It's a miracle! by The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory July 2011 Volume 15 Issue 7

CHOOSE LIFE Shining light in a dark place FUELLING THE FIRE OF FAITH Replicating the early Church THE CORE ISSUE Are we missing the mark?

It’s a

miracle!

Mark Campbell’s amazing journey of transformation ARTICLES BY Commissioner James Condon

Vince Ross

Major Barbara Sampson

Major Merv Holland

Captain Mal Davies

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‘Miracle’ Mark an example of God’s transforming power

n his home town of Wollongong, Major Mark Campbell is, according to his wife, Julie, known by many older Salvationists as “God’s miracle”. To them he is the embodiment of a transformation that can only be of divine inspiration. They’ve had front-row seats to the journey of a painfully shy teenager who battled issues of confidence and self-worth, to become the leader of The Salvation Army in south-east Queensland. Mark sums it up as, “You can’t manufacture this kind of change ... God has transformed me beyond my wildest dreams.” In this issue of Pipeline, we bring you Mark’s story. As you read it, I encourage you to look beyond the words and get a sense of how God has been able to demonstrate his power and majesty through the amazing change he has brought in Major Campbell’s life.

Set apart

Do you believe that God transforms people? One of the issues Christians often grapple with is God’s will for their lives. “What does God want me to do?” is the commonly asked question. Other questions can be even more specific: “Where does God want me to live?” “Who does God want me to marry?” We turn to the Bible looking for answers and only end up more confused. Why? Because God doesn’t provide textbook answers to these questions in Scripture.

Contents

Editoria l

Instead, as you flick through the Bible what you’re going to learn is that God is passionate about changing you on the inside. He knows that if he can change you into the person he wants you to be, then you’ll know where you’re supposed to go, who you’re supposed to marry, and where you’re supposed to work. Take some time to read what the apostle Paul has to say in 1 Thessalonians 4 about what God wants for your life: In verse 3, he writes: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified …” (New International Version). Now that, to me, seems pretty clear God wants your sanctification. The word “sanctification” means “to make holy”. And the word “holy” means to be “set apart”. So as a Christian it means that we are to be different – set apart - from the sin-infested world around us. But why is God so committed to the process of transformation in your life? Because all that he has done - his whole creation - is not about us; it’s about him. The reason you are here is because, just as he has done and continues to do with Mark Campbell, God wants to demonstrate his power and majesty through your life. God is passionate about changing you for his purpose. Let him, and then watch him display his awesome glory through you.

COV E R

Scott Simpson Managing Editor

STORY

The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder

8-11 IT’S A MIRACLE Mark Campbell was a shy teenager who battled confidence issues. He tells Bill Simpson how God transformed him to become a Salvation Army leader

International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria street London EC4P 4EP

FEATU R ES

Linda Bond, General Australia Eastern Territory 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 James Condon, Commissioner Territorial Commander

12-17 SHINING LIGHT IN A DARK PLACE The Salvation Army is leading the campaign for suicide prevention. By Esther Pinn

18-19 THE CORE ISSUE Captain Mal Davies wonders whether many Salvation Army church services are missing the mark

Peter Sutcliffe, Major Communications Director Scott Simpson Managing Editor

22-23 ‘THE HAPPIEST MAN IN THE WORLD’ Bill Yi Li was one of 18 new Salvation Army soldiers enrolled at Campsie on the same day. He shares his story for Pipeline

Graphic design: Kem Pobjie Cover photo: Shairon Paterson Pipeline is a publication of the Communications Team 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

R EGULA RS

3 EDITORIAL 5 TC@PIPELINE 6-7 Integrity THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY JULY 2011 | VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 3

20 HOW TO DO JUSTICE 24 HOLY HABITS 26-27 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW?

royal Having a right

28-29 MISSION PRIORITIES UPDATE 30-37 COALFACE NEWS 38-39 PROMOTED TO GLORY

time

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Albert Hall packed for ISB’s 120th birthday party

IN THIS MONTH’S

Creative ministry

Celebrating 120 years of the ISB pipeline 07/2011 3

Obituary

Commissioner Clifton a wonderful woman of God

ommissioner Helen Clifton, The Salvation Army’s former World President of Women’s Ministries, was promoted to glory on Tuesday 14 June. She was 63. The commissioner, who had been ill for some time, passed away at St Christopher’s Hospice in south London. Her husband, General Shaw Clifton (Ret.), the former world leader of The Salvation Army, was at her bedside. Announcing the news, The Salvation Army’s Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry Swanson, wrote: “I ask for your prayers for General Shaw Clifton [Ret.] and his loved ones as they live through these sad days of great loss. We thank God for the life and faithful ministry of Commissioner Helen Clifton and commit her loved ones to the Lord’s care.” Commissioner Clifton was The Salvation Army’s World President of Women’s Ministries from 2006 until her retirement in April this year. She was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1973 and served in the UK, Zimbabwe, the United States, Pakistan, and New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. Helen Ashman was born on 4 May 1948, in Edmonton, London. She spent her childhood in London, attending the Edmonton Corps of The Salvation Army. She married Shaw Clifton in 1967, and was a teacher before the couple entered The Salvation Army International Training College at Denmark Hill, London. She held a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Language and Literature from Westfield College, University of London and a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education from Goldsmiths’ College, University of London. Commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 1973, Lieutenants Clifton served as corps officers at Burnt Oak, North London, and then, while awaiting an appointment overseas, the couple worked for some months in the Literary Department at International Headquarters (IHQ). The Cliftons were appointed to Zimbabwe. In January 1979, Captains Clifton were appointed as corps officers at Enfield, North London. From 1982 to 1989, they were appointed to positions at IHQ. In June 1995, following a three-year appointment as divisional leaders in Durham and Tees Division (UK), LieutColonels Clifton were appointed leaders in the Massachusetts Division (USA Eastern). In August 1997, they were promoted to the

rank of colonel and appointed to lead The Salvation Army in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan where the Army experienced rapid and consistent growth amid deep political and inter-faith tensions. In March 2000, while in Pakistan, they were promoted to the rank of commissioner and in March 2002, became territorial leaders of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. In June 2004, Commissioners Clifton were appointed as the leaders of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. Commissioner Helen Clifton always had a close interest in youth work. A schoolteacher by profession, she kept in touch with the world of education and especially the impact of education upon women in the developing world. She gave much time and energy to women’s ministries and especially to the personal and professional development of women in spiritual leadership. She was Chair

of the Pakistan Territory’s Human Resources Development Board, and was also Director of the Army’s nationwide Mother and Child Health Education project in Pakistan. She was an invited facilitator/contributor to the Army’s international Summit on Poverty. As Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, Commissioner Helen Clifton led a Territorial Task Force to respond to human trafficking. The Cliftons have three children, Matt, John and Jenny (Collings) and four grandchildren. The funeral of Commissioner Clifton will take place at Beckenham Crematorium, London, on Tuesday, 5 July. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at William Booth College on the same day. Information taken from an International Headquarters official biography. Commissioner Helen Clifton 1948-2011

Tapping into the transforming power of Christ A complete spiritual makeover is available to anyone who seeks God with all their heart, writes Commissioner JAMES CONDON

ransformation is a buzz word these days, but the process may be described in other terms. The television stations include many programs on transformation – from Extreme Makeover for homes, The Biggest Loser, Grand Designs, Better Homes and Gardens – to name but a few. There seems to be a lot of interest in transformation and it’s always very interesting to see the outcome of the transformation whether it’s physical, homes, gardens or fashion. Song 324 (The Salvation Army Song Book), written by General John Gowans (Ret.), says, “I believe in transformation – God can change the hearts of men …” This is an exciting transformation. Other words used to describe transformation could be changeover, metamorphosis, transfiguration or conversion. Certainly in the spiritual sense it’s a great word to describe the change that takes place in our lives when we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. Before Christ, our lives are messed up by sin and its effects, but after Christ transforms our lives, the ugly becomes transformed into something beautiful, healthy and whole. The Salvation Army believes in transformation and many of our services and ministries see lives being transformed every day. We rejoice when we see lives being changed through an encounter with Jesus. This transformation is taking place in people’s lives throughout our territory. A young woman turned up at a Salvation Army corps recently on a Sunday morning to help with the Red Shield Appeal collecting and discovered there was a meeting being held. She asked if she could attend the meeting where she gave her life to the Lord and then went out to collect for the appeal.

We should never be content with the status quo for our lives. Just as the world is constantly changing and our bodies are always changing, so our spiritual life needs constant transformation. Each new day brings opportunity for growth, for change and maturity. One of my favourite verses of Scripture, from Philippians chapter one verse 6, says “... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. It’s amazing that we spend time transforming other things in life but easily overlook the daily transformation required to keep us fresh and renewed spiritually. Paul reminds us in Romans chapter 12 that our mind needs to be transformed so that spiritual renewal will happen and we will be able to discern the will of God for our lives. The world wants to control and have us conform to its ways and standards. But God wants to transform and change our lives through the power of his Holy Spirit at work in our lives. The song I quoted earlier goes on to say, “I believe that holy living by God’s grace we may attain ... every Christian may be Christlike and in liberty rejoice”. This will happen as we allow our minds and hearts to be continually transformed. Let’s have a complete spiritual makeover/transformation and be like Jesus. This is my prayer.

Constantly changing

In this issue of Pipeline, you will read the story of Major Mark Campbell’s transformation from a “shy nobody” to a divisional leader in Brisbane. This was a miracle in his life, but also testimony to the transforming love and power of God.

Commissioner James Condon is Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory

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Fuelling the fire In the aftermath of Easter, Major MERV HOLLAND explores the credence that the presence of Jesus in churches today is solely dependant on a congregation’s willingness to reflect the example of the early church as outlined in the first chapter of Acts

“

hy do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here ...” Does this extract from Luke 24:5b-6 exemplify the congregation to which you belong, or are you part of a fellowship where the spirit and nature of Jesus is alive and well in its members? It’s appropriate at this time within the Christian calendar – post Easter and Pentecost – to focus on how Jesus continues to appear to society today, just as he did on numerous occasions after his resurrection from the dead 2000 years ago. All four gospels outline in their concluding chapter the post-resurrection visitation, teaching and miracles of Jesus, while Luke, in chapter one of Acts, summarises Jesus’ appearances and final instructions to his followers. His message that everyone can be forgiven, released from sin and guilt and empowered to live a life of victory and hope is the same now as it was to those first believers. This message is the constant. The methods of communicating this good news are the only variable. It’s a matter of communicating eternal truths in relevant ways. So, how do we really measure the presence or absence of the spirit of Jesus in people and congregations today?

Where Jesus is present

Churches where the spirit of Jesus is alive and obvious, focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past, using the valuable lessons of time as a licence to explore the future, concentrating on the inward faith journey rather than outward appearance and performance. There’s warmth, openness, acceptance and affirmation, a safe environment where all people are encouraged to embark and progress on a faith journey to learn to be like Jesus. Truth is paramount, even when it needs to be expressed in words of rebuke or correction, but always delivered in a spirit of love and concern. People entering into a Jesus-focused corps fellowship – no matter who they are, or what their circumstances of life, education or social status are – are welcomed, instantly accepted, nurtured in faith and practice to the point where they accept Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour, resulting in behavioural transformation. It’s a philosophy of belong, believe, behave. It’s been an inspiration and blessing to visit and worship both with Salvationist and other denominational congregations where from the moment one walks in, one is genuinely made to feel welcome. People are interested in you and want to

Integrity

Growing Saints

of faith come alongside you, offering friendship and fellowship. They’re just like Jesus – Christlike. The worship is vibrant, prayer is passionate and the preaching inspiring. The Jesus-centred, Spirit-filled congregation emulates the pattern of the early church where people are moving from the darkness of sin into the light of vibrant faith and meaningful fellowship. There are new people coming in and impacting mission being expressed in community. Dead churches look back more than they look forward, concentrating on heritage, appearance, performance, attendance, duty and rigid regulatory compliance. To be accepted, one needs to believe, behave and then belong. The focus is inward, aiming to meet the needs of those already attending, rather than outward, aiming to identify and accommodate the needs of wider community in meaningful and relevant ways. Regular attendees tend to “own” a certain seat and heaven help anyone who inadvertently sits in their spot! When visitors come, the welcome is formal and somewhat cold. There’s no invitation to sit with regulars, the location of facilities are not pointed out and they are often left to their own devices if

morning tea or supper is served. Details for follow-up are not sought and congregants are not in the habit of communicating an invitation to return for other worship of fellowship events. Congregations are ageing, numbers are declining and community impact is waning. Sadly, we’ve encountered congregations like this when visiting on holidays or specialling.

Soup, soap and salvation

The Salvation Army’s founders, William and Catherine Booth, were criticised by some established churches in Great Britain when they dared to usher into church services the poor and marginalised and sat them where they could warm by the fire. The establishment froze them out! When the Booths and their fledgling Army determined to be uncompromisingly committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus to the least, the lost and the lowest, the outcome was dynamic. People were being saved daily. Men and women hopelessly enslaved by addiction and evil were released through the power of the Holy Spirit and the simple mission of soup, soap and salvation impacted the British Isles, then the world. Faith, unless constantly fuelled, cools and ultimately burns out.

I’ve reflected on this sad reality that some saints have either lost the fire of faith that keeps them Christlike or never really experienced the fullness of cleansing and empowering through the Holy Spirit: Only half-saved! Why do some settle for bud Instead of bloom. Beneath instead of above the earth; Warmth of the womb, Loving labour More than birth. Pew sitting, Sermon soaking, Soul souring, Saints in embryonic form. Sinward side for them is norm. Is there some easy way To make them sway From incubation To propagation?

Major Merv Holland is a retired officer of The Salvation Army. email: mervyn.holland@aue. salvationarmy.org

pipeline 07/2011 7

Photo: Shairon Paterson

Mark Campbell’s life has been a rocky journey of battling selfworth, but he tells BILL SIMPSON how God’s grace has helped him grow in confidence to become leader of The Salvation Army in South Queensland

leven-year-old Mark Campbell sat in the back seat of Uncle Albert’s car cradling a Salvation Army bandsman’s cap in his lap. “I’m going to wear one of these caps one day,” Mark told Uncle Albert. Uncle Albert was Albert Shaw. He was driving Mark and his younger brother Malcolm to Sunday school at Wollongong Corps. Uncle Albert shared the Sunday school pick-up with the Price family (Dave, Philip and Lloyd). Mark’s mother had come in contact with The Salvation Army years earlier when her first husband died. Uncle Albert and his wife, Daphne, befriended Mark’s mother, who later remarried and Mark was born. At first, Mark attended a Salvation Army outpost Sunday school at Bellambi. When he turned 11, Mark and his brother were visited by two Wollongong bandsmen, Ellis Walker and Cliff Bambridge. Both had an interest in teaching young boys to play an instrument. Mark and Malcolm joined a learners’ group at Wollongong and transferred from the Bellambi outpost to the Wollongong Sunday school. Unbeknown to most around him, home life for Mark was unpleasant. “I had a suppressive father,” Mark openly says today – 40 years later. “Whatever I did was never good enough. He always saw a flaw in what I did. If I made something at school, he would say that I should have done better. “I had a car accident in my teens. I hit a pedestrian. When I got home, I was really nervy. All he was interested in was whether I had put a dent in the car. He didn’t care how I felt. That’s how life was at home.” Mark took refuge in himself. He felt

incapable of doing anything right. He found it difficult to communicate publicly. “I felt I was unworthy. I didn’t have any confidence. I thought people would see the flaws in me all the time.”

Rocky relationship

At The Salvation Army, Mark was seen as painfully shy. Majors Errol and Dorothy Woodbury were appointed to Wollongong in 1979, when Mark was in his late teens. Despite his shyness, Mark was attracted to the Woodbury’s eldest daughter Julie. The interest was returned.

“God has transformed me beyond my wildest dreams.” Mark was too shy to approach Julie, so she and her sisters, Wendy and Janelle, engineered a plot to bring the couple together. The relationship blossomed – but it was rocky. It was on and off three times over four years before Julie decided it had to end. She was convinced she had been called to officership. For Mark, officership was not an option. How, he thought, could somebody like him – somebody who had been told from a young age that he wasn’t any good at anything – be worthy of God’s calling in his life. “We talked about it for two years,” Julie says. “I knew that I was called. >>>

pipeline 07/2011 9

“I felt I was unworthy. I didn’t have any confidence. I thought people would see the flaws in me all the time.”

I don’t think Mark thought I was serious. “I knew that he was shy, but I saw a real strength in Mark. I always thought that I would marry someone like my father; someone outgoing. Even so, I saw strength and integrity in Mark that appealed to me. “When we broke up for the third and final time, it was to be fair to both of us. I told the Lord that I was going to the training college without Mark. We were going to take different roads. I believed that would be the end of that.” Mark went on a surfing holiday to Queensland to recover from the final break-up. While on holiday, he picked up a book and was shocked to find that the first chapter was entitled “Men in the ministry”. It changed some of his thinking about himself. “When I was going out with Julie, I jokingly said that I would be an officer if I lost my job. Three months later, the company I worked for closed down. “So, now, I had lost my job, lost Julie and didn’t have a decent home life. I thought that maybe this was God taking away my security and saying something to me about being a man in ministry. I

made a decision there and then. “I rang Julie and said I needed to talk to her about the future.” Julie was surprised. “I thought he had other values. We had spent four years together sorting through this and I thought it was over.” Mark was convincing. One month later, they were engaged. Three months later, they were married. Nine months later, they were at officer training college – together.

Building confidence

Despite resolution of their relationship and the love and contentment it brought, Mark still struggled with his worthiness. He doubted he would make the grade. Their first appointment was to MacLean Corps in northern NSW. “I didn’t do well,” confesses Mark. “I struggled managing people and conflict. I didn’t communicate very well. “My in-laws and our first two divisional commanders injected confidence in me. We were appointed next to Gunnedah. After six months, I seemed to be doing better. I seemed to match with the people there and they were very

Mark Campbell (above) as a yo ung Salvationis Wollongong Co t with the rps and (left) wi th his mother Bery future wife Julie l and Woodbury.

encouraging. Positive things were being sown into my life. “[Now Commissioner] Jan Condon, who was in the Territorial Corps Growth Department at the time, sent us John Maxwell [American leadership motivator] tapes. People coming into my life were being helpful and, unlike in my family past, not destructive.” During officers’ fellowship while at Gunnedah (now Commissioners) Ivan Lang and James Condon asked if anyone needed prayer. It was at this point that Mark began to open up about his family life. “I had been carrying a lot of hate for my father,” he says. “Five years into our officership, I still had this hate. It had increased over time. “It was only one month after Julie and I were married that an incident in my family revealed abuse of family members over decades. My parents separated. I began to find out things about my father and I hated him for it. “I shared all of that with James and Ivan. James suggested I write to my father and seek reconciliation – for my sake. I did write; there was no response. But it released me from the hatred. It helped me to grow.” Mark did not have any contact with his father for the following 17 years. His father died early this year. It was the end of a bitter chapter for Mark.

Accepted and respected

After Gunnedah, Mark and Julie were appointed as training officers at the training college, followed by a term as Canberra City Corps officers, 10 years in public relations – including Mark’s appointment as Territorial Communications and Public Relations Secretary – and then corps officers at Parramatta. Mark Campbell had progressed from a “shy, unworthy” boy from Wollongong to the public face and voice of The Salvation Army in the Australia Eastern Territory. He was now meeting with prime ministers, premiers and business and community leaders on a regular basis. His opinions and advice were accepted and respected. They were no longer seen for the flaws but for their value. The change, he accepts, is a miracle of God. “You can’t manufacture this kind of change just by increasing your skills base. God has transformed me beyond my wildest dreams.” Julie adds: “In Wollongong, everybody is really proud of Mark. They call him ‘God’s miracle’. They have absolute confidence in who he is and what God has done in him. The strength that drew me to Mark all those years ago, is still there; the integrity. He doesn’t try to be anyone that he isn’t. “When I first saw him on television for

Majors Mark and Julie Campbell are the divisional leaders of The Salvation Army’s South Queensland Division. Photo: Shairon Paterson

The Salvation Army, I couldn’t believe it. This is the man that I married, I thought. Wow!” For Mark, there has been a huge family bonus from appearing on television for The Salvation Army. Seven years ago, he found a sister he didn’t know he had. A woman watching a morning program on Bribie Island, in Queensland, saw him, recognised the name and concluded that Mark must be her brother. She made contact. They had the same father. A relationship was established – not only with Mark but other members of his family. Mark now finds it easier to share his story. As Divisional Commander of the South Queensland Division, Major

Mark Campbell gets opportunity to help young people – including young officers – struggling with self worth. “God can do anything,” he says. “I think of him as the God of miracles. He worked a miracle in my life. We should never limit ourselves to what God can do. “For a long time, I blamed God for my past. Now I thank him for it. It has made me who I am today.” 

Bill Simpson is a writer for Pipeline and supplements.

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Suicide is a tragedy that affects every corner of society and The Salvation Army is at the forefront of offering prevention and bereavement services. In the lead-up to Suicide Prevention Week next month, Pipeline reporter ESTHER PINN investigates the support programs available which offer hope

ccording to the World Health Organisation more than one million people suicide every year. For every suicide there are approximately eight to 10 people – family, friends, work colleagues, school students – who are affected. This group of people are known as the “bereaved by suicide”. “Those who are bereaved by suicide are at higher risk [of taking their own life] themselves,” says Stephanie Wilks, the National Co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s suicide prevention and bereavement support program, Hope for Life. “Knowing how to provide quality support to these people can also help lower the suicide rate in Australia.” Next month, The Salvation Army in Australia is dedicating two Sundays – 7 and 14 August – at both its corps and social centres to creating awareness about suicide prevention and bereavement, under the banner of Suicide Prevention Week. It’s the fourth year in a row the Army has done this. Envoy Alan Staines, the director of Salvation Army Suicide Prevention and Bereavement Support Services and developer of Suicide Prevention Week, is passionate about creating awareness of these programs. “Most people don’t know that The Salvation Army is involved in suicide bereavement support,” he says. “The purpose of the week is to make people aware about suicide because it’s everybody’s business. “It’s important for people to learn suicide warning signs because there could be people in your corps or your next-door neighbour who are at risk of suicide.” During Suicide Prevention Week each corps and social centre will be resourced with material about suicide prevention and bereavement. This will be in the form of music, DVD clips and brochures, while corps officers will be encouraged to have

the issue as the theme of their preaching. People will be asked to engage with the material and activities presented across the week.

Warning signs

For more than three years, The Salvation Army has been a voice in the community for people bereaved by suicide, through the Hope for Life program. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing – National Suicide Prevention Strategy, the Hope for Life program offers two training courses and website resources to help educate the community about suicide. Stephanie is eager to create further awareness about suicide prevention and bereavement throughout Australia. “The training allows people the space and time to think about issues to do with death that our community is not always comfortable with,” she says. “If the training can increase people’s awareness and knowledge around some

of these issues and take that back to their work or social community, then we believe it assists in encouraging people to choose life over death.” The first training course offered is a suicide prevention program called “QPR” (Question, Persuade, Refer) and the second is a suicide bereavement support program called “Living Hope”.

“There could be people in your corps or your nextdoor neighbour who are at risk of suicide” QPR is designed for everyone. It’s a one-hour, online training course aimed at teaching people how to recognise warning signs of a suicide crisis (refer to the box on page 14) and potentially help save a life. “QPR is designed to be a gatekeeper suicide prevention training course,” says

SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

Key Australian statistics

Photo: Shairon Paterson

2163 78 24

people died by suicide in 2009

per cent were males

per cent of these male deaths were in the 15 to 24 year age group

51 1

per cent of all suicides were by hanging

suicide takes place every three and half hours in Australia and one person attempts suicide every eight minutes

people inflict self-harm requiring hospitalisation every day

4.3%

of Indigenous Australian deaths

1.6%

of Non-Indigenous Australian deaths

are by suicide

200,000

Australians are directly impacted in some way by suicide each year

1507

was the national road toll in 2009, 656 less than the suicide toll

Stephanie. “A gatekeeper is anyone who is in position to recognise somebody at risk or in crisis. Really, that’s anyone in our community. “We would like to see all members of the community do a course like QPR because suicide prevention is everybody’s business – you don’t have to be a medical professional to be able to help save someone’s life.” Living Hope focuses on suicide bereavement. The course is accessible online or through a two-day, face-to-face training workshop and is particularly helpful for families and friends during their time of grief following the loss of a loved one. Stephanie explains the complexity of suicide bereavement and the importance of this workshop. “People who are bereaved by suicide

Stephanie Wilks (pictured) and Envoy Alan Staines (opposite page) are heavily involved in The Salvation Army’s suicide prevention and bereavement support programs.

have told us that they experience a complex grief journey that is often made worse by people not acknowledging their loved one’s death by suicide,” she says. “They experience a wide range of emotions including guilt, anger, humiliation, isolation and relief. “These are difficult feelings to cope with.”

Helpful courses

Pam Wilkes, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Consultant Rural Support Services, completed both courses earlier this year and says the programs can help people. “I know of people who are out there dealing with family members or friends who are suicidal at times who don’t know just what to do, but QPR has some guidelines and basic principles that

will help them know how to help other people,” says Pam. Lieutenant Kim Gorringe, Corps Officer at Cowra, completed the programs last year and says the courses have assisted her work. “It can help dispel myths about suicide … from a corps officer’s view, doing a funeral and being aware of the stigmas related to suicide was beneficial,“ she says. If you would like further information about Hope for Life’s training courses and website resources, go to: www. suicideprevention.salvos.org.au. Hope for Life also offers numerous suicide bereavement support groups throughout NSW and Queensland. If you would like to join a group or start one in your own community, contact Envoy Alan Staines on 0412 164 575 or email alanstaines@optusnet.com.au. 

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Coping with shock of suddenly losing loved one

Carol Clark holds a photo of her son Timothy, who took his own life at the age of 18. Photo: Shairon Paterson

“I

t was such a shock,” reflects Carol Clark as she fights back the tears welling up. Sharing her story with Pipeline, Carol spoke of the unexpected trauma of losing her son, Timothy Adam Clark, who took his own life about five years ago at the age of 18. While Timothy had a history of bipolar disorder, self-harming and suicide attempts, Carol, her husband Doug and their two daughters, Deborah and Jennifer, were stunned to receive a phone call while on holiday at Caloundra, informing them that their son had suicided. “We thought he was in a good place. His psychologist said he was okay because we checked with him because we were going on holiday,” Carol says. “We left him here with his friend – his best mate who had to go to work that night. He got home about one in the morning and found Tim. “We got one of those phone calls while we were away that he died. So we came home. It was all over when we got home. He was at the morgue ... it was just a shock because we all thought he was okay.” The traumatic experience left Carol and her family feeling lost and unsure of how to respond to their grief. “The person I was, I’ll never be again,” says Carol. “It was like learning to walk again. At first we were dealing with our grief but we forgot about the girls. They’ve got to grieve too. So basically we all had to get counselling and try and deal with it.” While dealing with their grief Carol says that they had some great support from people around them. “I’ve got to say my church [Campsie Salvation Army] has been excellent. I also have a friend in the church who has just been there for me the whole time. It’s just been amazing. I think without her, I wouldn’t be as well as I am today.” Most importantly, Carol says that during this time her relationship with God has become stronger. “What got me through was God. He was my constant. If I didn’t have him I wouldn’t have survived.” “So many times [before he passed away] I took Tim to the Mercy Seat and I prayed for peace and healing and God answered my prayers – just not the answer

I wanted. But I have no doubt Tim is in heaven and one day we will be reunited.” Carol now works with Envoy Alan Staines offering volunteer work for Hope for Life. While Carol finds it difficult to talk about her experience, she is passionate about creating awareness about suicide. “It’s important we get the story out here ... it’s preventable. We need to get the story out there that kids can get help. People can get help. They think they’re on their own. They think no-one else feels these things. We need to let them know that people do and it is normal but there is help.” Carol has some advice for people who come across the bereaved by suicide and how to approach them in their grief. “You don’t need to say he’s in a better place. You should say, ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ rather than, ‘he’s in a better place’. You just need to be acknowledged and the people who don’t know what to say, just say something such as, ‘I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say but I’m sorry’.” Timothy was an aspiring actor who had appeared on two television programs, Home and Away and All Saints, as well as playing an extra in a few films. His life has been honoured on the Hope for Life National Lifekeeper Quilt.

Warning signs Behavioural clues • Co-occurring depression, moodiness, hopelessness. • Unexplained anger, aggression and irritability. • Putting personal affairs in order. • Giving away prized possessions. • Sudden interest or disinterest in religion. Situational clues • Being fired or expelled from school. • Loss of any major relationship. • Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness. • Anticipated loss of financial security. • Fear of becoming a burden to others. Direct verbal clues • “I’ve decided to kill myself.” • “I wish I were dead.” Indirect verbal clues • “My family would be better off without me.” • “Who cares if I’m dead anyway.”

SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

Dispelling the myths

uicide is often thought of as a “taboo” word, says Stephanie Wilks. Research shows that some long-standing beliefs exist about suicide including the idea that being suicidal is a sign of weakness, that suicide is sinful or immoral and if a person is suicidal, then he or she must be mentally ill. The World Health Organisation has recorded that worldwide, the prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss the issue. Stephanie believes that stigmas about suicide exist because people generally don’t know how to help or are not

completely aware of the real issues. “People generally fear things they don’t understand and often suicide has fallen into this category. People don’t understand why some people have thoughts of suicide and it can appear that someone has “chosen” death. Stephanie explains that stigmas about suicide remain within society due to a number of factors: “Not taking threats of suicide seriously, believing that it’s someone else’s problem, not encouraging people to seek help and by saying things like ‘time heals’ and ‘you’ll be fine in the morning’. “Language also contributes to stigma. Suicide or attempting suicide is not a crime. We encourage people to not say ‘committed’ suicide because it implies the person has committed a crime.” In order to remove these stigmas from society, Stephanie highlights the importance of education and awareness. She encourages people to undertake training in their local area, read resources and equip themselves with knowledge in

Patching together memories through quilts The Salvation Army Hope For Life National Lifekeeper Memory Quilt has allowed people to reach out and remember loved ones who have taken their own life.

order to help prevent suicide or provide assistance to someone bereaved by suicide. Secondly, Stephanie says, just talk about it. “You can’t catch suicide and there’s no suicide gene. By having supportive conversation and discussion about suicide may in fact encourage someone to seek help.” Refer to the factbox below to find out what myths exist about suicide.

Myths about suicide

• • • • • • •

People who talk about suicide don’t die by suicide. Talking about suicide or asking if they feel suicidal will lead to suicide attempts. Suicidal people are intent upon dying. After a crisis, improvement means that the suicide risk is over. Suicidal behaviour is a sign of mental illness. You are either the suicidal type or not. Suicide is painless.

ixty-two people who have taken their own lives are remembered through The Salvation Army Hope for Life National Lifekeeper Memory Quilt which was launched in late 2009. Envoy Alan Staines says the project not only creates awareness about suicide prevention and bereavement, but also honours lives. “It’s a tremendous therapeutic thing for the bereaved by suicide because it honours their life not their death,” he says. The National Lifekeeper Quilt has now inspired a new project by Hope for Life, to create a series of state and territory quilts throughout Australia. These quilts will honour 24 people from each state and territory who have suicided. “By having a smaller quilt in each state and territory, they can be moved around more easily and be effective in creating awareness by being more accessible,” says Envoy Staines. He believes the quilts will continue to spread the message to the community that society needs to be involved in suicide prevention with practical support and assistance to the bereaved by suicide. “Just seeing the faces of those who have taken their lives will help highlight that suicide is a major problem in Australia and that we can help play an important part,” he says. Hope for Life is inviting bereaved families to be part of this project to honour their loved ones. The new quilts will be launched at the Australian Postvention Conference in Sydney in June next year. If you would like to participate, contact Envoy Alan Staines on 0412 164 575 or email alanstaines@optusnet.com.au.

pipeline 07/2011 15

Photo: Shairon Paterson

SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

Hope on the line, 24 hours a day

“C

risis doesn’t keep office hours,” says Envoy Alan Staines. “Crisis can happen during the late hours of the night or early hours of the morning.” In 2009, The Salvation Army launched a 24-hour counselling service, Hope Line, that is designed to meet the needs of those bereaved by suicide. Karen Lattouf, manager of the NSW Salvo Care Line and the National 24-hour Hope Line, explains the importance of having an around-the-clock service. “People who are bereaved by suicide are at risk themselves for depression, anxiety and even in the extreme, suicidal feelings,” she says. “So to have somebody to talk to at the end of the phone 24/7, is a valuable service for people who maybe feel they can’t talk to anybody or that people don’t really understand what they are going through.” Envoy Staines emphasises the need to reach those who live in remote areas and don’t have access to support services. “Many of those who are left behind, particularly in rural areas where there are high rates of suicide, can’t participate in support groups because there are none and there is also little government infrastructures available to access help. “But through the National Hope Line,

Support services Emergency help – 000

24-hour phone counselling services

it doesn’t matter where they are located, they can pick up the phone and gain help in their traumatic time.” The ever-growing need to bring help to all people across Australia has also seen the development of the Hope for Life Champions program. The initiative aims to see change within local communities using local community members. “We want to get the message across to all Australia, to Salvationists and the general public that they can be part of creating awareness about suicide prevention and bereavement through representing the Hope for Life services,” explains Envoy Staines. The Champions will create awareness about the Hope for Life services by distributing posters at local schools and doctors’ surgeries, visiting community centres to talk about Hope for Life and undertaking other activities in their local community that will help educate others. Hope for Life would like to invite people who have a passion to assist those at risk of suicide and those who have been bereaved by suicide, to become Champions. For further information or to obtain an application form, contact Stephanie Wilks at stephanie.wilks@aue.salvationarmy.org or phone 0435 967 265.

• • • • • •

The Salvation Army Hope Line (bereavement support) – 1300 467 354 Salvo Care Line – 1300 363 622 (NSW and Queensland only) Lifeline – 13 11 14 Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800 Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467 Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978

Other sources of support •

• •

Veterans Line – 1800 011 046 (after-hours counselling for Vietnam veterans and their families) Helpline – 1800 18 SANE (7263) (open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm EST) Beyondblue line – 1300 22 4636

All information is current statistics recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Lost a loved one to suicide? We can help National Hope Line 1300 467 354 1300 HOPELINE

FOR

www.suicideprevention.salvos.org.au SLN0048_Bboard_306x596.indd 1

SUICIDE PREVENTION AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

8/7/08 9:17:11 AM

pipeline 07/2011 17

Missing the mark on core issue

The Salvation Army’s National Editor-inChief Captain MAL DAVIES dons a new identity and wanders into the hypothetical world of “a local Salvo corps” to see what’s happening at church in the 21st century 18

’m 32 and I’m a sales rep for a company that sells industrial fans. My wife works part-time at the school canteen where my two boys attend primary school. I love my job and I love my family. We’ve got a nice house with nice neighbours and a nice dog in our nice backyard. I coach the local footy team. I have a new fishing boat in the garage. I play squash once a week. Life is good. Six months ago, the kids started going to the “kids club” at the local Salvos every Thursday after school and my wife and I have got to know the ministers there, or officers, as they call them. They seem to be nice people and last week they said it would be great to see us at church sometime. So, on Sunday – as a family – we went to church. First time I’ve been in a church since my wedding. The old guy who shook my hand at the door was friendly enough – although I have no idea why he had to kiss my wife on the cheek when he’s never met her before – and we found a seat okay. Or at least I thought so, because an old couple stopped and stared at us for 30 seconds like we were aliens and then said, “Guess we’ll just sit over here this week”, and then moped away like we’d taken over their castle. As a sales rep, I know the importance of being on time and not keeping people waiting, so I admit to being mildly frustrated that the church service started 10 minutes late. Mind you, people were still coming in for another 10 minutes after that anyway. The service started with some singing, as I sort of expected and was dreading. I occasionally sing in the shower or when I’m on the road and a Foo Fighters song comes on the van radio, but the idea of singing a song I don’t know while surrounded by people I don’t know was not a pleasant thought. So I decided to just read the words on the screen while everyone else sang. This plan was okay, until the person changing the words forgot to change a screen and was then a verse behind for a whole song. It was interesting watching everyone just keep singing even though there were different words on the screen. Clearly they knew the words even if the bloke up the back – and me – didn’t. In a way I was glad I didn’t sing anyway. Most of the songs seemed to be about how much everyone loved Jesus and wanted to be held by Jesus and drawn closer to Jesus and touched by Jesus. I don’t know if I’ve made this clear or not but ... I’m a bloke. As far as I know, Jesus was a bloke too. In fact, a tradesman, so I’m told. So it will be a cold day in, well, you know where before this 28-year-old, Foo Fighters-loving, van-driving bloke

sings – in public – about being held by a tradesman from Palestine. “Hold me close, let your love surround me/Bring me near, draw me to your side.” The last time I heard men sing songs like this was when I accidentally flicked on the telly to coverage of the Sydney Mardi Gras. Anyway, why would I sing songs about loving someone I don’t love? I thought the church folk would be happier if I didn’t sing rather than sing a lie. Next, they had some announcements. I still have no idea what a TC is or a junior soldier (do they have small guns?) or a divisional rally, but I don’t think it’s too important because most people just talked while the announcements were made anyway. After this, a lady got up and prayed for the earthquakes in New Zealand a few months ago. Well, more accurately, she prayed for people who survived and for those helping with the relief efforts and for the government to help out. Oddly, she forgot to ask God why he let the earthquakes happen and she forgot to pray for the people that died. Then, and I knew it would arrive sometime, the sermon. I hated school, so the image of someone standing at a lectern lecturing me gave me a scary flashback straight away. He spoke about Barnabas (never heard of him) doing some sort of acts (it wasn’t clear what) to someone called Gentiles (are they from Gentilia?) who needed to know Jesus (who, I thought, was already dead by this stage of the story). He told me to be a Barnabas. Which is odd, because I thought God would want me to be me. Apparently, I’m not good enough for God and I need to be someone else. Having made what, I can only assume, he thought were some pretty wise and witty points, he suddenly stopped talking and introduced another song about hugging Jesus. Great. I assume the challenge for me for the week is to find some men from Gentilia and convince them I’m Barnabas. Then hug them. That will thrill them, I’m sure. After the service, we had a cup of lukewarm tea and the old bloke kissed my wife on the cheek again (if he does that one more time, I swear I’ll ...) and the minister said “Good to see you” and asked if we enjoyed the service. We lied and said “Yes” and I joked that the music wasn’t exactly Foo Fighters but was okay. He looked at me blankly and said, “Who are they?” “They’re one of the world’s bestknown heavy rock bands.” “Oh. Are they Australian?” “No. They’re Yanks. Dave Grohl leads them; you know, from Nirvana.” “Oh. Sure ... anyway, good to see you in church.”

Sound familiar?

oes any of this sound like your corps? Does it sound like a fair representation of what an Aussie bloke might think if he wandered into a typical Salvo corps one Sunday? Or is it way off the mark and totally inaccurate? Time and time again we focus on the need to invite people to our church services, but does your corps have the sort of service you’re happy to invite someone to attend? We’d love you to let us know. Please write or email and tell us if this article sounds scarily accurate or far from the truth. We’d especially love to hear about the great (and successful) efforts you’ve made to make visitors feel at home. You can email us at: eastern. editorial@aue.salvationarmy.org

He wandered off and I wondered what world he lived in that he’d never heard of the Foo Fighters. Every bloke I know has heard of them except this Salvo minister. Why is that? And how is he supposed to minister to me if he lives in a different world? We went home to have a barbie lunch in the backyard and, on the way, the good wife asked if I’d be interested in coming back the following week. I thought about it for a moment and then said, “Nah. Didn’t do much for me. Maybe when they catch up to this century I’ll think about it again.” I went to church as a kid but stopped when I was about 12. That was 20 years ago and, oddly, the services then were exactly like the one I went to last Sunday. Songs about wanting to be “touched by the Lord” and a lecture about why I wasn’t good enough. Well ... my wife seems to think I’m good enough and my kids love me and my boss thinks I’m okay and my neighbours like me and my dog thinks I’m a god. Maybe I’ll just hang around with them from now on.

Captain Mal Davies is The Salvation Army’s National Editor-in-Chief.

pipeline 07/2011 19

How to Justice Understand the heritage of Australia By VINCE ROSS

s an Indigenous person I have watched and waited for a long time, hoping that white Australia will finally recognise that it has a black history – and understand that this history shaped and nurtured Indigenous people long before the new arrivals. This nation, I believe, will move toward its full potential when it accepts its history and decides to do something about dealing with the real issues that have had such a negative impact on a race of people. When this nation reaches that point it will discover what the real issues are, and only then will we experience true reconciliation and peace throughout the land. None of us can do anything about the past but the future is in our hands and

Ways to

Justice

Volume 1

the present time is about opportunities for a better future. If justice is about a fair go for people then there needs to be a way whereby Indigenous people can rise off the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. The Westminster system, through its lack of understanding and education regarding the First Nation people, has failed to deliver services that are culturally sensitive and workable. No compensation will ever be enough to replace that which had been taken from Indigenous nations and left them without any hope for the future. As I understand our history and the stories of our people, many are saying, “We don’t want sympathy but, rather, understanding”. We believe education remains the key, along with a determination of the wider community to address the imbalance and secure a solid foundation for Indigenous people, not the

crumbs from the table. It is the very truth that will set this nation free. Indigenous people live for the day when self-determination and management is taken as a norm and our people are set free from this bondage that for more than 200 years has kept us ever relying on government handouts. Let true accuracy be the dominator for building a secure community that is prepared to own up to its history, recognise the negatives and positives and move on from there. Take time to learn about Indigenous people through the Close the Gap campaign at www.closethegap.com.au

Vince Ross is a Salvationist who is a leading advocate for Indigenous people in Australia.

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

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

Assistance in finding employment

Beds for the homeless

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

Refuge to victims of abuse

Malawi was the destination for young Salvo Rachel Summersby who shared her story on return with the Lockyer Valley Home League.

By JIM NICHOLLS

hen 20-year-old Lockyer Valley Corps soldier Rachel Summersby returned from her recent visit to Malawi, she described it as a life-changing experience. Rachel, the corps’ newest Senior Soldier, had been sworn in only a week before departing for the African nation as part of The Salvation Army’s “Hands Abroad” project. Rachel said when she became aware of the Army’s mission to developing countries such as Malawi she joined a group of like-minded young people and, in her own words, “couldn’t wait to get there”. Relating her adventures recently to a meeting of the Lockyer Valley Home League, she said Malawi had changed her life by opening her eyes to just how lucky Australians are. “Even though people in Malawi have so little, they still seem to live a

happy and fulfilling life,” she said. “While there, I stayed at an antipeople-trafficking centre in Mchinji, where I worked with a group of children who had been rescued from slavery. “I met one girl, aged 13, who had been sold into prostitution. I also spoke with border protection police who have now extended their patrols to further protect Malawi’s borders. Some of the other young people were trafficked into farming and other heavy manual labour. “At a HIV/AIDS clinic I was saddened to learn that people often commit suicide because of the stigma attached to their disease.” When Rachel mentioned that The Salvation Army’s preschool at Blantyre had cots for the children, but no mattresses or bedding, Lockyer Valley Home League ladies agreed to take up the challenge and collect baby blankets and clothing to send to Malawi.

Rachel said she intended returning to the country next year to help out in any way. “I have seen how the local people are responding to their own needs and making huge improvements. I also saw how donations and input from The Salvation Army, people like me and others really do make a difference.” Lockyer Valley Corps Officer Major Marie Gittins said she was thrilled that Rachel took up the Army’s Hands Aboard opportunity and especially proud that she financed the trip herself. She said it was particularly special when young people like Rachel undertake such a trip, giving of their time and finances to help those less fortunate. “I’m especially proud when I consider she is our newest soldier and was prepared to go to Malawi so soon after becoming enrolled,” Major Gittins said.

pipeline 07/2011 21

t s e i p p a h e â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Th â&#x20AC;&#x2122; d l r o w e man in th Sunday 17 April this year was a momentous day in the life of The Salvation Army at Campsie. In a special service, 18 people were enrolled as Senior Soldiers, among them married couple Bill Yi Li and Emma Wei. Bill shares for Pipeline the powerful testimony of his journey to faith

Bill Yi Li was one of 18 people enrolled as Senior Soldiers during a special Sunday afternoon service at Campsie Corps in April.

or me, becoming a Christian was not a sudden decision. It was a process of both heart and mind over a period of months. I first came to Australia from China in 2002 as a student. I was an atheist, knowing nothing about Christianity or God. I worked hard, was kind to others and did not do bad things. I lived in my own little world, not interested in the lives of the people around me. I rarely went out and made no effort to find new friends. I was focused on chasing power, money and personal success. I thought I was a good man, close to perfect, but really I was spiritually lost and confused. A few years ago, my wife Emma became involved with people from The Salvation Army and started attending their church service in Campsie. Even though her English was poor, she would always come home from church, excited and eager to tell me of the friendly and helpful people she was involved with. She tried to encourage me to attend with her, but I was not interested. My job involved working night shift and I was often tired and cranky. Eventually, just to stop her pushing me, I began to go with her on the odd occasion. At first it was the band which kept me interested. Their choice of music and style of playing was enjoyable. As I began to talk to people, I found them easygoing, optimistic and confident. I began to enjoy talking and sharing opinions with them. Then something happened which

Bill and his wife Emma Wei have found a spiritual home at Campsie Corps since emigrating from China. Photos: Shairon Paterson

touched me deeply. One of Emma’s friends from China was facing a severe crisis. She was not coping and desperately needed help. Emma’s friends from The Salvation Army opened their arms to her, supported her and actively helped her. They found her a safe place to live, helped her in getting financial support from Centrelink and helped her back into a normal, safe and peaceful environment. For her, it was just like a miracle. I was so impressed with the practical helping hand of these Salvation Army people that I wanted to find out more.

Power of prayer

It was about this time that I met Eva, one of Emma’s Salvationist friends. She shared with me from her own experience, of how, when at a crossroad in her life, God led her along the right path, giving her support and encouragement. Her personal relationship with God was real and intriguing. I began to think more and more about Christianity and so kept searching. I now believe that this was God calling me and was the start of my relationship with him. In early 2010, still confused and tired of shift work, I decided to return to China and find a job there. I left Emma behind in Australia and went “home”. Interestingly, once I got to China, I discovered that my visa had almost expired. Should I stay or should I return to Australia? The decision was terrible. Finally, unable to get my visa renewed in time, I

returned to Australia and my wife. Happy to have me back, she shared with me that she and all her friends at The Salvation Army had been praying for me to return. The problem now was that I had no work. As I started job hunting, friends from The Salvation Army gave me tremendous help, support and encouragement. I found out that many people in the corps were praying that God would lead me to the right job. Amazingly, he did. I suddenly became aware that it was the power of prayer which had brought me back from China. It was the power of prayer that brought me my job. It was the power of prayer that was leading me to Jesus. During this same year, I was introduced to Majors Glenys and Bruce Domrow, the Corps Officers at Campsie. Their friendship and teaching introduced me to many of the basics of Christianity. Then came more learning as the pastoral care leaders started soldiership preparation classes and I went along to find out more. I soon came to realise that I was not perfect. I was a sinner. The teaching, guidance and inspiration gained through these classes was amazing and led me to the point of commitment. I came to realise that Jesus Christ had sacrificed his life for my sin and so I gave my life back to him. Now I feel I am the happiest man in the world. A child of God and a soldier in The Salvation Army. Thank you, God, for transforming my life.

Mission Priority 7 in action Bill Yi Li and Emma Wei are among 81 new Senior Soldiers to be enrolled by The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory over the past few months. Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon has released the following breakdown of recent enrolments at corps across the territory: 18 Campsie 6 Townsville Riverway 5 Queanbeyan 4 Long Jetty; Brisbane City Temple; Wollongong 3 Umina; Coffs Harbour; Gympie; Glebe; Hurstville 2 Mackay; Redcliffe; Temora; Tweed Heads; Shellharbour; Rouse Hill; Hills; Penrith; Calamvale 1 Shoalhaven; Lockyer Valley; Belmore; Rockdale; Sydney Congress Hall; Maryborough; Earlwood Additionally, the Sydney East and Illawarra Division has a goal of 500 new adults attending worship in 2011 and 500 new Senior Soldiers and Adherents by the end of 2012. pipeline 07/2011 23

with Major Barbara Sampson

Matthew 6:16-18 ”When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (vv. 17,18, New International Version).

ention the word “fasting” and hunger pangs begin to stir. Mention the word “feasting” and already we feel better. In Scripture, fasting and feasting usually go together. Lent is the traditional season of prayer and fasting in preparation for the great “Feast of feasts” – Easter. Fasting is not a hunger strike for political purposes, nor a diet for personal (overweight) reasons. A biblical fast always has a spiritual purpose. A fast empties us of worthless things, frees

us from the bondage of distractions and rescues us from the prisons of our own making. A man who began fasting discovered the “wooing” presence of God. A fast, however, is not just a matter of giving up food. We can fast from coffee, news, words, shopping, sleep or Internet surfing. We can fast from judging others, worrying, complaining, suspicion, anger or pessimism. Such fasts, when taken seriously as holy acts, can be significant steps in returning to God with all our heart. A woman realised that she was watching television mindlessly as a way of numbing her feelings and filling up all the gaps in her life. She decided to do more than cut back – she went the whole way and got rid of her TV set. Once she did that she found that she began to pay attention to her life, her reactions and her feelings in new ways.

Instead of running from them, she was able to turn and ask what her emotions and physical responses were telling her. Fasting reconnected her to her centre where she encountered a silence large enough for the still, small voice of God to be heard. Isaiah 58 speaks of a true fast, a whole and holy fast in which we give to the poor, pray for others in need, and challenge the unjust structures of society.

To reflect on ... “I must undergo personal cleansing. I must become a fitter instrument able to register the slightest variation in the moral atmosphere about me … For me there is nothing so helpful and cleansing as a fast accompanied by the necessary mental cooperation.”

International Day of Prayer for Children freedom healing protection justice education love provision

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Children’s Ministries

www.salvos.org.au/children

salva tion e hop

Sunday 31st July 2011

Special need for outreach to special children

By MAY SHARP

alling all Salvationists who have a heart for additionalneeds children and their families! Your compassionate hearts are being sought to begin an outreach designed specifically for families throughout your district and beyond. Passionate, spirit-filled soldiers are needed now! Have you ever said: “Lord, I would like to assist children such as these, but I do not know how”? Has this been the cry of your heart? If so, please read on as a way awaits those who want to show the love of the Lord in action. For the past decade, a special outreach has been happening in the Manning Valley of NSW under the banner of the Taree Corps. It is called “Camp Memories”. Its beginning was a humble response to a need perceived by my husband Kevin and I, even before our grandson was diagnosed to have a form of cerebral palsy. His diagnosis was to see him wheelchair-mobilised. Our eyes were then opened in a spiritual way. We realised the challenges that are included when children are born or acquire a permanent medical challenge. When God’s call was placed upon our souls to reach out with the love of Christ to all families, regardless of their child’s diagnosis, we began to hold specialevent days and weekends annually. The response was immediate as

families were looking for local loving support. Families should not have to travel distances to find God’s love in action! The fun we’ve had has been amazing. By 2003, we had invited Taree Corps to “come on board” and banked all funds gained there through my many guest-speaking engagements. The town came on board, as did the warmest-hearted volunteers, each of whom were prepared to undergo security checks every two years. The Lord rewarded us and our outreach with funding sufficient to subsidise each family’s inclusion. Though insurance is in place through the corps, it has never been used. Children who attend are aged from newborns up to 16. Parents remain on-site over the one-day or three-day weekend with a two-night sleepover in the tent city. Tents are supplied along with bedding and all meals. The program is full and fun with motorbike sidecar rides, open and closed vintage-car rides, a truck ride, ponies, a waterslide, swimming, art and craft and a science and nature show. Each team consists of up to 10 children with parents and trained guides following a rotational program. There are normally up to six teams at each outreach with 50 per cent of the children having a medically diagnosed additional need and the remainder being their siblings, who are equally important.

The past four years has seen 180 family applications and attendances. A “how to do it book” is available to any corps which would like to take up this cause. Kevin and I will be available to guide and direct any corps which is genuine in its response. Last year, Camp Memories was awarded the best community outreach on Australia Day as well as the convenors gaining the Citizen(s) of the Year award. Kevin and I were thrilled that our volunteers were given public recognition for their wonderful support. Kevin and I are ageing and cannot continue with this work beyond the weekend of 18-20 November. We are determined that this final weekend on our property will be a happy time even though we will be sad to see this amazing outreach come to an end locally. No-one has come forward in the area who feels they can carry on this valuable work. We know it is not meant to finish yet and are looking for replacement corps who will take on our supply of tents and bedding and use it as it was meant to be used; for additional-needs families. Is it you who God is tapping on the shoulder? Do you have property and the heart to use it for the Lord? Can you hear the soft voice of the Saviour saying, “It is you”. If so please phone Kevin and I on 02 6552 6547. pipeline 07/2011 25

Death and what comes next With the Harry Potter movies set to reach their climax later this month, Pipeline culture writer MARK HADLEY looks at the common theme which runs through the series and how the final instalment makes an attempt at a resolution

hree-and-a-half-thousand years ago, if you’d wanted to know something definitive about death and what comes next, you could have turned to The Book of the Dead. The ancient Egyptian funerary text listed all the fears that death contained, and the spells that could be used to ensure you arrived safely on the other side. Though this current generation is more familiar with PlayStation than mummification, most have come in contact with a much more modern encyclopaedia on the end of life. JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books and films have investigated every hope and fear associated with death for the past 14 years. And as the producers of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 have been proclaiming at the top of their voices, “It all ends” on 15 July. It seems improbable that anyone in the Western world could be unaware of the basic details behind the bespectacled boy who grows up battling the most evil

wizard of all time. The curtain closed on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 last November with our reluctant hero crouched over the grave of Dobby, his latest friend to succumb to Voldemort’s plans. In the final chapter, Harry and his friends will return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to destroy the mystical devices keeping the dark lord alive and face the prophecy that has shaped both: “Neither can live while the other survives!” Dark? I should say so. The first instalment of this two-parter was so grim that I publicly labelled its promoters as irresponsible, despite its M rating. However true the production was to the book, the distributors would still have to answer for marketing such a dread-filled film to children well outside its official age bracket. The second film is set to continue the dark war-time feel with Harry’s beloved school looking like London after the Blitz

and his friends caked in equal quantities of mud, blood and suffering. Parents beware: HP8 is no Disney classic. But taking too much offence would be like complaining that hospitals are too cluttered with sick people. The Harry Potter series struggles with death at every turn because this is what the author intended. JK Rowling told Britain’s Telegraph newspaper: “My books are largely about death. They open with the death of Harry’s parents. There is Voldemort’s obsession with conquering death and his quest for immortality at any price.” Rowling conceived the series while her mother was dying of multiple sclerosis and was even writing chapters the hour she passed away. She believes that Voldemort’s fear of death is a very human one, and confesses it’s one she shares. Consequently, through seven books and eight films Harry has had to confront the sadness associated with lost parents,

What would Jesus view?

the horror of murdered friends and the injustice of loved ones taken too soon. And from the first film, The Philosopher’s Stone, fans have known that Harry stood in direct opposition to death. Hagrid, his gigantic friend, informs him he is famous because, “You’re the boy who lived”. But you have to look closely to realise that there are two different “deaths” duelling in Rowling’s fantasy. On the one hand we have the vicious, terrifying demise that snatches people away Harry’s parents in the first film, Moaning Myrtle in the second, Cedric Diggory in the fourth, his godfather Sirius in the fifth, Dumbledore in the sixth ... but it’s the same Sirius who tells Harry in The Prisoner of Azkaban that death doesn’t have to be filled with the sadness: “It’s cruel that I got to spend so much time with your parents and you hardly knew them. But know this: the ones that love us never truly leave us. You can find them in here” - and he touches Harry’s heart.

Christian view

For JK Rowling, death can be a disaster but it is also a doorway to immortality, and not just in the memories of others. For all the

criticism she has suffered from religious commentators, the author presents a very Christian view of the afterlife in HP8. Our response to death depends very much on our preparation for it. Voldemort clings to life because this world is all he has. But when Harry meets a resurrected Dumbledore in the book version of the

“ ... the author presents a very Christian view of the afterlife in HP8.” film, he learns that mastering death begins with the realisation that it’s not the end: “[Harry] you are the true master of death, because the true master does not seek to run away from Death. He accepts that he must die, and understands that there are

far, far worse things in the living world than dying.” Rowling admits she struggles with her faith, but still chooses to identify herself as a Christian. And she makes no apologies for using the last book to inscribe “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26) on Harry’s parents’ grave, and “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21) on Dumbledore’s family plot. “They’re very British books, so on a very practical note Harry was going to find biblical quotations on tombstones [but] I think those two almost epitomise the whole series,” she says. Nothing will turn the Harry Potter series into a gospel tract. But the creator wanted her audience to realise amidst the tears that death itself will one day die. Where we go to from there depends on what we valued while we were alive. If we hold grimly to those things that are passing away then we’re likely to end up as disappointed as Voldemort. But if we value those treasures that come to us from beyond this vale of tears, then that is the first step to discovering there is much better in store.

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MISSION PRIORITY – ONE ARMY ONE MISSION

Coffee and cake equals One Army One Mission

very Tuesday morning, two women from The Salvation “Many job seekers are at the far end of the spectrum. They Army’s Earlwood Corps make their way to the need more than a job. They need more than a job consultant can Employment Plus Marrickville office to add value to offer. They need help with other things. the lives of staff and clients. “They need people to come alongside them. Many of these They treat everybody to morning tea and encouragement. people live alone. They are lonely people. I am asking SalvationTuesdays are Job Club day, with up to 40 clients attending. ists to do life with these people; to show them that The Salvation The enjoyable gesture is part of Earlwood’s effort Army cares about them. to promote the One Army One Mission priority. “If it starts with a cup of coffee and a cake, Earlwood Corps community worker Rachel “I am asking great.” Unicomb (pictured above, second right), who is one The Employment Plus Marrickville office Salvationists has also co-opted other Salvation Army sections of the two women, says the morning tea is only a start to establishing a good relationship with the Employassist clients. On Wednesdays, workers from to do life with to ment Plus Marrickville staff and clients. several Salvation Army centres attend sessions “We are looking at going beyond the morning tea,” these people; to advise on homelessness, addiction and legal she says. “We are hoping the relationship will develop issues. to show so that our corps can be of worthwhile assistance to “Centrelink also has counsellors and job Employment Plus with whatever need they have. advice workers at the Wednesday sessions, which them that “At the moment, we are just in the early stages allows our clients to get the advice they need in of developing friendships; showing the staff and The Salvation one day rather than making separate appointclients that The Salvation Army cares about them and ments for each issue, which could take months.” Army cares supports them.” Andrew says Employment Plus is currently Rachel’s co-worker is a woman who prefers not to working with several corps and centres to be identified. She contacted the corps a few weeks ago about them.” fast-track the total needs of clients. asking if there was anything she could do to help. Auburn Corps is partnering with Employ“She is ideal for the Marrickville morning tea,” ment Plus to provide employees for the Rachel says. “She was on the bus going to Marrickville one day American Costco super store under construction in Sydney’s when somebody identified her, which showed that people at the western suburbs. morning tea are taking notice. Employment Plus staff meet prospective employees at the “The passenger on the bus told my colleague that she often Auburn Corps centre one day a week for preliminary interviews. went to the Marrickville office on Tuesdays just for the morning “We are partnering with Auburn Corps because they are in tea and somebody to talk to. They are the people we want to touch with so many of the marginalised people of that area who connect with. need jobs. [Auburn Corps Officer] Nesan Kistan is in touch with “A staff member told me she has a friend who wants to so many of these people. volunteer with The Salvation Army.” “So, it’s a job seeker project involving Employment Plus and Employment Plus Inner Sydney, Illawarra and ACT manager the Auburn Corps; another good example of One Army One Andrew Hill says the Earlwood involvement is a good example of Mission, because we see that together we can help with needs the One Army One Mission priority in practise. beyond a job.”



Major Paul Moulds suggests ...

Serve them until they ask why Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas provides a shopping list of what people should find when they come to our “stores”

don’t have to go far to find most of the things that I need. Many of them are at the major shopping centre close to where I live. Supermarket shelves are lined with every variety of food. Clothes and shoes – so many choices! Three of my favourite coffee shops are there, with great selections of food if I am hungry. My bank is there, stationery stores and the latest gadgets are there. I can find every electrical good under the sun. I’ve got the cinema and my car can be detailed while I am shopping – if I’m prepared to pay the money! When I’m sick, I can see the doctor there, or if I have had too many chocolates, I can get my tooth filled there. What else would I need? And who is there? People from every nation on earth are there – young and old, families and single people. People flock there. Shop-a-holics, bored people wanting the person they are with to hurry up (that’s me, except for the coffee and gadgets!), those who have come because they have no other community and those who come just to get what they need. It’s a place designed to meet as many needs as possible. We’re treated well, because people want our business. We are offered everything under the sun. Retailers want us to come. They serve us well. Imagine the day when people might feel the same about The Salvation Army. They come because they can find: • authenticity • love • friendship • community • a need met • a home or job • a voucher to pay their bills • clothing and food • depth • a chat with friends • a good coffee • counselling • a new way of life Wayne Cordeiro says, “Serve them until they ask why”. Imagine when the people of God serve, love and act in a way that prompts others to say, “I want what they’ve got,” and then find what they really need in the only one who can provide it – Jesus. The day is coming. In some places, it’s already here. One Army One Mission – our goldmine. Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas is the Australia Eastern Territory’s Secretary for Program.

Imagine, then start your engines Imagine if ... Our public image and reputation as the friends of the poor became a reality in every Salvation Army centre. The lost, the last, and the least were welcomed and connected to every corps in our territory. Our corps were transformed into hubs of activities and community meeting places that brought hope, healing and restoration to broken people. The homeless family in your community was housed and cared for by a homelessness worker attached to your corps, and visited, supported and assisted by the members of the corps. The people coming to our corps for food and help were offered not only practical goods, but also friendship and ongoing support and care. Our local corps became a base that sent teams of trained, passionate people into the darkest places of our communities to bring light and life. Every corps had access to training and support to give its members the skills and confidence to deal with the poor, the homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged in their communities. Is this a dream? Could it become a reality? Since the first call to One Army One Mission, God has been working deeply and creatively in our movement, preparing us for renewal and a new vision. That time is now upon us. We need to seize the opportunity! God is calling us to move beyond our institutionalised social service responses, where the people who seek our help have little meaningful contact with the local Salvationist. God is calling us back to journeying with people through their pain and circumstances to a new place of light and hope. God is calling us to re-evaluate how we deliver our social programs in this territory and to release our soldiers and those who join to help us, into frontline ministries.

What will it take to achieve this? • A new vision of who God has called us to be. • A new work of God in our midst to create a burning love and passion for the lost and broken.

• The transformation of local corps into vibrant ministry

hubs or meeting places, where local people are connected to passionate Salvos who journey with them to wholeness. • Reallocation of resources by the territory to reinforce and develop local ministries on the front line of community need. • A team of committed local people to work alongside local paid staff to add value, create relationships and develop communities that promote belonging. • Training, support and pastoral care for those who serve. What will The Salvation Army be in the next decades? What will we be known for? The decisions we make now will determine this. If we hear Jesus’ heart and have the courage to act on what he calls us to be, in our wildest dreams we can't even imagine what adventure and opportunities lie ahead of us. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9. Are you ready to go? Major Paul Moulds is Territorial Director – Social Mission and Resources.

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News FEATURE

Donor fatigue no issue as Aussies dig deep for Salvos

he Australian community has dug deep once again this year in support of The Salvation Army’s social welfare programs by giving to the annual Red Shield Appeal. More than $32 million had been raised in the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory when Pipeline went to print in late June. The appeal closed on 30 June. Territorial Appeals Director Major Jeff Winterburn says he is hoping to exceed the amount raised last year and reach the national goal of $79 million. There are three fundraising components to the Red Shield Appeal – doorknock, business and mail. The doorknock appeal has already raised $5.3 million, the business appeal almost $9 million and the mail appeal $17.8 million. Despite the concern of donor fatigue, due to a number of natural disasters this year and the rising cost of living, Major Winterburn says the campaign has been a success. “Last year we recorded that 80,000 more people came to the Salvos for help,” he said. “Certainly the pressure has been greater on them with the cost of food prices, rent, mortgage, electricity; cost of living has certainly gone higher so our existing clients are struggling. “We’ve also asked people to support the disaster appeals and we have seen the generosity of Australians through their giving. The question has been asked, has this caused donor fatigue? But, when we called for support for the Red Shield Appeal, we haven’t seen that donor fatigue – it’s amazing.”

Ministry opportunity

Major Winterburn says he is constantly overwhelmed by the support the Army has received for the Red Shield Appeal, from both Australian businesses and the general public.

Australian rock artist Diesel used National Busking Day as an opportunity to raise funds for the Red Shield Appeal. Photo: Shairon Paterson

Commissioner James Condon collecting with Newcastle Knights rugby league players Junior Sau (left) and Adam MacDougall.

“We are grateful. I’m always a believer that we can never say thank you enough to the people who support us,” he said. “Because we are a small Army in comparison to others, we can’t do it without the support of the Australian public and our own Salvationists. And that we are eternally grateful for.” While Major Winterburn is passionate about raising money through the Red Shield Appeal, he is quick to explain that it’s much more than just a fundraiser. “I’d like to get the story across that it’s not just a fundraising campaign, it’s a ministry opportunity too,” he said. “I heard a story this year that someone volunteered to be a collector on the Sunday and they went back to the meeting [church service] that night and found the Lord.” The Salvation Army spends more than $500 million annually on its social welfare programs in Australia. When Pipeline went to print, the Army’s Australia Southern Territory Red Shield Appeal had raised $29.5 million, bringing the national total so far to just over $61.5 million.

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

News FEATURE

Flood of support helps rebuild Bundamba Next month, the Bundamba Corps of The Salvation Army will celebrate its 125th anniversary. It will

also mark the reopening of the corps building which has been closed since January to repair damage wreaked by the devastating Queensland floods. It’s been a difficult year, but the floods and their aftermath have strengthened the corps and the community it serves. Bundamba Mission Team Leader RENAE STRONG provides an insight into their journey for Pipeline

e knew the floods were coming. On Tuesday 11 January, all available corps folk attempted to clear out the citadel, youth hall and homes of members in the flood path. At this time the corps didn’t have officers as Majors Warren and Denise Parkinson had left for their new appointment. Our associate officers, Majors Russell and Betty Adams (Ret.), were away and Majors Eva (Ret.) and Don Hill, who were due to take temporary command of our corps, couldn’t leave Emerald with the floods there. On Wednesday and Thursday, approximately 2.5m of floodwater surged through the citadel, youth hall and a large building we rent to Salvos Stores. The clean-up began as soon as the waters had receded, with more than 200 corps members and volunteers assisting on Friday and Saturday. Over the weekend, up to 60 corps folk and volunteers also doorknocked the worst-affected areas closest to our centre to hand out sandwiches, baked goods and bottles of cold water. The corps folk also took the home owners’ names and contact numbers so that we could provide them with further assistance as it became available. We also delivered food hampers, toiletries, toilet paper, sleeping bags, and fresh fruit and ice, most of which was donated. We cleaned the large building we rent to Salvos Stores and set it up, with their permission, as a distribution centre. Staff from the Army’s Riverview Farm and volunteers from Bundamba and Ipswich corps’, Salvos Stores and the community, manned the centre. Captains Ben and Emma Johnson, the South Queensland Divisional Youth Secretaries, came and assisted for a few days, as did several cadets from the Army’s training college in Sydney. We received many donations; they came in truckloads!

People could find almost anything they needed in the centre, which stayed open for three weeks and assisted almost 600 flood-affected families. We are still storing some items for those not yet in suitable accommodation and unable to receive the items.

Corps members point out how high the water reached on the citadel at Bundamba during the January floods.

Volunteers begin the clean-up of the main hall at Bundamba which was submerged under 2.5 metres of water.

Team effort

Seven days a week for four weeks, corps members, retired officers and some residents from Riverview provided food, tea and coffee at the recovery centre. Our people also assisted at the main evacuation centre in Ipswich. Our state MP requested accommodation for flood-affected people which we made available at Riverview Farm and in our vacant officers’ quarters. During this time, we unofficially appointed Majors Russell and Betty Adams as acting corps officers. They did an amazing job. It was a fantastic team effort within our corps, and between our corps with the nearby Canaan School for Training and Development, other Salvation Army centres and the community. Since the floods, we have been holding meetings, youth group events and SAGALA activities in local schools, the Mainly Music program and band practices at Ipswich Corps and Home League and Silver Service at Riverview Gardens aged care centre. The work with flood-affected victims continues as, in real terms, the flood crisis is far from over. God is on our side, so we will keep working. I believe in the years to come our corps will be much stronger because we have worked together through it all and have even stronger ties with our community – all to the glory of God! The Bundamba Corps will celebrate its 125th anniversary on the weekend of August 19-21.

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

Ministry and mission in Toowoomba’s 125th year W

hat a year The Salvation Army’s Toowoomba Corps has had so far! The year started with the devastating flood on 10 January that affected many community members in Toowoomba and surrounding areas. After months of continuous relief work you would think it was time to relax after such an outpouring of energy, however mission and ministry wouldn’t wait. SAGALA recommenced this year with more than 30 children from the community attending each week. On Thursday 12 May, 15 of these children enrolled as SAGALA members in a special ceremony attended by the South Queensland Division Youth Secretary Captain Ben Johnson. One of the highlights of the year so far for the SAGALA kids has been a hike through a farm at the base of Mount Walker, during which they encountered a wide variety of wildlife and learnt how to identify animals from their tracks. Exciting things have also been happening in the Mainly

Music group, which this year has seen a regular attendance of 45. This year also marked the first birthday of the group and a big party was held on 13 April to celebrate. As with SAGALA, most of the families involved in Mainly Music have come from the wider community and the leaders are loving the regular discussions about God and the work of The Salvation Army. In early May, the Toowoomba Corps also had the opportunity to celebrate and remember the past as it celebrated its 125th anniversary. The celebration weekend commenced with a special concert by the Divisional Fellowship Band, Brisbane, and fellowship dinner. Throughout the weekend the corps, along with special guests Commissioners James and Jan Condon, delighted in the sharing of stories of the past, seeing returned friends, and being challenged about what inheritance the Toowoomba Corps will be leaving for the future. – Captain Mark Bulow

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The oldest and yo ungest members of the Toowooom Jordan, 94, and 10 ba Corps, Ray -week-old twins Mi cah and Chloe Ro their parents Brend binson with on and Bethany Ro binson, and Capta and Jo-anne Bulow ins Mark cut the anniversary cake.

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

High hopes for Sarina Outpost M

ore than 40 people attended the first meeting of The Salvation Army’s Mackay outpost at Sarina in Queensland, under the direction of Lieutenants Jeff and Terri Goodwin. Wet weather prevented more people from attending, but the 22 May service and the barbecue lunch that followed was an encouragement to the Goodwins. “Our Sarina Outpost services are the last Sunday of each month, but we are praying that God will provide the resources needed for us to increase our services to eventually once a week,” Lieut Jeff said. “We are praying that God will work in a mighty way in Sarina. We are at the basketball stadium in Hoey St and the hall has been given to us to use for as long as we want it for free. God is good.” Central to the service is the worship band which includes Kerri Young, Kimberly Neale, Brent and Emma Neale, Tegan Voois and Sarah Goodwin. “Brent and Emma are the corps’ new youth leaders and

The worship band at Sarina is (from left to right) Kerri Young, Kimberly Neale, Brent and Emma Neale (the new youth leaders), Tegan Voois and Sarah Goodwin.

come with years of experience with fresh ideas for youth,” Lieut Jeff said. “We are excited to have them fully committed to the church and they will be taking up a big part of Sarina ministry.”

Cure for loneliness comes in small package By VICTORIA HOLLICK

ittle Bella has a big role to play. The frisky short-haired Chihuahua is a companion animal to 90 residents at Macquarie Lodge, The Salvation Army aged care centre at Arncliffe in Sydney. Last month, Bella was the centre of attention as residents celebrated her first birthday. When Macquarie Lodge underwent refurbishment last year, the centre decided to enlist the help of a companion animal. Centre manager Maryanne Gray says health care

Bella the Chihuahua gets a cuddle from a resident at Sydney’s Macquarie Lodge during her first birthday party.

professionals have known for some time that loneliness is a big problem for older people in the community. A recent report by Professor Adrian Franklin, from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, confirmed the best way to reduce the feelings of loneliness for aged care residents is to have shared pets or companion animals. “Bella doesn’t think she is a small dog, she is very much a part of the activities here,” said Maryanne. “She spends her days visiting the residents, attending board game activities and keeping residents company at the hairdressers. “The joy that she brings to so many is incredible. Residents’ faces light up when she springs around a corner or jumps into their laps.” Prof Franklin’s recent essay claimed loneliness was directly associated with Alzheimer‘s disease, increased vascular resistance, elevated blood pressure levels, sleep disorders, and reduces the ability to live independently. “The relationships Bella has formed with some residents is not unlike humans,” said Maryanne. “And she has been able to help build friendships and bonds between many of our residents.” Macquarie Lodge isn’t the only Salvation Army aged care centre to adopt the use of animals. Residents of the Army’s Cairns Aged Care Centre in Chapel Hill, Brisbane, get a lot of joy out of their hobby farm, says centre manager Major Steven O’Neill. “Recently I watched as one elderly resident took her son and grandchildren out to the animal enclosure,” he said. “It was a beautiful day and she sat with her son while her grandchildren fed the goats. They stayed out there for some time. It was lovely to witness. “Initially, when we opened the centre in January this year, we weren’t so sure that the farm would have a positive effect on residents, but now we have no doubts.”

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

Author offers generous insight into new devotional A

seminar hosted by American Reverend Brian Kluth at Fairfield City Corps in Sydney has given a sneak preview into material he has prepared specifically for a new Salvation Army devotional booklet on giving that will be launched in January next year. His first booklet, 40-Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life, has been used extensively by Salvation Army corps throughout the Australia Eastern Territory to encourage people to live a life of generosity, particularly with their finances. “I commissioned Reverend Kluth to write a new devotional for us for 2012. It’s entitled Seven Keys to Open-handed Living in a Tight-fisted World,” said Steve Burfield, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory’s Appeals (Internal) Operations Manager. For the past few years, the Australia Eastern Territory’s Planned Giving Department has been using Reverend Kluth’s first book in more than 60 corps. “We started using that back in 2009. It certainly has challenged people. We’ve seen an increase in the average pledged amount,” Steve said. “His message is about how we can become generous, but not only generous with the giving of our money but the giving of every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s through gifts, or whether it’s through time, whether it’s through our resources.” The new devotional outlines seven ways to learn how to become a generous person and challenges individuals to assess how they give financially to the Lord. There will also be a DVD, featuring Reverend Kluth, that will be presented in conjunction with the devotion. Steve said he thoroughly enjoyed the seminar presentation

The Salvation Army’s Steve Burfield with Reverend Brian Kluth who was in Australia recently encouraging Christians to live a generous lifestyle. Photo: David Scarborough

by Reverend Kluth at Fairfield and was once again inspired by his message. “He’s always challenging. Everybody found him challenging because Brian practices what he preaches. He’s a man who lives by faith.” Reverend Kluth is the Generosity Minister at Large at his church, First Evangelical Free Church, in Colorado Springs. He spends much of his time travelling the world preaching, and developing video and online training resources.

National Secretary installed in Canberra L

eaders of The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern and Australia Southern territories travelled to Tuggeranong Corps in Canberra to participate in a service which included the installation of Major Kelvin Alley as the National Secretary.

Commissioner Raymond Finger installs Major Kelvin Alley as The Salvation Army’s National Secretary.

A large congregation gathered, consisting of representatives from corps of both territories and other church denominations. A number of family and friends of Major Alley were also in attendance. Words of welcome were expressed by Captain Mark Everitt (Tuggeranong Corps) and the territorial leaders were introduced by Major David Godkin (Divisional Commander, ACT and South NSW Division). Colonel Wayne Maxwell, the Australia Eastern Territory Chief Secretary, then led the congregation in song accompanied by Tuggeranong Corps band and worship ensemble. Following the singing of Take My Life by the Tuggeranong Songster Brigade, Commissioner Raymond Finger, Territorial Commander Australia Southern Territory, conducted the installation ceremony of Major Alley. During the ceremony, Commissioner Aylene Finger, Major Julie Alley and Colonel Jennifer Walker participated. Major Kelvin Alley gave the Bible message and reflected on the story of blind Bartamaus (Mark 10:46-52), centring on three types of blindness experienced by people today – spiritual blindness, religious blindness and blindness of pride and prejudice. The service concluded with the congregation enthusiastically singing And Can It Be, led by Colonel Peter Walker, Australia Southern Territory Chief Secretary.

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St Marys supports Jews For Jesus St Marys Corps in Sydney has pledged ongoing prayer support for Jewish Christians following a visit from Jews For Jesus member Rahel Landrum. Rahel, who now lives in Sydney, has a wonderful story of conversion to Christianity and has travelled the world as a missionary with her husband, Mark. Her message to the people of St Marys was based around Joel

Jews For Jesus member Rahel Landrum (left) with St Marys Corps officer Major Yan DeTommaso and her son Midshipman Aaron DeTommaso.

chapter 2 with particular emphasis on verse 23: “Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring” (New Living Translation). Rahel was born in Romania but at the age of 12 moved with her family to Israel. Prior to her Israeli army service, Rahel accepted a pastor’s invitation to complete a short Bible course through which she became convinced of Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. Rahel went on to study for a BA in English from Haifa University, an MA in Jewish Missions from Fuller Theological Seminary in the United States, and studied at Capernwray, a Bible school in England. Rahel and Mark were missionaries in Chicago and London before their move to Sydney. The St Marys Corps also made a financial donation to Jews For Jesus and many people signed up for the movement’s newsletter. The congregation was also treated to a visit from Midshipman Aaron DeTommaso, from HMAS Cresswell naval base in Jervis Bay, who is the son of Corps Officers Majors Tony and Yan DeTommaso. The visit was made all the more special for Major Yan as it was Mother’s Day. Dressed in his naval uniform, Aaron gave his testimony acknowledging God’s grace and the blessing of having a Christian mother.

Webber wins book of the year award M

ajor Howard Webber’s Meeting Jesus: Inspiring Stories of Modern-Day Evangelism has been named Christianity Magazine’s book of the year. The book, published by The Salvation Army’s United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland Territory, was a runaway winner of the award, receiving an overwhelming 82 per cent of reader’s votes. The awards are part of the Christian Resources Together Retreat at High Leigh in the UK. Launched in 2010, Christianity Magazine’s book of the year category celebrates quality, original, Christian-themed writing that offers something special to readers. Last year’s winner was Breakout by Mark Stibbe and Andrew Williams, published by Authentic media. Steve Morris gave Major Webber’s book five stars in his review in Christianity Magazine. He wrote: “This book is perhaps the most extraordinary one I’ve reviewed since writing for Christianity. It is a series of stories of evangelism on the hard side of life. It is painfully honest and lists as many failures as successes, as many deaths as new lives. It documents Howard Webber’s spiritual battles too. “It is perhaps the most moving set of accounts I’ve ever read and the most hopeful. It is all too easy to see the role of being God’s ambassadors as reduced to preaching, or set among those who we love and are safe. “But this book challenges us to be where Jesus would be, with the down-and-outs, with the hopeless and the

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

broken. It looks the cost of such ministry square in the eye and carries on just the same.” Ruth Dickinson, Editor of Christianity Magazine, added: “I want to commend Howard Webber for this great achievement, all the more phenomenal because, as a first-time author, he didn’t have the same following as the other more well-known writers on the short-list. “What I loved about Meeting Jesus was the way it documented his “failures” as an evangelist as well as his success stories. “It’s very rare to read something so honest and so inspiring at the same time.” Other books on the short-list, all of which received fivestar reviews during 2010, were: The Best Idea in the World by Mark Greene (Zondervan); Mere Theology by Alister McGrath (SPCK); Forgotten God by Francis Chan (David C Cook); and Present Perfect by Greg Boyd Major Webber (Zondervan).

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

ENROLMENTS

Earlwood Corps

orps Officer Major David Soper enrolled 30 Adherents, a Senior Soldier, and also oversaw another Senior Soldier renewing her covenant at a Membership Sunday at Earlwood Corps last month. Celebrating “A place to belong”, the special service acknowledged the faith of those making these commitments and their desire to follow and be more like their Lord Jesus Christ. The new soldier is Mary Nagle (pictured middle right) while Margaret Ashby (pictured bottom right) renewed her soldier’s covenant. Seven of the Adherents had grown up in The Salvation Army and three had returned last year to worship and to renew their commitment as Adherents. Among those new to the corps are two families who connected through “Salvos in the Park” last year. Soon after this event, their children commenced music lessons at the corps and now both families attend family services on Sunday mornings. Bob Dossor, representative speaker for the newly enrolled group, spoke of the first day he and his wife, Coral, attended the Sunday Family Service. “For the first time we felt spiritually alive!” he said. The group of Adherents (pictured top) includes: Timothy Baroi, Vina Barrie, Sonny and Mayti Damaso, Catherine Davey, Carmelita Dexter, Luke Domrow, Bob and Coral Dossor, Doris Jacobs, Rochelle and Jimmy Logronio, Ben McIlhatten, Terry Meakin, Tony Natale, Vinko Novic, Andrew and Jane Prospero, Caroline Taratoa, The Tai Family – Kent, Liam, Keaghan, Briony and Caitlin, Tyronne Tipler, Rebekah Drysdale, Angela Peyiotis. Those renewing their commitment are Percy Tomassian, Judy Dodgen and Eleanor Jacobs.

Calamvale Corps

t was a family affair when South Queensland Divisional Candidates and Youth Secretary Captain Emma Johnson enrolled three new Junior Soldiers at Calamvale Corps on Mother’s Day. Captain Johnson enrolled her daughter, Phoebe Johnson, and sisters Jessica and Sarah Ford. She also presented another of her daughters, Tahlia Johnson, with her Junior Soldier Bronze

Award. Kay Woods, Corps Officer Major Jo-anne Brown, and Terri Peisley (grandmother of Phoebe and Tahlia) committed themselves as prayer partners for the girls. Pictured below left are the new Junior Soldiers with their prayer pals (back row, left to right) Kay Woods, Terri Peisley, and Major Jo-anne Brown and (front row, left to right) Jessica Ford, Phoebe Johnson, and Sarah Ford. Also at Calamvale recently, Georgie Fisher and Susan Griggs were enrolled as Senior Soldiers. Pictured below with them are Major Brown and flagbearer Maurice Bull.

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promoted to glory

A godly example

ert Beavan was promoted to glory on 30 May, aged 87. A thanksgiving service, conducted by Major Errol Woodbury, was held at Sydney Congress Hall on

2 June. Bert was enrolled as a Senior Soldier at Congress Hall in 1940, and the Beavan family has been part of the corps for more than 80 years. Bert was married to Madge at Congress Hall 63 years ago and their children – Denise, Terry, Heather and Glenda – were all dedicated at the corps. Bert was a member of Sydney Congress Hall band for more than 40 years, 25 of which he served as Band Secretary. His attention to detail and ability to organise was exceptional. He also served as Deputy Songster Leader for many years. The thanksgiving service was attended by many past and present members of the corps. The band comprised current members of the Sydney Congress Hall band, the Sydney Veterans Band, of which Bert was a founding member, and former members who had played with him over the years. Family tributes were paid by Denise, who had come from Canada to be at the service, and Terry, representing their mum Madge and sisters Heather and Glenda. There was a strong emphasis on their father’s care, training and support during their growing up years, all centred on their commitment to Jesus Christ and being involved in his service. The strong example of the loving marriage of their parents supported by prayer and encouragement to give God their best, was clearly shown. Colin Beavan spoke on behalf of himself and his sister, Aileen Nixon, acknowledging their brother Bert’s strong influence in their growing years and especially during the years that followed that. Brother-in-law Max Nixon paid tribute to Bert’s contribution to Salvation Army banding and his abilities that were used not only by the corps, but territorially as well. Grandson Paul prayed and granddaughters Brianne and Aimee read from the Scriptures, representing Bert’s seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. In concluding the service, Major Woodbury reminded those present that the celebration of such a life of commitment and service could only take place in response to Psalm 16:8, a Scripture which Bert took seriously and could testify that, “I have set the Lord before me, because

he is at my right hand and I shall not be moved”. Bert had made that decision as a young man, never moved from it and as a result, Psalm 16:11 – “In thy presence is fullness of joy, at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore” – is now a reality. Madge and her family Denise and Wayne, Terry and Pam, Heather and John, and Glenda and Steve, along with their families, feel confident that Bert’s legacy of devotion to his wife and family and service in The Salvation Army will live on.

Life of influence

r Robert Dixon was promoted to glory on 23 February, aged 60. The funeral service and service of thanksgiving was conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Cairns at Earlwood Corps. Robert John Dixon was born in 1951 in Narrabri, NSW, the eldest son of Dorothy (nee Bennett) and Arthur Dixon. His parents were the Salvation Army corps officers in Narrabri and it was in these early days that Robert began to display a medical condition that was to affect him for the rest of his life. From birth, Robert needed close medical attention. The ladies of the Narrabri Corps surrounded the family with support and helped Robert through his uncertain early months. Robert began to grow and even though limited physically, he began to show a lively and enquiring mind, the first evidence of a brilliant academic career that was to follow. In 1956, the Dixons were appointed to the Crookwell Corps where Robert commenced school and began to display his intellectual ability. It was in Crookwell that Robert gave his life to Jesus and became a lifelong and loyal Salvationist. When Robert’s parents were appointed to Bowral Corps, he joined the local scout group. It was as a scout that he grew in confidence, despite his physical limitations, and eventually achieved that group’s highest honour by becoming a Queen’s Scout. Robert’s poor health remained undiagnosed until his parents were appointed to Territorial Headquarters (THQ) as the resident officers in 1962. It was while living at THQ that Commissioner Dr Bramwell Cook took an interest in Robert and diagnosed him with cystic fibrosis. This information commenced an intensive home health program that was to be part of Robert’s routine for the rest of his life. Robert, encouraged by his parents, refused to be an invalid. In 1967, after a long illness, his mother was promoted

to glory. His father married Major Helen Anderson. Her nursing qualifications helped with existing health concerns and she encouraged Robert in his chosen career. Following high school, Robert entered the University of Sydney to study veterinary science. After graduating, he attended Massey University, New Zealand, during which time he gained his doctorate. Some years later, Robert accepted a position at Sydney University’s veterinary faculty, where he remained until his retirement earlier this year. Robert married Roselyn Prussing and together they worked at the Earlwood Corps until their move to New Zealand. While in New Zealand they were active in the Palmerston North Corps, involved in young people’s work and the corps leadership team. Upon their return to Australia and eventual move into the Cobbitty area of Western Sydney, Robert and Roselyn became active in the Campbelltown Corps. Robert served on the Corps Council as Corps Treasurer, and with Junior Soldiers. For years he organised the Red Shield Appeal in the community, recruiting the corps youth and his veterinary faculty colleagues. Robert’s professional career saw him involved in teaching and research with interests in animal virology, immunology and toxicology. In later years, he became a leading figure in animal ethics and animal welfare. His influence was felt not only in the university sector, but also in remote Indigenous communities. His research led to numerous publications which received high acclaim for their accuracy and careful observation. The sad reality of cystic fibrosis means that most sufferers die at a young age. Because of Robert’s training and ability, he was able to be proactive in working with his medical team and managed to keep on top of his illness until such time that he received a lung transplant in 2002. When Robert was promoted to glory earlier this year, he was the longest living cystic fibrosis sufferer in Australia. In February, Robert celebrated his 60th birthday. At his birthday party with a large group of friends and colleagues, he celebrated the fact he had made it to this age. Although ill and weak, he gave a speech and greeted all his friends. It was only a few days later Robert was called home to receive his heavenly reward. He is survived by his father, stepmother and his wife Roselyn, and sons Jason and Justin, who gave him every care in managing his daily living. He was a dedicated Salvationist, scientist and loyal friend.

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

promoted to glory

Dedicated soldier

iolet Clayton was promoted to glory from St George Hospital, Sydney, on 30 May, aged 90. A funeral service was held at Woronora Crematorium and a celebration meeting at Macquarie Lodge on 6 June. Both were led by Colonel Keith Parkinson, a former corps officer of Violet’s at Bathurst. Vi, as she was fondly known, was the daughter of Herb and Mabel Moxon who had held the positions of Corps Sergeant Major and Home League Secretary at Bathurst Corps for many years. She accepted the Lord as her Saviour while attending The Salvation Army at Bathurst and spent the greater part of her life involved at the corps where she held the positions of Young People’s Sergeant Major, Home League Secretary, Timbrel Leader and Guard Leader. She enjoyed playing the baritone in the band in her earlier years and was always ready with a word of personal testimony. Vi was educated in Bathurst at the local public school. Following this, she went into service in the homes of a couple of wealthy families in the Bathurst district. At the outbreak of the Second World War she, along with many others, was co-opted to work in factories. She spent the war years at Edgell’s cannery, and also making and repairing clothing for the troops who were serving at Bathurst military camp. Towards the end of the year, after his homecoming from Papua New Guinea, Vi married James Laurence Clayton. They had two children, Valerie and Gordon. After Laurie’s death in 1978, Vi and her mother lived together until Mabel had a stroke and was placed in care in Bathurst. During this time, Vi moved to Sydney taking up residence at Macquarie Lodge. For the last 23 years she had a full life there, contributing in many ways to the centre and the folk who resided there. She visited daily those in the nursing

home, helping with their feeding. She also spent time mending clothes and linen and always worked hard in preparation for the annual fete. Throughout all the years, Vi maintained a strong faith in God and demonstrated this in her caring service for others. At the time of her promotion to glory she was the No.1 soldier on the Bathurst Corps soldiers’ roll and continued to forward her cartridge to the corps each week. She also gave sacrificially to the Self Denial Appeal each year.

Quiet servant

ric Woods was promoted to glory on 1 March, aged 85. The Maitland Citadel was full to overflowing for Eric’s thanksgiving service as family and friends gathered to honour the work of God in his life. Major David Soper, Eric’s son-in-law, led the service. Major Shelley Soper, Eric’s daughter, brought the message. His son, Dale, spoke of his dad’s life and humour, and grandsons Luke, Joel and Mark shared life’s lessons passed on by their grandfather. Eric Woods was born on 8 July, 1925, in the tiny village of Dean Bank in Durham, England. He was the fourth of eight children. His father, Frank, a coalminer, and mother, Hilda, were committed Salvationists who bravely relocated the family to Australia in 1926. Eric’s family eventually moved to Maitland where Frank obtained work in the mines. Frank became bandmaster at the Maitland Corps, and instilled into his sons a gift for and love of music. When Eric was 11 his mother died, leaving his eldest sister, Betty, to care for him and his siblings. The Woods family remained close and carried a rich sense of their Salvation Army heritage and a deep

faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. At the age of 18, Eric met Marjory Hilda Wyborn and they married on 28 June, 1947, at The Salvation Army Citadel, Maitland. Over the years, Eric and Marj served together at the corps and ministered to family and friends. They had three children – Dennis, Dale and Shelley – six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. This year, Eric and Marj would have celebrated 64 years of marriage. After a variety of jobs, Eric began his “career” at South Maitland Railways. Commencing as a cleaner, then call boy, clerk, pay master, station master and deputy manager, Eric continued to study to improve himself for each next step. For the last 11 years of his employment he served as manager, before retiring in 1985. For 46 years Eric lived his faith through his quiet witness and example in the workplace. Eric had a deep, abiding love for The Salvation Army and was known for his faithful service as a soldier and bandsman. He was a gifted euphonium player who also blessed many as a vocal soloist and songster. Eric also served as Junior Bandmaster, Corps Treasurer, Corps Secretary, Corps Sergeant Major and in other supportive roles. His quiet, patient ministry to young people, noted and remembered by many, included brass tuition, practical support and spiritual guidance. Since retirement, Eric suffered a number of health difficulties but never complained. As his health deteriorated his faith and confidence in God grew. He will be remembered as a quiet, humble, kind and faithful man who loved and served the Lord and cared for all those around him.

Please email Promoted To Glory reports and, if possible, a photograph to Pipeline at eastern.editorial.editorial@aue. salvationarmy.org. Please limit reports to no more than 400 words.

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about people Appointments

Effective 1 September: Major David and Captain Doreen Temine, Australia Eastern Territory, Assistant Program Secretaries.

International Appointments

Captain Elizabeth Garland, Social Programme Development Officers, Southern Africa Territory.

Bereaved

Major Jessie Rablin of her sister Phyllis Newman on 15 May; Major Frank Moxon of his father Frank Moxon on 29 May

Promoted to Glory

Major Janice Hansen on Friday 27 May.

SAGALA Awards

The following people have received the Commissioner’s Challenge Award: Shanara Collingwood, Ipswich Corps; Jessica Agius, Bundamba Corps; Alex Bartle, St Mary Corps; Nicko Winsor O’Keefe, Simeon Bower, both Maitland City Corps. The following person has received the Twenty Years of Service to SAGALA Award: Kay Richards, Pine Rivers Corps.

time to pray 26 June – 2 July

Long Jetty Corps, Maclean Corps, Macquarie Fields Mission, all NSW; Longreach Corps/Rural Chaplaincy Base, Mackay Corps, Mackay Northern Beaches Mission, all Qld; Five Year Review – Collaroy (27-30); Founders Day (2); Queensland Performing Arts Camp (2-9); Indigenous Appeal Sunday (3).

3-9 July

Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Services, Maitland City Corps, Manly Corps, Maroubra Corps, Eastern Suburbs Community Welfare Centre, Menai Corps, all NSW; Maroochydore Corps, Maryborough Corps, both Qld.

10-16 July

India Southern Territory; Miranda Corps, Montrose Residential Aged Care, Moree Corps, all NSW; Moneycare THQ; Mount Isa Corps, Qld; Mountain View/Burrangiri Aged Care Services, ACT.

and Central NSW Divisional Headquarters, Newcastle Bridge Youth Family and Alcohol Support Program, Newcastle Community Welfare Centre, Newcastle Worship and Community Centre, all NSW; Nerang Community Welfare Centre, Qld; Central and North Queensland Officers Fellowship (25-28); Coutts Memorial Lecture (28); Just Men conference (29-31); Children’s Day of Prayer (31).

31 July – 6 August

Noosa Corps, Noosa Shire Housing Program, North Brisbane Corps, North Ipswich Indigenous Ministries, all Qld; North New South Wales Division Rural Mission, North New South Wales Divisional Headquarters, both NSW; Newcastle and Central NSW Division Mission Forum (1-2); Divisional Youth Secretary’s Consultative Forum (3-4); South Queensland Division Children Matter Conference (5-7); Suicide Prevention Week, Children and Youth Decision Week (7-14).

7-13 August

India Northern Territory; Northlakes Corps, Oasis Youth Centre Wyong, Oasis Youth Network Hunter, all NSW; Northside Corps, Oasis Youth Residential Service, both ACT; 15 year Review (8-11); Officers Brengle (9-18); South Queensland Division Healthy Mission Training (12); Triterritorial Theological Forum (12-13); Junior Soldier Renewal Day (14).

engagement calendar Commissioners James Condon (Territorial Commander) and Jan Condon Canberra: Sun 3 July – An Ecumenical Memorial Service Cessnock: Sat 16-Sun 17 July – Cessnock Corps 100th Anniversary Celebration #Collaroy: Fri 22-Sun 24 July – Women’s Holiness Conference North Bexley: Sat 23-Sun 24 July – Candidates Weekend Capricorn: Sun 24 July – Capricorn Region Curry Night Central & North Qld: Mon 25-Tues 26 July – Officers Fellowship Sydney: Wed 27 July – Salvo Legal Lunch North Bexley: Fri 29 July – Retreat Day and Indigenous Flag Raising *Collaroy: Fri 29-Sun 31 – Just Men Conference *Commissioner James Condon only #Commissioner Jan Condon only

Colonels Wayne (Chief Secretary) and Robyn Maxwell

17-23 July

North Ipswich: Sun 10 July – Corps Visit South Qld: Sun 10 July – Sports Mission Church #Collaroy: Fri 22-Sun 24 July – Women’s Holiness Conference North Bexley: Sat 23-Sun 24 July – Candidates Weekend *Collaroy: Fri 29 July-Sun 31 July – Just Men Conference

24-30 July

*Colonel Wayne Maxwell only #Colonel Robyn Maxwell only

Mudgee Corps, Nambucca River Corps, Narellan Corps, Narrabri Corps, Narwee Corps, all NSW; Nambour Corps, Qld; National Secretariat, THQ; Women’s Holiness Conference, Collaroy (22-24); Candidates Weekend (22-24).

Taiwan Territory, Majors Robert and Leanne Duncan; Newcastle