It's Child's Pray by The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory JUly 2013 Volume 17 Issue 7

It’s

child’s pray International Day of Prayer for Children

Also inside General Linda Bond Retires ARTICLES BY

Commissioner James Condon

Jonathan Browning

Major David Woodbury

Rhondda Kingston

Luke Geary

Contents COVER

Editorial S TO R Y

12-13 IT’S CHILD’S PRAY

5 TC@PIPELINE 8-10 INTEGRITY

Prayerful guidance

12 FEAT U R E S 14-17 JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

Esther Pinn meets five members of Dubbo Corps’ SAGALA sections who are jetting off to a worldwide gathering in London next month 20-21 LET’S ALL CELEBRATE

The Australia Eastern Territory gears up for a Freedom Celebration in Sydney 24-25 THE RIGHT WAY HOME

Jonathan Browning says the path to the true heart of God is a process of transformation rather than a quick fix

CREATIVE Play it again

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY JULY 2013 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3

Sam

R E G U LA R S 4 YOUR SAY

27 SOUL FOOD 28-29 INSIDE SALVOS LEGAL 30-31 ARMY ARCHIVES 32-32 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW 34-45 COALFACE NEWS ALSO INSIDE:

BRUSH WITH THE SALVO MAN CHILDREN’S MUSIC AL SET S SAIL

47 Promoted to Glory

BRASS BANDS IN ACTION

IN THIS MONTH’S Creative Ministry Play it again, Sam

The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder

Cover photo Shairon Paterson

International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria street London EC4P 4EP

Pipeline is a publication of the Communications Team

Australia Eastern Territory 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 James Condon, Commissioner Territorial Commander Bruce Harmer, Major Communications and Public Relations Secretary Managing Editor Scott Simpson Graphic design Kem Pobjie

he Bible makes it very clear that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). It also makes it clear that as adults, we have a Godgiven responsibility to “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6). Parenthood is an enormous responsibility. For Christians, that responsibility extends beyond physical care for their children to the salvation of their souls. We need to turn to God for guidance and for the grace necessary to fulfil this greatest of duties. The same applies for all those – carers, family members, prayer pals, etc – who have an influence over the shaping of a young person’s life. Our cover story in this issue of Pipeline focuses on the International Day of Prayer For Children. What better way can there be to “direct your children onto the right path” than to be daily on your knees, bringing their precious young lives before God? A turning point in my own parenting came with the realisation that my children are, in essence, “on loan” to my wife and I from God. They are his children – as we all are – and he has entrusted the phenomenal responsibility of raising them to us. Surely, then, wisdom dictates that our response should be to replicate Hannah (1 Samuel 1:26-28) and dedicate our precious gift of a child back to God in prayer. In doing so, we are recognising that they are always in his care.

The Salvation Army is embracing International Day of Prayer For Children. By Simone Worthing

Raising children to be God’s own

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

Most of us wish lots of things for our kids. And often, particularly with Christian parents, knowing our children have a healthy relationship with God is usually high up, if not top of, the list. But here’s a hard truth for parents to swallow. You cannot guarantee that your children will become followers of Jesus Christ. However, what God does make clear is that he wants us to bring our children up a certain way. Ephesians 6:1-4 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” There is a vivid picture being painted here of parents with the Bible open and bringing their children in front of what God is asking of them. Prayer is an essential part of that process. It’s only when we fall to our knees in humility before God, with all our weaknesses and imperfections, that we can seek the strength and godly wisdom required to guide our children along the path that leads to eternal life. Scott Simpson Managing Editor

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your say... College ‘to the lions’

t is hard for me not to take Terence Carpenter’s letter to the editor (June Pipeline) personally. I have taught New Testament studies off and on at the training college for the last 10 years, I currently teach preaching and I have just been appointed to oversight the continuing training of lieutenants. Firstly, I must say that as a staff member at the college I feel a little like the Christians in the second century. Tertullian once quipped that: “If the Tiber rises too high or the Nile too low, the cry is ‘The Christians to the lions’.” If someone perceives a weakness in the life of our territory, it feels like it is “the college to the lions”. However, regarding Terence’s criticism, his perceived lack of “equipping and empowering” amongst Salvationists, such a lack cannot possibly be all the college’s fault. I can think of at least five other reasons, just off the top of my head! Secondly, I also want to say that I personally know all the officers who have taught preaching at the college over the last 15 years. The basis for our teaching program has been expository preaching. That is, biblically based, biblically shaped preaching. They have all been teachers who loved God’s Word and did their very best to teach the cadets well. There may well be some inadequate preaching going on in our territory, but I do not think that it is the college’s doing!

Magnetism of music

here is something special about music, the language of the soul, which William Booth appropriated to promote the Gospel and attract people to the Salvation Army. After reading about Orange’s “Just Brass” program (Pipeline, April 2013), it brought back memories of my early cornet lessons as a young adult new to the Army. My mentor, a very considerate and patient elderly officer, introduced me to band music, seeing the potential in his new convert. I really wasn’t cut out for brass bands, rather moving into songsters and

I also want to question that question mark, “sound(?) theological training”. If the question mark is there because Terence thinks he may have used the wrong word, he is correct. One man’s sound is another woman’s heresy. The School For Officer Training (SFOT) “outsources” its theological study to its sister school, The School for Christian Studies. In these accredited classes, cadets are exposed to all sorts of theological views, it is true. I may not agree on every point of theology with every one of my colleagues, but I can assure you that theology here is taught from within the generous orthodoxy of Wesleyanism. The goal of the teaching is precisely to lay a doctrinal foundation for cadets’ ministry as officers. On the matter of “‘exegesis’ teaching as opposed to ‘apologetics’ at the SFOT”, it is not clear to me how they are opposed. They are essentially two different tasks. Apologetics, an argued defence of the faith, has a long and venerable history in the church. Exegesis, a very different task, is to grapple with a particular biblical text in an effort to understand its meaning, something that has never been neglected here at the college. I don’t know what to make of the implied criticism of the “emerging church”, a movement doing its best to tackle what it means to be church in the postmodern West, or Terence’s view of the inadequacy of a gospel summary of “God loves you”. I am also not sure that it is possible to preach

a “‘meaty” sermon based on ... “end times prophecy”. At least I wouldn’t be interested in hearing one. Of course we would want officers to be regularly preaching the great themes of Scripture such as repentance, regeneration and holiness. But if they do not, can it really be all the college’s responsibility? No new lieutenant arrives at their first appointment fully equipped to meet every pastoral, administrative and ministry challenge. That is why the territory has just implemented a three-stage training program for officers. As Mark Twain once said: “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns a lesson he can learn in no other way”. Lieutenancy is the third stage of training where officers grasp the metaphorical cat by the tail while they, in context, continue to learn and develop as ministers of the gospel. Finally, I categorically reject Terence’s veiled assertion that somehow the college is contributing to the apostasy of the church. Is it a perfect place? No. In our human frailty we sometimes get things wrong. Nevertheless, in my view, Booth College is an untapped, quality resource in the Australia Eastern Territory. Booth College, of which the SFOT is a part, has outstanding faculty and staff. As a loyal and committed Salvationist I am proud to work with them.

timbrels, where I felt a more congenial call. Now I am more into woodwind instruments, playing the flute, with a dabble in strings. But it is this early introduction to the vast opportunities my first officer presented which fanned the flame of my love of music, which I had as a toddler, before I knew any words to sing. Music has that ability to enhance and inspire and lift the soul to heaven, in the loneliest of moments. Captain Saunders, of Orange Corps, like William Booth, knows the devil has the power of worldly music at his disposal. Some music reflects the dark side of man. However, inspired by the “Just Brass”

program of South Barwon, the captain echoes the philosophy of General Booth: “Why should the devil have all the good music?”. There is a great magnetism in music, which can express the very secrets of the soul and comfort others with its magic. Music is the common language of the world and the church. It is genius to use what is such a great tool to build relationships with communities and bring souls to Christ. “Let the little ones come unto Me”, through the love of music.

Captain Grant Sandercock-Brown, Academic Program Officer, School for Officer Training

Eloise Rowe, Maroochydore Corps

If the Lord is speaking to you about something that you are willing to freely share in Pipeline, send your story to eastern.editorial@aue.salvationarmy.org 4

tc@pipeline

Children are a God-given gift In reinforcing The Salvation Army’s Mission Priority 5, Commissioner JAMES CONDON says he is encouraged to find the territory passionate about bringing children to Jesus through various programs for young people

I Commissioner James Condon is Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory

remember when I was a child there was a park beside our home where children in the street would gather to play and my father took me to the swings. I remember my days of attending Sunday School. We used to go into church for the first 20 minutes on a Sunday morning then our teachers would take us out to Sunday School. That is where I learned the stories of Jesus and the great stories of the Old Testament – David and Goliath, Jonah and the whale etc. I thank God for dedicated Sunday School teachers who greatly influenced my life and kept praying for me long after I left Sunday School. I have memories as a child of the gymnastics club and the faithful instructors. We all have memories of those who taught us and cared for us. Mission Priority 5 says, “The territory passionate about bringing children to Jesus.” The children are still around us and even in greater numbers and yet in many of our corps we have less contact with the children. How can we reach them, teach and train them in the things of God? There are some good initiatives across the territory, including some vibrant Sunday Schools. Mainly Music is connecting with many children and families in the community and some with the corps. There appears to be a renewed interest in SAGALA (Salvation Army Guarding and Legion Activities). There are a number of forms of kids clubs and other programs reaching and teaching the children. Psalm 127 verse 3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord” – and The Message paraphrases it as, “Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?” This Psalm is all about the importance of raising a family with God at the centre.

Highly valued

Children – God’ best gift! Sadly children are often seen as a liability rather than an asset but this Psalm tells us they are a heritage and we can learn valuable lessons from children with their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits. Children often speak pearls of wisdom that should be noted and noticed. If we only see children as a nuisance or a distraction we are missing the point. I encourage us all to see children as a mission possibility and opportunity to shape their future with God at the centre. One commentator said, “We dare not treat children as an inconvenience when God values them so highly”. When Jesus said “suffer the little children to come unto me”, he was putting children at the centre of his ministry and always made time for them and used children to teach adults valuable lessons. Christians must welcome children as Jesus did. Children are a God-given gift to families and also to the family of God. Let us value them, listen to them, encourage them, learn from them and pray with them and for them. Many adults in our territory today made their decision to follow Jesus when they were a child. Let’s do all we can to see this happening more and more. Please pray for all who are engaged in children’s ministries, that God would raise up leaders and teachers for children’s ministry and that God would lead us in creative ways of reaching out to children in our nation. We thank God for every child – they are a precious gift. Let us not abuse or use them, but raise them up to be strong followers of Jesus. A little child can lead us.

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World watches on as Munns officially welcomed By ESTHER PINN

“W

e’re delighted they’ve arrived,” proclaimed Commissioner James Condon at the official welcome service for Colonels Richard and Janet Munn at Hurstville Corps on 23 June. Colonel Richard Munn has been appointed the role of Chief Secretary for the Australia Eastern Territory and his wife, Colonel Janet, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. The Munns’ original welcome service was postponed due to delays with their visas being processed, but this time the world was watching as Salvationists and friends were able to tune in to the service through a live streaming on the video.salvos.org.au website. The evening began with a musical interlude by the Hurstville Corps Band which was followed by a welcome by Commissioner Condon. “Two months in, we’re getting to know them and appreciate them. Esther 4:14 is often quoted, ‘or such a time as this’. Over recent days I have realised more and more that God has appointed them for such a time as this.” The audience was delighted with two performances by the Burundi Choir from Auburn Corps as they danced and sang in their native African tongue. Greater West Divisional Commander, Major Gary Baker, then shared on behalf of the territory’s officers their understanding of leaving behind adult children when moving to a new appointment. “We acknowledge you are paying this price to be in the corner of the world called Australia.” Menai Corps Ministry Assistant Mark Soper followed, being the spokesman for the soldiers and youth of the territory. “Our territory is blessed to have you both. I believe you are divinely important. We [referring to the territory’s youth and soldiers] will back you and follow you.” As the Munns remained standing, Commissioner Condon presented a charge to the new territorial leaders. Secretary for Program Lieut-Colonel Laurie

Robertson came forward and prayed for the Munns. Colonel Richard Munn followed with a word of encouragement, thanking the territory for the warm welcome. He also shared his desire to fulfil the territory’s first mission priority: The territory marked by prayer and holiness. “Mission Priority One sets the tone. If we get that one right, all the others [referring to the Seven Mission Priorities] will fall into place,” he said. In a powerful message, Colonel Janet Munn spoke from biblical passages Isaiah 53 and Philippians 2 and encouraged the congregation to empty themselves as Christ emptied himself. “When we see an Army on its knees, we see a surrendered Army, a humble Army position with Christ to be raised up,” she said. Meantime, the Newcastle and Central NSW Division had the privilege of welcoming the Munns on Sunday 2 June at the Newcastle Worship and Community Centre. The contemporary team from Newcastle Corps and a combined Divisional Brass band each led worship. The Munns were then taken on a virtual tour of the division through a video that was earlier put together by Major Gavin Watts, Divisional Commander, and Envoy Lucas Cairns, Divisional Youth Secretary. The video showcased the variety of expressions of The

Salvation Army within the division. You can see this video at youtube/ Haays4ZU_SA The Munn were presented with gifts from places within the division including an Akubra from Dubbo and a framed Ken Duncan photo from the Central Coast. Both Colonels Richard and Janet then brought a powerful message from the Word of God.

Colonels Richard and Janet Munn (above) at the official territorial welcome at Hurstville; (below) Commissioner James Condon presides over the service. Photos: Carolyn Hide

General Linda Bond retires

Our world leader served with ‘dignity and grace’

fter more than two years as world leader of The Salvation Army, General Linda Bond has decided to enter retirement. In response to her decision, the Army’s international Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Andre Cox, issued the following statement: “Following a period of personal reflection and prayer, General Bond has decided that she should relinquish the Office of the General with effect from 13 June 2013. The General’s decision to step down comes after 44 years of ministry. As is required by our constitution, contained in the Salvation Army Act 1980, the Chief of the Staff will perform the functions of the General pending the election of a new General.” General Bond, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies, entered the training college in Canada as a cadet in 1967 and was commissioned as an officer two years later. She spent the following nine years in corps appointments, before being appointed first

as a member of the training staff at the College for Officer Training in Toronto and then as Territorial Candidates Secretary. She returned to corps ministry, becoming Commanding Officer of the Kitchener Corps, before serving at the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as Assistant Training Principal, Divisional Secretary of the Maritime Division and Divisional Commander of the same division. In 1995, she was appointed to International Headquarters in London as Under Secretary for Personnel. She remained in the United Kingdom, transferring to the UK Territory as Divisional Commander, Central North Division, in 1998. A return to Canada came just over a year later, when she was appointed as Chief Secretary, Canada and Bermuda Territory. In July 2002, she was appointed to the USA Western Territory, where she served as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. She returned to International Headquarters in 2005, as Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and International External Relations. In 2008 she became Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory. She was elected to The Salvation Army’s most senior office in January 2011. “Many of us came to know General Linda Bond during her term here [Australia Eastern] as Territorial Commander. When I think of Linda I think of one who always uplifted the name of Jesus and the words come to mind, ‘the love of Christ compels us’,” said Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon. “We thank God for our territorial Mission Priorities and the slogan of One Army, One Mission that were formulated under her leadership. Then, when she became General, One Message was added and the International Mission Priorities were launched. “She is an anointed leader who God has used in amazing ways during her term as General. She has served with dignity and grace.”

High Council summoned to elect 20th General

he Chief of the Staff, Commissioner André Cox, has summoned members of the High Council to meet on 29 July, 2013, for the purpose of electing the 20th General of The Salvation Army. All leaders who are commissioners on active service or who are territorial commanders or territorial presidents of women’s ministries of whatever rank qualify for membership of the High Council. This High Council will be the largest in the history of The Salvation Army. There will be 118 members – 64 women and 54 men – with an average age of 59. Fifty-four will be attending a High Council for the first time. The High Council will not meet at its usual venue of Sunbury Court in Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom, as this historic venue is presently undergoing a major refurbishment. Instead, it will meet at the Renaissance Hotel, near Heathrow, to the west of London. The Chief of the Staff will preside over the opening of the High Council until such time as a president and vice-president have been elected. The deliberations of the council will then be directed by the president, preparing the way for nominations for the office of General and the election of the next international leader of The Salvation Army. The announcement of the new General will be webcast so people all around the world will learn the identity of the new General at the same time. For the latest information go to www.salvationarmy.org/ HighCouncil2013. A Twitter feed, @HighCouncil2013, has also been set up, along with a Facebook page: www.facebook. com/HighCouncil2013

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integrity

Looking at the bigger picture Sydney-based Salvationist CASEY O’BRIEN recently spent 12 months as an intern at The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission in New York, where she wrote a paper entitled “The Thinking Salvationist”. In an edited excerpt from the paper, Casey argues the case of prevention rather than cure for many of the social ills that the Army is called on to treat

friend of mine, a teenager, recently fell off his skateboard and grazed his leg badly. There was gravel and dirt stuck inside the wound, yet being a typical, stubborn teenager, this friend decided that the best course of action was to put a bandage over the wound so that it would stop bleeding onto his clothes. Day after day he would clean discharges from the wound, but didn’t take the time to look at the wound itself and see how it was healing. After two weeks of this, my friend’s mother decided that as pain was still present, it was time to visit a doctor, who promptly concluded that due to a lack of proper care, the wound had become grossly infected. The doctor was astounded that the teenager had consistently treated the symptoms of the wound, but had done nothing to treat the wound itself. Within The Salvation Army, and within the greater church, we so often behave like this teenager when it comes to issues of justice in our world. For every social ill

we face in our day-to-day ministry, there is a larger-scale issue at the root. For instance, a homeless man asking for food at his local corps is an immediate problem. There is no question that there are tangible, practical needs which must be recognised and met. However there are larger problems also in place. His homelessness and hunger could, for example, be evidence of a failing welfare system within the country in which that man lives. Like the teenager with the wounded leg, the Salvation Army Welfare Worker can satisfy the man’s immediate needs by finding suitable accommodation and providing him with a meal (taking care of the smaller-scale, although not less-important problems). However, these acts alone do little to challenge the larger systemic issues which caused those needs in the first place (the large-scale issues) – that is, to treat the actual wound itself.

Proactive prevention

In 1895, Joseph Malins wrote a poem entitled “A Fence or an Ambulance”, in which he pointed

Integrity

It is time for us to move from a reactive modus operandi to a proactive one – attempting to eradicate new issues on a larger scale before they become day-to-day problems.

out the importance of prevention. The poem tells of the people of a town which, having a dangerous cliff nearby, discuss the best course of action in protecting people from being harmed by falling down the cliff. Some argue that placing a fence at the top of the cliff will prevent people from falling in the first place, while the majority argue that placing an ambulance at the foot of the cliff will allow fast response to those who fall. The poem continues: “Then an old sage remarked, ‘It’s a marvel to me that people give far more attention; To repairing results than to stopping the cause, When they’d much better aim at prevention. ‘Let us stop at its source all this mischief,’ cried he; ‘Come, neighbours and friends, let us rally, If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense With the ambulance down in the valley’.” This metaphor for proactive prevention and reactive charity is as relevant today as it was in 1895. Across the world, The Salvation Army is brilliant at responding in an effective and timely manner to social problems which appear. Our work as a charity, a result of our “heart to God, hand to man”mandate, is reputable across the world in areas from rehabilitation centres to food assistance. However, it is time for us to move from a reactive modus

operandi to a proactive one – attempting to eradicate new issues on a larger scale before they become day-to-day problems. As an international body, we need to look at the bigger picture, because it is these bigger picture concepts which dictate the way in which the world operates. To be ignorant of these concepts, yet complain about and attempt to fix the ways in which they’re manifesting themselves on a dayto-day level in our corps and social centres, is to miss the point entirely. As part of The Salvation Army’s international vision statement – “One Army, One Mission, One Message” – Salvationists are expected to “emphasise our integrated ministry” and “stand for and serve the marginalised”.

Booth’s example

By ‘thinking big’, we can achieve both of these aims. However, this is not a new concept. In the early days of The Salvation Army, William Booth was recognised and valued for his ability to think on both a big-picture and smallpicture scale simultaneously – that is, while challenging social evils on a big-picture scale he came up with practical answers to the manifestations of these problems on the day-to-day level. For example, upon noticing the many unemployed in Australia, Salvationists (under Booth’s advice in his book In Darkest England and the Way Out) established the first

Labour Bureau in Melbourne. This bureau used a model which could be employed on a large scale and, therefore, was subsequently adopted by both the Australian and British governments, completely altering the ways in which these countries dealt with unemployment. Booth recognised the importance of challenging the root causes of problems, and this recognition can be seen through his Seven Principles for Salvation Army Social Services ministries. Principle Two states that Salvation Army programming must “include strategies that alter social circumstances and outside forces as they contribute to suffering”, and the remaining principles set out practical ways to do so. Paraphrased into modern language, Principle Three argues that, “Any remedy worthy of consideration must be on a scale commensurate with the evil with which it proposes to deal. It is no use trying to bail out the ocean with a pint pot”. Booth recognised that you cannot fight homelessness and hunger by feeding one person – a larger-scale response is required. In many areas in which The Salvation Army works, the need for charity could be eradicated if the root problems were addressed. There are social issues in which The Salvation Army is very involved in the reactive response to, yet in some cases, we are doing little to challenge the large-scale problem, failing to be proactive in rectifying the problem in its early stages. >>>

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Integrity For example, The Salvation Army, in many countries, is heavily involved in chaplaincy and counselling services for those returning home various wars, yet, in many cases, is doing little to challenge the actual sending of men and women to war in the first place. The case for refraining from sending citizens to war is much more compelling than the case for, yet as war is a socially accepted norm, little is done to challenge its very existence. While this could be considered to be an extreme example, perhaps it is time that The Salvation Army tackled some of these socially accepted practices and challenged them on a bigpicture scale.

Using our voice

The need for effective advocacy within The Salvation Army is being recognised in many parts of the world. The International Social Justice Commission advocates at the United Nations for those whom we serve in our corps and centres. Additionally, various territories have integrated advocacy into their programs and staffing considerations. Luke Chapter 10 explores the concept of a neighbour, and Jesus tells us that

Let us continue to perfect our work as the “ambulance at the foot of the valley” while working hard to build a “fence at the top of the cliff.” “every person is our neighbour so what happens to each person, matters”. Perhaps we have not even met these neighbours yet, but as the movement who is called to care for “the lost, the last and the least” we must be the voice for those who have no voice. My prayer is that God will open our hearts and minds to the changes he wants to make in our societies – both small and large scale.

Let us pray also that he gives us the courage to use the voice he has given us to stand up for the voiceless ... whether we know them or not. Let us be an organisation who, being aware of that which is occurring around them, recognises problems when they appear rather than when they are too big to rectify. Let us continue to perfect our work as the “ambulance at the foot of the valley” while working hard to build a “fence at the top of the cliff.” As individuals, let us listen to what God is trying to say through our thinking and our advocacy for others. Let us be Salvationists who hear God’s living, relevant word for today’s world and who act on it to bring about His Kingdom on earth. Let us be Thinking Salvationists. 

Casey O’Brien is a Salvationist who attends Sydney Congress Hall

Zero Tolerance Sexual Abuse The Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse will inevitably focus at times on past abuse within The Salvation Army. I want to reaffirm at this time our total commitment to our child protection policies. It is vital that all who work with children follow these policies, as spelt out in our Caring for Kids/Safe Salvos manual. In keeping with that policy, all allegations of sexual abuse must be reported to the authorities. I also want to reaffirm our commitment to persons who suffered sexual abuse in the past within a Salvation Army corps or children’s home. If you were abused, please tell us. Any persons who come forward with complaints of abuse will be received with compassion. A careful restorative process will then be followed. If you feel you need to make a complaint, please contact us at our Territorial Headquarters. Phone: 02 9266 9781

Email: pso@aue.salvationarmy.org Mail:

Professional Standards Office The Salvation Army PO Box A435 Sydney South 1235

Commissioner James Condon Territorial Commander The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory 10

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Feature | Kids Day of Prayer

On your knees for children Kids will be the top of everyone’s prayer list for one day this month with SIM0NE WORTHING looking at how the Salvation Army world will celebrate a special international day of prayer for children

“T

Photo: Shairon Paterson

hrough the eyes of a child” is the theme of The Salvation Army’s International Day of Prayer for Children (IDOPC) on 28 July. The theme is based on Deuteronomy 4:9, and, as adults, the importance of teaching God’s truth and what we have seen him do in our lives, to our children. The Army’s Australia Eastern and Southern territories, together with the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, have developed and shared resources for the event. “The three territories keep in touch regarding children’s resources,” explains Captain Steven Smith, Australia Eastern Territorial Strategy Development – Children’s Ministry. “We have a great sense of connectedness to each other which continues to grow.” Throughout the territories, corps will celebrate the day with special meetings that include interactive messages, activities focused on praying with and for children, listening to children pray, and focusing on the struggles that children face all around the world. “We are trying to create an experience where children and families can engage together,”

Kids Day of Prayer | Feature

Through the eyes of a child ... “God has helped fight this big bushfire with my Dad in remote Northern Territory, where we live. My Dad was fighting this fire for six days straight and only five hours sleep.” – Darcy Hockey explains Captain Tracey Davies, Territorial Children’s Ministry Coordinator for the Australia Southern Territory. “This includes participating in the interactive message and then the prayer stations around the church.” Earlier this year, a photography competition for children was held across both Australian territories with the theme, “Something you have seen God do for you”, based on the verse from Deuteronomy. Copies of these photos (see selection of photos on this page) have been used in resources for the IDOPC and will be displayed in corps on the day. Sunday 28 July was chosen for the IDOPC as it falls nearest on the calendar to the significant date of 30 July 1880, when The Salvation Army first began evangelical work among children in England. “Children have always been an important focus of who we are, and we acknowledge the vital role they play in how we work out our vision and mission,” says Captain Smith. He emphasises that the IDOPC is an important reminder that: 1. Children are an important part of what The Salvation Army is, and that we, as adults, must advocate for and support them to ensure their needs are met; 2. As a worldwide organisation, we must make an intentional space in our internal and external mission where children cannot only grow, but thrive. “We take our work with children, and the ability of children to speak, to pray and to make a commitment, very seriously,” he says.

Sharing stories

The IDOPC will also reflect the diversity in which people can

continue to include children in meetings and corps activities. “Children’s prayers motivate and move us, and remind us that they have a true spiritual expression which we must always include,” says Captain Smith. “They seem to think a lot more creatively about prayer too.” Adults are also encouraged to think about the young ones and how they see God. “We need to share our stories with kids and also to ask them to engage and share where they’ve seen God and what they have seen him do in their world, their family, their environment,” says Captain Davies. “To start, this can feel clunky and uncomfortable, but it just needs to become a rhythm. Just intentionally ask the questions and don’t try to put a language around kids’ experience of God; leave it with them.” Captain Smith and the children’s ministry team believe that praying with and for children, and teaching them about God and responding to him, is vital. “We must make sure this includes all children in our communities, not just the ones who come to the corps on Sundays,” he says. “It could be kids who come to the Family Store or connect with us through centres or programs. They are all seeking and searching, how do we make space for that? “All expressions of the Army should be places that hear the voice of children and respond, based on God’s Word and his plan for us.” For more information, go to www.sarmy.org.au/en/ Resources/MeetingResources/ TSAEvents/2013-Through-theEyes-of-a-Child

“I’ve seen God make our family, build our hearts and help us and when we say sorry, he forgives us.” – Eli Buckner

“God has given me my creativity. God has given me my imagination.” – Ethan Fuhrmann

“God has created nature to show us how powerful he is and to help us to breathe in oxygen.” – Jasmine Mitchell

pipeline 07/2013 13

Feature | SAGALA

Dubbo Corps will have strong representation at the Jamboree in London next month with (from left) Mel Fenton, Meg Fenton, James Young, Alan Powell and Nick Powell ready to attend the 100th anniversary celebrations. Photo: Shairon Paterson

SAGALA | Feature

Journey of a lifetime ESTHER PINN spoke to Dubbo Corps Officer Major Colin Young after hearing that five members of his thriving SAGALA sections are jetting off to a worldwide gathering in London next month

alking into Dubbo Corps on a Friday night, it’s not uncommon to see a couple of teenage boys cooking pikelets. The corps, located in NSW’s central west, has a thriving SAGALA (Salvation Army Guarding and Legion Activites) section with up to 45 young people involved each week. Based on the popular Scouts Australia program, SAGALA aims to multi-skill its participants, hence the pikelet-making, but the spiritual aspect is also paramount, according to Major Colin Young, the Dubbo Corps Officer. “It’s about setting kids on life courses,” he explains. “The kids can develop leadership skills but it also allows us to invest into the spiritual side of these young people.” Next month, three enthusiastic SAGALA members and two leaders are leaving behind their country town to fly thousands of kilometres to London.

From 3-10 August, SAGALA participants and leaders all around The Salvation Army world are coming together for the 100th anniversary of the movement called Jamboree. A Guard leader at Dubbo for the past four years, Melissa Fenton believes Jamboree is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for herself and her 15-year-old daughter Meg. Coming from a country town, Melissa is hoping Jamboree will influence her daughter to become a SAGALA leader in the future. “It will be an eye-opener for Meg that there are other kids out there that are older and still doing SAGALA. We seem to start losing them at this age [15 and up]. I’m hoping it will be an inspiration to Meg to stick around.” Alan Powell, a Ranger leader, and his son Nicholas, 16, have been part of SAGALA at Dubbo for the past five years. They are looking forward to having new experiences in a country they’ve never visited. Major Young’s son, James, >>>

pipeline 07/2013 15

Feature | SAGALA SAGALA is thriving in the NSW central west town of Dubbo with both the Legion and Guard sections attracting many children. (Bottom left) Dubbo Corps Officers Majors Colin and Kate Young with their son James. Photos: Shairon Paterson

15, will also join the Dubbo group as they fly across the other side of the world to meet other SAGALA enthusiasts around the world. Also, Thomas Hatton, 16, from Deniliquin Corps will be tagging along with the Dubbo crew to Jamboree.

Community investment

For roughly 25 years, on and off, Dubbo Corps has run a SAGALA group from their corps. Having seen members come and go, Major

Young says he has witnessed exceptional growth in the group over the past five years. Owing the success of SAGALA to its current leaders, the group has grown purely by word of mouth. “We’ve had good leadership – leaders who have taken complete responsibility for it. They invest in the kids and follow them up. They also invest in the parents and follow up them as well,” says Major Young. There are a number of large

families who attend SAGALA, including Alan’s family, which includes 10 children, and a majority of the families are from Dubbo Corps or other churches within their local community. “We’re investing in the community as a whole, not just this little corner [referring to their corps],” says Major Young. While most corps have six SAGALA groups (Moonbeams, Explorers, Sunbeams, Adventurers, Guards and Rangers) to divide age

SAGALA | Feature

“It’s about setting kids on life courses. The kids can develop leadership skills but it also allows us to invest into the spiritual side of these young people.” and gender, Dubbo created an extra group called Discoverers. Normally SAGALA does not cater for children under five, but Major Young explains by creating the group, more parents were able to become SAGALA leaders and help run the program on the Friday night. Along with life-skills development, SAGALA has provided Meg with opportunities to grow her relationship skills. When Meg attended public school, she struggled to make friends but found plenty of friendships at SAGALA. Now she says she just loves meeting new people. Similarly, Alan explains that SAGALA is an excellent social outlet for his children who are home-schooled. The most important factor for Allen and his family, however, is spiritual development. “I just enjoy getting in there with the fellas and sharing God with them. That’s one of the biggest things. Our main objective is to allow them to develop a good relationship with God.” 

Esther Pinn is a staff writer for Pipeline and supplements.

Developing skills for life By ESTHER PINN

AGALA has been active in the Australia Eastern Territory for many decades. While not every corps hosts a SAGALA group, approximately 1,100 children and teenagers participate in the program around the territory, with a larger portion of successful SAGALA groups happening in regional Australia. “Where it’s successful, it has someone who has time to devote to it and has faith in the program,” says Derek Hughes, Territorial Life Skills Mission Coordinator. In the 21st century, SAGALA has become more diversified for varying cultures which has seen an explosion of the program in some areas and removal of the program in others.

Derek explains part of his role is to advocate for SAGALA where it is culturally appropriate. The traditional SAGALA program has also been adapted to suit different Australian cultures. For example, in Townsville, there’s a large military base. Derek explains that the use of the SAGALA uniform is appropriate for this region where in other areas the uniform may not suit. Essentially the SAGALA program is helping children and young people to develop life skills. From cooking, fitness, CPR to camping, SAGALA offers a wider variety of practical skills. “It gives kids access to things they might not do at home,” says Derek. Along with working towards practical life-skill badges, SAGALA also offers spiritual-based badges with the aim to lead these young people to Christ. About a dozen SAGALA participants will be presented with their General’s Award this year at the Freedom Celebration from 7-8 September at Sydney Olympic Park. A few SAGALA leaders will also be given appreciation awards.

pipeline 07/2013 17

We value the vision

Artist: CINDY ALSOP

7 July â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 August 2013

mysalvos.org.au/indigenous

Missing Persons Week | Feature

Salvos have long history of reuniting families What is National Missing Persons Week? N

The Family Tracing Service’s Sydney-based team of (from left) Emma Ewin, Andrew Garven, Mary Mendes and Louise Voets. Photo: Carolyn Hide

By BEN MOYES

he Salvation Army Family Tracing Service has been working to reunite families for almost 130 years. It has been an instrument of connection, reconciliation and reunion of “estranged” family members since its inception in the United Kingdom in 1885, with the service now available through the Army’s networks in more than 100 countries around the world. In Australia alone, The Salvation Army registers 2000 new searches each year. In the Australia Eastern Territory, the service has teams based in Sydney and Brisbane. Other teams are also located in the Australia Southern Territory. “The pain of the separation of family members just gets me to the bone and I’ve ached with them,” says Brisbane-based Lyndal Barker, the Australia Eastern Territorial Director for Family Tracing Services. “Then when the relative is located, and we are able to provide the mediation to bring about reconciliation, it becomes an

experience of working through the past and whatever that was, and looking to a healthy and ongoing future for all those involved.” In Australia, the Family Tracing Service is involved in reuniting 40 families every week. The most frequent requests are from adult “children” seeking their parent(s). In Queensland and NSW, the service also conducts specific searches relating to adoption cases. “I just love being able to share the great news with a hopeful and anxious family member that their relative has been found,” says Lyndal. “And to hear the response of ‘I have been waiting for this day to happen for so long. Thank you, thank you so much to The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service’, is just so fulfilling. “In my 11 years in this role, for a person to be able to fulfil the experience of knowing just where they fit and belong never ceases to bring a smile to my face.” For more information on The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service, go to salvos.org.au/ familytracing

ational Missing Persons Week will this year run from 28 July3 August. It is an annual event to raise community awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons. National Missing Persons Week has two primary aims: 1. To assist in the resolution of missing persons cases through heightened awareness and increased sightings reports. 2. To raise community awareness regarding issues facing missing persons and their families and friends. It is important to remember that people go missing for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the person may be escaping from real or perceived family or personal conflict, they may be victims of foul play, while others may be asserting their independence or taking time out. Some simply forget to make contact. Any piece of information can be crucial in resolving a missing person’s case. If you have any information that may assist in locating a missing person or would like to report a missing person: • Contact your local police station; • Contact the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre on 1800 000 634; • Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If you believe you have sighted a missing person, you can make a report using the Missing Persons Sighting Form which you can choose to submit anonymously.

pipeline pipeline 04/2013 07/2013 19

Get set for a celebration of

freedom F

By ESTHER PINN

Colonels Richard and Janet Munn (above top) will be the special guests at the Freedom Celebration which will have some amazing talent on show including guest artists such as Mark Vincent (above), who was Channel 7’s 2009 winner of Australia’s Got Talent, and Brittany Cairns, contestant on Channel 9’s The Voice, and Stan Walker, Channel 10’s Australian Idol winner (below right). The event will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park (right).

reedom is something that should be enjoyed by everyone and that’s the message conveyed at The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory’s Freedom Celebration on 7-8 September, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park. Major Carolyn Harmer, coordinator of the Freedom Celebration event, says the Army is a worldwide movement that is both multigenerational and multicultural. Together we can help people find freedom, freedom through faith, freedom through community and freedom through action. Freedom Celebration is a platform to promote The Salvation Army to the wider community as a movement of freedom, accessible to everyone. It is an opportunity to showcase the Army’s new “freedom” language, a simple way of communicating what we do and how we do it. “We feel that this is a great forum to highlight this language on a broad scale for the community to get a better idea of what we are about – we’re about people finding freedom,” explains Major Harmer. Using the freedom language can also help Salvationists throughout the territory explain the mission of The Salvation Army in their own communities. Having recently joined the Australia Eastern Territory leadership team, the special guests at Freedom Celebration will be Colonels Richard and Janet Munn, the new Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. The Colonels will join Commissioners James and Jan Condon throughout the whole weekend as the leaders of Freedom Celebration. A Freedom Carnival will be staged on Saturday 7 September to showcase the work and services of the Army to the Australian community. “There will be a little something

for everyone,” says Major Harmer. From carnival rides to marquee displays, a brass band parade to multicultural dancers, she promises there will be activities for everyone to enjoy at the Freedom Carnival. As guests wander through the marquees along Riverina Ave at Sydney Showground they will find stalls and displays from many Salvation Army services highlighting our programs that help people find freedom; freedom from addiction, freedom from living on the streets, freedom to be self-sufficient by gaining employment, freedom to age with dignity, respect and decent care. That’s what we’re about in this territory – people finding freedom in so many different ways,” says Major Harmer. Guests will be entertained by various multicultural Salvation Army and community bands, dancers and street entertainment at the carnival. Freedom merchandise including tote bags, iphone covers, frizbees and wrist bands will also be available for purchase. Alongside the carnival, a multicultural food hall will be set up in Exhibition Halls 2 and 3 at Sydney Showground. “We want to highlight that we are a global Army catering for a multigenerational and multicultural group of people,” says Major Harmer. A giant game of laser tag will also be happening during the Freedom Carnival at Charles Moses Stadium for any teams feeling a little competitive. On Saturday night guests will be treated to an exciting Freedom Concert with performances by guest artists such as Mark Vincent, 2009 winner of Channel Seven’s Australia’s Got Talent, Brittany Cairns, contestant on channel Nine’s 2012 singing competition The Voice, and country rock singer/songwriter Tracey Faith. The Freedom Celebration weekend will kick off with the annual Aged Care Plus Walkathon, which

Freedom Celebration | Feature

raises funds for the various ministry and mission arms of The Salvation Army. During the walkathon a morning tea will be held at the Dome Theatrette to honour the Army’s seniors. Before the carnival begins at midday, The Salvation Army’s Recovery Services Bridge Program is having a “Back to Bridge” gathering at Exhibition Hall 4 to reconnect friends and give them the opportunity to share their journey of freedom through recovery. A number of SAGALA members (girl guards and boys legion) will be presented with their General’s Awards at Freedom Celebration on the Saturday. Following the presentation will be a performance of the children’s musical Spend Awhile on the Nile (see story in Creative, page 9). Both events will be located in Exhibition Hall 4. On Sunday morning of Freedom Celebration a special Young Leader’s Breakfast will be held at Exhibition Halls 2 & 3 to honour young leaders from around the territory – both in social services and corps work. There will be two children’s programs, Kid’s Church (Exhibition Hall 4) and Mini Kids (The Dome Mezzanine) happening on the Sunday that will focus on the theme of “Freedom in the Son”. Both programs will run in conjunction with the morning worship service. Freedom Celebration will culminate with a fantastic worship service for the whole family on Sunday afternoon. Featuring a special performance from this year’s Red Shield Appeal ambassador and 2009 Australian Idol winner Stan Walker, everyone is in for a great experience. “It’s going to be an exciting weekend and celebration for Salvationists all around the territory, an event not to be missed,” Major Harmer says.

“We are a global army, multigenerational and multicultural. We’re about people finding freedom ... freedom through faith, through community and through action.”

For further information about Freedom Celebration, registration and ticket purchase, go to salvos.org.au/freedomcelebration

pipeline 07/2013 21

Saturday 7 September - Sunday 8 September 2013 SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

FEATURING

STAN WALKER

MARK VINCENT BRITTANY CAIRNS AND TRACEY FAITH

FREEDOM CONCERT • LASER TAG COMPETITION • FREEDOM CARNIVAL CHILDREN’S MUSICAL • AGED CARE PLUS WALKATHON • BACK TO BRIDGE MULTI-CULTURAL FOOD HALL • SENIORS MORNING TEA SUNDAY AM - “FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST” • SUNDAY PM - “FREEDOM THROUGH SALVATION” WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

COMMISSIONERS JAMES & JAN CONDON

COLONELS RICHARD & JANET MUNN

MORE INFO • REGISTER • VOLUNTEER

salvos.org.au/freedomcelebration

COMMISSIONERS JAMES & JAN CONDON

COLONELS RICHARD & JANET MUNN

SATURDAY PROGRAM 9am -

STAN WALKER

Registration - ACP “Freedom Walkathon”

10.20am - Aged Care Plus “Freedom Walkathon” 10.30am - Seniors Morning Tea 11am -

“Back to Bridge”

12pm -

“Freedom Carnival” (including Laser Tag competition)

1.30pm - SAGALA presentation

MARK VINCENT

2.30pm - Children’s musical “Spend awhile on the Nile” 6.30pm - “Freedom Concert” SUNDAY PROGRAM 8am -

Young Leaders Breakfast

9.30am - Kids’ Church - “Freedom in the Son” 10am -

Mini Kids

10am -

Sunday AM Meeting “Freedom through Christ”

12pm -

Lunchtime Food Hall & Entertainment

2pm -

Sunday PM Meeting “Freedom through Salvation”

5pm -

Youth Supper

BRITTANY CAIRNS

TRACEY FAITH

Feature | Welcome Home

Experiencing way home By Jonathan Browning

here are we headed? Is it home? One thing we can all agree on is that life is certainly complex. It is a mixture of ups and downs, with highlights, victories, loves, challenges, losses, disappointments and heartache. Sometimes this varying range of emotions and experiences can leave us desperately searching for a way forward – a path. However, the path is not always clearly marked; there are forks in the road and often it feels as though we are travelling on our own. If we are honest, none of us like being lost and even the forks in the road can sometimes bring despair or confusion rather than a sense of relief that choices are available. On the other hand often we can be left with a nagging sense of maybe we are going the wrong way but it’s difficult to change direction. However, we do have a few options available. We can ...

• give up; • wander around aimlessly; • follow the crowd and choose a more comfortable route;

• stoically grin and bear •

“whatever” life has allotted us and forge our own way; knuckle down and lead a life of pious devotion and discipline … surely this is the right way;

Jonathan Browning oversees the Welcome Home project. Photo: Shairon Paterson

Welcome Home | Feature

“Here at the Welcome Home project we believe that home is the place where our deepest longings for transformation are realised.”

• or look for and follow

Jesus wherever he leads us, awakening to the invitations of the Spirit for transformation.

There are always choices. Options are part of the great allure of our western culture. We live in a consumer-driven, instantgratification culture that reinforces and values personal endeavour and individual performance. No wonder we find ourselves hopelessly confused with no idea of where we are heading and how we are to get there. Even following Jesus seems to have options. It can include making your own way, a quick-fix off-theshelf type program that promises growth and maturity in seven days or a disciplined self-help process that leads one on a steady incline of ascent towards holiness.

God’s design

But is this really what heading home looks like; quick fixes or disciplined effort and striving for the especially pious? Or does Jesus promise us a life of transformation? Here lays the key dilemma of our age. In a society that hungers and expects the quick fix, we will gladly settle for change but miss out entirely on transformation. If we settle for change all we will end up with is a behaviourmodification program. It’s like a caterpillar only

learning how to crawl faster. Imagine never being able to fly! Here at the Welcome Home project we believe that home is the place where our deepest longings for transformation are realised. It is a place of union with God as we take on the heart and mind of Jesus, becoming more and more aware of our life in God and his life in us. Yes, it’s heady stuff and, yes, it dares to believe that the life of intimacy Jesus shared with his heavenly father is God’s design for each one of us as well. This is not an experience that is reserved for the select few or super spiritual but, rather, stands as the fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer (John 17:20-26) that we might all be united with God and that he would make his home in us. It is an encounter with perfect love that truly transforms both heart and mind so that we express and translate that perfect love into our world.

Are we there yet?

It’s not just the child in the back seat on the family holiday who gets frustrated with the length of time it takes to get there. Our children only voice what we are all thinking and what adults are sometimes too polite to express. It takes a while to get there. You see the purpose of our journey isn’t simply to change but to experience transformation – to finally come home. Home is the realisation of our deepest longings, awake at last to our true identity and purpose. We are each God’s beloved child who finds that our life and God’s are joined together in perfect harmony, so that we in turn carry and reveal his perfect love into our world. Home is both a place of rest and action. The journey home is one of awakening to this reality. It’s a journey through life’s experiences, the good and the great, the not so good and the downright tragic. In the middle of these experiences we are stirred, prompted, inspired as we learn to open ourselves in faith to God – and we stay open to the Spirit’s leading. This gradual awakening is our ongoing participation in the life of the Spirit. It is a progressive knowing of the truth: we are already in union with God. And this growing awareness allows us to move more fully into our life in God and God’s life in us. 

What do we need to pack? Warning. Before you enter this terrain there are a few things you should know. There is no entry fee, but it will cost you plenty to make this journey. Pack a lunch. Lose your map. Travel lightly. The weather is unpredictable. I am prone to sudden washouts, to the startling crumbling of earth. It’s good to watch your step, but what is underneath is strong and you are welcome to settle there, to rest the night or stay for a season. Be careful at dusk. It’s when the beasts come to the water, and it’s not that they would devour you, but they are protective of their terrain and will not easily yield. I can tell you they will never be utterly tamed, but with choice morsels and soothing words, you may have them eating from your hands. If these warnings sound harsh, good; this terrain is not for the faint of heart or for those who would travel its contours crudely, littering its landscape and stripping its soil. But I think you are made of stronger stuff and more tender, that you already know the lay of this land; how its treasures will yield to your searching fingers, how its wellsprings will ease your travellers thirst, how its brambles and thorns will give way to the waiting hidden garden where grows the sweetest, most exquisite fruit waiting to be consumed. Jan L Richardson

pipeline 07/2013 25

Get connected

mySalvos.org.au

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming up on mySalvos this month Spiritual formation: How are you growing? Major Carolyn Harmer brings us a three-part series on spiritual growth.

Freedom Celebration: For all the latest on this and other events happening around the Territory, visit mySalvos.org.au/events

Freedom Stories: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s God doing in your life? Head to mySalvos to read inspiring freedom stories about Salvos from across the Territory, and share yours.

soul

food

Every Christian seems to have a favourite Bible verse that has either impacted them at one stage in their walk with Christ, or continues to encourage and nourish them on their spiritual journey. In this Pipeline column, selected people share their favourite piece of Scripture

My Favourite Verse – Rhondda Kingston “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

have treasured this verse for many years and it speaks to me in the following ways: “The Lord your God is with you ...” This first part of the verse reminds me that the Lord is my God. Even though he owns the whole universe and knows everybody intimately, he is my personal God. It also tells me that God is with me at all times, gently leading and encouraging

me. Not leaving me alone, but always with me. “... he is mighty to save ...” God has saved me through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus. His blood covers my sin, saving me from myself and from Satan’s hold over me, saving me for eternity with him. And not only me, but all who believe and repent. This is mighty indeed. “... he will take great delight in you ...” To think that the God of the universe delights in me is mind-blowing. What have I done to deserve God delighting in me? Nothing. This speaks to me of God’s grace and his mercy that doesn’t see me for who I am, but sees me through the blood of Jesus. “... he will quiet you with his love ...” Probably like most of us, my life is a very busy one, serving God in varied

* Jubal, the son of Lamech and a descendant of Cain, was a music patriarch and is referred to in Genesis 4:21 as “The father of all who play harp and flute.”

Did

you

MUSIC IN THE BIBLE Musical instruments and human melody are mentioned all through the Bible. In fact, music was an important part of daily life in the Hebrew culture, used in both sacred and secular occasions.

* Orchestras existed in Bible times and instruments varied in types and styles, from strings to wind to percussion. * King David had 4000 instrumentalists for his musical needs and requests. * The harp, or lyre, is the most mentioned instrument in the Bible. It was made of wood with eight to 10 strings to pluck. * The most mentioned percussion instrument was the cymbal, mainly used for celebrations, including the dedication of the Jerusalem wall (Nehemiah 12:27). * Timbrels, or tambourines, were also used for happy occasions to make music for singing and dancing. The Salvation Army is the main denomination today to use the timbrel.

ministries. I make sure that each day I spend time with my Lord and, in some of those times, I experience God quieting me with his love. This is a time when my fears are dispelled and I receive his peace and I know that all is well – my future here on Earth and especially my eternal future is assured and secure in him. “... he will rejoice over you with singing.” How great will it be when one day God will sing over me. I wonder what sort of voice God has. Obviously it will be far better than any human singing voice. Will he be a tenor, or perhaps a bass baritone? I won’t know until I experience this great occasion for myself, and I am looking forward very much to this part of my future in Heaven with him. Please reflect on the verse for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you, as he does to me each time I read it.

* A “pipe” referred to by Jeremiah was perhaps an oboe, used mainly at funerals and sad occasions. In fact in chapter 48 Jeremiah compares the soulful, haunting sound of a pipe to a sad heart. * Trumpets, cornets and ram’s horns were often used in relation to shouting praise to God (Psalm 98:6). These instruments were also associated with going into battle, both spiritual and physical. * The flute is only mentioned once in the King James version of the Bible, in Daniel 3:5, but several times in more modern translations. It may refer to a reed flute or an instrument which closely resembles a modern flute. Information taken from the book 1001 Surprising Things you should know about the Bible (Jerry MacGregor and Marie Prys)

pipeline 07/2013 27

inside

SALVOSLEGAL Each month, Pipeline goes behind the scenes of Salvos Legal to bring you a story from the not-for-profit law firm owned and run by The Salvation Army. LUKE GEARY shares the story of Bill, a teenager who faced an uphill battle to gain Australian residency after learning the truth behind his birth

hen I first met Bill, he had just turned 15. His adoptive mother, Mary, had come to see me very late one evening at the Auburn Salvation Army in Sydney. Bill was with her but didn’t really understand much about what they were there for, or why Mary was upset. Bill was a very mature, gentle, almost stoic-like boy; well mannered, softly spoken and patient. Mary, too, was of a similar nature. She knew that she had a complex legal problem on her hands but didn’t know the answer to it. Frankly, nor did I. Bill was born in rural Fiji, in a jungle-like region. His parents had a challenging relationship and were not able to care for Bill. As a baby, Bill was given to Mary, his maternal aunt, to be raised in Australia as if he were her own son. Mary was married to Frank but they had been unable to have children and were happy to care for Bill. For 15 years, Mary and Frank looked after Bill and treated him as their own son. Indeed, at the request of the birth parents, Bill had not been told that Mary and Frank were not his biological parents. Bill was a good boy. He studied hard, was the star of his junior rugby league team and always did as he was told. He was very close to Frank and Mary. On all accounts, they were a very loving, happy family despite being not materially well-off and living in Sydney’s western suburbs. Sadly, two months before I met Bill, Frank had suddenly died. Bill and Mary were now on their own. Frank had been the sole provider and Mary was now having a difficult time making ends meet. Bill was ineligible for any government financial support, as he was not lawfully in Australia (though, he did not know this at the time). Mary came to see me for legal advice because she had recently made a decision to tell Bill the truth about his birth. She had heard that she could see a lawyer confidentially, for free, at the Auburn Salvation Army. Her goal was to keep Bill in Australia and to regularise his migration status so that he could have a future here. My first concern was for Bill. It was clear that he was at a difficult time in his young life, having just lost the man he knew to be his father and now

being told that his mother was in fact his auntie. That being said, he was remarkably strong and, by the time I met him, seemed to have already started to deal with these issues. However, I thought it best for Bill and Mary to get some professional advice, so called on a psychologist friend who owed me a favour. Bill and Mary couldn’t pay so my friend agreed to see them for free. She may not have agreed so swiftly if I had told her that she’d be seeing them for free for the next three years!

Stressful time

After exploring the issues with his psychologist, Bill had been very clear that he did not want to go back to Fiji and live in a remote area. His life was in Sydney – friends, school, sport and, of course, Mary, the woman he knew (and loved) to be his mother. I then connected Bill and Mary with Salvation Army officers near their home for the purposes of welfare and other day-to-day needs, and focused my energies on a solution that would allow Bill to stay in Australia. I came to the conclusion that the only way was to ask the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to personally intervene in the case. That required a persuasive submission outlining why it was in the public interest for Bill to stay. Of all the cases I have run over the past 10 years, Bill’s is one in which I can honestly say that as a client he was absolutely blameless – he had done nothing wrong which led him into a situation of difficulty; he had absolutely no say in his circumstances and was in a position of absolute jeopardy. There was no question of the deserving nature of his cause; surely justice would prevail, I said to myself. We started building a mountain of evidence – we got letters from classmates, teachers and his football club, a comprehensive psych report on his attachment to Mary and to the Australian community. Then, as we were waiting on the Minister to consider Bill’s case, Mary fell ill and required hospitalisation. Mary had a history of diabetes, severe arthritis and partial blindness; she needed regular care. For some years Bill had been assisting Frank in providing this care. Now that Frank had died, Bill had stepped up as there was no alternative. However, the stress of this started to have an

impact on Bill – he was missing football practice, missing classes and both he and Mary started missing their regular appointments with the psychologist who was providing counselling and support. Bill never complained but it was clear this was hard on him. The local Salvation Army officers were particularly helpful during this time and their assistance was pivotal in re-establishing momentum and confidence in the way ahead. The psychologist was able to emphasise the need for Bill to attend his school activities and they explored other ways in which community-based supports would be engaged to help Mary with her own difficulties. Almost instantly, things got back on track.

“The local Salvation Army officers were particularly helpful during this time and their assistance was pivotal in re-establishing momentum and confidence in the way ahead.”

Strong bond

The process of waiting for a government minister to intervene is always a slow one, in my experience. Bill’s case was, sadly, no exception. We had a good case, though. Bill had support from his local Member of Parliament, strong community evidence of his integration, a very compelling story and, of course, strong evidence from the psychologist that removal of Bill from Australia would cause him significant emotional harm and would lead to Australia being in breach of its international obligations under the

Convention on the Rights of the Child. I eventually got a call from the Minister’s office – he had decided to intervene to let Bill stay in Australia and be a permanent resident, and enjoy all the benefits of permanent residency. Bill and Mary were overwhelmed with joy. It had been an exhausting three-year process in which I had seen Bill grow into a young man and provide unwavering support for his adoptive mother, through times of great difficulty. When Bill came into my office so that I could give him the final paperwork for his residency, I asked him, what was next? Almost as if he was afraid to ask, he said in a soft voice with his head looking to the ground, “I’d really like to learn to drive”. Mary was not in a position to teach him and they didn’t own a car. As it turns out, the husband of our Salvos Legal Chaplain, Major Lyall Reese, runs a free driving education program at Auburn Salvation Army. Bill is now a student. Bill has also been approached to take part in a rugby league development program and is continuing in his studies. Starting out in the legal profession you consider grand ideals which don’t always match the reality of the practice of the law on a day-to-day basis. For many reasons, the law doesn’t always operate as fairly or evenly in different parts of society, as we might expect or hope. In this case, however, I was privileged to play a small part in the protection of a family unit, which was perhaps not composed of a biological mother/ son relationship but certainly one which I have no question was far stronger than any bloodline could ever have indicated. In this instance, the law met my idealistic expectations and delivered an outcome that was not only fair but also which was compassionate for a boy who came to Australia unlawfully as a baby, innocent and without blame in his own right. It doesn’t always work out as we hope but we’ll take the wins when they come and be thankful for them.

Salvos Legal is a full-time, not-for profit practice which provides services to two categories of clients: Private – these are fee paying individuals and businesses. Humanitarian – these are individuals ‘in need’ who are unable to afford a lawyer. Contact us today and have the comfort of knowing that the fees you pay go towards funding the provision of legal services to those in need. We help our private clients with: Residential and Commercial conveyancing l Wills and Estates l Business law Contract drafting and advice l Aged Care and Retirement Villages law

Salvos Legal 85 Campbell Street SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 Tel: 02 8202 1555 Fax: 02 9213 3920 E: enquiries@salvoslegal.com.au

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Unlocking the Army’s archives with Major David Woodbury

The whole world redeeming When Australian songwriter Arthur Arnott penned the words to the song Christ For The Whole Wide World, he was reflecting what had become a reality in the strategy of the Salvation Army. Major DAVID WOODBURY looks at how a fledgling Christian mission in east London spread like wildfire throughout the world

hat started as a parochial mission in the East End of London was soon to envelop the entire world. As William Booth stood outside The Blind Beggar public house on Whitechapel Road and inadvertently commenced the organisation which was to become The Salvation Army, it is doubtful whether in his wildest imagination he envisaged an organisation that would encircle the globe. For some organisations it would have been a planned strategy; for the early Salvation Army it was more to do with the leadings of the Holy Spirit. We can see and still trace the hand of God in the development and spread of the Salvation Army throughout the world. It was quite clear that in the early years both William and Catherine Booth had no real interest in ministry beyond the people of England. While their Wesleyan theological background embraced a world view, their pragmatic mindset was for the immediate need in England. William was convinced that his calling was to the poor of the East End of London. He was to tell his wife Catherine in 1865:

“Where can you go and find such heathen as these, and where is there so great and need for your labours?” For him the mission field was confined within the shoreline of his native England. For her part Catherine Booth was totally opposed to any overseas ministry.

A change in perspective

The Booths’ provincial view of ministry was to change dramatically by 1880. In that year, by means of spontaneous spiritual combustion, the Salvation Army was to commence operations in the United States of America and Australia. This was to be indicative of how the Army would continue and continues to this very day, to seed itself. Salvationists (Christian Mission converts) migrating to other countries, and seeing the great need for spiritual ministry, embarked upon the commencement of a ministry modelled on that of the Salvation Army. Almost without exception there is within these new ministries a compelling desire to be connected to the international Salvation Army.

By 1882 many believed that The Salvation Army would soon be a spent force and its work and influence would soon diminish. At the opening of the Clapton Congress Hall the leading London newspaper of the day, The Times, declared that The Salvation Army had reached it zenith and might be expected to decline. Nothing could have been further from the truth. It is difficult to know how much the Founder’s change of viewpoint was influenced by the natural expansion taking place or whether it was more a revelation of divine direction. We cannot help but feel it was more the sense of divine intervention, for after all Booth had spent most of his life being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and we must concur that in the move towards internationalism he allowed God to guide him. His seminal song, O Boundless Salvation, may well reflect his mindset: The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free, Now flowing for all men, come, roll over me!

Spiritual combustion

The Reverend William Booth preaching alone on Mile End Waste, 5 July 1865.

Although William Booth had been reticent to expand the work of the Army beyond the shores of England, as spontaneous spiritual combustion occurred in other countries he came to realise the inevitability of an international Salvation Army. At a great farewell meeting on 12 February 1880, Booth despatched George Scott Railton and seven young women to the United States to take over a ministry in Philadelphia, commenced by Amos and Annie Shirley and their 16-year-old daughter Eliza, who had become an officer in The Salvation Army prior to emigrating from England. On the same day the Founder issued a statement which indicated a broadening of his vision. On the one hand, he wrote, the phenomenal spread of the work in England was absorbing all the force that

(Above) On 12 February 1880 William Booth despatched George Scott Railton to take over the Army’s work in the United States of America; (right) Pioneers in the United States, Amos and Annie Shirley.

could be mustered, and on the other there was the conviction that the grand revolution now so blessedly started in Philadelphia must and should spread with incalculable speed throughout the States. Spontaneous spiritual combustion also occurred in Australia when John Gore and Edward Saunders commenced the Army in Adelaide on 5 September 1880. John Gore had written to Booth seeking support. However, unbeknown to Gore, William Booth was already receiving letters from people in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane who had had connections with the Salvation Army and who were also seeking support to commence the Army’s ministry in those cities. The arrival on 17 February 1881 of Thomas and Adelaide Sutherland, despatched by General William Booth to oversight the work in Australia, established The Salvation Army in the Western South Pacific.

An international Army

The essence of the Army’s internationalism was quick to spread throughout the ranks as officers and soldiers comprehended the vision of a world-wide Salvation Army.

The Army’s hymnology started to reflect a wider vision and take on a global perspective. For the opening of the great Clapton Congress Hall on 13 May 1882, Salvation Army songwriter William Pearson penned the words of what was to become one of the great hymns of The Salvation Army. Within its lines is reflected an international point of view: O thou God of every nation, … Save the world through Jesus’ merit, … Send us where we ought to go. The Founder became a committed internationalist and signalled at a meeting in the Exeter Hall during October 1884 that a great international gathering was being planned. In 1886, just six years after the Army had ventured from English shores, Salvationists assembled for the first Salvation Army International Congress from Australia, Canada, France, India, Ceylon, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. The meetings, held from 29 May to 4 June 1886, caught the imagination of Londoners. It was estimated that more than 100,000 people lined the route of a great

march as Salvationists from around the world moved through the city and along the Thames embankment. The rapid development taking place stretched not only the meagre resources of the fledgling organisation but also the fabric of the Booth family. Within the space of a few short years between 1896 and 1903 three of the Booth children, who held international leadership roles, were to resign and leave the organisation and a fourth was to die tragically in a train derailment in the United States. Despite difficult challenges that were to impact The Salvation Army in the early part of the 20th century, its internationalism was to grow stronger until today the blue-bordered red flag with the yellow star in its centre can be seen in 126 countries around the world.

Major David Woodbury is Pipeline’s founding editor

pipeline 07/2013 31

Man Of Steel RATING: M RELEASE DATE: 27 June

uperman is the iconic superhero, the 1938 comic-book creation from whom so many caped crusaders take their cue. He has been in the public consciousness for 75 years; what can we possibly learn from Man Of Steel that would amaze a new generation? Wisely, its producers don’t try. Instead they strip back the accretion of a thousand storylines and aim at their hero’s essential wonder and purpose. Man Of Steel’s screenwriter David Goyer says the starting point was to begin with the obvious – what would happen if someone like Superman walked onto the world stage? “He’s an alien,” Goyer says. “If the world found out he existed, it would be the biggest thing that ever happened in human history. Just his existence would change the face of the Earth forever.” And so it does.

The first act of Man Of Steel finds a teenage Clark Kent trying to conceal his identity, to live a normal, productive life. As the adopted son of Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark learns that he is “the answer” to the question, “Are we alone in the universe?” He uses his unique abilities to save life where he can, but hides from the spotlight because he’s been well prepared by his stepfather that, “People fear what they don’t understand”. However, the burrowing of an investigative reporter by the name of Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and the appearance of a fellow Kryptonian called General Zod (Michael Shannon) effectively bring the cat out of the bag. Clark must reveal not only who he is, but what his appearance means for humanity. In a secure government interview room, Lois Lane points to the conspicuous symbol on his chest: Lois: What’s the S stand for? Superman: It’s not an S. On my world it means hope.

Man Of Steel offers a fresh take on the 75-year-old story of Superman.

Lois: Well, here it’s an S. How about Super- [microphone feedback] Superman: Excuse me? It’s hard to look at Goyer’s goal and Clark’s deliberate understatement, and not think of the Christian parallels. It is, after all, a faith built on another selfeffacing saviour. Jesus likewise works great wonders, reveals himself at just the right time, offers hope and ends by becoming “… the biggest thing that ever happened in human history”. Both he and Superman face criticism, suspicion and superhuman foes. However, the results are not the near-universal love that Goyer offers his Man Of Steel. Why? It has to do with the differing salvation these heroes offer. Both Superman and Jesus act to end immediate suffering on numerous occasions, but this is not their primary purpose. Antje Traue taunts Clark as the enemy Kryptonian Faora-Ul, that “… for every human you save, we will kill a million more”. But Superman knows that. In a Kryptonian spacecraft buried in the Arctic, Clark has learnt his purpose is actually to make millions of super men and women. In the words of his real father Jor-El (Russell Crowe): “You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.” Superman will help us unlock our true greatness. By contrast, Jesus reveals there is no greatness to boast about. Sin has blackened the human heart to the point of spiritual death. We can never do anything for ourselves, no matter how great the example. Man Of Steel is an uplifting, exciting hymn to human potential. There’s no doubt it will remind us of what could be achieved if people were to selflessly devote themselves to the good of others. But it won’t “change the face of the Earth forever”. It can, however, point the way to the Son of God who’s already done that much, and promises even more to the individual who begins with Christ’s humility.

What would Jesus view?

Colin Farrell is the voice behind the character of Ronin in Epic.

Epic RATING: PG RELEASE DATE: 27 June

nother kids’ animation, and another battle between good and evil. Not unexpected for the eve of the holidays, I grant you. What’s also becoming increasingly familiar, though, is the separation of death from the sadness, as Hollywood spins another modern fairytale. Epic introduces viewers to troubled teen M.K., better known to her parents as Mary Katherine and to us as actress Amanda Seyfried (Les Misérables). On the death of her mother M.K. is sent to live with her estranged father Professor Bomba. Her dad is convinced the natural world is inhabited by tiny soldiers; his daughter is not. But M.K. has her eyes opened when she stumbles into the presence of Beyoncé ... er Tara, Queen of the Leafmen. Her miniature men-at-arms are responsible for protecting the life force of the forest and their chief enemy is Mandrake (Christoph Waltz), an agent of decay. The dying queen shrinks M.K. to her own size and gives the teenager a seedpod containing the life force of her kingdom. If Mandrake can cause the pod to bloom in darkness it will spell the end for this

leafy green world. But if M.K. can ensure it opens under the light of the moon then order will again be restored. Epic has as many themes as its title suggests. M.K. walks the path from adolescence to adulthood. Alongside her the independent Leafman Nod discovers the value of teamwork. The laid-back slug Mub and the hopeful snail Grub provide us with a pair of “the least likely heroes”. Even M.K.’s father supplies a sub-plot about the importance of persevering with your dreams. It’s not surprising Epic had five screenwriters, and they all seem to have brought their favourite storyline. However, the overarching theme is the mystic balance undergirding our marvellous, natural world. Ladies and gentlemen, let me invite the real star to the stage: neo-paganism. The benchmark beliefs of neo-pagans are animism and pantheism. Animism suggests every natural element has a spirit, and as the viewer’s eye tracks across Queen Tara’s kingdom we’re introduced to flower and insect-like sprites who populate the forest. Pantheism teaches that if there is a “god” then it’s the divine universe, of which we’re all a part. So, Ronin, the leader of the Leafman explains, “Many leaves; one tree. We’re all individuals but were still connected.” There’s nothing new about ecological

themes in kids’ films – The Lion King and Wall-E – nor the suggestion that rocks and plants have mystic personalities – Pocahontas and FernGully. But the morals of these stories seldom rise above the need to keep all elements in balance. So in Epic Mandrake isn’t evil because he brings death, but because he wants to bring it to everything: “All in the name of balance – I’m sick of balance! Today we’ll show them that you just can’t stop the rot.” Rather than death being presented as the final result of our rebellion against God, it’s recast as a sad but natural process. When Queen Tara dies, the wise glow-worm Nim Galuu tells M.K. her tears are taking her in the wrong direction: “I know you’re sad. I’m sad too. But Tara wouldn’t want us to mourn. She’d want us to celebrate her life – the life of the forest.” But this is the saddest conclusion, because when we reduce death to a stage in the circle of life, we ignore the cancer at the heart of creation and so our need for salvation. God never meant death to be part of life. It’s not even sensitive to kids’ feelings to say so, because it only takes the passing of one friend to demonstrate the paucity of Galuu’s positivism. No, there’s only one way to remove death’s sting and that’s by providing a path to everlasting life, naturally through the cross of Christ.

pipeline 07/2013 33

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

NEWS FEATURE

New name for peer support team By SIMONE WORTHING

he Salvation Army Critical Incident Management Program has a new name – the Critical Incident Peer Support Program (CIPS). “This new name more accurately reflects the role of the peer support team, which is to support our peers who have experienced a crisis, through debriefing, defusing and support,” said Major Robin Pullen, Territorial Critical Incident Peer Support Coordinator. “It’s not about coming in to ‘manage’ the situation and what needs to be done, or to deal with Human Resources issues, which the old name implied and so caused confusion.” The debriefing process involves trying to alleviate the stress a person is under who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic incident. “Every person responds to a critical incident differently, due to their own experiences and circumstances, so what will affect one person might not bother someone else,” Major Pullen explained. Defusing refers to working with a group of people who’ve experienced a critical incident. “It involves providing information and education about what they are experiencing, helping them understand that they are reacting normally to an abnormal event, and giving them strategies to help calm themselves and work through the issues,” said Major Pullen. For example, when natural disasters strike, such as the recent floods in Bundaberg, CIPS sent in a team to talk with volunteers, be available for them and provide information around stress. “It was basically a team debrief,” said Major Pullen. “Our team is about supporting our own people so they can look after someone else.”

Trained personnel

The CIPS team is made up of Salvation Army officers and employees across the territory. Major Topher Holland is the NSW and ACT coordinator and Major Chris Reid is the Queensland coordinator. The team offers a confidential service to officers, staff and volunteers within The Salvation Army and also makes referrals when further assistance is required. “Team members are trained personnel who are nominated by their divisional commanders,” explained Major Pullen. “The selection process is thorough, and all team members attend ongoing training events each year.” Major Lyndsay Smith, Senior Chaplain to Fire and Rescue NSW who has also served with The Salvation Army’s Critical Incident Team since its beginning 10 years ago, is an accredited trainer in crisis intervention and conducts most of the training for the team. “If there has been an emotional, psychological or spiritual impact on a person from an event, then it can be considered a critical incident,” Major Smith said. “The crisis is the person’s response to it. “The important thing is to acknowledge it and know that you don’t have to deal with it alone. Get support and help, whether through family, friends and colleagues, or calling the CIPS. “We are just a phone call away. A call may be just what you need to talk through what is happening and stabilise the situation. Help is out there; please make the most of it.” If a person experiences or sees a critical incident and

Despite a name change, The Salvation Army’s critical incident peer support team still offers expert counselling.

is stressed or traumatised, the first step is to call the CIPS telephone number in their area (see below). “Talking through what has happened may be enough for some people, while others will require face-to-face contact to work through the issues,” said Major Pullen. If face-to-face contact is preferred, the CIPS coordinator will contact a team member who is the most suitable and experienced to help in that particular situation, who will then travel to meet the person needing assistance. Further support and follow up calls or visits will continue as long as required. To contact the CIPS, call: NSW/ACT: Major Topher Holland - 0438 657 798 Queensland: Major Chris Reid - 0418 457 437

FrFrom o m t the h e ccoalface oalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

NEWS FEATURE

Salvos celebrate a century on Sydney’s northern beaches By ESTHER PINN

he Salvation Army celebrated 100 years of ministering to the Northern Beaches region of Sydney at the “Back to the Beaches” weekend at The Collaroy Centre from 31 May to 2 June. “Honouring the Past – Handing on the Baton” was the theme of the weekend, with music camp attendees from both the past and present turning out to reminisce the many years of memories shared at the camp (also known as Gospel Arts Camp or EQUIP). “The highlight was seeing the young people honouring those who had put in the hard yards over the years at music camp,” said Major Brian Smith, Dee Why Corps Officer. On the Saturday morning, more than 110 stalls were set up for a car boot sale. Along with Salvation Army service stalls such as Aged Care Plus, Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES), Salvos Counselling and Salvos Stores, the event was also shared with many members from the community. About 1000 people filed through the marquees, enjoying the attractions including rides and face-painting and listening to toetapping music from the Salvo Country Band. The entertainment continued with the Belmore Brass Band and Sydney Congress Hall timbrels performing at the car boot sale and Wollongong Corps Officer, Captain Ray Lotty, amused the audience with some magic tricks. The Agents of T.R.U.T.H. also made an appearance to entertain the children. On the Saturday evening, a cabaret-style dinner was held not only to celebrate 100 years in the Northern Beaches, but to honour the efforts of those who contributed to raising funds for The Salvo Country Band (top) entertains the crowds that gathered for the festive occasion at The Collaroy Centre, (above) which included a car-boot sale amongst a myriad of marquees.

There was plenty of colour and sound at “Back to the Beaches” weekend with activities for children (top) and a performance by the Sydney Congress Hall timbrel brigade.

the Army’s Red Shield Appeal. Senator Bronwyn Bishop, Federal Member for Mackellar, also attended the cabaret dinner. “It was great to say thank you to the people who helped out with the Red Shield Appeal,” said Richard Javor, manager of The Collaroy Centre. The following morning a final worship session was held. About 130 corps members from Dee Why and Manly turned out to the meeting. Special guest, Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Chief Secretary for the Papua New Guinea Territory, spoke at all three sessions across the weekend. She focused on the Bible passage, Jeremiah 29:11. “She looked at what happened in the past but also the importance of looking towards the future,” said Major Smith. “She also challenged us that our ‘memories should never be greater than our dreams’. God is still planning a great future for The Salvation Army on the Northern Beaches and us individually.” Lieut-Colonel Gluyas also enrolled a new soldier, Helen Cannon, for Dee Why Corps. Time was spent at the graveside of Elizabeth Jenkins at Collaroy, honouring her generosity of the many acres of land she gave to The Salvation Army. Major David Woodbury also produced a DVD called A Cup of Compassion about the history of The Salvation Army in the Northern Beaches area. It can be purchased from Salvationist Supplies (www.salvossuppliessyd.com) for $20.

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From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

New mission meets growing need on NSW South Coast

he Salvation Army’s Shoalhaven Corps Bay and Basin Mission, an outpost on the South Coast of NSW, was officially opened on 2 June. Joanna Gash, Shoalhaven Mayor and Federal Member for Gilmore, presided over the opening which was attended by members of the corps with music being provided by the corps band. Members of the Sanctuary Point Men’s Shed were also in attendance, with The Salvation Army Emergency Services team putting on a sausage sizzle. “The Shoalhaven Corps and ACT and South NSW Division have had a vision for a [church] plant down in this area for around 15 years, so it’s wonderful to see the realisation of this vision,” said Lieutenant Alice Folan-Foley, Mission Leader. Lieut Folan-Foley has been serving as Assistant Corps Officer at Shoalhaven Corps for four years. The mission will provide welfare two days a week, a Positive Lifestyle program and Moneycare one day a week and, from August, a weekly ladies group, Bible study and church service. Final approvals for the opening of a Salvation Army Family Store are also near completion. “We have seen such an increase in need for welfare and general services, especially as this area has been growing,” said Lieut Folan-Foley. The local council, community and St Vincent de Paul, who are next door, have welcomed and supported The Salvation Army opening its mission. “St Vincent de Paul is looking forward to working together with us to help build and serve this community,” said Lieut Folan-Foley. “It’s fantastic that the mission has opened and we can begin to meet the huge need here. We recently celebrated the seed being planted in this community and we will watch as it

Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash opens the Bay and Basin Mission with Lieutenant Alice Folan-Foley.

takes ground and grows according to God’s will and way.” The Bay and Basin Mission services the Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin Region of the City of Shoalhaven.

Hadleigh Lodge stories impact Broken Hill students

team from The Salvation Army Blue Mountains Recovery Services Centre (Hadleigh Lodge), including five recovery program participants, made a big impression on young people during an outback mission trip to Broken Hill from 15-21 May. The team of 10 visited two schools – Broken Hill High and Wilyamma High – sharing with the students the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and gambling addiction. Hadleigh Lodge’s program participants told their own stories of dealing with addictions, which had an effect on many students. Allan, a recovery service Bridge Program participant, said he was willing to share his story because he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. “When I saw the concentration on the students’ and teachers’ faces, it was a sense of achievement because I could tell they were very interested in my story,” he said. For Allan, the mission trip was also an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God. “This experience has brought me closer to God and to understanding that without God’s help, it would never have succeeded the way it did,” he said. “The experience for me was spiritual and breathtaking and was very helpful and beneficial for

my own recovery when I leave [the] program soon.” The deputy principal of Broken Hill High was so impressed by the quality of the presentation made to the Year 9 and 10 students that he asked the team to hold another session with the school’s Year 11 and 12 students. “I had one student come to me after the presentations, very worried about one of her friends,” said Captain Paul Morrice, Manager of Hadleigh Lodge. “I was able to give her some advice on how she may be able to help him.” While the team was in town, they assisted Broken Hill Corps with some odd jobs including building a garden shed. A few of the team members completed yard work for an elderly lady from the local community. They also led the Sunday morning meeting at the corps. The final stop on the trip was Wilcannia Central School, where the team shared with the young people. Overall, Captain Morrice believes the trip was a success and that God moved through the team members as they ministered to the communities they visited. “I believe that God was glorified through this trip and we believe that we achieved what we set out to do – plant the seed, even if we never see the outcomes of the seeds that were sown.”

FrFrom o m t the h e ccoalface oalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Granville couple celebrates 70 years of marriage

ric and Betty Davidson, adherents at The Salvation Army’s Granville Corps in Sydney, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by family, friends and corps members on 1 June. The Queen, Governor General, Prime Minister and the Governor of NSW all sent letters of congratulations and warm wishes to the Davidsons for reaching this significant milestone. The Army’s Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, also sent congratulations on behalf of the territory. “It was just beautiful and I was speechless when I walked into the hall,” said Betty. The devoted and happy couple still live in the same house they built in the late 1940s and are firmly committed to each other. “We are just as close as ever,” said Eric. “The Lord sure led me to the right girl!” Eric and Betty met at Guildford Baptist Church Sunday School 75 years ago. Betty had just turned 14 and Eric was almost 15. Married in 1943, Eric and Betty then had a son and daughter of their own, adopted a baby girl, and fostered other children over the years. “During Eric’s working days our home was also a remand home for the Department of Child Welfare and we’ve lost count of the number of children we looked after,” said Betty. The Davidsons have worshipped with The Salvation Army for almost 20 years, beginning with the then Toongabbie Corps until it closed and since then at Granville. The Davidsons were both involved with Kids Club at

Granville for many years and Betty baked and sewed for the missionary mornings. These days, Eric attends Home League with Betty. Previously he spent his time sorting goods donated to The Salvation Army. “They both have a very firm faith and are loyal Christians and haven’t slowed down much in their service,” said Lieutenant Jon Cory, Granville Corps Officer. “They are just great people and devoted to God and each other.”

Eric and Betty Davidson at their 70th wedding anniversary celebration.

Just Munn to lead Just Men conferences

“M

oney, sex and power” is the theme for The Salvation Army Australia Eastern

Chief Secretary Colonel Richard Munn will be the guest speaker at the Just Men conferences.

Territory’s Just Men conferences to be held later this month, with Chief Secretary Colonel Richard Munn the guest speaker. The picturesque Queensland Camping and Conference Centre at Mapleton is the venue for the Queensland conference from 19-21 July. The Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s Northern Beaches will host the second conference from 26-28 July. The conference program is the same in both locations. “[Author] Richard Foster’s insights into the three greatest areas of temptation are applicable to all people, yet maybe especially to men,” said Colonel Munn. “This is not the domain of Hollywood and high stakes political scandals only; there are subtleties in our homes and places of work. “The ancients knew this of course, thus the monastic ideal of poverty, chastity and obedience. So how we handle our money, express our sexuality and channel power in our day, age and culture is always worth pondering. We’ll be honest without being sensational; candid without being juvenile.” Three workshops will also be offered

at the conference: Leading Men to Christ, Discipling Men and Invigorating Men’s Ministry. “The conferences are open to everyone,” said Malcolm Beeson, Territorial Men’s Ministry Coordinator. “It’s a time to get men together, to inspire them, to get them ready to disciple people, to let God speak to them, and for them to make new friends. “We’d like to see some younger guys come along, Christians and nonChristians; it’s not an exclusive club for Salvationists.” The conference also offers free time and entertainment, with Christian magician Christopher Wayne performing on the Saturday night, and arcade machines available for playing. The final session of the conference will be a time of ministry where men can talk and pray together, request prayer, give thanks and fellowship. Registrations for the conferences have been extended. Contact Malcolm Beeson at: malcolm. beeson@aue.salvationarmy.org or call 0478 300 737.

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From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Community project brings country town back to life small general store in the village of Quambone, 210km north-west of Dubbo, recently became the focal point for a community development project, the results of which are transforming the local area. This project was part of the “Partners in Projects” initiative, established last year by Salvation Army rural chaplains Majors Trevor and Maree Strong with the Rotary Club of Canberra East. “We have been associated with this club since 1992, and when the members heard about our ministry in rural chaplaincy and our ideas for 2012 National Year of the Farmer, they wanted to do something to help,” explained Major Maree. The first project involved completing an extension on a farmhouse for owners who had suffered through drought and floods. Wanting to do more, 11 Rotarians then joined Salvation Army volunteers for the “Farm Hub Project” held prior to the Christmas Bush Mission in 2012. Volunteers stayed on the property “Thurn”, near Quambone, and travelled daily to various farms to work and serve in practical ways. The Rotarians supplied food for the entire project as well as hampers and gifts for 40 farming families. The external makeover of the Quambone store and post office, a Mother’s Day craft project at the primary school and a family barbeque event took place in May this year. Again, the Rotary Club of Canberra East supplied labour and

all food while the building materials were funded by a generous donation to rural chaplaincy. “The store really is a ‘mission’ and in a village that only has a small pub, a primary school of 24 students, a few homes and two small churches with monthly services, it is starting to bring ‘life’ back to this struggling area,” said Major Maree. Darius and Kathy Smith, who moved to Quambone from Western Australia, reopened the store last November. “They believe that God has called them to move across the country to serve him through service in the store in this isolated community,” said Major Maree. The couple has Salvation Army connections – Darius was a junior soldier and the couple married at Perth Fortress Corps 25 years ago. “Now their store is like a mission house – people come in, they listen to the farmers, care for people and serve them. They’re not just running another business,”. The Strongs will return to Quambone on 9-11 August to work alongside a rural mission team from The Salvation Army School for Officer Training and volunteers from the Dubbo Corps, to refurbish the inside of the Quambone store and post office. The team will run activities at the school, visit farmers and hold a Sunday service and community barbeque. “This is all about experiencing God with people in the bush,”said Major Maree. “It’s not about being roving welfare workers; it’s responding to people’s spiritual needs while building deep, lasting community.”

Rotarians and Salvationists work together on the external makeover of the Quambone Store.

Children at Quambone Primary School paint pots to be filled with cosmetics for Mother’s Day.

By SIMONE WORTHING

Port Macquarie Corps honours centenarian

ort Macquarie Corps recently honoured its No.1 soldier, Ruth Gluyas, who turned 100 on 10 May. At the conclusion of the Sunday morning meeting, Corps Officer Major Brett Gallagher invited Ruth to join him in front of the congregation where he thanked her for many years of faithful service to the corps and for being a loyal soldier of The Salvation Army. After praying for Ruth, he led her through a guard of honour made by the

young people of the corps. Ruth moved to Port Macquarie from Ballarat in 1978. The local corps at that time was Wauchope and Ruth became involved there. It wasn’t long before meetings were being held in Port Macquarie and at this point Ruth went into her “fundraising” mode. She worked tirelessly raising funds for the initial building, then several years after that, raising more money for the new hall. During this time, Ruth was the League

of Mercy secretary (hospital visitation), a role she thoroughly enjoyed and for which she is well remembered. At the age of 100, Ruth took part in this year’s Red Shield Appeal by manning a table at a shopping centre in Port Macquarie. Ruth has one son, an only child Leslie, who is the father of Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas and Captain Phil Gluyas. She is also a very proud grandmother of four, great-grandmother of 16 and great-great-grandmother of seven.

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Miles of smiles as dental volunteer receives award

Family Store in Young rises from the ashes

r Colin Seaniger, nominated by The Salvation Army ACT and South NSW Division for his work with its ACT Dental Support Program, has received a highly commended honour at the ACT Volunteer of the Year awards in May. Since October 2008, Dr Seaniger has collaborated with the ACT Health Directorate and The Salvation Army in an innovative program providing access to affordable and timely dental care to the homeless and low-income earners in the ACT. “Dr Seaniger volunteers his services as a dentist free of charge for half a day per week and has enabled over 90 people to experience healthy, functioning and aesthetically pleasing teeth,”said Captain Christine Gee, Divisional Mission and Resource Director – Social. “Known for his courteous and considerate approach, Dr Seaniger’s commitment to public oral health has contributed positively to the social, economic and employment prospects of many vulnerable ACT residents and their families.”

Laurie Anderson and new Family Store manager Richard Spotswood at the refurbished premises in Young. Photo courtesy Young Witness.

Natalie Howson, Director General of the Community Service Directorate, presents the volunteer award to Dr Colin Seaniger. Photo courtesy of Bob Pillifeant

he Salvation Army Family Store in Young is back up and running, two years after the premises was destroyed by fire. The Mayor of Young, Councillor Stuart Freudenstein, attended the official reopening on 3 June, showing his support for the work of The Salvation Army in the town and surrounding districts. Other special guests included The Salvation Army ACT and South NSW divisional leaders Lieutenant-Colonels Philip and Jan Cairns, Major David Eyles (Divisional Secretary), Major Sharon Coulter (Divisional Seniors Secretary) and John Scarano (Divisional Finance Manager). “This is a beautiful premises and a great leap forward for us,” said Laurie Anderson, Young Corps Leader. “Having a Family Store gives The Salvation Army another face in the community and a point of contact with people. “We are overjoyed with the support from the Young community through their donations and in patronising the store and we are now looking forward to serving them through the store.” Richard Spotswood is the new Family Store manager.

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From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Salvos website goes back to school

he Salvation Army’s official website for the Australia Eastern Territory now has a special section for school students. The Salvos Schools and Community Initiative can be viewed at salvos.org.au/schools. “The aim of this initiative is to empower and equip students to become proactive citizens of their society,” said Bee Orsini, Oasis Schools Liaison. “It provides opportunities for schools to further engage with The Salvation Army, to equip and support teachers to educate students about social issues, and connect students to ways they can volunteer and get involved,” said Bee. The schools section includes: • See it: Salvos Outreach – presentations and workshops • Study it: Salvos Education – national curriculum mapped resources • Change it: Practical Engagement – volunteering opportunities “Through our focus on the growing incidence of youth homelessness, our education and outreach programs encourage students to explore their social conscience and gain an understanding of the world around them,” said Bee.

“The program cultivates an environment where students can participate in opportunities which inspire them, challenge them and provide a platform to develop the skills needed to be an effective community leader who contributes positively to their school and broader community.”

Bee Orsini, (centre), is pioneering a new schools initiative for The Salvation Army. Photo: Shairon Paterson

Mackay Corps celebrates 125 years of service

he Mackay Corps, in central Queensland, was last month joined by families from Mainly Music and J.A.M (Jesus and Me), to celebrate 125 years of The Salvation Army in the town. During the celebration service the corps officers, Lieutenants Jeff and Terri Goodwin, opened a time capsule that had been put in place in 1988 to mark 100 years of The Salvation Army in Mackay. Lieutenant Jeff then spoke about the past, the present and the future. “We all have a past; good and fond memories and also hurtful ones,” he said. “God wants us not to live in and be caught up in the hurts and mistakes of the past, but to move on to the future he has planned for all of us, as Jeremiah 29:11 says, we can use the past hurts if it will help someone in the present, but we cannot dwell on the mistakes of yesterday.” A free barbecue gave everyone the opportunity to continue the celebration after the service.

Lieut Jeff Goodwin reveals a Salvation Army flag that had been placed in a time capsule 25 years ago.

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Aged Care Plus opens new state-of-the-art centre By JOANNE BRAIN

ommissioner James Condon officially opened The Salvation Army’s Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Plus centre at Collaroy on Saturday 15 June (pictured below). Attendees were privy to a preview of Aged Care Plus’ newest and most innovative residential centre. Elizabeth Jenkins Place is a state-of-the-art residential aged care centre that has been designed with industry experts to create a home-like

environment that not only provides residents with a great place to live, but one in which they can receive the very best care. During the opening tour, future residents expressed great delight at their new home. “The rooms are fabulous and the dining rooms just delightful!”said Betty. Ted, currently living at Warringah Place Retirement Village, can’t wait to move in. “It’s so roomy with a beautiful design and a place that is safe and will be very special to live in,” he said. Elizabeth Jenkins Place is made up of seven low-rise houses with each containing its own kitchen, living area and private dining room. In the communal areas, the centre offers residents, families and friends a putting green, freestanding chapel, cafe, shop, hairdresser and medical precinct. The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus is very proud of its newest residential aged care centre and the opportunity it presents to deliver truly person-centred care that goes beyond the physical to ensure each resident is healthy, comfortable and, above all, loved. Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Plus Centre will welcome its first residents in September. If you would like to know more about this centre and the care offered, please contact Suzie Haas, Client Services Coordinator – EJP, on 1300 111 227 or email acp.enquiries@aue. salvationarmy.org to arrange a private tour.

Young Hope program calls for more foster carers By ESTHER PINN

statewide campaign is encouraging more people, including single adults and those from different backgrounds, to consider becoming a foster carer. The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) launched the Fostering NSW campaign on 30 May at Sydney’s Parliament House, with The Salvation Army’s Young Hope program supporting the call for more carers. ACWA is the peak body for non-government organisations such as The Salvation Army, involved in out-of-home care. Since the beginning of the year, the Army has provided foster care to children, aged from newborn to 16, through the Young Hope program. About 18,000 children are in foster care across NSW and by the end of June, Young Hope had provided out-of-home care to 59 young people. Young Hope is jumping on board with the Fostering NSW campaign to petition for more carers to support the influx of children needing care. “The sector [foster care] needs more foster carers because there’s not enough foster careers in NSW, especially for the older age bracket,” explained Captain Michelle White, Director of Young Hope. Young Hope offers varying types of foster care, including respite care, emergency care, short-term care and long-term care for people of different demographics and backgrounds.” The NSW Government has invested $1 million to help recruit 450 new carers through the Fostering NSW campaign. Minister for Family and Community Services, Pru Goward, spoke at the launch of the campaign about the Government’s continuing support to non-government organisations providing foster care.

“There is [an] urgent need for new foster families to provide safety and stability for vulnerable children and young people,” said Ms Goward. “We will not change a child’s life without an agent [referring to foster carers] who cares, who loves, who’s patient, who’s kind – and that’s you. That’s our foster carers. We are grateful for the gift you give to the children of NSW.” For further information about becoming a foster carer in NSW through Young Hope, visit salvos.org.au/younghope

Captain Michelle White at the Fostering NSW campaign launch.

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From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Alberto races to bronze at World Championships

lberto Campbell, the adopted son of Salvationists Paul and JulieAnne Staines, ran a personal best time of 49.73 seconds to win a bronze medal in the 400m at the 9th INAS Athletics World Championships in Prague last month. It was the first medal for Australia at the Championships. INAS is an international charity and the recognised International Federation (IOSD) for athletes with an intellectual disability. It is a global organisation that promotes inclusion through sport and is a full member of the International Paralympic Committee representing intellectual disability. Alberto runs with an AWD-T20 classification, meaning he is an athlete with an intellectual disability. On the final day of the Championships, the Australian 4x400m relay team – Alberto, Paul Gilbert, Matthew Pascoe and Terry Price – also won bronze for their country and set a new Australian record. The time for the team was 3:32.81. “I worship God when I run,” says Alberto. “He is the one who made me fast.

Alberto Campbell and his adoptive parents Paul and Julie-Anne Staines after he won the bronze medal at the INAS Athletics World Championships in Prague.

I always thank him after races, whether I win or lose, I run for God.” Alberto, who was adopted from Jamaica, attends The Salvation Army’s

Life Community Church Mission at Slacks Creek in Queensland. To read more about Alberto and his family, see Pipeline, February 2013.

Salvos Stores offer great finds like one-off vintage pieces and incredible fabrics and it’s satisfying to know that every purchase helps your community by providing;

Meals for the hungry

Beds for the homeless

Assistance in finding employment

Refuge to victims of abuse

Visit www.salvos.org.au/stores for more information or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

FrFrom o m t the h e ccoalface oalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

Roma Corps

Stanthorpe Outpost

ajors Mark and Julie Campbell, South Queensland divisional leaders, recently enrolled Kaylar O’Meley and Lynette Franklin as senior soldiers at Roma Corps. Envoy Judith McAvoy, Roma Corps Officer and Indigenous Ministries Leader, met Kaylar during the 2011 Queensland floods. Kaylar assisted Envoy Judith in her spare time, continued to meet with her, and then began attending Salvation Army meetings. She is now actively involved. “She is dedicated to the work of the Lord, especially seeing children’s lives changed. She has a servant attitude and is willing to serve wherever the need is,” said Envoy McAvoy. Lynette’s introduction to The Salvation Army came through the Family Store where she became a volunteer, started attending the corps and has now committed her life to God. “Lynette has made some great changes to her lifestyle which has led to her becoming a soldier,” said Envoy McAvoy. “She is willing to be available to help wherever necessary.”

(Left to right) Major Mark Campbell, Envoy Ernie McAvoy, Lynette Franklin, Kaylar O’Meley and Envoy Judith McAvoy.

ieutenants Steve and Lydia Spencer, corps officers at Warwick, oversaw the first enrolment of senior soldiers at nearby Stanthorpe in 50 years, on 2 June. Don Dowding and Ron Johnson were enrolled as soldiers at the outpost in front of an encouraging congregation, supported by the Warwick Corps band. Letters of encouragement from Commissioner James Condon (Territorial Commander) and Major Mark Campbell (Divisional Commander South Queensland Division) were read out. Don said he wanted to be a senior soldier so that he could serve God, and his testimony during the service acknowledged the role that Captains Mark and Cathryn Williamson (former officers of Warwick/Stanthorpe) had played in his life. Ron shared that he had finally found a church to call home and that he “can’t wait to contribute”.

(Left to right) Lieutenant Lydia Spencer, Ron Johnson, Don Dowding and Lieutenant Steve Spencer.

Dee Why Corps

ieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Papua New Guinea Territory Chief Secretary, enrolled Helen Cannon as a senior soldier during the recent “Back to the Beaches”weekend at The Collaroy Centre. Helen had been attending another church before feeling welcomed at The Salvation Army several years ago, and was guided through soldiership classes by Major Graham Harris. “Helen has a passion and heart for working with people in hospital,” said Major Clair Smith, Dee Why Corps Officer. “She completed a chaplaincy course, and visits people in Mona Vale Hospital each week. “Helen is very pro-active at the hospital, is involved in chapel services there and takes toys for the children at Christmas time.”

(Left to right): Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, flag bearer Major John McGuigan, Helen Cannon, and Major Graham Harris.

Up to 2,000 Australians die through suicide every 12 months. Around 16,000 Australians are left affected.

YOU can help.

In less than an hour you can learn how to become aware of the warning signs that someone’s in trouble and possibly considering suicide. Everyone should learn – one day you might save a life. To find out more go to suicideprevention.salvos.org.au pipeline 07/2013 43

From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

German celebration an inspiration for delegates By ANDREAS W QUIRING

he theme of The Salvation Army Germany and Lithuania Territory’s congress – “Inspiration” – was affirmed by special guest General Linda Bond (Ret.). “I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit will inspire us,” she told the congregation of around 700 people who gathered in Siegen, Germany, for the opening ceremony. “He is the great inspirer and he is here!” In her Bible message, the General called on delegates to make God the centre of their lives and the centre of The Salvation Army. Many people responded to the challenge by kneeling at the mercy seat. The music festival on Saturday took the theme “Inspiration – Celebrating Jesus!” Contributions ranged from traditional Salvation Army music from the German Staff Band to interpretive dance from Shaw Coleman and contemporary music from vocalist Ben Fischer. The program also featured instrumental soloists Alexander Valerstein (cornet) and Stephen Kane (euphonium). In addition, delegates from the countries which form the territory with Germany – Lithuania and Poland – had opportunity to speak and sing about their culture and faith. Throughout the weekend, music and dance items were provided by African Swing Salvation – which

also featured a junior section – as well as by the territorial youth choir and representative corps worship groups. In the Sunday morning meeting, the General challenged everyone in the congregation to live holy lives. “God’s plan is for us to be holy, and when we don’t accept that we are being disobedient,” she stated. Again there was a wave of response as people knelt at the mercy seat.

“Inspiration – Get Moving” was the theme of the Sunday afternoon meeting. The General spoke about a Salvation Army that was fighting against injustice, standing up for the oppressed and freeing people from many different kinds of chains. She called upon the delegates – as true, authentic Christians – to carry the message of the gospel into the whole world.

The General meets young people who had built a Lego city as part of the congress children’s program.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

USA Central Territory congress proclaims victory By ELIZABETH KINZIE

bout 4000 Salvationists converged on St Louis, Missouri, for the USA Central Territory’s Family Congress under the leadership of General Linda Bond (Ret.). From the moment the General exclaimed, “This is a victory congress. The Holy Spirit is going to do a new thing that could very well spark revival around The Salvation Army world,” she had won over her listeners with her fervour and hope. Her strong, clear Bible messages – sprinkled with humour and anecdotes – expounded on the International Vision, One Army, One Mission, One Message. Many Salvationists felt compelled to kneel at the mercy seat at the end of each session, with others standing to show a deeper commitment. Anchored by the Chicago Staff Band, each meeting was packed with blessings. Highlights included the enrolment of 160 senior soldiers; a massed singing company of nearly 200 children; the presentation of Certificates in Recognition of Exceptional Service to two women soldiers for their support of missions and youth; an original musical drama based on William Booth’s essay In Heaven but Not of Heaven; and moving testimonies of transformation given by officers, soldiers and employees. The God-glorifying event was supported by territorial leaders Commissioners Paul and Carol Seiler, and USA national leaders Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts. There was a myriad of family opportunities during the congress, including a leisurely Saturday afternoon at the zoo. During main meetings, dynamic, spiritually enriching programming for children was provided. Special activities for youth and young adults included a late

Historic commissioning weekend in Italy

he Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Andre Cox, played a leading role in an historic day for The Salvation Army in Italy when he commissioned and ordained four Salvation Army officers. Lieutenants Luigi and Valentina Capuano, and Luca and Francesca Longo are the first officers to be trained and commissioned in their homeland for 54 years. Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Naud welcomed special guests, representatives of civic authorities and other churches to the commissioning meeting, which was held

The four cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session sign their covenants.

The 32 members of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session. Photos: Rick Vogeney

night “afterglow” at a museum, a contemporary Christian music concert, and a Soapbox with the General where she answered a broad spectrum of questions. She told the young people: “William and Catherine Booth’s heart is in the youth. This is a revival generation. Our greatest days are ahead of us, and you’re going to be a part of it.” Echoing this sense of promise, on Sunday morning 32 cadets were commissioned as Salvation Army officers by the General. Again, the General’s heartfelt preaching on holiness met people where they were, with large numbers of people moving to the place of prayer. A call to officership resulted in nearly 130 responses. In the exuberant final meeting the General challenged the new lieutenants to be their God-given best. in the Methodist Church in Rome. The Chief of the Staff gave recognition to four officers present who had been among those cadets commissioned more than 50 years ago. Speaking about the need for more officers, he noted that the addition of four new officers increased the Italy and Greece Command’s officer strength by 20 per cent. Lieut Luigi Capuano testified to God’s care for him even when, as a boy, he did not know him. He explained that when he met Valentina, who introduced him to The Salvation Army and to faith, he realised that God had been there all the time. Lieut Francesca Longo, in her testimony, emphasised the importance of bringing the gospel to those who have yet to hear it. The meetings were enriched by music group contributions from Rome and Naples corps’ and a band augmented by Salvationists from France. On the Sunday, the visiting leaders were warmly greeted by Salvationists and friends at Rome Corps. During the meeting the worship team from the host corps brought encouragement through a variety of songs. A 13-strong group from Greece that had travelled to Rome for the special weekend, sang to the glory of God. Commissioner Silvia Cox, in her Bible message, referred to the story of Esther and to verses from Jeremiah to show that despite the circumstances or sufferings, God wants to use his people according to his plan. But, she added, if anyone refuses to be used by God, he will choose someone else. The commissioner’s final exhortation – “do you want to be part of God’s plan” – led many people to kneel at the mercy seat and dedicate their lives to the Lord.

pipeline 07/2013 45

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Promoted to Glory

Shepherd’s shepherd

ajor Gwen Robinson was promoted to glory on 16 May, aged 86 years. A thanksgiving service was held in the chapel of the Woodport Retirement Village at Gosford, conducted by Major Stan Evans. Woodport Village chaplain Val Hopewell read from John 14, and a letter from the Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, was read by the retired officers chaplain Major Lillian Hodges. Gwen “Robby Robinson” was born on 5 August 1926 in Mungindi, on the border of NSW and Queensland. She was the eldest of six children born to Francis and Ethel Robinson. The children grew up in a wonderful country atmosphere. They were a long way from town, however, their mother was a trained teacher so they were mostly home-schooled. The family moved to a property named “Day Dawn”, near Tewarri, 20km from the Queensland border. It was a very large property and the family learned how to work with sheep, cattle and

horses. Gwen, quite successfully, tried her hand at cooking. This was to stand her in good stead for later years, when she worked in Salvation Army homes. Gwen and her sister Adel went to Moree Hospital to be trained as nurses, and this became their life’s work. While in Moree, Gwen was introduced to The Salvation Army and, following her conversion, she was sworn in as a soldier in 1951. Gwen moved to Sydney and in October 1953, received a certificate from The Salvation Army’s Bethesda Hospital stating that she had “received training in midwifery” for one year and, having passed exams, was now qualified to act as an obstetrical nurse. Gwen attended Marrickville Corps before entering The Salvation Army Training College at Petersham in 1954 as part of the Shepherds session. She was commissioned as an officer in January 1955. Skilled as a nursing sister, Gwen served God, The Salvation Army and others through a variety of appointments. She served faithfully at Boothville Hospital in Queensland; Shaftesbury Court hostel, Sydney; Moyne aged care

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centre, Canowindra; Warrina Village aged care, Bass Hill; Winderradeen House, Sydney; Shaftesbury Court Burwood ILU’s; Macquarie Lodge aged care, Arncliffe; and Maybanke Hostel, Dulwich Hill, before returning to Boothville Hospital in 1981. Gwen entered retirement in September 1986, and moved to Gold Coast Temple Corps where she was a very active member. She completed a counselling course and became a pastoral care worker. Gwen is greatly missed from the corps and Home League meetings. Gwen always smiled to show her love of her Lord. When she visited door-todoor during her training college days, her favourite Bible reading was Psalm 121. Her faced beamed when she read this psalm and during her pastoral care visits with Gold Coast Temple Corps, she would love to read it. Gwen finally moved from the Gold Coast to the NSW Central Coast, where she moved into a self-care unit at Woodport Retirement Village. She remained very active, attending church services and ladies meeting as she was able. Because of her love and care of people, throughout her life Gwen was described as a “Shepherd’s Shepherd”.

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From the coalface L O C A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S

about people Appointments

Effective 1 July: Captain Glenn Price, Divisional Secretary, Russia Division, Eastern Europe Territory; Captain Julia Price, Divisional Projects Officer and Youth and Children’s Secretary, Russia Division, Eastern Europe Territory.

Bereaved

Major David Morgan of his father, Donald Morgan on 19 May; Majors Max and Sue Hale of their niece, Erin Graham on 18 May; Captain Maureen Nancarrow of her mother and Captain Evonne Packer of her grandmother on 4 June; Major Jennifer Peterson of her mother, Betty Carlisle on 8 June; Major Robert Holley , LieutColonel Elaine Rowland of their brother, Graeme Holley on 17 June; Major Ian Henry of his sister, Merlene McLucas on 20 June.

Births

Lieutenants Dean and Rhonda Clutterbuck, a boy, Julian Alexander-Michael on 23 May; Lieutenants David Northcott and Belinda Atherton-Northcott, a girl, Emily Anne on 9 June.

Promotion

To Territorial Envoys: Craig and Danni Stephens.

Promoted to glory

Brigadier Mary Maxwell on 19 June.

Reacceptance

Captain Yolande Soper on 27 May as Corp Officer at Tenterfield.

Retirement

Lieutenant Bev Clarke; Majors Lyn and Colin Daines on 31 July.

Corps, Narwee Corps, both NSW; Samaritan House Mackay, Qld; Interstate Basketball Carnival (hosted by South Queensland Division (7-13).

14-20 July

Colonels Lindsay and Lynette Rowe, Tanzania Territory; Job Link, Nambucca River Corps, Dee Why Corps, Chifley Mission, all NSW; Indigenous Ministries Outpost, Qld; Just Men, Brisbane (1921); Delve, Collaroy (19-21).

21-27 July

Kempsey Corps, North NSW Division Chaplains, Burwood Corps, Lithgow Corps, Maclean Corps, all NSW; School For Officer Training, THQ; Third Year Officers Residential (22-26); Central and North Queensland Division Officers Fellowship (22-26); Aged Care Plus Review (26); Just Men’s Conference (26-28).

28 July – 3 August

Captain Kaye Barber, Australia Southern Territory; Toowoomba Crisis Centre, Qld; Young Cluster (Cootamundra Corps, Grenfell Corps, Young Corps), Ballina Corps, Petersham Corps, Tweed Heads Corps, all NSW; Annual Day of Prayer for Children (28); Tri-Territorial Recovery Conference (29 July-1 August); Youth Ministry Conference, Collaroy (2-4); International SAGALA Jamboree, England (3-10).

4-10 August

Hurstville Corps, Casino Corps, Bathurst Corps, all NSW; Central and North Queensland Divisional Headquarters, Salvo Care Line Brisbane, both Qld; Officers Brengle (6-15); Territorial Advisory Board (8); Salvos Stores Review (9); ACT and South NSW Division Refresh Weekend (9-11); Youth Ministry Conference, Sunshine Coast (9-11).

School for Officer Training

The following candidates have been accepted for the 2014 Messengers of Light session: Perry and Bronwyn Lithgow.

Study Success

The following officers have graduated with a Master of Theology at Alphacrucis: Major Irene Pleffer. The following officers have graduated with a Bachelor of Theology at Booth College: Lieutenant Bronwyn Barkmeyer, Major Lyn Cook, Lieutenant Tara McGuigan, Lieutenant Matthew Moore, Major Denise Parkinson. The following officers have graduated with a Diploma of Theology at Booth College: Lieutenant Bronwyn Burnett, Lieutenant Stephen Gorringe, Lieutenant John Humbley, Lieutenant Darryn Lloyd; Lieutenant Lesley Newton, Lieutenant Kate Ryan, Lieutenant Matt Ryan, Lieutenant Dominic Wallis, Lieutenant Beth White, Lieutenant Christian White. The following officer has graduated with a Diploma of Christian Studies at Booth College: Envoy Seamus Corcoran.

time to pray 30 June – 6 July

Griffith Corps, Dulwich Hill Corps, Dulwich Hill Community Welfare Centre, The Anchor Men’s Crisis Centre, Sydney East and Illawarra Chaplaincy Services, all NSW; Oasis Youth Residential Service, ACT; Wynnum/Capabala Community Welfare Centre, Qld; Queensland Performing Arts School, QPAS (30 June-6 July).

7-13 July

Lieut-Colonels Ian and Wendy Swan, Hong Kong and Macau Command; ACT and South NSW Divisional Headquarters, Mountain View Aged Care Services, both ACT; Campbelltown

engagement calendar Commissioners James (Territorial Commander) and Jan Condon *Coffs Harbour: Mon 15 July – Tri-Territorial Recovery Conference Collaroy: Sat 20-Sun 21 July – DELVE *Bexley North: Mon 22 July – Lecture at School For Officer Training Stanmore: Mon 22 July – Third Year Review Dinner #Bexley North: Tues 23 July – Women’s Ministry Seminar at School For Officer Training London: Fri 26-Sun 28 July – Pre High Council Gathering London: 29 July – High Council #Commissioner Jan Condon only *Commissioner James Condon only

Colonels Richard (Chief Secretary) and Janet Munn #USA: Thu 27 June-Wed 10 July – Western Bible Conference, California *Stanmore: Thu 4 July – Pre-retirement Seminar Dinner *Brisbane: Fri 19-Sun 21 July – Just Men Conference *Stanmore: Tues 23 July – Officers Third-Year Residential lecture and dinner #Sydney: Tues 23 July – Women’s Ministries Training Day Booth College *Collaroy: Fri 26-Sun 28 July – Just Men Conference # Colonel Janet Munn only * Colonel Richard Munn only