolescent mums in the community. + Emergency Relief assists people on low incomes by providing food, furniture, payment of utility bills and more. Repeat visitors are helped with budget counselling and a variety of schemes to get them back on track. + Community Services covers a diverse range from our three thrift shops to other fundraising activities, community bus and truck. We provide a variety of kits containing household and kitchen items, linen or baby supplies for clients entering our housing programs. + Supported Accommodation Team manages 27 houses offering accommodation, support and independent living training to youth who would otherwise be homeless. + Burlendi Youth Shelter has operated for 25 years offering
accommodation for eight homeless young people at a time. + Muggy’s Accommodation Service is now in its ninth year and operates at the request of the State Government as a service for young people under the guardianship of the Minister. Mostly aged between 16–18 years, Muggy’s clients have failed to thrive in conventional foster homes. Muggy’s have a 93% success rate and we have been asked to replicate this service in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. + Substance Abuse Service for Youth (SASSY) is one of a kind in South Australia which takes young people aged 14–18 who have been before the courts for a crime directly related to drug use. After referral and acceptance, SASSY maintains contact with the young people whether they are at home, outside or in a juvenile detention centre. It is important to understand that the success of Ingle Farm is found not just in our spiritual expression nor our social expression. Rather, the strong effectiveness comes out of the natural marriage of corps and community services—celebrating one Salvation Army. Ingle Farm Corps exists to see lives transformed in the name of Jesus. Each day we see examples of how our spiritual ministry and social ministry add value to each other, as all our staff, soldiers and volunteers work towards seeing people’s lives holistically transformed. We each have a role to play. When we are all working towards the same outcome, it does not matter if we are bringing our professional skills or spiritual passions to the plate as our efforts are complementary and make a difference to people we serve.
practice
25 September 2010
Confessions of a court chaplain
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making it happen
Kathleen White wades through the troubled waters of court chaplaincy Down there is a young man in a cell, writhing in agony with the dawning realisation that he’s done a terrible thing to someone he loves. Nearby are the police, straight-faced and thin-lipped, saying, ‘He won’t be released for a long, long time’. In the court are lawyers, busy and bustling, arms laden with files. To them it’s all in a day’s work, to some almost a game—talking of the prosecutor as ‘my friend here’, and of ‘my client, your honour’. There’s the magistrate, a level above the commoners, entering and exiting through a special door. There are the sheriff’s officers, a hive of activity; the cleaner; the volunteers with their tea trolley. At the back are a pair of reporters, slender and selfimportant, wielding notepads and sporting high heels. Outside are the media cameras, waiting on the steps like vultures for the carnage of human dignity. Over there, they must be the parents of the defendant—eyes red-rimmed and clouded with disbelieving grief. And there is the family of the victim, angry, lacerated, rejecting kind words and attempts to comfort. And here’s the chaplain. Me. What do I say? How should I be? I can’t smile. A lighthearted remark isn’t appropriate and weather commentary has never been less relevant. I don’t really know the situation. I don’t want to appear foolish or ignorant or uncaring. How do I sit with the mother of a young man in court accused of murder? What do I say to her? How can I tell his father that it should all work out OK? How do I affirm a sex offender when I’m repulsed by the crime? An offender is still a human being. What to say to his wife, doubly persecuted by his betrayal and the hounding of the media? Is my role as chaplain insignificant? Or oil, salt or light? Small, but amazingly influential. A drop of oil can soothe, soften and even heal. A pinch of salt makes all the difference. A tiny spark dispels the gloom. Our ministry flows into the gaps. Taking messages here, making a phone call there. ‘He loves you and he’s sorry…’ Encouraging a partner. Quelling someone’s fears. Smiling at a baby who you’ve just realised is at the centre of a custody case. Praying with a lovable rogue who will go ‘home’ to prison. Shaking a hand. Shedding a tear. Passing the tissues. Feeling the pain that this man here is someone’s son. His girlfriend has to move on— 20 years is too long to wait to start a family. The burden of the task is sometimes like lead on my heart, or a heavy pudding in my stomach. How do I encourage the mother of a boy who is the same age as my son and up on murder charges? I saw two such mothers this week. How will I burn with Jesus’ love and not burn out? Thank you Jesus for being on the inside: helping, strengthening, guiding, glowing. You have more power than the whole ‘system’. Power that’s available to me, and to each foolish, wayward, disadvantaged, destructive, antagonistic, beloved child of yours. And you, my fellow Christians, wherever you are, please spare a prayer for your chaplains, spattered with the pain and muck of human suffering. We need your encouragement. Major Kathleen White is a court chaplain at Adelaide Magistrates Court.
Mexican fiesta On 14 June, women from across Western Australia gathered for a Mexican fiesta at Perth Fortress Corps. Many joined in the spirit of the event by dressing as senoritas. Commissioner Aylene Finger was the guest speaker, sharing her experiences in Mexico and the tragic circumstances faced by many children there. Although poverty, human trafficking and poor working and living conditions are prevalent in Mexico, The Salvation Army is bringing hope. I’m encouraged and excited to see how The Salvation Army in Australia is ‘Making it Happen’ by raising funds and awareness to support the people of Mexico through the La Gloria project. Many women who came to this event experienced a change in their world view as they learned about the situation. Their hearts have been opened to the need and, as part of the international Salvation Army, we can make a difference. We don’t have to be overwhelmed by need. Simply buying a ‘Making it Happen’ shopping bag contributes to the project. The Perth fiesta culminated with the women bringing their donations. To date, $27,000 has been raised by the women of Western Australia alone. Such generosity will make a difference in the lives of children and families involved with the La Gloria Child Care Centre in Mexico. For more information on this project visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/women Major Sally Allchin Family and resource secretary Women’s ministries department
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feature
Dennis McMillin can’t offer prisoners a ‘get out of jail free’ card,
A fair go for the It’s a chilly, windy Tuesday in Melbourne. Barristers clad in gowns and wigs pour out of the modern glassand-steel County Court and pass by the Supreme court, which seems to be sleeping behind its 19th century facade. Major Dennis McMillin heads for the Melbourne Custody Centre—by day the underground cells hold prisoners who will be attending court; by night, those arrested for public drunkenness. Dennis has been a chaplain at the Magistrates’ Court for 12 years. His wife Thelma joined him at the court in 2002*, and in that time they have seen thousands of lawyers, prisoners, defendants, victims and families pass through the doors. If anyone is positioned to comment on the welfare of these people, it’s the McMillins. Captain Alison Platt joined the team in 2007. The Salvos’ role is to be a positive influence in the court and custody centre. ‘Providing a food voucher or train ticket is only a minor part of our role,’ says Dennis. ‘On any given day we could be assisting a lady access a domestic violence service in the court, and attend court with her as she applies for an intervention order. ‘We could be helping a distraught family because a loved one has been picked up by the police overnight. That support can continue for days as we help keep them informed about where their loved one is.’ Often people just want to sit, take it all in, be listened to and, where required, be given appropriate advice. Every day the chaplains talk to prisoners, communicate with their families and friends, give counsel and pray, linking families to Salvation Army corps or social centres, depending on their needs. ‘We are people of God and that’s what every person we come in contact with expects of us.’ Dennis is also interested in reforming the system when it fails. ‘After 12 years, I have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done,’ he says. Not content that processes can’t be changed simply because they have always been done in a certain way, Dennis constantly asks ‘why?’ and seeks out the people who can make things happen.
About seven years ago, solicitor Stephen Myall (now a magistrate) and Dennis had an informal chat in the court foyer. They discussed issues and frustrations they saw in the custody system and decided something should be done. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back at the custody centre, Dennis passes through security into a small room. Somehow, on the promise of a biscuit and a cuppa, he has managed to gather some of the most influential people in justice to form the Victorian Custody Reference Group (VCRG). In addition to Dennis and Mr Myall, there are senior police, lawyers, custody centre and prison managers, court registrars, Aboriginal liaison officers and senior representatives from Centrelink, the Department of Justice, Corrections Victoria, Department of Health, prisoner records, prisoner transport, Legal Aid, the Bar Council, the Law Institute, VACRO (Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) and CISP (Court Integrated Services Programme). They all have two things in common: an interest in the welfare of people in custody, and the power to do something about it. ‘What Dennis has achieved is bringing together the most significant stakeholders in corrections in order to deal with systemic issues,’ says Rob Melasecca, a defence lawyer and VCRG chairman. ‘Because of his work and enthusiasm we refer to Dennis as a “living legend”. He doesn’t like that though—Dennis is too humble.’ The first issue the VCRG tried to deal with was prisoner clothing. Previously, prisoners were transported to court (often from metropolitan prisons) and, if released, left with only the clothing on their back. ‘I can remember going to the prisons to meet with staff,’ says Dennis. ‘They had good reasons that it worked that way—if you’re transporting 20 or 30 prisoners, and half of them are applying for bail, it’s a real hassle to take all their clothing and property. Say half of those applying don’t get bail, their property has to go back to the prison again. Now one prison is open until 8 pm for released prisoners to return
to get their clothes.’ It may appear trivial, but being able to change back into their own clothes and blend in with the crowd is significant for released offenders. ‘A prisoner having access to their medications when travelling between prisons and courts and upon release is a human right,’ says Rob. ‘This wasn’t happening before, but it is now. The beauty of this group [the VCRG] is that since we have the people who are in command and can make things happen, they do happen.’ In addition to their clothes and medications, released prisoners need money and a roof over their head. When a prisoner is released, a Centrelink representative at the prison ensures they receive a crisis payment, which means they can eat and travel home. ‘But if they are granted bail or are released from a court, which could be in Melbourne or a regional area, they can be left stranded without any money,’ says Dennis. ‘A perfect condition for reoffending. ‘We’re hoping to sign an agreement with Centrelink soon to solve this issue,’ says Rob. ‘We’ve worked on this for a long time, and we hope prisoners will be able to be released with a letter they can take to Centrelink and get an emergency bridging payment. ‘Also, the visitation days at some prisons weren’t suitable for many families to visit. Dennis saw this and single-handedly got the days changed.’ Dennis used to take the VCRG meeting minutes but, on Rob’s insistence, he gave that role away to become secretary. Rob was keen to see Dennis, as the Salvo representative, playing a more hands-on role in the meetings and telling the situation like it is. ‘It has added to my workload,’ Dennis says. ‘But the plus side is I get to decide what is on the agenda. ‘William Booth’s famous line “While men go to prison, in and out, in and out” is represented by one word—recidivism [the habitual relapse into crime]. ‘Everything we do is aimed at reducing recidivism. Programs and structures must
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but he does have a keen interest in their welfare, writes Linda Hogan
e justice system be monitored. It frustrates me when I hear a newly released ex-prisoner say they did not get their entitlements. ‘It is a failure in the duty of care which, one by one, adds to levels of recidivism.’ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Back in the VCRG meeting, one person says they can’t remedy a situation because it’s out of their jurisdiction. Almost immediately, another pipes up saying they can
‘ ’
make it happen. Another raises a specific issue faced by a prisoner, giving the group their latest update. As the group begins discuss how to fix it, a member tells them not to worry: it’s already been done. Current issues on the agenda include homelessness, prisoner transport, revised gaol orders, increasing the use of video links from courts to prisons, and issues
‘Because of his work and enthusiasm we refer to Dennis as a “living legend”. He doesn’t like that though—Dennis is too humble.’ R ob M elasecca
prisoners face post-release. Dennis, with support from VCRG stakeholders, is working quietly but efficiently to achieve The Salvation Army’s mission: transforming lives, caring for people, making disciples and reforming society. *Major Thelma McMillin retired on 1 September but continues at the court as a volunteer.
Defence lawyer Rob Malasecca with Major Dennis McMillin
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small group resources
25 September 2010
The earth is full of the Christine Dalziel presents
Study 1: Up till now God has been with us Psalm 33:5 reads ‘God loves justice and fairness, and God is kind to everyone everywhere on earth’ (CEV). What sort of words and phrases come to mind when you consider how God’s love fills the Earth? Where do you see or experience the steadfast love of God? Do you believe that this verse is true? How would it be for you to live this week believing that the Earth is full of the steadfast love of God?
Part 1 Read 1 Samuel 7:7–12 The people were afraid of the Philistines. They had every reason to be afraid. The Philistines threatened to attack Israel but Israel pursued them. ‘Then Samuel took a stone (v. 12) and erected it between Mitzpah and Jeshanah and gave it the name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has Yahweh aided us” ’ (Jerusalem Bible). ‘Then Samuel took a stone, set it up between Mitzpah and Shen, and said, “The Lord has helped us all the way”—and he named it, “Stone of Help”’ (Good News). Do you have an ‘Ebenezer story’? A particular time in your life when you have symbolically placed a stone and said ‘up until this point I have known the steadfast love of God with me’? Moses encouraged the people of Israel to remember where they had known God was with them. Read Deuteronomy 1:29–33 Note the part of this reading which is significant for you. Share its significance. In this reading, Moses calls the children of Israel to remember God guiding them. And that is what we are doing in this study: remembering times of God. Notice verse 31. What words or images remind you that God is with us? When we look back, it helps us to have a sense of where we are now. Consider the image of a rowing boat. As you row you look where you have been so as to row a straight course—a sense of looking back and yet going on. Choose one story which comes to you as you look back and share with the group how you knew God was there. In Deuteronomy, we are encouraged to remember the great commandment to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might’. Read Deuteronomy 6:4–9 What is significant for you in this reading? What memories do you want to pass on to the next generation?
How is remembering important to your faith?
Part 2 In the gospels we read: Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said (Matthew 26:75) Then they remembered his words (Luke 24:8) Read Matthew 26:69–75 and Luke 24:1–8 What do you think Peter remembered? What did the woman remember? What do you remember of what Jesus said? At the heart of Jewish worship was the remembrance of God’s deeds, their affirmation of God’s presence among them and their trust in the new thing God would create among them. As we recognise the blessing of the past and recall the gratitude and thanksgiving for those moments, we find ourselves open to the blessing of now, the ongoing blessing on our journey. Whereas, in the past, God used prophets to explain the law of God and encourage the people to remember, now God says to us in Hebrews 8:10b–12: ‘I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach one another to say to each other, “Know the Lord”, for they shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest. ‘For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember sins no more.’ What is significant for you in this reading? You will find this covenant in Jeremiah 31:31–34. Turn to Isaiah 6:3 ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of God’s glory.’ Where do you experience God today?
small group resources
25 September 2010
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steadfast love of God
two studies about practising the presence of God.
Jacob at Bethel, as in Genesis 28:10-22, illustration from a Bible card published 1900 by the Providence Lithograph Company.
Read the story in Genesis 28:10–22. In waking from a dream in which he saw angels ascending and descending a ladder Jacob says; ‘Surely the Lord is in this place and I didn’t know it.’ (Genesis 28:16) Jacob places a stone there to mark the ordinary spot where heaven and earth came together for him and he names it Bethel (verse 22), ‘and this stone which I have set for a pillar shall be God’s house’. Jacob has not gone to an official sanctuary. Jacob recognises the place where he understands God saying, ‘Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go’, as the place of meeting, and the place where we become aware of the presence of God. Read Genesis 28:10–22 again. What part of this reading do you particularly notice? Why do you choose that part? Read verse 16 again. Where have you had the experience of heaven and earth coming together, when the ordinary and the divine touched, and you knew, surely God is in this place? It is in Jesus Christ that we see the face of God and Jesus was about moving around the ordinary, on Earth, and showing us God at work just where we are.
Study 2: Surely God is in this place God is in the ordinary. Jacob knew that. Jesus showed and lived that. When have you known heaven and Earth to come together; the ordinary and divine to touch? Read and reflect on John 1:43–51. Picture this story: Jesus goes to Galilee (v. 43). Philip finds Nathaniel (v. 45). Philip’s invitation, come and see (v. 46). What does verse 47 mean? Would you like that said of you? In John 1:51 Jesus says: ‘You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ Jesus, talking about the angels ascending and descending, is referring to the story of Jacob’s dream at Bethel which we read about in Genesis 28. Why do you think Jesus referred to Jacob’s story? You might like to hold off on answering that question right away.
Return to the question which asked why Jesus referred to the story of Jacob when he was choosing disciples. Now, why do you think Jesus made reference to the story of Jacob? There is a verse, a message, in Luke 19:42: ‘If only you had recognised the things that make for peace.’ We can say: Surely God is in this place, and gain a glimpse of what is of God, but Jesus weeps and says to Jerusalem (and to us) consider the things that make for peace and don’t let what is not of God undermine your peace. What is it in your life that hinders you in the experience of recognising the things that make for peace and being able to say: ‘Surely God is in this place’? What is your prayer as we conclude this study? God spoke to Jacob: Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go—not just in the sanctuary. And Jesus said: ‘Lo I am with you always’. May we always remember the presence of God with us. This study was prepared by Melbourne Salvationist Christine Dalziel as part of Camberwell Corps’ centenary celebrations.
Next issue: The final two parts of this study.
frontlines
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Ferntree Gully, Vic.
(Captains Jenni and Lindsay Frost) On 22 August, Ada Spencer was sworn in as a soldier (pic ➊). Ada was previously a soldier at Bendigo Corps, but had drifted from the church. After moving to Melbourne in 2009, Ada reconnected with the Army at Brimbank City. She shared her testimony, using her favourite song, ‘Jesus Loves Me’.
(Majors Annette and Merv Lincoln) On 5 September, Graeme Neumann, David Williams and Michael Jackman were accepted as adherents during the Father’s Day service (pic ➌). Graeme came to the corps through a Tuesday ‘Cuppa and Chat’ group, Michael was invited to the meetings by Major Merv Lincoln during street ministry and David, who has attended meetings for a number of years, wanted to become part of the Army to express his feeling of belonging.
(Captain Joanne Skeates) On 27 August, Campbelltown Corps hosted ‘Picture That!’, an event highlighting the role of artists, illustrators and cartoonists in Army life. South Australian Historical Society president Graeme Denholm led the evening with traditional Army songs. Victorian Historical Society president John Smith showed two multimedia presentations tracing the development of art within The Salvation Army from early days in England to the present. The gallery showed media including illustrations, paintings, murals, stained glass, embroidery, cartoons and caricatures. Dr Jay Harley, a professional cartoonist from Sydney, showed her talent during the meeting—including amusing the audience by caricaturing Graeme during one of the songs. She also spoke about the unique role of music and art within Salvation Army ministry.
Carrum Downs, Vic. (Envoys Cynthia and Don Stelling) Envoys Cynthia and Don Spelling recently accepted Karen Harvey as an adherent and swore in Valda Wilson, Patryca Edwards, Tialata Taufoa and Frank Niero as soldiers (pic ➋).
ABOUT PEOPLE Appointed Effective 1 September: Aux-Capt. Gillian Lefmann, corps officer, Kununurra Corps, NT Region. Effective 1 October: Major Gary Hart, assistant to chief secretary, office of the chief secretary. Effective 15 November: Captains Christine and Ken Agnew, corps officers, Horsham Corps, Western Vic. Division. Appointed to the International College for Officers Major Bruce Stevens (12
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Brimbank City, Vic.
Campbelltown, SA
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Hobart Citadel, Tas. (Major Heather Jenkins) Hobart hosted a Contemporary Music Focus weekend with territorial contemporary worship consultant Phil Laeger on 28–29 August. The event was open to all corps within the division. On Saturday, Phil led workshops including songwriting, worship leading essentials and a live band workshop (pic ➍). There was also a series of electives on sound and audiovisual management, video editing and multimedia. In the evening, participants joined in worship led by Phil who shared some of his journey with Christ and love of music. The following morning, Phil led worship at Hobart and shared some of his journey.
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secretary Colonel Peter Walker prayed for the group and their ministry as they depart for the UK.
Mildura, Vic. (Captains Christine and Jeff Waller) Mildura Corps celebrated on 5 September with the acceptance of Betty and Frank Ellis as adherents. On 12 August, SAGALA leader Jenny Milsteed enrolled Felicity Waller and Felicia Bourke as Sunbeams. Pic ➎: (L-R): Felicity Waller, SAGALA Leader Jenny Milsteed and Felicia Bourke.
Perth Chinese, WA (Majors Keith and Mary Cheng) On 5 September, divisional commander Major Dennis Rowe swore in James and Christine Wong as soldiers (pic ➏).
Ringwood, Vic
(Major Judith Soeters) The Melbourne Staff Songsters held a farewell concert at Box Hill Corps on 28 August before departing for their UK tour. The evening was presented in two parts. The first half was a more traditional concert, followed by a musical drama written and directed by Songster Julia Roper. Chief
(Majors Carelle and Raymond Begley) Ringwood hosted their annual ‘Concert for Cancer’ on 27 August—Cancer Council Victoria’s Daffodil Day. Ringwood Secondary College Symphonic Band and Senior Stage Band and cellist Stephanie Stamopolos from Ruyton Girls School joined the Ringwood band in the program. Those present were given an opportunity to take a daffodil to remember loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer. Cancer Council representative Ian Hamilton spoke about recent cancer research and accepted a cheque for $3,000.
January–7 March 2011), Major Winsome Merrett (13 April–6 June 2011), Major Adye Viney (13 July–5 September 2011), Capt. Colin Lane (12 October–5 December 2011), Capt. Julie Grant (11 January–5 March 2012), Major Bradley Potter (11 April–4 June 2012), Capt. Christine Ellis (11 July–3 September 2012), Major Simon Damen (10 October–3 December 2012) Bereaved LieutColonels Garnet and Lorna Clee of their daughter, Pam Tonkin, sister to Major Helen McClimont and
Major Joy Clee, on 30 August from Echuca; Capt. Gideon Lumuli of his brother, Joseph Amiani, on 1 September from Mombasa, Kenya Promoted to Glory Capt. Les Fuller on 24 August. Captains Les and Betty Fuller served in the Australia Eastern Territory, but retired to Rockingham Corps (WA). Retirement Effective 1 September: Major Thelma McMillin Correction On Fire 11 September issue incorrectly referred to Noarlunga Corps’ Christies Beach Thrift Shop as ‘Charities Beach Thrift Shop’.
Melbourne Staff Songsters
reviews
25 September 2010 [ dvd ] great hearts of courage
HHHHH An attempt to chronicle the life’s work of seven of the 20th century’s greatest figures; it’s no wonder Great Hearts of Courage is a two-disc release. Featuring Billy Graham, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, C.S. Lewis, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Mother Teresa and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, Great Hearts affords each a 25-minute featurette; delving into not just the remarkable character of the people themselves, but also the impact of their actions reverberating throughout history. The release collates the work of a number of different production teams, each with their own approach—some are more poetic and reflective in their scripting and format (C.S. Lewis, for example) while others are disciplined (but not unfeeling) chronological records (Martin Luther King Jr). In any case, the breadth of coverage (including file footage, photographs, academic and personal interviews and on-location tours) and controlled storytelling will leave any viewer feeling intimately acquainted with the subjects, and undoubtedly inspired by their resolve. Ryan O’Connell Available at Word, $29.95 [ book ] Seriously Funny Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas HHHH ½ The co-authors of this most enjoyable book are each well-known for their Christian teaching and humour, and have delighted readers and audiences alike for many years with their written and spoken words. In this new release, the pair teamed up to present some musings on life, the church and Christianity; their modus operandi being a series of letters exchanged between the two. As a literary device, this works perfectly for Plass and Lucas because it allows them to do what they do best—speak in informal, conversational tones and combine thought-provoking teaching with an equal share of touching and comedic anecdotes. The 24 letters cover much ground, but if there is a dominant theme it is that we all struggle with the great tension of Christian living—the desire to be holy and Christ-like while being ‘fallen’ and so very human. Time and time again, the writers speak of their own doubts and struggles and how God continues to show patience with them and use them despite their own misgivings. In some ways it is refreshing to hear stories of how two such revered wordsmiths have so often and so obviously put their foot in it when speaking publicly or even privately. This is a very honest book that will make you not only laugh but also reflect on how you live out your faith. Mal Davies Available at Word, Koorong for $14.95 [ book ] Jesus Manifesto Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola HHHH The blurb promises ‘Read this book and see your Lord like you’ve never seen him before.’ It’s a big call, but something these two prominent figures in Christian literature sincerely aim for. The authors assert that Christians have studied the Bible as a book of concepts, ideas, doctrines, methods, techniques, strategies or formulas —not a book about the reality of a
Don’t bother V
Passable HH
Good HHH
meaningful relationship with Jesus. The crux of Jesus Manifesto: since the Bible is all about Christ (his coming, existence or significance), Jesus must also be central to the life of Christians. Learning is no substitute for understanding and relationship, nor is justice a substitute for grace. It’s not about what we can do for Jesus, how many people we share our faith with or any measure other than if we truly and sincerely love him. From this love will follow action. What Sweet and Viola have to say isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a lesson every Christian can do with hearing from time to time. The text constantly refers back to scripture, makes a good fit with Salvation Army doctrine and is hard-hitting where it needs to be. Linda Hogan Available at Koorong for $16.95 [ book ] Domesticated Jesus Harry L. Kraus Jr V ‘What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again.’ You said it, Ecclesiastes. If you’ve spent any time in churches, attending Christian conferences or with your nose in Christian books, you’re familiar with these terms: ‘Plastic Jesus’, or ‘Dashboard Jesus’, or ‘Pocket Jesus.’ Taming Jesus—emphasising aspects of his life and message while downplaying others until he becomes agreeable—is not a new idea. And neither is Domesticated Jesus. Written by a surgeon with experience as a medical missionary in Kenya, Domesticated Jesus offers a perspective which is a refreshing departure from desktop theologian authors—but the appeal ends there. Like many before him, author Harry L. Kraus Jr breaks down the various methods we use to tame the almighty—everything we do to amplify our own self-image while compressing our view of God. Also an author of fiction, this area of Kraus’ expertise overinforms his Christian writing—too often creative licence overrides clarity of thought. Treading the path well-travelled simply clogs shelves and reduces the odds of picking up some original thought. Save your money. Ryan O’Connell Available from Word and Koorong at $12.95. [ cd ] Blink Revive HHH ½ The launchpad success of Aussie Christian rock band Revive saw the boys migrate to Atlanta, Georgia, in search of greater musical opportunities. Blink justifies of that leap of faith—a solid, professional and enjoyable release. The contemporary Christian rock genre seems to discourage straying from the familiar when it comes to songwriting and arrangements—hence, both are simply adequate here. It’s in the details that Blink distinguishes itself. Frontman Dave Hanbury’s voice cracks here and there, lending a tangible sense of unpolished personality to the sound—a nice omission in a severely overproduced genre. The deep south has also had a noticeable influence; Hanbury’s southern drawl registers on particular words, with amusing results (‘I was stuhhk inside’). Like a duck on the pond, the album has a lot more going on under the surface than first meets the eye—shy layers of musical texture (owing largely to liberal use of the reverb pedal) don’t really come to the fore until the third or fourth listen. Which is fine, because it earns far more spins than that. Ryan O’Connell Available at Koorong for $16.95
Impressive HHHH
Exceptional HHHHH
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