Call for Unity in Prayer by The Salvation Army

CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR ROUND » PAGE 3

SISTERS IN CHRIST IN ROCKHAMPTON » PAGE 4

SALVOS LOANS GIVE HOPE » PAGE 6

LIVING OUR MISSION » PAGE 9

NEW HOME GROUND FOR GOD’S SPORTS ARENA » PAGE 11

JUNE 2021 CONNECTING SALVOS IN MISSION

unity

Call for

in prayer

Standing together with a kingdom focus

By Lauren Martin The Salvation Army’s national prayer initiative for 2021 is a call for Salvos across Australia to not only come together as one in prayer but also in unity. The prayer initiative will run from 22 August to 12 September and follows on from last year’s initiative, which had the theme of remaining in Christ: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This year’s key Bible verse is, “God is seen when we are one”, taken from John 17:23.

“The follow-on from that is that unless we are united together, we are not going to see that happening,” said Barry. “We won’t have a kingdom focus unless we stand together as God’s people. Then people will see God in us and that’s when the fruit will grow.”

Majors Barry and Rosslyn Casey, Territorial Secretaries for Spiritual Life Development, said the theme was determined by Territorial Leaders Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson. Feedback from those who took part in last year’s initiative strongly confirmed the direction.

People from all areas of The Salvation Army – corps, mission expressions, mission enterprises and headquarters – are being invited to attend nightly online prayer meetings, which will be led by Salvos from different areas of the movement.

“There was quite a huge buy-in actually, in terms of the numbers of people that engaged in it,” said Rosslyn. Some of the key messages God gave through last year’s prayer initiative were that The Salvation Army Australia Territory needs to:

People are also being encouraged to start small prayer groups or come together in prayer in their existing small groups, with a campaign prayer diary being produced and resources available on different ways to pray. “The ‘God is seen when we are one’ scripture is Jesus’ pastoral prayer for his disciples in the years to come,” said Barry. “It’s a call for us now as an Army to be united like never before and if we’re united, then this prayer says that then people will see God in us. So, it’s really a call to the Army to say, ‘Let’s work really hard to unite together, no matter what our differences, let’s work as one so that we can really reflect the love of God and people will see him in us.”

• Be kingdom focused. • Be obedient, surrendering with courage and boldness to the voice of God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit no matter what. • Be outward focused, with a strong sense of expectation that God is doing a new thing. June 2021

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FROM OUR LEADERS

Out and about with our leaders

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, Territorial Leaders Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson and Colonels Kelvin and Winsome Merrett headed to the frontline to encourage Salvos in mission.

1: Colonels Kelvin and Winsome Merrett (left) with volunteers at the Kempsey flood evacuation centre in March.

Special appeal for India With the COVID-19 crisis escalating in India, The Salvation Army launched an internal appeal last month urging people to support the work being done in Salvation Army hospitals and clinics across the country.

2: SAES volunteer Fay Kirkman (left) with Colonel Winsome Merrett at the Kempsey flood evacuation centre. 3: Colonel Kelvin Merrett (second from right) visits Salvation Army Emergency Services personnel on the NSW mid-north coast after the March floods.

The Australia Territory has already committed $100,000, and Salvationists and Salvation Army personnel are being urged to give sacrificially, through the Self Denial Appeal fund, with a goal of raising an extra $150,000. To give, head to selfdenial.info/give

June 2021

4: Commissioner Robert Donaldson chats with former Rotary Club Adelaide President David Egan before a Rotary luncheon at the Adelaide Oval on 31 March. 5: Commissioner Janine Donaldson delivers a message at the Adelaide 2

Congress Hall Easter Sunday sunrise service on Montefiore Hill. 6: Commissioner Robert Donaldson cuts the ribbon, held by Corps Officers Captains Nathan and Kylie Hodges, to officially open the relocated Victor Harbor Corps on 28 March. 7: Commissioner Robert Donaldson joins the Hodges and their son Judah, 2, in cutting the cake to celebrate the official opening at Victor Harbor. 8: Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson being interviewed for a podcast by Scott Cugley (left) and Apai Kaitu’u at the new Port Augusta Corps recording studio on 24 March. others.org.au

Let

there t ligh

VIEWPOINT ‘Hope for All’ artwork by Rachel Potter, a reinterpretation of part of the vision outlined in William Booth’s Darkest England and the Way Out. ‘Hope for All’ available from: https://my.salvos.org. au/toolkit/hope-for-all/artwork/posters

Rejoicing in the hope of Christ’s birth all year round

Christmas 2020 was an isolating experience for many, a period of despair, but Jesus says even in times of great distress there is hope. It’s just the start of a wonderful story. In the Bible, it says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens …” (Ecclesiastes 3).

By Adam Cole The world has changed dramatically over the past 12 months, which has prompted me to think, “Are we living in our version of the deepest, darkest London of William Booth’s time?”

Sometimes the walk with God requires us to not understand the why, but to put our trust in God. I am reminded by my sons of the trust they put in me as their father. Even at the age of five, my youngest son still asks for piggybacks because his legs get tired. Now that he’s heavier, I ask myself why I still do this. Because I love him and don’t want him to suffer.

Ironically, what motivated me to ask this question was the Christmas-themed album called Let There Be Light by the New York Staff Band and the US Eastern Territory Staff Songsters. I found that the cover photo and the themes of light, darkness and hope contained in the music transcended not just the story of Christ’s birth, but the reality of this pandemic as well.

Sometimes the journey is so difficult that we need to be carried in the loving arms of the Father, leaving only one set of footprints in the sand. Too often we are caught up with life to only see one set of footprints and think that God has deserted us.

Jesus didn’t come with fanfare or as a conquering king, but as baby in a ‘lowly cattle shed’. Sure, there were moments of majesty – angels appearing to shepherds and giving them opportunity to hear the coolest vocal number ever, and a star leading wise men to Jesus. But when Jesus was born, there wasn’t a neon sign displaying, “Jesus is here to save the world!”

As I listened to Let There Be Light, the lyrics, “Once in Royal David’s city, stood a lowly cattle shed”, reminded me that in today’s world, as we are currently caught in the great heartache of a pandemic, there is a simple story – there is the lowly cattle shed. And if we don’t stop and think about it, we could miss it completely.

Could the cold and desolate night of Jesus’ birth be the start of an amazing story? Could this cold and desolate night of our lifetime be the start of an amazing story?

The story of hope that comes from the birth of Jesus shouldn’t just be enjoyed at Christmas. We need it now. There is a way out of the deepest darkness – it is in that lowly cattle shed.

There is no time like the present to reflect on the birth of Jesus. We have a world that is in such darkness and despair. Filled with “the hopes and fears of all the years”, there are many people grappling to make sense of the current world pandemic. There are musicians worldwide wondering when they can start earning a living again. We even have many people within the Church feeling lost or feeling isolated from the Church they knew because services have changed in an effort to keep people safe. June 2021

So, let there be light. Adam Cole is a Salvationist who works as the Queensland State Coordinator for Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management. 3

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FEATURE

‘Sisters’

in frontline service

Friendship embraces cultural differences Army in Rockhampton, for someone to talk to and to get some assistance for food.

By Naomi Singlehurst Rockhampton Salvationists Robyn and Sandra love to serve together. Despite their cultural differences, they see themselves as ‘sisters’ in service and in life.

There I met two ladies and they prayed for my daughter and me. I soon joined craft lessons, started going to church, Bible lessons and Home League, then became an adherent then later became a soldier.

Robyn’s story

I had met Sandra 40 years ago, through my family. We lost touch, but seven years ago we found each other, and not long after I started coming to The Salvation Army.

I was born in 1952, in Clermont, Central Queensland. I’m from an Indigenous family of nine children – six girls and three boys. Mum was a single parent, and it was very hard to raise a family alone in those days.

I was pleased when Sandra started coming back to church. She told me I was the sister she never had because she only had brothers. It doesn’t make any difference what age or colour we are, we’re in the same family in God’s kingdom. I am very blessed that we found each other; we are great sisters. We even think alike!

In the 1960s, I was adopted by Mum’s brother and his wife, who had another child. We moved a bit, so I went to different primary schools and I have a grade nine secondary education. I really enjoyed doing crafts and cooking and won prizes for sewing and cooking in country shows. In 1989, I was blessed with a daughter, who now has two children – a boy and a girl. Sadly, my biological mother died in 2003.

It doesn’t make any difference what age or colour we are, we’re in the same family in God’s kingdom. - Robyn

I was employed as a tuckshop convenor in a primary school for about eight years, then as a childcare assistant for five years, but eventually had to give up the childcare job for medical reasons. I stayed home for a while, but I was very lonely and sad.

Together with Sandra, I volunteer to help with welfare, and with The Salvation Army Emergency Services when required, collect money for the Red Shield Appeal and help with ‘Christmas Under the Stars’. I enjoy volunteering, talking to people, helping people and making people laugh.

I was also very shy and scared of meeting people because of my culture, but finally I decided to go to The Salvation June 2021

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FEATURE

aged six, asked me to go to church with her. So, I did … and have been going ever since.

Sandra’s story I have been in Australia since 1959, arriving from England a week before my 14th birthday. It took a while to settle into my new home, but I love Australia as it is home to me now.

One Sunday, I was asked if I could do some volunteer work for Welfare Connect, so I went along and learnt to do phone messages and have been doing it now for seven years.

I had a lot of different jobs but didn’t go to church. I met my first husband while working out west [Queensland] where my family had a café, and then we moved back to the city. God gave me a beautiful gift – a baby girl, but sadly she never knew her father as he ‘went to glory’ when she was only nine months old.

Through the church, God gave me a lovely ‘sister’ in Robyn. We have known each other for just over 40 years but were not that close until we met again in church. Now we do everything together for our church. We belong to The Salvation Army Emergency Services where we do meals, food and drinks in bushfires and floods. We also do breakfast for about 50 to 60 people on our ‘homeless day’, when everyone helps those in need. We also do family sausage sizzles at a local park, cook take-away at ‘Christmas Under the Stars’, and do Red Shield Appeal.

Later, I met a nice man. We married and had four boys. All my children went to Sunday school and my daughter joined The Salvation Army youth group. She loved learning about Jesus and making new friends. She eventually became a leader in SAGALA (The Salvation Army Guarding and Legion Activities), which brought her brothers into the corps. My daughter and one son got enrolled at Rockhampton Corps.

When Cyclone Marcia came [in February 2015], we helped hundreds of people, filling out forms for food and help. There were four of us helping, including Robyn and me. We met a lot of nice people, and we worked from Monday to Friday for four weeks. Now, we both do welfare Monday and Friday, and it is very rewarding knowing we are working for the Lord.

One year, my daughter took me to a Salvation Army congress. At the end of the meeting, people were asked to go to the mercy seat. I was sitting by myself when a hand went on my shoulder, and a voice asked me to go forward. When I looked, no one was there. It was the Lord talking to me, so I did what he asked.

Knowing you are helping others gives you a wonderful feeling. It’s good having Robyn in my life, as I did not have a sister, only brothers. Robyn and I share a lot, from work to family. My own family think of Robyn as one of the family. Age, colour, country of origin does not make any difference. We are all God’s children, which makes us one in God’s eyes.

When I returned to Rockhampton, I also joined the corps but, sadly, after a while I lost my way and stopped going to church. My life went on hold. I lost my second husband and became lonely and lost. Then one day, my granddaughter, June 2021

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FEATURE

n o k c a b r feet thei

Getting vulnerable women

Moneycare eases burden on domestic violence survivors By Lauren Martin

The Salvation Army Moneycare financial counselling service has added to its range of programs a new support initiative to assist women impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV). The initiative, called Salvos Loans, which is supported by Westpac, will give women the opportunity to take out a nointerest loan of up to $5000 to relocate and set up a new home. Free financial counselling and the existing No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) will still be available as part of the initiative. Salvos Loans began in late 2020 in response to an identified need for more financial support for women impacted by DFV to establish themselves in safe, secure housing. It is overseen by The Salvation Army NSW/ACT Microfinance Coordinator Ross Norgate, and has a dedicated worker, Alison King, who said she has been surprised by the level of demand. “We haven’t done any advertising,” said Alison, with Ross adding, “The demand has been huge.” Alison King is the Salvos NILS Project Officer that oversees the new Salvos Loans initiative.

Support for new beginnings Most women accessing the new Moneycare service have taken out loans to pay for costs associated with moving into a new home, setting up a home with white goods, and security. One woman even purchased a second-hand car, according to Alison. “There’s also been TV and phone expenses,” she said, “because they need a high-tech-security system and they need an updated phone and TV for their security system, so it really is for safety purposes.” June 2021

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FEATURE

an individual’s financial situation are explored through creating new money habits, finding plans that are right for the individual, paying bills, discussing debts and insurance, shopping smart and other money-saving tips.” Paying back up to $5000 for women on limited incomes is a long journey, and each recipient is given up to three years to make the repayments. Alison makes sure each loan recipient feels supported throughout the process. “[I really try to] keep that rapport or build on that rapport so that they stay engaged and continue to repay their loan and keep me notified if there are any struggles,” she said. “I write birthday cards for the women and their children. An eightyear-old girl was so excited to have a birthday card because they don’t have anyone – any family or anything – as they’ve come from overseas. So, those little things really make a difference to the family as well.” One woman wrote to Alison to thank her for the “above-andbeyond” support, saying, “Thank you so, so, much for all of this. I really appreciate it. Because of you, my kids and I won’t be homeless anymore, and we can have a better and happier life.”

One-of-a-kind service “This is something that is not available anywhere else at this point in time,” said Captain Brad McIver, The Salvation Army State Social Mission and Community Engagement Coordinator (NSW/ACT Division), who was part of the development of Salvos Loans. “It’s The Salvation Army identifying a really critical need and a very practical way that we can respond with the love of Jesus to that circumstance.” Brad sits on the loan assessment committee for Salvos Loans. He said assessing the loans has given him much insight into just how difficult and traumatic the circumstances are around domestic and family violence. A unique part of Salvos Loans is its investment in wraparound support for the women being assisted. Alison helps to connect them with a domestic violence support worker [if they don’t already have one] and works through the Army’s Positive Lifestyle Program with them, as well as financial counselling and budgeting tips.

“We have seen that ability to have access to up to $5000 with no interest, that can be used for relocation for the establishment of a new tenancy and for the purchase of essential items – white goods and furniture – is absolutely life-changing. “So, it’s really broken the shackles … I think that’s the best way I can put it,” he said. “People, perhaps for the first time in a long time, are experiencing freedom in all the senses of the word with an invitation to something more [through the Positive Lifestyle Program and other supports offered].”

“Conversations from the Army’s ‘You’re the Boss’ program assists recipients with budgeting strategies and also to achieve or work towards financial independence,” Alison said. “Within this program, different aspects of June 2021

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ARMY ARCHIVES

Illustration of William and Catherine Booth, published on the cover of The War Cry on 3 September 1921.

The poem that

shaped

our history

William Booth’s recitation reveals much about the Founder impact The Salvation Army. He never just allowed programs or ideologies to infiltrate the Army. For example, William saw the Band of Hope [a temperance organisation for working-class children founded in 1847] and used some ideas in his Band of Love [juvenile temperance society]; he saw the Boy Scouts and used ideas in the Life Saving Scouts and Guards; he mixed military with civil ranks and organisational structures to make a progressive movement. The investigation of the poem shows that while William used the poem, he left out lines of which he did not agree.

By Garth R. Hentzschel A turning point in the history of The Salvation Army was when William Booth recited a poem at the home of Edward Harris Rabbits in London. The event led to William’s romance with Catherine Mumford and opened the way to William becoming a full-time preacher. While this event has been highlighted by many authors, there are still lessons to learn. In short, William was invited to Edward’s home where a group of Christians, including Catherine, had gathered. When William arrived, he was encouraged to recite an American Temperance poem, The Devil and the GrogSeller, that told of a dream where the devil visits a hotelier. The poem showed the negative impact of intoxicating drink and inferred the dreamer was an agent of the devil. The recitation led to a discussion on what relationship a Christian should have to alcohol, in which Catherine played her part. After the recitation, or through the discussion, a deep respect developed between Catherine and William.

It is clear William moved the poem away from the physical and material to the spiritual and eternal. While it is true the early Salvation Army looked after people with physical and financial needs, William’s focus was elsewhere. The missing elements of the poem showed he cared more for the soul than the body and cared more for eternal rules than for man-made laws. The removal of words also showed William’s theology on the devil. To William, the devil was a very real and dangerous enemy as throughout the poem he left out any language that made the devil look comical, friendly, a ruler or regal. Financial elements such as financial injustice, property ownership, making money, unethical business principles and acquisition of wealth were also left out.

This event has often been included in publications to show one or more of the following: how William and Catherine met, The Salvation Army’s early stand against alcohol, and women’s right to talk on topics important to Christian faith and practice. For these reasons the events should be remembered.

The deeper analyses of the poem therefore showed William’s theology and methodology. It teaches that contemporary Salvationists also can borrow other’s ideas but need to change them to be in line with the Army’s belief and practice.

What has not been previously identified is William’s ability to recite large volumes of literature. He could even remember poetry over 60 years later. Yet, William did not recite The Devil and the Grog-Seller in its entirety. What was excluded also reveals things about William.

Garth R. Hentzschel is a Salvationist living in Brisbane and is Executive Editor of The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History and President of The Salvation Army Historical Society of Brisbane.

William was able to use ideas of others; however, he analysed these through his belief system and how it would June 2021

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MISSION MATTERS

mean

What does it

to ‘live our mission’?

Petra Jenkins – State Manager, Family Violence NSW/ACT

Over the past year, the Family Violence stream in NSW/ACT has partnered with Salvation Army area officers and mission expression leaders to build faith pathways and leverage internal resources.

Danielle Cooper – Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) Services, Tasmania

In Tasmania, we offer many programs that provide treatment and support for anyone suffering a drug or alcohol addiction. Through our collaboration with the Area Leadership Team in Hobart, we have developed positive relationships with local corps officers, providing us with an opportunity for colocation of staff and services within Salvation Army corps and centres across southern Tasmania.

One example started with an email from the Norwest Area Leadership Team in Sydney. They had a vacated officers’ quarters on the grounds of Dural Corps. Instead of placing the property on the private rental market, it is now being used as low-cost housing for participants in the Family Violence stream needing transitional housing and specialised case management.

We have seen a significant increase in engagement in our day program with many clients also now receiving additional support through programs and services offered by the corps. This collaboration removes many barriers for people wanting to access drug and alcohol support in their local communities.

Salvos Housing is managing the tenancy and feeding back into the corps the revenue raised from rent, and the Family Violence stream is delivering the program, enhanced by support from the Local Mission Delivery model.

It has been a fantastic collaboration and an example of how social mission and corps can achieve great outcomes.

Across Australia, Salvos are working to live out The Salvation Army vision statement with all mission expressions working together to better serve the community “with the love of Jesus”. Here are two more examples:

Tyson, Rose and Ian connected with Hobart Corps through the Army’s Alcohol and other Drugs Services that operates onsite. They have now become adherents of the corps’ Recovery Church. (Read Rose’s story on page 13)

John Williams – Team Leader, Soundpoint Youth and Community Centre, Goodna, Queensland Six years ago, Gene was couch surfing and sleeping rough in Sydney. Drugs and alcohol had made their impact felt. He decided to head to Brisbane, where his brother took him in. Gene tagged along to his brother’s regular trip to Goodna Salvos for their community meal and chapel and found a place where people were accepted for who they are. “I found it [chapel] to be soul-affirming, a place where I found community and friendship,” Gene said. Gene has joined the chapel band, playing guitar. The band also plays regularly at Salvos Recovery Church in Brisbane. “I’ve grown a lot – inside. I wake up feeling good,” he said. “The Salvos have been a major part of getting out of that loop. I’ve had a change of heart.” Gene’s experience is the product of Salvos collaborating holistically to live out their mission – helping to care for people physically and spiritually. It’s helped Gene grow closer to God: “He’s kept me alive to get me to this time in life. I have understanding and direction.” June 2021

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DIVISIONAL NEWS

s e l a W h t u o S w Ne n a i l a r t s Au Capital y r o t i r r Te

Mat George (second from right) and the street outreach team reach out to a man experiencing homelessness (left).

and

Friendship warms winter for Wagga Wagga’s homeless

that people experiencing homelessness may take shelter. In the process, they formed friendships with people sleeping rough, living in their cars, camping and couch surfing. They were able to help with material items like swags, bedrolls and warm clothing. But just as important was the hot cuppa and a chat.

By Lauren Martin It can get down to sub-zero temperatures in the southwest New South Wales regional city of Wagga Wagga. And while many people would say the city doesn’t have a homeless population, if you know where to look, you will find dozens of people living in cars or sleeping rough.

“For me, it’s about giving back to the community,” says Mat. “Those who feel forgotten and those who feel like no one cares. I like to show them that we actually do care and we do know you’re there. Going out pretty much rain, hail or shine because they’re still homeless [in whatever weather].”

One man who does know where to look is Mat George. The Wagga Wagga Salvos member has a strong calling on his life to stand alongside people who feel ‘unseen’ by the world. In the lead-up to winter last year, he and the then leaders of Wagga Wagga Salvos, Captains Kara and Stewart Hartley, and fellow member Ned Jones, began to reach out to people experiencing homelessness in the community. “A lot of people unfortunately think that all homeless people are alcoholics and drug addicts,” says Mat. “It’s quite the opposite. Trying to afford to pay your rent and pay your electricity and have food and still have some sort of quality of life, just don’t all go together … if you’re on Centrelink benefits.”

There are currently no free shower or laundry facilities in Wagga Wagga, and Mat and the team would love to build a mobile laundry and shower trailer. “We take a warm shower for granted at the end of work, and clean clothes. We just throw them in the wash and don’t even think twice about it,” he says. “These guys are washing their clothes under a tap and showering is something they don’t get to do often because you have to pay money in town at the local pool, which is a few dollars, which could mean dinner or a shower.”

Throughout winter 2020, Mat and the team would stock up the church bus with a full urn, some meals, snacks and clothing and other items from the Wagga Wagga Family Store. They drove the streets of the city, walking around parks, along the riverside and in other areas they knew of

In the trailer that’s being dreamed up would be a slide-out barbecue, so that instead of giving away pre-cooked meals to people, the team could cook up some dinner and sit down and share a meal with their new friends, enabling deeper conversations about life and faith.

June 2021

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DIVISIONAL NEWS

d n a l s n e Que

God’s Sports Arena kicking more goals By Darryl Whitecross God’s Sports Arena (GSA), a Salvation Army church that has been running successfully in Brisbane for more than 10 years, has expanded to the Sunshine Coast and is kicking more goals for God.

God’s Sports Arena has been well attended since it kicked off on the Sunshine Coast in February.

The ‘scoreboard’ showed 87 people turned up on the first night. The number 87 in some sports, particularly for cricketers, is not a welcome sight. It represents 13 less than 100, but for Team GSA it got the crowd on their feet! For Bill Hunter, who started GSA in a small church in the shadow of Brisbane’s Lang Park stadium all those years ago, it was God’s seal of approval on the expansion. On the strength of the success of GSA in Brisbane, Bill, a prominent sportsman in his own right, decided to take a run (literally) 90km up the Bruce Highway to seaside Caloundra to see how the initiative would be received there. The services are held in the multi-purpose facility at the Caloundra Corps complex at Little Mountain from 4.30pm on the first Sunday of each month. The services follow the same game plan that has worked in Brisbane: a sporting theme with a whistle blown to start the service and to signal a break in ‘play’ after which the congregation, which is divided into two, swaps sides after ‘half-time oranges’.

There’s even a sin bin! Within minutes of the whistle blowing to signal kick-off for the first meeting in Caloundra, Bill sent former Australia Eastern Territory leaders, retired Commissioners James and Jan Condon, to the sin bin – virtually for no other reason than he could!

It’s a casual-style service incorporating contemporary worship, an encouragement segment, a powerful transformation story and a ‘Sportsman’s Prayer’ at the end – written by Bill’s father, Major Keith Hunter, who passed away not long after GSA got out of the blocks.

It was not the first time that ranking Army officers have been sent to sin bin for an alleged ‘onfield’ indiscretion. A former divisional commander, Commissioner Mark Campbell [now the New Zealand Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territorial Commander], spent 10 minutes in ‘the bin’ when he turned up in formal uniform – tie and all – to a GSA service!

Bill Hunter at the launch of The Salvation Army’s God Sports Arena (GSA) at Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Bill said GSA was designed to reach “non-church people” – those who are not comfortable attending regular services. These included recovering addicts, the homeless and vulnerable in the community. “It doesn’t matter if you’re single, divorced, married, in recovery, been a prisoner or anything, you are welcome at GSA,” Bill said. GSA exists to love, encourage and not judge the people who attended its services and Bill said that would continue to be the foundation of GSA Sunshine Coast.

June 2021

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DIVISIONAL NEWS

a i r o t c i V

On a mission to build community in Reservoir Designed as an extension to corps ministry, up to four residents at a time can participate in the year-long program to serve at Reservoir Corps while they continue to work or study outside of the Army.

By Jessica Morris Auxiliary-Lieutenants Esther and Matt Atkins, of Reservoir Corps in Melbourne’s north, know that creating community is about more than just running programs – it is about giving people a home. Literally.

By gaining external mentoring, The Barracks is a safe haven for upcoming leaders to develop their skill set, confidence and awareness. Plus, it gives them the opportunity to serve in whatever capacity they are most passionate about – whether they love gaming, working with young people, doing grounds-keeping or running media.

In 2020, they officially opened ‘The Barracks’, a fourbedroom mission house, which acts as the residence for upcoming leaders who want to learn and serve. Formerly a ‘crisis house’ located next to the corps, Esther and Matt altered it to become a ‘mission house’, utilised for training and developing young leaders. It also creates a much-needed, self-sustaining cycle of leadership and ministry for the corps through its residents.

“We do at least one training per term with them, and it’s anything between understanding finance to counselling. It’s about training to upskill and equipping them for adulthood,” said Matt.

“I have lived in a house of eight, and Esther has lived in a house of 20, so we know the bad and good social dynamics that can be in shared houses!” explains Matt. “We make sure we are doing our best – and also being good stewards of what The Salvation Army has given us.”

Last year, it became home to upcoming leader Jaycob, who piloted the program. “The Barracks gave me a space to figure who I am,” he said. “It helped me build character and so much more confidence in myself as a young adult. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it, truly.”

Auxiliary-Lieutenant Matt Atkins and the whole team have worked hard to make the mission house fit for new residents. June 2021

Upcoming leader Jaycob was the first resident at ‘The Barracks’ mission house at Reservoir Corps. 12

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a i n a m s Ta

DIVISIONAL NEWS

Spotting red flags in relationships By Jessica Morris When the Chatterbox empowerment program began at Huonville Corps, south of Hobart, the goal was initially to support young girls who lived with a primary carer experiencing mental health issues. “One in four families live with mental health issues and I wanted to bring together a group of students to help normalise their challenging family life,” said Chris Walker, psychotherapist and creator of Chatterbox.

Rose (with her dog Blossom) and fellow Recovery Church member Tyson, with Captains Johnmark and Nicole Snead.

When the program was originally presented to the local school six years ago, Chris was asked to broaden the content of group sessions to encompass a variety of issues affecting young people today, including healthy and unhealthy relationships. From the day the two-year program began, Chris said “it’s never been short of participants”.

Rose comes home to Recovery Church

The Huon Domestic Violence Service has been of huge benefit to Chatterbox. Towards the end of year two, one of the service’s family violence specialists joins the group over a four-week period to talk about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

When Rose entered The Salvation Army Bridge Program of recovery in Hobart, she quickly found herself at Hobart Corps Recovery Church. And with it, she found belonging and a faith in Jesus.

“We discuss the many types of relationships, what constitutes healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to recognise the early warning signs, or ‘red flags’, of an unhealthy relationship. This encourages help-seeking behaviour for the girls around their own relationships and that of their friends and peer groups who may disclose any concerns to them,” Chris said.

“Rose quickly became a regular, and it has been a blessing to see her story of faith develop,” said Hobart Corps Officer Captain Nicole Snead.

Last year, the girls were particularly creative, cutting out pictures that represented various aspects of ‘red flags’ in relationships. These were then stuck onto physical red flags.

The Bridge Program gave Rose the tools she needed to step into freedom, and when she completed her stay, she chose to continue on at Recovery Church. It meant that her transformation continued – and as her faith developed, she saw God answer her prayers.

The exercise was so successful that the Huon Domestic Violence Service created posters that are being placed at the local high school and around the Huon Valley.

“It feels like coming home whenever I walk in the door. I know that through the constant prayers of my mum, my faith community, I have come to know God in a new and intimate way; in a saving way,” said Rose.

Chatterbox is a labour of love – but for the 13 girls who actively take part in this much-needed Salvo program, it can be lifechanging.

Life still has its ups and downs, but now Rose knows she doesn’t face them alone. She knows God is with her, and that the Hobart Salvos community fights alongside her.

Chatterbox participants bravely identified the ‘red flags’ of toxic relationships through craft. Now, their flags are on display at the local high school and around the Huon Valley. June 2021

“We are so very blessed to have Rose as part of our community, and we continue to pray that God will answer her prayers and reveal himself more and more!” said Nicole. – Jessica Morris

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

DIVISIONAL NEWS

and

Port Augusta Salvation Army operates from the site of an old shopping centre.

One-stop shop in Port Augusta

Along with the worship centre, there is office space, a thrift shop, café area, recording studio and space where cooking classes are run, and other workshops. Majors Richard and Gaye Day, Port Augusta Corps Officers, head up the busy team of employees and volunteers who run the worship and community activities. Gaye said the corps had “great plans” for the complex, which is being dubbed The Salvos Hub.

By Darryl Whitecross When you purchase a former shopping centre, the possibilities for mission are endless. The Salvation Army complex in Port Augusta, at the top of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia, is quickly becoming a hub for community activities.

She said a grant from the Port Augusta City Council had enabled the corps to begin a gardening group. The plants have been potted on a stand that can be wheeled into the workshop space for classes and then out to the best position for growth.

Major Lance Jeffrey, South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander, said the corps, its thrift shop and community programs – specifically Doorways and homelessness – had moved into the former Carlton Plaza, which the Army had bought with a “clear vision” for its use back in 2009-10. It was opened with those mission expressions in 2013.

With the local council recently introducing a new system of waste disposal, the corps plans to run 45-minute workshops on recycling, which would include what could be recycled and what council-provided bins should be used for what refuse.

Along with the Army presence, a pharmacy still operates in the complex and there is a plan to attract other businesses back to the property once the corps and the other programs become established. The original 1959sq/m of floor space in the plaza could accommodate 10 separate tenancies, but the Army mission expressions have taken up about a third of the available space.

When not being used for workshops and classes, the area becomes a café, complete with a commercial coffee machine.

Women’s Day donation plants seeds of opportunity

cooler chest, 12 fold-up chairs and a roll of shade cloth.

Gaye said the vision for the hub was that it would increase community engagement and provide a space for creating, learning and wellbeing.

“This was very generous of Bunnings at Palmerston and we thanked them very much for their support and acknowledgment of the Army and Sunrise,” said Sunrise Centre manager Lorraine Butler, pictured (right) with Renae Winterton and Bunnings representative Trish Visser.

A generous donation to The Salvation Army Sunrise Centre in Darwin will enhance its community garden, which is a space of recreation and conversation for people experiencing addiction and homelessness. Bunnings Palmerston approached Sunrise, an addiction recovery and homelessness centre in the Northern Territory capital, offering to donate goods from the store to coincide with International Women’s Day in March this year.

She said the gardening equipment was to be used in the centre’s communal garden where herbs, some vegetables and fruit were grown. The produce was used in the centre kitchen. – Darryl Whitecross

Renae Winterton, Sunrise Centre clinical coordinator, put together the list: one large and two small pairs of garden shears, five large black pots, a 3m x 3m gazebo, a 15-litre June 2021

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Wesateliran Austr

DIVISIONAL NEWS

CAMEO coordinator Robin (second from right) and three volunteers preparing delicious meals for the weekly CAMEO lunches.

Serving up inclusion in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Todd isn’t the only person who acts as sous chef in the kitchen. Another 19-year-old, John*, began volunteering this year – and it’s the first time his mother has felt comfortable leaving her non-verbal son to work independently with the team. “We love having them in the kitchen. The purpose is that we get people connected in, and to feel like they can give back to something they have enjoyed being a part of,” said Bethany.

By Jessica Morris In the mining town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the disparity between locals doing it tough and the wealthy is stark – but The Salvation Army has found a way to engage people often left behind.

The weekly meal is a staple for locals who have few other places in town to socialise, but the Salvos also see people passing through stop by for a bite to eat. The lands around Kalgoorlie and the goldfields have a large Indigenous population, and CAMEO is an ideal place to stop when people are travelling to significant events and funerals. Some other people who attend are referred from the local Salvos Doorways expression, and there has also been some crossover between participants and people attending Sunday services.

Their weekly ‘CAMEO’ meal – an acronym for ‘Come And Meet Each Other’ – has been bringing people together for over a decade. With the inclusion of differently abled locals and their carers, volunteer coordinator Robin saw potential for CAMEO to become something even bigger – a place for people to give back by volunteering in the kitchen, and on the floor.

“One thing we are really focusing on this year is that it’s not all about Sunday,” Bethany said. “We see our Tuesday meals as another church service. Each week we share a short and encouraging message that is linked in to Sunday’s theme. We try to be a point of referral – to keep our ears to the ground and build up that connection base for people.”

So, when Lieutenants Bethany and BJ Baillie arrived in October as corps officers, they took the baton and ran with it. “We started with one man, Todd*, on the autism spectrum. He started volunteering in the kitchen when he was 18, and his parents were desperate to find something for him to do now that he had finished school. He was high-functioning but struggling to find a job,” explains Bethany.

As the community bands together and celebrates everyone’s skills and abilities, there’s no telling what God could do.

“He volunteered with us for nearly a year, and then got a job, which meant he couldn’t come to CAMEO anymore. But, somehow, we bumped into him on the street at the beginning of this year. Because of COVID, he had lost his job – so he’s back again and loving it. He cooks whatever he can. He’s a great presence.” June 2021

“I hope we can encourage all people to see what they do have to offer. [Imagine] how much the town could change if we were all encouraged to be who we really were – to bring our gifts to the table,” said Bethany. * Names changed for privacy reasons 15

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SALVATION STORY

God turned my world upside-down

some kinesiology and studied transpersonal counselling. I read books on reincarnation, was considering studying philosophy at the local Tibetan Buddhist temple and my goal was to start a wellness centre. Then, I met Captain Mike Nally from The Salvation Army.

By Rachel Nally

Through Mike, Jesus challenged my beliefs. Mike invited me to church and what I found was an inviting and welcoming community. At church, I felt that in each and every message delivered, Jesus was speaking directly to my soul. Every song we sang brought tears to my eyes and I didn’t really know why.

I am not who I used to be. I was raised as a Catholic, had a great upbringing, a loving family, but I went through some ‘stuff’ and lost all faith in the Catholic Church. Not in God, but in people. I started suffering anxiety in my early 20s and tried various things, but nothing really helped. It was anxiety that led me to Reiki, a Japanese form of alternative medicine. I had a session and I ‘felt’ something, so I wanted to learn more. I eventually became a Reiki practitioner.

During one meeting, Mike offered those wanting prayer to come to the mercy seat. I remember feeling three things at once: 1. I really wanted to get up, but I was too shy or embarrassed. 2. I really didn’t want to get up. I didn’t want to change. I wanted to stay the same person I had become. I remember having a death grip on the edge of the seat. 3. I felt like I just wanted to fall on my knees and prostrate myself before God.

I did a course on oracle card readings, crystal healings,

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

I did none of those things. I just sat there having this internal debate. But then every time I came to church it was like Jesus was whispering, “Come to me”.

Staff writers Darryl Whitecross Jessica Morris Naomi Singlehurst

God then turned my world upside down and I was left wondering what he had planned for my life. He soon answered and a position came up to volunteer at Broadford Corps. From there I fell in love with serving God and his people and a seed started to sprout.

Contributors Adam Cole Garth R Hentzschel

National Secretary for Communications / Graphic designer Editor-in-Chief Lieut-Colonel Neil Venables Eris Alar

I kept ‘mum’ on telling anyone I wanted to be a Salvation Army officer until I was sure it was what God was calling me to. Now, here I am – a cadet!

Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker Assistant Editor Lauren Martin 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

Rachel Nally is a cadet-inappointment at Broadford Corps, Victoria.

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

June 2021

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