Eyes on the prize by The Salvation Army

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY APRIL 2013 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2

Eyes

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prize Salvos make an impression at Tamworth

ALSO INSIDE:

Sarah Rowan Dahl paints with a vision

Just Brass takes off in Orange

QLD Technical team steps up

Perfect pitchwith Envoys Randall and Glenda Brown Getting creative about building relationships

Envoys Randall and Glenda Brown are the Territorial Mission and Resource Directors

www.salvos.org.au

hy are we here? We’re from the country ... and now we live in the city. It’s all different. You don’t have to worry about checking the tanks when it rains, it’s really hard to wave to everybody as you drive and the paddocks are covered in grey rock. Sometimes we wonder why we are here! It’s a good question for all of us. Why are we here? Not in the city – on earth. What reason would God want us to be here? Why did he place us here? What purpose does he have for leaving us here? Especially after we were saved from sin, ‘cause it would be a lot easier for us if He just whisked us off to Heaven when we were saved! It would make it a lot easier for us to be good, and it would be a pretty good illustration to those who weren’t! Matthew 28:19-20 says that God left us here to make disciples. Disciples are followers of Jesus, and Jesus told His followers to go into the world and make more followers. It’s our job. It’s why we are here. It makes sense then, since this is why Jesus left us here, and it is our job, that everything we do should be to do that job well. That everything we do should be about making disciples. Every Salvo a disciple-maker. And it makes sense that everything the Corps does should be to make it easier for us to do our job of making disciples. Every program should be aimed at making disciples. And helping those disciples make

disciples. In fact if we are doing stuff that doesn’t help us make disciples we are wasting time and money that we can’t afford to waste. Introducing your story That means, too, that everything we do in Creative Ministries should be about making disciples. We have great opportunities to do this. The Creative Arts are a great way to bring people together, to build relationships with people as we plan, rehearse and perform. The Creative Arts are a perfect environment to share your story of Jesus as you and someone exploring faith work together in the common bond of music, dance, drama. In this edition of Creative Ministry you can read how Salvationists are involved in the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the impact of the Orange corps as it reaches into its community through the Just Brass program. Have a think about how you can involve someone who doesn’t know Jesus in the Creative Ministries programs of your Corps. How can you include them in things that you do? How you can build relationships with them? How you can introduce them to Jesus? How you can make disciples who make disciples? We would be really interested to hear how you are going with this. How you are using the great opportunities we have in Creative Ministries to build relationships with people that lead to conversations about Jesus. And we’d love to give you some ideas about how you can introduce your story of Jesus into that conversation. Every Salvo a disciple-maker.

CREATIVE MINISTRY The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH Founder INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4P 4EP LINDA BOND General AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 JAMES CONDON Commissioner, Territorial Commander BRUCE HARMER Major, Territorial Communications and Public Relations Secretary EDITOR Anne Halliday GRAPHIC DESIGN Kem Pobjie COVER PHOTO Shairon Paterson CREATIVE MINISTRY is a publication of the Communications Department Editorial and correspondence PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 1235 PHONE (02) 9266 9690 EMAIL eastern.editorial@aue.salvationarmy.org Published for The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory by Commissioner James Condon Printed by SOS Print + Media Group, 65 Burrows Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia All materials are copyright of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory and cannot be reproduced without permission

cover story

08 Salvos capture hearts at Tamworth Country Music Festival

Jacqui Austin Soldier, John Austin Soldier and Helen Ajani are part of the Tamworth Corpsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tireless barbeque team at the annual Country Music Festival.

Features

Sarah Rowan Dahl paints with prophetic vision

Orange glows with Just Brass pride

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Perfect Pitch CD REVIEWS THE CUTTING EDGE PICTORIAL C R E AT I V E

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Sarah Rowan Dahl describes herself as a prophetic painter. The American-born, Sydney-based artist listens for Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visions to inspire audiences with the love of Christ through her live performance art. Full story starts next page. PHOTO:Amoi Salakas

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into prophetic painting ESTHER PINN spoke to artist Sarah Rowan Dahl about her passion for painting in front of an audience and how God is using her gift

rtist Sarah Rowan Dahl is always painting pictures, even when describing her God-given vision for live art. “God just wants me to lean against his chest and listen to the colours and symbols of his heart that he wants to share with others,” she says. Sarah is a prophetic painter. You may have seen her paint. In December last year, the American-born artist painted live throughout The Movement, an evening celebrating young Salvos in mission at the Sydney Convention Centre. Over three hours Sarah created an artwork on canvas of jars of clay seen from a bird’s-eye view, inspired by the biblical passage, 2 Corinthians 4:6-7. In February, Sarah painted live at Captivated, The Salvation Army’s women’s conference held at The Collaroy Centre, on the northern beaches of Sydney. The artwork centered upon the theme of flourishing. Sarah says she is often completely clueless

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about what she will paint when she steps on stage, other times God will drop an idea into her head before the event. “Sometimes I still get nervous before events. It’s like this healthy rush of adrenalin,” she says. While passionate about painting, interestingly, Sarah spent a majority of her childhood and teenage years immersed in sport. But after years doodling in her high school notebooks, Sarah began to realise her God-given abilities and completed a Fine Arts degree at Converse College in the USA, graduating in 2003. Sarah and her husband Jared moved to Australia in August 2005, specifically to study at Sydney’s Hillsong International Leadership College in Waterloo. “I had no idea how to make a living from being an artist. I just enjoyed it [art] too much not to give it a go,” she says enthusiastically. Following her dream has paid off.

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Combining her artistic talents and her love for God, Sarah has spent the past nine years following God’s calling for her life, creating with her paints and brushes a career out of live painting.

Drawing inspiration

For Sarah, painting is a form of worship. She says she’s gained more opportunities to share the love of Christ through her art than in any other situation. “It doesn’t feel like a fun hobby or a profession, it’s a calling just like a missionary, a pastor or teacher.” She says her first experience painting live was “like jumping in the ocean without a floaty having never before seen water.” It was in front of 4500 people at her former church, Redemption Outreach Centre in Greenville, South Carolina, while Gospel artists Israel Houghton and Martha Munizzi led worship, and guest speaker Bishop T.D Jakes from The Potters’ house in Dallas was preaching. “I just dove in head first,” she explains, “I’d never painted on a canvas so large before and I had to paint three of them! The response from everyone was so great.” Now Sarah’s ministry is creating firsts. She was the first prophetic artist to paint live at Parliament House in Canberra for the 2013 National Day of Prayer and Fasting in February. Sarah and Tony Mason, a prophetic artist from Melbourne painted the Tree of Life, drawing inspiration from John 10:10 and Revelation 22.

Oasis in the Urban Jungle (above) and Jars of Clay (above right) are two of the paintings Sarah has created in live performances. Below right: Sarah paints live at Parliament House in Canberra earlier this year.

Sarah says she owes much of her spiritual development as a prophetic artist to her current pastors, Fini and Isi De Gersigny at Jubilee International Church in Waverley, in Sydney, who have played a nurturing role in helping her to listen out for God’s visions when she paints. Aside from painting at Christian events, Sarah paints live at corporate functions, birthday parties and even in pubs. Refusing to shy away from her Christian beliefs, Sarah explains that she approaches all her gigs with an open mind to God-given visions. One of her pieces, “Oasis in the Urban Jungle”, which is about finding a secret place to connect with God in a busy city, was painted live in a pub. “I don’t try to smash people with Jesus and scare them off. I just try to be so full of love that they ask what’s different about me.” Her daughters, Rhema, 2, and Selah, 5, have inspired in Sarah a passion for the issue of human trafficking. She has used her artworks as fundraisers for anti-human trafficking organisations such as The A21 Campaign. “It gives my art a deeper purpose,” she says. Sarah will paint live at the Freedom Celebration at Sydney Olympic Park to commemmorate The Salvation Army General Linda Bond’s visit to Australia from 7-8 September. You can view and purchase Sarah’s artwork at www.rowandahl.com, www. ihearliveart.com or “Like” Sarah’s Fan page, www.facebook.com/SarahRowanDahl or “rowandahl” on Twitter and Pinterest.

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The Salvo Country Band has become a regular attraction on the main street of Tamworth during the annual Country Music Festival and, as ESTHER PINN writes, their mix of country and gospel songs is proving to be a successful formula

he Salvo Country Band members are known for “taking their time”. As listeners gathered in anticipation in Tamworth’s Peel Street, during the Country Music Festival in January, starting on time was not the Salvo Country Band’s main concern. Neither was their playlist. They often turn up to a gig without a plan of what they will play. As soon as they hit that first note, however, God shows up. The presence of God fills the place wherever they are – whether busking in the streets of Tamworth or at a Sunday morning worship service. Phil Butler, the band’s acoustic guitarist and lead vocalist explains they often wait until they arrive to choose the songs, leaving it open for the Holy Spirit to guide their song decisions. “We often like to get a feel of the

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place. We don’t want to come with pre-conceived ideas.” Whether they are playing Johnny Cash or Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, the band’s desire is to share the love of Christ through their music. For the past 14 years, the Salvo Country Band has ministered at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The festival attracts up to 55,000 visitors every year and about 4000 performances are held across 80 different venues including legendary artists such as Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson and Troy Cassar-Daley. Every year, the six band members pack up their instruments and take the 300km drive up from Nambucca Heads, where they live and attend their local corps. Uniquely, the Salvo Country Band formed specifically for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. At the time, the North NSW Divisional

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Commander, Lieut-Colonel Walter Greentree (ret.) recognised the need for the Army’s presence at the festival and approached Phil and band member Chris Townsend about forming the band. “He knew that we played guitars and we sort of did music but we weren’t really country singers,” explains Phil. The Salvo Country Band has its origins in a gospel rock band called 11:59 which included both Phil and Chris. While they didn’t have much experience performing country music, Phil says they just decided to give it a shot. With more than 600 buskers in Peel Street alone, the Salvo Country Band is definitely a highlight at the festival. The band will spend several nights on Peel Street from six in the evening until midnight singing legendary country songs and proclaiming Christ through their >>>

Band fans flock from near and far

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s many crowds pass by on both Friday and Saturday evening from 25-26 January, Dennis and Anita Whitehouse (pictured right) choose to park themselves in front of the Salvo Country Band outside of Target in the main street of Tamworth to support the band. Both Dennis and Anita have been attending the Tamworth Country Festival for the past 18 years and have listened to the Salvo Country Band play since they first started performing in the streets of Tamworth many years ago. “They play such lovely music,’ says Anita. Dennis adds: “They’re very professional in what they do.” While they are not Salvos, they own all their CDs and enjoy the fusion of both gospel and country music played by the Salvo Country Band. “It’s a good message that people passing by can hear. It’s a witness,” says Anita. Dennis finishes: “That’s the thing about the Salvo Country Band. They present what the people at the Tamworth Country Festival want, without going away from what they’re about.” Irene and Bob Maunders (pictured above), also set up chairs to listen to the Salvo Country Band. Bob explains that he grew up in Tamworth

which has motivated him to come back to the Tamworth Country Music Festival with his wife. They are newlyweds, only just married for a year. The couple met at The Salvation Army in Taree and for the past two years, the festival has become part of their routine as a couple. Huge supporters of The Salvation Army, the Maunders make the long trip to Tamworth because they desire to support the Army in their endeavours during the festival. And they are also fans of the Salvo Country Band. “We love their gospel music. We also own many of their CDS. We have them in the car playing all the time,” explains Irene. – Esther Pinn

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gospel music. And they draw a large crowd. Many will park themselves in front of the band for an entire night, while others will stand and listen for a few songs before moving on to the next busker.

Right mix

It took a few gigs to work out the right model for performing to a moving audience, Phil explains. “We tried playing gospel songs and someone speaking, but that didn’t work. As soon as somebody speaks, the whole crowd, they just disappear.” Instead of preaching, Phil now explains each song in-between performances. During their breaks, the band simply chats to people in the audience. The Salvo Country Band’s ministry, says Phil, is connecting with people. “The crowd always wants to talk during the break, have a yarn and tell you their story.” The crowd has always responded

well to the band’s fusion of gospel and country music. “They’ll all stop because of the classic songs they know. Then they’ll stay and dance to There’s Power in the Blood of Jesus. They might not believe in God but they’re actually singing, there’s power in the blood of Jesus and that’s really powerful.” One of their attractions is the band’s harmonies, which often draw a crowd. “Our harmonies are a big part of our sound. We sort of realised, when you kick a harmony line up, people just stop and listen.” While some of the members have moved on since the band’s early days, Phil, his wife Marilynn and Chris still remain. A cattle farmer, a father of four daughters and grandfather of five, Phil explains how each of the band members has regular jobs. For Phil and his band, their music is all about ministry. “We’ve got our own lives. Music is a great ministry and a great tool for God. We can go down there as

a church band and stop the street. That’s our mission.” Chris is an accountant who plays bass guitar and sings. He, too, lives on a farm with his wife. They have four children and two grandchildren. Other band members are Lach McKay, a wood chipper (acoustic guitar and vocals), Dave Spencer (keyboard) and Lynden Briggs, high school teacher and father of two daughters (drums). Lynden is Phil’s son-in-law. From time to time, Salvationist Graeme Press will play keyboard with the band, including this year at the Country Music Festival, filling in for Dave who was unable to attend.

Moral compass

The presence of the Army at the festival continues to grow. This year, for the second time, the Peter Christie Band from the Blue Mountains played alongside the Salvo Country Band. Peter (acoustic guitar and lead vocals) and his band members Jason Hill (electric guitar), who was unable to attend the festival this year, Megan Nancarrow (electric double bass) and her husband Shane (drums) believe the music festival brings numerous ministry opportunities for them as a band. “We stand on Peel Street with a whole lot of people hearing Christian songs and it’s a witness. There are not too many opportunities as Christian artists to do that,” says Peter. “We’re this little moral compass in the middle of the street.” Peter explains that country music has always been strongly linked with gospel music, giving them an easy platform to share the love of Christ through their music.

“You can do a set singing about beer bottles and throw in a gospel song and people won’t blink. They’re very open to it.” For many of the listeners who pass by, Megan says they will instantly connect with some of the classic gospel songs. “Last year, when we first started playing, there’d be someone absolutely sobbing. You would go up to them at the end and they’d say, ‘Thank you for those memories. I’m crying because of the memories that song brings back’.” Like the Salvo Country Band, their goal is not fame. Rather, they spend many weekends throughout the year travelling long distances to minister to local corps. And each of them has day jobs. Both Peter and Dave are music teachers, Megan teaches hospitality and Shane is a mental health support worker. Both the Peter Christie Band and the Salvo Country Band will continue to come back to the festival as long as there’s a need. “We’ll keep coming while it’s got a use,” Peter says. “We would have given up years ago if it didn’t work.” The Peter Christie Band roadtested material from their new album Revival at the festival. Visit peterchristie.com.au to purchase the album.

The Salvo Country band (facing page, bottom) and The Peter Christie Band (above) brings a gospel presence to the colour and character of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. All photos: Shairon Paterson

Esther Pinn is a staff writer for Creative Ministry CREATIVE

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Vivien keeps the kitchen humming along

Vivien Kings makes sure the Tamworth Corps kitchen runs smoothly during the five-day Country Music Festival. Photos: Shairon Paterson

oordinating a kitchen that serves more than 1500 meals across five days at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Vivien Kings is one amazing volunteer. A soldier since 2004, Vivien has been volunteering for the past eight years at Tamworth Corps and for the past six years she has run the corps’ commercial kitchen during the Country Music Festival. Part of Tamworth’s ministry during the festival is supplying food to the hundreds of guests who walk through their doors each day. For the past 10 years the Bush Balladeers Association has hired out Tamworth Corps

during the festival to host a number of performances by country artists. Throughout the week, the Army provides all the catering for about 2000 guests. Alongside Vivien is a team of 20 volunteers who assist with catering and spend up to 12 hours a day working in the kitchen. Vivien firmly believes the Army’s presence at the musical festival has a significant impact. “It’s a really wonderful ministry opportunity. I love the people. They come back year after year. I believe we are able to show care and compassion for other people as our people go out and sit and talk with them and make them feel at home.” As well as catering, Tamworth Corps offers their backyard to campers throughout the entire festival as part of their Tamworth Corps volunteers prepare breakfast. outreach.

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The corps also hosts a free breakfast and concert on the last Sunday of the festival. This is their final opportunity to show the love of Christ throughout the festival. About 100 people turn up to hear both the Salvo Country Band and Peter Christie Band perform on the Sunday. Many of the people who attend are not regular churchgoers and some even listen to the bands perform in Peel Street as well as coming to the Sunday event. All money raised throughout the week goes towards purchasing items for the corps to continue their ministry to the local community.

Guests enjoy a free breakfast and concert on the Sunday, a key ministry event for the corps during the festival.

Songs borne out of deep desire for spiritual nourishment Return

hil Laeger’s new solo work Return is the kind of album that entices you to play the songs over again to make sure you catch all the words. Let it play quietly in the background and a phrase will catch you – soon you’ll be singing along until the songs become your songs too. Previously involved in Creative Arts in Australia Southern Territory and overseas, American-born Phil is part of the Creative Arts team for the Eastern Territory. He has been writing songs and leading worship for a number of years. Return is aptly titled, and is described by Phil as being “about the joy that comes from a completely surrendered life” and the journey toward that life. In a heavily techno-driven industry, it’s refreshing to hear an unapologetically acoustic approach. The musical heartbeat of Return is a man at his piano, pouring his thoughts into songs. This deeply personal focus has been beautifully maintained through the refining and recording process. Each track remains a simple, personal communication, while layered instrumentation brings rich texture to the songs. The sound retains the integrity of each instrument’s voice, encasing the central story told by singer and piano. Return offers an excellent pathway to personal worship,

though this wouldn’t preclude some songs being used corporately, in the right time and place. The songs are deeply personal and reflective. Lyrics are packed full of thoughtful phrases, theologically rich and challenging. Phil captures in song the wrestlings of repentance and surrender that we face continually in our spiritual journeys. While most people will enjoy experiencing this album, you should expect more than simple entertainment. These songs offer plenty of mental and spiritual nourishment. Those who love to engage musically in worship will surely find much here to help them connect deeply with God.

Reviews

CD Review

By Louise and Shelden Mathieson, Creative Ministries Co-ordinators, South Queensland Division

book Review Commemorative book captures call to mission ISB 120 The Story

he feat of bringing together all eight Salvation Army staff bands from around the world to London to celebrate the 120th anniversary of The International Staff Band, was not just a celebration of music ministry but a call to mission in the 21st century. ISB 120, released late in 2012 goes behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious Salvation Army mission events witnessed by more than 15,000 people and which raised more than $120,000 for the Salvation Army’s new work in Africa’s Burkina Faso. The hope of the organisers was that the event would also go on to create a ripple effect, inspiring Salvationists all over the world to develop new initiatives for musical mission throughout the world. The 250-page coffee table-style commemorative book

captures not just the colour of this grand event through hundreds of photos, but tells how so many throughout The Salvation Army world became engaged and energised into creating a sense of community, goodwill and optimism by this ground-breaking event. In her foreword to the book General Linda Bond comments, “This was no semi-professional brass band competition. This was no glorified massed band performance that was self-serving and insular in its influence. Quite the contrary! This is an account of Salvationist musicians from around the world, whose united focus was to offer their gifts for the glory of God and the spiritual inspiration of His people.” The book also includes an introduction by International Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb as well as contributions from a member from each of the staff bands as well as insights from Commissioner Betty Matear (UK and Ireland Territorial leadership), Dr Ronald Holz (overseas guest), Andrew Woodhouse (former International Staff Bandsman), Dudley Bright (composer), Sue Blyth (music leader at Westminster Central Hall), Philip Biggs (Cadogan Hall and Royal Albert Hall audience member), Major Paul Johnson (a view from The Mall) and Lance Corporal Glen Little (a Salvationist and a musician in the Band of the Scots Guards, on duty in the Buckingham Palace). ISB 120 is available from Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (www.salvosuppliessyd. com) for $53.50. C R E AT I V E

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Orange glows with pride ESTHER PINN speaks to Orange corps officer Captain Greg Saunders about a children’s music lesson program that is proving to be a big hit with the community

aving musical talent is not important at Orange Corps. All you need is a willingness to learn. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn music,” asserts Captain Greg Saunders, the Orange Corps Officer. Since July last year, Captain Saunders and five corps members have been teaching about 18 children how to play a brass instrument at no cost. They call their program Just Brass, and it is increasing in popularity. “What we’ve found is that we have a very good music culture in the Orange community, but parents can’t afford the tutoring.” Captain Saunders firmly believes that money should not be an obstacle for learning music. And while the

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corps did not have funds available to start a program, what they did have was the people. “I had five guys sitting around, knowing how to play [brass instruments]. We also had instruments in the cupboard, so we’re using what we have.” And while learning how to play a brass instrument is important, Captain Saunders believes Just Brass is part of a bigger opportunity. “It’s not about brass bands. It’s about teaching kids to play music. The first day we had them buzzing on their instruments. The second day they were all playing a note. If they can play music they can move on to any instrument they like.” Captain Saunders’ commitment to teaching children music has also meant stepping up himself. While

he can play a number of brass instruments, conducting a brass band was not in his skills set. Armed with determination, Captain Saunders stepped out of his comfort zone and attempted conducting. “I had to learn how to conduct properly. Anyone can wave their arms around,” he laughs.

Community input

The corps has also enlisted the help of the local City of Orange Brass Band. Many members from this band assist Just Brass on a regular basis with tutoring and playing alongside them. This band also donated all the trophies that were given out at the Just Brass end of year concert last year. Captain Saunders says in 2013 the band will perform at the end of term concerts, as well as Easter and

Central to the Just Brass program at Orange is giving children the gift of playing music. Students learn through group performance (top left) and individual tutoring thanks to volunteers from the Orange City Band (top right) and Orange Corps bandsmen, including Corps Officer Captain Greg Saunders (left). All photos Shairon Paterson

Christmas festivals at the corps. He says much of their success lies in their community approach. Partnering with the Smith Family, every Monday night Orange Corps hosts reading groups for children struggling academically. “We purposely put it [music lessons] on directly after our reading group. A few of those kids have now come up to our music classes. “Our aim is to build relationships and on the way, expose them to the gospel of Christ. We’re using the reputation we have. What’s The Salvation Army known for? Brass bands. They trust us in this area.” The corps continues to build on that reputation by growing relationships with the families through a free dinner after the rehearsal.

Southern inspiration

Orange’s brass band lessons were inspired by South Barwon (Victoria) Corps’ Just Brass program in the Australia Southern Territory. Their program has been running for more than two years and, being a former soldier from South Barwon, Captain Saunders made a trip to check it out. “I went and had a look and came back saying, ‘We’ve just got to do this’. It’s such a simple idea and it works.” Just Brass in South Barwon has more than 80 students and Major Saunders hopes to follow their lead, offering group lessons and individual tutorials. The Eastern Territory Brass Ministry Development Coordinator, Major Keith Hampton, is looking to expand the Just Brass program right across the territory.

“Young People’s Bands were a big thing when I was a kid and they were a link to the community,” says Keith. “I remember I sat next to a kid whose parents didn’t come to church. But these kids got involved in the band and got saved. “Brass bands are not the only link to our community – I think that attitude has been some of the issue in the past – but it’s definitely one of the links we have for mission, offering a way for the community to build relationships with a Salvation Army Corps. “There are are a lot of people who would never learn music without this kind of opportunity. The key is making that link with the community.”

For more photos, see Pictorial, page 20

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Technical team boosts levels by training volunteers By ESTHER PINN

hey are there before anyone arrives and they leave after everyone has gone. Yet when you attend a Salvation Army divisional event or worship night, the last person you think about is the technical team up the back of the hall. Pulling the technical hard yards for the South Queensland Division are about 20 young Salvationists aged from 14 to their early 20s. Led by Salvationists Chris Ford from Calamvale Corps and Lucas Daly from Pine Rivers Corps, this volunteer team have been fulfilling the sound, video and lighting needs within the division. Born out of a lack of technical manpower for divisional events, Chris and Lucas have been building and training the team for the past 18 months. “We were just getting busier and busier, and couldn’t be available for every event, so we decided to branch out and share our knowledge,” explains Lucas. Working for a technical company called Avcon, many of Chris’ workmates have generously donated their time to train the team often using Avcon’s expensive, high-quality equipment at many of their events. For the first time in August last year, Chris and Lucas handed the reins over to the technical team and watched these young Salvationists run the South Queensland Divisional Fuel youth rally by themselves. While teaching them technical skills has been a priority, Chris and Lucas also placed importance on having a positive attitude while serving. “The big thing we’ve been addressing is servanthood,” shares Chris. “Trying to drive within the divisional team the importance of working as a team to glorify God as opposed to the “look at me” aspect.” The technical team has successfully run many events including the QPAS creative arts camp, Fuel youth rallies, youth councils and Carindale Carols which attracts up to 2000 people. Along with these events, this team directs the technical operations at their own local corps’. Seventeen-year-old Laura Southall, from Gold Coast City Temple has been part of the tech team since July last year and quickly developed the necessary skills to operate visual components at events. Despite having limited experience when she joined, Laura says she felt immediately accepted into the team. “I enjoy it because it’s getting together with other people who know different things and connecting with the ministry. But underneath the leadership of those tech guys, is that they’re so welcoming.” At the beginning of this year Chris enrolled in the School for Officer Training at Bexley North and was replaced by Salvationist Corey Bock.

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Staff Songsters set for a musical journey

fter a brief recess and change of leadership last year, the Sydney Staff Songsters have planned an ambitious schedule for 2013 including the production of a children’s musical for General Linda Bond’s visit in September and preparing for an Easter tour of the United Kingdom in 2014. Songster director Graham Ainsworth was handed the baton in July last year after 11 years with the group, four years as its deputy leader. He says the production of the musical Spend a While on the Nile for the Freedom Celebration at Sydney Olympic Park during the General’s Australian visit was an opportunity to develop the missional and creative heart of future generations. “It’s a dream we have been nurturing for a while,” he says. “But this is a great event to bring it to reality.” Spend a While on the Nile will draw together more than 50 children aged from 6-14 from Sydney and surrounding areas for the performance which will be a part of the weekend of events during September 7-8. “We are, as a church, faced with a need to encourage and empower our young people to be engaged in our corps centres, participating in worship and the mission of the church,” Graham says. “Not only as singers but through music, drama and in the behind-the-scenes areas such as sound and staging, ushering and security. A musical is one way to do that.” “We were looking for something that was fun and engaging but that wasn’t too cheesy. “Spend a While on the Nile really highlights the love and faithfulness of God through song and scripture. There is also

The Sydney Staff Songsters are preparing for a busy 2013 and a tour to the UK next Easter.

a lovely moment and example of personal evangelism. We want this event to provide the opportunity for young children and adults alike to accept God’s love in their own lives.”

Overseas tour

The Staff Sonsgters have recently confirmed that they will be travelling to the UK in April next year, after accepting the invitation to join Territorial Commanders James and Jan Condon at the 2014 Easter Convention in Boscombe. “We are committed to the convention and are hoping to tour for another week after that. Our desire is to be an encouragement in worship and ministry, especially to corps who might not normally receive a visit from a group like the Sydney Staff Songsters,” Graham says. In May the group will record their annual album, which will be used during

Sydney Staff Songster leader Graham Ainsworth.

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the tour. It is the first SSS recording since Graham took the helm as musical director from Graeme Press late last year. While raising funds to meet the ministry costs associated with the group, the Staff Songsters are also commited to supporting Salvation Army projects in Africa through the recording. “In recent years, we have funded the building and stocking of a library for the Matumaini School in Tanzania and the purchase of Braille machines and paper for the Salvation Army’s Thika School for the Blind in Kenya. We want to continue our support for these projects through this year’s recording,” says Graham.

Exciting program

The Staff Songsters kicked off their 2013 engagements at Campbelltown in the Greater West Division in March. In June and July the Staff Songsters will visit Pine Rivers and Noosa in the South Queensland Division and the Excyte weekend in November will round off a busy year. “Excyte is an opportunity for young adults aged 14-30 who are passionate about singing, worship and ministry,” Graham explains. The Staff Songsters host the weekend which is designed to give participants a group environment in which to improve their skills as singers and deepen their understanding of worship. The weekend will culminate in an evening worship service for those in the Greater Sydney area. Audition details for Spend a While on the Nile and the group’s 2013 events diary are on the Sydney Staff Songsters website (www.salvos.org.au/ sydneystaffsongsters) and on their facebook page. M I N I S T RY

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Big brass boost for PNG band

apua New Guinea’s only brass band is set to receive some muchneeded help through the generous donation of unused brass instruments by Salvation Army Corps around the Australia Eastern Territory. Malcolm Beeson saw the need when he spent a time serving as bandmaster at the Koki Corps in Port Moresby in 2010. “One practice I watched as the bandsmen passed a horn along the row. I wondered what was happening and then I realised … we had five horn players but only four horns and they were sharing the instrument so they could all rehearse. “At the moment the Koki band have 26 players but are wanting to start a new learners group this year. They also have two timbrel brigades but not enough timbrels.” “PNG used to be part of our territory and we have some pretty strong links and so we want to encourage and bless that part of The Salvation Army,” he says. Malcolm contacted a number of corps last year, inviting them to donate any unused instruments. Hurstville Corps donated 26 instruments and another four have come from other corps. Because so many instruments were donated, Malcolm says some will be sent to corps in other countries looking to develop brass bands. The instruments going to PNG will also be accompanied by hundreds of bibles, songbooks and other Christian resources as well as Salvationist uniforms. Even the shipping container will be given

a new life when it arrives in Port Moresby – as an additional storage room for DHQ. Malcom said it wasn’t too late to help the PNG band and timbrel brigade and any additional donations of brass instruments and timbrels would be warmly received.

Donated brass instruments will enable PNG’s only brass band to develop a new learners group this year.

Canberra kids get creative in holidays

reativity was the focus of Canberra City Corps’ kids club when 50 children from kindergarten to year six were given the opportunity to explore their artistic abilities during the January school holidays. Over five days from 14-18 January, the children had a choice between dance, drama, sport, model making, box construction and cupcake decorating. A majority of the children who attended the kids club were from the community as the purpose of the club was to have a missional focus, said Karen Connors, ACT and South NSW Divisional Youth Secretary. Aside from tapping into their creative sides, Karen said the week was about helping the children to build life skills. The theme of the club was centred around the biblical story of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-28), teaching the children about living life on a firm foundation.

The children participated in teamwork activities and even learnt how to make their own lunch. “On one or more occasions they used giant Lego. They had to work together in teams to build something that a member of their team could crawl through. The first couple attempts were disastrous because they argued with each other,” laughed Karen. “The girls group managed to build a bridge. That was a huge success. They helped each other and listened to each other.” Enduring hot days in the high 30s, Karen said the highlight of the kids club was having a water fight to cool the children down. At the end of the week, parents were invited to a concert and an art show evening. The drama and dance groups performed, the children sang a song they learnt and after the concert parents were invited to view displays of the children’s work.

Community outreach and creativity was the focus of a kids club held in Canberra in January. The week-long program attracted 50 children.

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Brand-new Maton guitars strike chord with Oasis

“Learning on a great instrument makes such a difference. When I started off on the guitar, I was learning on a $30 guitar,” said Major Hampton. “And here are many young people with the opportunity to play on a wonderful instrument, the Maton guitar – which none of us could probably afford – so I just want to thank Adam and the Maton team for providing this fantastic opportunity.” The Streetmedia program encourages disadvantaged and homeless young people to delve into the creative arts realm, such as learning a musical instrument, in order to find confidence to engage in other services provided by Oasis. “The Streemedia program gives our young people a fantastic creative outlet, where for a period of time, they are able to concentrate on something else outside of their current state,” explained Major Hampton. “Through this program, young people are able to produce something, whether it be artwork, photography, music or film, giving a fine sense of achievement and growing their confidence.” With many talented young people at Oasis, Major Hampton aims to extend the wide variety of instruments at Streetmedia in order to encourage young people to develop their creative abilities or identify new interests. The donation of two Maton Guitars adds further resource to the program. Oasis also has a Streetmedia Recording Studio that is available too for young people to jam in, record, mix and produce their own Oasis director Keith Hampton test drives the newly donated Maton guitars with one music. of the Oasis young people. Photo: Oasis Palm Project partnership between Maton Guitars and Australian country music artist Adam Brand has resulted in the donation of two new Maton CW80 acoustic guitars to The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network in Surry Hills, Sydney. Following a visit to Oasis, Adam said he was “blown away by the amazing commitment and work” that was being done through the Oasis Streetmedia program. After spending time in the Streetmedia room jamming with some of Oasis’ young people and Major Keith Hampton, Director of Oasis Youth Support Network, Adam saw a need for more musical instruments for the Streetmedia program and sought out the support of Maton Guitars.

Parramatta band to fly Army flag on parade

he Salvation Army Parramatta Band and Timbrel Brigade will again be marching at the Sydney Anzac Day Parade on 25 April. This will be the fifth successive year that the Parramatta Band has marched, with Sydney Congress Hall Band having previously maintained the Army’s presence at the parade for a number of decades. The 35 bandsmen will be led by the Parramatta Corps Officer, Major Alwyn Robinson, and the Parramatta Deputy Bandmaster, Geoff Bowie, and will proudly march under the Parramatta Salvation Army flag and the national Australian flag. Parramatta Bandmaster Nathanael Maxwell, a professional musician with the Royal Australian Navy Band will be unable to march with Parramatta Corps, but carries a deep pride that the Salvation Army bands continue their involvement in the Anzac Day Parade. “It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of this march. Not only does it give the Army great exposure but also represents the history that the Salvos share with the military,” he said. Along with marching at the Sydney parade, the Parramatta Band and Timbrel Brigade will also perform at the Parramatta Dawn Service and March, a 40-year tradition. Following last year’s success, an interdivisional composite Salvation Army band will also perform along the streets of Sydney for the Anzac Day parade. This band brings together Salvation Army brass band musicians from the Sydney region.

This composite band came about as many of the territory’s older bandsmen, who faithfully continue to serve on Sunday at their local corps, are unable to march. Like last year, a number of eager young people will take their places to carry on the Army’s tradition, upholding their presence during the Sydney Anzac Day Parade.

The Parramatta band and timbrels on parade in last year’s march.

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