Farewell Australia by The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory March 2011 Volume 15 Issue 3

SPECIAL EIGHT-PAGE FLOODS COVERAGE

SELF DENIAL 2011

A PREVIEW OF THE ANNUAL APPEAL

Farewell Australia

SILVER SERVICE

OFFICERS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS

WORKING FOR JUSTICE

SAVE THE PLANET FROM YOUR DESK

General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond to lead global Salvation Army ARTICLES BY Lieut-Colonel

Doug

Clarke

Lieut-Colonel

Janet

Munn

Major

Barbara

Sampson

Captain

Brett

Mitchell

Editoria l

Born for a purpose

he was born the youngest of 13 children to a Canadian coalmining father and English-born mother taken to Canada as a 17-year-old by her adoptive parents. From these humble beginnings she has risen to become the world leader of a global organisation which has more than 100,000 employees and in excess of one million members. It’s the type of script that Hollywood movie executives make their fortunes on. But to summarise the life story so far of The Salvation Army’s General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond in such secular fashion would be an injustice. Commissioner Bond is a woman of God and her’s is a story of a life lived in obedience – albeit, by her own admission, a faltering obedience at times – to a higher calling. Her story is one of an ordinary person who by the power of God has been able to scale extraordinary heights. You see, no matter how great we may think our accomplishments are, the reality is we are all just ordinary people. Think about it. We’re just regular people, aren’t we? But here’s the phenomenal upside: God uses regular people, just like you and me. Linda Bond is a regular person, just like you and me. You don’t believe me? Spend a bit of time flicking through your Bible and you will find that it is full of stories of regular people who God used to do extraordinary things. And God is still using regular people, including you, to do extraordinary things.

Contents The Salvation Army WILLIAM BOOTH, Founder International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria street London EC4P 4EP

Self Denial Appeal 2011

one week’s salary on missionary service

Linda Bond, General-Elect Territorial Commander

STORY

8-15 ON TOP OF THE WORLD General-Elect Linda Bond to lead the international Salvation Army

FEATU R ES

24-25 SERVING A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS Lietuenant Tara McGuigan was enjoying a well-earned holiday when the phone call came to return to flood-ravaged Rockhampton

Scott Simpson Managing Editor

26-27 BIBLE BRIEFING Lieutenant-Colonel Doug Clarke begins a three-part series based on the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount

Graphic design: James Gardner, Kem Pobjie Cover photo: Shairon Paterson

R EGULA RS

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

COV E R

Scott Simpson Managing Editor

20-22 REFLECTIONS ON 25 YEARS OF OFFICERSHIP Thirteen Salvation Army officers of the Australia Eastern Territory complete a quarter of a century of service

Peter Sutcliffe, Major Communications Director

Pipeline is a publication of the Communications Team

God made you to impact the world. Just take a moment to think about the power of that statement. Our amazing, almighty God has created you in a very specific way to impact this world for him. In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, in the first verse of chapter 49, we read the words: “Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.” Here the prophet Isaiah is telling us that God had singled him out for a special purpose before he was even born. And it gets even better. God wants you to know that you can still apply this amazing truth to your life today; that God not only knew you before you took your first breath, but he actually formulated a plan for your life. Linda Bond has spent her lifetime pursuing that special plan God has for her. It’s taken her all the way to the international leadership of The Salvation Army. God’s plan for your life may not elevate you to such lofty positions of authority and responsibility, but in your “regular” existence you can find great encouragement in the phenomenal truth that you were born for a purpose. By the power of God you can fulfil that purpose.

19 GO TO THE WORLD Bill Simpson previews the 2011 Self Denial Appeal

Shaw Clifton, General Australia Eastern Territory 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

Leave an impact

3 EDITORIAL Altar Service 10 April 4 Holy Habits

www.selfdenial.info

6-7 INTEGRITY COLUMN 28-29 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW? 30 HOW TO DO JUSTICE 31-34 MISSION PRIORITIES UPDATE 35-45 COALFACE NEWS 46-47 PROMOTED TO GLORY Captivated 2011

IN THIS MONTH’S

g Youn Women in Touch M A R C H

2 0 1 1

women in touch

Seeing the God who sees me

Inviting friends to church Aftermath – Hillsong United

V O L U M E

1 2

I S S U E

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with Major Barbara Sampson

Isaiah 30:15-18 ”In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (v. 15, NIV).

he rhythm of working and resting, working and resting was woven into the very fabric of creation. The Genesis account notes that “on the seventh day he [God] rested from all his work” (2:2). Was God exhausted from all that making and moulding? No! The prophet Isaiah thunders, “Have you not heard? The Creator of the ends of the earth ... will not grow tired or weary” (40:28). God rested on the seventh day in order to enjoy all he had made – day and night, ocean and sky, trees and plants. Out of Egypt and into the desert,

God shaped a slave-minded people into a covenant community. He gave them a Sabbath day of rest as a gift, and said it was to have a different tempo from all the other days of the week. It was a holy day for resting, reflecting and remembering (see Exodus 20:8). For all that has changed in the generations since, the need for Sabbathkeeping, slowing, resting – call it what you will – has not changed. In a world that is suffering badly from hurry sickness, we need to hear often the deep, warm, welcoming invitation to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), and Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary ... and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We need to learn the rhythm of

engagement and withdrawal that Jesus practised (see Luke 5:16). Just as a jar of cloudy river water will settle if it is left undisturbed, so the turmoil of our lives settles when we stop and rest. Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti wrote: “Even in heaven, they don’t sing all the time.” Sabbath-keeping comes bearing gifts – the gift of freedom from control (“I’m not the CEO of the universe”), the gift of closure (“I rest in the gap between one week ending and the new one beginning”) and the gift of perspective, when, as William Wilberforce wrote, “earthly things assume their true size”. To reflect on ... Rest is not something we do, but what happens to us when we cease to do.

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Global call to prayer By Lieut-Colonel JANET MUNN

A “

nd will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:7-8). Why should weak human beings (like us) facing seemingly insurmountable injustices, cry out to a God we cannot see, to take action on behalf of the poor and oppressed? Isn’t there a better strategy – something we can do that is more proactive? More practical? More effective? Yet Jesus chooses the example of a widow, one of the powerless class of people in Jesus’ day, to teach us “to always pray and never give up” (Luke 18:1). Throughout the Bible we read of human beings like us, crying out to a loving God, of whom the Psalmist writes, “righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne” (Psalm 97:2). In response to these prayers God takes action, especially on behalf of the suffering, the vulnerable, the poor: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5). In 2010, The Salvation Army’s international leader, General Shaw Clifton, announced the Global Call to 24/7 Prayer – A Day and Night Cry for Justice, starting on 1 January 2011 and continuing indefinitely. The purpose of this global call is to provide a motivating focal point for the considerable attention to prayer being given throughout The Salvation Army internationally – the need for justice for the oppressed as described in Luke 18. On the Centre for Spiritual Life Development website (www.

SAglobal247.org) it is possible to link praying people with a global map displaying an international perspective on The Salvation Army at prayer. The website also offers information and encouragement to praying people the world over. May we respond energetically to the desperate need of our time by becoming consistently involved in day and night prayer.

Get involved

To register your praying times as part of the Global Call to 24/7 Prayer visit the website www.SAglobal247.org and click on any of registration options. The website also contains the full text of General Clifton’s letter. You can also read Commissioner Christine MacMillan’s monthly Justice Prayer Focus from her perspective at the Army’s International Social Justice Commission in New York City (www. salvationarmy.org/IHQ/www_ihq_isjc. nsf). A number of videos are available to view including a selection on 24/7 Prayer (www.24-7prayer.com), How to Set Up a Prayer Room and much more. On the site you can also view the Global Prayer Calendar that displays the countries where people have already signed up to indicate their commitment to non-stop prayer in a specific location, for a set period of time – ranging from a weekend to a full year. The General’s letter, as well as the videos, can be shared with those you are inviting to join in the 24/7 Prayer effort. As your interest, understanding and enthusiasm grow why not commit yourself to a set period of time where you will pray, in a fixed location around the clock. Ask some friends to join you

or coordinate with a number of faith communities so that all the hours in the day and night can be covered. You may even manage to link with groups or corps from another country who are awake when your country is asleep. Additionally, you may be able to establish a prayer room at your workplace, social service centre or school. In fact, the places that can be utilised for non-stop prayer is only limited by the extent of our innovation and imagination. When you sign up online at www. SAglobal247.org you’ll receive a confirmation notification of your participation. Then when you are actually in your period of 24/7 prayer, your part of the world will “ignite” on the Global Prayer Map on the website. Eventually the whole world, or at least every nation where The Salvation Army serves, will be enflamed with prayer for all to see and celebrate. Prayer requests, testimonies and answers to prayer will be posted on the website. My prayer is that these encouragements will further unite us in intercession and strengthen our global response and resolve to cry out to God for justice day and night. Pray. Get others praying. God is listening and responsive. Things will change. Miracles will happen. We will see justice on the earth. Let’s pray.

Lieut-Colonel Janet Munn is Secretary for Spiritual Life Development at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters.

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Made in the image In the second part of his article, JIM GOOD looks at some of the practical ways the Church can reshape its methods to enable it to become a genuinely inviting and hospitable community for people with disabilities

he Church will need to reshape some of its methods to ensure that people with disabilities are welcomed, included and involved. British pastor John Swinton has illustrated this need. For many years, Stephen, a man with intellectual disabilities, had lived in institutional care where he showed himself to be friendly and straightforward, passionate about Jesus and an enthusiastic participant in Swinton’s chapel services. Due to the closure of his institution Stephen was expected to move into supported community housing. On his first visit to the local church near his new home Swinton recalled that Stephen participated in the worship service by calling loudly and regularly on “Jeeshuss.” They were soon approached and asked that “we should either leave or, alternatively, that I should take Stephen through to the Sunday school, where he would be a little less distracting for those who wanted to ‘worship in peace’.” There are at least three practical suggestions that should help the church to be more hospitable.

More accessible

First, worship services should be made more accessible for people with disabilities. This will involve several steps. Church buildings must be wheelchairaccessible. A none-too subtle message is conveyed where this access is unavailable or when the only access is via some out of the way location. Accommodation must also be made for those who are hearing

or visually impaired. It is relatively easy to install hearing loops and to make PowerPoint presentations more visually accessible. A church could even employ someone to “sign” its Sunday services and fellowship times. Worship leaders will also need to consider how the content of services could be designed to make them truly accessible to a larger portion of the community. Churches must be ready to welcome people with disabilities when

“In embracing one another in freely given and freely received love, effective, reciprocal pastoral care will occur.” they first arrive. Provide education and opportunity to ensure that greeters and ushers feel comfortable interacting with people with disabilities and are aware of how to offer a greeting that is friendly without being condescending. In situations where someone has an intellectual disability, churches might consider assigning a congregational member as a guide to explain all aspects of church life as well as introducing the person to others.

Integrity

Growing Saints

of God Consulting Erik Carter’s excellent book Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities will prove very helpful. Second, people with disabilities should be given the opportunity for service, outreach and other ministry activities in the same way as all people. The church must begin asking the question: How can each person with a disability offer their unique qualities and gifts to the benefit of others? Assumptions that people with disabilities can only serve in particular ways must be avoided. Also, requests to participate in ministry should always be matched to a person’s unique gifting, and should always be preceded by genuine consultation – in this regard the phrase “nothing about us, without us” might prove helpful. Third, being more inclusive may necessitate the church making space for those (apparently) awkward moments. Congregations that keep their sense of humour and that retain a genuine respect for those with an intellectual impairment will learn to cherish these moments.

Reciprocal act

While these practical tips will prove helpful, Christians must ultimately embrace people with disabilities in genuinely reciprocal friendships. By embracing one another in freely given and freely received love effective, reciprocal pastoral care will occur. In his book Adam: God’s Beloved, Henry Nouwen has explained how the goal of reciprocal friendships is attainable. Adam was a young man with multiple

disabilities at the L’Arche Daybreak Community in Canada. He could not speak or move without assistance. In the eyes of the world “he was a complete nobody”. In contrast, Nouwen was an author and highly respected teacher at the universities of Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard. Yet, while living together in this community, Adam became Nouwen’s friend, teacher and guide. “I still remember those first days,” wrote Nouwen. “I saw Adam as someone who was very different from me. At first I had to keep asking myself, ‘what am I doing here? Who is this stranger?’” Gradually, a different story emerged: “Things started to change. What was becoming important for me was Adam and our privileged time together. I was slowly getting to know him and found myself beginning to understand a new language, Adam’s language. I began to talk to Adam. I wasn’t sure what he heard or understood, but I had a desire to let him know what I felt. It didn’t seem to matter to me anymore that he could not respond in words. We were together, growing in friendship, and I was glad to be there. Adam was no longer a stranger to me. He was becoming a friend and a trustworthy companion.” Nouwen’s experience is common in the L’Arche community. It happens regularly. Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche, believes that three activities are commonly evident wherever this experience is repeated: “The first is eating together around the same table. The second is praying together. And the third

is celebrating together. By celebrating, I mean to laugh, to fool around, to have fun, to give thanks together for life. When we are laughing together with belly laughs, we are all the same.” These activities involve entering into a shared journey by being physically present to one another over time, listening to one another, sharing experiences with one another, attending to one another’s needs, and enjoying life together. It seems deceptively simple. Yet many can testify that these activities can lead two strangers from isolation to an embrace of one another in a deeply reciprocal friendship. Nouwen’s experience will be the experience of people in the church as they enter into these activities with people with disabilities. The result will be genuinely reciprocal friendships, where love is freely given and received.

Anxiety lessened

Three things are likely to follow the development of reciprocal friendships. First, Christians will increasingly become “a non-anxious presence” to those with impairments. Bill Williams, an American theologian with cystic fibrosis once commented: “I’ve been with people who are not made anxious by my brokenness, and I’ve seen the difference. It is in fact the best definition of ministry I have ever heard; I nearly wept when I heard it, it so defined what I needed. Engrave this on your forehead if you wish to do ‘good’: ministry is a non-anxious presence.” Becoming this non-anxious presence enables people to experience what a >>> Continued page 23

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On top of the world

Commissioner Linda Bond to lead international Salvation Army

General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond acknowledges the congratulations of the 2011 High Council after her election as The Salvation Army’s 19th General. Photo: PAUL HARMER

By Lieut-Colonel LAURIE ROBERTSON

he Salvation Army’s new world leader and the 19th General will be Canadian-born Commissioner Linda Bond. General-Elect Commissioner Bond becomes the third woman and the fourth Canadian to hold the post of General of The Salvation Army since the international church and charity organisation was founded 146 years ago. The commissioner, who most recently has served as the Territorial Commander of the Army’s Australian Eastern Territory, was elected by The High Council of The Salvation Army made up of senior leaders from around the world. She will succeed General Shaw Clifton, who retires at midnight on 1 April. Once in post as General, Commissioner Bond will become the head of more than one million Salvationists in 123 countries. The Salvation Army also has more than 100,000 employees who between them communicate in 175 different languages. Commissioner Bond comes to the role of General with 42 years experience of Christian ministry and leadership. Since 2008, she has commanded The Salvation Army’s work across its Eastern Australia Territory, a huge area with its headquarters in Sydney. Prior to this, she worked at Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) in London, as the Secretary for Spiritual

Life Development and International External Relations. It was her second spell at IHQ where she previously served as Under Secretary for Personnel in the mid 1990s. As a Salvation Army officer, Commissioner Bond has served in local corps (church) ministry, on the staff of Salvation Army territorial and divisional headquarters and as part of the training staff for new officers in her home territory of Canada and Bermuda. During those years she also served as a divisional leader

and Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army in its Canada and Bermuda Territory. Other appointments have included divisional leadership roles in the Manchester region of the United Kingdom between 1998 and 1999, and as Territorial Leader in the USA Western Territory of The Salvation Army. Speaking just after her election Commissioner Bond said: “I love the Lord Jesus Christ and pledge my utmost obedience to him. I am absolutely committed to a life of praise and thanksgiving to God. We, The Salvation Army, need to be an Army of praise and thanksgiving to God and we must place our trust in God. We need his Holy Spirit to come mightily on The Salvation Army.” During the past five years under the leadership of General Clifton, the work of The Salvation Army has expanded into 12 new countries. During his term General Clifton established The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission based in New York, and the Army’s Centre for Spiritual Life Development in London. The General and his wife, Commissioner Helen Clifton, have also actively worked to aid the plight of struggling women and children around the world, including mobilising The Salvation Army in a concerted effort against human trafficking. Increasing the role of women in Salvation Army leadership has been of special concern to General Clifton and he has appointed many more women to senior leadership positions around the world than has occurred previously.

General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond with General Shaw Clifton at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London.

Q & A

with the General-Elect

Born

to lead a

million-strong

Army

The Salvation Army’s International Editor-in-Chief, Lieut-Colonel LAURIE ROBERTSON, interviews the next General, Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond Please tell us about yourself and your background. Recently I contributed to a book in the Australia Eastern Territory, and this is how I described my background. I was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, as the youngest of 13 children. My mother was British, migrating to Canada with her parents when she was 17 years old. My Canadian father was a coalminer. You can’t grow up in a large family, having a mother with a keen mind and a fiery spirit and a father as gentle as a lamb and selfless as Jesus, without being influenced. I am my mother’s child by nature, and my father’s child by desire. The coalmining town and political environment in which I was raised also affected the way I view life and I thank the Lord for this. The marginalised, the poor and the addicted were part of the community landscape, and my parents were committed to seeing things change for the hurting. This was consistent with what I later learned to be the Lord’s mission – and the Army’s.

Can you please describe your thoughts and feelings when you were nominated for and then elected as General of The Salvation Army? When I was nominated I felt it was an affirmation from my peers. My overall feeling was that ‘this is of the Lord’. He had been speaking to my heart through Scripture, and although I had not intended to, I accepted nomination in obedience to the Lord. I felt that I had to wait to see what he wanted to do. When I was elected I was humbled, but I had a real sense that this was the Lord’s doing. To me it was a miracle – it was a work of grace. In what ways is the High Council a daunting experience? It is daunting – and this was my third High Council – because the whole Salvation Army world is watching and wanting the leaders to get it right. I don’t mean that in terms of it being a human decision, but that Salvationists are wanting the leaders to be open to the Spirit of

God. High Council members want to be sensitive not only to God but also to Salvationists who are trusting them with this decision. How is the election of a Salvation Army General different from the election of a political leader? Well, there is no lobbying, for one thing! The major difference is that it is bathed in prayer. Unlike a political election, only a certain group have a vote yet all the Salvationists are praying for the High Council members to be granted wisdom by the Spirit. Please describe spiritual leadership in a Salvation Army context. I have very deep convictions about spiritual leadership, and for many years I taught classes on spiritual authority. To me the first point of spiritual authority is that power belongs to God. The power that he delegates to us has to be a power of love, the power to die to self, the power to live for others, the power for people and not over people. Also, whatever gifts he’s given you, influence how you serve. So if he has given the gift of leadership, you serve best when you lead. If he has given the gift of preaching, you serve best when >>>

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Born to lead a million-strong you preach. For everybody in spiritual leadership – we come under the authority of God. Ours is a delegated influence. How do you connect with God? For many years now I have set aside an hour of devotional time in the morning, but I am aware of the presence of the Lord all through the day. Because I live alone I have a lot of private time. I like to have day retreats. When I have a Saturday free, I like to spend quality time in the Word and reading a good book. But mainly I love the Word. I pray the Word. Jesus said to go into the closet [to pray]. The closet to me is the Psalms. When I enter the Psalms I meet with Jesus. I guess I could say that of the whole Bible. The Bible to me is where I enter into the presence of God and I hear his voice, and so I pray the Bible back to the Lord. Please outline the Army’s mission and explain how it is relevant and valid around the world today. Well, everybody seems to quote Retired General John Gowans and I, too, think he captured the mission of The Salvation Army in his phrase ‘save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity’. Salvationists seem to know instinctively that the Army was raised up

by God to connect people to Jesus. They also know that we believe that people can be holy now, that they can be Christ-like. It’s in our DNA to serve. So that is the mission of the Army and those are the guide posts for us.

“When I was elected I was humbled, but I had a real sense that this was the Lord’s doing.” How is it relevant? Well, the world needs Jesus – that’s pretty relevant, isn’t it? The ills of mankind are not going to be addressed by any other means, except through the Cross of Christ. When we talk about the relevance of holiness, this world needs to see that the people of God make holiness believable. It needs to see authentic, deep Christians who live out the life of Jesus and do not just talk about it. There is suffering humanity – all we have to do is watch television on any given night or look around our communities and say ‘We need Christians with their sleeves rolled up’.

How is The Salvation Army distinctive from other Christian denominations, missions and movements? I have often felt that our name not only identifies us but also tells us what our mission is. I love the fact that our very name is Salvation, and for the Salvationist that salvation means everything. It means salvation from sin, it means a full salvation that invites us to holy living. It is salvation for the whole person. This salvation moves us to address human need and to do so in his name. We are known for serving suffering humanity. We are also an ‘Army’, which reflects mobility, flexibility, discipline, active service. That’s distinctive. Our symbols are distinctive and our worship is often very spontaneous – as it should be. I love the Salvation Army testimony period and where it has been lost it needs to be revived, because we are in a day and age that loves to share and hear stories. I think our Mercy Seat is brilliant – and I don’t mean to be sacrilegious in saying that. There is something about being in worship and knowing that the Word of Christ, when proclaimed, can be responded to then and there. To me there’s always something special about kneeling before God in front of the community of faith. It’s not just coming to the Lord, believing he meets us there. You know you are surrounded by people who have

Photo Shairon Paterson

Army seen your commitment, and that they also covenant to pray for you. I truly believe in our stand on the sacraments. The Lord needs some part of the Church to prove that you don’t need ceremonies to be truly saved, committed and Christlike. And that is not a negative comment about how other people view the sacraments.The Lord has brought us all up with different views of things, and I feel the Army’s teaching is sound.

we need to be clear about that. Officership by its nature is about availability and mobility. In a worldwide Salvation Army we need people who are prepared to serve anywhere and be of service to the cause of Christ, with all their gifts. We need people who are available. So the more officers the better! We need officers who see this not as a profession in a secular sense but as sacrificial service. Officership needs to underscore sacrifice.

Is it important for people who worship at the Army to commit to junior soldiership, soldiership and local officership/ leadership?

Are gift-oriented ministry appointments practical for all officers? If so, how can this be achieved? If not, what are the barriers?

I am absolutely convinced we have to be asking people to step up and sign up. I often use that phrase. Jesus called people to radical discipleship and in The Salvation Army that is soldiership and officership. We need to be asking people not just to be members of the Army. I don’t see soldiership as membership or officership as professional clergy. Our people must believe the Army was raised up by God to be at war against anything that limits the human spirit or keeps it in bondage. We need a fighting force, and soldiership and officership are that for me.

I do believe in gift-oriented ministry appointments, but I would have to be honest with you – I have been given appointments where not just the gifts I had were needed. They were requiring of me something else that I didn’t feel gifted for. I believe the Lord honours obedience. When he called me to officership, I just had to say: ‘You have all there is of me.’ If he asks something of me he will grace me for the task. In my earlier officership no-one would have thought I had a gift of administration, but I kept getting administrative appointments. I never stopped preaching, I never stopped teaching and I never stopped relating to people. They were my gifts, but I had to

Why are more officers needed? Officers are not better than anybody else –

rise up to the challenge of administration. The last gift test I took, lo and behold! ... I had the gift of administration! God has gifted us and we need to be available to use our gifts. I would never minimise that, but I sometimes wonder if we put more stress on gift-oriented ministry than we do on obedience. Again, if we obey the Lord Jesus Christ and he asks us to rise to a challenge, we have to believe that there will be grace to rise to that challenge. What are some of the strengths of the Army worldwide? Our name, because we are known in most places and are found trustworthy. Trustworthiness is a huge part of what makes us effective. People trust us and we never want to lose that. Another strength of the Army, I believe, is its mission, which is so clearly defined. You would be hard pressed to find a Salvationist who did not know the mission. There is something about being very clear about our purpose that makes The Salvation Army as effective as it is. Our visibility is also a strength. People recognise our uniforms and logos. We have a long history yet we are known in society as an organisation that is able to change its methods to relate to each generation while holding true to its essential principles. We must continue >>>

Australia a ‘special place’ for Commissioner By SCOTT SIMPSON

he appointment as the 19th General of The Salvation Army contains a hint of bittersweet flavour for Commissioner Linda Bond. While excited by the challenge that awaits as the Army's new world leader, there's an element of sadness at having to leave a country she has grown to love during her three-year stint as Territorial Commander of the Australia Eastern Territory. “This has been a love appointment for me,” Commissioner Bond (pictured left) admits. “I was happy to finish my active Army officership in Australia and retire from this appointment so in some ways this [being elected General] has been a surprise. “For a long time after taking up this

appointment I was constantly saying to myself, ‘This is so easy’. And that was because I’ve had such an excellent team around me which has enabled the burden [of running the territory] to be shared.” Commissioner Bond is quick to identify the implementation of the territory's seven Mission Priorities as the high point of her appointment. “I'm passionate about these Mission Priorities,” she says, “and I intend taking this model in some shape and form to the Salvation Army world as General. “I'd be surprised if the seven priorities we have identified here in the Australia Eastern Territory don’t reflect the rest of The Salvation Army world.” It has been a whirlwind schedule for Commissioner Bond since her election

as the next General of The Salvation Army, a position she takes up on 2 April. She's determined, however, to make sure she properly farewells the territory. “My nature is to be a relational person, and I find Australians very easy to relate to. I think I’ve developed lifelong friendships while I’ve been here,” she says. “I’m fortunate to now have friends all over the world as a result of being a Salvation Army officer and serving in many different appointments. The downside to that, however, is being an officer means that you keep leaving these new friends when you take up a new appointment elsewhere. “Leaving is going to be difficult – Australia will always hold a special place in my heart.”

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Born to lead a million-strong Condons return ‘home’ to lead territory By SCOTT SIMPSON

ommissioners James and Jan Condon (pictured far right) have been appointed as leaders of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory in succession to Commissioner Linda Bond, the General-Elect. Commissioner James Condon has been appointed as Territorial Commander, Australia Eastern Territory, and Commissioner Jan Condon as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They are currently based at The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) in London, serving as International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, South Pacific and East Asia respectively.

to do this, to be adaptable and flexible but principled. How can the Army use these strengths to lovingly introduce people to Jesus Christ? Because we are trustworthy, the Army does have an entrance point in people’s lives. There is a graciousness about evangelism that the Army must have. We have so many open doors of opportunity through our service to suffering humanity We can touch people’s lives, not just to help with their social needs, but to reach into the deep recesses of their hearts with the good news of Jesus. This means that we need to pray for such opportunities and then when they come, to take advantage of them with grace and clarity. What will be the main challenges facing you as General? It is a challenge to serve in a very complex world without losing sight of our mission. We must also serve in a secular world and never be ashamed of Jesus. Both will take courage, wisdom and grace. And for the Army, would they be the same sort of challenges? Yes! We are all called to serve the present age. Sometimes we use the term relevance. Well, relevance is fine as long as we don’t

They have been in these appointments since November last year. Prior to taking up these roles at IHQ, the Condons served in a senior capacity in the Australia Eastern Territory – Commissioner James as Chief Secretary and Colonel Jan as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries – under the leadership of Territorial Commander Commissioner Bond. “It is an immense privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the Australia Eastern Territory,” says Commissioner James Condon. “Someone mentioned to me that we will be only the fourth Australia Eastern Territory officers to lead the territory in its 131-year history and that is humbling. “It was great to work with

Commissioner Linda Bond for almost three years and we are totally committed to building on her work and continue to move the territory forward with the focus on the Mission Priorities.” Commissioner Jan Condon is also excited at the prospect of returning to lead the work of The Salvation Army in her home territory. “To be in leadership of one’s home territory is a real privilege and I am grateful for this opportunity and the confidence shown in us to give us this appointment as territorial leaders,” she said. “I have given a lot of thought to my new appointment and I want to give priority to encouraging people in their spiritual journey, having a pastoral

“I have a sense deep in my spirit that God is wanting to do something in the Army, through the Army, that I can’t quite articulate.”

don’t have youth or children’s ministries. The Salvation Army needs to focus on reaching children for Jesus. There are children in dysfunctional homes, there are children in violent neighbourhoods, there are children who will grow up without the gospel at all. The Salvation Army needs to make reaching children for Jesus and training them up in the faith one of its main priorities. This will be a major focus of my ministry.

mean compromise. While serving the present age, there are some things that we could never compromise. The primary one is the universal saviourhood of Jesus. He is the only Saviour and we must never compromise our stand on the gospel. Please comment on the importance of bringing children to personal faith in Jesus Christ. What specific plans do you have in mind regarding the spiritual nurture of children? This is a passion for me and it’s not just about spiritual nurture. I am passionate about bringing children to Jesus. I guess I served in the years when we had the Sunday School Movement and the Bus Ministries and the big Sunday Schools – and it seems to have died out. I am surprised at how many corps

How do you hope to use the latest technology in communicating with the worldwide Army? A question has been asked already: Are we going to have a blog? I like using technology actually – I just love it! We need to explore every means to use technology to best advantage in order to fulfil our mission to the world. As for a blog – again, for me it would be a matter of finding the time. But more importantly, I hope to visit and travel frequently, and I know from experience that in many parts of the Army world, it can be extremely difficult if not impossible to get on-line. But the Office of the General will require me to communicate by every means possible. I will do that. For many, they will expect to hear of these travels through a blog. Others will welcome regular electronic letters. But best of all is face-to-face contact and travelling will give lots of opportunity for this.

Army ministry while still supporting the tremendous ministry for women, by women, to women in the territory. “I also want to keep focused on the territory’s vision and Mission Priorities, especially to be people of prayer and holy living.” Commissioners James and Jan Condon will arrive back in Australia on 27 March, and take up their new appointments on 2 April.

What do you imagine or hope The Salvation Army will be like at the end of your term as General? In what ways might it be different to what it is like today? I don’t really have a good answer for that, as I haven’t even started yet! All I know is I am committed to uplift the name of Jesus. I am absolutely confident that when we do that, the Spirit of God blesses The Salvation Army. I do believe in revival and pray for it on a regular basis. There has been revival in some places. We have certainly been an Army in renewal. I have a sense deep in my spirit that God is wanting to do something in the Army, through the Army, that I can’t quite articulate. There is a sense of his Spirit moving me and saying: ‘Keep faith with who I am, keep faith with what I have given the Army to do.’ If at the end of my term, this message has been communicated and the Army’s strong sense of identity and commitment to mission continues to impact society, then he will be pleased. And if he is pleased, that’s what matters most to me.

it all. I want to thank people who offered Scripture – people keep sending me Scripture. People offer congratulations but they also promise prayer support. There is no greater gift that someone can give to me. I need prayer. I would love to be strong and energetic and healthy and totally committed to what the Lord called me into this position for. I just want to do what he has called me to do. 

The Australia Eastern Territory will have the opportunity to farewell the Territorial Commander, General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond, at three separate public meetings to be held in March at the following locations: Brisbane: Saturday 5 March, 7pm at Stafford Corps Rockhampton: Sunday 6 March, 3.30pm at Capricorn Region Corps Sydney: Sunday 13 March, 4pm at Sydney Congress Hall. Guests include General Eva Burrows and Commissioners Raymond and Aylene Finger (Australia Southern Territory)

Is there anything else you would like to add? I have to thank The Salvation Army. I’ve had hundreds of messages from all over the world and I am a bit overwhelmed by

Farewell Meetings

Commissioner Bond

pipeline 03/2011 13

Born to lead a million-strong Army putting its principles into practice By BILL SIMPSON

lection of a woman as world leader of The Salvation Army will encourage churches still struggling with the female leadership issue, according to the last woman to hold the position. General Eva Burrows (pictured far right), who was The Salvation Army’s 13th international leader from 1986 to 1993, is personally encouraged that the election of Commissioner Linda Bond as the 19th General “is evidence of the Army putting its principles into practice”. And she expects that as part of the accepted difference in the way women and men think and act, General-Elect Bond will bring a few differences to the leadership table. The second woman general after Evangeline Booth (1934-39), General Burrows suggested that Commissioner Bond’s election sent a message to the world. “It most certainly does,” she said. “The Salvation Army has always stood for the Biblical equality of women. Commissioner Bond has a right to be ordained and commissioned as a minister of the Gospel and to hold any position in leadership equal with men. “There have been times when our action on this has faltered, but as the Army mother [Catherine Booth] showed

in her document Female Ministry, our position is based wholly on God’s Word. “Today, there are more books written by Christian writers about this principle laid down in Scripture than are being written by feminist writers with a gender viewpoint on equality. These Christian writers are seeking to dismantle the glass ceiling against women achieving leadership in the church. “The election of a woman general shows our principles being put into practice. It will be an encouragement to those denominations which are still struggling through this issue.”

Different style

There will, she says, be differences in the way General-Elect Bond, as a woman, handles issues. It’s part of the natural make-up of women and men, General Burrows says. “In recent decades, there has been enough research into the differences between the male and female psyches to make us aware that we are not the same; equal, but different. “For example, in leadership duties, men are more confronting, where women are more disarming. One research psychologist suggests men are more interested in where they are going, where women are more interested in the people they meet on the way.

“Another psychologist suggests men have the capacity to separate mind and heart and are concerned with objects and objectives rather than the people; where, with women, the prompting of her heart guides her mind and helps her act intuitively. “These are some of the reasons why the working together of men and women in management and leadership is so constructive and effective. “I called my leadership style ‘consensus in the Spirit’, because I sought to involve and use the gifts of all who worked with me – men and women – as the Holy Spirit bought us into unity of mind and heart. “While Commissioner Bond will express her leadership as General in a way that gives place to the feminine factor and perspective, she will also do it in her own individual, distinctive and inimitable style. “There is not one kind of General. All 19 have had their own characteristics and differences. For example, two former Territorial Commanders of the Australia Eastern Territory became Generals. Frederick Coutts was a quiet, reflective scholar. John Gowans was charismatic and exuberant.”

Readily accepted

In terms of whether women generals are treated differently to male generals,

List of Generals of The Salvation Army

r s s oth ente th n o ing outt i o rn h B g o o p c r g b B C e it Hi Bo Ca lin ell c Ors ed K erick d e e m r t w g g r Wi a a r r n m e d f o k w l lli a a i b e i i e Br Ed Ev G Fr Er W Al W 7 3) 4) 2) 9) 4) 9) 6) 9) 4) 6 5 1 2 3 3 4 6 7 97 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 1 – –1 –1 –1 –1 –1 –1 –1 –1 –1 74 54 46 78 12 29 34 39 63 69 9 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 1 .( . (1 (1 (1 (1 (1 (1 (1 (1 (1 (1 . . . . . . . . . 0 1 7 6 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 1 1 oth

William Booth

Army

General Burrows’ experience is that it is not an issue at that level. “At the level of church leadership, I did not feel I was treated differently from men generals. You are accepted for the significance of the office you hold; an office to which you were elected by your peers and, therefore, adjudged as the person fit to be holding that esteemed position. “In meeting with world political and church leaders, I always asked if I may pray for them in their leadership. Never once was this invitation refused – not by Fidel Castro, the Communist leader of Cuba, or the Hindu president of India. I am sure it will be the same for Commissioner Bond. The Salvation Army is an esteemed church and humanitarian agency on the world stage, and she will be welcome wherever she goes as our head.” General Burrows said she would not presume to give advice to Commissioner Bond, but would be happy to discuss any challenges. “Commissioner Bond has already shown she can handle leadership as a female Territorial Commander with ability, inspiration, grace and godly confidence. Being a General is much the same as Territorial Commander, but on a wider international scale. She has to be herself. “God be with and bless her mightily.”

y an m sle m e d n l l s o s g i i ns r w on ifton on T t r a w o s er W s l B e r o s l l w b r d B h a r ce Cl ck we Go Lar Ra ld nd Bu en Wa i w l o m n n r l L a a u n a h h r a t) Br Ev Ja Cl Pa Jo Jo Sh Ar en 4) 3) 6) 7) 1) 9) 2) 6) 1) s 9 9 8 8 9 0 0 1 e 19 19 19 pr 19 19 20 20 20 3– 6– 1– 1– 7– 4– 9– 2– 6– 9 8 8 1 7 9 9 0 0 9 9 9 0 9 9 9 0 0 . (1 . (1 . (1 . (2 . (1 . (1 . (2 . (2 4 3 2 9 5 6 7 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Shaw Clifton

pipeline 03/2011 15

Pictorial Commissioner Linda Bond Territorial Commander Australia Eastern Territory 2008-2011

Photos: S

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pipeline 03/2011 17

Self Denial Appeal 2011

one weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary on missionary service

Altar Service 10 April www.selfdenial.info 18

Go to the World BILL SIMPSON previews this year’s Self Denial Appeal

Salvation Army film crew from Sydney was in Chile last year just after a powerful earthquake devastated large areas of the country and claimed more than 500 lives. The crew from the Australia Eastern Territory Communications and Public Relations Department filmed Chilean Salvation Army emergency services workers helping victims recover from the ordeal. Their film coverage will feature in this year’s six-week Self Denial Appeal promotion, with the first DVD available to be shown in corps and centres on Sunday, 6 March. The Self Denial Appeal is an annual opportunity for Salvationists and friends to support The Salvation Army’s assistance work in countries which struggle for funds. Other DVDs will include the work of Sydney occupational therapist Katherine Dale (Ryde Corps) with physically disabled children at The Salvation Army Begoro Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana, and New Zealand officers Lieutenant-Colonels Alistair and Astrid Herring taking viewers on a tour of Salvation Army centres in Moscow and St Petersburg (Russia). Lieut-Colonel Alistair Herring is currently The Army’s Chief Secretary of the Eastern Europe Territory. Also featured in the DVDs is Captain

Kirsty McKenzie, of the Australia Southern Territory. She is linked with the Army’s work in Chile, making the Self Denial Appeal promotion this year a tri-territorial event. The 2011 Self Denial Appeal will conclude with an altar service and opportunity to give – based on the principal of One Week’s Salary on Missionary Service (OWSOMS) – on Sunday, 10 April. This year’s Self Denial theme is Go to the World, based on Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (New International Version). A separate series of DVDs has been prepared for children, using similar footage to the general DVDs, but featuring the Agents of T.R.U.T.H. children’s ministry characters telling the stories in a news format. The children’s DVDs will be titled The Truth Report. “We thought it was a great idea to have the popular Agents of T.R.U.T.H. speak directly to the children,” Territorial Appeals (Internal) Operations Manager Steve Burfield told Pipeline. “Children will be shown how to make a money box to save over the six weeks of the campaign and other ways of saving to give to people in other countries.” More than $2 million was raised in the Australia Eastern Territory through the Self Denial Appeal last year.

Week 1 - Introduction

Week 3 - Russia

Take a quick trip around the world to see what this year’s Self Denial Appeal DVD series has in store.

Lieutenant-Colonel Alistair Herring serves as Chief Secretary of the vast Eastern Europe Territory, working to better the lives of millions.

Week 2 - Ghana Occupational therapist Katherine Dale has dedicated the better part of the last decade to improving the lives of children with physical and mental disabilities in Ghana.

A I S S U R

GHAN

Week 5 - Follow-up with Kirsty McKenzie

GHANA

We catch up with Kirsty six months after our initial visit to find out how rebuilding is progressing in Chile.

Week 4 - Chile

Week 6 - Music Video

Captain Kirsty McKenzie and her team provide much-needed emergency relief for Chileans devastated by a massive earthquake in 2010.

South Australian musician Joshua Spier lends his talents to the appeal with his song Franciscan Benediction to accompany Altar Service Sunday.

pipeline 03/2011 19

Thirteen Salvation Army officers of the Australia Eastern Territory have completed 25 years of service this year. A selection of officers describe their journey in ministry and vision for the future Marking 25 years of Salvation Army officership are: Majors Mark and Julie Campbell; Major Ian Channell; Majors Gary and Marie-Louise Craig; Majors Graeme and Heather Craig; Major Colin Haggar; Major Phillip Pleffer; Majors Darrell and Joanne Slater; Major Howard Smartt; and Major Virginia Wilson.

Majors Graeme and Heather Craig Graeme says: y officership journey began long before I walked through the doors of The Salvation Army Training College. From the first time I heard “Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so” God has been leading me deeper into His grace. They are more than words now because I have heard this message, I have read it for myself and I have experienced God’s love and grace and now “I know”. Ghanaians have a wonderful habit of using the words “By His Grace”. In response to the question “How are you?” they will respond “By His grace I am well”. It has been a reminder to me of God’s grace in the everyday; a restful sleep, another day to enjoy and serve Him, a journey safely completed – “By His Grace”.

As I look back over my officership journey I have seen God’s gracious hand leading me in all kinds of situations, reaching out to me when I have been too far away, holding me when I have been hurting, lifting me up and giving new vision when I have been at the point of giving up. Twenty-five years of officership “By His Grace” – only by his grace and by his grace I plan to finish the course. My prayer as it was in the beginning and as it has been numerous times along the journey is: “Here I am, Lord, Is it I , Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.” By your grace, Lord, only by your grace. Heather says: omans 12:2 says “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” In 1982 I wrote in my Bible beside Romans 12:2 – “Yes to God’s call on my life to become a Salvation Army Officer.” Because I have chosen to listen to God and be obedient to his will for my life he has led me one step at a time and I have proved over and over again that God’s will is good, pleasing and perfect. It doesn’t mean that it has always

been easy (far from it) but it does mean that God is faithful and has seen me through every situation. My journey as an officer has required me to step out in faith believing that God will open the way for me – and God has done just that. My ministry journey has brought me to Ghana where I have had to rely more heavily on God, with the many and varied challenges and demands I continue to prove that God gives more of his grace to enable me to stand. Over the years God has reminded me of his wonderful grace and mercy and instructed me to take up my cross daily and follow him. I have proved that God is a faithful God who answers prayer. I would like to thank God for all his blessings and for the many prayer warriors who have prayed for me and supported me as I have endeavoured to be obedient to God’s leading in my life. When he saves us and calls us, he equips us for the task that he puts before us. By his grace I have come this far and by his grace I will continue into the future. All the glory and praise belongs to Him! God’s Word is true and God keeps His promises. Amen! Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Majors Darrell and Joanne Slater Darrell says: his is a story about two young people who left their home in the Queensland country city of Warwick and moved to Sydney in answer to God’s call on their lives. I could not have imagined the depth of spiritual experience I would experience, nor the depth of God’s grace on my life and the life of my family. The experience of working in Kings Cross during training, the challenge of growing and relocating the work of the Youth Outreach Service in Brisbane and the privilege of walking with the believers in five corps in the growth of a deeper understanding of the love of God and the necessity of living a holy life, have all brought with them great challenges and, yet, rich rewards in their own individual ways. It has been a privilege to minister to victims and combatants of disasters, both natural and man-made, as well as victims of critical incidents. I have learned to minister in a way that God would want me to and not to copy others, to be myself in ministry, and God has blessed me in those times. The greatest blessing that I have received relates to my family – including our two grandsons – and the joy of having them involved in ministry along the way. As I watch them trying to work out life and the future, I realise that for them and everyone who relies on and hope in the Lord, there lies the path to eternal life and service. I have been blessed with this hope and am sure that they will be too.

T Major Colin Haggar Colin says: t the age of six days, I attended my first Salvation Army meeting. When I was of sufficient understanding to seek God for myself, I did so, first at the age of eight and then again in my teen years. My calling to serve God as an officer was specific, as was the timing of my entry to the Training College in 1981. This was where I met the person who was to become my life partner. Kerry and I were married after college and served in three corps appointments over a period of seven years before I resigned from officership. My calling was still rock-solid but my focus had strayed and spiritually I was close to bankrupt. And just as clearly as he had called me into officership, God led me out of it so that I could discover his love, and his life, once again. During this time I discovered that who I am in Jesus is far more important than what I do for him, even if what I am doing is fulfilling his calling. When I resumed the officership journey three years later, it was with a deeper and more substantial connection to my heavenly Father than I’d ever experienced before. God granted me the privilege of restoring my calling when he could have decided to completely re-shape the pot. Every appointment since, whether it has been in aged care, on headquarters or in public relations, has been a privilege and a joy.

Joanne says: s I reflect on 25 years of officership I am left very humbled by the wonderful gift and privilege that God has given to me – my calling as a Salvation Army officer. God was at work in my life before I even came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. He had a purpose for my life. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV). How blessed I have been as an officer with all that God has entrusted to me. The diversity of ministry which I have been involved in has been in Corps, Youth (Social), Women’s Ministries and Aged Care which I have the privileged of serving as the Mission Director and Chaplain at Macquarie Lodge. All of these appointments God has given to me as a precious gift and with a purpose. Was I worthy of these appointments? “No”, but “yes”. God chose me for them. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time ...” 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV). It has only been through God’s grace on my life that he has equipped me daily to guard well with all that he has entrusted to me – my calling, my officership, my dear husband (Darrell), my children – Nathaniel and wife Naomi, Sarah-Jane and husband Paul with grandchildren Ashton and Jackson. Rebecca and husband Saleh, Maryanne, Joshua and Thomas. I give God all the praise, honour and glory for all that I am today and all that I will be.

pipeline 03/2011 21

Majors Mark and Julie Campbell Mark says: “ ike many at this time in their officership, I cannot believe it is 25 years since our commissioning which took place in the Sydney Town Hall. I have always found it interesting that there were more people in the Town Hall on that Monday night when we received our appointments than in the northern NSW town of Maclean, our first appointment. One of the blessings and strengths over the years for me has been that people have believed in me. My family, long-standing friends, people from my home corps at Wollongong and in our appointments throughout our 25 years, have believed in us. They have expressed this in so many ways which I am grateful for. Above all, I will be forever grateful that the God who called me to serve Him believes in me and has equipped me with the skills and abilities required for leadership and service. If I looked at a passage from the Bible that has impacted me the most it would certainly be Philippians 2:1-11. Verse 3-5 says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”. My endeavour would be to model the life of Christ in all I do. I ask also that His Spirit would enable me to do this for His Glory.

Majors Gary and Marie-Louise Craig Gary says: have spent some time thinking about the things that have helped me through 25 years of Salvation Army officership. They include: Trusting God with the future even when the present seems murky has helped me grow in my faith; Making sure I give due attention to my family and including time for myself has kept me soundly in that family; Having friendships and life outside the Army has meant I don’t have a narrow view of life;

Major Virginia Wilson Virginia says: y favourite song at the moment is You Raise Me Up. I learnt to sing it last year. I love to soar with the notes and

Julie says: he best is yet to be” was quoted to us regularly during our training by our Training Principal, Colonel James Martin, and I have proved this to be true. In every appointment God has provided all that I have needed for the many and varied opportunities and challenges that I have faced as an officer. God has been faithful in every way to me and my family especially during some extremely difficult days and we are so grateful for his constant guidance. Every year I have gained a greater understanding and awareness of the presence and love of God in my life especially through His Word and prayer. It has been a privilege and joy to work with and serve others and to see people’s lives transformed as they have discovered the love, forgiveness and grace of God. As I look to the future I claim the promise from Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Making sure we take our holidays four weeks at a time set on the corps calendar. It has been important for our spiritual and mental health to go to the same place every year no matter where we are. There is time for our extended family during that recreation; I have made it a lifetime habit to read the Psalms every day. This with my other reading in Scripture has been of inestimable value to my life. Out of this has come our service for God. Marie-Louise says: wo Bible verses have stayed with me from the last year of my time at The Salvation Army training college. The first

is from John 4:34: “My food is to obey the will of the One who sent me and to finish the work he gave me to do.” The second is from John 3:30: “He must become more important while I must become less important.” These two verses motivate my ministry. I want to do God’s will and complete the work he gives me to do in any given situation. As I am doing his will, I want people to come into relationship with Jesus and then grow in that relationship so that he becomes more important to them while I become less important. I pray these two verses constantly and God loves to answer.

sing it from my heart. It’s my story. God has raised me up to be more than I could ever have imagined. Before my conversion I had been a shy young woman lacking confidence. It was a surprise when God called me to officership. After praying about it and talking it through I said yes. I entered the Guardians of the Truth session in 1984 and enjoyed my training which stretched me beyond my comfort zone. I married my husband Captain Bob Wilson after my commissioning and ordination in 1986. Together we have served God at Forbes, Mt Isa, Gympie, Maryborough and Wynnum Corps and Horton Village twice.

We have two daughters, Bethany and Lyndsey, and a son, Elliott. Some highlights of officership have been working with children, working with women, breakfast by the beach and “Coffee Shopping” with the Corps Cadets. The Diploma of Pastoral Counselling Course was another highlight. The grace of God has kept me these past 25 years. There have been challenging times when most people would have left the work but the Holy Spirit has kept me. He has led me to people who have helped me grow to be the person I am meant to be in Christ. I am thankful to God for the past 25 years. They truly have been the best years of my life.

Is your church inclusive?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10

How many people in your church community have a disability? People with disabilities all have stories and contributions to make to community life. Luke14 is a CBM initiative that offers support to churches who want to be welcoming and inclusive of all people with disabilities. For more information, contact Rob Nicholls or Lindsey Gale on FREE call 1800 678 069 or write to luke14@cbm.org.au

Made in the image of God From page 7 relationship with God is like: “they come to know and understand what it means to love and be loved, to give and to receive, to forgive and to be forgiven.” Second, as reciprocal intimacy develops, real opportunities will emerge for practical pastoral care. These might include the need for recreation and leisure activities, the desire for friendship, the need to relieve financial burdens or travel constraints, the desire for meaningful employment. It will be important to keep in mind that this care will be most meaningful when it actually targets the specific interests and requirements of the individual. Just as importantly, this type of approach won’t necessarily involve creating new groups within the church; in fact, it will be most effective when it involves welcoming people with disabilities into those recreational and leisure activities that church members are already involved in. Third, an unexpected event is likely to occur – those who came to offer care are likely to find that they have been

blessed and cared for. Leonie Reid, who is responsible for a decade-long initiative that has helped many disabled people in Western Australia, has acknowledged this fact: “Many of our advocates have said, ‘I joined this program thinking I could do something for someone else, someone who needed me. Yet I have received far more for myself than I could ever hope to give to my friend’.” This is also the experience that God has promised to those who care - that in blessing others, people will find that they have themselves been blessed by God (Luke 14:14). Ultimately, Christians must want persons with disabilities in the church and in their life. As Jeff McNair has reminded us, “this is not because of some syrupy sentimental notion that we will gain something [though we will], or that the disabled will in some way justify our existence through their presence, their words or their actions”. Rather, it is because God declares all to be made in his image. This includes people with

disabilities as much as it does anyone else. It is also because Jesus included and embraced people with disabilities in his earthly ministry and, to be his body, the church must follow in his example. Part one of this article appeared in the February issue of Pipeline.

Jim Good has a Master of Arts in theological studies and is currently working towards a Master in Divinity. For the past 10 years he has worked with people with multiple disabilities and is currently employed as a teacher at a special education school in Brisbane.

pipeline 03/2011 23

Serving a community in crisis

Lieutenant Tara McGuigan talks to a victim of the floods in Rockhampton.

Lieutenant TARA McGUIGAN, Corps Officer at Capricorn Region, was enjoying a well-earned break when a phone call came to return to the flood-ravaged city of Rockhampton. In this article for Pipeline she reflects on the experience of being involved in the relief effort

t was difficult for me late last year to cut short a two-week holiday and return to Rockhampton to face a flood crisis. My husband, Captain Peter McGuigan, and I had only had a week off all year and were just starting to wind down and enjoy the time out. I was more than 1000km away in Cairns with Peter and my daughters, Archana and Divya, who had joined us there from Sydney. We took a call around 9.30am on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve from our Capricorn Region Corps Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) coordinator asking if we could come back. A vast area of Central Queensland was under water and the crisis was escalating. There were no more flights available into Rockhampton, none of the car hire

companies would loan us a vehicle to drive into Rockhampton, and there were no trains running. We felt stymied. However, by the next night we were home, via a flight from Cairns to Mackay, and then by road with a fellow Salvation Army officer from Mackay to Rockhampton. It would be three weeks before we took our next day off.

Overwhelming need

Our house was safe because it is quite far from the Fitzroy River and on elevated ground. However, this was not the case for many Rockhampton residents. I cannot begin to adequately describe how fierce a huge river in flood looks but the power and force of nature is evident. There was a great sea of gushing water that broke the riverbanks and flooded

streets and homes in low-lying areas of the city. Peter and I split our roles. I was based at the evacuation centre at the Central Queensland University sports auditorium, performing a liaison and support role there for our SAES teams. Peter was more mobile in his role, moving around the city, meeting with key service providers and community leaders, handling media and seeing to a myriad of other requests and demands. His phone never stopped ringing. At the height of the crisis more than 180 people were staying at the evacuation centre. For well over a week, our breakfast, lunch and dinner teams served 600 meals a day. On top of this, an SAES team of about 20 people worked tirelessly in a huge

Captain Peter McGuigan is given a tour of flood-devastated Rockhampton by the city’s Deputy Mayor Rose Swadling. Photos: Shairon Paterson

industrial kitchen at the region’s TAFE college. There, with the help of a couple of local chefs who volunteered their time, they prepared the lunch and dinner meals. A small transport team ensured the meals arrived safely at the evacuation centre. More than 50 SAES workers were involved, including a team of 14 who came from Brisbane, led by Majors Bruce and Margaret Dobbie. At 6pm every day, a local Lions Club would come and clean the kitchen ready for our people to start again the next day. As well as practical support, being with people in their grief and unsettledness has been just as important.

Faces of victims

At the evacuation centre, the reality of this disaster and its effect on victims was in my face. Many people suffered trauma of different kinds. I sat with a man sobbing because he had to leave the house he had lived in for 10 years, just he and his dog Bongo. He was parted from Bongo who was placed in the RSPCA shelter at the university. John could still “visit” Bongo, but most of the time struggled to cope as he found himself living in close proximity to a large group of people he didn’t know. He appeared to have a mental illness as

well. There’s very little privacy for people and this can be daunting. Nadia is a little girl whose family fled Rwanda to settle in Rockhampton. Nadia turned six while staying at the centre. Her mother brought in a little supermarket cake and requested that we organise to sing Happy Birthday which we did at breakfast time. We were able to find a beautifully boxed My Little Pony toy and a colourful towel for Nadia which some kind person had donated. Nadia was a happy little girl after that. There was a hugely overweight man with swollen legs who needed a walking stick to get around. He found himself having to sleep on a basic camp bed with a mattress. He told me he had terrible difficulty sleeping on this narrow, low surface – particularly getting in and out of bed. But that’s all there was and I could see how difficult it was for him. We had little Pratap, a five-year-old who was from Delhi, India. Pratap is one bubbly little boy and I never saw him without a smile on his face. Pratap had been brought to me because his father had gone off to work and his mother had stepped out for a walk, leaving him alone. He trustingly took hold of my hand and led me off to show me the road his

mother had taken for her walk. I then introduced Pratap to some children who were playing and he quickly forgot that his parents were both gone. His mother returned later to collect him. She is not an uncaring woman by any means but, again, is trying to cope with her predicament.

Learning experience

The reality of a disaster and its effects on victims is in your face. Every morning at 8.30 we had a briefing at the evacuation centre with leaders of the various service providers where we discussed issues and were given an update on the situation. Peter attended a separate council briefing of the Local Disaster Management Group at 8am each day also, with emergency services leaders, which the mayor of Rockhampton ran. The relief effort was one mammoth operation but was very well run. The job was tiring; I was on my feet for many hours and the experience was drawing greatly on me as a leader … and yes, I’m glad that I was there with the people of my community and of my church. My initial umbrage at a holiday interrupted has gone. More coverage of Queensland’s floods and cyclone in Coalface news section.

pipeline 03/2011 25

The

Bible briefing

Real, radical and relevant discipleship This month Pipeline begins a three-part series, written by LieutenantColonel DOUGLAS CLARKE, based on the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Study One is entitled “The Mission Mandate” and focuses on the gospel according to Matthew, chapters 5 to 7.

“T

he Christian should steep his mind, should dig deep into the stories and sayings of the gospels, until the figure of Jesus stands before him in the colours of life.” This statement by the 20th century British New Testament Scholar C H Dodd is relevant and compelling for Christians today. A vital part of this “digging deeper” is to be found in our Lord’s Sermon. This is his design for authentic discipleship to which we are challenged to respond with fervent seriousness and determined commitment. The sermon, as presented in Matthew’s Gospel (in which are outlined the standards, values and priorities for authentic discipleship), is a profoundly confronting picture of counter-culture. In this short study we will reflect upon “The Mission Mandate”, which is found in Matthew 5:13-16, with parallel passages

including Mark 9:50; Luke 14:33 and Luke 11:33. Authentic discipleship means mission, and mission belongs at the heart of discipleship. Being like “salt” and like “light” are not optional. Either one is salt and light or one is not. Mission then, is the inevitable outcome of authentic discipleship. Jesus commanded his disciples in all ages to “Go and make disciples of all nations ...” (Matthew 28:18–20, NIV) and in his sermon, Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13, NIV).

Salt and light

These statements are in the imperative mood, the mood of necessity and, as such, a dominical command. Not to be involved in mission, to be like “salt” and “light” is to fail both in authentic discipleship and mission for Christ and his kingdom. The early Romans had a saying that

salt was the purest of all things because it came from the purest of all things, the sun and the sea. Salt is not salt for itself, even to this day it is still a very precious commodity in flavouring, preserving and purifying. Again, Jesus said (also in the imperative mood of necessity), “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14, NIV). The apostle Paul, in following his Lord, exhorted the Philippian Christians, “You must shine in a world of corrupt and sinful people like stars lighting up the sky, as you offer them the message of life” (Philippians 2:15-16a, Good News Bible) and “Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving message into the night” (The Message). The salt and light metaphors teach that the disciple is called not only to be different but also to infiltrate and permeate society with the transforming

power of the gospel. Salt and light are very effective commodities; they change the environment in which they are placed. Clearly, Jesus is challenging and encouraging his disciples in their mission as salt to arrest society’s decadence and as light to illuminate its darkness. In this, we are not helpless and powerless, for in Jesus and his gospel there is all the salt and light this dark and decadent world needs. The authentic disciple, having a deep sense of urgency, will seek to find and create ways of permeating and infiltrating, of getting connected both at a one-toone level as well as within his or her community. So then, by maintaining our saltiness and our brightness we can have this influence on society. Jesus concluded this brief section on the influence of the disciple in mission by highlighting the priority of actions over words, “... that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b, NIV). The apostle Peter follows Jesus’ teaching closely in his first letter to the scattered and persecuted Christians of Asia Minor: “Your conduct among the

heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evil doers they will have to recognise your good deeds and therefore praise God on the day of his coming” (1 Peter 2:12, Good News Bible).

Agathos and kala

There are two Greek words for good, “agathos” meaning good in quality and “kala” meaning not only good in quality but also winsome, attractive and appealing. In both Matthew 5:16 and 1 Peter 2:12, the verb “kala” is used. Each of us has encountered the person whose goodness by its rectitude has become repulsive. We also have encountered the person whose goodness (kala) is appealing, attractive and genuinely caring. The English New Testament scholar T W Manson’s memorable paraphrase of Matthew 5:16 gives emphasis to our Lord’s focus on the “kala” goodness of the mission and influence of the authentic disciple: “The disciples are to shine by their behaviour which must be astonishingly good, so good that men will see the disciples as living examples of God’s power and grace and praise him, who can so transform human lives.”

Finally, we Christians need to demonstrate by our attitude and behaviour to look like what we are verbally expressing. John Poulton, in his recently published book A Today Sort of Evangelism comments: “It is people who communicate primarily not words or ideas. Authenticity gets across. Deep down inside people, what communicates now is basically personal authenticity.” Therefore: “Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving message into the night” (Philippians 2:1415, The Message).

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

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The Adjustment Bureau RATING: M RELEASE DATE: 3 March

ave you ever experienced one of those moments where everything fell into place? A car-park space opening up at the precise moment you needed it? A timely message delivering the courage you needed? Call it luck, fate or providence, human beings have a long history of attempting to explain extraordinary alignments. The Adjustment Bureau builds its story around the idea that there is a mysterious department responsible for managing just such events. But would its existence be a cause for alarm or a source of comfort? The Adjustment Bureau is set in New York some time around the present. Matt Damon plays David Norris, a US Senate candidate who suffers a crushing electoral defeat. At the depth of his depression he has a chance encounter with ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) who inspires him to get back into the game. That, at least, was the Adjustment Bureau’s intention, the shadowy figures responsible for ensuring Norris and Sellas’ paths crossed. However, Norris falls in love with the beautiful dancer and determines to pursue her. No amount of “adjustments” by bureau agents can dissuade him. When Norris finally becomes aware of the machinations taking place, he has to decide whether he will accept the fate selected for him, or fight to realise the future he desires. The Adjustment Bureau is a “chess game” plot where the hero pits his wits against a superior enemy in the hope of outplaying him in the end. The film is based on a Philip K Dick short story titled Adjustment Team. Dick’s pen is behind nine of the best science fiction stories to be translated to the big screen: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (that became Blade Runner), We Can Remember It For You Wholesale (better known as Total Recall) and Minority Report, to name a few. Director George Nolfi has massaged the details of Dick’s story but ensured the author’s fascination with those things that

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt star in The Adjustment Bureau, a film about charismatic congressman whose political future is thrown in doubt by uncontrollable events and the arrival of a mysterious woman in his life

make us human has survived. “Norris has a choice,” Nolfi says, highlighting what he believes is the key characteristic. “Does he listen to the hand of fate or does he follow his heart and go after her.” And so emerges the crucial difference between Dick and Nolfi’s view of the universe. Dick’s hero, faced with the evidence of an overwhelming power that

directs history, decides it is better to trust its wisdom rather than test his own. Nolfi treats the Adjustment Bureau’s violation of free will as a travesty because Norris and Sellas’ love affair is not the only one going on. The film is in love with the supremacy of the individual and won’t allow any God-like organisation to infringe upon it.

What would Jesus view?

The Adjustment Bureau attempts to distance its agents from anything religious; Norris learns they are more like “case officers” than angels. But Dick had no such qualms. His operatives are dressed in white, inhabit a control centre far above the earth and are under the command of the “Old Man”, who possesses “faded blue eyes” with “a deep, ancient mildness” that makes other characters tremble. The science fiction

author wanted his readers to consider the implications of living in a world where history was subject to an almighty being. But there is an even higher power that has to be obeyed in Nolfi’s Adjustment Bureau. No matter how many alterations take place, Norris and Sellas continue to be drawn back together. It is “love” that will not allow the agents to succeed. But this all-powerful force ends up a thin mask for human autonomy, and “what I

feel” becomes the justification for “what must happen”. However you view it, The Adjustment Bureau suggests human beings will have their history shaped by one force or another. The question is, in a world full of billions of individuals who must be allowed to have what they want, wouldn’t you actually prefer to have someone in control who is capable of guaranteeing what is best for all?

The Biggest Loser: Families Network TEN - Tuesdays / Thursdays / Sundays, 7.30pm RATING: PG

he latest version of the anti-fat franchise, The Biggest Loser, has turned its attention to families. Four collections of friends and relatives line up each week to see who has shifted the greatest number of kilos. But is this familiar format likely to produce happier households when five years of this television regimen has resulted in trainers as fragile as their clients? The Biggest Loser: Families boasts no fewer than four trainers determined to find the perfect form inside of their flabby team-mates. There is a lot of talk about fitness but the selection of the coaches makes it clear health and beauty go hand in glove. As the weeks go by we’ve watched them put their teams through the expected physical and mental tests aimed at building better bodies. And presumably we’re learning personal lessons as we watch their sweaty progress. The most informative television so far, though, came in the first week. Breaking their usual format, the producers of The Biggest Loser required the contestants’ super-trim trainers to spend a week living with their new families, eating what they ate and only exercising when they did. Not surprisingly, viewers discovered large men and women whose self-esteem had plummeted because they had lost control of their eating habits. What was unexpected, though, was how vulnerable the trainers became when

The four trainers who host Network’s TEN’s latest version of The Biggest Loser.

someone took their carrot sticks away. Some were physically sick, others hit back with caustic comments. Martial arts trainer Tiffiny Hall suffered a sobbing meltdown when her diet began to undermine her carefully controlled image: “All of my life I’ve treated my body like a temple. Last night I treated it like a night-club.” The very people who were modelling the security a healthy body guarantees showed how a short change in diet was enough to destabilise their lives. Separated from their routines, they became as mentally fragile as the people they were supposed to be helping. The obsession with health extends far beyond fitness into the realm of worship. But it’s a cruel god that demands total commitment while delivering little security. It’s not just that our looks are

dependent on bodies that are passing away. How we are seen plays as key a role as how we see ourselves. Human beings have been swayed by the idea of the perfect body for as long as there has been history to record. Delve into the museums of Italy and you will discover countless images carved in marble, showcasing physical beauty. But the real shock comes when you look closely and realise those ancient heroes and heroines aren’t really that good looking. That’s because the desirable body is as fashionable as last year’s jeans. To our eyes Apollo has love handles and Aphrodite could do with an afternoon on the Stair-Master. The lesson to be learned is that self-esteem based on physical image lasts only so long as you can maintain that image that both you and others consider to be attractive.

pipeline 03/2011 29

How to Justice Save planet from your desk By SONYA PELL

ave you ever wondered if all your recycling efforts are doing any good? Twenty years ago, Australians didn’t think twice about throwing everything in the bin. Did it really matter if it ended up at the tip? Today it is a different story and it’s hard to believe we once failed to sort out glass, plastics, paper etc. We are much more environmentally aware in our homes, but are we just as conscious in our workplace? Sitting at a desk all day can make it way too easy to throw everything into one bin. A survey conducted at my workplace found that more than 70 per cent of the rubbish we put in our desk bins was recyclable! So the solution for my office was to remove the desk bin. No longer do I have a nice large bin under my desk. Instead, I have been given a small 10cmx10cm red ‘eco bin’ to be used for landfill only. At first I was quite perplexed as to how I would fit all my rubbish in this tiny box that looks as though it is there to hold my stationery but, in reality, it is extremely effective. The red eco desktop cube is part of a range of office environmental solutions from The Planet Earth Cleaning Company. It has been designed specifically to hold the maximum amount of general office waste that most of us should throw away per day. Research shows that industry is responsible for the majority of landfill and these desktop solutions are a simple but effective way to engage staff in proper recycling.

Every time I use this bin I have to think twice about what I am throwing away. In the past I know I would have put things in the bin without thinking but now, no space and no choice means it gets recycled properly! This simple step, to remove employee desk bins and take responsible action for proper sorting and recycling, has been an eye-opener. To my surprise I realise now how much I used to throw away. I rarely fill my little red eco bin and at the end of each day (with all other employees) I empty my landfill rubbish

Sonya Pell is a Salvationist who attends Auburn Corps in Sydney. She works for the Federal Court of Australia in international development and judicial reform.

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

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

YOU can help.

In less than an hour you can learn how to become aware of the warning signs that someone’s in trouble and possibly considering suicide. Everyone should learn – one day you might save a life. To find out more go to suicideprevention.salvos.org.au 30

into the larger red bin in the lunch room. By recycling properly and ensuring all recyclables are separated correctly Planet Earth ensures that its new system of office recycling will reduce landfill rubbish by 85 per cent. Red eco bins and other office supplies including educational posters can be found at: http://www.planetearthecobins. com/educational-posters.html

MISSION PRIORITY 2 – OUR WHOLE TERRITORY INVOLVED IN EVANGELISM

<— Transparent Logo

  Constantly encountering the living God

esus’ first words to Peter were “Come, follow me” (Mark 1:17). His last words to him were “You must follow me” (John 21:22). And Peter did just that. There were some wonderful encounters with Jesus along the way. Times of great delight, times of failure and weakness, but he followed and loved Jesus at every part of the journey. When Jesus entered Peter’s life, this fisherman became a brand new person, with new goals and new priorities. Jesus coming into his life didn’t make him perfect, and he never stopped being Peter. Peter became a recognised leader among Jesus’ disciples – one of the inner group of three. He was the great voice of the gospel after Pentecost. He wrote books of the Bible. There was also the side of him where he often spoke without thinking. He was impulsive. During Jesus’ trial he denied three times that he even knew Jesus. Later on, he found it difficult to treat the Gentile Christians as equals. At one stage, Jesus gave him a new name, Peter – the “rock”. This impulsive disciple didn’t act like that a lot of the time, He was impulsive, he often got it wrong, but here was a real person that Jesus saw potential in. Peter was changed by his love. He went out and shared that with everyone – acceptance and love was available to all. The encounters with Jesus made Peter the man of God who loved and followed him, who knew acceptance, love and grace, and lived for him. As followers of Jesus, it’s not just a one-off encounter! I don’t just “get saved” and that’s it! It’s an encounter with Jesus every day. Those encounters where I experience and know • more of him and his love • that I move from an old way of life to a new way of life • repentance and forgiveness • a wonderful Saviour dying on a cross for me, so that I might have life in abundance • amazing grace

• that my Jesus wants everyone to experience this new life, and so I live like him and for him

• a love relationship with my magnificent Lord • what it’s like to depend on him • what it’s like to live like him

Do I always get it right? No. But I run towards him and not away from him. I have security in a love relationship, in a God who welcomes me back and loves me the whole way through. There’s nothing better than living like Jesus, a life of purity, a life of dependence, a life of love. So, how does the rest of the world get to have this encounter with Jesus; to experience the love and the forgiveness and the grace? How will they encounter him, if we don’t share him, if we don’t live like him, if we don’t give opportunities for people to experience relationship with him? We’re not sharing a list of “don’ts”. We’re sharing a love relationship, with this magnificent Jesus. What will that look like with your friends, family, those you work and do life with? He loves the encounter with us, and it’s an everyday experience, not a “once-in-a-lifetime” one. He wants the world to know it and share in it. Encounter him every day – and enjoy the journey! Ask God what it will look like for those that he has placed in the sphere of your world, to encounter him too. How will you take them on that journey?

We’re not sharing a list of “don’ts”. We’re sharing a love relationship, with this magnificent Jesus.

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

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MISSION PRIORITY 2 – OUR WHOLE TERRITORY INVOLVED IN EVANGELISM

Quotes for Christ’s mission

s a Territorial Commander, nothing is more valuable than hearing from the people whom you serve. Salvationists know the Army’s mission. They know what’s been going well and they certainly know areas of weakness that need to be addressed to be mission-effective. That’s why when I came to the Australia Eastern Territory in May 2008, I asked Salvationists and employees to share their thoughts and ideas with me. The result was the Mission Priorities. These were not invented by Territorial Headquarters, rather, they are statements of the main points made by those who responded throughout the territory. So almost, three years later, it is time to let these voices be heard once again. Below are some excerpts from letters we received which put us on the road to forming the Mission Priorities, with this edition paying particular attention to our second mission priority – Evangelism. Commissioner Linda Bond is the Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

Doing whatever it takes to get out there and rub shoulders with unsaved people … people are not going to wake up one morning and say I need to be saved and go to church. We need to go out and get them.

We are a Salvation people – this is our speciality – getting saved and keeping saved, and then getting somebody else saved, and then getting saved ourselves more and more. Soul-saving is our vocation, the great purpose of our business and lives. Let us seek first the Kingdom of God, let us be SALVATIONISTS indeed.

William Booth

founder of the Salvation Army

The youth becoming involved in witnessing is a thing I am passionate about. This doesn't occur much in our church or even our general community.

The Salvation Army has a life and a message of incalculable worth to others – the gift and assurance of eternal life in Christ, the ever-present support and friendship of the people of God, and the blessing of the Holy Spirit … making evangelism a priority will mean every Salvationist intentionally building relationships with non-Christians in the various communities in which they move. It means living out the gospel in word and deed in these relationships.

That every Salvationist actively pursues sharing their love of Jesus Christ through meeting the spiritual and physical needs of a fallen society so that they too will be able to share the real love and relationship that Jesus has to offer to all humanity.

Evangelising to a post-modern culture Many post-modern Christians equate evangelism with the age-old notion of standing on street corners preaching the Gospel, but DREW DYCK, of Christianity Today International, gives us four suggestions based around building relationships which have proven most effective in bringing the lost to Christ. 1. Tell Your Story

In a post-modern world, meta-narratives are suspect, but personal perspectives are sacrosanct. Whatever you experience or feel deeply will be respected. You are authorised to tell your story. TV Thomas, a Malaysian-born evangelist who speaks on university campuses all over the world, told me, “Young people might say, ‘Don’t tell me anything about Christianity.’ But they don’t mind you telling them your story, because it’s your story.”

2. Build Trust

CS Lewis’ style of apologetics may not resonate with a postmodern generation. But when it comes to interacting with those who leave the faith, the Oxford don offers some sage advice. “A person must court a virgin differently than a divorcee,” said Lewis. “One welcomes the charming words; the other needs a demonstration of love to overcome inbuilt skepticism.” As I’ve spoken with post-modern leavers, the issues of trust came up repeatedly. “They just want to preach at me,” they would say of Christians. Befriend them unconditionally. Show genuine interest and love. Only once they trust you and believe you love them unconditionally will they warm to your message.

3. Invite Them to Serve

Post-moderns have a strong social conscience and a willingness to serve. By inviting them to serve with you and other Christians, you

provide a natural access point for them to the Church and allow them to participate in the work of God in the world. Traditional evangelism has required belief before belonging, but there’s no reason why that order can’t be reversed. Jesus himself extended the simple invitation to his disciples. “Follow me,” knowing that the full truth of his identity would be revealed only as they walked beside him. We’d be wise to do the same. Inviting post-moderns to participate in acts of service often marks the beginning of a journey that leads to a new life in Christ.

4. Following the Leader

Of course, there was someone who did all these things quite well – Jesus! He earned people’s trust through service and sacrifice. He invited people to serve alongside him. He preferred colourful stories over linear arguments to sketch a compelling picture of the Kingdom. We’d do well to surrender our often clunky and predictable methods to follow him, moving from soul to soul, whetting spiritual appetites, speaking the lost language of spiritual longing, challenging, probing, provoking, baffling. It’s not an easy act to follow. But it’s worth it. As we follow Jesus in this way, we’ll be surprised at how many post-modern leavers join us on the journey. This is an edited version of an article which appeared in the Canadian Salvationist magazine

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MISSION PRIORITY 2 – OUR WHOLE TERRITORY INVOLVED IN EVANGELISM

The good news about grace and truth

s a street pastor in Manly, Sydney, on a Saturday night our goal is not evangelism – we are essentially out on the street until 3am to help, care and listen. However, as the founder of Street Pastors in the United Kingdom, Les Isaacs, once said to me, “You would be a strange bunch of Christians if you didn’t get the opportunity to share your faith”. So what does evangelism mean? When I first asked this question in 1996 I would have used a search engine called Netscape rather than Google to track down my answer. I still have a file of articles and books that I collected on the topic. The Greek word euangelion generally translates to mean “to bring good news”. The verb evangelism was rarely seen outside of the context of the New Testament and so we still use the word evangelism to refer to the “proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ”. Of interest, Salvation Army officers sign a covenant stating that they are called by God to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Salvation for all

Why is it so hard to be involved in evangelism? Since the days of the enlightenment our world has sought truth by discovering the facts. Our Western society believes that because we have the facts that we can do as we please with other people, places and things. Our world lives in darkness because it continues to search for truth apart from grace. Richard Dawkins makes a living proclaiming that you can doubt God but you can’t doubt the empirical evidence. Our world is sceptical of truth, especially the truth about God. Yes, our world needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ because it is a dark place while it continues to try and discover truth apart from grace. But this is only half the story because a Salvation Army without Mission Priority Two will be tempted to offer grace at the expense of truth. The result is that grace detached from truth produces a “serve yourself morality”. John’s gospel reminds us that the way out of the darkness is in Jesus Christ, where grace and truth come together. German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his classic, The Cost of Discipleship, called this, “cheap grace”. “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate” (p4). John’s gospel is a proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ and the apostle reminds us of the significance of grace and truth. In Christ, a real grace produces a genuine truth and this good news is desperately needed within our territory and within our society. As our territory grows in our understanding of evangelism as the proclamation of Jesus Christ, in whom God’s grace unites with truth by the power of the Spirit, our mission is shaped to permeate our society with our faith, expressing itself in love, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in every place The Salvation Army dwells.

In Christ, a real grace produces a genuine truth and this good news is desperately needed within our territory and within our society.

I believe that our 21st century Salvation Army, through the vehicles of prayer and holiness, will once again see the Australia Eastern Territory – in every place – involved in evangelism. In other words, we will once again see our Army involved in the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. We could then ask the question: what is this good news and why should it be a priority for this territory to be involved in proclaiming Jesus Christ? In Jesus, God reveals his plan for the salvation of the whole cosmos. God’s plan from the beginning was to unite all things in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:9-10). John’s gospel proclaims The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth ... For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 17). In Christ, redemption has now begun and will not cease until it is complete. John's gospel proclaims the good news when he writes grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John’s gospel announces that grace and truth come together in Jesus of Nazareth and if we want to understand what grace and truth mean when they are united we can take a look at the Christ who lived in our neighbourhood. Amazing grace witnessed in Jesus of Nazareth combines with the truth that exists within God’s created world. In the incarnation, the divine unites with humanity, grace and truth come together. 34

Search for truth

Captain Brett Mitchell is Team Leader at the Manly New Life Community Church & Centre of The Salvation Army

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

News FEATURE

Salvos Stores clicks into online shopping By ESTHER PINN

or all those fashionistas and antique collectors out there, there is now a new dimension to shopping at Salvos Stores – it’s in cyberspace. No longer do you have to sift through the racks to find that prized item – the Salvos Stores online shop has it all sorted for you with just a simple click of a button. On Thursday, 20 January, the Salvos Stores online shop went live and received more than 1.8 million hits in the first 27 hours and sold about one-third of their stock within the first two hours. Unexpectedly, the new online store crashed due to the site’s popularity. “The unfortunate thing is that it [Salvos Stores website] wasn’t big enough because on opening day we had a meltdown. So, it’s proved to be very, very popular,” Salvos Stores General Manager Neville Barrett says with a slight chuckle. In an attempt to keep up with customer demands, the Salvos Stores team are uploading 50 new items every day in order to maintain their stock-base of 400 items – so there will always be plenty to choose from. The website sells a variety of items including collectables, fashion, accessories, beauty products and, of course, those unique bits and pieces. So far, the collectable items have been the most popular and even some of the quirky items have sold instantly. And up until 19 April, there will be no postal charges for any item purchased on the Salvos Stores website.

and his team felt it was necessary to introduce online shopping. “We felt that we had a strong presence [at existing Salvos Stores] in relation to baby boomers. Our marketing strategy was aimed specifically to attract Gen X and Y people.” Neville reveals that the online store was introduced because of the international economic downturn that began in 2007. “Basically it was due to customer demand and it stems right back to the global economic crisis where we had a widening of customers coming into Salvo Stores,” explains Neville. “They [customers] were saying, why don’t you have a website?” While Neville believes the physical store will never replaced by cyberspace shopping, he says that “people are time-poor these days” and by being open for 24 hours, seven days a week “we are offering a longer form of shopping”.

Customer demand

Expert advice

“Freddy Choo [Salvos Stores Manager – Marketing and Retail] and I dreamed this up,” explains Neville. “We had a strategic planning meeting and we thought we’ve really got to do something – we all believe that we should be engaging with a lot of the younger community.” In attempt to keep up-to-date with the modern shopper, Neville

Australian fashion designer Kirrily Johnston is just one of the website’s ambassadors and donators. Others include Australian designer Zoe Naylor and television presenter and model Natalie Gruzlewski. In addition to donating her own line of clothes, Kirrily will soon be providing fashion tips on the website. “We’re going to develop tips for people who are looking for a little fashion tip from time to time and Kirrily has kindly offered to do that,” explains Neville. Neville also has some tips of his own when shopping on the Salvos Stores website. “[I recommend to] always go online every day because you don’t know what you’re going to find. It’s kind of like our stores because the items change every day. “And another thing that people are to remember – if the item doesn’t sell on the website [within] four weeks, then it is sent back to the store and put on sale at the store. We keep renewing the site so nothing is there for too long.” Furthermore, Neville is encouraging online shoppers to join the Salvo Stores Facebook and Twitter web pages to become part of their online community.

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News FEATURE

Riverview evacuation strategy watertight By KERYN CURTIS

and emotional status, and other important arrangements. He then passed this information on to relevant stakeholders such as relatives, other Salvation Army personnel and government departments. “Being frail and elderly, the residents needed quite a lot of nurturing,” says Greive. With Aged Care Plus part of the extensive Salvation Army network, chaplains and volunteers were on hand to offer counselling and support. The notification of residents’ next-of-kin began immediately, however, in the flurry of activity there was uncertainty >>>

he Salvation Army’s Riverview Gardens Aged Care Plus site is one of Australia’s largest aged care centres. Its location at Ipswich near the juncture of the rapidly rising Brisbane and Bremer Rivers led the Queensland Ambulance Service to order its evacuation at the height of flood crisis in January this year. Aged Care Plus Operations Manager Luke Greive says within 15 minutes of the directive being given, lines of ambulances and buses began arriving. The 193 residents were taken to one of two evacuation centres – the new, but unoccupied, Aged Care Plus Centre at Chapel Hill took high care residents, and all others were offered shelter at Ipswich Community Church. Not long afterwards the ground-floor residents of the organisation’s Warrina Village at Chelmer were also evacuated to Chapel Hill. “It happened so quickly,” said Greive, who stresses the importance of having comprehensive and up-to-date emergency plans in place. In fact, even with the Aged Care Plus CEO on annual leave and out of the country, the organisation’s robust systems saw it navigate the evacuations successfully. Days beforehand, management activated the business continuity emergency plan – a document that detailed a step-by-step process on how to prepare for an impending crisis. When the evacuations got underway, the organisation’s communications strategy took over. “Having emergency coordinators at each site was vital,” says Luke Greive, who was acting CEO at the Residents of the Riverview Gardens centre being evacuated during the time. These coordinators funnelled information through to recent Brisbane floods. him about resident care including general health, nutritional

Recovery now the focus for Army personnel

s the emergency response of feeding and housing thousands of people affected by Queensland’s devastating January floods concludes, The Salvation Army’s focus has now moved to an ongoing recovery phase to help people rebuild their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually. The response has been made possible through the generous support of Woolworths and the Australian public to The Salvation Army Flood Appeal, which has raised more than $21 million. “The Salvation Army is incredibly grateful to all who have supported the Appeal, including Woolworths which has shown tremendous corporate leadership,” said Australia Eastern Territory Communications and Public Relations Secretary Major Glenn Whittaker. In using these funds to help people begin rebuilding their lives, The Salvation Army has:

then via mobile units as people moved back to clean-up their homes and; • Established the 24-hour Queensland Flood Relief Call Centre - 1300 66 22 17. As part of the ongoing recovery phase, The Salvation Army has recently established Flood Response Centres in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Greenslopes, Bundamba, Dalby, Rockhampton, Emerald and Bundaberg. Other flood and cyclone-affected areas will be covered by mobile outreach teams. The Salvation Army is also using donated funds to provide:

• Released $750,000 in cash assistance to the front line of

•

human need within the first few weeks of the crisis; Provided immediate support, especially catering, to thousands of flood victims, both in evacuation centres and

• A Salvation Army Queensland Flood Relief Coordinator; • Volunteers to work in Flood Response Centres; • Money set aside from the Woolworths funds to rebuild and repair community infrastructure and;

• A holiday camp for young people affected by the floods to

be held during the Easter school holidays at The Salvation Army Collaroy Centre in Sydney. The Salvation Army is committed to remaining in these communities for as long as required, and will remain active in offering physical, emotional and spiritual support for the long term.

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

News FEATURE

about the number of relatives successfully contacted. A decision was made when the evacuation was complete to SMS all nextof-kin, with a follow-up call made the next morning. In general, families felt well supported and informed. For the next five days residents were cared for in their emergency shelters. The Chapel Hill site subsequently became isolated by floodwaters and power was also cut to it and Warrina Village. Generators were secured and plans are now in place to ensure that every Aged Care Plus centre has an emergency power supply. Staffing became an issue at Chapel Hill once it became isolated by floodwaters. Unable to get home, staff worked a 24hour on-off roster. “The Salvation Army values its employees,” says Greive. “We kept the team well informed on how we would support them. We paid staff for all the time they were on site

plus all relevant penalty rates. We also gave them time off at the end of the crisis, just to recover.” Staff commitment was exceptional. Even when employees were able to get home, most stayed around the clock until residents were transported safely back home to Riverview Gardens and Warrina Village. “The dedication of staff was just amazing,” says Grieve who says that Aged Care Plus will also put on a special barbecue and pizza lunch for staff of the affected centres. Whilst there are many small changes that will be made in the wake of the disaster, careful planning beforehand and open communication during the crisis led to a safe and positive evacuation experience for Aged Care Plus residents and staff. Story and photo appear courtesy of the Australian Asian Agenda.

PM teams up with Salvos for flood relief

he local Salvation Army was ready when Prime Minister Julia Gillard made an unexpected appearance at a National Basketball League game in Townsville where the city’s team, the Crocodiles, were playing on 14 January. Prime Minister Gillard had been visiting regions of Queensland devastated by the recent floods and surprised everyone by appearing at the game. “In the days leading up to the Prime Minister’s visit, the Crocodiles’ administration team contacted us and asked if we could partner with them in raising funds for flood relief at the 14 January game,” said Major Bruce Harmer, Manager of the Townsville Recovery Services Centre. “Of course we agreed and immediately set about gathering a group of Salvationists, Adherents and Friends of The Salvation Army to ‘work the crowd’ both before, during and after the game.”

The Salvation Army also provided a small group of brass players to perform at half-time. Staff from the Queensland Country Credit Union collected donations alongside Salvation Army volunteers in a “tremendous show of support,” said Major Harmer. “After the game our volunteers attended a private function where Prime Minister Gillard took the opportunity to meet and greet all those who took part in the fundraising event. “Our volunteers collected about $9,500, and another $51,000 was raised through pledges from local businesses whose people were also attending the game. “We thank the people of Townsville for their continued generosity and we pray God’s provision and blessing on all those affected by the floods.”

Julia Gillard Prime Minister ion Army’s with The Salvat le Smith (far Captain Caro s Bruce and left) and Major er at the NBL Carolyn Harm ville. game in Towns

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New cadets officially welcomed into session By ESTHER PINN

he 21 new cadets making up the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session were officially welcomed at Booth College in Sydney last month with words of encouragement from Territorial Candidates Secretary Captain Donna Todd. “The best description of officership came from [International Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Commissioner] Sue Swanson last year,” Captain Todd told the cadets during a special welcome lunch. “She describes officers as people who have left their homes so other people can find their homes in Jesus Christ.” Captain Donna and her husband Captain Craig Todd introduced the cadets and shared their individual journeys of discovering their call to officership. With six of the seven divisions of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory represented this year at The School for Officer Training, Captain Craig gave thanks to the Lord for his faithfulness in bringing new leaders to the territory. Additionally, Captain Craig honoured the cadets for stepping out in faith to become officers. “For many of you, you’ve given up a lot. You’ve left behind family, corps, community networks and homes and that’s a sacrifice,” he said. Major Gavin Watts, The School for Officer Training Principal, shared his passion for leadership and his desire of “seeing [the cadets] be equipped as leaders”. Chief Secretary Colonel Wayne Maxwell also welcomed and encouraged the cadets in their journey over the next two years at college. With the assistance of Cadet Leisa Humbley, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Colonel Robyn Maxwell then placed the sessional pennant on the training college flag to signify the cadets are now in session. Following the college welcome, on the evening of Sunday 20 February, the cadets were introduced publicly to the Australia Eastern Territory at a special service held at Parramatta Corps. The Parramatta Corps Band commenced the evening with a performance followed by an official welcome of the cadets by Colonel Wayne Maxwell. Captains Donna and Craig Todd then introduced each cadet and thanked both family and friends in the congregation who had previously sown into the cadets’ lives. “The journey started a long time ago. Many are here today because of what you’ve put into their lives,” said Captain Donna. Three testimonies were offered at the evening’s celebration service, by Cadet John Humbley, Cadet Katie Ryan and Cadet Sean Everitt. Colonel Robyn Maxwell brought the Scripture reading from 1 Peter 1:3-12 and the College Worship Team lead the congregation in two songs, In Christ Alone and To God be the Glory. The Parramatta Songster Brigade brought their message through the song, High and Lifted Up and a special acapella performance of Lord of the Dance was presented by three songster members. Territorial Commander General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond was given a warm welcome as she stood to address the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session. Commissioner Bond spoke about the resurrection of Christ

and encouraged the cadets to live up to their name as they begin their journey into officership. “Everything about our faith is centred on the resurrection of Jesus,” she said.

olonel (Above) C es xwell plac Robyn Ma t n a n n e p l a the session e g lle o c g in on the train rt a st e th ify flag to sign ts’ session. e d a c e th of r Gavin (Left) Majo School Watts, The Training for Officer ares Principal, sh ghts with some thou . the cadets airon

Photos: Sh Paterson

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Godkins installed as divisional leaders in Canberra By Captain DALE MURRAY

He said that while both callings may appear similar, there is a significant difference between each. He explained that the response of the disciples to the first call was a decision, whereas their response to the second call was a commitment. Major Godkin defined making a decision as involving a choice, where making a commitment was a decision that could not be recalled. In his challenge to the congregation, he said many people would miss out on heaven by just 43cm – that being the distance between the head and the heart! Making a decision involved head knowledge only, while commitment was a heart decision. Major Godkin ended the message by encouraging the congregation to “let go of the nets” and obediently follow that which God is calling you to. The meeting finished with the robust singing of I’ll Stand For Christ.

capacity congregation of representatives from corps and centres in The Salvation Army’s ACT and South NSW Division gathered at Tuggeranong Corps on Sunday, 6 February to witness the installation of the new Divisional Commander and Director of Women’s Ministries, Majors David and Sandra Godkin. After words of welcome from the Australia Eastern Territory Chief Secretary, Colonel Wayne Maxwell, the congregation joined the Tuggeranong Corps songsters and praise group in singing Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) with musical accompaniment provided by the band and ensemble. After a time of worship Colonel Maxwell led the installation ceremony. He referred to Joshua 1:9 and encouraged the Godkins to “be strong and courageous” as divisional leaders, reminding them that “God would be with them wherever they went”. The Godkins then knelt at the mercy seat and prayed, surrounded by members of the divisional leadership team and representatives from corps across the division. Albie Hile and Renae Murray, both from Tuggeranong Corps, brought words of welcome to the Godkins on behalf of the division. In her response, Major Sandra Godkin quoted the words of Isaiah 43:19 and testified that in her ministry in the division, she wanted to be open to God in all areas of her life and daily perceive the new things God wants her to do in her ministry. In the Bible message titled “Leaving the Nets”, Major David Godkin reflected on the two callings of the disciples Peter, James, Chief Secretary Colonel Wayne Maxwell (left) installs Majors David and Sandra Andrew and John. Godkin as ACT and South NSW Divisional leaders.

Outback kids enjoy beach camp

“S

ome of these kids had never been on a plane before, had never been to the beach, the movies, or to Sydney,” said Envoy Natalie Steele of the 10 children from outback areas of Far North Queensland who attended The Salvation Army Red Shield Children’s Summer Camp. The Army’s Flying Padres, Envoys Simon and Natalie Steele who are based in Mt Isa, escorted the children, aged from 9-12, to the camp held at The Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches in January. “It was an amazing experience for them. They went to the beach, the zoo, walked across the [Sydney] Harbour Bridge, and enjoyed all the adventure activities at Collaroy, including a fair,” said Envoy Natalie. Two Red Shield camps take place each year and assist families in providing a fun holiday experience for their children who otherwise wouldn’t have such an opportunity. Funds raised by the 2010 Aged Care Plus walkathon covered the travel costs of the Mt Isa group. These funds also provided more than 200 school bags and school supplies, including a Bible, for children living on remote properties or who attend small schools in outback regions of Queensland.

Cody and Joshua (left) enjoy their first ever flight to Sydney; (below) the fair proved a popular attraction at Kids Camp.

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Oasis youth focus on film skills By ESTHER PINN

our young people from The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Oasis Youth Support Network – James Sherwood, Shiv Persard, Ashleigh Wilson and Patrick Spencer – were chosen to participate in a short film course run by FOXTEL called Street TV. For the past nine years, FOXTEL and the Oasis Network have partnered to run a film production course for homeless youth. All FOXTEL staff involved in the program have volunteered their time to teach these young people film production skills. At the start of February, these students embarked on an eight-week course where they were taught how to write a script, use a Digital Video Camera and edit a short film. “It’s not going to be easy,” said Danny Caretti, FOXTEL General Manager. “We are going to cram eight weeks into what people do in three years at university.” Oasis Sydney General Manager Michelle Bryant expressed at the Street TV launch that the purpose of the course was to help these young people build self-confidence. “Street TV is an opportunity for them to not only learn the film production but to build self-esteem, to experience team work and independence in a safe environment, they get to explore their creativity where they get to do something that gives them a chance to express themselves, to tell a story and to really shine,” Ms Bryant said. A student from last year’s Street TV program, Coby said that her experience at “made [her] feel important” because “they [left] it up to [her]” to make decisions about the production of her short film. At the end of the course a screening night will be held to watch the three short films produced by the Oasis students. The films will also be featured on the FOXTEL website (www.foxtel. com.au) and will possibly be aired on various FOXTEL channels.

(Above): FOXTEL Director of Programming Ross Crowley speaks at the launch of Street TV. (Left): FOXTEL Program and Production Executive Danny Caretti (second from left) with the four young people from Oasis who will take part in the program (from left) Patrick Spencer, Shiv Persard, James Sherwood and Ashleigh Wilson. Photos: Shairon Paterson

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Lyn looks forward to busy retirement L ieutenant-Colonel Lyn Green, who has spent the past five years serving in the Australia Eastern Territory, officially retired on 1 February after 46 years as a Salvation Army officer. An afternoon tea recognising her significant contribution took place at Camberwell Corps (Melbourne) on Saturday, 5 February. Lieut-Colonel Green, an officer of the Army’s Australia Southern Territory, took up her first appointment in the Australia Eastern Territory as Secretary for Programme in 2006. The role included involvement in the Army’s National Moral and Social Issues Council. Two years as corps officer at Taree followed this appointment. “My time in Taree was one of the highlights of my officership,” said Lieut-Colonel Green. “It was a lovely corps, lovely people and a great way to finish off my years of active service.” During her years in the Australia Southern Territory, Lieut-Colonel Green served in 13 corps appointments and two social appointments. She also worked at the Eastern Victoria Divisional Headquarters as Corps Cadets Co-ordinator and Business Administrator, and at Territorial Headquarters as Territorial Events Co-ordinator. Lieut-Colonel Green’s husband, Major Fred Green, was

Australia Southern Territorial Commander Commissioner Raymond Finger speaks at the retirement service for Lieut-Colonel Lyn Green.

Lieut-Colonel Lyn Green with a couple of local children during her time serving in Kenya.

promoted to glory in 1998. Two years later, she began her international service in Kenya. “I lived in Nairobi and was the aide-de-camp to the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Verna Skinner, and in charge of women’s ministries for the East Africa Territory,” she said. “It was varied and interesting and a joy to work with the Kenyan Salvationists.” In 2002, Lieut-Colonel Green was appointed the Officer Commanding to the Portugal Command. “The Army is small in Portugal and it was my task to give them some identity and build them up,” she said. Lieut-Colonel Green has experienced many highlights in her years as an officer, but admitted “you can’t go past Kenya. It was so big and so enriching being with the Kenyan people. In my spare time there were game parks to explore, so it was pretty special.” Retirement is already looking busy for Lieut-Colonel Green. “I want to renew my contact with Australian Church Women Inc, train as a ‘Streets and Lanes’ tour guide with the Melbourne City Council, edit my letters from Kenya into a book for my family and to keep travelling for as long as I’m able,” she said.

Majors ‘cheque’ on military base

ajors Ray and Valma Pethybridge recently visited the Singleton military base where they were given a tour of the Red Shield facilities by Red Shield representatives Majors Alan and Christine Daley. Major Ray, being the vice-president of the Red Shield Chaplains and Ex-Servicemen’s Association, was representing Gordon Pack (President) who was in hospital at the time. They were greeted by the Base Commander, Lieutenant Andrew Lowe, who expressed appreciation for the donation of $650 which has been made to Major Alan Daley for equipment to be placed in the Red Shield hut for the servicemen to use. This equipment was useful in assisting in the training programme of the soldiers. A further amount of $500 was made for the outback services in Roma where Major Alan and his wife have been appointed. There were many words of appreciation expressed from various military personnel.

Major Ray Pethybridge presents cheques to Major Alan Daly and Singleton Military Base Commander Lieut-Colonel Andrew Lowe.

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New program changes lives of single dads By SIMONE WORTHING

he Salvation Army’s Pindari Men’s Hostel in Brisbane is creating a unique program in Queensland to support sole-father families who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness. “The story begins with the visit of a generous businessman to Pindari Men’s Hostel who said, ‘I love what you guys do, I want to help’”, said Major Peter Pearson, Pindari Manager. “He offered us the use of a house for men leaving our program and chose to provide the house for single fathers and their children at risk of ongoing homelessness.” The Fathers and Children program aims to strengthen the relationships between men, their families and the community through strategies that address homelessness, violence, substance abuse and the quality of men’s family relationships, and parenting skills. “After renovations costing our friend over $100,000, the house was opened to five dads with seven children,” said Major Pearson. “It’s still early days but it appears that approximately 12 to 15 families will cycle through the program every year.” Within the first few months of being involved in the program,

several dads have returned to work, all children are regularly attending the local school and a couple of dads have moved on to their own stable accommodation with full-time custody of their children. The words of the participants themselves say it all (names have been changed): David: “Man, apart from you guys and this house, there is nobody to help homeless dads that have kids. I would have rather lived in a drainpipe than give my son up.” John: “Having someone who knows where to send me to get extra help means I can just be a normal dad and know that things can get better”. Steve: “I have tried everywhere and this is the only place I have found that will let my boy and me live together. You are my shining light.” Lisa, aged 11: “Dad cries a lot less now we have a home and he has more fun with me now.” Tina: “This house is much better than living in our car and I have lots of friends now to play with.” Major Pearson summed up by saying: “We will do whatever it takes to reach out to some of the most marginalised and forgotten people in society – single dads and their children at risk of homelessness.”

Officer awarded Fire Service Medal “Y

ou don’t have to be famous to be a hero,” said Channel Nine news anchor Peter Overton of several award recipients from the Australia Day 2011 Honours List. The Salvation Army’s Major Carol Anderson, Chaplain and Senior Family Support Officer for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), was one of these recipients. Major Anderson was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for 15 years of counselling and support service to RFS

Major Carol Anderson has been awarded the Fire Service Medal.

volunteers and family members, including her work with traumatised fire crews after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria. “I am humbled and honoured to receive this medal,” said Major Anderson. “I really don’t need it though; my reward is when I get a smile or a hug from the people I deal with.” Soon after her husband, Major Ron Anderson, became Senior Chaplain to the NSW RFS, Major Carol Anderson established the Family Support Unit at the RFS 15 years ago to provide support the families of the 70,000 volunteer firefighters. “We saw a lot of stress in the males and I thought, ‘Well, their wives must be feeling it’, so that’s where my job came in,” said Major Anderson. As well as working with her husband supporting and comforting volunteers dealing with death, drought, and the aftermath of horrendous bushfires, Major Anderson also helps people through difficult relationship issues, supports mothers with terminally ill children, assists with grief and trauma, and is always there with a hug and a cup of tea. “From playing video games with children or hanging out the washing for a mother who has lost her husband, I will do whatever it takes for people to know they are not alone,” said Major Anderson. “If I died tomorrow I would die happy – this is our life.”

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Retirement Salute for General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton By Lieut-Colonel LAURIE ROBERTSON

eriods of solemnity blended beautifully with times of vulnerability, transparency, reflection and celebration during the retirement salute for General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton at the Lancaster London Hotel in late January. Through a live web stream, Salvationists from every continent combined with the 800-strong Lancaster London Hotel congregation to praise God for the ministry of the General and Commissioner Clifton, an event which also served as the official welcome to the High Council as it gathered to elect the 19th General of The Salvation Army. Bandmaster Bill Rollins (USA Eastern Territory) movingly commenced the Retirement Salute portion of the meeting when he sang All There is of Me. A photographic journey, “Five Happy Years”, pictorially portrayed significant moments from the Cliftons’ time leading the international Salvation Army. In his tribute to the General, the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson said: “Shaw Clifton has a strong love of family. He and Helen have a very close, loving relationship. They complement each other. The General also has a genuine concern for officers and their families.” The Chief continued by saying that the General’s “two most outstanding leadership characteristics are global vision and decisive action”. “He has a vision for a growing, holy, united Salvation Army and he put many steps in place to help this happen. During the past five years the Army has commenced ministry in 13 countries – an amazing rate of growth.” When thanking God for the World President of Women’s

The Cliftons are surrounded by family members during their Retirement Salute.

Ministries Commissioner Helen Clifton, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Sue Swanson said: “I am a living letter to you on behalf of women from all over the world who would love to be here saying thank you.” She especially thanked Commissioner Clifton for her godly capacity to know each of her team extremely well. “Your amazing caring and email communication has been a blessing, helping us to understand that we are truly in ministry together. All the territorial women’s ministries presidents around the world have experienced your love and your care.” Commissioner Swanson specifically thanked Commissioner Clifton for her bold cry for justice for struggling women and children, especially through the While Women Weep campaign. “You led us to work and pray for the justice God loves,” she said. In response, Commissioner Clifton thanked everyone “... for your very gracious reception of us today. It hardly seems possible that we are rapidly approaching our retirement date. “Our lives have been so full and so busy for so many years that I feel unsure of what to expect in retirement. I very much want to devote special time to the children and to the grandchildren. Also, I want to collaborate with Shaw and help him, as much as I can, in the writing of an autobiography. “My heart is full of praise and thanksgiving this afternoon. God has been so generous to us through all the years since he called us into sacred service. He has granted us boundless grace, one day at a time. He has gone ahead of us into every appointment and situation. He has blessed us beyond measure.” After reading Luke 12:22-34, General Clifton declared that we can trust God for the Army’s needs. “He has it covered – the needs of the High Council, the needs of the smallest corps, of the newest soldier or junior soldier, of the Salvationist bond workers in Pakistan who can’t get out to worship and for the humblest expression of social outreach and concern. We must pray for the Army, but we don’t need to lose any sleep over it. “Always put the kingdom first. Seek first the kingdom of God and all other things will be added beyond measure. We love the Army but the Army is not God. God raised the up the Army and I want it to stay raised up, so put the kingdom first.” General Shaw Clifton speaks to the congregation at Lancaster London Hotel.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Salvation Army fights cholera epidemic in Haiti L

and on a Salvation Army farm in Fond-des-Nègres, Haiti, has been transformed into a new cholera treatment centre. The centre, set up with partner agency Medécins du Monde, features a carefully designed maze of tents that are sanitised and prepared to receive and care for patients through every stage of infection. From triage to recovery, it delivers intensive rehydration therapy and monitors patients’ fluid levels in order to balance rehydration efforts. There have been nearly 4000 confirmed cholerarelated deaths throughout Haiti since the epidemic began in late 2010. The Salvation Army’s Bethel Clinic in Fond-des-Nègres saw 250 cases in only two months. The opening of the treatment centre will increase the Army’s capacity to effectively treat people in surrounding communities. In addition to setting up quarantine and treatment areas at Bethel Clinic, The Salvation Army has been taking steps to prevent the spread of cholera since the epidemic began. Vital supplies such as soap, disinfectant, oral rehydration packets and antibiotics have been distributed via Salvation Army centres, including its churches and schools, throughout the country. In the capital city, Port-au-Prince, efforts have continued through the primary health clinic, College Verena Primary and Secondary Schools and at the internally displaced persons camp next to The Salvation Army’s compound. The Salvation Army’s efforts to treat and prevent the spread of cholera have been made possible through partnerships with Medécins du Monde, The Salvation Army’s Canada and Bermuda Territory and a donor in the Bahamas.

d outside de (right) stan écins du Mon ed M m is where fro is rs Two worke ent centre. Th olera treatm ch e th and to n e io the entranc rity of infect and the seve ed er st gi re e patients ar termined. atment are de course of tre

Winter-proofed tents help flood victims in Pakistan By DAMARIS FRICK

n northern Pakistan many people are enduring the bitter cold of winter in trying circumstances. Last year, floods destroyed villages across the country and families lost their homes and all their belongings. Despite aid provided by government and non-government organisations many people still lack basic necessities. The scale of the disaster is huge and the needs are seemingly endless. Just in time for winter, The Salvation Army obtained funds from its Canada and Bermuda Territory to purchase and distribute winter-proofed tents. These tents have several layers of material to ensure there is as much insulation as possible. In the region near Peshawar, 700 families have each received a tent. It’s not luxury accommodation but the reality is that it could mean the difference between life and death. The Salvation Army in Pakistan is also looking at longer-term sustainable development projects. A community assessment trip took place to find out how people in affected communities want to change their situation. These trips include community mapping community walks, interviews and discussions with men and women. Children stand outside a winter-proofed tent provided by The Salvation Army in Pakistan.

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promoted to glory

Prayer warrior

ohn Elliott was promoted to glory on 4 January, aged 85. A funeral service was held on Friday, 7 January, at Taree Corps, conducted by the Corps Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Green. John’s son Graeme paid tribute to his father on behalf of the family. One of his other sons, Garry, read Psalm 24. Granddaughters Alyssa and Andrea also spoke words of appreciation for their grandfather. John Worthington Elliot was born on 23 October, 1925. He attended primary schools at Lithgow and Armidale and spent his adolescent years at Hamilton High School and Armidale Demonstration School. While John was at Armidale Corps he became a Junior Soldier, Corps Cadet and played euphonium in the junior band. For the first part of his working life, John was employed in an electrician shop at BHP. He was sent to Taree on medical advice where he lived with Mac and Ida Elliott (uncle and auntie). For the next 50 years John worked at the Taree post office. He was an artist in his own right, pencilling some great portraits and winning prizes at a school for art. Celebrant Brigadier Boaden married John Elliott and Joan Day on 21 November, 1959. They had six boys – Garry, Stephen, Graeme, Collin, Rodney and Grant – 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. John enjoyed playing rugby league with Newcastle. He also trained as a local preacher with the Methodist church. He preached at 111 services in the Manning River area. When he met Joan, John began attending the Army once again. John enjoyed life and particularly life in the Army. He loved the word of God and was a prayer warrior. John was a prayer member of the 80+ club before he was promoted to glory.

Steadfast faith

rs Brigadier Lillian Tomlinson was promoted to glory on 10 January, aged 92. A thanksgiving service celebrating Mrs Brigadier Tomlinson’s life was held at Gosford Corps on Monday, 17 January, and conducted by Sister Robyn Ivins. Major Arthur Dixon gave a tribute on behalf of the retired officers and Major Stan Evans read a tribute from the Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, Commissioner Linda Bond. This was followed by a prayer from Major Bill Mole.

Mrs Brigadier Tomlinson’s four daughters – Roslyn, Joan, Elaine and Gwenda – all presented individual “We honour our dear Mother” tributes. Lillian Diehm was born on 2 June, 1919, in Goulburn and was the sixth child to her parents Benjamin and Matilda Diehm. As a third-generation Salvationist, most of Lillian’s early life involved service at The Salvation Army. Lillian’s commitment to The Salvation Army was driven by her love for people. Prior to entering the Booth Training College, Lillian served as a Corps Secretary, Young People’s Sergeant Major, Corps Sergeant-Major and as an employee of Gil Home for Boys at Goulburn. Lillian enjoyed selling The Salvation Army magazine, War Cry, to her surrounding community and found purpose when visiting various home villages, giving her some practical preparation for the challenge of officership. After her Commissioning of the “Steadfast” session in 1942, Lillian was appointed to Stanley Street Women’s Home in South Brisbane and then Toowong Industrial Home for Girls. In January 1946, Lillian married Stanley Abner Tomlinson and together they served at Purga, Red Hill Men’s Home, Leeton, West Wyalong, Temora, Grenfell, Hornsby, Enfield, Bexley, Wagga, Maitland, Woonona, Belmore and Taree. During Stanley’s term as Public Relations Officer in the Western Division, Lillian was Divisional League of Mercy Secretary and Young People’s Sergeant Major in Orange. Their final appointment was to Moyne Senior Citizens Complex at Canowindra. After they retired, the Tomlinson’s continued to serve at Umina Corps until moving to Weeroona Retirement Village in Bass Hill where they remained serving God until they were physically unable. Following the passing of Stanley in 1994, Lillian continued to reside at Weeroona until December 2009. Due to Lillian’s deteriorating health, she then moved to Woodport Retirement Village to be close to her family.

Committed soldier

iolet Elizabeth Cotterill was promoted to glory on 11 October, 2010, aged 92. A service of remembrance and committal was conducted at the Stafford Citadel, Brisbane, by Captain Alice Fean (Violet’s niece) on

Friday, 14 October. It was attended by a large number of relatives, friends and corps acquaintances. Glenn Cotterill (Violet’s grandson) gave a family tribute, followed by readings of Scripture and poems by Violet’s grandchildren Sarah, Sean, Fiona, Adrian, Simon and Gabi. Violet’s greatgranddaughter, Ainsley then expressed her love for her Nanna and her appreciation for the love and kindness she had always shown to the family. Corps tributes were given by Major Dawn Harmer and Don Fischle. Major Bev McMurray sang I’d Rather Have Jesus and Michelle Ralston played piano while a photographic presentation of Violet’s life was shown. Violet Hines was born in Murwillumbah on 28 March, 1918. She grew up on her parent’s dairy farm at Chillingham, south of the Queensland border with her two sisters, Eunice and Rene. A friend invited her to go along to the Murwillumbah Salvation Army Home League. Violet enjoyed the meetings so much that she eventually commenced attending Sunday meetings and became a Salvationist. Her father, Norman Hines, started accompanying her to the meetings and joined the band as bass drummer – a position he held for more than 50 years. Hearing of a vacancy in the kitchen at Newcastle Hospital, Violet decided to spread her wings and see some of Australia. Shortly after her arrival, Violet walked into Lambton Army Citadel and saw Stanley playing the organ. This handsome young gentleman escorted her home after the meeting and so began a romance that lasted almost 70 years. Violet and Stanley were married in July 1942 and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. They had three children – Graham, Ann and Lois. Throughout their married life they served God in various corps in NSW, Victoria and Queensland due to transfers in Stanley’s work. This resulted in making many lifelong friendships. For the last 20 years they worshipped at the Albion/ Stafford Corps where they enjoyed the comradeship of fellow Christians and friends. Violet’s great joy was evident in her love and commitment as a member of Home League, whether it was a weekly meeting or an interstate divisional rally. She rarely missed Home League and in fact attended her last fellowship meeting just a week before she passed away. Violet will be remembered with love and respect by all who knew her.

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

promoted to glory

Century of service

rs Brigadier Lily Baker was promoted to glory on 15 December, 2010, aged 100. A thanksgiving service, celebrating the life of Mrs Brigadier Baker, was held at Gosford Corps on 21 December, led by Major Bill Mole. A family tribute was presented by Mrs Brigadier Baker’s son-in-law, Don Archer. This was followed with tributes from her nine grandchildren who each spoke of their love and respect for their Grandma – this included Major David Hawke, Mrs Brigadier Baker’s grandson who is currently serving in Zimbabwe Territory. Lastly, Major Stand Evans gave a corps and officer tribute. Lily May Neville was born to George and Mary Neville on 7 October, 1910, in the NSW country town of Molon. She was the third youngest of seven children. Lily’s eldest sister was the first family member to attend Salvation Army meetings and then the three youngest siblings, including Lily, started going to Sunday school. After Lily had been attending for a while, she felt that she should go forward and give her heart to the Lord. Lily became a Junior Soldier, then a Corps Cadet and when she was old enough she became a Senior Soldier. When Lily was only 15, she became a member of the Home League. Lily’s call to officership came when she was just 19 and entered The Salvation Army Training College at Petersham in 1930 as a member of the “Blazers” session. Her first appointment was to MacLean Corps. George Baker entered Lily’s life at a Congress gathering and, after a period of correspondence, were married on 20 March, 1937. Their first appointment was to Parkes. Thus began a teamwork which lasted until they retired. They served in 26 corps and

one social services centre. Upon retirement in July 1971, Lily and George lived at Clemton Park until moving to The Salvation Army Trigg Village. George was promoted to glory in October 1980 and life for Lily, by herself, was a large adjustment after 43 years of a wonderful close and loving relationship. She spent 32 years at Collaroy and Dee Why Corps before moving to The Salvation Army Woodport Retirement Village in March 2001. Lily then worshipped at Gosford Corps and was a keen Home League member until recent months. Mr Brigadier Baker is survived by three daughters (Jean, Nelma and Margaret), nine grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren who all praise and thank God for her commitment and service to God through officership in The Salvation Army.

Dedicated officer

rs Brigadier Phyllis Turner was promoted to glory on 28 January, aged 93. A thanksgiving and committal service was conducted by LieutColonel Peggy Stephens on Thursday, 3 January, at Sydney’s Rookwood Crematorium. A eulogy was presented by LieutColonel Turner’s close friend, Dawn Byrne, and a family tribute was given by Shirley Muller. Major Dorothy Hyde also gave a tribute on behalf of Salvation Army officers and a Scripture passage from Ephesians was read by Christine Georgiadis. Phyllis May Turner was born in Maryborough, Queensland, on 24 October, 1917. She was the second-eldest child of John and Emily Turner. Phyllis had two brothers, Vic and Ron, and a sister, Joyce. When Phyllis was just five she started playing the piano and many corps over the years benefited from her beautiful playing. Phyllis entered The Officer Training

College in 1939 and was commissioned in 1940 as Pro-Lieutenant. Phyllis’ first appointment was to Bowen Corps in Queensland as an assistant. This was followed by appointments as Corps Officer at Mount Isa, Gladstone, Innisfail, Clermont and Fortitude Valley. She also served as a Brigade Officer and then as the Field Training Officer at The Officer Training College. Phyllis also had the privilege to minister to many young people as she served in two appointments as Youth Officer in the North Queensland Division and North Sydney Division. With only two days notice, Phyllis moved into her new appointment as the Women’s Field Training Officer at The Officer Training College. Soon after, she was transferred to become the Women’s Chief Side Officer. This was followed by a social work appointment as Matron at Arncliffe Girls Home, which became Phyllis’ home again at Macquarie Lodge when she retired. After taking care of 40 girls at Arncliffe Girls Home, Phyllis was then appointed to Territorial Headquarters in the Social Welfare Department. She then became the Territorial Women’s Social Secretary and her last appointment was as Assistant Field Secretary. Following her retirement in 1978, Phyllis lived with her beloved friend, the late Mrs Brigadier Thelma Entwistle and her brother. They lived together for almost 30 years before they moved to Macquarie Lodge in 2007. While the move to Macquarie Lodge was a significant change to her lifestyle, Phyllis quickly adapted and immediately took up playing the piano for the lodge’s chapel service which she continued to do so until she was physically unable. Phyllis will always be remembered for her love for music, her dedication to The Salvation Army and her steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as well as her devotion to family and friends.

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

about people Additional Appointments

Major Marilyn Edwards, Team Leader, Charters Towers/Ingham Circuit, Central and North Queensland Division, effective 3 March.

Appointments

Effective 11 February: Captain Lenore Johnson, Team Leader , Maroubra Corps, Sydney East and Illawarra Division. Effective 24 February: Majors Ross and Joanne Brown, Corps Officer, Calamvale Corps, South Queensland Division. Effective 3 March: Major Bev Kingston, Team Leader, Charters Towers/ Ingham Circuit, Central and North Queensland Division.

International Appointments

Effective 2 April: Commissioner James Condon, Territorial Commander, Australia Eastern Territory; Commissioner Jan Condon, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Australia Eastern Territory; LieutColonel Alistair Herring, Zonal Secretary, South Pacific and East Asia; Major Alastair Bate, Chief Secretary, Eastern Europe Territory; Major Carole Bate, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Eastern Europe Territory. Effective 3 April: Lieut-Colonel Astrid Herring, Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, South Pacific and East Asia.

Cadet Supervised Ministry Placements Friends of Christ session (22 March - 5 June)

time to pray 27 February – 5 March

Nigeria Territory; Capricorn Region Corps, Carindale Corps, both Old; Cardiff Corps, Carinya Cottage, Carpenter Court Residential Aged Care, all NSW; Homelessness Services Conference (2-4); World Day of Prayer (4); South Queensland Division SAGALA Leaders Training (4-6); The Greater West Division Officers Fellowship (6-10).

6-12 March

Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory; Casino Corps, Central Coast Recovery Services Centre (Selah), both NSW; Centenary Corps, Centennial Lodge, Central and North Queensland Division Chaplains, Central and North Queensland Divisional Headquarters, all Qld; ACT and South NSW Division Officers Fellowship (7-10); Lent Commences (9); Salvo Stores Managers Conference (9-11); The Greater West Division Staff Retreat (1011); South Queensland Division Leadership Team Conference (13).

13-19 March

Captain Elizabeth Garland, Zimbabwe Territory; Central West Aged Care Services, Cessnock Corps, Chaplaincy Services Newcastle and Central NSW Division, all NSW; Chapel Hill Aged Care Centre, Qld; Chaplaincy Services, ACT; Territorial policy and Mission Council Retreat (14-16); South Queensland Division Officers Retreat (14-17); Newcastle and Central NSW Division Human Resources Conference (15-18); Cadets (2nd Years) Out-Training (17 Mar-5 June).

Philip Farthing, Port Macquarie; Teena Hughes, Forbes/Parkes; Katherine Mills, Townsville Riverway; Vanessa Kohler, Westlakes; Rachael McMurray, Tamworth; Kylie Maxwell, Newcastle; Marcus and Jisook Wunderlich, Gold Coast Temple; Aaron and Alana Reid, Carindale; Isaac Kamara, Queanbeyan; Sussann Sawatzki, Granville; Martin and Kylie Herring, Tweed Heads; David and Lara Sutcliffe, Toowoomba; Cara Brackstone, Cairns and Atherton Tablelands; Jacoba Czoban, Maroochydore.

20-16 March

Proclaimers of the Resurrection session (6 March - 13 November)

27 March – 2 April

Matt and Katie Ryan, Sydney Congress Hall; Tim and Ayly Girling, Miranda; John and Leisa Humbley, Menai; Dominic and Samantha Wallis, Panania; Christian and Beth White, Penrith; Rodney and Debra Parsons, Tarrawanna; Sean and Cassi Everitt, Campsie; Peter and Myf Evans, Chatswood; Steve and Lydia Spencer, Hurstville; Lesley Newton, Hills; Bronwyn Burnett, Ryde; Darryn Lloyd, Dulwich Hill.

3-9 April

Papua New Guinea cadets (6 March - 13 November) Saki and Dulci A’o, Panania; Gini and Regina Bugave; Chatswood.

Bereaved

Major Stuart Evans of his mother, Betty Evans on 22 January;Captain Laithe Greenaway and Captain Megan Couchman of their grandfather, Lloyd Greenaway.

Promoted to glory

Brigadier Phyllis Turner on 28 January.

Retirements

Captains Brian and Marliyn Ault on 30 January; Major Evelyn Sneller on 30 January; Captain Elizabeth Wiggins on 6 February; Lieut-Colonel Lynette Green on 5 February; Majors David and Coral Hodges on 31 March; Majors Peter and Eileen Holley on 31 March.

SAGALA Awards

The following people have received the General’s Award: Elisabeth Collins, Townsville Faithworks Corps; Sarah Winkle, Dubbo Corps; Sasha Swann, Gunnedah Corps; Amanda Walpole, Caboolture Corps; Kimberley Richards, Bundamba Corps.

Award

Major Carol Anderson received the 2011 Australian Fire Service Medal on Australia Day, 26 January.

Major Allison Cowling, Canada and Bermuda Territory; Chaplains to Statuatory Authorities, Child Sponsorship Program, both THQ; Chatswood Corps, Chatswood Community Welfare Centre, Northside Women’s Services, Oasis Youth Support Network Youth Connections – Chatswood Campus, Chifley Mission, Clulow Court, Coffs Harbour, all NSW; South Queensland Division Healthy Mission Training (25); South Queensland Division Impact (Youth Councils) (25-27). Malawi Command; Communications and Public Relations Department, Counselling Service, both THQ; Dalby Corps, Coolum Mission, both Qld; Cooma Corps, Cowra Corps, both NSW; Newcastle and Central NSW Division Mission Forum (28-29). The Philippines Territory; Dee Why Corps, Northern Beaches Community Welfare Centre, Deniliquin Corps, Dooralong Valley Facility, Dubbo Corps, Dulwich Hill Corps, Dulwich Hill Community Welfare Centre, all NSW; Self-Denial Appeal Altar Service (3); Red Shield Appeal Opening – Sydney (4); Social Conference (4-6); Red Shield Appeal Opening – Brisbane, South Queensland Division Junior Soldier Bootcamp (9-10).

engagement calendar Commissioner Linda Bond (Territorial Commander) Gold Coast: Sat 5 Mar – Opening of Fairhaven Facility Brisbane: Sat 5 Mar – Volunteers Appreciation Meeting Brisbane: Sat 5 Mar – Public Farewell Rockhampton: Sun 6 Mar – Volunteer Appreciation Meeting Rockhampton: Sun 6 Mar – Public Farewell Sydney: Sun 13 Mar – Public Farewell

Colonels Wayne (Chief Secretary) and Robyn Maxwell *Sydney: Sat 5 Mar – Salvos Legal Lecture Brisbane: Sat 5 Mar – Farewell to the Territorial Commander Rockhampton: Sun 6 Mar – Farewell to the Territorial Commander Sydney: Sun 13 Mar – Farewell to the Territorial Commander Sydney: Fri 15 Mar – Booth College Retreat Day ACT: Sun 27 Mar – Installation of the National Secretary * Colonel Wayne only