Leaders put under the spotlight by The Salvation Army

FORGIVENESS AT EASTER » PAGE 4

FINDING FREEDOM IN PRISON » PAGE 6

CUPPA TEA, DIGGER? » PAGE 8

COMING ALONGSIDE QUEENSLAND FARM WORKERS » PAGE 11

BOOTH’S BEARD MAKES A COMEBACK » PAGE 12

MARCH 2021 CONNECTING SALVOS IN MISSION

Leaders put under the spotlight is a model that we have chosen to achieve fruitfulness.” She celebrated corps and Salvationists who showed initiative and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Lauren Martin The Salvation Army’s national leadership has answered questions from frontline Salvos during a live-stream State of the Territory event.

When asked if there would be more restructures, Robert said that while the organisation would continue to adapt, there wouldn’t be any more major restructures in the same magnitude of the territories merger.

The event on Sunday 21 February featured our Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson, and Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett. It was hosted by Captain Matthew Moore at Box Hill Corps in Melbourne, and live-streamed across the territory to hundreds of Salvationists. It followed a similar event on Friday 19 February for officers and employees.

He acknowledged that the Army “didn’t get the communication right” around the result of the chaplaincy review, and apologised, going on to explain the reasons behind the decisions taken. “At the point of joining the two territories, more than one in every four of our officers was a chaplain. Too many of these were working in an isolated situation. Where chaplaincy remains, we are working to really focus that, so there is a strong connection to local corps and other mission expressions. We want, in the end … for more people to come to Christ. We must be connected for us to achieve that.”

Winsome told viewers that the Australia Territory was continuing to transform into one national movement following the merger of the Eastern and Southern territories in 2018. In terms of the Army’s finances, and questions around money for frontline mission, she said when the two territories became one, there were savings and benefits that were identified and moved into a ‘Mission Endowment Fund’. This fund was a requirement of International Headquarters as part of the restructure. “The Mission Endowment Fund is like an investment,” she said, “It has to be built.” Over time, when the fund reaches a certain level of savings, the interest will be directed to frontline missional initiatives.

A question was asked around what progress had been made to ensure that the Army was genuinely an inclusive movement. Robert said international leaders met last month to discuss human sexuality and same-sex marriage. “It is a really important topic for us. Theology is not set in concrete, and we need to wrestle with the issues of today and do it well, and in a caring and compassionate way.” The live-stream State of the Territory events were the first of a number planned for 2021. Members of the Australia Territory leadership team will also be taking the opportunity to travel, as restrictions permit, to visit corps and mission expressions and speak with Salvos face-to-face.

Some questions raised concerns about the lack of nextgeneration officers and Salvos. Janine said Salvation Army statistics do show a decline. “The future is in reclaiming integrated and holistic mission,” she said. “And corps are a big part of that. Local Mission Delivery

March 2021

Australia Territory leaders answered questions from the frontline during a live-streamed "State of the Territory" event filmed at Box Hill Corps in Victoria, hosted by Captain Matthew Moore.

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FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY

FROM THE TERRITORIAL LEADERS

Being connected in mission Our God is faithful I [Janine] had an exhilarating experience on a significant birthday while living in Johannesburg, South Africa. I got to drive a single-seat, open-wheel racing car around the Kyalami grand prix circuit. It was low to the ground and had a deep, roaring engine directly behind my seat – it was the fastest car I’ve ever driven! Lining up against an all-male field, my competitive spirit kicked in. On the first few laps I struggled a little with the gearbox, but once I got the hang of that I was off. The powerful engine was connected to a responsive gearbox, which was connected to a differential, axles and wheels … and I had a blast!

It is hard to believe that we are already in March 2021! Soon we will be celebrating Easter, getting involved in our annual Red Shield Appeal and hopefully be able to begin thinking about the possibility of some leave away from home, perhaps even interstate! I have been in this appointment for just over a year and continue to stand in awe of all Salvos and their commitment to our vision and mission. This is reflected in the stories of people’s lives transformed with the love of Jesus, and hope being provided across Australia through our various mission expressions.

Connection is a key element of being successful in Salvation Army mission. The Local Mission Delivery (LMD) model is all about connecting mission expressions so that we offer holistic care and ministry to people.

Over the past year, there were so many stories of encouragement, of collaboration for mission, and of transformation in people’s lives through faith in Jesus and compassion being practically demonstrated, even amidst all the challenges and uncertainty of our current environment.

I have enjoyed reading stories of life transformation that are reported through Others. One story was of a man named Scott. He had been a person of faith in Christ but through some less-than-healthy choices had lost his way in life. As he was assisted by the Melbourne 614 Corps, he reconnected with God and found a community to which he could belong. I commend to you many stories from Others that will inspire you towards connected mission. Also, please remember the library of mission tools and resources available through Salvos Central.

When I look back on 2020, appreciation for our frontline services rises easily to the surface of my thinking. Our amazing Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams and volunteers, who gave of themselves in intense and dedicated work during the Black Summer fires and who have again been activated with the recent fires in Western Australia. Our corps and social programs, innovating and adapting, as the pandemic took a grip on Australia. Our support teams, who have continued to enable the frontline to keep supporting Australians in need while they themselves were often isolated in their homes. Each contribution is deeply valued.

Holistic mission looks to care for the whole person – physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It includes both the proclamation and the demonstration of the ‘good news’ of what God has done in Jesus Christ. Jesus has initiated a new community that expresses God’s love, forgiveness and grace to people in word and deed – in speech and practical action. [LMD handbook pg3]

As we head into 2021, we continue to transform into one national movement. I am encouraged by two things: the faithfulness and sustaining power of God’s Holy Spirit, both for his people and this movement and the commitment of our officers, staff and volunteers to see the mission of The Salvation Army delivered effectively across Australia even in incredibly demanding times.

May God guide and equip you in your local area. God bless you,

Both these things inspire confidence in me for a future that increasingly sees Australia transformed one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson Territorial Leaders

Colonel Winsome Merrett Chief Secretary

Keep up to date with Others! We encourage you to read daily Salvation Army news, testimonies and personnel updates at others.org.au and sign up to our monthly e-newsletter at others.org.au/others-monthly

March 2021

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VIEWPOINT

plan ion act

with

Photo: Shairon Paterson

The Salvation Army has since expanded its ministry to Aboriginal people right across our country, and many of these positive stories need to be told. Storytelling is part of our heritage. The Salvation Army Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council is wanting the Salvos to be proactive in assisting with our history through stories, music, films and other ways of securing the history before it is lost.

By Uncle Vince Ross

The Salvation Army has played an important role in the life of many Aboriginal people in the past. Today, through the Reconciliation Action Plan, launched in December 2020, we again see the Army taking positive action that is bridging the gap, creating strong, meaningful links, and becoming change agents for our nation. Through many experiences with The Salvation Army, Aboriginal people have a strong feeling and a strong sense that together we can create a strong relationship. There needs to be a huge shift in attitudes toward First Nations people, not just in words but in actions that speak volumes to our people.

“Consider reaching out to Indigenous peoples to engage in a crossflow of information and be open to learn of our heritage and how we can journey together.”

I want to encourage those reading this to consider reaching out to Indigenous peoples to engage in a crossflow of information and be open to learn about our heritage and how we can journey together. This is not ‘rocket science’, only a willingness is required, and the result will be changed attitudes.

As much as we don’t want to sound political, we need to keep the pressure on government, because many of its policies still tend to keep Aboriginal people down that road where there seems to be no hope for positive outcomes. My experience as an Aboriginal Salvationist of more than 60 years is a product of faithful Salvation Army ministry to our people on a reserve called ‘The Flats’ at Deniliquin in southern NSW. During my time on the reserve, many Aboriginal people were encouraged to voice their concerns to the Salvos, who connected the social with the spiritual.

Across our nation there are many organisations and Indigenous people who would be pleased to share a yarn that brings us together. Also, our Elders have much wisdom they want to bring to The Salvation Army Reconciliation Action Plan. To quote part of what Salvation Army Founder General William Booth meant when he spoke about those who had no voice: “While people are struggling and suffering, I’ll fight.” Today, we come to the negotiation table to say to our movement: let us build this nation together by acknowledging our past achievements with a confidence in going forward.

Self-determination and self-management became a reality, and many of our mob became free of the stigma that surrounded Aboriginal communities at that time. Many officers who were appointed to Deniliquin continued the ministry that became the catalyst for positive change, and the influence on that reserve goes down in history as a landmark. Some of us went into management roles throughout Victoria and NSW, working with Aboriginal organisations and state governments. March 2021

Yes, we can feel proud of that achievement when reflecting on our history, and that’s why we feel very strong about some of the changes required today. We want people to understand and own our history – the good, the bad and the not-so-good.

Vince Ross is Convenor of The Salvation Army Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group. 3

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FEATURE

r o f d e y a r p e v a h I t “Bu you, Simon, that your faith may noLut kef2a2i:3l.”1 –

k c a b y a w

Finding his

As the story of Peter shows, we are not defined by our failures “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

By Colonel Lindsay Rowe

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,” Jesus replied. “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church … I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:17-19). Peter is promoted from fisher of fish to fisher of men, and now to holder of the keys.

I come from five generations of fishermen in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Maybe it’s because I grew up around boats and nets and the smell of salted cod drying in the summer sun, but next to Jesus, Peter is my favourite biblical character.

But when Peter was at his worst, he was dismal. Jesus reprimanded him more directly than anyone else. When Jesus said that his mission of saving the world wasn’t going to be easy and that he’d be tortured and killed in Jerusalem, Peter couldn’t take it. “This shall never happen to you”, and Jesus replied, “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23).

Peter started out in Capernaum, where he and his wife shared a house with his mother-in-law and his brother, Andrew. He and Andrew had their own boat and were in business with James and John, the sons of Zebedee. When Jesus first met Peter, he said, “You are Simon son of John,” and then, “From this time on you’ll be called Cephas,” which is Aramaic for Peter, which is Greek for ‘rock’ (John 1:42).

Once when Jesus was talking about forgiveness, Peter asked, how many times are you supposed to forgive someone? Seven times, maybe? Jesus rebuked him and said 77 times would be a good start (Matthew 18:21-22).

Jesus called Peter the ‘rock’, partly, I think, because he was as dense as a rock, and getting anything through his thick skull was a monumental challenge. And partly because he knew that once the truth finally got through, no one would be able to snatch it away – even if it meant his death, too. Maybe that’s why the name seems to have stuck with him the rest of his life: ‘Peter the Rock’.

At the Last Supper, Jesus said he would be going soon, where no one could follow him. Peter didn’t understand what he meant or couldn’t face it. He answered, “Why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus said the hardest thing Peter had ever heard him say. Listen, Peter. “Before the rooster crows, you will betray me three times” (John 13:36-38). And that’s the way it happened. While the trial was going on, Peter sat in the high priest’s courtyard, warming himself by the fire. He was approached several times and asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. His reply each time was that he didn’t know what they were talking about. The rooster crowed and Peter’s heart was broken (John 18:15-26).

Peter knew his share of failure, both as a fisherman and as a ‘fisher of men’. But his story is not so much about failure as it is about not allowing failure to define who we are.

Holder of the keys When Peter was at his best, he was brilliant. Jesus asked his disciples who people thought he was, and they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But Peter blurted out, March 2021

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FEATURE

The power of forgiveness

Conspicuous by its absence in the encounter of John 21 is any indication of Jesus reprimanding or chastising Peter. He doesn’t rub his nose in his failure. Instead, just as Peter had denied him three times, Jesus gives Peter three opportunities to renew his faith.

One of the lessons we learn from Peter is that coming back from failure doesn’t relegate you to the back pew of the church. Forgiveness opens a whole new world of possibilities. In Acts 3, Peter preaches a sermon, and 3000 converts are recorded. What happened between his denial of Jesus in John 18 and this sermon in Acts 3? The cross, the empty tomb and an encounter with the risen Christ.

On the third occasion, Peter’s response is cautious and perhaps not reflective of what’s in his heart – perhaps because of his fear of being challenged and having to defend his failure. But Peter knows that Jesus knows everything. He knows the depth of the love hidden deep in his heart, so he throws himself back on omniscience: “You know all things, Jesus, you know that I love you.” We may struggle to find the right words, but God knows the heart. He knows about our past failure, but he is much more interested in where we are going than where we have been.

John 21 tells the story of Peter’s return from failure. The disciples go out to fish at night and catch nothing. In the early morning hours, a person on the seashore calls out, “Friends, have you any fish?” “No,” they respond. Isn’t it embarrassing when you can’t even do what you’re supposed to be good at? “Throw your net on the right side of the boat.” The amazing thing is that these experienced fishermen did and caught 153 fish.

Failure is not defeat Failure is a painfully powerful word. But not as powerful as forgiveness. We are not defined by our failure. Peter is not remembered for his failure, but for his return from failure and his faithfulness going forward.

John is the first to recognise that the stranger on the beach is Jesus, but Peter is the one who jumps into the water and swims to shore. Jesus has a charcoal fire going. Not unlike the one that Peter sat beside in the courtyard as he denied Jesus. They share breakfast together with Jesus as cook and waiter.

The possibilities of grace are truly amazing! There is grace enough to bring you back as well. You can recover so well that your story, too, will become a powerful testimony and inspiration to others who may be struggling to find their way back from some crippling failure.

Luke 22:31-32 shows us that when they had finished eating, Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Has Jesus been expecting Peter? Has he been waiting for him to come to this moment, this place of victory over his previous failures?

March 2021

You are forgiven. Welcome back. Colonel Lindsay Rowe is a retired Salvation Army officer of the Canada and Bermuda Territory

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FEATURE

Early in their relationship, the young woman ended her life. It was the third major loss of somebody close in his life. His father had died two years earlier and a friend was shot and killed one year earlier. “I didn’t deal with the death of three people close to me,” Kevin says. “And there was heaps of trauma. The church family was fantastic to me when my partner died. They gave me great support.”

freedom

Finding

in prison

Kevin at peace after turbulent life

World falls apart

Born in Sydney in 1974, with an older brother and sister, Kevin Lawler and his family moved to Logan City, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, when he was seven. He remembers being raised in a rough part of town, although his upbringing, he recalls, was good. He was a happy child.

Kevin gave his life to the Lord during an Unlimited Conference at Logan City Corps in his late 20s. He met another woman at the corps and they married. “My marriage was going well. But I think I was immature as a Christian. My faith was at an adolescent stage,” he says.

Mum, Joy, was a good Salvationist, attending the local corps on a regular basis and witnessing to her family and friends. Dad, Kevin, had been raised in The Salvation Army, but left when he was a young man.

“I went into a business partnership. It went well for about five years. We were making a lot of money. But I lost the company in a hostile takeover after my business partner died in a car accident. My world fell apart. I had a breakdown. My marriage disintegrated. I left the church. I had always been a good provider, then, all of a sudden, it was all gone. I couldn’t provide. I couldn’t cope. I struggled. I went back to drugs and I got involved in crime. That’s when my wife left.”

Kevin (Junior) kept his distance from The Salvation Army – and God. He had no interest in religion. He experimented with drugs in his late teens. He had numerous jobs; even owned his own company. In his early 20s, he became engaged to a young woman. To his surprise, the young woman told him that she worshipped at The Salvation Army on Sundays. She convinced him to go with her.

Kevin was arrested for supplying illegal firearms. He was taken to the Southport (Gold Coast) police cells. “And, here,” he says, “is where God steps in. I have absolutely no doubt about that.”

Kevin was in for an even bigger surprise the first Sunday he turned up to then Logan City Salvation Army Corps. “I walked in and there was Mum,” he says. “I knew she went to The Salvation Army on Sundays, but I didn’t know where. But here was my mother. I think Mum was just as surprised as me.”

Kevin Lawler and his mum, Joy, outside Gold Coast Temple Corps. Photo: Kian Worthing

March 2021

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FEATURE

At the cells, he asked to be put in touch with someone from The Salvation Army. “When I was taken to the cells, I wanted to contact Mum to let her know that I was still alive and in jail,” he says. “But I couldn’t remember Mum’s telephone number. I was now 40 years old. I asked for a Salvo because I thought the Salvos would know my mother.

It’s also where he realised what a special person his mother was. “I told her not to come to see me in jail. But she did – many times. I broke Mum’s heart many times, but she still came, no matter what. Mum has been my rock. She has always been there for me. I don’t deserve her love, but she just keeps giving it.”

“Major Kay Nelson came and, yes, sure enough, she knew Mum. I was held on remand for nine months. The court case took three years to complete. During that time, I went to The Salvation Army Gold Coast Temple and did the Positive Lifestyle Program (PLP) with Major Kay Nelson and Robin Martin from Eleanora Corps. Those two women showed me the love of Christ.”

Towards the end of his sentence, Kevin was sent to a prison camp. He was allowed to attend a local church. Even though he went as a prisoner, he says the congregation welcomed him and supported him. He recommitted his life to Christ and was baptised in the ocean. Now back on the Gold Coast, he is attending Gold Coast Temple Corps, studying and working as a volunteer at the same court where he was sentenced to prison. He has completed a Positive Lifestyle Program facilitator course and is working with mainly younger men passing through the court system.

At the conclusion of his court hearing, Kevin was sentenced to three years imprisonment. “As I sat in the court and the sentence was read, I was in complete peace,” he says. “I was aware of the words (of Jesus) that the truth will set you free. I was free, even though I had been sentenced to prison.”

With Salvation Army Gold Coast community engagement officer Major Chris Cohen, Kevin started a novel project of hanging warm coats on trees for homeless people to take. The coats are donated by Salvos Stores. “It’s part of the process of us advocating for the homeless,” he says.

Growing stronger During his prison term, Kevin says his faith grew stronger. He developed a grateful heart. “I could push my face up against the bars of the prison cell and see the Glasshouse Mountains through the razor wire. I was so grateful for that view. I started to count my blessings that I was safe and at peace. That’s where – in jail – I felt the joy and peace that only knowing Christ can bring.”

“Throughout my life – even before and during prison – I kept receiving the words of Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ “All along, God has had a plan for me. Now, I am living that plan, I have that hope, and I have a future. Thanks to God.”

March 2021

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ARMY ARCHIVES

War book a

’ e v o l f o r ‘labou

Lindsay Cox reflects on writing Cuppa Tea, Digger? By Barry Gittins Lindsay Cox is a man of many hats, metaphorically and literally. Actually, if you exchanged the word ‘hats’ for ‘helmets’ you would be closer to the mark. The manager of The Salvation Army Australia Museum is a raconteur, archivist, writer and cartoonist, whose collection of headgear over the years has included clobber from Prussia and the British Raj. His passion for understanding how people experienced and endured conflicts is part of what drove him to write and compile Cuppa Tea, Digger?, his latest book.

Lindsay’s new book Cuppa Tea Digger? tells the story of Salvos who served in World War 2.

and dedication of the Red Shield blokes, and the danger they put themselves in, when they didn’t have to – they were appointed by The Salvation Army, not the military, and they were ‘volunteers’ in some senses.

Subtitled ‘Salvos Serving in World War Two’, Lindsay explains the volume has been a labour of love over 25 years of research and is largely based on more than 180 oral histories of diggers and Salvos. These were collected by a 12-person research team in 1995, who diligently recorded the WW2 work of the Salvos’ philanthropic Red Shield War Services (RSWS) to the Australian Military Forces in the Middle East, Europe and the South-West Pacific.

“They were there, right alongside the men being shot at and bombed, sharing the very real possibility of being injured, maimed or killed. That led to strong bonds being formed; a real ‘fellow feeling’ and empathy – they made enduring relationships. Take Arthur McIlveen, for example, who became the first life member of the Rats of Tobruk association; they ended up buying him a house when he retired from The Salvation Army.

Lindsay recalls this quote from representative Albert Moore: “One lad standing alongside said, with a notable catch in his voice: ‘Dad told me I would find the Salvos doing this, and, gee, here they are!’”

“That association with military troops has continued,” continues Lindsay. “There are many Vietnam vets who would, metaphorically speaking, kill for [Salvation Army officer] Baden Jeffrey, who they knew was a bloke who was ‘there for them’ because he wanted to be there.”

“That intergenerational aspect of service during conflict really cemented the Salvos’ relationships with Australians,” Lindsay adds. “After World War One a lot of Australians accepted The Salvation Army as more than a mob making noise on the streets.

Lindsay can and does put the service of the Red Shield reps into a broader historical perspective in Salvation Army and world history.

“There’s another story where an AIF officer walked in and told the Salvo, ‘I wrote my first letter home to my mum in a Salvo hut during WW1, and here I am doing it again.’”

“It is part of our Salvation Army ethos to bring God’s love to everyone, regardless of their stripes,” Lindsay says. Salvos, when and as they are able, minister to all combatants and non-combatants, regardless of race, religion or fealties. This type of selfless service continues in all parts of the world today.

“They were kept busy,” Lindsay says with masterful understatement, of Salvation Army personnel appointed to the frontline during wartime: “burying people, feeding hungry men, helping censor mail, digging holes, sometimes leading church services.”

Cuppa Tea, Digger? is available from Salvos Publishing, Salvation Army Supplies and selected outlets.

In the book’s introduction, Lindsay describes it as “a unique Australian war history” that’s characterised by “selfless dedication”. When asked what life lessons he has gleaned from his latest book, he ruminates on “the resourcefulness March 2021

Barry Gittins is a Salvo who works as Marketplace Coordinator for The Salvation Army Project 614 Corps in Melbourne. 8

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iL ving our

MISSION MATTERS

n o i ss i M A 2021 celebration

In March, when the doors for worship were closed at churches across the country, corps in the NSW towns of Taree, Forster/Tuncurry, Port Macquarie and Kempsey combined to produce a shared online worship service. All four corps were represented, with officers and corps members featured in Bible readings, children’s stories and providing other devotional content. Salvos from the Doorways, Aged Care and Moneycare teams also took part.

Contributed by Mission Resources The Salvation Army Australia Territory’s Mission Statement is a clarion call to action for Salvationists across the country. Developed in 2018, at a time when the former Eastern and Southern territories were being brought together to form one national territory, the language of the Mission Statement is clear:

In rural Victoria, an innovate approach to the pandemic has seen corps numbers at Stawell and Ararat double. PreCOVID, about 40 people would regularly attend services at the two corps. When these services were stopped, a decision was made to focus on meeting in small groups. Within a few months, as many as 80 people were gathering across 16 small groups, meeting together in homes to pray, read God’s word and share meals.

The Salvation Army Australia is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities

“We achieve our vision through our mission.”

• Working for justice

To continue to encourage and equip Salvos in mission, a range of new resources has been developed. There is a sermon series focusing on the Mission Statement, team meeting discussion guides and a series of videos that will be released throughout the year.

In 2021, there is a deliberate intention to equip and encourage Salvos to continue to live out this Mission Statement. “There is so much already happening in mission across The Salvation Army in Australia that we recognise and want to celebrate,” said Territorial Leaders Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson. “All mission expressions have Local Mission Plans based around our Mission Statement.

You can also engage with an online art exhibition, while there are newly designed Mission Statement banners and posters in English, Chinese, Korean, Arabic and Farsi.

“As we continue to share the love of Jesus in 2021, we want to provide more resources and offer more encouragement for Salvos on the frontline to be able to effectively live out our mission.

“Our vision is to transform Australia, but how?” said the Donaldsons. “We achieve our vision through our mission. When we care for people, create faith pathways, build healthy communities and work for justice, we see lives transformed with the love of Jesus.”

“We would also always encourage reference to the Local Mission Delivery model, so that people realise that their best fruit for the Kingdom will come when they work together and not in isolation.”

The Salvation Army Mission Resources team provides quality resources and event support for effective holistic mission.

Throughout 2020, many Salvos across Australia, against a backdrop of uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, displayed an innovative and collaborative spirit to engage in mission.

March 2021

For more information or to access the new resources, go to: mysalvos.org.au/toolkit 9

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Carissa Ainsworth spent much of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown delivering essential hampers to families connected with her youth and children’s ministries and getting to know their parents and carers.

DIVISIONAL NEWS

s e l a W h t u o S w Ne y r o t i r r e T l a t i p a C n a i l a r t Aus and

Carissa Ainsworth is Youth, Children and Families Ministries Coordinator for Greater West Salvos in Sydney’s west.

Focus on families in Western Sydney Blue Mountains Salvos did a talk on dental health, with expertise drawn from her previous role as a dental nurse. All participants received new toothbrushes and toothpaste.

By Lauren Martin Carissa Ainsworth is the Youth, Children and Families Ministries Coordinator for Greater West Salvos in Sydney’s west. She spent most of 2020 not in lockdown but out and about, her essential work seeing her delivering care packs to children and young people connected with various Greater West ministries she oversees, and, in doing so, meeting their parents.

“Also,” says Carissa, “we joined with an organisation called ‘Support Girls Australia’. They do professional bra fittings and then they donate bras, underwear and sanitary products to women in low socioeconomic areas.” And while the large morning tea event was a huge hit, Carissa has plans to establish a number of smaller groups of women meeting together in their local communities. “I want to meet the women where they are at, and to go any deeper with these women and be more intentional, and to do that, I need to go smaller.

“I’ve spent so much time visiting all these families and getting to know them,” she said, describing hours of socially distanced chats in front yards and on verandas. As restrictions eased, Carissa felt God telling her to go deeper. “I felt a calling to take the next step and bring them together and bring them into the church space somehow.”

“God is definitely saying, ‘this year is about family’ and to continue with what we’ve been able to do.”

So, she organised a ‘Mum’s Morning Tea’, with around 40 mothers or female carers from the community coming along. “It was about bringing these women together and helping them to feel valued and worthy and know that God loves them, and we love them.”

Carissa knows now that her ministry is more than just programs for youth and kids; it’s about the whole family. “COVID has turned my ministry upside-down – what I do and how I represent God in the community in a more practical level, like doorstep, by doorstep, by doorstep.”

As well as enjoying a decadent morning tea, guests heard a short devotion from Carissa, whom they had been getting to know throughout the year. There was a coffee van out the front as women arrived on the youth-and-kids bus, and an ‘op-shop’ of good quality donated clothing that the women could browse through. Moneycare did a short presentation, and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Debbie Bartlett from nearby March 2021

To read more on this story, head to others. org.au/features 10

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DIVISIONAL NEWS

d n a l s n e Que

Backpacker grocery ministry bearing fruit on the vegetable belt Tiffany said they saw potential in the ministry through conversations and connections through the corps family store and speaking with people carrying “heavy bags of groceries” from the shops to the caravan park.

By Darryl Whitecross The Lockyer Valley, in the vegetable farming belt in South East Queensland, is home to thousands of backpackers throughout the year as they work to fund their visit to Australia.

Rhys said the transient nature of the people they helped was significant but believed it was important to sow the seed of the Gospel in their hearts and minds while they were there.

The pay is not significant and the work not certain as it depends on what crops are in season and the quality of the harvest.

He said the majority of workers stayed in the town for up to three months (some stay longer), which gives he and Tiffany a chance to build good relationships that often result in faith-based questions.

In Gatton, nestled off the Lockyer Valley Highway between Ipswich and Toowoomba (about 80km west of Brisbane), many of the backpackers seek shelter during their stay in the town caravan park – often stretching the caravans to capacity.

“That’s what all this is about; just talking to people; asking questions,” Rhys said. “The bonus here is we get to help someone’s material needs by providing food but, beyond that, the relationship comes out in what we talk about when they actually nail us down and start asking questions.”

This is where Auxiliary-Lieutenants Rhys and Tiffany Wilson from Lockyer Valley Corps have stepped in. The couple began a ministry in 2020 to the caravan park, handing out fresh fruit and vegetables and other supplies to the backpackers living there. A couple of grateful backpackers at the Gatton caravan park after having stocked up on supplies provided as part of The Salvation Army Lockyer Valley Corps local mission delivery.

March 2021

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DIVISIONAL NEWS

a i r o t c i V James Merlino, Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Mental Health, speaks at the opening of The Salvation Army Accommodation and Psychosocial Supports (AAPS) Program Barwon.

Housing boost to shelter Victoria’s most vulnerable are more vulnerable to homelessness, The Salvation Army AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug services) in Geelong has partnered with the state government to launch the Accommodation and Psychosocial Supports (AAPS) program.

By Jessica Morris Housing initiatives for Victoria’s most vulnerable people are continuing to be launched across the state in partnership with The Salvation Army. Two of these initiatives are in Geelong and the east Melbourne suburb of Camberwell.

Kathryn Wright, General Manager of AOD services, spoke at the launch saying, “The Salvation Army is delighted to have the opportunity to work with people in the Barwon area who are leaving acute mental health services and are at risk of homelessness to make positive and lasting changes in their lives. Together with our partners, DHHS and Barwon Health, we will support people to carve out a positive path in life and develop the tools needed for a bright and stable future.”

Some of Geelong’s most vulnerable now have a fully furnished townhouse to call home. Twenty-five townhouses were built in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, after The Salvation Army provided land. “These 25 units are not only aesthetically pleasing, but are absolutely safe, secure housing provided to the most vulnerable in our community,” Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett said at the opening in December.

Meanwhile, six families escaping family violence will soon call modular units in Camberwell home. The Salvation Army was chosen as the housing provider for the family violence initiative, in partnership with KARA House, a service supporting women and children impacted by family violence.

“The housing team, and the social mission team and the local corps, South Barwon, have worked very closely to ensure that we are able to provide seamless integration of services for these clients.”

Land was donated by Woodwards Real Estate and construction has begun, creating safety and community for some of the service’s most vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers with no income.

Identifying that people experiencing mental health issues

Compassion grows in Delacombe The only thing more iconic than General William Booth’s message of repentance was his beard. Which is why Delacombe Salvos in Victoria’s south west have adopted the fashion statement to award their most selfless volunteers. The ‘Bill Booth’s Beard Award’ has been given to at least 30 members of the corps community so far, and comes with – what else? A beard! “This award was put in place to honour and celebrate anyone associated with our corps community [including the thrift shop and services) who show kindness, compassion, care, and concern for others,” said Corps Officer Major Craig Farrell. “Many recipients have been honoured and surprised to receive the award and have also been reminded of the importance of their own contribution to local mission.”

March 2021

Delacombe Salvo Betty Webber received the corps’ ‘Bill Booth’s Beard Award’ for her faithful friendship and service.

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a i n a m s Ta

DIVISIONAL NEWS

Take what you need, share what you can in Launceston By Jessica Morris When Auxiliary-Lieutenant Roderick Brown stumbled across a news report about a food co-op in the Launceston suburb of Waverley, he knew the Salvos had to get involved.

Movie packs with purpose were a hit with South East Tasmania Corps families during COVID-19 lockdowns, and the ministry is continuing.

The ‘Waverley Co-op’ started when locals Danielle and Nathan Watkins began leaving fresh produce and groceries on the nature strip as a way of giving back during the pandemic. Within a few short weeks, residents embraced the co-op and began to both contribute to and rely on the items available. And that’s when Launceston Corps leaders Roderick and Kelly Brown (Ministry Assistant) raised their hands to help.

Movie packs reel in vital conversations Movie nights have been a staple for years at South East Tasmania Salvos (formerly Carlton Corps). The monthly events bring the community together for some family-friendly fun and conversations around key issues. So, when COVID shut down public gatherings last year, Lieutenants Craig Boyd and Jess Ffrost-Boyd knew the movie magic had to continue.

“During Red Shield, we prepared about 40 food hampers using staple grocery items and took them to the co-op to be distributed,” Roderick said. “The co-op is based on the idea that you take what you need and share what you can – and we saw the community, and other services, sharing their food supplies.” As the co-op grew, a community development team called ‘groWaverley’ was formed. Roderick and Kelly were pleased to become part of this team as representatives of Launceston Salvos. This involvement has seen Launceston Salvos continue to support the co-op, not only with food supplies but with items to help promote social inclusion and connection, such as sporting goods, craft kits and kitchen supplies. It has also led to partnering in a number of community-led events aimed at bringing the people of Waverley together.

Rather than recreating a video rental service, the pair packaged 24 movies with purpose, enclosing sweet treats, popcorn and their ‘Kids Konversation’ cards, each addressing themes in the specific movie, such as self-worth or friendship. They made families aware that these could be borrowed from the corps. The results have transcended the pandemic, reaching more than 50 people weekly between April and November 2020, and being replicated by other mission expressions.

A considerable barrier in the suburb is the lack of any suitable community meeting place. With the Watkins’ vision and initiative leading the way, Roderick and Kelly helped pioneer a proposal, granting the community access to an unused parcel of land. So far, groWaverley has planted a community garden and has plans to use the land as the shopfront for the community stall, a multipurpose community space and a community-operated café.

“The intention is to help parents have basic conversations about things like body image, so when it comes to topics like drugs and sex, they feel empowered to have that conversation,” said Craig. “The movie packs have been a way of building healthy communities.”

“We have an opportunity as that space develops to be amongst people,” said Roderick. “We want to see relationships forming and the residents flourish in all areas of their lives, both practically and through organic faith-based conversations.”

KellyBridget and (L-R) Roderick Archer Federal Brown (right) member for with Danielle Bass, and Watkins, Danielle, founderand of Nathan groWaverley Maddie Watkins food donations co-op in with Launceston. of fresh produce to the Waverley Co-op in Launceston.

March 2021

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a i l a r t s u South A Northern Territory

DIVISIONAL NEWS

and

Something new brewing in the Top End By Darryl Whitecross

Word spreads quickly in the Top End like the smell of freshly made coffee. Attention brewed on a coffee van ministry for The Salvation Army in Darwin before it even had a name or any branding on the vehicle.

Alan douses flames on SAES career

Public Relations Secretary for the Northern Territory, Major Peter Jones, said that despite only having taken to the streets just before Christmas, it had already become popular.

Although having been a corps officer for about 20 years and a carpenter before that, Alan Steven says a role with The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) has been “part of his job description” for 40 years.

“Every time we go and do an event, they get a request to be somewhere else: ‘We’ve got this event on, would you guys like to come?’,” Peter said.

He is just beginning to realise what life will be like not being on the frontline at a disaster, crisis or event with the SAES.

The van was “ready to go” early last year, Peter said, but remained ‘parked’ while COVID-19 restrictions were in place, getting out on the road as the protocols eased. The van was purchased through the Army’s Innovation Fund as a fully fitted-out vehicle from a business owner in Katherine.

Since having attended his first event as a SAES representative at the Sunbury pop festival in January 1975, ironically the last year the annual event was run, working in that area has been quintessentially Alan Steven: “After that it got into my blood.”

“This is a coffee van for outreach for the Top End; to get out and about and around the place to spread good cheer through coffee,” Peter said.

Alan has served the SAES in Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory, even sitting on state emergency services boards.

In the lead-up to Christmas, the van was used at several locations and events, including satisfying thirsty supporters of the annual Darwin Christmas toy run, which was the biggest recorded, with more than 200 bikers turning out, and the PAWS (animal shelter) Photo Day where pets could have their photo taken with Santa.

In South Australia it has been bushfires, in Alice Springs it was “mainly people getting lost” and in Darwin it was cyclones. Alan has, as the saying goes, seen it all. His last major event was helping out on Kangaroo Island when the region was engulfed in flames at the beginning of 2020. He is slowly stepping back from what has kept him busy throughout his life but still has the keys to the SAES shed at Ingle Farm Corps in Adelaide where he worships and is the director of the corps emergency services team – “I sort of still am,” he says with a chuckle.

Read more of Alan’s story at others.org.au/everyday-salvos March 2021

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a i l a r t n s r u e West A

DIVISIONAL NEWS

Going smaller for greater impact in Rockingham Now, Rockingham Corps is a true body of Christ which has dozens of people involved in ‘discipleship huddles’. The huddles of four to six people (sometimes more if whole families with children are involved) meet intentionally once a week to read scripture, seek to understand where God is at work in their lives, pray for one another and encourage one another to live out their faith in mission.

By Lauren Martin When you’re the leaders of a large, healthy, financially secure corps, there isn’t much impetus for change. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” as the saying goes, right? That was the case for Rockingham Corps Officers Majors Chelsea and Darrell Wilson, until God stirred their spirit during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown period.

Once a month, the corps meets for gathered worship and to celebrate what God has been doing in people’s lives that month, and to be equipped to be followers of Jesus. Already, the people involved in the huddles are gaining momentum as they delve deeper with Jesus.

“[As a body of Christ] we are called to disciple and we are also called to gather. But we think the balance was out,” said Darrell. “We are very aware that there are many people in our city who will never come to a church service and we realised we needed a new strategy if we are going to see the people in our city find God.”

“One opportunity that has come up is looking at Alpha (Christianity course) in the prisons, which one of the huddles is super keen on helping to lead that,” said Darrell. “I think once we embed the culture the potential for growth and reaching out in the community is just amazing.”

For many years, the officers had taught from the pulpit and in small groups about the importance of discipleship, but have realised in hindsight that the biggest growth in this area only occurred after stepping out in faith and introducing major structural change within the corps.

For those in the corps who miss gathered worship, the corps has introduced a fortnightly mid-week chapel service, and its Celebrate Recovery service is still held on Friday nights.

Volunteers thanked after busy summer Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) volunteers have been thanked for contributing thousands of volunteer hours over summer assisting emergency services who were called out to several large bushfires and other incidents.

Thousands of meals were served at several incidents, including a fire east of Perth that destroyed dozens of homes. In that incident, The Salvation Army was also on hand to provide emotional support and practical assistance at an evacuation centre at Swan View.

“Our volunteers are the heart of soul of our organisation, a great heartbeat to who we are,” said Western Australia Public Relations Secretary Warren Palmer. “They have hearts of gold, they are so committed. Many volunteers did multiple shifts during [one week]. These people are extremely committed to providing the best service we can for our first responders.”

To read more on this story head to others.org.au/divisional

SAES volunteers and personnel (from left) John Oliver, Michelle Foster, Kathleen Sedgman, Heather Donaldson, Dee Nufield, Kylie Morris, Sophie Taylor.

March 2021

others.org.au

SALVATION STORY

This is just the beginning Sara’s steps of faith By Sara I was born in Iran. We moved to Tehran [capital of Iran] when I began high school. We [girls] had to wear the hijab and strictly practise Islam. I had a lot of questions about God, too. Who is he? Who am I talking to when I pray? Who is listening? Nobody had answers for me.

harassment issues as I wore a wedding ring. I still earned less than men doing my job and had to work harder. I loved it though, and the skills and experiences it brought me professionally and personally.

I went to university and studied accounting. I had a boyfriend, but we could really only go out for coffee. I didn’t tell my parents about him. We did get married when I graduated and then I started working. It was the biggest step of my life. I felt so independent and had less

Over time, I realised my husband and I weren’t equal in our relationship. There was domestic violence. I couldn’t live that way. I decided to divorce, which was a huge step. I had to fight for it and my life was turned upside down. Living as a single, divorced woman in a Muslim country was hard. Travelling to Europe, China and other parts of Asia became possible. I met open-minded people and wanted to know why they were so different.

March 2021 others.org.au General Brian Peddle Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson

Staff writers Darryl Whitecross Jessica Morris

My brother came to Australia in 2011. I visited him [several times] and found it very different from anywhere I’d been. I liked the whole environment.

Contributors Vince Ross Lindsay Rowe Barry Gittins Simone Worthing

An Iranian friend introduced me to the Brunswick Salvos in Melbourne, and to Major Colin Elkington, the Salvos officer there. My whole life changed. I believe it was God leading me to this point. Although I stopped being a Muslim at university, I felt God was there, somewhere, and he would show me the way. I never thought that praying five times a day would help me; I talked to God when I was walking or going to bed. When Colin explained how God connects with us, I knew I had been talking to Jesus in those times.

National Secretary for Communications / Editor-in-Chief Lieut-Colonel Neil Venables Graphic designer Eris Alar Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker Assistant Editor Lauren Martin

It was all a miracle, and it was all Jesus. I became a Christian and a member of The Salvation Army. I couldn’t go back to Iran, so I applied for a protection visa and found work at the same time as it came through. Another miracle.

Others is a quarterly publication of The Salvation Army in Australia. Others is printed by Focus Print Group, 25 Arctic Court, Keysborough, Vic 3173, Australia. Print post approved PP236902/00023

I am not the Sara I used to be. I want to care for others and share the love I have received. I look after my niece, go to a Farsi-speaking Salvos church, volunteer, help my family and others when I can. God has led me here. It ends with Jesus and yet it is just the beginning!

Member, Australasian Religious Press Association. All Bible references are quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. General enquiries others@salvationarmy.org.au

March 2021

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