Others

others

CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF CARING

ACCOLADES FOR MUNNS REFUGEE WEEK THE COMMON GOOD AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY JUNE 2015 VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 6 PIPELINEONLINE.ORG

GOING 4 GOLD

nk you haGIVING TFOR HOPE!

RED SHIELD

DOORKNOCK

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ABOVE: Despite enduring the horrors of civil war in Sierra Leone, Ed Conteh’s life reflects a deep-seated joy.

COVER STORY

14 OTHERS Cultivating a culture of caring is the aim of Others Week this month

REGULARS 5

TC@PIPELINE

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INTEGRITY

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SOUL FOOD

32 ARMY ARCHIVES 34 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW?

FEATURES

24 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY A Salvation Army program is giving young people living in challenging circumstances hope for employment

26 STEPPING OUT IN STYLE The newly formed Sydney Salvation Brass has hit the ground running with a busy schedule

29 PIANO MAN Earle Ivers will be more than a mere spectator at the Boundless international congress in London next month

41 COALFACE NEWS 52 PROMOTED TO GLORY

The Salvation Army | WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria street London EC4P 4EP | André Cox, General Australia Eastern Territory, 140 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | James Condon, Commissioner, Territorial Commander Bruce Harmer, Major, Communications and Public Relations Secretary | Managing Editor, Scott Simpson | Graphic design, Kem Pobjie 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 All Bible references are quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise stated.

The power of one word

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t was Christmas Eve. According to an extract from one of the many biographies about his extraordinary life, General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was in poor health.

He had become an invalid and his eyesight was failing.

Booth’s deteriorating condition meant that he was unable to attend an upcoming Army congress. It was suggested that, in lieu of his absence, he should send a telegram to be read at the opening of the congress. It would be a tremendous encouragement to the many soldiers of The Salvation Army who would be in attendance, after their many hours of ministering to so many throughout the Christmas holidays and the cold winter months. Booth agreed to do so.

In communicating by telegram, you paid for each word sent. Knowing that Salvation Army funds were limited and desiring not to use any

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SCOTT SIMPSON, Managing Editor more money than necessary, Booth decided to send a one-word message.

He searched his mind and reviewed his years of ministry, looking for the one word that would summarise his life, the mission of the Army, and encourage Salvationists to continue in their service.

A few weeks later, as thousands of Salvationists gathered for the congress, it was announced that General Booth, because of his failing health, would not be in attendance.

An atmosphere of disappointment descended on the convention hall.

It was then announced that Booth, anticipating his absence, had sent a message to be read at the opening of the first session. A hush settled over the congress. The telegram was opened and the one-word message proclaimed: Others!

CARING FOR OTHERS At least, that’s how this particular biographer tells the story. There are

many, even with the Army, who claim that while it is a rousing tale, it actually never happened; that the telegram never existed and the story is simply a myth that over the years has developed legendary status.

But that’s not the point. Regardless of whether or not Booth sent the telegram, there’s no doubting that “others” was a philosophy that he embraced.

Over cover story in this issue of Pipeline focuses on others, or, to be accurate, Others Week. It’s an initiative of the Australia Eastern Territory’s Salvos Caring team. In today’s society, people are busier than ever. The challenge of Others Week is to channel some of that busyness into caring for others. It’s what Salvationists do, or at least should do.

More than a century after his death, General William Booth would be satisfied to know that a philosophy of “others” continues to drive the ministry of the organisation he founded.

tc@pipeline

Desperate world crying out for acts of love, grace and mercy WHETHER IT’S CAMPAIGNING FOR JUSTICE AND MERCY FOR DESPERATE BOAT PEOPLE, OR BUYING A CUP OF COFFEE FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS SOME ENCOURAGEMENT, JESUS IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR HIS FOLLOWERS TO EXPRESS THEIR FAITH IN PRACTICAL WAYS ••• Commissioner James Condon is Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory

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rime Minister Tony Abbott has warned that more people will die at sea unless tougher action on people smugglers is taken across South East Asia and North Africa, amid increasingly desperate diplomatic efforts to confront the deepening crisis in the region.

I read the story of a 14-year-old boy from Bangladesh who was snatched by people traffickers and forced onto a boat. The next few weeks were a nightmare for him. He almost starved to death, he saw relatives being killed and then he was forced to jump overboard after being attacked.

Fortunately he survived and was plucked from the sea to safety. He said his desire was to return home to his mother.

A report stated that he was among 900 migrants who were saved in one day in the latest crisis due to Thailand’s move to clamp down on people smuggling and trafficking routes.

Thousands of abandoned people have arrived in Indonesia and Malaysia in recent weeks and thousands more are supposed to be stranded at sea.

Survivors have reported that many people were either drowned or killed in the violence on board the boats.

Where is justice and mercy for these boat people?

Where are the strangers being welcomed?

ETERNAL FOCUS In Matthew chapter 25 and verse 35 we read: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Jesus here instances certain works of mercy which may be performed during our earthly pilgrimage as examples of the kind of acts which he deems worthy of eternal reward.

They are proofs of self-denial, sympathy, charity, justice. These attitudes demonstrate that those who carry out their works have something of God in them and the works are seen as works of love, grace and mercy.

God the Judge will ask not what we have felt or thought but what we have done or left undone in our dealing with others.

Over the week of 14-21 June, The Salvation Army in this territory will celebrate an initiative of our Salvos Caring team – OTHERS Week.

It is a week set aside for us to intentionally focus on not only thinking of others, but doing something about it.

During OTHERS Week may our focus be on others as we ask ourselves: “What can I do? How can I be involved?”

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integrity | articles of faith

Doctrine for today CONTINUING A SERIES ON THE SALVATION ARMY ’S 11 ARTICLES OF FAITH WRITTEN BY MEMBERS OF ITS INTERNATIONAL DOCTRINE COUNCIL, WE FOCUS ON THE FOURTH FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINE ••• words COMMISSIONER WILLIAM FRANCIS

THE PERSON

“W

ho is this man?”

No question is more central to the Gospels. The question appears throughout the Gospel narratives.

Jesus’ enemies asked the question. The Pharisees and teachers of the law who were in Capernaum witnessed Jesus forgiving the sins of the paralytic man prior to healing him. They “began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy?’” (Luke 5:17, 21).

Jesus’ disciples asked the question. After Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, his disciples “were terrified and asked each other ‘Who is this?

Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” (Mark 4:41).

The crowds cramming the Jerusalem streets on the Sunday before Passover asked the question. As the throngs hailed Jesus riding on a donkey, Matthew records: “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole

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city was stirred and asked: “Who is this?”’ (Matthew 21:10).

The crucial turning point of the Gospel story hinges on this question.

About five months before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus sat down with his disciples at the foot of Mount Hermon near Caesarea Philippi. He asked them: “‘Who do people say that I am?”’ After listening to their responses, he turned and asked: “‘But what about you? Who do you say I am?”’ (Matthew 16:1320; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-22).

Predictably, Peter answered first, and with the right answer: “‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”’ (Matthew 16:16 New Living Translation). From that pivotal moment on, “Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things ...”

(Matthew 16:21).

John makes it clear that resolving the question of Jesus’ identity is the primary purpose for writing his Gospel: “But

these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

Jesus has always been a controversial figure. Unlike all other historic notables, the debate about Jesus of Nazareth does not focus on his teaching or actions, but on his identity.

Jesus’ teaching and actions compel us to progress from understanding his teaching to recognising the essence of his being – his divinity.

In Jesus, divinity takes on humanity; he is “truly and properly God and truly and properly man”. While other great thinkers and achievers generate an abundance of “good views”, Jesus alone is “good news”.

Jesus is God incarnate.

Jesus was a man like no other. He taught the fatherhood of God and at the same time asserted his equality with God. Jesus maintained that “all things have been committed to me by

articles of faith | integrity

We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.

(The fourth doctrine of The Salvation Army)

my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son ...” (Matthew 11:27).

At the conclusion of the final Passover meal (the Seder) with his disciples, Jesus comforts his followers. After declaring: “‘If you really know me, you will know my Father as well”’, Philip questioned: “‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”’ Jesus answered: “‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.

How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”’ (John 14:7-9).

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine (HOD) succinctly answers the timeless question ‘Who is this man?’

“In the person of Jesus Christ the two natures are full and indivisibly united. Jesus in his divine nature is one with God the Father and in his human nature is one with us. Jesus reveals God to us (John 14:9)” (HOD, p86).

THE DIVINE – TRULY AND PROPERLY GOD John concisely clarifies the distinctiveness of Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning” (John 1:1, 2).

Underscoring this theological truth, Jesus’ own words and actions revealed that he was God. When the disciples of John the Baptist questioned: ‘“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”’, Jesus replied: ‘“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor”’ (Luke 7:20-22).

Isaiah looked forward to the day of the Messiah’s coming: “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of

the blind will see” (Isaiah 29:18).

Later the prophet described the year of the Lord’s favour: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61:1, 2).

Jesus paused after reading these verses from Isaiah in his home synagogue in Nazareth.

He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, sat down and proclaimed: “‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”’ (Luke 4:21). The Mashiach – the Lord’s anointed Messiah – the Son of God and Son of Man, had come.

The glory of the celestial God is seen in his Son, the human God-man, Jesus. In the face of Jesus, we experience “... >>>

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soul food

Soul Food M y fa vour i te ve r se EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS A FAVOURITE BIBLE VERSE THAT HAS EITHER IMPACTED THEM AT ONE STAGE IN THEIR WALK WITH CHRIST, OR CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE AND NOURISH THEM ON THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. MAJOR DONNA EVANS SHARES HER FAVOURITE PIECE OF SCRIPTURE

“There’s a child here with f ive loaves and two f ish, but what good is that?” – John 6:9

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•••

ifferent Bible verses have been significant for me at various times of my life.

When I entered officer training, I held on to Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear for I am with you ... I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

1 Peter 5:10 sustained me during my cancer journey: “After you have suffered a little while, God himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

For the past 10 months, however, the story of the child with a few loaves and fish has been on my mind.

Since June last year I have been

living in the Netherlands – a beautiful country, with warm, welcoming people and great flowers, bread, cheese and ice-cream! The challenge for me is that everything is in Dutch (this should not have been a surprise!).

Answering emails, photocopying, navigating around the computer, meetings, worship, shopping, social conversations and reading – all of these things are no longer easy.

Many times I find myself unable to understand, communicate or contribute. The freedom in ministry I once enjoyed has been severely hampered.

I now find myself feeling like a small, helpless child. It seems like I have only a few small things in my hands to offer – and what I have in my hands is totally inadequate for the people, situations, ministry and tasks I

am facing. My thoughts often echo the disciple’s words in this story – what good is that?

I am thankful that the story does not end with those words!

The willingness of a small child to give up his certain lunch resulted in thousands being fed.

Small, inadequate offerings, placed in the hands of Jesus can accomplish miraculous feats. This brings me comfort and hope.

If I am willing to place everything I have in his hands – as limited as that offering seems – he can do abundantly more than I think or imagine. The Lord of the harvest can take it, break it and use it to “feed” many.

Thank you, Jesus – help me to trust and not doubt what you can and will do!

Jesus, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Jesus was fully human. He experienced all characteristics of the human condition, including temptation. The writer to the Hebrews underscores this amazing maxim: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest ... Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:14,

15). Jesus was joyful (John 15:9-11); Jesus loved (John 11:3-5); Jesus was hungry (Mark 11:12); Jesus became angry (John 2:15, 16), and Jesus wept – for his friends (John 11:35), over his enemies (Luke 19:41) and for himself (Hebrews 5:7).

Jesus was also humorous. While it is not recorded that Jesus laughed, the allusion to attempting to remove a splinter from another’s eye, while a beam protrudes from one’s one eye (Matthew 7:4), and the reference to straining out a gnat, yet swallowing a camel (Matthew 23:24), are packed with humour.

The magnificent, resplendent reality is that Jesus is our human brother and our divine Saviour. To this we joyfully respond – Hallelujah!

con t in u ed fr o m page 7 . . . the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

THE HUMAN – TRULY AND PROPERLY MAN Jesus voluntarily and temporarily gave up some of his divine attributes while on earth. This is known as kenosis, from the Greek word for emptiness κένωσις, kénōsis.

It refers to the “self-emptying” of Christ’s human will and becoming entirely receptive to God’s divine will.

For example, the most obvious kenosis was Christ’s temporary laying aside of the divine characteristic of omnipresence – the ability to be present in all places at all times. As a human being, Jesus was never in two places at the same time.

Paul clearly describes the divine and human dimensions of Christ

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This article appears courtesy of The Officer magazine

A LITTLE HOPE CAN GO A LONG WAY

SUNDAY

9 AUGUST SYDNEY

Grab the whole family and join us as we walk, run, dance or jog our way to the finish line to help raise vital funds for The Salvation Army.

Race for the Salvos and you’ll receive a free singlet, entry to pre-race breakfast and entry to the Westpac tent at Bondi.

Sign up at city2surf.com.au and make sure to choose The Salvation Army as your charity of choice on the registration form.

feature | farewell service

Accolades flow for 'servants of God' TERRITORY SAYS FAREWELL TO THE MUNNS ••• words ESTHER PINN photos LENA POBJIE

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olonels Richard and Janet Munn were honoured for their two years' service to The Salvation Army's Australia Eastern Territory during an emotional farewell service at Hurstville Corps on Sunday 3 May. Colonel Richard has been serving as the territory's Chief Secretary while Colonel Janet has been the School for Officer Training Principal.

They have been appointed to the USA Eastern Territory – Richard as Territorial Secretary for Theology and Christian Ethics and Janet as Principal for the College for Officer Training. They will begin their new roles on 1 July.

With emotion stirring in his voice, the Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, spoke candidly of his working relationship with the Munns and praised them for their contribution to the territory.

“Here we have two servants of God marked by prayer and holiness who’ve contributed so much to the territory. I hold special memories of significant moments of the past two years,” Commissioner Condon said.

Tears welled in Colonel Janet’s eyes as she spoke candidly about her journey from disorientation, when she first arrived in Australia, to experiencing a season of enrichment.

“I experienced God’s grace here in new ways," she said. "I’ve been challenged in my personal growth, had my worldview enlarged and changed, and I’ve discovered a larger family in Christ.”

Colonel Janet outlined how God challenged her to empty herself in an act of surrender – as Jesus did when he came to earth in human form – when she arrived in Australia. She then encouraged

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everyone to do the same. Colonel Janet also gave a dramatic scripture presentation from the book of Colossians.

Colonel Richard thanked Commissioner Condon for being his mentor over the past two years.

“Esteemed special thanks to our leaders, Commissioners James and Jan Condon,” he said.

“God’s gift to this territory for this season and God’s gift for Janet and me … it’s been a profound privilege to serve with you."

PROFOUND INFLUENCE A heartfelt and passionate appreciation message was given by Hawkesbury City Corps Officer, Lieutenant Nicola Poore.

She spoke honestly about the influence Colonel Janet had over her life while studying at the School For Officer Training.

The Salvation Army’s Chief Financial Officer, Ian Minnett, reflected on working with Colonel Richard and the pastoral role he brought to the territorial headquarters office.

“I have found you to be a passionate man of God, ready to pray, preach and pastor at a moment's notice in any situation. You have cared for me personally and I have really appreciated your pastor’s heart,” Ian said.

Ian also presented gifts to the Munns, including Bondi tourist T-shirts and Australia-themed travel coffee mugs.

Hurstville Band, the Sydney Staff Songsters and a worship group, led by SFOT Assistant Training Principal Major Deborah Robinson, all performed a number of moving worship songs.

farewell service | feature

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Colonel Richard Munn displays his Aussie T-shirt; Colonel Janet Munn gives her inspiring Scripture presentation; The Munns being prayed for during the service; Colonel Munn and Commissioner James Condon share a heartfelt moment at the Mercy Seat; Commissioner Jan Condon expresses her gratitude before leading the congregation in song.

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feature | farewell letter

ONWARD AND FORWARD. TOGETHER. UNITED

ON THE EVE OF HIS RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES, COLONEL RICHARD MUNN HAS PENNED A HEARTFELT LETTER TO THE AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY, EXHORTING SALVATIONISTS TO CONTINUE THE GOOD WORK THEY ARE DOING AND TO EMBRACE THE BRAVE AND VISIONARY FORWARD TOGETHER STRATEGIC MISSION PLAN

Beloved Australia Eastern Territory,

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fter two swift years our Australian adventure is coming to a close. On 1 July, we begin new appointments in our home USA Eastern Territory; Janet as Principal for the College for Officer Training, and I will serve as Territorial Secretary for Theology and Christian Ethics. Both are beautiful appointments, for which we thank God. In total, it will be exactly seven years since we departed from “home”.

How we will miss Australia Eastern, forever imprinted upon our hearts. Thank you for every gracious expression of generosity and hospitality during our days here.

What a season of learning this has been; Janet in the environment of cadet training and higher education and for me, great swathes of learning from colleagues and senior leaders who oversee every facet of a territory pulsing with energy and life. This has often taken me to the “end of my

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hoarded resources”, and then, of course, in the words of the hymn writer, “the Fathers full giving only began; as my labours increased, then He sent more strength”.

Under Christ we can be proud of our innovative and progressive territory. The Salvation Army’s worldwide Thursday morning prayer meeting originated here; One Army One Mission began here, the 7 Mission Priorities began here and Freedom Language began here. And now, Forward Together, an unfolding, precedent-setting, longrange strategic plan with quite breathtaking content and structure.

With our Oasis, Streetlevel, temples and congress halls, Salvos Stores, Salvos Legal, Salvos Housing, Salvos Women and Just Men, Aged Care Plus, Employment Plus, flying padres, refugee work, recovery work, traditional and contemporary communities of faith, the Thought Matters

farewell letter | feature

LEFT: Colonel Richard Munn speaks at a Commissioning service during his tenure as Chief Secretary.

Colonel Munn, who has returned to the US, has delivered a heartfelt final message to the territory.

conference, Pipeline and creative School for Officer Training off-site training modules, we have a deserved reputation for thinking forward and doing what is necessary to finish the job.

Beloved colleagues, I am urging confidence in this venture.

The writer to the Hebrews captures it well in reference to the Exodus: “We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first” (3:14).

I am exhorting this beautiful territory towards confidence in: • • • • •

The supremacy of Christ; The power of the gospel unto salvation; The authority of Scripture; The integrity of Army mission; The legacy of our territory.

We are part of a team, so to speak. In Australia, are used to cheering on Swans, Eels, Wallabies and Wanderers. What might our team be? The Sydney Servants? The Brisbane Brigade? The Canberra Captains?

I want to suggest Australia East United. What a team name!

Beloved colleagues, please keep this going, onward, forward, together ... united. Australia Eastern is a vibrant witness to the rest of the Army world.

Be assured of our prayers, cheers and intense interest from the United States eastern seaboard.

“Go forth in peace, and be of good courage, Hold fast to that which is good.

Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit Be with you and remain with you forever.”

Until we meet again,

Colonel Richard Munn, Chief Secretary (aka “our Pommie chief, Munnsie”.)

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feature | others week

others

REACHING OUT TO

IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, WE ARE BUSIER THAN EVER. THE CHALLENGE IS TO DIRECT SOME OF THAT BUSYNESS INTO CARING FOR OTHERS, WHICH STARTS WITH PUTTING GOD FIRST IN OUR LIVES ••• words LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SIMONE ROBERTSON (Territorial Salvos Caring Coordinator)

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was excited as I watched the Forward Together live stream where Commissioner James Condon outlined The Salvation Army’s new strategic mission for the Australia Eastern Territory.

He highlighted four main focus areas – Transforming Lives, Healthy Faith Communities, Unified Mission Expressions and Courageous Stewardship.

Forward Together is all about us, as The Salvation Army, helping others spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically. We want everyone to know and feel the love of God in their lives.

However, the 21st-century Western world is busy. Everyone seems to be time-poor – even those who have retired from paid work say that they are busier than ever. But what are we busy doing and why are we so busy doing it?

Busyness doesn’t necessarily translate into productiveness, fulfilment, satisfaction, helpfulness, kindness, generosity and friendliness. And caring for or loving others around us – our family, friends, workmates, bus drivers, supermarket employees, neighbours – is often overlooked.

So what are we busy doing? Is it focused on us and our needs or is it targeted towards God and other people? And why are we busy doing what we are doing? Is it just to make our own life better by paying the bills, increasing our comfort levels and having fun or does it involve developing our love for God and our heartfelt desire to help others?

GOD’S MODEL Salvationists – or Salvos as we like to call ourselves

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– are not immune from the busyness of this world.

Actually, I am sold out to busyness, but not as the world defines it. I am totally committed to living out Matthew 22:37-39: “Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence’.” This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: “Love others as well as you love yourself” (The Message).

Caring Salvos are busy loving God with every fibre of their being. We want to spend time with him, we want to communicate with him and we want to learn from him. Jesus Christ shouts it to us – be busy getting to know God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Be busy with God – listening, learning, asking and growing more like him.

And out of this God-focused busyness springs the God-directed action to love others as we love ourselves. If we are to effectively help and love others we must allow God to build into us so that we have a healthy, strong, humble respect and love for ourselves.

Caring for others is God’s idea. He models it.

He does it. Jesus Christ died for us and he lives with us now. God is always reaching out to build us up and he desperately wants us to do all we can for others.

Paul, in Galatians 6:3, urges us to “Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law ...”

(The Message). In Galatians 6:10, he says: “Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith” (The Message).

others week | feature

Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson heads up Salvos Caring.

A week of kindness

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THERS Week (14-21 June) is an initiative

I know this is what God wants me to do, however, in our busy society it is not easy. I am continually looking for creative ways to get beyond the world’s busyness so I can bring the love, peace and joy of Jesus to others through practical caring.

COMMUNITIES TRANSFORMED In the Salvos Caring workbook Soul Companions, Jonathan Browning writes: “Loving God and loving our neighbour may very well be at the heart of the Christian faith but loving our neighbour is becoming increasingly difficult to live out. The fruit of this difficulty is an increasingly alienated, divisive and isolated society.

“Loneliness and anxiety are all too real and for many of us any sense of a common and shared humanity is nothing more than a lofty ideal. We just don’t know each other, let alone live in a way of being able to express and reveal the love of God with one another. But in our heart of hearts we know that loving God and loving our neighbour as ourselves is indeed the hope of our world.

Imagine for a moment what our society might look like if a wave of holy love was unleased upon the world. Why, it may just be like the days of the early Church where the observation from the wider community was, ‘Look how they love one another’.”

Wow, what a world that would be – Salvo volunteers, staff, adherents, soldiers and officers focusing on our relationship with God that leads to us reaching out to help and build up others. I can see lives and communities transformed.

This is a busyness that makes a world of difference to us and to others. 

of Salvos Caring, a ministry intentionally focused on caring for others in a practical way. It is an opportunity for people to make a deliberate decision to carry out acts of kindness to friends, neighbours, work colleagues or anyone they are in contact with.

“OTHERS Week exists to inspire and celebrate what’s already happening in The Salvation Army," says Lieutenant-Colonel Simone Robertson, Salvos Caring Coordinator. "It’s the DNA of The Salvation Army. It’s a chance to not be self-focused but to use who we are to reach out to others.”

Acts of kindness include, and are not limited to, buying someone a coffee, making a meal, mowing a lawn and taking someone to a doctor’s appointment.

There will be a virtual launch across the Australia Eastern Territory to start OTHERS Week.

Throughout the week, people will be encouraged to participate in daily photo challenges. They can also share their stories by posting photos and captions of their acts of kindness on Salvos Caring social media channels.

Post your photo and caption on Facebook (facebook.com/salvoscaring), Instagram (instagram.com/salvoscaring) or Twitter (twitter. com/salvoscaring) and include the #ichooseothers hashtag (for more hashtag options, see breakout box). Or email your photo and caption to salvos. caring@aue.salvationarmy.org and the Salvos Caring team will post your story on its social media channels.

– Esther Pinn

Sunday, 14 July – #Belonging Monday, 15, July – #Joy Tuesday, 16 July – #Tasting Wednesday, 17 July – #Feeling Thursday, 18 July – #Seeing Friday, 19 July – #Experiences Saturday, 20 July – #Gratitude Sunday, 21 July – #Friendship

New Testament references on the theme of reaching out to others: John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:11-12, 2 John 1:5.

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feature | others week

care

Communities of

‘BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER’ IS THE VISION BEHIND THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ’S ‘OTHERS WEEK’ FROM 14-21 JUNE. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SIMONE ROBERTSON, TERRITORIAL SALVOS CARING COORDINATOR, SAYS, ‘OTHERS WEEK WORKS TOWARDS BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF FAITH, HOPE AND COMPASSION, AS WE READ IN 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11, BEING EXPRESSED IN PRACTICAL WAYS.’ SOME EXPRESSIONS OF THE SALVATION ARMY ARRANGE SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES FOR THIS WEEK, WHILE OTHERS FOCUS ON DEVELOPING INITIATIVES AND APPROACHES THAT ARE INTEGRATED INTO THEIR CORPS OR CENTRE, SIMPLY AS PART OF WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO. BELOW, PIPELINE SHARES SOME OF THEIR STORIES

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SALVOS STORES n the lead-up to Others Week, Freddy Choo, Manager – Retail and Marketing, Salvos Stores, has encouraged store managers throughout the territory to dress mannequins in their display windows to represent the wide spectrum of both donors and customers who are part of Salvos Stores.

“Donors who have more can donate more, so our customers have a larger range of products to choose from to meet their needs,” said Mr Choo.

“To me, Salvos Stores is contributing to Others Week with what we have in our hands. This is the ‘brick’ that we bring to rebuild the ruined wall of Jerusalem. This is symbolic of working together and the rebuilding the wall is a picture of reestablishing strength.

“We have individuals and families in our communities whose walls have cracked and fallen away. Others Week highlights their needs and propels us into action. We always get involved in Others Week because, as Jesus talks about in Matthew 25, our lives are all about others.”

STARTING SMALL Captain Belinda Atherton-Northcott, Greater West Divisional Mission Support Officer, and her team are building the profile of Salvos Caring and assisting people to see the broad range of caring opportunities available to everyone as part of overall mission.

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As Others Week approaches, the team is working on an “Acts of Kindness” campaign.

“As part of this, we are producing a ‘pass it on’ card for people to give to others when they do an act of kindness for them,” says Captain AthertonNorthcott. “The card states that the person has been blessed by a Salvos Caring act of kindness, and also contains the local corps contact numbers and Facebook page details.

“This makes it easier for people to do something for others in the community and link them back to the corps. We’re starting with simple acts of kindness and hope to build from there. It’s sowing a seed.”

REACHING COMMUNITY The Auburn Corps in western Sydney has launched an “Others” team that will operate throughout the year, going into the community and serving people in practical ways.

“We both strongly believe that in whichever community we worship, we are called to reach out into that community,” says Major Robbin Moulds, Auburn Corps Officer.

“We began our team soon after the home of a lady in the community burned down. We pulled together a team to help and from that, created the Others team,” says Major Moulds. “The whole church is part of it. When there’s a need, everyone receives an ‘others alert’ – an email outlining what is needed, and then people respond.”

others week | feature

KINDNESS At Life Community Church in Brisbane, the focus is on acts of kindness throughout the year.

“Our ‘Acts of Kindness’ initiative is just getting off the ground, but people are really responding,” says Captain Bronwyn Barkmeyer, Corps Officer.

“For example, someone identified a woman who has a debilitating illness, young children and is in need of help. We are sending around a team to do some repairs on the house, clean up the garden and build a sandpit for the kids.

“We have also had initial meetings with the local high school chaplain and principal about having some of our young guys from the corps assisting with the school sporting teams. It looks as though this will go ahead with the basketball team.

“We also did a morning tea at a local school to thank the teachers for what they do in our community and are planning to occasionally make cupcakes and slices for local businesses.”

INVESTING IN OTHERS At Lismore Corps in North NSW, changes are taking place. “For some years now our corps has been focusing on being a safe place for everyone, building a healthy community, and making disciples through relationships,” says Captain Jennifer Reeves, Lismore Corps Officer.

“The journey has been about finding ways to make room for real relationships in our busy lives.

It’s not a tangible journey but it is leading to deeper

ABOVE: connections with people and long-lasting faith Salvos Stores journeys. It’s all about investing in others.” manager Freddy Fran, who attends the corps, is an example Choo is getting of giving to others. She seeks opportunities to his staff behind pray with people, invites family and friends to the Others events that will help them grow spiritually, and campaign. encourages those who are down.

“People are giving themselves to others in lots of simple and beautiful ways,” says Captain Reeves.

“It’s nothing organised but shows a culture of change that is growing, capturing people’s hearts one by one.”

PART OF LIFE “Others Week is like a normal week for us,” says Peter Alward, Territorial General Manager, Property.

“In order for our team to support Salvation Army ‘frontline’ services, all of our team volunteer at Sydney Streetlevel Mission once a month. Our team is very supportive and wants to be involved.”

Rockdale Corps in Sydney’s east regularly reaches out to people in the community, especially those who are lonely, connected to the corps through ministries, are facing particular hardships, or just need a safe and caring place to go.

“Salvos Caring and focusing on others is an integral part of what we do,” says Major Romona Kinder, Rockdale Corps Officer. “It’s woven through the corps.”

For Others Week and Salvos Caring resources, go to toolkit.salvos.org.au/missionteam 

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feature | refugee week

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refugee week | feature

FREETOWN TOFREEDOM AUBURN SALVATIONISTS EDWARD AND BEOLA CONTEH ENDURED THE HORRORS OF CIVIL WAR IN SIERRA LEONE, YET THEY, AND MANY OTHER REF UGEES, EXPRESS AN OVERFLOWING JOY IN GOD, AN ATTITUDE WHICH IS HAVING A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON OTHERS ••• words BILL SIMPSON photos ADAM HOLLINGWORTH

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friend – prominent in the trade unions – stopped me in the street a few months ago to tell me he had become a Christian. He was raised in a Salvation Army family, doing all the usual things like junior band and junior soldiers, but lost interest in his teens – now 40 years ago – and went in a different direction.

His news was an answer to prayer. We had talked often about Christian things during our newspaper journalist and trade union leader discussions over the years. He believed in God, but that was about it. Now he had taken the crucial step to Christ.

While I was delighted with his news, it was the “how” he came to his decision that enthralled me.

My friend, Paul, has always had a big heart for people suffering injustice. To his trade union activist credentials, he had added legal qualifications.

That brought him in contact with refugee families in the past couple of years. He was compelled to help refugees trapped in Africa reunite with family in Australia.

It was through the refugees that he discovered

Christ. And herein lies a lesson for us all.

What impressed him the most about the refugees he was able to bring to Australia was their joy and their “overflowing gratitude” to God. How could this be, he wondered. They had been to hell and back. They were entitled, he thought, to question God. But they had no complaints about the horrors faced in their homeland. They didn’t blame God for any of it. They just thanked God – continually – for his goodness to them.

Intrigued, he attended an African refugee church to try to understand how they could be so thankful in circumstances others would regard as tribulation. It was in their church – a church full of praise and thanksgiving – that he found Jesus. It was through their joy that he saw his Lord.

That brings us to Edward Conteh (pictured left), a refugee from Sierra Leone.

LIVES THREATENED Edward was born in the northern village of Makeni, 200km from the capital, Freetown, in 1970. He lived with his parents, six brothers and sisters and six step-brothers and sisters. Life was pretty >>>

pipeline 6/2015 19

feature | refugee week

God gives us the strength in our experiences. He has brought us here [Sydney] for his purpose to spread the Good News of his kindness.

good. They were a middle-class family, freely able to attend school and university.

Early in his life, Edward’s family moved to Freetown. At university, Edward studied printing technology and social welfare. After study, he worked in a bank to save money for a printing business.

The outbreak of civil war in 1991 interrupted Edward’s plan. Over the next 10 years, up to 300,000 people would be massacred and 2.5 million forced to flee their homes for refugee camps in neighbouring countries.

Edward was among those forced to escape to stay alive.

In Freetown, his wife, Beola, was a known activist. Her life was constantly in danger. By association, Edward was also a target.

Beola was attacked and badly beaten. She and Edward were told that for their own safety, they needed to leave Freetown and find safe refuge somewhere else. They were on a death list.

They travelled by boat under the cover of darkness to a landing spot just over the border

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in Guinea. From there, they walked for up to four weeks to a United Nations refugee camp.

There were others from Sierra Leone on the walk. “It was like the Hebrew exodus from Egypt,” Edward says.

It was dangerous. Guinea soldiers were always on the lookout in the hope of turning around the refugees. They could be killed at any time.

Edward and Beola reached the UN camp, living in a tent for the next 10 years. Thousands of refugees shared the camp compound.

GRATITUDE TO GOD Looking to improve their life, Edward and Beola tried to integrate into the Guinea population. They attended a church outside the camp. Somebody at the church told them that Beola’s aunt had successfully settled in Australia.

They started a search for her. She was living in Sydney. Through lengthy negotiation with the UN, Australian Immigration and The Salvation Army's Auburn Corps in western Sydney – especially Salvos Legal head Luke Geary – Beola made contact with her aunt.

refugee week | feature

In 2009, Edward and Beola arrived in Sydney, met at the airport by then-Auburn Corps Officer Captain Nesan Kistan and other corps members.

They attended an Auburn meeting to thank everybody for their assistance – and to especially thank God. In the same year, they became Salvation Army soldiers.

They hadn’t even heard of The Salvation Army until the Sydney link surfaced.

Edward is now concierge at an Auburn complex that houses the local corps, the Greater West Division headquarters and assorted Salvation Army services. Beola works in aged care. She still suffers from the injuries she received in the Freetown beating.

But, like the refugees who turned around the life of my friend Paul, Edward is grateful to God for his deliverance.

Edward and I sat together at his busy concierge’s desk for almost two hours chatting about his journey since Freetown.

Our conversation was often interrupted as Edward expertly dealt with enquiries from dozens of people who called in for assistance.

There were also diversions as Edward broke from our discussion thread to remind me that this was more about God’s goodness than his (Edward’s) eventful life.

ABOVE:

GREAT JOY Edward wanted me to understand that just like Old Testament character Job, he did not blame God for losing his livelihood and family, nor did he (Edward) blame God for his travails.

“God is not a bad person. God gives us the strength in our experiences,” Edward says. “He has brought us here [Sydney] for his purpose to spread the Good News of his kindness.”

He wanted me to understand that just as only one leper of 10 Jesus healed returned to thank him, he (Edward) associated with the one leper.

“We came on a journey [from Sierra Leone]. We thank God with all our heart for delivering us to this place [Australia].

“We celebrate with great joy and gratitude for what God has done and is still doing for us.”

That is the attitude that led my friend Paul to find his Lord. There is a lesson there for us all. 

Edward Conteh and his wife Beola have found a spiritual home at Auburn Salvation Army.

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feature | refugee week

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refugee week | feature

Jesus was a refugee THE PLIGHT OF REFUGEES AROUND THE WORLD IS SOMETHING GOD IDENTIFIES WITH, BUT HE REMINDS US THAT WE ARE ALL REFUGEES IN A SPIRITUAL SENSE, ON A JOURNEY TO FIND OUR TRUE HOME IN HIM ••• words CAPTAIN NESAN KISTAN

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have never been a refugee. Most of us haven’t. There are times when we’ve “had” to leave home, but usually it is to further our education, take a job, get married or because our parents told us it was time.

Often many of us feel a restlessness and it feels like we are on a constant quest for “home”.

But the facts remain that most of us have never been driven from our home or from our hometown, or from our homeland because of warfare or famine.

Most of us have never been driven away because of our ethnicity or our politics or our religion; we have never been forced out or forced underground because we were a threat to those in power.

Yet, millions of people are refugees. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, there were at the end of 2012, 15.4 million refugees – people who had fled their country because of war or persecution. In addition, there were 28.8 million internally displaced people uprooted from their homes but still living in their own country.

In 2012, 23,000 people per day left their homes due to violence or persecution. Pakistan hosts the most refugees of any country at 1.6 million.

One out of four refugees worldwide is from Afghanistan. About 46 per cent of refugees are under 18 and 48 per cent are women and girls.

Jesus, the Son of God, was a refugee early in his life. Just like refugees today, he and his family were at risk because they were perceived to be a threat to someone’s power. Herod, the Roman Empire-supported ruler of the province of Judea, was threatened by news that a “new king” had been born (Matthew 2:13-23).

Jesus’ earthy father Joseph was warned in a dream to take the baby Jesus and his mother Mary to Egypt. They became refugees.

Perhaps the most important thing we can learn from this story is that God is with those who are displaced.

Refugees today can be encouraged that Jesus was a refugee. The people of God need to support them, to stand with and for them; to pray for them and help them in any way.

God is with them. We, as the people of God,

HOW CAN MY CORPS OR SOCIAL CENTRE ENGAGE WITH REFUGEE WEEK? 1. Contact your local council. Explore opportunities to partner with refugee awareness activities.

2. Identify refugee community groups and invite a refugee community leader to attend a Sunday service and share their story.

3. Highlight the UN report concerning refugees in your newsletter/internal communication.

4. Preach on Jesus the Refugee.

5. Prayer night for the plight of refugees.

6. Support local refugee community groups financially.

should be with them, too. Although I mentioned earlier that many of us have never been refugees in this world, we are in a spiritual sense.

Jesus said that if we are to follow him, then we have to take up our cross. We have to be willing to lose our life if we are going to find it. We are to live in ways of love and grace that run counter to the flow of the world.

If we live that way, we will find that we don’t really feel “at home”. Others will feel threatened and, likely, there will be persecution of some kind.

God’s people are wanderers in this world – pilgrims who have a home that we take with us wherever we go. Our home is with God because God has chosen to make his home with us.

Captain Nesan Kistan Multicultural Director Australia Eastern Territory

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feature | going 4 gold

OPPORTUNITY A DEVELOPING SALVATION ARMY PROGRAM – GOING 4 GOLD: SECURING THE FUTURE OF YOUNG AUSTRALIANS – IS GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES A CHANCE TO NOT ONLY FIND A JOB, BUT ALSO GAIN THE CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS EMPLOYMENT BRINGS ••• words SIMONE WORTHING

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ecuring the future of young Australians away from the cycles of welfare dependency and long-term unemployment is the primary goal of a new Salvation Army program, Going 4 Gold.

The program, launched last September and running in partnership with The Salvation Army, its Employment Plus service, and McDonald’s Australia, aims to provide a safe, secure and supported pathway to permanent employment through coaching and support services.

Through the program, Employment Plus and Salvos Youth Services recruit suitable candidates aged between 17 and 23 and match them with a McDonald’s restaurant to work 30 hours a week for six months.

Salvation Army youth workers then connect with the young people and provide regular mentoring, employment coaching and support.

“This holistic and supported model that the three partners have developed hopes to eventually achieve ‘one person, one job, once a year’,” says Jason Poutawa, the Salvos Youth Foundation Territorial Coordinator who oversees Going 4 Gold.

“This translates to as many McDonald’s restaurants as possible, each giving one person a job every year and changing their lives through meaningful employment and training.”

CHANGING LIVES In 2012, McDonald’s Australia invited The Salvation Army to a youth employment forum and asked how they could make a difference. John Harris,

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Salvos Youth Foundation Territorial Coordinator at the time, worked with Employment Plus and McDonald’s to develop the idea and concept for Going 4 Gold.

The trial for this program started in March 2013, with the first young person, Emily, beginning work at McDonald’s in Lake Haven on the NSW Central Coast. In October 2013, another eight people were given jobs in Western Sydney and Wollongong, with two additional placements in February 2014.

Between March and May 2014, 12 more places were added, including two in Canberra and five in Brisbane.

“Emily is still working at Lake Haven McDonald’s on the Central Coast and doing well,” says Jason.

Raylee McLeod, McDonald’s Licensee, Lake Haven, is supportive of the program and the impact it has had on Emily.

“Going 4 Gold is a great partnership for young people unable to get work in other circumstances to come and use a very structured and supportive process to get some skill sets,” she says.

“I hope that Emily will stay with us and develop her career. Her confidence in herself and ability to handle her finances and start to build a life for herself has changed dramatically.”

Angelo Salamakis, McDonald’s Licensee in Mt Druitt, western Sydney, believes Going 4 Gold has brought out the best in James, one of the program’s early clients.

“James is outstanding now,” he says. “The crew really love working with him and he’s become a real team player in our establishment.

going 4 gold | feature

ABOVE: Going 4 Gold coordinator Jason Poutawa, with Major Robbin Moulds and Captain Karen Flemming.

“I hope that James will stay with us but I know through the program that we’ve provided with The Salvation Army, that he will succeed in life.”

James is also grateful for the opportunity Going 4 Gold has given him.

“There have been a couple of challenges, but the managers have been there to help me out and I have more confidence knowing someone in the workplace had my back and genuinely cared about what was going on,” he says. “It’s a real door-opener, a real opportunity, so I see big things happening for me.”

Of the 22 candidates, 18 remain in employment and 95 per cent of the candidates reached three months of employment.

“We support them for the six months, and then the young people and their managers at McDonald’s take it from there,” explains Jason.

“Some of the young people may choose to leave, others to stay on a part or full-time basis, and some may be offered traineeships.”

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT In the Australia Eastern Territory, Jason and his team are identifying 10 areas where young people are most in need of employment. In partnership with McDonald’s Australia, five employment positions in those areas will then be offered – twice a year.

The overall target group for the program will continue to be youth from vulnerable circumstances, including those who have experienced homelessness and those who “fall

through the cracks” of government programs.

The clients must also: be an Employment Plus client, have stable housing, demonstrate stability in alcohol and other drug use and have no pending legal matters before a court.

“What makes a great Going 4 Gold candidate is their attitude and willingness to learn,” says Jason.

"Once a young person has been recruited and attended Employment Plus information and preparation sessions, they meet the restaurant manager and are employed within seven days.

“For the next six months of their employment, Salvation Army youth workers help young people process and adjust to the change in their lifestyle to encompass work and continue on the employment pathway.”

Kerri-Ann Nattrass from Salvation Army Youthlink, works with young people on the program. “In our coaching sessions we work through any issues the person might be going through,” she says. “The different modules we study also allows them to discuss any challenges.”

The store manager and the young person also spend time together for feedback and performance reviews. The final stage of the program is evaluating the young person’s progress and determining ongoing support.

“Our vision of a national perspective is bigger than our resources, but through strategic planning, guidance and vision, we are praying that we can grow this program, and these opportunities, for the young people we support.”

More information at goo.gl/nlWnI6

pipeline 6/2015 25

feature | salvation brass

SYDNEY SALVATION BRASS STEP OUT IN STYLE words ESTHER PINN photos CAROLYN HIDE

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ewly formed band Sydney Salvation Brass made their mark with two debut performances to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing

at Gallipoli.

Under the leadership of bandmaster Major Keith Hampton, the band featured in Blacktown City Corps’ Anzac Tribute Concert on 19 April, and then took part in the Anzac Day march in Sydney’s city centre on 25 April.

Major Hampton said it was an honour for the band to begin this new ministry at a time when Australians were recognising a landmark event in its history.

“It was special for Sydney Salvation Brass and, of course, very special for our returned diggers and families whose loved ones gave the supreme sacrifice for our freedom and generations to come,” said Major Hampton.

About 200 people attended the tribute concert to hear Blacktown City Corps band and timbrels perform in conjunction with Sydney Salvation Brass.

Blacktown City band opened with On High, Flow Gently, Sweet Afton, The Day of the Lord and Let There be Praise.

Parramatta Salvationist Madeline Muir sang The Prayer and Cadet Paul Farthing then shared his testimony. The corps band finished with The Dam Busters march, accompanied by a visual presentation of Anzac servicemen and women.

Parramatta Corps chaplain Warren Freeman

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"It was special for Sydney Salvation Brass and, of course, very special for our returned Diggers and families whose loved ones gave the supreme sacrifice." then gave Anzac Day reflections, followed by performances of traditional Anzac pieces – The Ode, The Last Post and Reveille.

Sydney Salvation Brass took the stage to perform Emblem of the Army. During this performance, Australia Eastern Territory Chief Secretary, Colonel Richard Munn, dedicated the Sydney Salvation Brass flag. The band continued its musical segment with There Will be God, Pack Up and I Vow to Thee my Country.

Sydney Salvation Brass deputy bandmaster Norm Short played a flugelhorn solo in Share my Yoke and then Madeline sang He’s Always Been Faithful. They finished the night with Barrie Gott’s arrangement of Power in the Blood.

At the Anzac Day march, Sydney Salvation Brass were accompanied by the Blacktown City and Sydney Congress Hall timbrel brigades. Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon and Colonel Munn led The Salvation Army contingent.

salvation brass | feature

ABOVE AND FAR LEFT: Flagbearer Neil Hide leads The Salvation Army contingent through the streets of Sydney on the Anzac Day march.

LEFT: Commissioner James Condon was part of the march.

BELOW LEFT: Colonel Richard Munn and bandmaster Major Keith Hampton with the Sydney Salvation Brass band.

BELOW: An Anzac image displayed

on the wall of a building during the dawn service in Sydney.

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boundless | feature

Key congress role for piano man MAJOR EARLE IVERS WILL BE MORE THAN A MERE SPECTATOR AT THE BOUNDLESS INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS IN LONDON NEXT MONTH

ABOVE: Boundless will be a special occasion for Majors Earle and Chris Ivers,

with Earle invited to play the piano at some congress events.

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nergetic North NSW Divisional Commander, Major Earle Ivers, has been invited to play piano at some of the morning prayer meetings, including on Founder’s Day, at the international gathering to celebrate 150 years of The Salvation Army.

“It will be a privilege, especially to play for the prayer meeting on Founder’s Day,” he told Pipeline.

Major Ivers will also be involved in a reunion of overseas officers who attended the International College for Officers in London in 2012.

He will attend the congress with wife Chris, parents Trevor and Lyn Ivers (Capricorn Region Corps) and sister and brother-in-law Captains Sharilyn and Jeffrey Bush (Rural Chaplains, Dubbo).

“Having attended the last international congress in Atlanta [United States], I have fond memories of the experience,” he says. “The blessing and encouragement of that time motivates my attendance at another international congress.

“The fact that this congress is in London, where it all began for The Salvation Army 150 years ago, is another good reason to attend. History can be motivational in itself. It is good to see where we have come from.

“These are milestone moments and it is good to share in them.”

Major Ivers said visiting other countries on short-term mission trips had given him an

appreciation of the international Army. That experience, he expected, would be expanded by attending Boundless.

“The congress will be the greatest expression of the internationalism of the Army,” he says. “There will be a great diversity of expression and, yet, a great unity, as well. That will be something unique.

“At Atlanta, it was humbling to sit with officers from all around the world, to hear of their lives and ministry, knowing that we share the same covenant. It will be wonderful to meet with many of these officers again.”

The most significant aspect of Boundless, however, will be its spiritual impact, he says.

“I am expecting, above all else, a blessing from the Holy Spirit. This is an important gathering for The Salvation Army. But, at the core of all things, it is not about us. It is about God. “My prayer is that God will be glorified and that his people will be renewed as a result of the congress.

“We can celebrate 150 years and have a great time together. But if we are not found literally on our knees thanking God for our heritage and seeking his will for our future, then we will have lost something somewhere.”

Majors Earle and Chris will also spend some time touring Britain, especially Scotland – the home of her family. 

pipeline 6/2015 29

reflection | religion and politics

The common good CAN RELIGION AND POLITICS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE WELL-BEING OF SOCIETY? ••• words JAMES READ and DON POSTERSKI

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hy are we so ready to criticise and complain about governments and their leaders? Broken promises? Vote buying? Waste?

Incompetence? Cronyism? Corruption? Abuse of power? There are lots of reasons for dissent, even disillusionment.

Fussing and fuming about governments may be fashionable but, like it or not, governments are indispensable for creating societies that provide opportunities for equity and fairness. And unless political decision-makers are guided by social justice consciences, developing a more just society is impossible.

Consider the importance of the work of our governments. Our “social contract” includes: Provision: education, health care, transportation; Protection: police and courts, fire, safety standards, social security; Policy: immigration, employment, taxation, economic development.

Every society has some kind of governance structure. Leadership may be vested in dictators, monarchs, theocrats, democratically elected representatives or Marxist ideologues. Some lean to the right and others to the left. The pendulum can swing between too much government and too little. But wherever there is a country or a collective social structure, political leaders wield power.

So what are our choices? More criticism?

Giving up? Or is it possible to envision

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governments and their power as allies in achieving God’s vision for creation? Can The Salvation Army find points of connection and use its organisational collateral to influence government leaders to adopt policies that lead to the common good?

SHARED VISION Salvation Army leaders in New Zealand have acted on the challenge. They have a track record of advocating with their government to achieve a shared vision.

Over his 30 years of ministry, Major Campbell Roberts dreamed of finding effective ways to share the gospel while shaping the direction of social and economic policies impacting the lives of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people.

In 2003, the dream became reality with his appointment to establish a unit to engage public policy. Over the past 10 years, the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit housed in New Zealand’s most-deprived neighbourhood has worked with influential leaders and organisations to change the social and economic agenda of the nation.

A key publication of the unit is the annual Salvation Army State of the Nation. The report examines crucial areas of public policy: the state of New Zealand’s children, the fairness of work and incomes policies, the adequate provision of housing, improving criminal justice policies and national progress in reducing social hazards.

State of the Nation has become a cornerstone document in New Zealand. Influential with political leaders and parties, the analysis is widely reported

religion and politics | reflection

Can The Salvation Army find points of connection and use its organisational collateral to influence government leaders to adopt policies that lead to the common good?

in the media and distributed to decision-makers.

In a number of instances, issues raised in the report have resulted in effective government action. The changed policies have resulted in improvements for the poorest and most vulnerable across the nation.

WORKING TOGETHER The New Zealand experience shows us there can be alignment between the vision of a Christian church and social service agency and the responsibility of the state.

The resolve here is not to be naive. There are times to oppose a government’s policies and practices. However, there are also times when the well-being of a society and its citizens can be best served when the affairs of the state and the affairs of faith intersect. Everyone benefits when they augment each other for the sake of the common good.

There is more collaboration to pursue. Consider the massive realm of climate change and concern for the environment. God’s first creation command was to be stewards of the environment. The moral responsibility of government includes passing on a sustainable world to future generations. Here’s a case where religious questions can lead to political answers and political questions can lead to religious answers. Across the globe, we have work to do together that is still unfinished.

This article appears courtesy of Salvationist magazine (Canada and Bermuda Territory).

Dr James Read and Dr Don Posterski work for the International Social Justice Commission, The Salvation Army’s voice to advocate for human dignity and social justice with the world’s poor and oppressed. Visit salvationarmy. org/isjc for more information.

Their new book, When Justice is the Measure, is available from The Trade (thetrade.salvos.org. au) for $17.50. For the e-book, visit amazon.ca.

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army archives

Counselling service answered the call Unlocking the Army’s Archives SALVO CARE LINE WILL TAKE ITS FINAL CALLS LATER THIS MONTH, BRINGING TO AN END A SERVICE THAT HAS HELPED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF AUSTRALIANS OVER ITS 32 YEARS OF OPERATION. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, IT DEVELOPED INTO A SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE ON THE COUNSELLING SERVICES LANDSCAPE ••• words MAJOR DAVID WOODBURY

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ntervention in times of crisis has always been part of The Salvation Army’s ethos. The Army’s founder, William Booth, was firmly convinced that one of the best ways of preventing people sliding into despair and hopelessness was to establish programs to help them before they reached that stage.

In his book, In Darkest England And The Way Out, Booth dealt with the hopelessness of women caught up in prostitution. He wrote: “The state of hopelessness and despair in which these girls live continually, makes them reckless of consequences, and large numbers commit suicide who are never heard of.”

In 1982, as The Salvation Army celebrated a centenary of ministry in Sydney, a small committee from the Army’s Sydney Congress Hall suggested setting up a program that would be ongoing. The next year, following a suggestion from corps member Alan Staines, a 24-hour Salvation Army crisis

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phone service was established.

Alan would oversee it, supported by volunteers from Congress Hall and Dee Why Corps.

By late 1984, high demand on the service saw the Sydney East and Illawarra Division come on board to fund and support it.

Following representation from Alan, the NSW Government offered a three-storey complex, formerly the Crown Street Women’s Hospital, in Surry Hills, as a base for the service. In July 1986, it became the new home for Salvo Care Line.

MONETARY SUPPORT The service was also introduced in Brisbane in 1989, closely followed by the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast where it was sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Nambour Corps.

In response to the alarming statistics of youth suicide and homelessness, government funding was secured and Salvo Youth Line, a national telephone service, was opened in January 1989 by then-Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

In November 1997, Yvonne Dewar was appointed as manager and brought with her a high degree of dedication and training as a counsellor.

Following her address to a major Sydney Rotary club, a sum of $1.5 million was promised by the club, with a further $60,000 being donated for a training hall by the Proud Foundation.

In March 2006, the Army’s Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, Commissioner Les Strong, officially opened the new complex in the inner Sydney suburb of Five Dock, debt-free.

The service has been well supported by Christian media outlets such as radio station 103.2. During the 32 years Salvo Care Line has been operational, it has only been off-line for one hour – while the service was moved from Surry Hills to Five Dock.

SERVICE DISCONNECTED Since Salvo Care Line commenced its operations a number of other phone counselling services have

army archives

entered the field and offer online counselling services as well, adding a new dimension to this emergency help area.

As the result of an in-depth and ongoing review of all programs, The Salvation Army has come to the conclusion that while Salvo Care Line has met a crucial need and served the community well, it is time to close this service and turn attention to other areas of human need.

The closure of programs has often been part of Salvation Army philosophy.

In Victorian times, many working in match-making suffered from the fumes of dangerous chemicals. To address the problem, The Salvation Army established a clean, airy factory that produced safety matches made from safe materials.

As a result, conditions in the whole industry were improved and the use of dangerous chemicals to make matches was made illegal.

Having proved a point, the Army closed the factory. ď Ż

TOP: Alan Staines in 1989 with Prime Minister

Bob Hawke (centre) and radio personality John Laws (left), who both provided influential support for Salvo Youth Line.

ABOVE: Salvo Care Line’s Ron Pankhurst conducts a training seminar for counsellors.

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wwjv

WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW? with Pipeline culture writer MARK HADLEY

Tomorrowland

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RATING: PG RELEASE DATE: 28 May

t’s not hard to knock down a big evil building that’s telling everyone the world’s going to end,” George Clooney tells his audience. “The hard part is trying to work out what to build in its place.” When all the plot devices and special effects fade that, in a nutshell, is the question that drives Disney’s new children’s film, Tomorrowland. What should become the guiding light for the world’s future?

Clooney stars as Frank Walker, a man who as a child followed a hidden path to another dimension and a secret city.

Tomorrowland is the metropolis where all of the world’s geniuses have been escaping to for more than a century to build a better future for humanity. But a dark cloud threatens to obscure their dream. Enter Casey Newton, the daughter of a soonto-be-unemployed NASA engineer.

Casey lives in a world that seems increasingly given over to pessimism. When she catches a glimpse of Tomorrowland, she will do anything to realise its bright promise for herself – including interrupting Frank’s forced retirement. But they soon discover that the world will literally be destroyed by its pessimism in just a few short days. If there is any hope of defeating the forces of fatalism, it will have to arise from the “can do” attitude Casey offers a bleak world. Her worldview is neatly summarised by a favourite family fable she repeats back to her father: Casey: “There are two wolves and they are always fighting. One is darkness and despair and the other is hope and light. Which one wins?”

Dad: “The one you feed the most.”

It’s a beautiful summary of our ability to become the engineers of our own defeat or triumph – but it’s also

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not the first time I’ve heard it. My earliest recollection of this parable was from the pages of a biography of Hudson Taylor, the founder of the Inland Mission to China.

He recalls an encounter with an ageing Christian convert who used it to describe the battle going on in his heart between sin and holiness. In that case the “white dog” was his redeemed spirit struggling with a sinful nature. However, in Tomorrowland that noble role has been taken over by Disney’s human potential. As the story progresses it also becomes clear the “black dog” is now anyone who predicts a grim future for humanity, particularly those that end in apocalyptic destruction. It’s a switch that places every Christian prophet in a villainous position.

On the surface, Tomorrowland is an enjoyable romp that encourages children to not be swamped by the dire predictions that darken the news. However, its optimism for the future is based on humanity’s ability to rise above its problems. Yet 5000 years of written history is still to provide a single example of a civilisation that has risen above the problems of the human heart.

Christian hope, by contrast, is tied to something greater than our determination. We have the word of the Creator himself, who promises that he will not only renew us from within, but rescue us from the destruction we’re bringing down on ourselves: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf,” (Hebrews 6:19-20).

And behind that curtain lies an eternal city more beautiful and fulfilling than any of Disney’s digital artists might conceive.

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Far From The Madding Crowd

W

RATING: M RELEASE DATE: 25 June

ritten in a culture that had not yet forgotten God, English period dramas have so much to say to a generation of men and women today who are generally attracted to love stories for all of the wrong reasons. Far From The Madding Crowd is no exception.

Carey Mulligan stars as Thomas Hardy’s heroine, Bathsheba Everdene, a proud beauty with a strong independent streak labouring in the rural Wessex of 19th century England. There she meets the stolid and dependable small-hold farmer Gabriel Oak who, smitten, proposes in the most direct and unromantic manner imaginable.

However, Bathsheba lives up to her aunt’s description of being, “far too wild” for matrimony: “I don’t want a husband.

I’d hate to be some man’s property ... [and] I do not feel what would justify me in accepting your offer.”

But this is, of course, only the first 15 minutes of what is a very fast-moving film. A sad disaster and a surprise inheritance ensue, leading to a reversal of fortunes that sees Bathsheba rise to the level of an estate owner and Gabriel sink to the rank of a shepherd in her employ.

What follows is a tale of blighted lives and broken halves as Gabriel, the gentleman farmer William Boldwood, the dashing Sergeant Francis Troy and, above all, Bathsheba seek to discover what place love will occupy in their respective worlds.

Bathsheba is a character who might appeal strongly to the “power woman” of the present century – the mistress of her own estate, a confident negotiator with men twice her age, the centre of universal admiration, and the one who makes all the decisions in regards to relationships. However,

that would be to miss Hardy’s inherent criticism of a woman who fails to consider her real needs or her effect on others: Bathsheba: “I shouldn’t mind being a bride at a wedding, if I could be one without having a husband. But since a woman can’t show off in that way by herself, I shan’t marry – at least yet.”

Gabriel: “Upon my heart and soul, I don’t know what a maid can say stupider than that.”

Of course, this sort of judgment wins Gabriel no points with Bathsheba, but it proves true nonetheless. The heroine comes to realise that a wedding is more than a social occasion and a husband more than a support to her vanity. In fact, the right sort of man will not hinder her but complete her. Yet, also like many women today, she only comes to understand what the right sort of man might be like by first directing her attentions to the wrong kind.

However, true to his name, Gabriel provides Bathsheba with a clear message regarding God’s true plan for men and women. He never shirks from telling Bathsheba the truth, however painful or injurious it may be to his own cause, but he girds this frankness with the promise: “I’ll always be there for you.”

If he gainsays her decisions it is only for her good. And though he leads her forward by word and example, he doesn’t seek to dominate her as some of the men in her life have. Rather, when Bathsheba finally surrenders her will to him, he leads in a way that points her to a standard higher than her own comfort or wishes: Bathsheba: “Tell me what to do, Gabriel.”

Gabriel: “Do what is right.”

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feature | books

Keeping the Army spirit alive RETIRED COMMISSIONER ROBERT STREET HAS DRAWN ON HIS FIRST EXPERIENCES OF “ARMY SPIRIT” IN DEVELOPING A NEW RESOURCE – A BOOK CALLED ONE ARMY – WHICH SPELLS OUT THE GLOBAL MISSION OF THE SALVATION ARMY •••

words CHRISTIN DAVIS

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s a boy growing up in a small village north of London, Robert Street knelt at the mercy seat of his local Salvation Army corps. The building had previously been a cow shed. Many members of that Stotfold Corps often recalled hearing William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, preach in London’s East End. “Those who spoke of the founder did so with a passion for ‘others’ and left me in no doubt that the Army’s main mission was to the unsaved,” he says.

“Some soldiers had attended his funeral in London in August 1912, when the traffic had come to a halt, with tens and tens of thousands of people wanting to be part of the occasion – a massive expression of faith and thanksgiving.”

The stories and enthusiasm resonated with the young Robert Street. “I think I caught something of the Army spirit without knowing it,” he says.

That spirit has never left him.

“The verse ‘to whom much is given, from him much will be required’ (Luke 12:48) laid on my heart,” he says. “I felt if I didn’t respond to what was a definite call to officership, who else could I expect to respond? I felt in debt to God, and wanted to serve him out of love.”

After serving as a Salvation Army officer for 44 years, Commissioner Robert Street retired from active service in 2013. A prolific author, he penned

Called to Be God’s People, based on 12 calls to The Salvation Army that emerged from the International Spiritual Life Commission in the late 1990s, which he chaired.

“In effect, it’s based on helping us understand our spiritual life,” Commissioner Street says. “If I have any gift it’s that I’m able to express things clearly and in uncomplicated ways.”

He put this gift to use with the release of One Army, an international teaching guide detailing the nature and purpose of The Salvation Army.

“This resource is designed to unite Salvationists worldwide and help them and others understand its mission and message in clear global terms,” says Commissioner Street, who has personally seen the Army at work in 50 countries. “It covers what the Army is called to be, what it should be and how it expresses itself as part of the universal church.”

The guide contains 13 booklets, beginning with an introduction, “One Life,” about one Army serving one God in one life. The next 12 booklets relate to one Army and a specific subject, from “In Calling” to “In Christ” or “In Covenant,” and each has a corresponding video for reinforcement.

Captain Nick Coke, of the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland Territory, developed a youth component for each section, and Commissioner Margaret Sutherland wrote the leader’s manual.

“Young people are not only the future of

books | feature

ABOVE: Presenters Linbert Spencer and Captain Kerry Coke share a lighter moment during the filming of the One

Army video, as Major Janet Robson, Commissioner Margaret Sutherland and Commissioner Robert Street watch.

The Salvation Army but they are a very real and important part of the movement now,” Captain Coke says. “If we can equip a generation of young people to live by the values of God’s kingdom and do that through local Salvation Army corps in 126 countries worldwide, what a wonderful, worldchanging event that could be.”

INSPIRED TEACHING General Linda Bond, former world leader of The Salvation Army, first asked Commissioner Street to look at providing a teaching resource for the Army world. A taskforce developed the idea, and Street built a team of contributors. The resource is being translated into 20 languages, and people in various areas have reviewed each booklet for international clarity.

“We want to ensure Salvationists throughout the world have the same opportunity to learn what we declare, and at the same time help people learn what isn’t part of the Army,” Commissioner Street says. “It can be used in Sunday worship as the basis of the meeting, or in midweek home discussion groups, in soldiers classes or for adherents or anyone inquiring about the Army.”

According to Major Svetlana Sharova, the Elista Corps – in Kalmykia Republic, Russia, a largely Buddhist region isolated from other corps – is using the One Army teaching resources.

“The first booklet, “One Life”, was presented to a group of young adults at a seminar last year, and then the themes of the book were used in home groups studies,” Major Sharova says. “The leader of one home group was very pleased with the results and the home group members were inspired by the teaching.”

Commissioner Street hopes the corresponding website salvationarmy.org/onearmy will promote interaction, “to truly become international and truly one Army”.

This article appears courtesy of New Frontier Publications (USA Western Territory)

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books

A Girl With a Mind of Her Own – The story of Gisele Gowans

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ommissioner Gisele Gowans is a familiar face to thousands of Salvationists worldwide who know her as one half of The Salvation Army’s global leadership team between 1999 and 2002. Few, however, know very much about this quiet woman who stood by John Gowans’ side for so many years.

Following a series of interviews with the commissioner, Cathy Le Feurve has pieced together Gisele’s fascinating story.

Written in a light yet thoughtful style, A Girl With a Mind of Her Own also contains a foreword by General John Larsson and many previously unseen photographs from Gisele’s personal collection.

A Girl With a Mind of Her Own is available from The Trade (thetrade. salvos.org.au) for $19.95.

Christian Warfare in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe

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hristian Warfare in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe, by Norman Murdoch, examines the history of The Salvation Army in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe and its relationships with the state and the rest of the church.

In particular, it examines parallels between events of the first Chimurenga, a rising against European occupation in 189697, and the second Chimurenga in the 1970s, the civil war that led to majority rule.

At the time of the first rising, The Salvation Army was barely established in the country; by the second, it was part of the establishment. The book explores the enmeshment of this Christian mission in the institutions of white rule and the painful process of disentanglement necessary by the late 20th century. Stories

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of martyrdom and colonial mythology are set in the carefully researched context of ecumenical relations and The Salvation Army’s largely unknown and seldom accessible internal politics.

“This is a fascinating, wellresearched history,” says Commissioner Stuart Mungate, a retired Salvation Army leader from Zimbabwe.

“Telling the truth about the past can still be a hard thing to do, but Norman Murdoch has made an excellent attempt to lay out the truth about the relationships between missionaries, the settler regime, and the Shona and Ndebele peoples. I recommend this candid and helpful book.”

Christian Warfare in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe is available from wipfandstock.com

This month, we are asking everyone to head over to mySalvos to sign the #UpForSchool petition. The Salvation Army has pledged its support to one of the biggest petitions in history, demanding that world leaders take immediate action to give every child an opportunity for a school education. Head to my.salvos.org.au/ upforschool to make your voice heard and stand up for children across the globe.

The Salvos Striders will be gathering on the Gold Coast early next month for the Gold Coast Marathon. The Striders will be joined by six young people from Papua New Guinea who are running the marathon as part of the “Hope and a Future” project. The program helps young adults from PNG to develop along four key pillars – faith, fitness, education and leadership. In addition to participating in the marathon the Hope and a Future team will also attend Salvation Army conferences and receive training from key leaders. To learn more about how you can support them, go to my.salvos.org.au/hope-and-a-future mySalvos is also a great place to read incredible transformation stories, including that of Phil Gilbey who has been able to find freedom while living at the Montrose Aged Care Plus Centre in Balmain. Having spent much of his life struggling with addictions, Phil says the 12 years he has spent living at Montrose are the best of his life. You can read about his incredible journey at my.salvos.org.au/news/2015/05/14/the-magic-of-montrose To get Salvation Army updates in your social media feed, “like” mySalvos on Facebook and follow @mySalvos on Twitter.

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US Y A

TRALIA

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MISSION PRIORITIES

R R I TO N TE R

A LV A T I O N E S

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Mission Priorities Our people marked by prayer and holiness.

Officer Recruitment

Our people in every place sharing Jesus.

Corps healthy and multiplying.

Our people equipped and empowered to serve the world.

MAKE YOUR MARK.

Our people passionate about bringing children to Jesus.

Youth trained and sent out to frontline mission.

Significant increase of new soldiers and officers.

One Army, One Mission, One Message

salvos.org.au/MAKEYOURMARK

Character Calling Capacity

NO TOLERANCE OF SEXUAL ABUSE The Salvation Army is committed to providing a safe place for all children and the vulnerable in our care. Let me state in the strongest terms our no tolerance approach to any form of child abuse or, indeed, the abuse of the vulnerable.

I also want to reaffirm our commitment to persons who suffered sexual abuse in a Salvation Army corps or children’s home. If you were abused, please tell us. You will be received with compassion and a careful restorative process will be followed.

If you feel you need to make a complaint, please contact us at our Professional Standards Office.

Phone: 02 92669781 Email: pso@aue.salvationarmy.org Mail:

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OFFICE The Salvation Army PO Box A435 Sydney South 1235

Commissioner James Condon Territorial Commander The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

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his month, the Inala Salvation Army is celebrating the first anniversary of “Breakfast Connections”, a community event that has replaced traditional Sunday morning worship.

Bible study life groups on Thursday nights now act as the corps’ main form of teaching and worship.

The corps hosts a community breakfast each Sunday morning, with many people staying on afterwards to continue their conversations. One Sunday a month, Captain Lincoln Stevens, Inala Corps Officer, leads a celebration segment during the breakfast where everyone celebrates the positive changes and steps forward made by different community members. Captain Stevens also shows video clips and gives a short, relevant and appropriate message based on the clip.

“Since starting our new way of doing church through Breakfast Connections, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people from our community attending,” said Captain Stevens.

“We went from 20 regular Salvationists up to between 50-70 unchurched people each Sunday morning for breakfast, and now we are averaging 100-plus people every week.

“This is what we wanted to do – sit among non-Christian people from the community, do life with them, and link them to God through the corps.

“God gave us this vision for church, taking us back to the early days of The Salvation Army, and to Acts chapter two, and he has supplied all our needs for this journey.”

Local shops and businesses donate much of the food and equipment needed for the breakfast, or sell items to the corps for greatly reduced prices. The corps also receives regular donations from the community.

“The purchase of some food items was still a concern for the corps in terms of long-term cost, but we trusted God with that,” said Captain Stevens. “A local businessman has found out what we are doing for our community and is very passionate about it. He now covers all the costs associated with the breakfast and wants to do more for us, so we are working on some ideas at present which is very exciting.”

People from both the corps and community are volunteering their time to help.

Inala breakfast on a roll LEFT: The Inala Salvation Army’s Breakfast Connections has continued to grow throughout the first 12 months, with volunteers and members of the community supporting the outreach.

“Parents are also bringing their children to help out and experience serving others,” said Captain Stevens. “We have seen this touch several peoples’ lives.”

has not had a drink in months. He is now very involved with the corps and recently came to me, said he wanted to follow Jesus, and I led him through the Salvation prayer.

“One young man, a refugee, came to LIVES CHANGED us as a TAFE student for his community service work experience. He now comes In the past year, the Stevens’ and others to the breakfast each Sunday, dressed in from the corps have developed some good relationships with people from the community superheroes costumes, and does balloon sculpture and face painting for the kids. and have seen lives change.

“We’ve had people ask us why we care and We also had a family from the breakfast march with us on Anzac Day.” why we do this,” Captain Stevens said. “We Inala Corps will soon be starting also had one man tell us he loved coming to Mainly Music, with many mothers from the breakfast because ‘You Salvos want to sit the breakfast already expressing an interest down and talk with us’.”

The breakfast also provides an opportunity to be involved.

“We are really looking forward to for the corps to connect the community to other activities and events and link them with making even more connections through this and ultimately seeing more come the corps. along to Thursday nights,” Captain Stevens “So far we have had three people start said. coming to Home League and seven to life “Recently we had our biggest breakfast group/church of a Thursday night, and one attendance – 127. God is good! We just guy has just accepted Jesus as his Lord and had to be obedient. To God be the glory.”

Saviour,” Captain Stevens said.

- Simone Worthing “Another guy had a drinking problem but

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Salvos use expo to beef up rural support

eef Australia 2015, Australia’s national beef exposition, has provided a platform for The Salvation Army to raise awareness of its rural services and accept donations for the national Salvos Rural Appeal.

A trade fair, conference, seminars, tour and cooking demonstrations were part of the triennial exposition, held in Rockhampton from 4-9 May. The Salvation Army ran a stand at the exposition, featuring information on services including rural chaplaincy and the Outback Flying Service. Two Salvation Army-produced DVDs were also available – Braver, Stronger, Wiser, which focuses on helping rural people in particular recognise and work through depression, and Still Standing, which shows how people affected by crisis or disaster are assisted.

The Army’s flying padre, Lieutenant Simon Steele, Lieutenants John and Karen Jackson, rural chaplains and Longreach Corps Officers, and Majors Cheralynne and Kelvin Pethybridge, the Army’s Central and North Queensland divisional leaders, were among those serving on the stand throughout the week.

“Everyone and everything related to the beef industry is at the exposition so it’s a great opportunity for us to let people know that we are here to help,” said Jan

ABOVE: Flying padre Lieutenant Simon Steele at the Salvation Army stand at Beef Australia 2015, held in Rockhampton.

Maxwell, regional fundraising co-ordinator for the Central and North Queensland Division. “So many people are in real trouble with the drought; they are losing properties and there’s an increasing suicide rate, so we want them to know how we can assist.”

Lieut John Jackson said the focus of the stand was to let people know that “all

manner” of support is available to people through The Salvation Army, especially practical assistance.

“We’re trying to let people on the land know that they are not out there on their own,” he said. “We are here for them and relevant, meaningful support is available.”

– Simone Worthing

Safe from the Start a finalist in industry awards

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he Salvation Army Safe from the Start project has been chosen as a finalist in the Organisation category for the 2015 HESTA Community Sector Awards.

Safe from the Start is an early-intervention, evidence-based project that aims to raise awareness of the effects on children aged from birth to five years who witness family violence and abuse. The program also offers resources and training to those working with children and their families to assist with healing and recovery for children.

The project originated in Tasmania, Australia Southern Territory.

It has grown into a national project across both territories with more than 1000 workers having attended Safe from the Start training.

More than 750 resource kits have been also distributed throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

The HESTA Community Sector Awards are presented by HESTA – an industry super fund for health and community services – and the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).

The awards recognise outstanding service provision, advocacy and leadership in improving the lives of people who rely on access to

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the services of this sector. They are also intended to raise community awareness of the need for all members of our community to share the responsibility of working towards a more inclusive, compassionate and effective society.

The award recognises an organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to social justice in Australia, through the development and/or provision of a high quality and innovative program, project or specific service.

“This award recognises and confirms The Salvation Army’s strong position of ensuring that children are safe and precious and the great support the project has received from local corps and Doorways centres in both [Australia] territories,” said Nell Kuilenburg, Development Manager, Tasmania Division, whose passion for social justice, background in domestic violence, and experience working with children in women’s refuges, formed the catalyst for the project.

The awards dinner will be held on 25 June at the Sydney Town Hall.

For more information on Safe from the Start, go to salvationarmy.org.au/safefromthestart

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Men’s Connect group launched in Caboolture

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en’s Connect, a group that provides a friendly game of pinball, darts or pool, computers, a place to relax and people to chat with is now available for men in the Caboolture area.

Men’s Connect meets every Wednesday morning from 9am to 12.30pm in the new ministry centre (former Caboolture Citadel) and is open to men of all ages and backgrounds.

“We have a men’s group that meets in the evenings but, after doing some research and holding discussions with other community organisations, it became clear that there wasn’t a lot available for men in the community on Wednesdays,” said Major Bruce Ellicott, Caboolture Corps Officer.

“We had done some minor alterations and freshening up in the ministry centre and it was too good a space not to use fully. Local men now have a place to go during the week to meet with others, use the facilities, have a chat and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

“The ministry centre is now being used every day of the week.”

An anonymous donor provided two pinball machines for the centre, a lady in the corps donated money for the pool table, and the darts boards and other supplies have also been donated.

Men from both the corps and community have been attending the group. “We’ve had a few new people each week so far, which is pretty exciting,” said Major Ellicott.

“They are finding plenty of common ground with each other, settling in well and getting used to us.

“Of course, our long-term goal is to connect them with the corps and lead them to Christ, but we are now just building relationships

ABOVE: Corps member Danny Matthews and Major Bruce Ellicott at the Men’s Connect group. Photo courtesy Caboolture News.

and giving them a place to go.

“The group is also open to our volunteers and community service workers who have dropped in for a coffee and chat as well.”

Caboolture Corps member, Danny Matthews, sees the Men’s Connect as a place where men can relax and have something to do.

“It’s really needed in this area and something we’ve been talking about for a while,” he said. “The idea is to provide a place where men can try something new, meet others, or just take time out.”

– Simone Worthing

Salvos bring relief to storm-hit Hunter region

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he Salvation Army’s Emergency Services have been on the ground assisting those affected by the destructive storms in NSW last month. The Hunter region was hit the hardest with many homes damaged or lost due to the storms.

When Pipeline went to print, about 500 Salvation Army volunteers had prepared more than 6000 meals for NSW SES and Fire Rescue NSW personnel and in five Salvation Army evacuation centres in Dungog, Raymond Terrace, Green Hills, Nelson’s Bay, Medowie and Cessnock.

“I would like to thank all our Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers for their dedication, time and expertise. They have been a blessing not just to the Army but to the communities they have helped,” said Hans Schryver, Newcastle and Central NSW Salvation Army Emergency Services Divisional Coordinator.

Since the storms hit, recovery centres in Raymond Terrace, Cessnock, Dungong and Wyong have been established to assist those affected. Hampers and vouchers have been distributed to help those in need and 21 pallets of food were delivered to the cut-off community of Gillieston Heights in the Hunter region. An extra 40 pallets of food have also been donated by corporate donors through Foodbank.

Thanks to the generosity of Australians, $325,000 was raised through The Daily Telegraph NSW Storm Appeal and given to the Army to assist with their recovery services.

“To the corporate sponsors, we thank you for the donations that you have provided,” Mr Schryver said.

The Salvation Army has also launched an appeal to support those affected by the floods. To donate to the appeal, call 13 SALVOS or online at salvos.org,au/nswstorm

ABOVE: Hampers are distributed to members of the community whose properties were affected by the severe storms which hit the Hunter Region last month.

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Historic centre renamed Stanmore House

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he Salvation Army’s School For Leadership Conference and Training Centre at Stanmore, in Sydney’s inner-west, was officially renamed at a special launch on 7 May. Now known as Stanmore House, this facility has been re-purposed to offer conferences, retreats and training events at an affordable rate. Prior to the name change, the centre’s main focus was facilitating training courses.

“Tonight is a celebration ... I’d like to celebrate the work that has gone on here for many, many years,” said Stanmore House Director, Major Raewyn Grigg.

The Salvation Army has owned and occupied Stanmore House since 1900. The certificate of title was issued to Herbert Henry Booth, son of the Army’s founder, General William Booth and the property was valued at 3000 pounds.

Stanmore House opened as a rescue house for marginalised women. In 1924 it was re-named as the “Girl’s Industrial Home, The Harbour” and in 1945 it became a hostel for young business women and female students, known as “The Lodge”.

In 1969, Stanmore House was a children’s home for boys and girls before becoming the Army’s training college for officers in 1988. The training college is now located at Bexley North.

“I would say that some of the best days of my life were being here – teaching and

ABOVE: Sydney Salvation Brass band plays outside Stanmore House at the re-naming launch in Sydney last month.

preaching,” said Major Peter Farthing, Principal of Booth College at the launch service.

Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, also spoke fondly of the Stanmore House ministry and shared his memories of finding peace and tranquillity at this centre.

“You are welcome to use this place. It is an oasis, a sanctuary, right in the heart of Sydney,” said Commissioner Condon.

ABOVE: Guests mingle during the launch at Stanmore House.

DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL Similarly, the Army’s School For Youth Leadership in Berkeley Vale, on the NSW Central Coast, changed its name to Salvos Discipleship School in November last year.

“We felt that we wanted a name that best reflected the school’s mission – what is consistently produced,” said Salvos Discipleship School Director, Major Andrew Humphreys.

“Sure, students do go on to become youth workers, officers, missionaries and leaders but common to all those things is the foundation of discipleship that is paramount at the school.”

Along with a new name, a new training course was introduced. Young people, aged between 18 and 28 now complete a ninemonth course called Furnace. The course equips young people with the discipleship skills they need for ministry.

“We would encourage any young adult who wants a life-changing experience that sets a lifelong foundation, to ask God if the school is for them. It’s a nine-month God experience that’s not for the faint-hearted,” said Major Humphreys.

For further information about Salvos Discipleship School, go to boothcollege. edu.au/discipleship or email syfl@aue. salvationarmy.org For prices and bookings at Stanmore House, contact stanmorehouse. enquiries@aue.salvationarmy.org or go to boothcollege.edu.au - Esther Pinn

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local news

Soundpoint event a celebration of youth

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he annual Youth Week event at Soundpoint attracted members of the Goodna community, passers-by, clients and their families, in a positive celebration of young people.

The popular event, held on 16 April, was part of Soundpoint’s National Youth Week celebrations, and focused on the theme “It starts with us”.

Soundpoint – The Salvation Army and Sony Foundation Youth and Community Centre in Goodna, west of Brisbane, began the day hosting a youth forum, run by the Ipswich City Council (ICC).

“This forum focused on youth unemployment,” said Nathan Drury, Soundpoint Youth Activities Worker.

“The ICC provided a facilitator, invited young people, different agencies and a panel of members of parliament including Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, two State MPs and a local councillor.

“It was a productive time for the youth to ask questions, bring up issues and participate in discussions.”

The youth celebration event started at 2pm, with a jumping castle, rides, sausage sizzle, slushies and entertainment attracting children, and adults, of all ages.

The day also showcased different services available to youth and their families in the area, that work together with Soundpoint and refer clients to each other for the best possible outcome. These services included Ipswich Community Youth Service, Boystown, Headspace Ipswich,

ABOVE: More than 350 people attended the Soundpoint youth day.

The Base Youth Agency and Tedd Noffs Foundation.

The headline band, “Bullhorn”, entertained the crowd with their “nu-wave brass band” and their sound of funk, soul, hip-hop, jazz, reggae and dance music.

The varied and energetic live performances from the Street Dreams dance crews, students from Forest Lake High Schools who attend “Sound Lounge” at Forest Lake Salvos, and a resident rapper, continued the positive and upbeat atmosphere of the celebration.

“Around 350 people came through the afternoon, including many in cars pulling over to watch the concerts,” Nathan said.

“A lot of young people and families we

connect with through Street Dreams came, as well as many people we hadn’t connected with before who responded to our letterbox drop.

“The main focus of the day was to celebrate everything about young people and the positive impact they can have in the community. We also wanted to provide a way for them to have free and fun activities in a safe environment.

“It’s a soft approach in drawing people to Soundpoint, to let them know that we are here, what we’re about and what we, and other agencies, offer to support young people in our community.”

The ICC proudly supports the Youth Week event at Soundpoint.

– Simone Worthing

Fighting Mac biography presented to family

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he most comprehensive biography of William “Fighting Mac” McKenzie, the Gallipoli chaplain highly respected by the Anzacs, is now in the keeping of his family and of his church, The Salvation Army.

Author Dr Daniel Reynaud presented The Man the Anzacs Revered to McKenzie’s great-grandson and to The Salvation Army last month. Stephen Hansen, whose mother, Olga, was the daughter of McKenzie’s son, Donald, accepted the book on behalf of the family. Susan Petterson represented the Army.

McKenzie became the most famous Anzac by the end of the war even though he stood for “almost everything the typical

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digger loved to hate,” says Reynaud, associate professor of history at Avondale.

“He railed against booze, brothels, betting and bad language, and he ran frequent evangelistic campaigns for the Anzacs where he forcefully appealed to them to become Christians. But the soldiers just about worshipped him.”

The Scottish-born Salvation Army officer served at Gallipoli – he received the Military Cross for his actions at the Battle of Lone Pine – and on the Western Front as chaplain of the Australian Imperial Force’s 4th Battalion. “His tireless energy on the soldiers’ behalf earned their respect, while his charismatic personality and integrity of character won their love,” says Reynaud.

ABOVE: Daniel Reynaud presents a copy of his book, The Man the Anzacs Revered, to William McKenzie’s great-grandson Stephen Hansen and partner Josephine Bibby. Photo: Etienne Reynaud

f r o m t h e c o a l fa c e

local news

Service honours those bereaved by suicide

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he lives of friends and family who have lost loved ones to suicide were honoured at The Salvation Army’s Hope For Life Healing and Remembrance service on 8 May. The hall was packed at the Army’s territorial headquarters in Sydney as those bereaved by suicide celebrated both the life and death of their loved ones.

Yvonne Collis, who lost her husband Gary to suicide in 2008 knows too well the pain, grief and stigma that exists around suicide. At the service she expressed her appreciation to Envoy Alan Staines, who started the Hope for Life program, for giving her the opportunity to honour her husband.

“Somebody finally wanted to define my husband by the way he lived his life, rather than by the way he died. And it was so nice to talk about the way he died as well as the way he lived,” she said.

Year 11 student Bianca Holmes also celebrated her sister Zoe’s life, sharing that Zoe had made a huge impact on her. While Bianca said she lost her best friend six years ago, through this experience she has gained a desire to give back to her local community.

She is doing a welfare course at TAFE with the intention to become a disability care worker.

“I never talk about Zoe in past tense as long as I still remember and love her. I believe she is still with me here today,” said Bianca.

ABC television presenter and long-term supporter of Hope For Life, John Cleary, was the master of ceremonies at the service.

The Australia Eastern Territory Chief Secretary, Colonel Richard Munn, shared

from the Bible and explained how Jesus understood grief, highlighting the story where Jesus wept after losing his friend Lazarus. “Jesus is acquainted with grief. He joins in our sorrow with empathy,” Colonel Munn said.

Envoy Staines explained the dual purpose of the National LifeKeeper Memory Quilt, which was launched in 2009, and the five states quilts, which were unveiled in 2012. The quilts offer an avenue for those who died by suicide to be honoured and to also create awareness about the stigmas surrounding suicide.

Envoy Staines then called upon those at the service to help create awareness about suicide and remove the stereotypes that exist around this mental health issue.

A four-candle ritual ceremony followed, led by Envoy Staines, representing the grief, courage and the memories of the bereaved by suicide. The last candle exists to help leave a lasting memory of those lost to suicide. The bereaved by suicide were then invited to come forward and light a candle to honour their loved ones and receive a rose in their memory.

Everyone at the service was given a Hope For Life resource kit. The pack contained resources for the bereaved by suicide to use to help create awareness about the stigmas of suicide including a Hope For Life Champion pin. The pin is for individuals to wear to help initiate conversation about suicide.

- Esther Pinn

TOP: Family and friends bereaved by suicide take part in the Hope For Life service on 8 May. ABOVE: Colonel Richard Munn (left) speaks at

the Healing and Remembrance service. Alan Staines (right) the founder of Hope for Life. Photos: Adam Hollingworth

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local news

Commissioner opens new building in Bundaberg

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ommissioners James and Jan Condon, territorial leaders, officially opened the new Salvation Army centre in Bundaberg on Saturday 9 May. More than 200 people attended the opening, including North Queensland divisional leaders, Majors Kelvin and Cheralynne Pethybridge, Bundaberg Corps Officers, Captains Chris and Melissa Millard, divisional officers, corps members and many from the local community.

After a Welcome to Country, Mayor of Bundaberg, Mal Forman, expressed his gratitude to The Salvation Army for their work in the local community. “I see The Salvation Army as ‘Christianity with its sleeves rolled up’,” he said.

Commissioner Jan read from the Scriptures before Commissioner James gave his message, speaking on “What is the Church?”. He encouraged those gathered to “watch for the new thing I am going to do”, quoting from Isaiah 43:10, before unveiling the plaque on the new building.

A time capsule was on display during the opening, which had been placed behind the foundation stone after renovations of the previous citadel in Targo Street in 1967. Three foundation stones from that citadel are now mounted in front of the new centre.

“The new hall seats 250, there is a proper kitchen, Salvos Connect, a playground and land for further development in the future,” said Captain Chris Millard, Bundaberg Corps Officer with

ABOVE: The new corps building at Bundaberg.

his wife, Captain Melissa.

“We are out of the main street, where we were for nearly 100 years, surrounded by businesses, and are now out in the suburbs surrounded by houses, people and community. We are set up and ready for our ministries to grow.

“Together with the corps, we are excited to see what God will do in and through The Salvation Army in our community in the future.”

enrolments

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BUNDABERG CORPS

ommissioner Jan Condon oversaw the enrolment of two senior soldiers and three junior soldiers, and the acceptance of an adherent during the celebration service to mark the opening of the corps building at Bundaberg last month.

Alister Dodd and Doug Greenslade signed their Soldier’s Covenants, while Madalyn Millard, Oshearna Till and Dwyiet Johnson are the new junior soldiers. Grace Page made her own commitment to God and the corps by becoming an adherent.

LEFT: Commissioner Jan Condon accepts Grace Page as an adherent. ABOVE: Commissioner

Condon enrols Alister Dodd and Doug Greenslade as soldiers.

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enrolments

LOCKYER VALLEY CORPS

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orps Officer Captain Craig Harlum enrolled four new soldiers and accepted one adherent on Easter Sunday.

Captain Harlum enrolled Ketia and Teanna Browne as junior soldiers, father and son Richard and Phillip Hodson as senior soldiers, and accepted Nola Hodson as an adherent.

“We are delighted to see the generations being enrolled and to see our corps growing,” said Corps Officer Captain Katie Harlum.

LEFT: New

members of the Salvation Army’s Lockyer Valley Corps - Richard (far left), Nola and Phillip Hodson with junior soldiers Teanna (top right) and Ketia. Photo: Jim Nicholls, courtesy of The Valley Weekender.

PORT MACQUARIE

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(Bethany Aged Care Plus Centre)

uring chapel at Bethany Aged Care Plus Centre in Port Macquarie, Trish Pollett was accepted as an adherent by chaplain Major Christine Atkinson. The ceremony took place in front of a congregation made up of centre residents and their families.

Trish is a valued member of the Bethany family, she loves the Lord and attends devotions and chapel on a regular basis. She sees Bethany and The Salvation Army as her spiritual home, expressing a desire to belong and be a part of the family of God as well as a member of the Army.

ABOVE: Trish Pollett is accepted as an adherent by Major Christine

Atkinson. Commissioner Ian Cutmore is holding the flag.

PARRAMAT TA CORPS

BRISBANE STREETLEVEL MISSION

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ajor Bryce Davies, Brisbane Streetlevel Mission team leader, accepted Jacqui Cronin as an adherent last month.

Jacqui is a graduate from Brisbane Recovery Services (Moonyah) and has been volunteering at Streetlevel for a few months. “She loves the Salvos and the way God has broken through into her life, setting her free and giving her purpose and hope,” said Major Davies.

LEFT: Major Bryce

Davies accepts Jacqui Cronin as an adherent.

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orps Officer Captain Sharon Sandercock-Brown enrolled six junior soldiers - Alex Parker, Erica Bishop, Kiara Bust, Lucas Rudd, Mollie Ainsworth and Zachariah Perry - on Sunday 19 April.

“It was very evident that they all loved Jesus and wanted to learn more about what it meant to be a junior soldier and what they could do to serve him,” said Carissa Ainsworth, Youth and Children’s Ministries Coordinator at the corps, referring to the junior soldier classes each young person undertook.

“In front of a packed congregation, they made their junior soldier promises and declared that Jesus was their best friend ever.”

ABOVE: Left to Right: The new junior soldiers: Zachariah Perry, Lucas Rudd, Alex Parker, Kiara Bust, Mollie Ainsworth and Erica Bishop.

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international local news

Salvation Army rebuilding lives in Nepal

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he relief operations underway can loosely be separated into urban and rural projects.

Broadly speaking, the urban ministry – in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur – is centred around camps for displaced people, including camp-management roles and the provision of food and water. In rural areas, The Salvation Army is supplying food and shelter to remote communities in Ramechhap and Sindhupalchok Districts and around Ghorka.

One truck of relief items has made its way to Nepal from the India Eastern Territory, including 700 12-litre boxes of water and 130 boxes of noodles, each of which contains 48 packets. So far the Nepal relief team has distributed about 150 boxes of water and 40 boxes of noodles. These items are mainly used for the camps The Salvation Army is involved in and for small scattered shelters. Another truck with 300 tarpaulins for shelter is on its way from Kolkata.

The relief team has provided food assistance to more than 700 households in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Sindhupalchok. The food parcel typically consists of rice, dhal (lentils), oil and salt. Another distribution planned for Ramechhap will provide food parcels to 280 additional households.

Through partners, The Salvation Army has also been able to secure tarpaulins, distributing 131 so far. Another 70 are already assigned for distribution.

Shelter remains a major concern, especially with the monsoon season approaching. One thousand highquality, weatherproof tents have been ordered in Pakistan and, thanks to assistance from the international logistics company UPS, they will be transported to Nepal shortly.

It has been possible to source food items locally, which is the ideal solution.

The Salvation Army has been asked to take on the responsibility of managing a number of camps. So far it has been allocated four camps (two of which have now been closed) but it is still providing support including food, shelter and non-food items to another two. The team has been asked to oversee another camp which needs assistance, which team members will visit to assess the needs.

A new project is being undertaken in the far north of Ghorka, where 8000 people need food and shelter. It will be implemented in cooperation with MountainChild, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) which has access to the helicopters needed to reach some of the most remote areas.

In Sindhupalchok, food has already been distributed – along with some non-food items such as solar lamps – but plans are being put in place to provide shelter to 1000 households.

The Salvation Army continues to carry out its response as part of the bigger humanitarian operation and is, therefore, making an effort to coordinate on national as well as district levels. It is registered as the main relief agency in certain VDCs (village development councils) and attends eight of the clusters organised by the United Nations to ensure effective cooperation and coordination.

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TOP: Salvation Army representatives survey a street blocked due to the collapse of a building in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu.

ABOVE: Captain Kathy Crombie (far right) helps

distribute solar lamps and other essentials to members of a camp in Kathmandu.

The international response team in Nepal consists of: Damaris Frick (International Headquarters), Colonel Carol Telfer (Pakistan), Captain MacDonald Chandi (Pakistan), Australia Eastern Territory officer Captain Kathy Crombie (International Social Justice Commission) and Captain Vanlaltluanga Pachuau (India Eastern Territory).

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international

Salvos support worldwide school petition

ABOVE: General André Cox signs the petition supporting the right of

every child to an education.

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he Salvation Army has pledged its support to one of the biggest petitions in history – #UpForSchool – demanding that world leaders take immediate action to give every child an opportunity for a school education.

Salvationists and friends of The Salvation Army are being invited to join the five million people who have already signed the petition, among them the Army’s world leader, General André Cox. The Army’s signatures will be presented on Friday 3 July during the main session of the Boundless International Congress.

There are still 58 million children around the world who cannot attend school for a variety of reasons. Now, through #UpForSchool, young people, non-governmental organisations, civil society, teachers, faith-based organisations and more than 100 of the world’s leading businesses are uniting to make a call for action.

“The greatest resource in the world today is not oil, gold or money ... it’s the millions of young people whose potential is yet to be realised,” said General Cox. “We need to empower them, support them and engage with them. School provides a route out of poverty,

and good education is vital if every child is to have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.”

General Cox is urging each Salvation Army territory, region and command around the world to encourage its members, officers, employees, staff and others – including children over the age of seven – to sign the petition.

The #UpForSchool campaign is organised by a global coalition called A World at School (www.aworldatschool.org), co-founded

by Sarah Brown, the wife of former British prime minister Gordon Brown. The coalition brings together NGOs, teachers, businesses, civil society groups and faith communities around the world to work together to get every child into school.

The #UpForSchool petition, including all the signatures collected by The Salvation Army, will be presented by Gordon Brown – in his role as United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education – to world leaders at the United Nations in September 2015.

To sign the petition, go to www.salvationarmy.org/upforschool.

African documentaries to premiere at Boundless

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wo documentaries will be premiered at the Boundless Film Festival during The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary celebrations in London next month.

The International Headquarters Communications Section has teamed with SAVN.TV (Salvation Army Vision Network) – a ministry of The Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory – to produce the documentaries.

The feature film of the festival is Homecoming Africa, a 20-minute documentary that tells the story of General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s

Ministries) – the Army’s international leaders – as seen through the eyes of Salvationists in Zimbabwe, the General’s birthplace. It was shot during the 2014 Easter Congress in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Ethembeni – A Place of Hope is a short film that captures the love, grace and empathy of this very special Salvation Army children’s home in Johannesburg, South Africa. The film was shot on location in 2014.

SAVN.TV and IHQ Communications have released a preview at youtu.be/X4cqdunEZIg. For the Boundless Film Festival schedule go to boundless2015.org/boundless/film_festival

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promoted to glory

FLYING CHRIST’S FLAG

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aymond George Charter was promoted to glory on 27 March, aged 81, in Gosford.

After a private cremation, a Thanksgiving Service was conducted at The Salvation Army, Woodport Village, which was led by Major Stan Evans. This service was held on 8 April, which would have been Raymond’s 82nd birthday.

The Salvation Army flag was carried in, as Ray lived by the meaning of the flag [the red on the flag represents the blood of Christ; the blue border stands for purity; and the yellow star in the centre signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit. The flag is a symbol of the Army’s war against sin and social evil].

The family tribute was presented by Valmai Lucas (sister-in-law) and Psalm 121 was read by Major Kevin Hentzschel (brother-in-law). The song How Great Thou Art was sung after the Bible reading. Major Evans concluded the service with a message of comfort and hope.

Ray was born on 8 April 1933 and grew up in Gilgai, 10km south of Inverell. He attended school in Gilgai, as well as the Salvation Army in Gilgai and Inverell.

He was brought up in a Christian home, and learned early to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Ray accepted Jesus as his saviour early in his life and remained faithful, as a soldier of The Salvation Army, until the Lord called him home.

When Ray finished school, he worked at Gardiners Hardware Store in Inverell.

Later he moved to Sydney, to gain more experience, and gained employment at Bebarfalds, a home furnishings store.

In Sydney he attended the Bankstown Corps and joined the band in the percussion section. He enjoyed beating the drum for the Lord as a witness to his faith. Ray confidently spoke of God’s love in open-air meetings, which were held at Bankstown Railway Station.

While at Bankstown Corps he met Janice Hentzschel and they married on 23 April, 1960. Ray and Janice had two children. The family continued their faithful soldiership at Bankstown Corps until they moved to the NSW Central Coast.

After the move they began to attend Gosford Corps, finally moving to The Salvation Army Woodport Village in their retirement years.

Ray and Janice served as soldiers of the Gosford Corps until ill health prevented

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them from attending the corps, so they then worshipped at the chapel of the retirement village.

Ray trusted people, and expected to be trusted also. Through difficult times in his life Ray’s faith never wavered.

Well done good and faithful servant.

MAN OF INTEGRITY

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olin Ring was promoted to glory on 11 February, aged 83 years, in Gympie.

A Thanksgiving Service of Col’s life was held at Gympie Corps, led by Major Brian Smith, on 18 February, highlighting the faithful service he had given to The Salvation Army over his lifetime.

A family tribute was given by his son, Douglas, and Samara Carruthers spoke for the grandchildren who supported her, followed by a corps tribute by bandmaster Howard McLachlan.

The local band, in which he served for about 40 years, accompanied the singing of Blessed Assurance, Safe in the Arms of Jesus and I’ll Follow Thee, which, as pointed out by his son, was the song that led Col to a decision to follow Christ many years earlier.

Major Smith spoke of the promises of Jesus that Col lived out and trusted as he served him faithfully in the Gympie Corps for more than 65 years. Undertaker Coman Reynolds, for whom Col had worked for many years, paid a personal tribute to him about his integrity and calmness in stressful situations, before singing Danny Boy while rose petals were sprinkled on the coffin.

Col was born in Eumundi, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and spent his younger years there and at Mitchelton, in Brisbane’s north-west, where he first became involved in The Salvation Army.

In 1951 he married Alma Brown, of Gympie, and they had three children – Douglas, Beverley and Gavin. This led to seven grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

While he held leadership positions of Young People’s Sergeant Major, Corps Sergeant Major and Recruiting Sergeant over many years, he also served faithfully in other ministries such as the band, hotel visitation, street ministry, Red Shield Appeal and serving tea and coffee during floods and other emergencies.

With failing health, Col was admitted to the Cooinda Nursing Home, Gympie, in October last year. During his Thanksgiving

Service, recognition was made to the nursing staff for the care they had provided during his stay.

Col was a man of integrity, well known and highly respected throughout the community and ever-ready to help anyone in need. He carried out his duties faithfully and will be sadly missed by his supportive family and friends.

CARING SERVANT

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ajor Kelly Patricia Mulligan was promoted to glory, after a long battle with cancer, on 15 April, in Sydney.

A Thanksgiving Service of her life was held at Dulwich Hill Corps, conducted by Major Ray Allen, with Corps Officer Major Stephen Briggs offering the prayer.

Kelly organised the Order of Service, having her close friends participate. Major Heather Rose brought the scripture reading and Captain Carole Smith read the message from the Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon. Kelly’s younger sister, Linda, spoke of Kelly’s enthusiasm as a child and her courage over the past 18 months.

Major Kim Hawke gave an insight into Kelly’s care and concern for missionary officers and her three visits to Zimbabwe.

Kelly visited the Hawkes (Majors David and Kim and their young family) to offer friendship and brought considered gifts for the family.

Major Elaine Spence, on behalf of Dulwich Hill Corps, spoke of Kelly’s involvement in the corps and Kelly’s care for providing transport for a number of ladies to the meetings. Emphasis was made of Kelly’s attention to detail, whether in public relations, SAMIS development or with students at Booth College.

During the time of Kelly’s illness, a number of people provided transport, and visited both at home and in hospital.

At the crematorium, Major Stephen Briggs offered prayer and Captain Carole Smith brought the scripture reading.

Major Mavis Humphries gave further insight into Kelly’s care for missionary officers, as well as the children’s book Kelly had published.

Kelly entered The Salvation Army Training College from Granville Corps in 1987 and her first appointment was to Winderradeen House. Further appointments were at the Central Coast

f r o m t h e c o a l fa c e

promoted local news to glory

Rehabilitation Centre (SELAH), Glen Haven, Gold Coast Temple, Bowral, Public Relations Department, SAMIS Development, Booth College, Salvation Army International Development Office and THQ Personnel Department.

At this time, we remember Kelly’s parents, Heather and Jim Mulligan and her sister, Linda, and her family.

STEADY FAITH

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aurel Pink was promoted to glory, from her home in Campsie, on 30 March, aged 91. Her daughter Rhondda was at her bedside.

The funeral service was conducted by the Campsie Corps Officers, Majors Bruce and Glenys Domrow, on Tuesday 7 April at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium. Two of Laurel’s favourite songs were sung, My Jesus I love Thee and Blessed Assurance. One of Laurel’s favourite scriptures, Isaiah 35:1-10, was read and a eulogy was given by Envoy Frank Pink.

The message and committal were presented by Major Bruce Domrow. At the conclusion of the service the release of white doves was performed (outside the chapel) with symbolic dignity.

A celebration of Laurel’s life was then conducted at Campsie Salvation Army Citadel, led by Major Glenys. The band provided music for three of Laurel’s best loved songs – There’s a Land that is Fairer than Day, In Heavenly Love Abiding and When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. Prayer and a Bible reading from John 14: 1-6 and 27, were given by Major Bruce.

Envoy Frank Pink presented a tribute

and then Laurel’s daughters, Robyn and Rhondda, along with the six grandchildren, touched on family remembrances. A vocal duet was sung by music director Howard Morton and bandmaster Glendon Hanna while a pictorial slide presentation of Laurel’s life was shown.

A corps tribute was given by Major Margaret Redmond before Major Glenys gave an inspirational message and Major Bruce presented a prayer and benediction.

Laurel Edna Wiegold was born at Macksville on the NSW north coast on 27 June 1923 to Harry and Alice Wiegold. In 1937 Harry retired and the family moved to Taree where Laurel linked with the Baptist Church and involved herself in many church activities during her teenage years.

Laurel became interested in The Salvation Army through a workmate and was enrolled as a soldier on her 20th birthday at Taree Corps.

Some of Laurel’s employment included caring for sick folk. She also worked as a machinist in the Wingham slipper factory.

Laurel joined the Australian Land Army in 1943 until the war ended in 1945. This involved heavy work in the fruit orchards at Branxton and Batlow and harvesting of potatoes and tomatoes at Goologong and Cowra.

After the war, Laurel felt God’s call to officership and in March 1948 she entered the Training College at Petersham as a member of The King’s Messengers. Her first appointment was at Gunnedah, where she met Captain Frank Pink, who was the Corps Officer at nearby Quirindi.

Laurel and Frank were married in July 1950 at Taree and returned to Frank’s new appointment at Temora, where daughter Robyn was born. Other appointments included Leeton, Hillside (Rockhampton), where Rhondda was born, followed by

Ballina and Tingha.

Laurel’s ongoing health problems flared up at Tingha in 1959 and she reluctantly relinquished her officership in 1960. In spite of this, Laurel’s unshakeable faith in God and her strong love and loyalty for The Salvation Army were untarnished and she continued serving God in the Army.

Laurel and Frank made the decision to be commissioned as Envoys and give part-time voluntary service where needed.

Over the next two decdes, they served in this capacity at Inverell and then at Bondi Junction (Waverley) before transferring to Campsie Corps.

At Campsie, with a new lease of life after a major heart operation in 1979, Laurel became leader of the Campsie Ladies Evening Fellowship and managed the Home League card table.

In 1984, a request came from Botany to take over the Home League leadership, a role she filled for the next 28 years.

Laurel was a silent achiever, seldom giving verbal expression to her faith and principles. She maintained that actions speak louder than words. She loved a challenge because it gave her the opportunity to prove it could be done.

Her love for The Salvation Army’s old choruses was strong. She believed they expressed great but simple truths – testimony, prayer, resolution and praise.

Laurel’s testimony would be wrapped up in the line of the song: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

Laurel will be missed by family and friends, but her example will live on.

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janet munn | opinion

Power for others WITH POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE COMES RESPONSIBILITY

JANET MUNN

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” - George Orwell, Animal Farm

W

hether it’s the bully in the playground or the multinational corporation exploiting labourers, the misuse of power brings misery. Likewise, whether it’s an older brother protecting his younger sister from that playground bully or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation investing millions of dollars worldwide in health, sanitation, economic empowerment and education – the right use of power brings welcome relief.

The Salvation Army’s international position statement on power states: “[Power] is a means by which [people] achieve some of the world’s most positive goods and some of the world’s most horrifying evils”.

World Environment Day is on 5 June. The theme for 2015 is how the well-being of humanity, the environment and economies ultimately depends on the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources. In other words, it’s a day to consider how the powerful are handling nature’s resources.

World Refugee Day is 20 June and is an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues affecting refugees and celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. In other words, it’s a day to reflect on how the powerful are treating the vulnerable, and to value the less

powerful among us.

Social scientists have noted that there are two primary motivations in the use of power – self-interest, and its opposite, socially responsible conduct.

It has been demonstrated that individuals who are communally oriented are more likely to use their power in socially responsible ways. In contrast, individuals who are not communally oriented are more likely to use their power in self-serving ways.

Because that older brother cares about his little sister (being communally oriented) he is willing to exert his power on her behalf, to conduct himself in a socially responsible, not self-serving way.

Because the world and its citizens matter to Bill and Melinda Gates, they don’t use the power of their massive wealth in selfserving ways but in ways that are communally oriented – powerful, intelligent, strategic generosity for the sake of others less powerful.

Did you know that the skills most important to obtaining power and leading effectively – such as empathy, social intelligence, and attentiveness to the needs of others – tend to deteriorate once a person has power? In fact, “once people assume positions of power, they’re likely to act more selfishly, impulsively, and aggressively, and they have a harder time seeing the world from other people’s

points of view” (greatergood. berkeley.edu/article/item/ power_paradox). Further, individuals whose power increased experienced a decrease in distress and compassion when confronted with the suffering of others.

In light of all this, what should our response be to the plight of refugees? To the displaced? How can we act in socially responsible ways on behalf of those less powerful than we are? To what degree have we, as individuals and as nations, lost our sense of compassion at the suffering of others?

Jesus Christ, for the sake of others, not only surrendered his life to the powers that desired to murder him, but in his living he identified with the oppressed and their need for justice. Similarly, the right use of power by followers of Jesus must include an unequivocal commitment to the struggle on the side of the oppressed. Jesus, the all-powerful God incarnate, showed himself to be profoundly communally oriented and lived and died in a socially responsible way – for the sake of others.

He did something for humanity that we are powerless to do for ourselves. We follow his example not only by rightly exercising the power we have (and we all have some), but in identifying with the poor, the vulnerable, the oppressed.

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ABOUT PEOPLE APPOINTMENTS

Effective 1 April: Major Leanne Duncan, Divisional Mission and Resource Director – Corps, South Queensland Division.

Effective 1 May: Colonel Geanette Seymour (ret.), Territorial Leadership Executive Assistant, Office of the Territorial Commander; Lieut-Colonel Graham Durston (ret.), Secretary for Ecumenical Relations, Officer of the Territorial Commander.

Effective 4 May: Lieutenant Vanessa Hunt, Assistant Corps Officer, Petersham Corps.

Effective 7 May: Major Darrell Slater, Divisional Residential Appeal Coordinator, Sydney East and Illawarra Division.

Effective 6 July: Captains Paul and Christy Kurth, Corps Officers, Broken Hill Corps and Managers, Broken Hill Social Programs, The Greater West Division; Lieutenants Philip and Donna Sutcliffe, Corps Officers, Forster/Tuncurry Corps, Newcastle and Central NSW Division.

Effective 9 July: Lieutenant Matt Ryan, Assistant to the Manager, William Booth Recovery Centre, Sydney East and Illawarra Division; Lieutenant Kate Ryan, Assistant to the Manager, William Booth Recovery Centre, Sydney East and Illawarra Division; Captain Marilyn Smith, Centre Support Manager, Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Plus Centre, Program Administration; Captain Gary Smith, Chaplain, Weeroona Aged Care Plus (pro-tem), Program Administration.

BEREAVED

Captain Harold Fanshawe of his mother, Rose Fanshawe on 2 May. Lieutenant Bronwyn Burnett of her mother, Joan Moon on 14 May. Major Peter Pearson of his father, Phillip Pearson on 18 May. CONCLUSION OF SERVICE

Lieutenants Myf and Peter Evans on 10 May. PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major Elvina Olive Baker on 6 May; Major Joy Everitt on 8 May. RETIREMENTS

Major Keith Cook on 1 June; Envoy Ron Petterson on 1 June; Major Jacqui McGrath on 1 August.

TIME TO PRAY 31 MAY – 6 JUNE

Maitland City Corps, Newcastle Worship and Community Centre, Northlakes Corps, Port Stephens Corps, Raymond Terrace Corps, Singleton Corps, all NSW; Officers 5-Year Review (1-4); Youth Councils, North NSW and ACT and South NSW divisions (5-8).

7-13 JUNE

Taree Corps, Tuggerah Lakes Corps, Umina Beach Corps,

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Wellington Corps, Westlakes Corps, Dooralong Transformation Centre, all NSW; Recovery Services Network Meeting (9-11).

14-20 JUNE

Newcastle Doorways Community Welfare Centre, Sal’s By The Lake, Oasis Youth Centre, Wyong, North NSW Divisional Headquarters, all NSW; Salvos Youth and Accommodation Support Services; OTHERS Week (14-21); Newcastle and Central NSW Division Officers Fellowship (15-18); Central and North Queensland Division Officers Fellowship (15-18); Sydney Staff Songsters, Parramatta (20-21).

21-27 JUNE

North NSW Division Chaplains, Armidale Corps, Ballina Corps, Barraba Corps, Bingara Corps, Casino Corps, Coffs Harbour Corps, all NSW. 28 JUNE – 4 JULY

Glen Innes Corps, Grafton Corps, Gunnedah Corps, Hope House – Gunnedah, Inverell Corps, Kempsey, all NSW; ACT and South NSW Division Snow Mission (29 June-12 July); International Congress, London (1-5).

5-11 JULY

Lismore Corps, Maclean Corps, Moree Corps, Nambucca River Corps, Narrabri Corps, Port Macquarie Corps, all NSW; EQUIP QLD (5-11); National NAIDOC Week (5-12).

ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR COMMISSIONERS JAMES (TERRITORIAL COMMANDER) AND JAN CONDON

Collaroy: Tues 2 June – Officer Five Year Review *Bexley North: Fri 5 June – Administrative Lecture, second year cadets, School For Officer Training Jindabyne: Sat 6-Sun 7 June – Youth Councils, ACT and South NSW Division Bexley North: Thu 11 June – School For Officer Training retreat day Proserpine: Mon 15-Thu 18 June – Divisional Officers Fellowship, Central and North Queensland Division Sydney: Mon 22 June – Presentation of Fellows certificates Sydney: Thu 25 June – Service recognition morning tea, territorial headquarters * Commissioner James Condon only # Commissioner Jan Condon only NOTE: There are no engagements for either Colonel Richard Munn or Lieut-Colonel Mark Campbell during June.