He gave his life by The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory April 2011 Volume 15 Issue 4

gave

his life

Easter 2011

ARTICLES BY General Linda Bond | Commissioner James Condon | Lieut-Colonel Doug Clarke | Lieut-Colonel Maxwell Ryan | Major Merv Holland

Editoria l

There’s power in the cross of Christ

remember it as one of the most liberating experiences of my Christian journey. I was in my mid 20s and on staff at Teen Ranch Scotland, a Christian activity centre about an hour’s drive north of Edinburgh. Every year we had a staff training weekend at Teen Ranch and on this occasion the guest speaker was Graham Stamford, from the north of England. Graham’s key verse for the weekend was Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (New International Version). I was familiar with this passage of the Bible; in fact, at Teen Ranch the children regularly sang a song which involved repeating this verse over and over. But at this staff training weekend, through the words of Graham, God spoke very clearly to me about what it means to live by his power. It culminated in Graham’s assertion that “if we try to live the Christian life, then God expects us to fail”. Those words hit me like a sledge-hammer. I had been trying – and failing – to live as a Christian, never really grasping the reality that God has already done all the hard work, achieved when he sent his Son to die on the cross. The 19th century Christian writer and preacher Andrew Murray, in commenting on Galatians 2:20, sums it up well.

Contents The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder

COV E R

STORY

8-11 HE GAVE HIS LIFE Pipeline brings you a series of articles reflecting on the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ

12-16 TWEED HEADS IN NEW DIRECTION A Salvation Army corps in northern NSW is adopting a new approach to winning souls for the Lord. By Simone Worthing

James Condon, Commissioner Territorial Commander

18-20 MY CALLING Four cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session share how God has worked in their lives

Peter Sutcliffe, Major Communications Director Scott Simpson Managing Editor

22-23 IN THE TRENCHES WITH THE SALLYMAN In the lead-up to Anzac Day, Brigadier Mick Moon praises the long history of The Salvation Army with our armed forces

Graphic design: James Gardner, Kem Pobjie

26-28 FAREWELL TO A POPULAR LEADER The Australia Eastern Territory says goodbye to Commissioner Linda Bond

Cover photo: Shairon Paterson

R EGULA RS

Editorial and correspondence: Address: PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 1235 Phone: (02) 9266 9690 www.salvos.org.au Email: eastern.editorial @aue.salvationarmy.org Published for: The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory by Commissioner James Condon. Printed by: SOS Print + Media Group 65 Burrows Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia Print Post Approved PP236902/00023

In this issue of Pipeline, with Easter just a few weeks away, we focus again on Christ’s death and resurrection. General Linda Bond, in her first Easter message as the new world leader of The Salvation Army, reflects upon the “gentle invitation to believe”, while Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell Ryan paints a vivid picture of the apostle Peter after his ultimate act of denial. Major Merv Holland and New Zealand Salvationist Carla Lindsey continue our Easter theme with challenging articles. This Easter, may you experience anew what it means to live in the power of the risen Christ. Scott Simpson Managing Editor

6-7 THE GENTLE INVITATION TO BELIEVE General Linda Bond brings her first Easter message as world leader of The Salvation Army

Linda Bond, General

Pipeline is a publication of the Communications Team

Easter theme

FEATU R ES

International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria street London EC4P 4EP

Australia Eastern Territory 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

“As the representative of His people, He [Christ] took you and me to the cross with Him, and now gives us His life – the life with which He entered heaven and was exalted to the throne,” he wrote. “The power of His death and life is active in me. As I hold fast the truth that I have been crucified with Him, and that it is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me, I receive the strength to overcome sin. The life I have received from Him is a life that has been crucified and freed from the power of sin.” This is a profound truth and its full knowledge is something I am still to gain, but in it I find wonderful freedom in Christ. There is phenomenal power in the cross of Christ.

3 EDITORIAL THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY APRIL 2011 | VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 2

5 TC@PIPELINE 17 HOW TO DO JUSTICE 21 HOLY HABITS 30-31 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW? 32-33 MISSION PRIORITIES UPDATE 34-44 COALFACE NEWS

Having

whole Lotty

fun

It’s child’s play for Ray

45 PROMOTED TO GLORY

IN THIS MONTH’S

CREATIVE MINISTRY

having a whole lotty fun pipeline 04/2011 3

General Bond begins term as world leader

eneral Linda Bond this month becomes the 19th world leader of The Salvation Army. The Canadian is the third woman – after Generals Evangeline Booth and Eva Burrows – to hold the post of General of the Army since it was founded 146 years ago. She succeeds General Shaw Clifton who stepped down at midnight on 1 April having been in the position since 2006. General Bond (pictured) has most recently served as the Territorial Commander of the Army’s Australian Eastern Territory, a role she took up in 2008. She was elected to the international leadership earlier this year by The High Council of The Salvation Army made up of senior officers from around the world. She becomes the head of more than one million Salvationists in 124 countries. The Salvation Army also has more than 100,000 employees. General Bond has 42 years experience of Christian ministry and leadership. Prior to leading the Australia Eastern Territory, she worked at The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) in London, as the Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and International External

Relations. She had previously worked at IHQ as Under Secretary for Personnel in the mid 1990s. As a Salvation Army officer, General Bond has served in local corps ministry, on the staff of Salvation Army territorial

and divisional headquarters’ and as part of the training staff for new officers in her home territory of Canada and Bermuda. During those years she also served as a divisional leader and Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army in its Canada and Bermuda Territory. Other appointments have included divisional leadership roles in the Manchester region of the United Kingdom between 1998 and 1999, and as Territorial Commander of the USA Western Territory. Meantime, Commissioners James and Jan Condon have returned to Sydney to take over leadership of the Australia Eastern Territory in succession to General Bond. Commissioner James Condon takes on the role of Territorial Commander and Commissioner Jan Condon will serve as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They have most recently been based at IHQ in London. The Condons served in a senior capacity in the Australia Eastern Territory – Commissioner James as Chief Secretary and Colonel Jan as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries – prior to moving to London.

Letters

Packing a punch

alk about thinking outside the square – what a great program Kingdom Boxing (Pipeline, February) has proved to be. I would like to congratulate the North Ipswich Indigenous ministries for their vision and indeed application of this wonderful “Spirit-led” activity. As an Army we must find ways to be relevant to today’s youth, and society in general. Are our military brothers employing the same weapons and tactics from yesteryear? No, of course not! Kingdom Boxing has struck a chord with today’s sports and fitness-minded population. I have worked with the homeless and needy on a professional basis for 17 years and have proved boxing to be of great assistance when striving to communicate with my clients. Talk boxing and you immediately engage their attention. Boxing provides many helpful anecdotes whilst dealing with people’s issues and struggles. It is not how many times we are knocked down in life, but how many times we get back up. Once again, well done Kingdom Boxing!

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory February 2011 Volume 15 Issue 2

SHOWING WHO WE ARE SALVATION ARMY GETS NEW LOOK HEARTACHE TO HEALING AND HOPE ROBBIN MOULDS’ REMARKABLE JOURNEY

EMOTIONAL RESCUE FRIENDSHIP BORN OUT OF TRAGEDY

SPECIAL EIGHT-PAGE FLOODS COVERAGE

David McKenzie, Sydney

Salvos punching above their weight ARTICLES BY General Paul Rader | Commissioner Linda Bond | Major Paul Moulds | Major Merv Holland | Major Barbara Sampson

Tell me the old, old story As the Easter season approaches, Commissioner JAMES CONDON urges all Salvationists to look afresh at the wonderful story of Christ’s death and resurrection

tory-telling plays an important role in the development of children. Which child did not look forward to a bedtime story? It was a time for learning and bonding with the parents. When my wife Jan and I served at Boscombe Corps in the United Kingdom, during my pastoral visitation I would particularly ask retired officers to share their story. How interesting and enlightening this became. Then during our term in Papua New Guinea, I saw again the value of story-telling as this is a major aspect of life in that culture. A lot of time is allocated to bring family and wantoks (friends) together to share their stories – their history and culture. There is no better story than the one that recounts the life and ministry of Jesus. It never loses its excitement and wonder even though it is told over and over. However, we do need to guard against familiarity in thinking we know it all and lose its impact and challenge in our lives. In the Easter story we see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane sweating great drops of blood. He was all alone in his hour of greatest need. His friends failed him because they went to sleep rather than pray and support their Master. Jesus was bound and taken to Caiaphas’ house for questioning about his claims to be the Son of God. Not interested in learning the truth, the religious leaders were jealous of his popularity and fearful of his power. He endured beatings and lashings, pain and torture but he never flinched because of his desire to do his Father’s will. Stripped of his clothes and scourged, he was then given another robe and a crown of thorns was placed on his head and he was forced to carry a heavy wooden cross to Golgotha. But physically he was unable to walk very far. When finally they arrived at Calvary, Jesus was nailed to the cross and raised high for all to see. The persecution and interrogation did not cease. But through all the pain and suffering Jesus did not waver. He

was determined to do his Father’s will. To die that we might live; to give so we might receive; to love so we might be secure; to rise from the dead so we may have hope. It’s a story of deep pain and suffering that brings healing. It’s a story where evil seemed to prevail, but was finally defeated. It’s a story that seemed to focus on defeat, but victory triumphed. It’s a story where all hope seemed lost, but eternal hope sprang up. It’s a story of death and finality, but new, eternal life emerged. It’s a wonderful story of love and grace, mercy and hope – and it’s a story that needs to be shared every day and bears repeating. There are still many people who have never heard the story – let’s tell them. In the words of the song: Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love Tell the story slowly, that I may take it in That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon Tell me the old, old story. At Easter, as we look again at Jesus’ death and resurrection, may this story captivate our hearts and minds afresh.

Commissioner James Condon is Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory

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The Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easter Message 2011

Photo: Shairon Paterson

Integrity

Growing Saints

The gentle invitation to believe

ime changes one’s perspective, does it not? That is so for me and perhaps for many of you when you reflect on the Easter story. Maybe it has to do with our life experiences which make us see things differently. Or maybe the gracious way the Lord has dealt with us has taught us to read the Scriptures differently. Whatever the cause, the account of Thomas’ reaction on hearing that Jesus was risen illustrates this point for me. Many of us perhaps think he deserved the name “Doubting Thomas”. The Bible tells us that he was not with the other disciples when Jesus came, but they were quick to tell him the good news: “We have seen the Lord!” (John 20:25 NIV). Then comes his famous response: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (v25). “Seeing is believing” – or at least Thomas felt so. A week later, Jesus showed up again. This time Thomas was with the disciples. After greeting them all: “Peace be with you!” (v26), Jesus initiated the conversation with Thomas. He said to him: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (v27). These words of Jesus are not written in our Bibles with exclamation marks, in bold print or in capital letters. Yet sometimes they are read as though they were a shout, a stern rebuke from the Lord to a stubborn disciple. Have you considered that this was no shout but a gentle invitation to a struggling soul? That day, Jesus showed up especially for Thomas. The risen Lord knew his disciple’s heart. Thomas truly wanted a personal encounter with Jesus as his friends

had experienced. He had been honest enough to admit his struggle. He could not believe the impossible or comprehend the incredible. Having witnessed the miracles of Jesus, he should perhaps have seen this as yet another of those amazing moments. But for him, resurrection after crucifixion was beyond the realm of possibility. Maybe this was no embarrassing moment for Thomas, no public shaming in front of his friends. Surely Jesus did not expose him before the others as a “doubting Thomas”? Rather, don’t you think that as Thomas was invited into Jesus’ wounds, the Lord whispered a word of faith into his ear? It is true that we can’t go beyond what the Scriptures tell us. But we can read them with the knowledge of how Jesus deals with us. Knowing how understanding and gracious he is, the story of Thomas can be read as our story. How often we have heard others share their joy about their experience with Jesus and somehow we just can’t relate to it? Rather than declare our doubts, we have kept silent or even tried to express a conviction that we did not hold. But for those who truly want to know him, Jesus comes, doesn’t he? No rebuke, no word of condemnation, but a whisper. He gives us a moment so convincing that we know with absolute certainty: He is alive. He is real. Thomas’ response may surely also be ours: “My Lord and my God” (v28). What a wonderful Saviour! What a wonderful Lord!

General Linda Bond is World Leader of The Salvation Army

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Easter 2011

Slow down and enjoy the journey

New Zealand Salvationist CARLA LINDSEY, author of a new book the long weekend, suggests a considered approach will give us a deeper appreciation of Easter

ow do you prepare for Easter? I’m talking about more than the buying of Easter eggs and hot cross buns, and organising what to do with the couple of extra days off. What I really mean is: how do you prepare spiritually for Easter? As you approach the commemoration of the most significant event in the Christian calendar, how do you make sure that spiritually you’re in the right space? Do you prepare spiritually for Easter? For at least 1700 years Christians have had a time of spiritual preparation before Easter. This time of preparation spread over the 40 days which preceded Easter. It was called Lent. Lent was a time for sacrifice and repentance, for soul searching and taking stock. Lent was a time of anticipation. Lent was a time to get closer to God. Do we have a similar approach to Easter? How do we approach it? Music isn’t just about the notes that are played. Music is also about the gaps in between the notes. It’s about the way the notes are approached. Music with no gaps is lifeless and monotonous. It has no feeling. Music that captures the soul leads the listener somewhere. It has shape that will

build up to a high point. Composers often create anticipation of a high point by delaying the notes just before it, or, in other words, by lengthening the gaps between the notes as the high point approaches. By doing this the listener is led to a fuller appreciation of the high point because they’ve gone on more of a journey to get there. Could we take a similar approach to Easter? Could we slow down and enjoy the journey to get there? Do we just plough through Easter at the same speed as any other time of year?

Carla Lindsey

Easter 2011

What if we just took a little more time getting there? Maybe if we did that, we would appreciate Easter more. I’m not suggesting that we don’t appreciate the significance of Easter. Rather, that life is busy. It flies by in a blur and if we’re not careful the profound personal impact of Easter could pass us by too in the blur.

Reality of the cross

Two years ago, I had to give a lecture on the crucifixion. The usual lecturer was away, I was the fill-in. I will never forget that week. Of all the lectures to have to do, this one was a “biggy”! I thought I knew the story. I’d heard it so many times before, but I was wrong. I was blown away by what I found. I researched and found connections I had no idea existed. I pondered the story and put myself in each scene, trying to imagine what the participants might have seen, heard and felt. This experience brought me face to face with the reality of what Jesus went through, and it changed me. The lecture I gave that week eventually became the basis of a book titled the long weekend. It’s a short book that I hope people will read in their preparation for Easter. It’s a book that I hope will get people thinking. It asks lots of questions, many which are left unanswered. The reader will have to come to their own conclusions. I hope that people will take the time to slow down and read a chapter a day in the lead-up to Easter. It’s not a book to just whiz through, but to reflect and ponder on, to self-examine and take stock. I’m guessing there are many Christians like me. We know the story too well. We may have heard the Easter story what seems like a million times before. It’s so familiar. But this is a story that needs to be heard again. It is no normal story. Sure you can browse through it and get the general idea. You can hear it year after year and even know it off by heart. But something incredible happens when you take the time to dig into it a little deeper. The more you look, the more you find. The more you dig, the more layers of rich meaning emerge from beneath the surface. By some wonderful divine mystery this ancient story comes alive. The old message turns out to be hopeproducing and purpose-giving and lifeaffirming. This story changes lives! Let it change yours this Easter. Carla Lindsey attends the Hamilton Corps of The Salvation Army in New Zealand. She is studying towards a Graduate Diploma in Theology and holds a BA with a double major in history and music.

Small book answers Easter’s big questions the long weekend, by Carla Lindsey By Major RAEWYN GRIGG

hat does Easter mean to you? We all have our own ideas about this monumental event in history, but this little book is Carla Lindsey’s thought-provoking, personal expressions of what Easter means to her. So does this have any relevance to me? Definitely! As I read these chapters – which only take a few minutes to read – I am confronted with aspects of Jesus’ crucifixion that I have not deliberated on before. Questions are asked, such as: How could these events have impacted Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry Jesus’ cross? Did it change his life – or the life of his friends and family? What was it like for Jesus to suffer alone? How does the nakedness of Jesus – his humiliation, his vulnerability, his rejection – impact us? What does it mean? How do Jesus’ words on the cross fulfil prophecy? What “stuff” did Christ’s death break? Why did devoted women stay with Jesus until the end when most of the men had

disappeared? Why was Joseph of Arimathea God’s man for the moment? Why did he risk everything for a dead man – Jesus? Has this aroused your appetite to know more? If so, I can recommend this book. Carla’s purpose for this book is that readers will engage in thinking, learning and soulsearching in order to grow in their relationship with God. It can be used for personal reading or also as a group guide. There is a link to a study guide available online for those who want more. Don’t let this Easter pass without taking the familiar story and going deeper with it. Try it, and maybe you will be able say: “The format grabbed me, the content disturbed me, the theme invigorated me. Carla’s ‘less is more’ assembly of Jesus’ long weekend drew me back to the centrality of my faith; the devotion of our suffering Saviour” (Major Colin Mason, Chaplain, New Zealand Defence Force). the long weekend is available for $NZ19.50 and can be purchased through the website: www.thelongweekend.co.nz

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Easter 2011

protest The power of

By Major MERV HOLLAND

here’s horrendous power when people rise up in protest – power that impacts the lives of millions for better or for

worse. We’re confronted daily with reports and graphic images from the Middle East and North Africa where politics and justice clash. Governments and despotic regimes are being challenged and toppled, lives are being lost and nations torn apart as people rise up for their cause. Nothing has changed since the days of Jesus. Religious fanatics whipped up a frenzy amongst the masses demanding Jesus’ crucifixion. These same crowds, who were incited to almost riot when Jesus faced trial before Pilate the Roman governor, only a week before had hailed Jesus as their hero, wanting him as their king! Read the record of these contrasting events in Matthew chapters 21 and 27 to realise how quickly the mood of the masses can oscillate. It’s the nature of human nature to say and do things in anger and bitterness which later “come back to bite us”! “Let his blood be on us and our children” are the chilling words of the masses recorded by Matthew in chapter 26, verse 25 (New International Version). These people put a curse on themselves – a curse that is etched into the pages of history as a horrible reality. In AD70, a failed revolution against Roman rule ended in the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the massacre of almost everyone in it. Jewish historian Josephus claims that one million people were killed during the siege, of which a majority were Jewish, and that 97,000 were captured and enslaved. “The slaughter within was even more dreadful than the spectacle from without. Men and women, old and young, insurgents and priests, those who fought and those who entreated mercy, were hewn down in indiscriminate carnage. The number of the slain exceeded that of the slayers. The legionaries had to clamber over heaps of dead to carry on the work of

extermination.” (http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Siege_of_Jerusalem_(70)). The stark truth is that the protest before Pilate and its sickening consequence 35 years later need never have happened! Jesus chose to give his life – no-one had to take it from him. John paints a beautiful word picture of Jesus as a shepherd doing whatever it takes to nourish and protect his flock, even to surrender his life (John 10:15-18). Jesus intentionally chose to surrender his life. He didn’t try to mount a defence either before Herod (Luke 23:9) or Pilate (Matthew (27:1314). By Roman law, a defendant who refused to make a defence had to be assumed guilty. Yet Roman officials typically offered a defendant three opportunities to respond before convicting by default. Twice Pilate offered Jesus this opportunity and twice Jesus stood in silence. Matthew’s account in chapter 27 of events has less to do with Jesus than with Pilate. It is not Jesus but the character of Pilate that is on trial. Though Pilate knows the unjust motivation of the charges (verse 18) and receives a divine warning (verse 19) political expediency takes precedence over justice. We stand guilty of the same crime whenever we side with views because they are popular in our society or political party even though we know that someone is suffering unjustly whether the poor, the unborn, migrants, racial minorities, abused wives or children, crime victims, prisoners of war, refugees or others. The good news is that because Jesus chose to die and is now resurrected and can live in us by his Spirit if we invite him, then we can live as people of grace and truth, forgiveness, acceptance and love.

Major Merv Holland is a retired Salvation Army officer of the Australia Eastern Territory.

Lieutenant-Colonel MAXWELL RYAN paints a vivid picture of the apostle Peter at his lowest point and his subsequent decision to fulfil a promise made to his Lord

he pale, translucent dawn wiped the darkness from craggy hills and spilled over into the valleys. It was going to be a hot day, despite the chill in the air. A man was running, stumbling in the half-light as if chased by demons – or the shadow of defeat that he could not face. The gnarled roots of olive trees burrowed and interlaced the earth as if possessing a life of their own. The man didn’t see them, and before he knew what was happening the coarse rope of a flopping sandal caught and threw him, full-length and face down, on the stony ground.

He was winded and lay there as if dead. His legs, grabbing this respite in the mad rush from the city, throbbed and ached with growing intensity. Forcing his eyes closed, the man tried to bring order out of the chaos of his darting thoughts. There were the voices – the low, profane voices of Roman soldiers as they sat around the fire or stamped cursing, in the unwelcome chill of the night air. Then there was the girl: black-haired and lithe, she moved easily among the soldiers with her wine skin. The man watched her. Her dark eyes flashed and danced as she eluded the clumsy paw of an overeager soldier, and her high laughter sounded above the general confusion and noise. “Sir, I’m only a poor girl and I have a widowed mother and sick brother at home, would you like to buy ...” The liquid Aramaic of the sales pitch stopped as she bent her head and peered closely. Harsh and discordant, she shouted wildly, “Here’s one of them, here’s one of them. I saw him with the Man from Galilee!” The sudden silence of the courtyard lived briefly. “She’s a liar, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” The man’s voice was high-pitched and dry with fear,

Lieut-Colonel Maxwell Ryan is a retired Salvation Army and former Editor in Chief in Canada and the UK.

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Easter 2011

Hope springs from ultimate act of denial

and trembled slightly. “That no-good, misbegotten daughter of Belial can’t see with the eyes that Jehovah put into her worthless head. I never saw the Prisoner before.” Curses, now stumbling through disuse upon his tongue, flowed in a dirty stream from the man as the girl clutched her wine skin and backed off. The outburst had not died on the air when the man heard the slap-slap of marching sandals against the flagstones of the courtyard. A platoon of soldiers moved to his immediate left and he turned quickly to watch. For an instant the solid line of soldiers parted and he could see, not six feet away, the face – but especially the eyes – of the One who meant the most to him. This Person looked at him – through him – beyond him. The man dropped his eyes and momentarily hid his face in his hands. Then he turned and ran blindly. The hills, the familiar hills, called as he left behind the flickering lights of the city and ran eastward into the paling dawn. The throbbing in his legs subsided as still he lay on the ground. Over and over again, with insistent regularity, the thought pounded through his brain: “But I didn’t mean what I said ... I didn’t mean it ... I didn’t mean it.” Those eyes still looked through him and, as they did so, they pierced his heart. But now the crisis was past, and the fear had gone, to be replaced by hard resolve. He stirred and then sat up, wiping his face and pushing back his hair. Calmly he said to himself, “I must go back, immediately. He might need me.” The man arose, bent down to pick up the broken sandal and then walked slowly down the hill toward the city. There was no running now – Peter knew that – and he was warmed by the thought, deep inside, where it really mattered. There were things to be done, and things to be suffered – perhaps. He’d need all his strength for this troubled present and uncertain future. The pall of defeat receded swiftly as now he strode with purpose. Those beautiful, impactridden three years with Jesus were not lost at all. For Peter had made a promise by the rocky shores of Galilee those many months ago. His word, and his life, had been given; who was he to take them back?

Tweed heads in new direction The siren is sounding on Tweed Heads’ focus on sports ministry as the northern NSW corps looks to the future. Pipeline reporter SIMONE WORTHING spoke to Corps Officer Captain Deborah Robinson about the decision to adopt a new approach to winning souls

Captain Deborah Robinson is overseeing a transformation of the way The Salvation Army ministers to the Tweed Heads community. Photo: Shairon Paterson

he Salvation Army Centre at Tweed Heads is changing. After a decade focusing on sports ministry, the corps leadership and congregation have spent a contemplative year following convictions from the Lord, praying and discussing why The Centre exists and who they are as The Salvation Army in the Tweed. “Most of the corps was not involved in the sports programs, but there was a craving to be the Army in the Tweed and do more of what the Army was raised up to do,” said Captain Deborah Robinson who along with her husband Captain Alwyn Robinson are the Corps Officers at Tweed Heads. “We’ve had some lovely one-on-one experiences praying with people in the sports competitions and people have been saved through our indoor bowls program, but we felt it was time to focus specifically on bearing fruits for the Kingdom. “It feels right, God has been blessing us and the congregation is supportive, even though we’ve had to make some very tough business decisions.” Local community sporting groups will continue to use the facilities at The Centre. “As a corps, we are removing ourselves from the sports focus and a hands-on involvement,” said Captain Robinson. “We have a different priority. As Isaiah says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth – everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.’

Cafe connecting with community

Photo: Shairon Paterson

onnections Cafe, the bustling cafe at The Centre, certainly lives up to its name. “We serve the elderly, child care workers, visitors from the community, and anyone else who comes in for a cuppa and chat,” said cafe manager Michelle Walker

“God gave the leadership these verses from Isaiah 43:5-8 at the start of 2010 and we believed he would bring people back to church who had, for one reason or another, walked away. “Since we have changed our focus, 12 new families have made a decision to start coming back to church. “The Tweed Heads Corps is a contemporary corps and provides an Army relevant to the contemporary community – as was the goal in planting this corps 10 years ago. “The congregation knows who they are, what it means to be a Salvationist in the true sense, and that they are part of a wider Army.” The corps in 2011 is now focusing on Hebrews 10:25 and the emphasis in Scripture of regularly meeting together with believers. “As a result, we now have a strong

(pictured above), in between making cappuccinos and toasted sandwiches. “People can connect with each other here at the cafe. It gives them a place to come, and a quiet place to talk.” The cafe is open from Tuesday

emphasis on starting many small groups,” said Captain Robinson. “We are currently in the process of training up more leaders and have now established 10 midweek ‘connect groups’.” The corps also offers Open House, small Bible study groups for women, the Women of Worth event each quarter, a contemporary and life relevant meeting each Sunday, as well as “Chillout” youth activities and SuperCharged youth church complete with a band, skate ramps, basketball and free pizza! “Most of the kids who come are local kids who don’t attend anything else and have made SuperCharged their church,” said Captain Robinson. Other activities include kids club for church and community children, counselling, Al Anon, welfare and community assistance, indoor bowls, a monthly senior’s concert and craft groups.

to Saturday and serves hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and light meals. “The cafe is a ministry, not a money-making business, but it has become a mixture of both,” said corps officer Captain Deborah Robinson.

“Some of the community ladies from the craft groups have attended women’s ministry mornings for the first time, which is a big step for them and wonderful to see,” said Captain Robinson. The Centre also hosts two playgroups, special needs basketball, gentle exercises for seniors, Happy Feet dance classes, Little Kickers football, Gold Coast gymnastics, and netball, basketball and indoor bowls competitions. “2010 was a challenging year,” Captain Robinson reflected. “We thank God for his direction and faithfulness during the hard months and we have an unbelievable sense that he has something wonderful in store for us in 2011. We are experiencing the powerful moving of his Holy Spirit each Sunday and a renewed hope, energy and excitement is in the air. Hallelujah!” For more information, go to www. salvos.org.au/tweed/

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Playgroup provides valuable social interaction for all

Special forces program helping boys take giant leap in life

“I

he Salvation Army Centre at Tweed Heads hosts a government-funded playgroup each week, for families in the community in need of extra support. “The Family Playgroup program hires venues in the community for our playgroups,” said Brenda Connelly, playgroup coordinator. “The venue here at The Centre is safe, it’s local, and it’s the hub of where the community is. It’s not too big either, and we always hire small venues so we can keep our groups small as we want people to mix and get to know each other.”

During the playgroup the children have free play inside and outside, with plenty of activities to keep them interested and involved. The families also have morning tea together. “There are opportunities for the parents to play with their children, meet other parents, and make connections in the community,” said Brenda. “We also invite specialists to come and give information sessions to the group, such as nurses or people from Kidsafe.” The playgroup runs for two hours every Thursday.

t’s physically and mentally tough and demanding,” said Lucas Cairns, of the Tweed Head Corps, and brainchild behind the Special Forces program. “We take boys who have been referred to us by the Department of Community Services, the Police and local high schools, and we go bush for four days. “We do canoeing, hiking and camping, and all we have are the packs we carry. We give them adventure, they have to push themselves, it’s tough but it’s worth it. “We have some great conversations and discussions with the boys which for me are the highlight of the program.” The majority of boys who go on the Special Forces program come from singleparent homes and don’t have a father who is involved in their lives. “We mentor the boys, we challenge them so they can reach their potential and we talk about issues such as respect, especially of women, so they can work on their relationships with their mums, teachers and others,” Lucas said. “Sometimes these boys can feel that everyone is against them and that isn’t the case.” There is a ratio of one adult per boy on each trip, to make sure the boys get plenty of individual attention. In addition to Lucas, Captain Alwyn Robinson, Tweed Heads Corps Officer, and Darren Scott, who attends the corps and is principal of nearby Centaur Public School, are program leaders. “We see the guys change in a couple of days, it’s marvellous,” said Captain Robinson. “I’m not the fittest, it’s very tough and I’m spent at the end of it, but it’s so inspiring,” said Darren. “The boys come back different people.” The Special Forces program trips take place twice a year. “After each bush trip we have followup dinners with the boys to keep the connection going,” Lucas explained. “One boy has become a regular member of our youth church and our relationships with the others are really growing. This program changes them. “I felt led by the Lord to do this ministry. It’s such a blessing to see some of my ideas come to fruition.”

Darren Scott discusses the Special Forces training program with a couple of young participants. All photos: Shairon Paterson

Having a ball in basketball program designed for people with special needs

or more than a year, the Tweed Heads Corps has been running a basketball program for people with special needs. The program began when Tweed mother Shauna Noble contacted Corps Officer Captain Deborah Robinson with the idea.

“My son Blair has special needs and needed something to be involved with in the community,” she said. “He played in a similar program in another state and it was great for him. He loves the sport and it gives him the socialisation he needs, good exercise, and good skills.”

Captain Robinson contacted the local basketball league who told her about Jenny Whittle, a former Australian Opals representative, who had always wanted to work with young people with special needs. Jenny immediately agreed to coach the team. The program is open to anyone over 16. “The program has been very successful,” said Captain Robinson. “We started with only four, but now we have 10 young adults with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities who play each week. They are a happy, friendly group of kids who really support each other.” Jenny coaches the group for 30 minutes before they break into two teams and play 20-minute halves. “We have a lot of fun, and they also get fitter and more coordinated,” Jenny said. “None of the players knew each other at the start, so it’s also been great to see friendships develop. “We deal with different challenges each week and the kids respond. They are so nice and encouraging to each other. The mainstream guys could really learn some lessons from these kids. “I love working with young people with special needs, and this is a way I can be useful.” Local representatives from the Lions Club, Rotary and Twin Towns Services Club donated funds to buy the team shirts, and met with the team to present them.

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‘Open House’ success reflects corps’ open heart to God

Mission team makes impact in East Timor

he relatively new nation of Timor Leste (East Timor) is a land of incredible beauty, deep poverty, political upheaval and spiritual challenges. Last year, a mission team from the Tweed Heads Corps travelled to East Timor for 16 days to give practical and spiritual support in Dili and Los Palos. Team members Captain Alwyn Robinson (Corps Officer), Lucas Cairns (then Ministry Assistant at the corps), Darren Scott, Clint Hedges, Matthew Martin, Jesse Hardaker, Leanne Hardaker and Sylvia Cassidy worked hard in challenging conditions to install a water tank for a remote village outside Dili and finish off a partially built building in Los Palos for a Church of the Nazarene ministry. The team distributed the Gospel of Mark in Tetun, East Timor’s main language, in schools and markets of Los Palos, and Captain Robinson and Lucas preached the gospel message through interpreters. “When we gave out the Gospels of

A Mark it struck me that this may be the one and only book many of the people there would ever receive,” said Captain Robinson. “It was very humbling.” The Tweed Heads Corps sends teams on missions overseas every two years. “This is part of our corps’ culture, to be locally, nationally and internationally aware and active,” said Corps Officer Captain Deborah Robinson. “We chose East Timor as a destination as Lucas had close contact with Samuel Bacon, a Salvationist from Grafton, who spends much of his time in East Timor and was glad to have assistance with several projects.” The corps raised money for Bibles and materials needed for the fresh water system and a roof for the building. They also bought a truck for Samuel to help him move equipment and goods to where they are desperately needed. Team member Jesse Hardaker felt such a sense of purpose through the mission that he returned to East Timor for a further three months to serve the people there.

bout a year ago, Captain Deborah Robinson felt a strong conviction from God that, as a corps, Tweed Heads needed to get back to its Salvation Army roots. “I felt a real desire in my heart to feed the needy and help people feel needed, wanted and loved,” Captain Robinson said. “That desire was backed up by our leadership team and the corps. “We have a great facility here, so we decided to have an Open House each week and make ourselves available. “I was out of my comfort zone with this, as I usually like to wait until everything is ready, but God said to me, ‘Just open the doors, give them a meal and trust me’. I also felt strongly that I was not to put criteria on who could access the service. It was to be for anyone.” Every Wednesday night for two hours, The Salvation Army Centre is open to anyone for a meal and a chat. There is no limit on numbers, and no criteria for those who attend. A wide range of people come to Open House, including retired people, Indigenous people, homeless people of all ages, schoolchildren whose mums or dads are still at work, single parents, teenagers and families. “We didn’t know at first who would come, or if anyone would come, but this ministry is growing,” said Captain Robinson. “Each week we are getting around 70 guests.” The whole corps is involved in Open House. There are cooks, those who greet guests as they arrive, teenagers who serve the meal, elderly who help clean up and others who mix with the guests and build relationships with them. “What blesses me the most is seeing my church sitting at tables with others, being Jesus,” Captain Robinson said.

Simone Worthing is a writer for Pipeline and supplements Jesse Hardaker with some new friends he made in East Timor. Photo: Supplied.

How to Justice Learn the political game By ROBYN EVANS

nderstanding politics can seem like a daunting task but it is key to bringing about social change. Politicians are strategically placed and have significant influence on policy asks and the execution of those policies in society. Often politics seems very confusing but it is worthwhile to invest some time in understanding the different levels of politics and the power they have in regards to decision-making. You might like to begin with the local council; who is on your council and what areas of interest do they have responsibility for? You could then move to the State Government; who is the Premier, what decisions get made at state level? Then, Federal Government; what is the difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate? Who is the local Member of Parliament for your area and what are their key interests and responsibilities?

Do you have a particular area of interest, like women or refugees? Who represents these issues at each level of government? Do you know what they are asking, supporting or advocating for on the issues? Do you agree with them? Knowing who to advocate to on each issue is definitely a step towards extending your influence. Take the challenge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; learn more about politics.

Robyn Evans is the Social Justice Community and Development Officer for The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.

This article is taken from the book 50 Ways To Do Justice which is published by Carpenter Media and available from Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (www.salvosuppliessyd.com) or The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Justice Unit (www.justiceunit.com.au) for $7.50.

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calling In February, 21 cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in Sydney. Four of them share how God has brought them to this point in their lives

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All photos: Shairon Paterson

y Salvation Army journey began as a 13-year-old when I was invited to attend Boys Legion at Hurstville Corps. I was not raised in a Christian home and knew little of The Salvation Army before this. During my time at Boys Legion, I was introduced to Jesus and it just felt right to me, so I continued to attend. As the years went on, I became involved in some of the corps’ activities and in 1999 I was enrolled as a Senior Solider. From the moment I accepted Christ into my life I had a calling to become an officer in the Salvation Army. I denied this calling and told myself that the Lord just wanted me to be a minister in any church. This was an easier thought to live with as I saw officership as hard and a life of sacrifice that I was unwilling to make at that time. So I started an apprenticeship as a carpenter/builder. I was only planning on doing this until I found where God wanted me to serve him. As I let time pass, I slowly drifted from this calling. I was still attending church, but the

Salvation Army became part of my past. Then in 2007, God introduced me to my future wife. It was, and is, the perfect match and her strengths are my weaknesses. I was also happy that she wasn’t a Salvo, thinking this meant I could escape God’s call to officership. But as we grew together and accepted our calls to full-time ministry, we struggled to find the church where God wanted us to serve. Then, in April 2009 God told us both individually to visit our local Salvation Army corps. I thought I was safe because my wife wasn’t in uniform and would surely never go to college with me. But sure enough, my wife took up God’s call and went into uniform and confirmed that this is where he wanted us to be. As I finally submitted to God, I felt an indescribable peace and assurance that I was completely in his will. Now that the journey has begun, I couldn’t think of any other way I’d want to live my life. My story is about the inescapable call to officership. Although this calling can be hard for some to accept, it’s harder to live any other way than God has ordained. You cannot fight God and win.

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lot of people think, due to my age, that I was called to officership as a younger person, decided I didn’t want that life and ran. This is not the case. I had never felt a calling on my life to be an officer until May last year. But when the call came I just had to follow God’s leading. I am a single, nevermarried, mother of one. I was born into The Salvation Army while my parents were at the training college in Petersham. I have attended numerous Salvation Army corps over the years, but for the past 15 years I have attended Rockdale Salvation Army where I have held a variety of leadership roles.  In recent years I have been involved in the worship team which has been an incredible ministry to be a part of.  My career has largely been in administration, with 25 years experience as an administration assistant. Most of this was working for The Salvation Army except for five years when I worked for another charity.  I feel God took me out of working for the Army to see how other places worked. Last year I was no longer content in administration work and it wasn’t until I attended the candidates weekend (which was after I started the application process) that life seemed right again. Whatever it is God has called you to – whether that be officership, soldiership or whatever – just do it, because you won’t be content until you do.

had never been a church-going type but, with my wife and children, I attended a small church in a country town due to the christening of my son. After being involved with the church for about three months I was asked to do a Bible reading. Over the next few weeks I was asked to lead prayers and was heavily involved in music ministry due to my ability to play the guitar. Through all this I had never made a commitment to the Lord. Even so, after a period of five to six months I was made an elder in the church and voted on to the church council. I had, by this time, delivered several sermons. My ego was just getting bigger and bigger. The more I did, the more people asked me to do and the more they told me how great I was. I had been placed high upon a pedestal and the fall was about to come. It came in the form of an adulterous relationship. In what seemed to be no time at all, my family was torn apart. I was out on the street with no place to live and, having been expelled from the church, had no-one to turn to. There was a person who took it upon himself to go to other churches in town and advise them not to let me in. He warned that I would bring Satan with me and I should be outcast from all Christian places of worship. However, it seems he missed The Salvation Army. I had a friend who had a small flat under his house and he let me stay there. It was on his advice that one Sunday morning I decided to attend a meeting. I didn’t know what to expect but as I walked through the front door of the citadel, I knew this was the place where I was always meant to be. It was here that I truly found my saviour in Jesus and for the first time

experienced the inner peace and love that can only come about through God’s amazing grace and forgiveness. It was then that I truly understood the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for me, a sinner, depraved in God’s eyes. Jesus died so that I wouldn’t have to. He died that I might have life in him. I became a soldier in October 2006, and it wasn’t very long before I received a calling from God to officership. I remember breaking down and kneeling at the mercy seat and telling God that I had made such a mess of things and I received an answer straight away. He said: “Yep, you have and you are forgiven. Now fill out the forms.” In 2007, I was married to a lady who had received a call to officership some eight years earlier. So here I stand, a product of God’s grace, a soul washed clean by the shed blood of Jesus, reborn in Christ and a proclaimer of his resurrection.

pipeline 04/2011 19

cadet cassi everitt S

itting all alone on my lounge room floor, tears streaming down my face, I started to realise that I was no longer in control. I was terrified, and with a blade in my hand, ready to cut, I knew that I was in the biggest fight for my life that I had ever, and possibly would ever, face. “Just hold on, it will be okay!” said a gentle voice ... and I knew my life would never be the same again. God rescued me from my darkness that day, and he has been my rescuer every day since. By his grace God took me a sinner, who was ready to give up all hope, and through the blood of Jesus Christ he washed me clean, took away my chains of bondage, and transformed me so that I can now live in his Kingdom. It was during a Sunday morning service at Hurstville Salvation Army that I first felt God’s call to full-time ministry. It lay heavy on my heart. I have to admit I was one of those people who would always say, “I will never be a Salvation Army officer”.

Being young and a little scared about the whole thing, I decided to explore the calling a little more and that ended up taking me on a wonderful Spirit-led journey. Having only ever attended a Salvation Army church, I didn’t want to automatically assume that officership was where God was leading me. So I started to explore the different options. Officership, however, was something that I just could not ignore. So many times I have sat in meetings where the call to officership has been made, and every time my heart has started to race, my body would start to tingle and I knew God was calling me. The thought of officership terrifies me. After everything that has happened in my life, how could I possibly be an officer, why on earth would God choose me? I’ll tell you why, because the Lord my God is with me and he is mighty to save. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

Warcry gets a new editor By SCOTT SIMPSON

arcry, the long-running weekly magazine of The Salvation Army in Australia, has a new man at the helm.

Major Frank Duracher, a Salvation Army officer from the United States, took over the editorship of the Melbournebased Warcry in late February, replacing the Army’s National Editor-In-Chief Captain Mal Davies. Captain Davies had been overseeing production of the magazine until a new editor could be appointed. Major Duracher (pictured) has been a Salvation Army officer for 36 years. His wife, Major Libby Duracher, has taken on the role of Literary Assistant at the Army’s national editorial office in Melbourne. He comes to Warcry having most recently been the Assistant Editor of Southern Spirit, a magazine of the Army’s USA Southern Territory. Prior to that he was on staff at the American Warcry. “I worked for the US Warcry for five years and then for Southern Spirit, a news magazine for Salvos, for 10 years,” Major Duracher said. “I’ve had an interest in writing for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I wanted to be a sports reporter. I wanted to follow the New Orleans Saints - a US football team - and I even started writing reports of the games as if I were travelling with the team. That’s what I wanted to do,

but when I became an Army officer there was no room for that. “However, when I heard the Army was looking for someone to work for the US national Warcry, this latent ambition that I had was at the fore again. That’s when I started taking evening classes and got into journalism.” Having spent all of their officership in appointments in the US, the move to Australia has been a huge step of faith for the Durachers, especially in light of the fact they initially had no idea where they were going. “Last year I was offered the position of Warcry editor in an English-speaking country - that’s all [my wife Libby and I] were told about the position,” Major Duracher said. “But despite not knowing where we were going our answer to the offer was ‘yes’. When we signed on with The Salvation Army all those years ago, we said ‘anywhere’. It was a few weeks later that we learnt it was Australia. “I feel blessed to be here and I hope I can bless them [Warcry readers], too. I hope they find the magazine entertaining and informative, and that they may come to know God through reading it.”

with Major Barbara Sampson

James 4:1-10 ”God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (v10, New International Version).

he Old Testament prophet Micah declared that one of God’s basic requirements for his people was that they walk humbly with their God (6:8). The words “humble” and “humility” come from “humus” meaning “of the earth”. Humility has been described as “perfect quietness of heart” (Andrew Murray). To live with a humble attitude is a choice, a conscious decision. Humility is a two-sided coin. On one side genuine humility accepts Jesus words: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We acknowledge that we are flawed. We sin. We fall short of God’s

glorious ideal. We are small specks in a vast universe, needy, incomplete and far from adequate in ourselves. On the other side of the coin genuine humility declares confidently: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). We delight in the scriptural truths that tell us we are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16), new persons in Christ (Ephesians 4:24), dearly loved children, precious and honoured in the Father’s sight (1 John 3:1). Humility is a spiritual discipline that is nurtured by service and worship. As we serve others we come to value them. “Me” and “mine” give way to “we” and “ours”. Jesus’ question to blind Bartimaeus, “How can I help you?” (Mark 10:51), becomes the question we now ask of others.

As we worship God, seeing him high and lifted up, we realise that all we are, all we have, all we do, has first been given to us by God. With humility we acknowledge that we are utterly dependent on him for our very breath. James tells us that when we humble ourselves before the Lord, God does three things. He gives us his grace (4:6), he comes near to us even as we draw near to him (v8) and he lifts us up (v10). May John Wesley’s morning prayer, “Let me be nothing and Christ be all in all”, become our daily petition as well. To reflect on ... “Humility is just another word for the little-last-lost-least position we hold when gazing at Christ.” - Joni Eareckson Tada

pipeline 03/2011 21

In the

trenches with the ‘Sallyman’ Brigadier

The “Sallyman” is an endearing term used by the Australian Army in reference to The Salvation Army’s involvement in the military. Brigadier MICK MOON, Commandant at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, made passionate reference to this term during a speech at The Salvation Army Red Shield Defence Services biennial conference. Pipeline has reproduced a paraphrased version of his speech

istinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am Brigadier Mick Moon and I have been asked to talk to you as an army officer about the importance of The Salvation Army to the individual soldier and to the army in general. It is a great honour to be able to attempt to illuminate such an important topic. In essence I have four simple observations to make but, firstly, I guess you deserve to know a little about me so you can place my comments in some kind of context. This is my 30th year in the army, having graduated into the infantry in 1980, and the majority of my dealings with The Salvation Army has been during my years as a combat arms officer in both the training and conduct of operations. From an operations viewpoint, I have served in the Middle East (Lebanon and Syria) as a Captain, I was a Company Commander in Somalia and a Battle GP Commander in East Timor (serving with The Salvation Army’s Major Barry Nancarrow who is Commissioner of the Red Shield Defence Services), and in 2006 became the Joint Task Force Commander for both Afghanistan and Iraq. From a training viewpoint, I have been an instructor in several schools, the Commander of the army’s Combat Training Centre and I am currently the Commandant of the Royal Military College at Duntroon. For me, support from The Salvation Army has been a facet of my profession since the day I joined. It has been my experience that the “Sallyman” has always been there. Indeed, my earliest memories are of the Red Shield logo and a smiling face ready to talk to. And while I do not take that presence for granted, it has simply always been there. For example, like all moving

Mick Moo

components of an operating environment – like the artillery, the tanks, the helicopters – The Salvation Army has its own radio call sign that everyone in the army immediately recognises. You are, and have always been, in my mind the call sign “coffee pot”.

Shared history

My first three observations of The Salvation Army’s role in the army are from a historical perspective. Firstly, The Salvation Army has been there from the start. Looking back, the ongoing relationship should come as no surprise as The Salvation Army has been supporting the army since Salvation Army troop work officer William Hooper provided assistance to soldiers of the 1st Victorian Mounted Rifle Contingent in 1900. In many ways some of your legends are our legends and vice versa – there is a blending of both our organisational histories. We read about Salvation Army chaplain Captain William “Fighting Mac” McKenzie serving with the 4th Battalion 1st AIF at Gallipoli and on the Western Front in both army and Salvation Army narratives. We see Buckshee Alfred Green, also of World War I, and Arthur McIlveen of Rats of Tobruk fame. These are your men who served our soldiers and were lionised by them for their feats. One World War II soldier, when referring to a particular “Sallyman” – himself later killed in 1943 – summed up this historical view of the importance of the relationship when he wrote: “Through those years of peace and comfort near the end of our life’s span, there’s one bloke we’ll all remember, ‘Tibbsy, the Salvo coffee man’.” Secondly, we share a national history. One cannot think about the dangers and difficulties of the nationally significant

Red Shield Defence Services Commissioner Major Barry Nancarrow (centre) and “Sallyman” Lieutenant Lyndley Fabre speak with a soldier at the Royal Military College at Duntroon.

Kokoda Track without several images coming to mind – one of them being the iconic image of the “Sallyman coffee points” along that track, many well inside enemy range. Like Major Nancarrow, I have walked this track. I know the reality of what setting up these mobile posts must have actually meant in a physical sense, but I did not have the threat of enemy action. I can only imagine the effect on morale for those diggers moving back and forward along this most difficult of routes, when they broke into a clearing and saw The Salvation Army there. Of course, for any soldier, for any army, morale is the key. Over time your names have changed. You have been troop work officers, hutment officers, national service secretaries, military secretaries, welfare officers, philanthropic representatives and Red Shield reps – but you have always been “Sallymen” to us. Now, I must apologise to the women, I guess the proper phrase now is “Sally People”, but you know what I mean. Over time your symbols have also changed. The “Soldier Tents” have become the “Hop In Centres”. The Red Shield – growing out of World War I – has become one of the most recognised symbols in the world. The Salvation Army’s methods of movement have also changed. No more

horses. No more Chev or Ford panel vans of the ‘40s. More likely now is the green Toyota Landcruiser. Most importantly, you have been wounded and killed alongside us. When you have been our chaplains, you have buried us. You are tasked to provide “welfare support”, “morale support” and “recreational support” but, regardless, you have simply been there, sharing the difficulties, sharing the good and bad. My third observation is that not only has The Salvation Army been there throughout army history, but remains alongside us on this very night, at this very time, in many of our operational areas. Indeed, as we have seen, both our legends and narratives blend. You were there at the start and you remain alongside us in our operational areas today.

Personal observations

I have served alongside The Salvation Army all my adult life. My family has letters I have written home over the years, stashed in that special place where such things are kept, letters from some very isolated places indeed, where Australia Post does not go. Many of these letters have the Red Shield as a letterhead. I have drunk gallons of every liquid refreshment that you have provided – many of these when I have needed them most. I have eaten thousands of your teddy bear biscuits. But, more pertinently,

I have watched hundreds of my soldiers over the years be rejuvenated by both your physical and temporal gifts. It has been my experience that the true impact of the “Sallyman” is that “listening ear”. The ability to “connect” with my soldiers without value judgment, to communicate with them, to provide a sort of physical and temporal oasis at the “Hop In Centres” can help them overcome the hell they have come from, even if it is only for a while. Operations are gruelling, dehumanising affairs. At best, soldiers are a long way from home, both geographically and psychologically. Often the terrain around them is alien, brutal and all-consuming. There is often little or no respite from punishing work routines and tense and strained interpersonal relations. At times soldiers need an oasis, they need to step outside their chain of command, they need to switch off – and The Salvation Army provides this, even if it’s just a quiet word or a heartfelt conversation. Faiths of all kinds, bonds and foundations of all kinds, are tested regularly. Dents need panel-beating and faiths need to be reinforced and shored up. The “listening ear” goes a long way to help here – and it is as important now as it was at the beginning in 1900. 

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The

Bible briefing

Real, radical and relevant discipleship This month Pipeline continues its three-part series, written by Lieutenant Colonel DOUGLAS CLARKE, based on the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Study Two is entitled “The Plus Factor” and focuses on the gospel according to Matthew, chapters 5 to 7.

n the first study last month (Pipeline March issue) we considered “The Mission Mandate” (Matthew 5:1316) and discovered that being like “salt” and “light” are not optional in discipleship. Mission exemplified in compassionate service is the inevitable outcome of real, radical and relevant discipleship. In this second study we will consider “The Plus Factor” and look at Matthew 5:47 which says “What more are you doing than others?” (Revised Standard Version). The core words “more than”, which influences the entire fifth chapter, is the Greek word “perisson”, meaning “more than”, “extraordinary”. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran theologian and martyr, at the age of 39, was brutally executed by the elite Gestapo SS Black Guard, on the morning of 9 April, 1945. In 1937, he wrote a prescient and

influential study on the Sermon on the Mount, which he appropriately titled “The Cost of Discipleship”. In this classic exposition, Bonhoeffer commented on Matthew 5:47 as follows: “What does it really mean to be a Christian? What makes the Christian different from other men?” Bonhoeffer found the answer to his questions in Jesus’ haunting and disturbing words, and noted that it is the “more than”, the “perisson”, the “extraordinary”. The nature of the “perisson”, the “more than”, is the life described by Jesus in the Beatitudes: “A life of purity, meekness, utter sincerity, mercy and peace, hunger and thirst for true goodness, and whose influence is that of salt and light.” In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus quotes six times the provision of the old law and says, “But I tell you” (New International Version) and proceeds to give six examples of the deeper righteousness, his ideal of

“Here is the disciple’s mandate - doing something beautiful, something extraordinary for Jesus and his Kingdom!”

the men of the kingdom. In the final two examples, Jesus firstly gives a negative command, “Do not take revenge on someone who does you wrong” (Matthew 5:39, Good News Bible). And secondly, a positive command, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Matthew 5:44, Good News Bible). St Augustine shrewdly commented: “Many have learned how to offer the other cheek, but do not know how to love him by whom they were struck: To return evil for good is devilish, to return good for good is human, but to return good for evil is divine.” Jesus then suddenly asks the penetrating and challenging question of his disciples, “What more are you doing than others?” (Matthew 5:47 (Revised Standard Version). This “perisson”, the “extraordinary” to which the authentic disciple is called to live, in behaviour, attitude, mission and service, is as Bonhoeffer states, “The love of Jesus himself who went patiently and obediently to the cross”. Indeed, wrote Bonhoeffer, the “perission” in the love of the crucified

Jesus is the supreme expression of the “extraordinary”, the “more than” quality of the Christian’s life and mission.

Deeply impacted

In 1969, the English journalist and author extraordinaire, Malcolm Muggeridge, travelled to Calcutta to film Mother Teresa and the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, the society that she established in 1950 to care for and minister to the poor and outcast of India. Muggeridge appositely titled the film and his subsequent best-selling book Something Beautiful for God. Muggeridge was deeply impacted for Christ by his visit to India and Mother Teresa’s caring ministry among the poor and outcast and later wrote: “Mother Teresa represents essentially love in action, which is surely what Christianity is about.” Here then is the disciple’s mandate – doing something beautiful, something extraordinary for Jesus and his Kingdom! The authentic disciple is called:

• To go beyond duties to privileges; • To go beyond the first cheek to the

second cheek;

• To go beyond the first mile to the second mile;

• To go beyond the coat to the cloak; • To go beyond the stalemate of revenge to the victory of love.

And Jesus asks of his 21st century disciples, “Have you done anything out of the ordinary?” (Matthew 5:47, Good News Bible); “What more are you doing than others?” (Matthew 5:47 Revised Standard Version); “In a word, what I’m saying is, grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God – created identity. Live generously and graciously towards others, the way God lives toward you” (Matthew 5:27-48, The Message).

Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Clarke is a retired Salvation Army officer of the Australia Eastern Territory.

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pipeline 04/2011 25

Territory bids fond farewell to popular leader The Australia Eastern Territory, in services across three of its divisions, has said goodbye to Commissioner Linda Bond who this month becomes the new General of The Salvation Army. Pipeline had reporters at each of these memorable events By SCOTT SIMPSON

(Clockwise from top) A historic moment as General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond and General Eva Burrows (Ret.) pose for a photo outside Sydney Congress Hall; Australia Eastern territorial and divisional leaders gather around Commissioner Bond during a dedicatory prayer; Commissioner Bond delivers a passionate final message as Territorial Commander. Photos: Shairon Paterson

here were solemn moments of challenge, warm times of reflection, some laughs and just a few tears as the Australia Eastern Territory farewelled its popular leader General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond in Sydney on Sunday, 13 March. Sydney Congress Hall was packed to overflowing for the Farewell Salute to the inspirational woman who this month becomes the 19th General of The Salvation Army. Among the special guests were General Eva Burrows (Ret.), and Australia Southern Territory leaders Commissioners Raymond and Aylene Finger and Colonels Peter and Jenny Walker. Salvation Army groups to perform included Hurstville Corps Band, the Sydney Staff Songsters, Wollongong Timbrel Brigade, Glebe Worship Group and Nathaniel Brown. “Who would have thought that our Territorial Commander would become the world leader of The Salvation Army,” said Australia Eastern Territory Chief Secretary Colonel Wayne Maxwell in his welcoming remarks. “Well, in fact, we all did. From the moment Commissioner Bond arrived in Australia we all sensed a special anointing of God on her life,” he continued before reading messages for the General-Elect from the Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. Salvos Stores General Manager Neville Barrett then took the podium as the first of two guest speakers. He chose to relate the story of his first meeting with the Commissioner, during which he took her on a tour of some of their centres. “She visited about 50 paid employees and around 600 voluntary staff that day,” he recalled. “She won their hearts from her heart because she put her hand out to reach out to everyone. She greatly impressed us that day.” The second speaker was General Burrows who received a standing ovation

South Queensland send-off for ‘Aussie’ Linda By SIMONE WORTHING

“I

as she walked to the podium. In her captivating style, the former world leader spoke of the demands of being General and the attributes required for the job. “I first met Linda Bond in 1988 and immediately had a sense of someone special,” General Burrows recalled. “After meeting her I wrote to the Territorial Commander in Canada [Commissioner Bond’s home territory] and said ‘keep your eye on that one’. “We all feel you were destined to be the General,” she added. “You are God’s choice by way of the High Council.” Following a Scripture reading from Acts 1:1-8 and 2:1-12 brought by Colonel Robyn Maxwell, Commissioner Bond was invited to stand among the Sydney Staff Songsters as they sang The Father Knows. In a poignant moment towards the end of the song, the General-Elect fell to her knees in humility before God. Wiping tears from her eyes, she then moved to the podium to deliver a final, passionate message as Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory, asking those present, “Do you have the Spirit of The Salvation Army?” “The Holy Spirit is not about getting a warm, fuzzy feeling,” Commissioner Bond continued. “The Holy Spirit is about turning my heart upside down so I can go out and turn the world upside down. “We need to be marked by holiness; the Spirit is a Spirit of holiness. We need to be a people dependent on prayer; we need to be a people of daring and getout-and-do evangelism. And this is not just for The Salvation Army; this is for the church of Jesus … there are people hurting in the world out there – they need Jesus. “I believe we must be a Spirit-filled Army of the 21st century. We must be convinced of our calling. We must move forward together ... this is the spirit of The Salvation Army. Do you have it?” Australia Eastern territorial and divisional leaders then moved to the platform and laid their hands on the Commissioner as General Burrows prayed a pray of dedication to bring the Farewell Salute to its conclusion. Commissioner Linda Bond has been Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory since May 2008.

really fit into Australia and feel at home here,” said GeneralElect Commissioner Linda Bond at her farewell from the South Queensland Division in Brisbane on Saturday 5 March. “There is a connection between me and Australia that will be eternal; not Australia for now, but Australia forever.” Continuing the Australian theme, Envoy Judith McAvoy, Indigenous Ministries Outpost Leader based at North Ipswich, presented the GeneralElect with a series of Aboriginal paintings depicting the cross, Christ’s resurrection and ascension, his blood, purity and love. A didgeridoo was also part of the gift. “I love the fact that these paintings have such deep meaning,” said Commissioner Bond. “And I’ve always wanted a didgeridoo!” Many poignant moments marked the evening including a slideshow of the recent devastating Queensland floods, the Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah) choir rendition of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone), children singing Our God is a Great Big God. There was also a presentation of the General’s Guard Award to Kimberley Richards from Bundamba Corps and

Amanda Walpole from Caboolture Corps. Nichole McIver, who spoke on behalf of the youth of the division, thanked the General-Elect for her willingness to connect with young people, her openness, honesty and passion for Jesus. “Because of your leadership we have a new and brighter future without severing the connections to the past,” she said. Commissioner Bond explained that as General, her focus will be preaching the gospel around the world. “I’ve come to the conclusion that the Lord wants me to be General and if he wants me to, then I must be and I will be. I will be the best I can be, but I won’t change from what I am now and my message won’t change,” she said. “Australia has prepared me to be the General and I thank you for that. “I am passionate about Jesus and I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a preposterous gospel, offensive to many, but it’s a glorious gospel because it’s about the power of God to save people. “I have no reason to take up this role [of General] other than to preach the gospel. I have no reason to live except to preach the gospel. “So I just say, ‘All for Jesus. All I have, am and hope to be, all for Jesus’.”

General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond is presented with a didgeridoo during her farewell service in Brisbane. Photo: Troy Grice

pipeline 04/2011 27

Emotional outpouring at Rockhampton celebration By Captain PETER McGUIGAN

xcitement and spontaneous applause greeted the GeneralElect as she entered and saluted a packed Capricorn Region Corps worship auditorium on Sunday afternoon 6 March for the Central and North Queensland divisional farewell in Rockhampton. Following words of welcome from Divisional Commander Major Rodney Walters, exuberant praise “filled the temple” as Capricorn Region band and ensemble led worship with All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name and The Power of Your Love. The Australia Eastern Territory Chief Secretary Colonel Wayne Maxwell prayed, asking God for a great outpouring of his love upon Australia and the world. During a moving segment in the meeting, words of thanks were spoken to the division’s Salvation Army Emergency Services flood relief workers and appreciation pens presented as the band gave a powerful rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water. Tears were evident, and it was a time of refreshing and encouragement as Commissioner Bond, Colonels Wayne and Robyn Maxwell, Majors Rodney and Wendy Walters and others moved among the workers saying thank you. To say farewell to Commissioner Bond

from the division, a pictorial and video presentation had been coordinated by divisional staff member Sandra Hargrave. Under the banner of each Mission Priority, it showed people from throughout Central and North Queensland who had come to faith in Jesus through the Army’s ministry; who had experienced renewal in prayer and holy living; or who had committed themselves to the Army’s ministry with children and youth, and to soldiership. As part of this segment, Commissioner Bond presented Townsville Faithworks Guard Elisabeth Collins with the General’s Guard Award, and Major Wendy Walters expressed words of thanks on behalf of Salvation Army corps and centres throughout the division. Lieutenant Jeff Goodwin prayed. Following Salvation Song, the GeneralElect stood to preach. She challenged the crowd about being a “blood and fire” Salvation Army, at one point having the flag rolled out and pointing to the star at the centre of the Army’s flag with its motto: “Blood and Fire.” “We can look at one another around this place,” said Commissioner Bond, “some in uniform, some old, some young, some of different skin colour, many of different backgrounds, different cultures, maybe different languages ... and we have something in common: the blood of

Jesus Christ has brought us together as a family of God. We’ve been reconciled to one another and we’ve been reconciled to God; we’ve been made friends with God; we are children of God by the blood of Jesus ... “At the very centre of The Salvation Army is not just a motivation to do good works, it is a belief that the blood of Jesus Christ has made us a different people ... “What will an Army look like, that’s on fire?” she then posed. “It’s going to look like the book of Acts. It’s going to look like the Church in the book of Acts. The Church in the book of Acts was Jesuscentred. When they had the presence of the Holy Spirit they couldn’t stop talking about Jesus – the power of Jesus to save, the power of Jesus to change the human heart, the power of Jesus to transform communities. They were Jesus-centred.” Following her message, the Mercy Seat was crowded with people seeking renewal of their lives and fresh vision for their ministry. Many audible prayers punctuated the auditorium as people sought a revival of new life and hope in Christ, both for themselves, for The Salvation Army, and for the Church across the world. The crowd gave everything they had as they sang: “I’ll go in the strength of the Lord.”

Commissioner Linda Bond presents Elisabeth Collins with her General’s Guard Award in Rockhampton. Photo: Elizabeth Jones

hat comes first this Easter, the chicken or the egg? In the minds of The Salvation Army International Development (SAID) office, it’s the chicken. On April 1, SAID launched a campaign that will run until Good Friday (22 April) to raise funds for two international Salvation Army social service centres in Africa – Begoro Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana and Mchinji Anti-Child Trafficking

Centre in Malawi. Both these centres run chicken projects which exist to generate income for the centres. By purchasing a chicken for $10 this Easter from the SAID gift catalogue, you will not only provide these centres with a chicken, but their feed, housing and vaccines as well. “We don’t actually send chickens, we send them money,” said Betsy Pineda, the SAID Information and Resources Officer. The money raised through the SAID campaign will also assist the communities

living in poverty. “You are giving them an income,” Betsy explained. At the centres in Ghana and Malawi, poverty-stricken families are taught how to raise a chicken for purposes of generating a sustainable income. Betsy describes this campaign as powerful, hence the Superman reference in the advertisement above as they are building family and community businesses through raising chickens to help eliminate poverty in Ghana and Malawi. “We chose the Superman reference in the flyer because for us, it’s just a reference to something cute. Over there it’s more powerful. When they [the chickens] multiply, it helps run the centres and provide funds.” Last year, SAID raised $25,000 over Easter through items purchased from its gift catalogue and Betsy is hoping to exceed that amount this year. When you buy a chicken you receive a greeting card and chicken postcard, along with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to buy a chicken this Easter, visit the territory’s International Development website at www.salvos.org. au/said.

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The people behind the people Pipeline film and TV reviewer MARK HADLEY runs the rule over four major movies which dominated the recent Academy Awards and comes up with a common theme of triumph against all odds

hen David Seidler made the long walk from the audience to the stage at the 83rd Academy Awards it was clear that he wasn’t used to this sort of adulation. He went to the wrong side of the stage then had to be shown where the microphone was. At 74 he was the oldest recipient of an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Reflecting on the golden statue, he told the star-studded audience: “My father always said I would be a late bloomer.” The story Seidler had scratched out for an adoring world was The King’s Speech. Standing in the spotlight after five decades of trying, he represented both the film’s chief theme and the ideal that the Academy most consistently awarded this year: personal sacrifices will pave the road to public triumph. The King’s Speech told the story of King George VI and his struggle to overcome a debilitating stutter so that he could address his people in a time of profound crisis. Hollywood was so captivated by the story that it handed over three additional Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor to Colin Firth for his performance as the stammering monarch. But at another level entirely, The King’s Speech was David Seidler’s story as well. As a boy he, too, had battled against a stammer till the age of 16. Not surprisingly, he dedicated his award to

Jesse Eisenberg (above) plays the part of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, which won three academy awards.

Mark Wahlberg (left) stepped into the role of a boxer on his way to the top in The Fighter.

other battlers: “I accept this on behalf of all the stutterers throughout the world. We have a voice. We have been heard.”

Common theme

Individual triumph over exhausting odds threaded its way through most of the top contenders for this year’s awards. In True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld played Mattie Ross, a 14-year-old girl who braves the hardships of America’s western frontiers to ensure her father’s murderer is brought to justice. Likewise, The Fighter features Mark Wahlberg as a middling boxer overcoming the limitations of family and background to claim the welterweight championship of the world. Even David Fincher’s The Social Network, which chronicles the rise of

the Internet behemoth Facebook, focuses its story on founder Mark Zuckerberg’s struggle to overcome personal and legal impediments to turn a college project into a $25 billion company. But it’s also The Social Network that shows Hollywood is mindful that not all roads to the top lead to happy destinations. The Social Network won three academy awards – Best Writing, Editing, Music – for a story that finishes with the king of online friendships ending up the loneliest man in the world. An even stronger warning about the toll triumph can exact is found in the winner of this year’s Best Actress. Black Swan is the frightening tale of Nina the ballerina (Natalie Portman) who sacrifices first her health, then her self-

What would Jesus view?

behind the films

Colin Firth won Best Actor for his portrayal of King George VI in the hit movie The King’s Speech, starring alongside Helena Bonham Carter.

respect and finally her sanity to become the ultimate dancer. Dying on the floor of her Swan Lake set, she celebrates that she was finally “Perfect!” But at what cost? Personal success is not a new theme for Academy Award nominees. But this year’s winners make it clear that sacrifice on its own cannot be considered a virtue. Billions of dollars and waves of applause can amount to nothing in the end. Triumph can be both noble and futile. Which it is depends on what the character has sacrificed to get there. Jesse Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg allows every relationship to falter for the sake of his virtual creation. He “… eats, lives and breathes” Facebook, but we’re left with the impression that it won’t be

enough to sustain a happy life. By contrast, Colin Firth’s George VI is prepared to set aside his dignities and his fears, but will not be parted from his family and friends. And above all it is the needs of his people that keep him striving to speak clearly: “If I am king, where is my power? Can I declare war? Form a government? Levy a tax? No! And yet I am the seat of all authority because they think that when I speak, I speak for them.”

Ultimate hero

It is no wonder that The King’s Speech was the most celebrated film of this year’s Academy Awards. Every actor, writer, director and producer would like to own the story behind the story. Every award

recipient hinted at the sacrifices made and thanked some group of people they had striven for. Everyone saw himself or herself as the battler who had overcome for the sake of those relationships. Their struggles gained in value because their motivations were centred on others. I think this is why Hollywood will continue to return to Christian themes, and ultimately the character of Jesus himself. The heroes of The King’s Speech, even Ghandi and the Queen, pale beside a figure who gave so much for those who loved him so little. The ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate good of others sits at the heart of the gospel story. Rest assured The Passion will not be the last film about Jesus to become an Oscar nominee.

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MISSION PRIORITY 3 – CORPS HEALTHY AND MULTIPLYING

<— Transparent Logo

  God and cupcakes: imagine that! Territorial Secretary for Program Lieutenant-Colonel MIRIAM GLUYAS tells of a woman who takes God and cupcakes into her local park

ulie-Anne Robinson is a lady who loves God, loves people, and has a huge heart for her family and families in her community. The Junction, in Newcastle, is her community. She shops there, has her hair done there, buys her groceries there, has coffee there, takes her two lovely children to swimming classes there, goes to the gym there, walks the girls to school and home again. It’s her community and lots of her time is spent there. Why? I walked through the centre with Julie-Anne recently. We had to stop many times on the way to the coffee shop. Julie-Anne knows the people of the community and she calls them by name. That matters! She loves relationship with Jesus and wants everyone else to know how good relationship with him is. So she takes the time to build relationship, live like Jesus and share her story with the people with whom she builds those friendships. There will come the day when people will say: “I want what she’s got” and then discover that it’s Jesus. As relationships grow deeper, so does the sharing, and so does the contact. Jake and Julie-Anne have shared meals with some of the families. There is a bigger picture. There is a recognition that not everyone fits straight into church. So they are taking church to the people. Every two weeks, they go to the local park to pray and read their Bibles. It involves the whole family. They walk around the park praying for their community and handing out cupcakes. But it isn’t just handing the cupcakes out; it’s asking the people how

they are and what they are up to. It’s building the relationships and conversations with the people. Their children love it and have their own list of people for whom they are praying and one day will invite to be a part of the church in the park. What God has placed on Julie-Anne’s heart sounds very much like the early church to me. It’s about him. It’s about family. It’s about others. And ... God will and is blessing that. Acts 2:42-47 reads: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (NIV). It’s all about relationship – with him, with our families, with our friends, and with people we look at with the eyes of Jesus and want to see experience the incredible abundant life that he offers. Imagine what God will do!

It’s building the relationships and conversations with the people.

Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas is the Australia Eastern Territory Secretary for Program

 Look what happens when mission is given priority Sixty-plus extra families join Dee Why program

ee Why Corps on Sydney’s northern beaches is bringing dozens of new families to its centre through a deliberate decision to set mission priorities. Majors Bruce and Cheryl Carpenter report on their Mainly Music program. Mainly Music started at Dee Why in February 2010 from a mission vision that God planted in Cheryl’s heart. This vision changed the structure of our previous playgroup that was barely existing, lacked mission focus and was heading away from Dee Why as a separate entity. Our youth work was also struggling. Mainly Music is geared toward children aged from birth to five – and their parents, who tend mostly to be mothers. The program is international, Christian-based and operates in many Australian churches, including The Salvation Army. We commenced with three leaders in the well-structured music program, two ladies ministering through kitchen duties and another two ladies sharing the mission as front door desk welcomers and administration staff. Others have been assisting when needed. To promote Mainly Music, we invited mums from the playgroup to attend and we handed out flyers during Christmas 2009 collecting at Warriewood. We rapidly increased over the following months from 18 families to 60 families and 83 children registered by November 2010. As the interest and numbers grew, we made plans to increase from one day to two days a week from the start of the second school term this year. All the while, we continue to encourage people from the corps to call in and have a chat and a cuppa with the young mums. At the end of 2010, the Home League decided to make

Mainly Music their project for 2011, challenging people to get involved. This is very exciting. So far this year, our minimum attendance has been 45 children, plus parents. We lost six families to pre-school, but there is a good chance they will return once we add the second day. We have started to pick up new families through street ministry at Warringah Mall – four families in one recent week. The Mainly Music program is great. It allows us, through developing relationships, to teach the families about God’s creation and love for them. It’s also great because the corps people can so easily get involved. Mainly Music has become our infant Sunday School and the main focus of our youth and children’s ministries. We actually tried Mainly Music on Sunday. We had leaders and program in place, but the community didn’t support it. Mid-week works! We are praying that our current Mainly Music children will in 10 years time become our 10-15 year old youth group. Links are being made to SAGALA, Sunday worship and a special small group for young mums. In October 2010, the corps was led through a month of planning for mission strategy. We celebrated the past and looked to the future. From this, people were able to enlist in teams to foster ideas for mission. The two largest groups became youth and children’s ministry and a One Army-One Mission team. The youth and children’s ministries group has already met to discuss succession planning for when Mainly Music children reach five and go off to school. Overall, the senior corps people are not only praying for it, but some are getting involved and coming along to build relationships with the mums. The journey is always exciting.

We rapidly increased over the following months from 18 families to 60 families and 83 children registered by November 2010.

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Fr o m t h e c o a l f a c e L O CA L A N D I N T E R N AT ION A L N E W S

News FEATURE

Vision becomes a reality as Fairhaven centre opened By SIMONE WORTHING

wenty years ago, Paul and Dee Evans, with some other local Christians, claimed Queensland’s Mt Tamborine for the Lord. They stamped the words from Isaiah 43 onto four pegs and drove them into the four main approaches to the mountain, marking the location. On Saturday 5 March, General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond opened the Gold Coast Recovery Services Centre (Fairhaven) on the Mountain and the Scripture readings for the occasion were taken from Isaiah 43! Faith had come full circle. The journey to Mt Tamborine has been a long and difficult one for Fairhaven. The centre opened in 1990 at Parklands Drive, Southport, as a residential rehabilitation program for men and women affected by drug, alcohol and gambling addictions; and a drug withdrawal unit. In 2007, the Queensland Government informed Fairhaven Manager, Major Russell Grice, that the new Gold Coast University Hospital would be built on Fairhaven’s leased site and a new location would need to be found. Major Glenn Whittaker was appointed project officer to oversee this process and worked with Majors Russell and June Grice on identifying sites for relocation, building proposals and community consultations. In December 2008, a reduced number of residents moved temporarily into Still Waters, an emergency accommodation service in Southport, but complications over the Eagle Heights site continued. “They were meant to stay two months and stayed two years,” said Captain Tracey Shutz, then manager of Still Waters and now South Queensland Divisional Resource and Mission Director – Social. “It’s just wonderful now to see them in their own place, beginning the process of recovery and really growing.” During the opening ceremony, Fairhaven residents gave a touching creative-movement performance to On Eagles’ Wings

and sang Try a Little Kindness, with obvious joy and hope. “You are an inspiration and God loves every one of you,” Peter Alward, Territorial General Manager Property, told the residents before officially handing the Fairhaven keys to Major Grice. In her message, Commissioner Bond addressed the residents. “The words you have just heard from Isaiah 43 were given to a nation that needed hope, that needed to know that all their failures of the past would be washed away and their lives would be transformed,” she said. “God is saying these words to you today. You are here because of your past, and many of you have lost so much, but if you ever feel overwhelmed and think you’re not going to make it, know that God is with you. Anyone who has been crucified and known torture, pain and desperation, knows what it’s like to be in a recovery program where it can seem like the whole world is imploding. “We are all recovery people,” she emphasised. “It’s just you don’t know about the fires that would’ve consumed us and the deep waters where we would’ve drowned but for the grace of God.” Commissioner Bond told the residents that God sent Jesus to take care of our mistakes, our past, and transform our lives. “We truly believe you will not just be a reformed alcoholic, drug addict or gambler, but that you will be a transformed child of God.” The Commissioner unveiled a plaque before greeting residents, staff and visiting dignitaries from the government, Queensland Health, Gold Coast Hospital Project, Drug Court, Capital Insight and Burling Brown Architects. “God wants us here, being a part of the change in and transformation of broken lives,” said Fairhaven Manager, Major June Grice. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.” “This place on the mountain is a perfect place to start a life of transformation,” said Major Whittaker, now Territorial Communications and Public Relations Secretary. “We have to believe that great things are going to happen here.”

(Far left) Fairhaven Manager Major Russell Grice speaks at the opening of the Gold Coast Recovery Services centre at Mt Tamborine; (centre) General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond unveils the plaque to officially open the complex; (above) one of the Fairhaven accommodation buildings which will house people taking part in the rehabilitation programs being offered at Fairhaven. Photos: Troy Grice

Fr o m t h e c o a l f a c e L O CA L A N D I N T E R N AT ION A L N E W S

News FEATURE

Cairns overflowing with the Spirit T

he work of the Holy Spirit was clearly evident in the Far North Queensland Cluster during 2010 with the Cairns Corps regularly bursting at the seams. Under the leadership of Majors Colin and Pam Robinson, Cairns Corps went from strength to strength with many new faces walking into church and being part of the corps’ many ministries. “2010 was a very exciting year for us to see the mighty hand of God working,” said Major Colin Robinson. “We started to see people walk in off the street, people started turning up to services from invitations and families began to bring their children to the welfare and Centennial Lodge. “I remember one morning where there were nine people from the one family, they did not all stay but many did and are still there today. The numbers grew and the desire to worship and to know more about Jesus for themselves was evident.” More than 150 people attended the Easter Sunday service with many standing under an awning outside the main building. The seating capacity at Cairns Corps is 110 but it was often exceeded during the year, with up to 40 children being part of the service. Other activities thrived, from Bible study groups to men’s and women’s camps. A huge step was the installation of various leaders to oversee the many ministries, with Kere Geno taking on the role of Corps Sergeant Major in September and Mitchell Jackson moving to Cairns to oversee the youth and children’s ministry. Assistant Corps Officers, Captains Gaina and Jenny Vali, have had a huge influence on bridging the gap between the corps and the Papua New Guinean population of Cairns as has Majors Hector and Melba Cristossimo with the Filipino community. By the end of 2010, the corps had enrolled six new senior soldiers and had two recommitments to soldiership along with 30 adherents and numerous roles being given out. Four teenagers were given leadership roles. The community has also played a major role with the Hilton Hotel and Woolworths becoming strong supporters of The Salvation Army in Cairns. “The Hilton put money towards a drum band, which

played at the Hilton for a family Christmas gathering, and they supplied paints and materials to improve the Family Store along with a year’s supply of tea, coffee and volunteers to serve on welfare days. Woolworths donated food for three days a week through the food rescue package,” Major Colin Robinson said. “We all see this as a special springboard for greater things while people keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. “This is only a glimpse of what God is doing in the lives of so many in the Far Noth Queensland Cluster.” In January this year, Majors Colin and Pam Robinson were appointed to Port Stephens Corps in NSW. Envoys Max and Meredith Moore are now the corps leaders in Cairns.

The past 12 m onths have be en an excitin for the Far N g time of grow orth Queensla th nd Cluster w soldiers and ith many new adherents, an se ni or d in particular the Papua N a thriving min ew Guinean istry to and Filipino communities .

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Fr o m t h e c o a l f a c e L O CA L A N D I N T E R N AT ION A L N E W S

Floods bring community together at Bundamba carnivale By SIMONE WORTHING

hristmas came in February for the Bundamba Corps of The Salvation Army’s South Queensland Division when the flood-affected community turned out in droves for the rescheduled Christmas Carnivale. “When our Christmas Carnivale, scheduled for December 2010, was postponed due to heavy rains I was very disappointed as it’s such a great opportunity and time to get out into the community,” said Renae Strong, Mission Team Leader at Bundamba. “It was God’s providence though, as we had twice as many people as usual came to the rescheduled event. Post-floods was definitely the best time to run it.” It was better late than never as about 1000 people attended the event which took place on Sunday 27 February. “We sent out over 500 invitations to flood-affected families who had come through our distribution centre, to others whom we’d helped with food or clean-up, and to our volunteers,” said Lisa Rule, a Salvationist at Bundamba who coordinated the event. “The purpose of the day changed from a fun day in the park where we promote our church, to also one of continuing to build relationships with and assist those affected by the floods, and to thank our volunteers.” Newly appointed social worker David Griffin, who is

roved a allenge p

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The glad

South Quee nsland Divisio nal Comm ander Major Mark Camp b e ll (left) c hats to Bunda mba S alvo Joe Ru le. All ph otos: T roy Grice

working full-time with flood victims, attended the carnivale and met many who needed assistance. Many of these people are still staying in temporary accommodation or with friends or family until their homes are rebuilt or repaired. “Our corps and Salvos Store were also damaged by floodwaters and we can’t use our premises either, so we can say to these people, ‘we’re with you, we feel your pain,’” said Lisa. The carnivale offered face painting, fairy floss, sausage sizzle, colouring competition, crafts, a huge inflatable slide, horizontal bungee, gladiator challenge and a jumping castle. Live jazz music and the children’s community choir entertained the crowd. “We also had some mechanical rides we don’t usually have at the Christmas event, like the sizzler and a merry-go-round,” Lisa explained. “One of the people we assisted owns the company that runs these rides and offered them to help us as they were so appreciative of our help to them.” The Bundamba Corps also showcased its children’s programs, including Sunday School and SAGALA, as well as programs for youth and adults. A mission tent provided information on The Salvation Army’s work in the community and enabled those who still need flood-related assistance to leave their contact details. SAGALA has already seen some new children coming along as a result of the carnivale.

ttraction.

popular a

A Bundamba Salva tionist gets an eyefu l at the spongethrowing attractio n.

Fr o m t h e c o a l f a c e L O CA L A N D I N T E R N AT ION A L N E W S

Fire damages Family Store in Young J

ust after midnight on Saturday, 19 February, fire engulfed The Salvation Army Family Store in Young, causing damage estimated at between $150,000 and $200,000. Major Sandra Lesar, the officer at Young Cluster, was at the Captivated women’s conference in Sydney at the time and received calls soon after from Laurel Merrin, welfare officer, and the police, giving her the grim news.

The fire-damaged Family Store at Young.

“Both Laurel and Captain Jennifer Wheatley, Divisional Mission and Resource Director – Social, who oversees the store’s operation, went straight to the scene,” said Major Lesar. An 18-year-old man has been charged with a number of offences relating to the fire. Police allege a fire was lit in a dumpster next to the Family Store, the blaze spreading to The Salvation Army centre. “The estimated damage cost is for replacement of the store and doesn’t include our stock,” said Major Lesar. “It’s such a shame and so sad; the community gives us their donations, we sell them at a reasonable price so the community gains through that and then the money goes back to the community through our services, so the cycle has been broken.” Major Lesar is also concerned about a couple of older volunteers who are required to do 15 hours of charity work per week in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. “We are finding extra jobs for them to do and they are willing to do anything, but it’s hard on them,” she said. Offers of help from the community have been encouraging. “People are offering to come in and help clean up as well as to clear out their cupboards and help us restock. We will rebuild the store,” Major Lesar said. “In the meantime we are looking for premises in town to rent so we can pick up our business again.”

Townsville mission helping feed schoolchildren F

iona Murakemi, a music teacher who attends The Salvation Army’s Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission (TRMM), noticed that in a number of local schools where she teaches many children didn’t have any lunch and were asking staff for something to eat. “We immediately wanted to provide a practical expression of God’s love in our community and offered our support for the students in a meeting with Gregg Edmondson, the principal at Rasmussen State School,” said Major Bruce Harmer, Team Leader at TRMM. “Greg accepted the offer and our people from Thursday Night Church and Sunday family worship were excited about playing a part in this mission.” Volunteers make the sandwiches once a month, with enough for 60 per week individually wrapped, dated and labelled. They deliver them weekly. Kelso State School has also approached Major Harmer about providing sandwiches for its students and plans are being made to connect with another local high school. “Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission is an outwardlooking mission keen to engage with our community, keen to share God’s love and keen to involve new members in our band of willing workers for God,” said Major Harmer. “I thank God constantly for the miracle he is doing in and through our people. “If we are to reach the vast majority of people in our community with either the spoken word of God’s love or a practical expression of God’s love in action, then we need to be open to opportunities that bring us into contact with the broader community on their terms. “And we must look at ways that bring about connection and relationship upon which we can build a solid foundation.”

A volunteer helps make sandwiches for schoolchildren in Townsville as part of a practical ministry run by The Salvation Army.

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Whopper of a donation T

he Salvation Army’s Flood Relief Appeal had an injection of more than $1 million recently thanks to the generosity of the corporate sector. Parmalat has donated the entire profit from the Queensland sales of its Pauls fresh white milk products and Breakaflavoured milk products from 26 January through until the end of February. The campaign has raised more than $750,000. An additional $295,000 has been added to the appeal total thanks to Hungry Jack’s. The fast-food chain held a fundraising campaign in which it donated 50 cents from every one of its Whopper Value Meals sold between 20 January and 17 February to the flood relief fund. Almost 600,000 meals were sold, providing valuable financial assistance to victims of the devastating floods in Queensland and to a lesser extent NSW, in early January.

The Salvation Army’s Major Jeff Winterburn and Randy Wood (right) accept a donation from staff at Hungry Jack’s.

Youth ministry having impact N

ew research has revealed the number of youth and young adults being intentionally discipled by The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory has more than doubled in the past two years. The number of 13 to 25-year-olds engaged with a discipleship resource or program currently stands at 1458, up from 692 in March 2009. The results also show a 230 per cent increase in 13 to 25-yearolds being discipled using an official Salvation Army resource (638, up from 193). The phone survey, completed by the Army’s Territorial Mission and Resource (Corps) Department, involved 160 corps and compared key youth discipleship statistics with data recorded during an earlier survey from March 2009. Claire Hill, the Territorial Mission Coordinator for Youth, says the results are evidence that new approaches are being effective. “We have heard lots of positive stories over the past couple of years about corps starting LIFE groups and seeing substantial growth, but you never know how much this resembles the overall picture across the territory. These new statistics are so encouraging,” she said. “These results indicate that Salvationists are placing increased value on the importance of healthy, intentional ministry to youth and young adults, which is an exciting indicator for the future of our movement.” Other key results include a 31 per cent increase in the number of corps engaged in intentional discipleship of young people aged 13 to 25 (from 60 corps to 79 corps). There has also been a 44 per cent increase in the number of corps engaging young people in any form of ministry (from 89 to 129).

Trevor’s story a special offer for Pipeline readers T

Refusing to sit back and enjoy his success as a businessman, he dedicated his time at OASIS is millions the unusual story ofof a young and energy intoMidnight raising dollars man from a well-to-do English family, who on being expelled from boarding school at sixteen, for causes including OASIS, a Salvation decides to take charge of his own life. Army centre which has become a haven for Told with endearing honesty, Trevor Fearnley’s journey takes us along a path strewn with some homeless young people in inner Sydney, unexpectedly funny but frequently challenging obstacles, which he overcomes with ingenuity, which he helped start in 1989. hard work and incredible luck. At the agehe of twenty-one his wife by his side, contact On his journey has with come into he makes the decision to come to Australia as a ten pound Pom and individuals embraces a new life in hissuch as with many well-known adopted home. Dick Smith, Paul Newman, M Miller, Refusing to just sit back andHarry enjoy his success a businessman, he dedicates invaluable time Lucy Turnbull,asandKathryn Greiner, Phil Collins endless energy into raising millions of dollars for good causes including OASIS, a haven for and Major General Peter Cosgrove. homeless young people. This is a story about making a difference in life His is a story about making a difference in and leaving behind a legacy. life and leaving a legacy. Midnight at OASIS normally retails for Trevor $29.95 but in a special offer for Pipeline Fearnley readers it is being offered at a discounted price of $19.95 plus $5 postage and handling. To take advantage of this offer go to: www. vividpublishing.com.au/oasisoffer

Midnight at OASIS

revor Fearnley, a long-time supporter of The Salvation Army who played a significant role in the establishment of the OASIS Youth Support Network, has released his autobiography, Midnight at OASIS, and is offering Pipeline readers an opportunity to purchase it at a discounted price. Midnight at OASIS is the unusual story of a young man from a well-to-do English family who, on being expelled from his boarding school at 16, decides to take charge of his own life. Told with endearing honesty, Trevor Fearnley’s journey takes the reader along a path strewn with unexpectedly funny but frequently challenging obstacles. At the age of 21 and with his new wife by his side, Trevor made the decision to come to Australia as a “Ten Pound Pom” and embrace a new life in his adopted home.

autobiography | Fundraising

www.vividpublishing.com.au / midnightatoasis

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Youth website promises more By ESTHER PINN

he Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory has relaunched the MORE youth website with a fresh-looking contemporary design and new interactive features. Jarrod Newton, the Australia Eastern Territorial Youth Resource Coordinator, said the purpose of the redesign was to attract more young people to the website. “We want to impact youth culture for the sake of the gospel. More souls saved, more saints rising up and more people stepping up to serve their community,” Jarrod said. Since the relaunch there has been an increase in visitors to the website. “Our stats are showing thousands of visits to our site every month,” Jarrod said. “Our relaunch has coincided with our biggest month ever statistically, so the fact that it has translated so quickly into increased traffic is very exciting.” Just over two years ago, the MORE website was launched. Since then it has progressed steadily with features, news snippets, “save. grow.serve” testimonies and MOREtv. The new layout includes interactive tools such as Facebook “Like” buttons and Twitter links. “A lot of the changes to the site are to do with creating a community feel. Websites are no longer just about broadcasting information, they’re about participation and engagement and our new site does a better job of encouraging that,” Jarrod said. The Facebook and Twitter links have been incorporated into the new website to build a stronger Salvo youth community in cyberspace.

Other new features include an online shop where young people can purchase MORE T-shirts for $25. Additionally, a divisional event calendar has been introduced to the home page of MORE. Here young people can access information about upcoming youth events occurring within each division in the Australia Eastern Territory. There will also be new content features appearing on the MORE website soon with articles written by professional counsellors containing helpful information and practical avenues for obtaining assistance on subjects such as depression. To check out the new website visit salvos.org.au/more.

Midweek church at the mission T

hursday Night Church (TNC) takes place at The Salvation Army’s Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission every week. The evening begins at 5pm with a barbecue and is open to anyone from the community who would like to attend. “After the barbeque there is a church service that is intentionally very earthy and promotes congregational involvement through singing, reading the Bible and inspirational personal sharing,” said Major Bruce Harmer, Team Leader at the mission. Central and North Queensland Divisional Commander Major Rodney Walters was guest speaker at TNC last month. Major Walters read the Bible passage from John 1:1-18 and spoke about the stark reality that without a vibrant and fervent relationship with God, you cannot experience the light of life.

Major Rodney Walters was a guest speaker at a recent Thursday night service in Townsville.

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Dubbo Corps celebrates 125 years By SIMONE WORTHING

“I

like to think of The Salvation Army as the quiet achievers in our community, always helping tirelessly wherever they can, at the frontline in flood, fire or emergency situations,” said Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith. “Last Sunday, The Salvation Army marked 125 years in Dubbo. Their work in the city is invaluable and often unknown because they go about it without seeking accolades. They provide our community with wide-ranging and diverse services and it is The Salvation Army that our community turns to in times of trouble.” Councillor Smith’s words reflect the history of The Salvation Army in Dubbo, whose people and officers served in many ways during the 1919 outbreak of pneumonic influenza, assisted during the 1955 flood, have been a lifeline during the crippling drought of the past decade and today are focused on meeting the needs of the community and beyond. “For 125 years we can say we’ve saved souls, we’ve grown saints, and we’ve served suffering humanity,” said Corps Officer Major Kate Young who has been serving in Dubbo with her husband, Major Colin Young, since January. “We look forward to continuing that in the future.” On Saturday, 5 March, the corps celebrated its 125th anniversary in Victoria Park and invited the community to

attend. A free barbecue, face painting, balloon making and children’s games attracted many throughout the day. “The kids came and brought their parents, which gave people in the corps a chance to talk to the parents about what the Army is, what we are here for and what we offer,” said Major Young. “We have a vibrant SAGALA group, Home League, Sunday School and a new youth church. “The soldiers who lead SAGALA and youth church respectively, Janene and Brett Phillips, have a real heart for young people so we are looking forward to seeing those programs grow.” On Sunday 6 March, past and present officers, soldiers and friends gathered for worship and a special anniversary celebration meeting at the corps. During the meeting the timbrellists played, General’s Guard awards were presented to Sarah Winkle and Sasha Swann, and Major Frank Moxon, who had previously served in Dubbo, preached on “Looking Forward, Looking Back”. A fellowship lunch and cutting of the anniversary cake concluded the celebrations. Meantime, Bundamba Corps will celebrate its 125th anniversary on the weekend of 20–21 August. For more information, email bundamba3.corps@aue. salvationarmy.org or call the corps on (07) 3282 2714 .

Salvationists gather with friends and family to celebrate 125 years of The Salvation Army in Dubbo. Photo: Courtesy of the Daily Liberal

Russian mission opportunity to work with youth

dventurous missionaries with a heart for children are being sought to join a Salvation Army mission trip to Russia. The team will spend two weeks assisting at a children’s summer camp in St Petersburg in July. There is also an option to spend an additional week in

Rostov-on-Don visiting orphanages and meeting people from the local Salvation Army corps. No previous missionary experience is required. For more information, contact Brett Phillips on 02 6884 1751 or email: brett.phillips@aue.salvationarmy.org

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Mackay Corps

Cairns Corps

n Sunday, 23 January, four new adherents were accepted at Mackay. Pictured (from left to right) are Lieutenant Terri Goodwin with three of the adherents, Kay and Geoff Neale, and Amanda Greham, and Corps Sergeant Major Ruth Saroglia. The fourth adherent, Kieren Greham, wasn’t available for the photo. These people are excited about being part of the body of Christ through The Salvation Army.

ENROLMENTS

ajor Colin Robinson, then Corps Officer at Cairns, enrolled six new Senior Soldiers in a special Sunday celebration. Reflecting the multicultural flavour of the corps, three of the new soldiers are from Papua New Guinea, one from Africa, and another has Torres Strait Islander heritage. Twenty-four new adherents also received their badges and certificates during the meeting. Pictured (left to right) are the new soldiers flanked by Majors Colin and Pam Robinson, and Family Store coordinator Alison Geno. Di Gronbeck is holding The Salvation Army flag.

Long Jetty Corps

n Sunday, 27 February, Long Jetty Corps enrolled four new Senior Soldiers. There was an atmosphere of celebration as (pictured) David and Mable Drylie, Dawn Blackburn and Simon Hungerford were enrolled, each giving a testimony of the transforming work of Jesus in their life.

Corrections

n the story “Trailblazers” which appeared in the January issue of Pipeline, Lieutenant-Colonel Coral Duck-Chong’s husband is named incorrectly. His name is Robert. In the same article, it refers to Brigadier Lily Baker’s nieces as being at her side when she was promoted to glory. It was in fact her grand-daughters. Pipeline apologises for these errors. Also, there are some errors in the Promoted to Glory reports for Brigadier Baker and Brigadier Phyllis Turner in the March issue of the magazine. Pipeline apologises for these errors and for any distress they may have caused.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Teams battle elements to provide aid in Japan T

he Salvation Army’s earthquake response in Japan is continuing despite difficulties caused by snow and the lack of fuel in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Three Salvation Army teams are continuing to provide vital assistance to people affected by the quake, the resulting tsunami and ongoing problems at a nuclear power station. The Japanese Government has recognised the Army’s work and given its teams permission to enter the disaster area and use access roads that are closed to the public. The distribution teams are, however, well aware of the concerns surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station and are staying clear of the exclusion zones. A team that was set to head from Tokyo to the tsunami-hit north of the country had to delay its journey because of snow, but managed to eventually its way to Sendai where it has been distributing food and supplies. The three teams that carried out distributions in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City returned to The Salvation Army’s Japan Territorial Headquarters in Tokyo to report on what they had seen and decide what should be done next. The Army’s International Emergency Services worker Major Raelton Gibbs reported: “The work that has been done is commendable – from feeding programs out of Salvation Army halls to the distribution of blankets, water bottles, bread and nappies.” Major Gibbs added that Tokyo continues to feel aftershocks and admitted that “no matter how many you experience they are all a little daunting”. Major Gibbs said he has been impressed by the response put together by The Salvation Army’s Japan Territory. The fuel and weather problems have meant that people have had to be flexible. He told of one group that tried to get to Sendai but was unable to make it all the way and so met the needs of some smaller communities around Koriyama on the way back to Tokyo. Major Gibbs said longer-term plans are now being put in place, such as the provision of cooking equipment when people return to their communities. As it often does in emergency responses, The Salvation Army has been paying particular attention to communities that have been overlooked by the government and other agencies.

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters in Japan has been opened up to serve the Tokyo community.

Offers of support have been pouring in from around the world. The BBC reported that volunteers from a British group which failed to obtain clearance to work in the affected areas “donated their food and medical supplies to The Salvation Army working in the country”. The Salvation Army’s Korea Territory arranged for the K-Water Corporation to provide 100,000 bottles of water to be sent to Japan, and the Korea Disaster Relief Association has sent 5000 first-aid kits. Salvationists in Korea are holding a month of prayer for the people of Japan. Also, Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory officers Majors Allan and Fran Fleming, who spent many years serving in Japan, have returned to the country to provide relief assistance. You can support the Japan Earthquake Appeal by going to the website www.salvos.org.au. (Right) A Salvation Army officer hands a packed meal to a girl; (below) People enjoy drinks prepared in The Salvation Army’s mobile emergency canteen in Sendai.

y Salvation Arm e outside The eu qu ng lo a e earthquake, People form epicentre of th e th ar ne , ai ed. corps in Send being distribut l supplies are where essentia

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Salvation Army continues Christchurch quake relief effort By Major CHRISTINA TYSON The Salvation Army in New Zealand has been working tirelessly in response to the huge earthquake which struck Christchurch on 22 February – the second major earthquake to affect the city in less than six months. The 6.3-magnitude quake killed at least 166 people and levelled parts of the city. Christchurch and parts of the surrounding region were still rebuilding after a 7.1 earthquake on 4 September last year. While that earthquake damaged buildings and made some homes inhabitable, there were no deaths and only a small number of injuries. The February quake – said by seismologists to be an aftershock to the 2010 quake – was of a lesser magnitude but was closer to the city centre and nearer to the surface, which is why the damage was more significant. As part of its continuing support for residents, The Salvation Army is distributing 4000 “Care Cards”, each loaded with NZ$500, to affected households. The project was developed in partnership with Westpac Bank. The use of the Care Card is at the discretion of recipients, but can be put towards the cost of urgent house repairs or to purchase food, clothing or other goods. Payments and grants are available from a range of organisations but Salvation Army workers report high levels

Salvation Army teams prepare goods for distribution. Photo: Cara Wood

The Salvation Army’s Christchurch City Community Ministries Centre, which was badly damaged. Photo: Major Robbie Ross

Brent Christoffersen from Hutt City Corps in Wellington, interviews a couple as part of The Salvation Army’s Christchurch earthquake response. Photo: Chris Cope

of earthquake-related unemployment and material hardship experienced by families as well as a substantial degree of anxiety about their futures. Money for the Care Cards comes from The Salvation Army’s Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, which as at 14 March stood at $9.36 million. The Salvation Army has also released a “Take a Break” scheme aimed at giving individuals and families suffering significant emotional stress time away from the city. The Salvation Army still has dozens of care workers visiting the worst-affected suburbs to assess residents’ emotional and material needs, with other personnel following up more complex cases and teams of volunteers delivering food, water, clothing and bedding to those in need. The bulk of reinforcement staff – from around the country and Australia – are operating in Monday to Friday shifts, with a smaller staff on weekend duty. The Salvation Army’s Linwood Centre has been providing around 800 food parcels a day and other goods, as well as food, fuel and clothing vouchers. Salvation Army community worker Brent Christoffersen was part of the second wave of reinforcement personnel deployed to Christchurch. “I was really blasé about the Christchurch earthquake at first,” he said. “Then our church [Hutt City Salvation Army Corps in Wellington] held an urgent prayer meeting. I went home from that, watched TV and said to a mate, ‘Let’s go, we have to do something!’ I really wanted to get down there once I saw how bad it was. “Most people were just so pleased to see The Salvation Army. Some people would say, ‘We’re fine,’ but others said, ‘It’s so good to see you here – you’re the first people to come around. “I took bottles of water to a guy in a wheelchair who couldn’t leave his house. I visited an old lady in her 70s, and there were blankets under her dining room table – that was where she was sleeping. Another old lady who was on oxygen was really scared in case her power stopped. One lady said that every time a truck went by her house it was like another earthquake. Her nerves were shot. “The welfare of people’s heads and emotional state is going to be a key need now. I think The Salvation Army needs to keep on caring, especially with counselling and support.”

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promoted to glory

Chief of the Staff leads commissioning in Korea ommissioning celebrations for the Ambassadors of Holiness – the Korea Territory’s 84th session of cadets – was the highlight of a busy visit by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry Swanson, and Commissioner Sue Swanson (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries). During their first two days in Korea, the international visitors took part in the cadets’ spiritual day at the training college, toured social service centres, visited a Salvation Army nursing home and spent time at Territorial Headquarters in Seoul. A highlight was a visit to Kwachun Corps Child Day Care Centre where the Swansons were entertained by young people, dressed in bright traditional Korean clothes, who played traditional games and performed a cultural drum dance.

Officers councils on Saturday morning, at which the Chief of the Staff gave the Bible address, was followed by the territorial silver star fellowship meeting and luncheon for parents of cadets who were about to be commissioned. On Saturday afternoon, many officers, corps comrades and family members gathered at Kwachun Corps for the commissioning, ordination and appointments meeting. The 22 cadets who had completed their two-year residential training and educational program were charged by Territorial Commander Commissioner Park, Man-hee to serve God and their people faithfully in their first appointments. Commissioners Swanson lead the holiness meeting at Seoul First Corps on Sunday morning. Following the Bible message by the Chief of the Staff and his invitation to be seeking “only Jesus”, many people crowded at the mercy seat seeking Christ or reaffirming their faith.

The Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Sue Swanson (both seated) meet young people dressed in bright Korean clothes at Kwachun Corps Child Day Care Centre.

The Chief of the Staff prays with a seeker during the holiness meeting at Seoul First Corps.

By Major PARK, SANG-YEON

Salvation Army officially moves into Togo G

eneral Shaw Clifton has approved the official commencement of Salvation Army work in Togo, effective from 1 April. Togo – officially the Togolese Republic – is a country in west Africa and the fledgling work there has been developing under supervision of the Ghana Territory and will continue to do so. With this new opening The Salvation Army is now at work officially in 124 countries. Captains Hervé Michel and Naty Dorcas Ahouyanganga, of the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, have been appointed to give leadership in Togo. There are also developments concerning Salvation Army work in the Middle East. The Salvation Army was officially established in Kuwait in 2008 and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010. Three centres now operate – Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (both

in the UAE) and Kuwait. Recently, Army meetings have also been taking place in Bahrain and Oman, though these activities remain on an informal basis and are not yet officially established as Salvation Army activity. In view of the development that has taken place in the region in the past three years, and the potential for further growth, the General has approved the proposal that the work in Kuwait and the UAE shall be known, for Salvation Army purposes, as the Middle East Region as from 1 April (reporting directly to International Headquarters). Should the activities in Oman, Bahrain or other countries in that area move to official recognition, they will be included in the Middle East Region. Majors Mike and Teresa Hawley, officers of the USA Southern Territory, will be the regional leaders, with Major Mike Hawley serving as Regional Officer.

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promoted to glory

A spirited woman

ieutenant-Colonel Coral Duck-Chong was promoted to glory on 25 February from Macquarie Lodge Nursing Home, aged 102. A funeral service was held at Rookwood Cemetery, followed by a thanksgiving service at Dee Why Corps on Thursday 3 March, and both were led by family friend, Major Eva Phillips. The order of service, including both songs and participants, had been previously arranged by Lieut-Colonel Duck-Chong. At the well-attended thanksgiving service, Commissioner Earle Maxwell shared a personal greeting and then prayed. His mother, Mary, and Coral were cadet session-mates. Sensitive musical support was provided by Carolynn and Doug Everett on piano and organ, and grand-daughter, Jenny Duck-Chong, who sang I Know That My Redeemer Liveth. Commissioner Linda Bond’s tribute was read by Major Joanne Slater, Chaplain at Macquarie Lodge Nursing Home. Other written tributes were from General Eva Burrows and Commissioner Robin Dunster. Coral Taylor was born at Marrickville, Sydney, on 21 January 1909. Coral’s aunt, Martha Readman, was the main Salvation Army influence in her early life. In March 1930, Coral entered The Salvation Army Training College from Ashfield as a cadet in the Blazers session and on commissioning was appointed to Booth House, Dulwich Hill. She married Captain Robert Duck-Chong in January 1932, commencing a shared ministry of 34 years of active officership. Family was always very important to Coral. Her early training as a skilled tailor was invaluable and she used this gift to provide for her children – Neil, Gordon, Errol, Lyndon, Mel and Beth. She was a mother who loved God and who taught her children in word and example to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Coral was a caring and selfless mother. Coral’s home was her castle, and her garden was her domain, her haven. This meek-looking lady was quietly strongwilled – certainly no pushover. One of her friends described her as a “spirited woman”. In her early years of officership, Coral’s God-given ministry was providing for her family. Her devotion to being both a wife and mother provided great support to her husband, allowing him to pursue his God-directed evangelical ministry. As the children grew, Coral’s ministry also

grew. There were often visitors sharing the family table for meals. Coral was an excellent hostess and her culinary skills were legendary. Her quiet, “behind-thescenes”, one-on-one friendship ministry is remembered by many. Appointments included Divisional Secretary for Women’s Organisations for the North NSW and Sydney Central divisions when her husband was the Divisional Commander. Due to declining health, Coral moved into Macquarie Lodge, which was her home for the last years of her life. From being a very independent and active person, these last few years were difficult but Coral did not complain. One of the highlights of her stay at Macquarie Lodge was the celebration of her 100th birthday in 2009, with the long-awaited letter from the Queen. In a sensitive tribute through both words and photographs, the congregation at her birthday celebration was asked to view Coral as a gem as many facets of her life were shared pictorially and through words. No gem is perfect and Coral would have readily made this personal assessment. Some pictures shown were of Coral when she was only a few months old, while others were taken on her 100th birthday. The photos were extremely well preserved – as was Coral. As with a gem, Coral endured significant hard-cutting, grinding, buffing experiences, including personal loss and bereavement. She came through with greater maturity and beauty. Central in Coral’s life was her Christian faith. Her primary focus was Jesus.

Faithful servant

ajor Peg Abrahams was promoted to glory on 15 February, aged 88. A cremation service was held at Pinegrove Crematorium on 22 February, conducted by Major Bruce Domrow. Carolyn Haggar and Colin Abrahams, Major Abraham’s two surviving children, lit a candle in tribute to her before Colin read a Bible passage from John 6:35-40. Major Domrow spoke at the service, sharing that while death may be the final human experience, it is not the end of life for the Christian and that Major Abrahams is now enjoying wholeness in ways beyond human imagination. A thanksgiving service was then held at Penrith Corps, conducted by Major Glenys Domrow (niece). A tribute was offered on behalf of the Retired Officers by Major Bruce

Hodges before a letter of tribute from Commissioner Linda Bond was read. Major Elva Banks, a long-time friend, prayed before a PowerPoint tribute from Major Abraham’s four grand-daughters was shown. A moving family tribute was also presented by Carolyn Haggar. Major Glenys Domrow used the Scripture passage 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 to share the memory of Major Abrahams, describing her as a beautiful jar that held the treasure of faith within her heart. Estelle Margaret Abrahams (Peg) was born at Ipswich on 5 September 1922, to Henry and Florence Strowe. She quickly became known as Peggy. After leaving school she worked in Brisbane as a seamstress, making military uniforms. In 1944, she left Ipswich to train in the Liberty session at The Salvation Army Training College and was commissioned as an officer in 1945. She then served in appointments at Collaroy Men’s Home and Goulburn Boys Home, followed by a two-year appointment at Purga Aboriginal Colony. This was followed by time at Bexley Boys Home, Goulburn Boys Home and Riverview Boys Training Farm and Indooroopilly Boys Home. She married Gordon Abrahams on 3 October 1953. Together they had four children and were blessed with four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Together their service included Montrose Men’s Home, Goulburn Boys Home and Foster Street Men’s Home, managers at Cairns Peoples Palace, followed by Stanley Street Men’s Home in Brisbane and then six years at the Men’s Social Services in Newcastle. In 1975, they were appointed as managers of Townsville Peoples Palace and in 1978, to St Peters Mancare. A short return to Montrose preceded their 10-year appointment as Director of Courts and Prisons Services from which they retired in June 1993. Peg was dedicated to her ministry and had a passion for the people whom she served, always maintaining the focus of her calling. Over the past 10 years, Peg battled with dementia but as long as she was able, her faith and love of the Lord remained strong and she continued to witness his love to others. Peg will be remembered as a good and faithful servant. Please email Promoted to Glory reports and, if possible, a photograph to Pipeline at eastern.editorial@aue.salvationarmy. org. Please limit reports to no more than 400 words.

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about people International Appointments

Effective 4 February: Major Allan Flemming, Territorial Property Secretary, Papua New Guinea Territory, Major Fran Flemming, Administrator for the Koki Secondary School, Papua New Guinea. Effective 3 March: Major Julie Radburn (protem), Christchurch Relief Coordinator, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.

Promoted to glory

Major Peg Abrahams on 15 February; Envoy Russell Marsh on 22 February; Lieut-Colonel Coral Duck-Chong on 25 February; Envoy Lillian Allbutt on 11 March.

Retirements

Majors Peter and Eileen Holley on 31 March; Majors David and Coral Hodges on 31 March.

Bereaved

Majors Arthur and Helen Dixon of their son Robert Dixon on 23 February; Major Shelley Soper of her father Eric Woods; Major Edwin Cox of his mother Mrs Nessie Cox on 4 March; Majors Ned and Florence Sanders of their daughter-in-law Kerry Sanders on 9 March.

School for Officer Training College

The following people have been accepted for training in 2010 in the Disciples of the Cross Session 2012-2013: Asena and Heath Firkin, working with the RSDS Townsville; Lydia Hong and Sean Li, Burwood Corps.

time to pray 27 March – 2 April

Malawi Command; Communications and Public Relations Department, Counselling Service, both THQ; Dalby Corps, Coolum Mission, both Qld; Cooma Corps, Cowra Corps, both NSW; Newcastle and Central NSW Division Mission Forum (28-29).

3-9 April

The Philippines Territory; Dee Why Corps, Northern Beaches Community Welfare Centre, Deniliquin Corps, Dooralong Valley Facility, Dubbo Corps, Dulwich Hill Corps, Dulwich Hill Community Welfare Centre, all NSW; Self-Denial Appeal Altar Service (3); Red Shield Appeal Opening – Sydney (4); Homelessness Conference (6-8); Red Shield Appeal Opening – Brisbane; South Queensland Division Junior Soldier Bootcamp (9-10).

10-16 April

Majors Graeme and Heather Craig, Ghana Territory; Dural Corps, Engadine Corps, Earlwood Corps, Kid’s Hope Australia – Primary School Restoration program, Pilot First Floor Restoration program, Eastlakes Corps, all NSW; Emerald Corps, Qld; DYSs Consultative Forum, Red Shield Appeal Opening – Gold Coast (13)

Queensland Cluster, Cairns Community Welfare Centre, Cairns Corps, Cairns Multicultural Ministry, Cairns Women’s Program, all Qld; Family Tracing, NSW/ACT; Finance Department, THQ; Good Friday (22); Easter Sunday (24).

24-30 April

Korea Territory; Forbes/Parkes Corps, Forster/Tuncurry Corps, Gill Waminda Residential Aged Care, Glebe Corps, all NSW; Gladstone Corps, Glen Haven, both Qld; Anzac Day (25); Moneycare Conference (27-29); Central and North Queensland Division Youth Councils (29 April-2 May).

1-7 May

Katharine Dale, Ghana Territory; Glen Innes Corps, Gosford Corps, Goulburn Corps, all NSW; Gold Coast Recovery Service Centre (Fairhaven), Gold Coast Temple Corps, both Qld; Red Shield Defence Services Management Conference (5-6); Mother’s Day (8); Children and Youth Decision Week (8-15).

engagement calendar Commissioners James Condon (Territorial Commander) and Jan Condon Sydney: Mon 4 Apr – Red Shield Appeal Opening Brisbane: Wed 6 Apr – Red Shield Appeal Opening Parramatta: Sun 10 Apr – Public Welcome for Commissioners James and Jan Condon Brisbane: Sun 17 Apr – Public Welcome for Commissioners James and Jan Condon Barwell Park: Mon 18 Apr – Annual Luncheon and Service of Remembrance of the Red Shield Officers and Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association Collaroy: Thu 28 Apr – Moneycare Conference Bexley North: Fri 29 Apr – Retreat Day at School for Officer Training Toowoomba: Sat 30 April–Sun 1 May – Toowoomba Corps’ 125th anniversary, South Queensland Division

Colonels Wayne (Chief Secretary) and Robyn Maxwell Sydney: Mon 4 Apr – Red Shield Appeal Launch Rockhampton: Wed 6 Apr – Red Shield Appeal Launch Parramatta: Sun 10 Apr – Public welcome to Commissioners James and Jan Condon #Wagga: Tues 12 Apr – Women’s Rally ACT and South NSW Division *Newcastle: Wed 13 Apr – Red Shield Appeal Launch Newcastle #Canberra Wed 13 Apr – Women’s Rally ACT and South NSW Division Brisbane: Sun 17 Apr – Public welcome to Commissioners James and Jan Condon Townsville: Fri 22–Sun 24 Apr – Easter Townsville Riverway Recovery Mission

17-23 April

Wayne and Janine Robins, Papua New Guinea Territory; Fairfield Corps, Faith Cottage, both NSW; Family Tracing Service Brisbane, Far North

# Colonel Robyn only * Colonel Wayne only