Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.
– Norm Rice
The Salvation Army is about giving hope where it’s needed most.
What is The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
Vision Statement
Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by:
• Caring for people
• Creating faith pathways
• Building healthy communities
• Working for justice
The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Salvos Magazine
Founders William and Catherine Booth
Salvation Army World Leaders
General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Territorial Leader Commissioner Miriam Gluyas
Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief
Colonel Rodney Walters
Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker
Editor Simone Worthing
Graphic Designer Ryan Harrison
Enquiry email publications@salvationarmy.org.au
All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58
Press date 13 November 2024
Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, South Granville, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
salvosonline.org.au
My Story [12]
Even
Celebrating connection
Most of us think of Valentine’s Day as a time for celebrating romantic love. The day is one of the busiest of the year for florists (comparable only to Mother’s Day) and, according to a 2024 Ray Morgan survey, 33 per cent of Aussies also plan to buy chocolates.
Expressing love, care and friendship in our lives doesn’t have to be limited to romantic partners, though. Many of us have a range of different kinds of friendships. As humans, we need them!
Close friends and family top the list for most, but other important relationships include those with groups we belong to, neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances. Even a smile from a fellow shopper, walker or commuter can lift our sense of community and hope.
In this edition, we feature some budgetfriendly ideas on creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with those we love and care about. We also share a biblical perspective of love on page 10 that’s worth thinking about.
For these stories and more, go to salvosonline.org.au
Simone Worthing Editor
Heart to heart
Why limit Valentine’s Day to just romantic love when all love is worth celebrating?
By Faye Michelson
The oft-quoted line from the movie Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get” is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Will your beloved one or secret admirer send you heart-shaped choccies or a dozen long-stemmed roses? Perhaps take you to a candlelit dinner or a picnic by the beach? Or do you know exactly what you’re going to get – nothing!
For all its glitter and red hearts, what many people get from Valentine’s Day is stress. There’s the expense, the commercialism or the feeling of being excluded because there is no one to spoil you or for you to spoil.
But take heart – a big, glittery, red Valentine’s one – because this year we’re going to make the most of the day of love. Why limit Valentine’s Day to just romantic love when all love is worth celebrating?
Not-so-romantic legends
To be honest, the whole legend of St Valentine is anything but romantic. There are several saints called Valentine recognised by the Catholic Church, and all of them were martyred by the Roman Empire. The legends include the third-century priest Valentine who defied Claudius II and continued to marry soldiers, despite the emperor’s edict to ban marriage because single men made better soldiers. Another legend centres on the Valentine who helped Christians
escape Roman prisons. Unfortunately, it ended badly for both these Valentines. There’s also a legend to explain the origin of the Valentine’s Day greeting with yet another Valentine – imprisoned, of course – who wrote a letter to his beloved and signed it ‘From your Valentine.’
As at least one of them was believed to have been buried on 14 February, that’s the date we now observe. Many traditions have evolved, some through commercial interests. For instance, who would have thought England’s postal reforms would make a huge impact on Valentine’s Day? When the postage stamp was introduced in 1840, making sending letters accessible and affordable to the common folk, 400,000 Valentines were sent the following year. And not only that, but these missives could also be sent anonymously, helping along the notion of secret admirers.
Different traditions
While celebrations here largely centre on romantic love, Valentine’s Day is marked in different ways in different nations.
Finland and Estonia call it Friend’s Day, a time to get together for meals and fun with the people who are important to them, whether best buddies, neighbours or family. The day was officially included in Finnish calendars in the mid-1990s, with giving cards an important part of the celebrations. Nearby Estonia adopted Friend’s Day not long after, with the celebration gaining popularity after the Iron Curtain lifted.
There are lots of people to love and be thankful for in our world…
Friendship is also the focus of Valentine’s Day celebrations in some Latin American countries, such as El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.
Amigo Secreto (Secret Friend) is a version of Kris Kringle, a fun tradition among school children where they draw a name to buy a small gift to exchange with each other.
Similarly, in the US, it’s common for primary-aged children to celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving their classmates cards, often with a lolly attached, with a message about what they appreciate about the recipient. It’s fun, but also an opportunity to think about others in a positive way.
So, forget about any preconceived rules about how and with whom you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are lots of people to love and be thankful for in our world – partners, friends, families and people in our community. You know what? I love the coffee in our local café – I might just give the barista a little choccy heart this Valentine’s Day and tell her how much I appreciate her.
Valentine’s Day and cost-of-living pressures don’t need to cancel each other out. Get creative, not expensive, with your celebrations. Check out the next page for ideas that are flexible – fun for two, fun for groups.
A message of caring
Celebrating with love, not (much) money
By Fay Foster
Around the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on 14 February. Primarily, this day is meant for people in romantic relationships to acknowledge and appreciate each other.
However, most of us have friends, family, neighbours, workmates or community members we care about, and Valentine’s Day can be a timely reminder to celebrate those relationships.
Check out our flexible, low-cost ideas below. Suitable for any special occasion!
Contact someone you appreciate. A card, e-card, letter or phone call can make a lovely surprise. Tell the person what you like about them, or the difference they make in your life. Or that when you thought about them, you smiled and really wanted to get in touch.
Have a special meal at home. Celebrating with friends? Have a bringand-share meal. Pick a theme for extra fun.
Prepare a special packed lunch. Put in a chocolate heart, cut the sandwiches into heart shapes, pop in a loving note.
Include someone in an outing. A coffee out, a picnic or an ice cream in the park, visitors’ day at school or preschool or a free class at the local library can be fun and spark new shared interests.
Pay it forward. Think of the good things in your life, then help others to enjoy those things too. Pre-pay for someone’s coffee or McDonald’s order. Donate money for a good cause, or toys to a Christmas appeal. Give blood. Volunteer on Clean Up Australia Day.
Involve others in caring for people. This includes children and elderly people. Run a fundraising stall together, volunteer together at your local Salvos store or soup kitchen, talk with your family about the lonely kids at school and encourage your children to look out for them and spend time with them. Serving others almost always brings positive feelings and great results.
Invite a neighbour for morning tea or lunch. This is a great way to get to know each other and let your neighbour know that you see them and think of them. A scone or sandwich and a cup of tea in good company is just as bonding as a baked dinner.
Teach a child to bake, sew, draw, read or swim. Or read a story with them or play a game together. You will be making lovely memories.
The best part of that gift is YOU – your presence, kindness and companionship.
Give a gift without a reason. Don’t wait for birthdays or Christmas to offer a posy of flowers from your garden or a book you’ve read that you think your friend will enjoy too. Or a little knickknack you saw that reminded you of them.
Listen without interrupting to someone who wants or needs to talk. We all need to talk sometimes and not everyone has someone to listen.
Write out a favourite recipe or craft pattern and give it to someone you know will enjoy using it. Or print out a poem, story or joke that you know they will relate to.
Want to give a material gift? Gifts that can be meaningful with very little cost include a coaster, bookmark, chocolate, hand cream or, for a child, a book or bubble wand. A home-baked cake, slice or hamper, or a meal you’ve frozen to be used when needed, can be very much appreciated.
Host a dessert and movie night, where everyone brings a dessert and you watch a movie together. Or play a board game together.
However you express love and appreciation to your friend, mate, child, neighbour or a stranger, the best part of that gift is YOU – your presence, kindness and thoughtfulness.
Enjoy sharing that gift with your world!
Scan here for more stories of hope.
Salvos support tax relief for food donations
Earlier this year, Senator Dean Smith tabled a Bill to generate a Food Donation Tax Offset for producers and retailers that donate quality food.
For some retailers, throwing food out can be cheaper than giving it away. At a time when the Food Bank estimates that 3.4 million Australian households are experiencing food insecurity, The Salvation Army supports steps that would improve access to food relief for Australians in need.
“Food relief is a major part of the work of The Salvation Army,” shared Josh Gani, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, at the inquiry.
Ongoing cost-of-living pressures have led many community members to seek food and other assistance from the
Salvos for the first time. Food insecurity does not discriminate and can affect those in paid employment or those who have never experienced disadvantage before. For many potential donors, the associated costs for donations, including transportation and storage costs, become a financial barrier.
The Salvation Army sees that the Bill takes reasonable steps to ensure that food fit for human consumption is delivered to those in need rather than dumped. This prevents the Food Donation Tax Offset from being used to hand off expired or unfit food.
“From our perspective, there is no better use of taxpayers’ money than making sure that everybody’s basic needs are being met,” shared Jennifer Kirkaldy, General Manager Policy and Advocacy. “No one should be going to bed hungry.”
Since the Committee report, the Salvos have worked on this issue with Anglicare, Food Bank, Oz Harvest, Second Bite, St Vincent de Paul Society and Uniting Care. The Salvation Army has also contacted every senator, encouraging them to support the Bill and inviting them to visit its food relief centres. Many have already accepted the invitations and have visited sites across the sector. – Anthony Castle
Scan here for more information on Salvation Army Policy and Advocacy work.
Silver award for family violence response model
The Salvation Army’s Social Mission Family Violence Stream is celebrating winning a Silver Award for its Alexis Family Violence Response Model at the prestigious Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
The model, known as ‘Alexis FVRM’, aims to reduce family violence for victim-survivors and to achieve accountability among perpetrators.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our Alexis team,” said Lauren Chisholm, Senior Manager of the Salvos Integrated Men’s Service.
“By integrating the Alexis FVRM into Victorian Police Family Violence Investigation Units, we have made significant strides in reducing crime and violence. We are incredibly proud of the impact we have made, particularly in supporting clients facing complex challenges and high-risk situations.
“Our programs offer vital pathways to address the root causes of violence, reducing recidivism and fostering lasting change. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the strong partnership between our team and the police. Together, we’ve created a powerful collaboration that is transforming lives.”
The model also aims to reduce secondary victimisation and decrease the incidence of family violence through interagency cooperation and collaboration. This aim is achieved by providing a
coordinated cross-sectoral, multi-agency response to families assessed as highrisk and who have repeated contact with police and support services due to family violence.
Lauren said she was thankful to everyone who contributed to the Alexis FVRM’s success.
– Lerisse Smith
Scan here for more information on Salvation Army Family and Domestic Violence services.
Lauren Chisholm (right), with (from left) Pete Young, Officer in Charge Detective Snr Sgt; Louise Rodgers, Detective Snr Constable – both from the Prahran Family Violence Unit –and Lani Kahn, Practice Lead with the Alexis Program.
“Love
is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians chapter 13, verses 4-7 New Living Translation
Even more than a home
Vicki finds hope and resilience through Positive Lifestyle Program
By Kirralee Nicolle
When Vicki Searle was a child growing up in Western Australia, she wanted her parents’ attention. With a father who she felt didn’t really have space for her in his life and a mother she struggled to get to know, life felt tumultuous. When her parents split, and her father remarried, she felt even more isolated.
“It shouldn’t affect me, but it affects me,” she says. “All I wanted to be is be loved, and my father sort of never showed that.”
Other details of her early life are patchy, but much of it has been forgotten in the haze that sometimes accompanies difficult childhoods.
When Vicki, a former meat packer at abattoirs who has been on a disability pension for 25 years, first encountered The Salvation Army, she had just moved back to Western Australia after living with her partner in South Australia and
New South Wales. They had spent some time unable to find permanent housing.
“I know what it’s like to be out there and be homeless because I’ve been there myself, and it’s really, really not a good feeling,” Vicki says. “You’re cold; you’re hungry; it’s just not a good feeling.”
She had returned to be with her mother, who was gravely ill. Then COVID-19 hit. Vicki was living between homeless shelters and the streets. She then found herself at The Beacon, a Salvation Army crisis accommodation centre.
“When I was at The Beacon, I was always worried, stressed about not knowing where I was going to end up next,” she says.
Her case worker at The Beacon reassured her that things would be okay and that she would find permanent accommodation in Mandurah, on the southwest coast of Western Australia.
A POSITIVE STEP
That’s exactly what happened. She was also put in touch with a caseworker from Mandurah Salvos, Miriam Batson.
“When I was at The Beacon, I heard about the Salvos Positive Lifestyle Program,” she says. “I asked Miriam if I could participate in it because I knew that I could relate to the content deeply.”
That was when Vicki met Lieutenant Crystal Lee, Corps Officer (Salvos pastor) at Mandurah Salvos. Vicki had recently received news that her partner, who was still in Tamworth, was ill and unable to make the trip to Western Australia. Vicki was at a low point.
“I used to always think the worst, and I was always hard on myself,” Vicki says. “I was always crying, drained and not able to do daily activities.”
even though things are still challenging, this too will pass and don’t give up giving up. I can do this.”
I have gained tools and skills to live life positively.
Crystal helped Vicki journey through the eight-module Positive Lifestyle Program course, which assists clients in facing the struggles that might be holding them back from achieving positive changes in their lives, including depression, anger, loneliness, grief and loss.
“Since I have completed the PLP course, I have more resilience and confidence in myself,” Vicki says. “I began to learn to think positively by having a gratitude list every week. I have gained tools and skills to live life positively. I can now say
“Don’t give up giving up” is a phrase which means a lot to Vicki. Crystal says that for Vicki, it means she can keep going, no matter what life throws her way.
Vicki, who faces ongoing health needs, is now considering volunteering for the Salvos in Mandurah. Crystal says she thinks Vicki would be a good fit for a role that involves talking to others who are doing it tough, as Vicki has learned so much through her own journey.
“I’d like to give back to The Salvation Army [for] what they’ve done for me,” she says.
Scan here for more information about the Positive Lifestyle Program.
Vicki (left) with Mandurah Salvos Corps Officer (pastor) Lieutenant Crystal Lee.
Puffed rice bars Have a laugh
Ingredients
¾ cup of nut butter (cashew/macadamia/sesame), ¾ cup honey, 4 cups puffed rice, 1½ cups sunflower seeds, 1½ cups pumpkin seeds, ½ cup sesame seeds
Method
• Place nut butter and honey in small saucepan over low heat.
• Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until mixture is combined.
• Combine puffed rice, all seeds and butter mixture in bowl, stirring until mixed well.
• Spoon mixture into greased and lined slice pan, pressing firmly.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• Cut into bars and refrigerate until needed.
• Great for school lunches!
How do you fix a broken pizza? Why did the hipster burn his mouth while eating his pizza? With tomato paste.
The delivery. Lots of cheesy things. He ate it way before it was cool.
What’s the difference between a good pizza joke and a bad one? If pizza could talk, what would it say?
Signing In
Sudoku
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
Bible byte
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”
Proverbs chapter 27, verse 9b The Message translation
is hiding behind a heart on page 11.
Quick quiz
1. Where was modern pizza invented?
2. Where was the Hawaiian pizza invented?
3. What is the most popular pizza in Australia?
4. How many pizzas are sold every year in the world?
5. Which pizza chain delivered the first pizza to space via a Russian rocket?
6. Which adolescent amphibious trained fighters love pizza?
Saint Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy and beekeepers.
A story of Saint Valentine tells of his continued evangelising under house arrest, when he restored sight to the judge’s daughter. His last letter written to her was signed ‘from your Valentine’, inspiring today’s romantic missives.
Saint Valentine is said to have performed secret Christian weddings. To remind the men of their vows and God’s love, he cut hearts from parchment for them, inspiring the use of hearts on Valentine’s Day.
It is thought that Geoffrey Chaucer’s
The Parliament of Fowls was the first time that romantic love was associated with Valentine’s Day.
