music soothes - the salvation army australia...if life is joyless and distressing in the present,...

2 pipeline 12/2010 3

BRISBANEFriday 10 December

7.30pm - Celebration Rally

- 125th anniversary of The

Salvation Army in Queensland

- Chandler Theatre

SYDNEYSaturday 11 December

7pm - “The Night of a

1000 Stories” - Sydney

Convention Centre

Sunday 12 December

8.30am - Prayer Concert

- the Sydney Convention

Centre

10am - Ordination and

Commissioning of the

Ambassadors of Holiness

session of cadets - Sydney

Convention Centre

Kids Church will be held at

this time in a separate room

at the centre

2pm - “Celebrating our

Heritage” - includes the

appointments of the

Ambassadors of Holiness

session of cadets - Sydney

Convention Centre

Itinerary for the visit

of Salvation Army

Chief of the Staff

Commissioner

Barry Swanson

and his wife

Commissioner

Sue Swanson

to the Australia

Eastern Territory in

DecemberIN THIS MONTH’S wOMeN IN TOucH Joy: To rejoice is a choice

Women in TouchA social justice ChristmasBrooke Fraser’s new CD

Young

D e c e m b e r | 2 0 1 0 | V O L U m e 1 1 | I S S U e 4

the centrality of Jesus

rejoicechoice

To

is a

Joy:

An adventure in prayer

3 EDITORIAL

5 TC@PIPELINE

6-7 INTEGRITY COLUMN

22-23 BOOK REVIEWS

27-30 MISSION PRIORITIES UPDATE

32-45 COALFACE NEWS

46-47 PROMOTED TO GLORY

R e G u L A R S

A favourite Christmas tradition here in Australia – and, indeed, around the world – is to illuminate the night with lights.

Whole streets of houses, shopping malls, businesses and even churches all get into the festive spirit by lighting up their premises in a burst of vibrant colour.

And, of course, there’s the joyous experience – especially if young children are involved – of decorating the Christmas tree.

For Christians, this “lighting up the night”tradition should actually make us stop and reflect on the reason why we celebrate the season.

You see, the Bible tells us that when Jesus Christ was born, the Light came into the world (John 3:19). In fact, the Bible is littered with references (more than 200) to God being a “light”.

When we celebrate Christmas, what we are doing is taking time to remember that phenomenal day in history when Jesus stepped down from heaven to earth. In doing so, he brought with him the light that drives out the darkness in our hearts.

Christ came to earth to offer us the greatest gift ever – the gift of life and light.

In the Bible, Jesus says of himself, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Out of darknessIn this issue of Pipeline, we meet a group of women who have experienced this “light” in their lives. Trapped in the “darkness” of alcohol and drug addiction, these women turned to The Salvation Army for help. Through the Army’s Recovery Services program, their lives have been transformed and each Christmas, through the power of song, they now share with others this new light in their lives.

Suddenly, for these brave and amazing ladies Christmas has become so much more than simply decorations on a tree, the giving and receiving of cards and gifts, and some big fat guy with a bushy white beard dressed up in a silly red suit (apologies to any of our readers under 10).

At Christmas, these women – just as we all have the wonderful opportunity to do – can now celebrate Jesus Christ as the Light of the world and the forgiveness of sin that can only be found in him. Their lives have been illuminated by the radiant presence of God.

May you all have a merry, Christ-centred Christmas this year.

Scott SimpsonManaging Editor

The Salvation ArmyWILLIAM BOOTH, Founder

International Headquarters101 Queen Victoria streetLondon EC4P 4EP

Shaw Clifton, General

Australia Eastern Territory140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

Linda Bond, Commissioner Territorial Commander

Peter Sutcliffe, MajorCommunications Director

Scott SimpsonManaging Editor

Graphic design: Kem Pobjie, James Gardner, Dean Simpson

Cover photo: Shairon Paterson

Pipeline is a publication of the Communications Team

Editorial and correspondence:Address: PO Box A435Sydney South NSW 1235Phone: (02) 9266 9639www.salvos.org.auEmail: [email protected]

Published for: The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory by Commissioner Linda Bond.Printed by:SOS Print + Media Group65 Burrows Rd, AlexandriaNSW 2015, AustraliaPrint Post ApprovedPP236902/00023

4 NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INNGeneral Shaw Clifton’s Christmas message

14-15 WINNING THE WEIGHT BATTLESalvationist Jonathan Shields shares the torment of his battle with obesity and how God has set him on the path to recovery

17 A RELUCTANT LEADERRecently discovered letters reveal that Australia’s first General, George Carpenter, was hesitant about leading the international Salvation Army

18-19 THE POWER OF BEING AVAILABLESalvo Bob Smyth says wearing the Army uniform is a dangerous privilege

20-21 SENIORS ON SONG Esther Pinn reports on the Territorial Seniors Assembly

24-25 WHAT WOULD JESUS VIEW?Introducing our new movie and TV review column with the latest addition to the Pipeline team, culture writer Mark Hadley

8-11 THE HEALING POWER OF SONGNaomi Singlehurst meets a choir singing itself to recovery

F e A T u R e S

c O V e R S T O R Y

24

8

contents

editoria l Let light of this world illuminate your Christmas

The apostle Paul saw the connection. His prayer for the church at Rome was, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

I read this verse recently and ever since can’t get it out of my mind. What did joy and peace have to do with hope, I wondered? And then it dawned on me. Those who experience the opposite have no cause for hope.

If life is joyless and distressing in the present, one may shrink from more of the same in the future.

Singing a new songYet Paul saw everything through the lens of Christ’s coming. Ours is a God of hope who never makes idle promises. And more than that, he instils hope.

Salvation through his Son has joy and peace written all over it.The apostle believed in over-the-top praying. He knew that

the God of hope had great plans and not just great promises.He would not just give you joy and peace but fill you. Not just

so we would have a measure of hope but that we would overflow with it.

Now there’s the message for a world that’s singing in the minor key.

Oh yes, let me finish the story that I started in the first paragraph. That young woman who couldn’t see even a glimmer of light? Well the Light came. She left the hospital, rediscovered Life and is doing amazingly well.

She could tell you all about hope, and very convincingly.

Commissioner Linda Bond is Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.

It was one of the most difficult visits I’ve made. It was to see a Salvationist, a patient in a psychiatric hospital. She was severely depressed and even suicidal.

There she was in a private room, no furniture except for a mattress on the floor. She was naked but covered with a white sheet. I sat beside her.

There’s no magic in words. Any neat phrases I might try would just wash over her. They couldn’t reach the inner person. She described her outlook as a black tunnel and not even a pin-prick of light. Life was joyless, agitation had turned to dark numbness.

Many of us would not be able to say, “I’ve been there”. The tunnel, the blackness, the bleakness, feeling suicidal – we have never had that sense of desperation.

But maybe we admit to a level of anxiety about the future. The daily news is often ominous. Global warming, financial crises, leadership corruption, terrorism, a third world war? Even whistling a happy tune could not convince anyone, let alone ourselves, that we are not afraid.

The future can seem foreboding. Has there ever been a time quite like ours when promises seem shallow and hope seems an unrealistic dream?

“O Come O Come Emmanuel”, a plaintive Christmas carol written in the minor key, reminds us that longings and fears are not just symptomatic of the 21st century.

Who knows but maybe the shepherds on the Bethlehem hills were mulling over the dismal circumstances in their nation? When would the One come who could sort it out?

The real messageTalk about a divine interruption. An angel with “good news of great joy!” The Saviour was born. Bursting on the scene was the angelic choir, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace” (Luke 2:10-14). Hope was born or rekindled!

Maybe that’s what our Christmas message needs to be this year. Peace and joy in the cradle of hope.

During the build-up to Christmas, Commissioner LINDA BOND reminds us of the one Light that can pierce the world’s darkness

Peace and joy in the cradle of hope

pipeline 12/2010 5

Every Christmas we are reminded of the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph and their baby

away. We do not know his name, but we do know he tried sincerely to make amends by at least offering space with the animals.

Luke’s Gospel records “there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 New International Version). The main accommodation was packed out, due to the national census under which all citizens were required to return to their places of origin in order to be registered.

“Have you any room for Jesus?” asks the old gospel hymn. Poets and hymn writers down through the years have found in this sacred birth narrative much to inspire them. They picture the holy family outside the inn, seeking admission, and find in that image a powerful metaphor applicable to us all still

today. Another writer urges us to offer Christ “the best of rooms”, with the final words of the song affirming softly that “the best of rooms” is “the heart”.

Jesus still knocks! Still he awaits admission! Long ago I heard that knocking sound upon the door of my heart. I was very young, but I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt the identity – and even the name – of the One standing outside.

I had seen the famous painting known as The Light of the World by Holman Hunt. It depicts Jesus with a shining lantern as he stands outside a door seeking admission. It is the door of my heart and it has no handle on the outside. Only from the inside can I open it and let the Master in. How glad I am there was a day when I did just that.

I wonder what would happen were the Lord Jesus to arrive suddenly in our midst. Where

would he stay? Some of us would rush to reserve for him the plush, luxurious presidential suite in the best hotel in town. Others, not knowing him and thus unable to recognise him, might try to run him out of town.

What about you? How would you respond? “Come home with me, Lord,” you could say. He would like that, but as you walk along together he would in all probability be saying, “You know, child, all I seek is your loving heart. Can you make space for me there?”

Can you? Have you done so? If not, do it now. He is the most gracious of guests.

General Shaw CliftonWorld Leader of The Salvation Army

No room for them iN the iNN

General’s Christmas Message

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In 1882, The Salvation Army’s founder General WILLIAM BOOTH wrote this article, urging Salvationists to celebrate the birth of Christ by lifting up his name with music from the heart

Bring out the music and be merry

6

Growing SaintsIntegrity

“Is any merry? Let him sing.”This is reckoned a merry time. It is considered in this country the correct thing to wish

everybody a “Merry Christmas”, and to get one yourself if you can. We pity those who have anything which makes them sad just now, and so has become an annual custom to be merry, and to help to make other people as merry as you possibly can.

Now, we have no objection to this at all; indeed we like the idea of special periods of rejoicing if you have anything to rejoice over, and it suits The Salvation Army, which believes in being merry all the year round in general, and at special times in particular.

We like the word merry, and we will have it in religion if you please.

Many people think it altogether out of place there. They will let the children be merry when home for the holidays, having an extra allowance of games and cake. They will let the merchant be merry when his balance sheet has come out on the right side; they will let the sailor be merry when he has got into port, after long tossing on the ocean; they will let the politician be merry when, by fair means or foul, he has carried his candidate; but we who are always overcoming sin and driving devils or rescuing captives or gaining victories over the King’s enemies, we soldiers of the cross must be always solemn, and melancholy, and awful, and have our hearts in our shoes, and our words must be few, antiquated, and learnt out of a book; and our songs all of the Old Hundredth pattern.

No, we say, and say it thankfully, that we have not been taught religion after this fashion. If, when slaves find freedom, and tradesmen make fortunes, and kindred, or friends, or neighbours are delivered from some threatened calamity, it is allowable to go mad with joy, and to express it by

hiring music, and beating drums, and letting off fireworks, and shouting till hoarse, and everybody says that is all right, then by the same rule, if you please, and whether you please or no, we are the slaves who have now found our freedom, the people who have made our fortune; we are the men who have seen our kindred and friends and neighbours saved from damnation; and therefore we have a right to be merry.

We ought to be merry, we should be hypocrites if we were not merry, but we are merry, and it is only natural and divine that we should express it; so bring out the music, new music, the merriest music; there’s a time for everything, and this is the merry time. Now for the son; everybody sing – husbands, wives, children, neighbours, strangers,- everybody sing. Praise the Lord.

“Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

“Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with string instruments and organs.

“Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals.”

And let the very trees of the field join in the chorus by clapping their hands.

What is the good of it all? Oh, it not only expresses the joy we possess, but it helps us along – not the words and sentiments only, but the music has a divine effect upon divinely influenced and directed souls.

Music is to the soul what the wind is to the ship, blowing her onward in the direction in which she is steered. Now, sailor, look to your helm, here is a fair wind, and stiff one too, right behind you. On you go, faster and faster. But mind you are going right, Captain; see to your compass, and consult the stars,

and examine your chart; be sure, oh, be doubly sure that you are right, for, if you are steering wrong, the wind will soon carry you on to the rocks of destruction. All right! do you say? Then blow away, ye winds, this mariner has a tight ship and a good cargo, and he is steering her straight for port. Blow away, and blow him home.

Sailing to gloryJust so, my comrades, the course of our souls was once straight towards the Niagara of damnation; the music and merriment of the world was blowing us faster and faster towards it, but the Almighty fired the alarm guns, and we heard the signal, turned the ship round, and now we are sailing straight towards the port of glory.

Do you want to go faster and faster, to rouse desire and stir up prayer, and strengthen faith? Then bring in the music, raise the song. Sing of the victor of the cross. Sing of the blood and the fire, and the death shout, and the glory gates, and sing of everything that you have read about in your Bibles, or had revealed to you by the Holy Ghost, that has happened, or is going to happen, on the road to glory, or in the glory land when you get there.

Oh, if you are merry, sing, and sing on till you are merrier still, and every poor, trembling, doubting, weak-kneed soul about you loses his doubts and trembling and is merry, too.

We are not allowed to sing that tune or this tune, do you say? Indeed! Secular music, do you say, belongs to the devil? Does it? Well, if it did I would plunder him of it, for he has no right to a single note of the whole seven. But we deny it. He’s the thief; it is he that has stolen it, and in appropriating it we only get our own again.

Every note, and every strain, and every harmony is divine, and belongs to us. By

and bye, sin, and devils, and lost souls will only have the discords left; all the weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth will be theirs; and all the songs, and hallelujahs, and harmonies will be ours.

So consecrate your voices and your instruments. Bring out your cornets, and harps, and organs, and flutes, and violins, and pianos, and drums, and everything else that can make melody. Offer them to God, and use them to make all the hearts about you merry before the Lord.

In harmony with GodOnly let us, as far as possible, have harmony! Now harmony of soul must have much to do with harmony of voice, if it has not to do with harmony of instruments.

It must be, that a man whose heart is in beautiful union and harmony with the will and purposes of God, and, consequently, full of heavenly merriment, must be far better conditioned for making merry and heavenly sounds.

There must be, at least, something pleasing to God and men and the soul of the musician in such correspondence. So, this Christmas, let us all get into tune, and let there be this heavenly correspondence between the inside “heart” instrument and the outside voice, or whatever other instrument the merry sounds may be produced upon.

There is a stale, old argument used by the Gentile world about forgiving your enemies and rubbing off grudges, and all that sort of thing, as being a peculiarly gracious duty to be practiced at Christmas time. That does not apply to our ranks surely? Your Salvation Army people don’t burden themselves with the memory of grudges and enmities. They forgive as they go along.

But before the Lord there are some who, on trying their hearts by the great inspired tuning fork, the Word of God, will

find they are too high – too sharp! To these we say, come down. This is the very time of the year to get low – not only into the village of Bethlehem, but to the stable – that is the penitent form, where you will be sure to meet your Saviour.

Come down! If low and flat, then come up, my comrades! Here is the pitch. No apologies, excuses, or talk about impossibilities. “All things are possible to him that believeth.”

If the gate is straight you must go through it, however painful the squeeze. If the violinist’s strings could cry out for mercy, he would not heed their cries. He must reach the required pitch, or he not only makes a discord himself, but spoils the harmony of the choir.

So, my comrades, screw up - higher still! Never mind the pain – the doubtful must go, the duty must be done, the consecration must be made, the faith must be exercised; the crowd pressed through – the hem of his sacred garment touched, and then the harmony will be reached and the glory realised.

And, now, strike off, with hearts and instruments in harmony, and do your best, and earth, and hell, and heaven will gather to listen, and your music shall be welcome and the gladdening to the ears and heart of the King of kings.

Article taken from an 1882 England

edition of the War Cry.

General William Booth is the Founder of The Salvation Army and served as its leader from 1878-1912.

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The formation of a choir to help women in recovery from addiction has been clear evidence of the power of song, as NAOMI SINGLEHURST discovered

In the bustling foyer of the Downing Centre Courts in central Sydney, 10 nervous women begin to sing their small repertoire of Christmas carols.

The choir is made up of ladies from The Salvation Army’s Central Coast Recovery Services, better known as Selah, a place for women recovering from addictions.

Suddenly a lady passing by stops in front of the choir, kneels and makes the sign of the cross.

Salvation Army Major Evelyn Sneller, a court chaplain at the Downing Centre, spots the lady and speaks to her. The lady tells Major Sneller of her struggles in life, particularly her battle with addiction.

Choir leader Gale Lamont, a graduate of Selah and now a full-time legal secretary, recalls the incident which occurred during the choir’s first performance at the courts in December last year.

“Major Sneller pointed to us and told the lady that the choir is a group of women in recovery from addiction ... and offered to help her too,” Gale says.

“It was lovely to know straight away we’d had an impact on another life. That was unbelievable.”

This Christmas the choir, with >>>

Selah Soul Sisters choir leader Gale Lamont says singing has played a major role in the rehabilitation of many women suffering from addiction.

ofsonghealingThe

power

Photos: Shairon Paterson

pipeline 12/2010 1110

By FAYE MICHELSON

After a lifetime devoted to music, Colin Fischer understands the power of

singing.For the past two years, the 79-year-

old Salvationist (pictured right) has led a male choir as part of The Salvation Army’s Canberra Recovery Services Centre, a residential program for alcohol-and-drug-dependent men.

Every Tuesday for an hour the men gather to enthusiastically sing songs such as Delilah, Snowy River Roll, I’m a Believer, Get Me to the Church on Time and Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone, led by Colin and accompanied by local Salvation Army officer Captain Laura Gittins on the piano.

Or, at least they’re mostly enthusiastic, Colin says.

“Some of the men aren’t keen on it. Some take a while to accept it because men don’t sing, especially Aussie men. Some of them haven’t sung since they were at school,” Colin says.

The choir is one of the 10-month recovery program’s compulsory activities, which also includes working in the local Salvos Stores and gardening.

“At the beginning no-one wanted to be in the choir, so that was a challenge. They would just stand there and not sing but, being an old [military] Army man, I just persevered,” Colin recalls.

“We learnt a scale, then a song. But,

“At one recent event at a retirement village, a lady came up to me and said she’d loved the harmonies. I thought, ‘God bless her, if she thinks it’s harmony, I’m happy with that’. There are the occasional challenges of people not singing on the note, but it still sounds lovely.”

Colin is happy to be able to use his musical talents in a way that helps others, seeing it as a way of sharing his faith.

“The reward for me is seeing what the music does for them; one of things they talk about is how singing is great for their self-esteem,” Colin says.

“The choir has sung at a couple of very important places. We sang for Drug Action Week at the Legislative Assembly, and at the Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association conference in Canberra last year, in front of 250 people.

“They were so nervous before they performed, but when they got a standing ovation at the end of their first song, those guys were 10 foot tall.

“That’s the reward for me – seeing their faces when they sing.”

The members of the choir say that it has given them a great sense of pride and unity.

When asked as a group what the program’s value was to them, several men said, almost in unison, “It saved my life”.

Another participant said: “The choir has given me a new belief in myself ... It’s so uplifting and it’s my way of praising God - it’s better than any drug!”

by the nature of the program, there is always someone new, and eventually as participants finished up and new men came in, they just accepted that the choir was part of it.”

Colin played in his local Salvation Army band as a boy and went on to enjoy a musical career spanning 35 years in the military, at one stage serving as the Director of Music.

During this time he worked with bands, choirs and musical theatre, experience that has been helpful in his latest musical venture with the Recovery Services Centre.

Colin formed the choir two years ago after having some success getting the men into the festive spirit at Christmas time by holding carol singing.

Numbers constantly fluctuate, ranging from between 25 and 33 as participants come and go from the program, but Colin says that during the 10 months of the choir some of them learn to carry a song well.

“We sing in unison, but occasionally there’s someone not singing on pitch because there’s always someone performing in the choir for the first time,” he says.

a few new faces, will be singing at the Downing Centre again. This time, however, they will be singing as the “Selah Soul Sisters” with a markedly expanded repertoire and a greater sense of confidence.

Gale, a recovering alcoholic, says the choir has given her and the other participants an extraordinary sense of hope, taught them self-discipline and enabled them to bring a sense of joy to others they could never have imagined after a life imprisoned by addiction.

“In addiction, that is the total focus of everything. I’ve spent my last cent on alcohol – forget food! And the people I’ve hurt along the way, the things I’ve said and done in active alcoholism ... I would never have entertained in sobriety.

“I have two older sisters and we had quite a difficult home life, particularly with my stepfather – so we all moved out [at 16]. I was working at the theatre and a bank and started drinking more. I became a binge drinker and then blackouts [became] a big part of my story.

“It just went on for years. I would have

periods of sobriety and I would detox myself at home and then I would front up at work [as a legal secretary], and then I would drink again. Towards the end I just couldn’t do anything – in fact I was disappointed when I would come to [after passing out].

“The psychiatric registrar at the hospital was sick and tired of seeing me being delivered there by ambulance so he finally said ‘you’re not going home’. I thank God because I would pray, ‘please help me’, because I could not do it myself. I just could not stop drinking.”

Turning pointHaving seen such positive results with other patients, Gale’s doctor sent her to the Central Coast Recovery Services (Selah) for 10 months of residential rehabilitation that includes The Salvation Army Bridge program (based on the rehabilitation 12 steps program) plus living skills and vocational training.

“As soon as I arrived I knew this was where I was meant to be. It was like a huge

Garven, says the formation of the choir has played a vital role in many facets of the women’s recovery from addiction.

“The ladies in the choir have been a definite inspiration to others,” she said.

“We’ve found many audience members may have grandchildren in addiction or who have been in addiction and they find that really inspiring to see that people can get well.”

Captain Garven says the choir and various activities also teach participants a range of life and social skills – offering experiences many of us would take for granted.

“For example, we [also] do a Christmas in July each year and many ladies sit there and say ‘wow, we’ve only ever seen this sort of Christmas meal in the movies’ – but to me it’s just the kind of meal I have every Christmas. If they have started using [drugs and alcohol] – especially from a very early age, there are things we take for granted that they just haven’t had in their lives.

“We are seeing lives being transformed every day.” o

“... I knew this was where I was meant to be. It was like a

huge weight off my shoulders.”

weight off my shoulders. The staff have an amazing level of compassion but they also challenged many behaviours,” Gale says.

“They are phenomenally clever – there are 36 women in Selah at the moment – the staff would know exactly where each woman is at in her recovery.

“I walked out of Selah a different person than when I walked in … absolutely! And the choir is now such an integral part of everyone’s recovery.”

Selah manager, Captain Vannessa

Colin hits the right note

Leader Gale Lamont (at centre in above photos) and the Selah Soul Sisters are preparing

for a busy Christmas schedule including singing carols at the Downing Centre Courts in

Sydney. Photos: Shairon Paterson.

This year, 300,000 Australians will rely on The Salvation Army to make their Christmas brighter.

Come Christmas Day, thousands will be homeless, including 22,000 teenagers, thousands will be without work, thousands will go hungry and thousands of children face the prospect of waking up without any presents under the tree. At Christmas the number of people who come to The Salvation Army for help is double that of any other time of the year. While they desperately rely on the Army, the Salvos depend on the generosity of those who can donate through The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Money is needed to provide hampers, groceries, hot meals and gifts which are distributed through the Salvos’ crisis centres. The Australia Eastern Territory’s Corporate and Major Gifts Director, Phil Wilson, says The Salvation Army wouldn’t be able to provide this assistance unless it was for the hundreds of businesses and

corporations who provide volunteers, gift hampers and toys every year, with Kmart and Myer two of the major contributors. “It’s wonderful that Australian corporations and businesses open their hearts at this special time and come alongside the Salvos to help brighten someone’s Christmas,” he said. The Kmart Wishing Tree is Australia’s largest Christmas gift appeal which has collected nearly five million gifts for people in need over the past 23 years. This year, organisers are hoping to see more than 450,000 gifts donated. To participate in the appeal, you can make a cash contribution at any Kmart store register, or simply place a gift under the Christmas Wishing Tree located at the front of any Kmart store until Christmas Eve. The Salvation Army needs volunteers leading up to Christmas to help with providing practical assistance to families in need. Contact your local Salvation Army centre or you can donate financial online at www.salvos.org.au

By ESTHER PINN

For the second year running, the musical side of the 28th annual Carols in the Domain

concert in Sydney will be arranged and directed by The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Music and Creative Arts Coordinator, Graeme Press (pictured).

On Saturday, 18 December, tens of thousands of people will sing along to their favourite carols at The Domain in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. The rest of Australia will join in by watching the event live on television via the Seven Network. Working with some of Australia’s top performers and musicians, Graeme feels privileged to be in charge for another year. “I’m actually thrilled to be doing it again,” he says.“They were happy with me last year, which is nice to know – it’s encouraging and affirming. And it’s

a great gig for me; it crosses all of my boxes.”

Being involved with Carols in the Domain for the past six years, Graeme still has that same passion for the event

when he first started and looks forward to working with this year’s celebrity artists. “I love working with professional singers, celebrities. It’s a great

opportunity for me to work with people who do this full-time. It’s always fresh and exciting,” Graeme enthuses. Having the usual balance of both traditional carols and Christmas songs, Graeme says there will also be some new additions to this year’s performance.Graeme believes his role as Musical Director has provided many opportunities to share the true message of Christmas – the birth of Christ. “You’re able to breathe into an event like this what Christmas is

really all about. Sometimes it’s hard because they are a professional, slick unit but you can make certain subtle changes, particularly regarding the order of things and the choice of songs and the traditional carols.”The Salvation Army will also feature in this year’s Carols in the Domain through a massed choir. One hundred Salvationists have volunteered their voices to be part of creating another spectacular performance this year. All money raised at the concert will be given to The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network.

Army calls for ‘card-free’ Christmas

The Salvation Army has issued a challenge to Australians – put nothing on your credit card this Christmas. “Most people find it incredibly difficult to survive

Christmas spending without resorting to credit, but too often that only leads to a credit hangover come January,” said Tony Devlin, coordinator of The Salvation Army’s Moneycare financial counselling service.

“There is enormous commercial pressure to spend at Christmas and it’s understandable how some succumb to it.”

Moneycare is urging people to put in place a Christmas budget and savings plan, in order to avoid the financial stress that often comes with the festive season. Mr Devlin said resorting to credit at Christmas is dangerous.

“When the hype is over and the bills start coming in we often see an increase in the number of clients contacting our services, anxious and stressed,” he said.

“By taking on the card-free Christmas challenge Australians will be paying for their celebrations up-front, enabling them to enjoy the festive season with peace of mind.”

Moneycare provides help to Australians in financial difficulties and crisis. It is a free service.

People can contact Moneycare by calling the Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22 or go to salvos.org.au and find where Moneycare centres are under “Financial Troubles”.

By GUY DUNCAN

Salvos appealtomanyat hristmasC

The Salvation Army will be one of three organisations featured on the ABC’s Compass program later this month. The program, Sounds Like Christmas, which will screen at 8.30pm on 23 December, will follow the Army’s massed choir as it prepares for Carols in the Domain, as well as other songster brigade carolling events. There will also be an interview with Graeme Press.

Carols spectacular becomes Graeme’s domain once again

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Former Miss Australia Caroline Pemberton launches the Kmart Wishing Tree with the help of young people from The Salvation Army’s Oasis centre in Sydney. Photo: Mick Toal Photography

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My name is Jonathan Shields and on Friday, 6 January, 2006, I was told I only had six months to live.

That was the night I opened my heart and prayed to God for his help. It changed my life forever.

I was born into a Salvation Army family, was dedicated back to God and became a Junior Soldier. I attended meetings, Sunday school and other church activities as I grew up.

But at school I struggled to fit in. As a chubby, red-haired, freckly kid who wore glasses, I was a sitting duck for bullies.

As I entered my teenage years I had problems coping at school and made some bad choices. By the time I was 21, I was addicted to the drugs speed and marijuana, and alcohol was also becoming a problem.

With the love and support of my family

Obesity is regarded as one of Australia’s most serious health issues which Bundaberg Salvationist JONATHAN SHIELDS knows only too well. Here he shares the torment of his experience with obesity and how God has set him on the path to recovery

Winning the

I was able to quit the drugs. However, I found myself substituting drugs and alcohol with food and cigarettes.

Before I knew it my weight had ballooned to 180kg, and I was put on the waiting list for gastric-banding surgery.

The surgeon told me they wouldn’t operate on a person of my size who was smoking, so I quit the cigarettes. Before long, though, my weight had escalated to 230kg.

On Boxing Day in 2005, I was rushed to the Bundaberg Base Hospital with heart problems. After 11 days of tests, the specialist told me my heart was struggling to keep pace with my ever-increasing weight gain and at this rate I would only have six months to live.

That was the night I prayed to God for his help. I knew that he was the only one who could help me get through this nightmare.

Called backShortly after leaving hospital I found out that the gastric-banding surgery I had been waiting more than two years for, was to be cancelled because the government had cut back on funding for the procedure. I was told I would probably have to wait at least another two years.

It seemed obvious to me that I wouldn’t survive this additional waiting period so my mother and I went to see another specialist (Dr De Lacy) about getting gastric-banding surgery done privately. We were told that the cost of this would be about $11,500. Being on a disability pension there was definitely no way I could afford this.

A short time later, my mother re-mortgaged her house to come up with the money and in March 2006, I had the surgery.

The lead-up to the operation was very difficult. I had developed social phobias and found it extremely difficult to leave the house. I mixed with very few people.

In public I have been laughed at, spat at, and I’ve had people walk across the street to avoid me. On one occasion I went into a cafe and ordered lunch, but was told that I was too fat to be ordering food there and to get out.

By the time I had the operation I felt it was my last chance at life.

After the operation my weight started to slowly come off. The operation itself was not a miracle cure, but simply a tool to help me lose weight. It still required a lot of self-discipline and at times, hard choices.

However, I knew that God was walking every step of this path with me and at times when it all got too tough, he carried me.

A few months later, God called me back to The Salvation Army and in 2007 I was enrolled as a Senior Soldier.

I quickly found myself involved in many ministries and then in 2008, I went to the I’ll Fight conference in Sydney.

Once again, God changed my life. It was during a session being led by Commissioner Christine Macmillan. We were singing Onward Christian Soldiers and God spoke to me very clearly. I knew he wanted me to help his children who were in pain.

I went back to Bundaberg with a new conviction and set about promoting awareness of the appalling needs of so

many of his children. This led to the start of Bundaberg Corps holding a yearly conference. In 2008 it was the Serve Suffering Humanity Conference, and in 2009 and 2010 it’s been the I’ll Fight conference.

We have had some inspiring speakers attend our conferences and their knowledge of and passion for social justice has only fuelled and confirmed my desire to serve God in this area.

One more hurdleDuring the past three years while I have been organising and promoting these conferences, I have also worked voluntarily in different capacities within Bundaberg Corps.

All the while my weight loss has continued at a steady pace and I am now down to 110kg.

A few months ago, I went to see a doctor in Brisbane who specialises in excess skin removal. This is the last step in my journey to return to “normal”. It is also a step I need to take before I can move forward with my life and be able to do full justice to the plans I know God has for me.

The surgery will be about $10,000 - money I don’t have - but I have many supportive friends within The Salvation Army who are praying for me and I know that the God who has brought me this far will not let me down.

I’m stepping out in faith and have told the specialist to book the operation for February 2011. Once this final stage is finished I’m excited at all the possibilities that will be available in my continued walk with God. o

In 2005 Jonathan’s weight had ballooned to 230kg (above). Following surgery in 2006 he joined the Salvation Army (right) and is now down to 110kg (left).

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General George Carpenter:

a reluctant leader

A long-lost letter penned by General George Carpenter in 1939 has revealed he never wanted to become Australia’s

first World Leader of The Salvation Army.The Salvation Army’s Heritage Centre in Sydney has recently come into possession of two boxes of telegrams and letters written by and received by General Carpenter over a period of 50 years.

The boxes containing the correspondence, which includes letters dating from the 1880s through to the 1940s, were donated to The Salvation Army by Rick Wagus, who lives in Bolwarra, north of Maitland.

General Carpenter was born in nearby Raymond Terrace in 1872 and returned there in 1946 after serving as The Salvation Army’s World Leader.

“It is by far the largest collection of such papers ever donated to us and we are still in the process of reading through these and fitting them into our archives,” said Envoy

George Hazell, of the Heritage Centre.“They are mainly from one member of

the family to another, including his wife’s extended family, and they are all hand-written.

“Some of the letters are in poor condition, especially the ones dating back to the late 1880s, but there are some which are revealing some interesting facts.

“In one of them he states he didn’t want the job of General. After being elected General he received nearly 100 letters of congratulations but in one of his replies he says, and I am paraphrasing here, but he basically says, ‘I never wanted the job – I nominated someone else, but when the final result came in I had to accept that God wanted me to have the job of General’.”

George Carpenter was appointed The Salvation Army’s fifth General in 1939 and provided a steadying hand at the denomination’s helm through the years of World War II until vacating the post on 26 June 1946.

He became an officer in 1892 and for the first 18 years of his officership he worked in property, training and literary work in Australia.

He married Minnie Rowell in 1899, and in 1911 was appointed to International Headquarters in London to become the Army’s literary secretary under General Bramwell Booth. He served in this role until 1927 when he returned to Australia to become Chief Secretary of the Eastern Territory.

In 1933, he became South America East Territorial Commander and then in 1937 was appointed as Territorial Commander of Canada, before being elected General by the High Council in 1939.

He died on 9 April 1948, at the age of 75, but his legacy continues to live on and has been further enhanced by the recent discovery of hundreds of letters which archivists Envoy Hazell and Major Ken Sanz are continuing to pore over and catalogue for future research.

General George Carpenter is watched by his wife Minnie as he signs documents during his tenure as World Leader of The Salvation Army. General Carpenter was at the Army’s helm from 1939 to 1946.

The Justice Unit in the Australia Eastern Territory has developed 2 new resources. 50 Ways to Do Justice is a practical book that gives you innovative ideas on how to live out justice everyday. Message for Change is the Justice Unit's first music album that combines local salvo artists as well as international artists. All proceeds of the CD go to support Salvos Legal, the new pro bono legal service of The Salvation Army.

Book $7.50 CD $15.00Order at www.justiceunit.com.au

NEW JUSTICE RESOURCES

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JusticeUnit_PipelineAdvert.pdf 1 18/10/10 3:22 PM

Children & Families Ministry Development Coordinator

Is this your next exciting step in mission?

Camberwell (Victoria) Corps has created a new full-time position to lead and coordinate the development of a vibrant and diverse children’s church program that will facilitate the spiritual development of up to 200 children aged 0-12.

Do you have:• A strong Christian faith and a passion to see children meet Jesus;• Excellent rapport with children;• The ability to recruit, train and lead a diverse team;• The ability to work independently and as part of a team;• Basic knowledge of The Salvation Army - its Mission, Culture and structure;• A sound working knowledge of child protection and privacy legislation;• Demonstrated skills in administration and office software programs.

If you do, we would like to talk with you.

For further information and a position description, please email [email protected].

Applications close 5:00pm on 8 December 2010.

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Camberwell (Victoria) is a vibrant Corps with a valued reputation for innovative mission supported by excellence in music. In our centenary year we are seeking a part-time coordinator to establish and develop a Music Academy that offers young people the opportunity to receive tuition, participate in an ensemble program and links them to Corps ministry activities.

To be successful in this role you will need experience in:• Teaching music and instruments to children and young people;• Musical conducting;• Curriculum development;• Band repertoire.

You will be an active Christian with a commitment to excellence, strong organisational ability, outstanding communication skills and demonstrated cultural sensitivity.

If you are excited by this opportunity and would like further information and a position description, please email [email protected].

Applications close 5:00pm on 8 December 2010.

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Great stocking filler for Christmas

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The power of being

Being a Salvationist means being available to share the love of Christ in all situations and circumstances. BOB SMYTH, of Nambour Corps, shares some of his experiences while wearing his uniform in the community

“O h! The Salvation Army, I always support The Salvation Army.”

The face that had greeted me, when I had knocked at the front door, changed from suspicion to delight at the sight of the words embroidered on my shirt.

“My grandad would never forgive me if I didn’t support The Salvation Army. He was on the Kokoda Track and said the Salvos were always there for him and we were to always support the Salvos. You guys do such a great job.”

I found myself pleased that before I could answer her, “the householder” had rushed off shouting over her shoulder, “I’ll just find some change”. I have always found it difficult to satisfactorily reply to the compliments I have received, for the love my forefathers showed in times of great hardship.

Usually I resort to accepting the compliment with a polite “thank you”. But my heart and inner voice says why should I receive honour? I didn’t stand up to my knees in mud, handing out cups of tea and, more importantly, share the very worst of life with strangers, just for love. I didn’t dodge bullets in France, comfort the hurting in war, weep with those who lost everything in natural disasters and yet here I stand politely accepting gratitude.

I hear you say: “The thanks are not directed to you personally. It’s recognition of The Salvation Army and appreciation of the Army’s work.” Very good, so what right have I to receive this appreciation and represent that glorious group of men and women who, by their dedication and love, raised The Salvation Army to the exalted position it now holds in the public’s esteem?

Saved to save, prayed for to pray for, blessed to bless, and shown grace to show grace. The first part is easy - it’s the work of another. The second part is my challenge.

A dangerous privilege“Can I help you there, mate?” The elderly man I faced was well dressed, neat and clean. My question was inspired by the

fresh cuts to his face and the puzzled expression on this same face.

His expression changed from resentment to acceptance at sight of that embroidery on my shirt. “Yes”, came the reply “I need someone to talk to.” So we sat, two strangers, on a public bench in the main street of my little town, brought together by the recognition of a uniform and of what that uniform meant, and we talked.

To my new friend the uniform meant I was available. Confused, suffering from dementia and the after-effects of a fall, he needed someone he could trust who was available.

It’s dangerous being available. It’s dangerous wearing a uniform that says you’re available. You might be asked to be available. Often it’s not convenient to be available. Certainly none of us can be available 24/7.

Our heroes at Kokoda had some rest. We, who are Salvationist, can choose how often we are available by the wearing of our uniform. A uniform worn for a few hours on Sunday makes me available, for a few hours on Sunday.

Worn in my town, through the week, makes me available in my town, through the week. The choice is mine. It’s a choice that may inconvenience, embarrass and even upset me.

Wearing my uniform is a dangerous privilege. Dangerous because it says, “I’m available to help”. Privilege because it says ,“I’m available to share the gospel”.

Carrying a message“What time does the bus go”? The questioner had obviously mistaken me for the tour group’s bus driver. “I’m sorry, I can’t help, I’m not your driver,” came my, hopefully, polite reply. “Oh! I’m sorry, your uniform is just like his and I did not take much notice of his appearance.”

Embarrassed, the passenger looked around for the genuine bus driver. “Are you enjoying your trip?” I said, trying to ease the embarrassment. Looking around to inspect me closer, she spied the embroidery on my shirt. “Yes, thank you ...” And then

out came a shared story of joy and sorrow. A story shared because of mistaken identity and the sight of a name. A name that said: “I am saved to save, I am prayed for to pray for you, I am blessed to bless you, I am a sinner saved by grace. Can I tell you of this grace?”

The uniform of The Salvation Army soldier has a message. Carried by the uniform wearer, it’s a message from a God of love who is still seeking his lost children. It’s a message that our world needs, from our God who longs to welcome whosever to himself.

Will we carry that message to a world in need? The dangerous privilege goes on with my choice of clothes. Uniform or not, available or not, the choice I have is simple.

Showing ‘the brand’“Are you Salvation Army?” We had just returned our “how to vote cards” after recording our vote at the early polling booth.

The question was asked by the volunteer handing out cards for the Greens party. Tall, thin, dressed in traditional khaki and wearing a broad-brimmed felt hat, he looked, to me, to be about to instruct us on how we should have voted.

“I was a Metho drinker,” he continued. “You blokes saved my life. I did a Moonyah [Salvation Army Recovery Services Centre in Brisbane] course and I have been clean for years.”

My feelings of reservation instantly changed to joy. In the words of the movie, he “made my day”. No question of how to respond, I shook his hand and thanked him for sharing his testimony.

The Salvation Army had been available for my new friend and he could say, “my life is saved”.

Being available does not always give immediate results. It can appear to result in disappointments and frustration.

The human result of our living life in our community, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, seems to show itself as tiny nuggets rather than a great stream. When those nuggets appear and say “I am saved”, the power of being available is apparent.

There is so much more to our uniform than tradition. Showing the “brand”, The Salvation Army, is a commitment to being available. It’s a commitment to a Saviour who was available for us “while we were still sinners”. It’s a commitment to God’s Army to be available for whosoever.

For the love of Jesus, will you be available? o

Bob Smyth is Corps Sergeant Major at The Salvation Army in Nambour.

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By ESTHER PINN

Seniors were encouraged to “Keep Singing the Song” throughout each teaching, worship, prayer and workshop session at this

year’s Salvation Army Seniors Assembly. Held at Forresters Beach Resort on the NSW Central Coast from 25-29 October, seniors from across the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory gathered for fellowship and teaching by Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond. Preaching in multiple morning sessions, Commissioner Bond spoke on topics related to the Lordship of Jesus.

Continuing with the theme of the assembly, Commissioner Bond concluded by urging individuals to “Keep Singing the Song” through their own times of suffering.

Many seniors expressed that they had been deeply impacted by the commissioner’s teaching.

“It’s completely incredible. Just to be able to sit under the teaching of the commissioner,” said Trevor Williams.

Another delegate to the assembly, Lynette Murley, said: “I’m really enjoying it. For somebody who didn’t really want to come initially, it’s just mind blowing.”

Opposite the assembly’s conference hall, a prayer room was set up for the seniors as a peaceful place to pray. They were encouraged to use this room as a place to reflect on the songs that have impacted them throughout their walk with God.

During an evening session, Masalo Laumua shared an emotional testimony of how “Singing the Song” had helped her cling to her faith throughout a turbulent life. After Masalo’s husband blamed her

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for their son’s jail sentence, she was forced to leave her home with no money and nowhere to go.

“He [God] reminded me that he was with me through times in song. And you know the song that’s really uplifted me is Love Lifted Me,” Masalo said with tears in her eyes.

The afternoon sessions were filled with practical workshops focusing on topics such as volunteering, mentoring and understanding generational differences.

Karen Conners, ACT and South NSW Divisional Youth Secretary, led a practical and informative session on understanding God’s view of people across different generations. The purpose of this workshop

was to show that while people have grown up with different cultural activities and expectations, God still sees us all the same.

Enjoying jam and scones for morning tea, pies and rolls for lunch, and plenty of cups of tea and coffee, the break times paved the way for fellowship.

Making the journey from the Army’s Australia Southern Territory, Territorial Seniors Ministries Consultant Major Jennifer Cloke shared how she had been impacted by the people she met at the assembly.

“I just feel like I’m home. I don’t know many people here but they are just so welcoming. They have shared with me and I have prayed with them,” she said.

There was never a dull moment at the recent Territorial Seniors Assembly with a packed program of activities keeping delegates busy throughout the five-day conference. Photos: Shairon Paterson

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Stories that will challenge your obedience to God

There’s something telling about transcribed interviews. People are much less guarded and measured

than if they’re filtered through the self-editing process of putting something in writing.

Taking spoken words and putting them into print adds a whole new level of intimacy for the reader – we get the time to chew over what they’ve said and how they’ve said it.

Their reflections play out more slowly in our minds and create a feeling of deep connection with the person telling the story.

This is the case with Open House Volume 3, the third book of the successful national radio program Open House, hosted by Sheridan Voysey.

The program’s “best“ interviews are here – you can get to know author Bryce Courteney and how the death of his son launched his writing career; you can get up close and personal with television personalities Ray Martin and Caroline Jones (who spend some time at the other

Interviews reveal intimate side of lives

end of the questions, for a change), or hear one of the world’s foremost televangelists, Joel Osteen, respond to his critics.

As well as that, even if you’ve never been anywhere near a mafia initiation, or met a man with no limbs, or sat down with a major Hollywood producer, you’ll feel close to these people and their experiences.

There are 20 interviews in Open House Volume 3, with each guest opening up about the journey of their lives and the big questions they’ve asked along the way.

Voysey has gained a reputation for his gentle, intelligent interviewing style, and he has that hallmark of all great hosts, in that he builds rapport with his guests to such an extent they feel safe to bare their souls on his show, as he guides them through explorations of life, faith and culture.

With those factors together, you have a book of profound reflections.

Perhaps more telling than giving Open House Volume 3 a rating out of five, would be for me to mention the fact I’ve already bought four copies to give away as Christmas gifts, in addition to the copy in my own bookcase.

- Helen Shield

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Redemption is all about taking the tragedy of Calvary and making it a source of blessing.

For Christians this means doing something similar with our tragedies. And that’s just what Harry Read has done in his little book, No Heart More Tender.

His long and loving relationship with his soul-mate and wife, Win, came to an end when Alzheimer’s claimed her. They had been wed for 57 years. Commissioner Read records his inner experiences during Win’s closing days, at the time of her death, and in the days and months following. He does so by means of brief statements which address such topics as coping with bereavement, unanswered prayer, the promise of Scripture and the nature of God. And he does so in poetry. This represents the bulk of the book.

In his poems the author opens to us his heart. He tells how he reacted during his wife’s illness and death and of lessons learned during these times. They are sensible, biblical and pastoral throughout. He moves outside his own grief to talk

about coping with the death of a child or the unexpected loss of a loved one. The hope of resurrection pervades the book.

Here’s a source of comfort for someone facing bereavement. It contains words of sage counsel; the echo of a heart which understands because of having to cope with grief and loss.

Those in pastoral ministry need resources for grief-ministry and this is such. Corps officers and chaplains would find it helpful to have a quantity on hand at all times. Often it is difficult to find the right words to say when ministering to the bereaved. This little book could fill that void.

And it would prove valuable as a pulpit resource with its simple words, its wise advice, and its eminently readable poems.

It’s a pocket-sized book. Just the right size for those recently bereaved to carry with them, or for the officer-pastor when engaged in bereavement counselling and ministry. And it’s a gentle book. Just the sort of thing needed when someone is

numbed by grief and needing a word of hope. It is, as General Shaw Clifton notes, “a book that combines sensitivity with realism and practicality.“

No Heart More Tender is recommended for those who sorrow and for those who minister to the sorrowing.

- Major Alan Harley

Book Reviews

Filling void of bereavement through poetry(No Heart More Tender by Commissioner Harry Read)

(Open House Volume 3 by Sheridan Voysey)

(My Calling by Captain Donna Todd)

My Calling is a book of 15 short stories from Salvation Army officers who have served, or are

still serving, around the world.The stories are about their calling and

commitment to Salvation Army officership and to God who has called them to be.

From the first line in the first story, you will be captured by the suspense of lives lived in danger. And yet these people remain convicted to live for Jesus Christ in full-time ministry.

All the stories of being obedient to God’s voice to enter full-time ministry will challenge you about your own spiritual commitment and obedience. Even though this book is about God’s calling to Salvation Army officership, it can be transposed into everyday living. If God is asking something of you, what risks do you have to take to be obedient? In most cases, these risks will melt away when you

read what some faithful people have gone through to remain faithful to their calling.

I read this small book cover to cover.

However, it is my suggestion that it would be used to best advantage with your daily devotions.

Read one story at a time, then sit with it. Ask God what he is saying to you through these pages. Ask about your personal commitment to God and your service for him. Try and put yourself in the place of the person you have just read about and ask if you would remain so faithful. Thank God for the comfortable lifestyle we are blessed with in Australia.

Salvationists are blessed to belong to an international movement. We are the richer because of people like those you will read about in My Calling.

Even though this is a book about the calling of Salvation Army officers, it is applicable to people of any age who wish to live their lives to the glory of God.

- Major Julie Alley

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The Internet has been awash with countdowns to the release of Harry

Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, the seventh instalment in the defining franchise for a generation of young readers.

You’ve been able to find everything from fan-party plans to Butterbeer recipes to help you celebrate the event. But given the extreme level of secrecy surrounding the second-last film, what can parents know for sure about the content their little Hogwarts fans will be begging to see?

The first thing for sure is that HP7 will be long. JK Rowling’s book by the same name took more than 600 pages to tell the final story of the boy-wizard Harry Potter and his quest to find and destroy the magical horcruxes that helped the evil Voldemort keep his hold on life. Producer David Heyman says it wasn’t hard to decide that two films would be needed.

“Deathly Hallows is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that, after discussing it with JK Rowling, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed.”

However, even seeing this first part is going to be an epic event for some young viewers. The first cut, shown to a test audience in August, ran for around 200 minutes – well over three hours. Ensure you bring plenty of chips and go easy on the fluids.

HP7, though, will keep most young viewers pinned to their seats – for a number of reasons. Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter, describes it as a “road movie” given that the key characters spend most of the time on the run from Voldemort’s forces.

“This is a journey of survival,” Radcliffe says, describing the perils Harry, Hermione and Ron face. “They know that every day is going to be hard and full of anger and fear and deep, deep worry.”

Director David Yates who has helmed four Harry Potter films agrees the final instalments are dark and brimming with emotional tension. “There are moments in this battle, which are very visceral and frightening and percussive,” he says.

Given that HP7 is something of a war-time film with large parts of the wizarding population in hiding or under threat, it’s worth considering whether your youngest viewers might benefit from waiting for a DVD screening. At least at home you can press pause.

What many Christians want to know, though, is where HP7 will land spiritually. Undoubtedly the same film will draw cheers from one side of this particular audience while eliciting boos from the other.

The declaration by the acting head of divinity at St Andrews University that this latest Harry Potter is “Christ-like” because he encourages biblical values, has to be balanced against the views of congregation

members at Christ Community Church in New Mexico where Rowling’s books have been burned for promoting “Satanic darkness”. As always, your viewpoint will depend on how you see the series as a whole. That said the film certainly provides at least one useful talking point.

JK Rowling’s appointment as a producer has ensured that the book’s themes remain untouched, and the producers and test viewers agree it remains especially faithful to the book. It’s no surprise then, that HP7 has our mortality in its sights.

Harry enters still reeling from the death of almost every mentor he possessed, and Voldemort’s own constant attempts on his life. In fact, from books one to seven, death has emerged as the fundamental recurring theme.

In her final volume, JK Rowling had Harry and Hermione discover two inscriptions while searching for insights in Godric’s Hollow: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart also be” (Matthew 6:21) and “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). Clearly she wanted young Harry to come to terms with the day of his own demise, and we find him able to do so because of the prospect of life to come.

If you haven’t already considered what you would say to your children about their own hope for life after death, then I would certainly have it worked out by the time the lights come up.

RATING: MRELEASE DATE: 18 November

RATING: PGRELEASE DATE: 2 December

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

People who have fallen in love with a book often approach its movie

adaptation with as much anticipation as they would a treasured childhood home. They can’t help but want to see it, but wonder whether or not it will still be the magical place they remember.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is quite possibly the most valued of CS Lewis’ children’s books after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. So it’s easy to understand why Christians might feel some trepidation about how Hollywood has handled it. The good news is that this seafaring journey of personal discovery has survived the storms of the 21st century largely intact.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader picks up where Prince Caspian left off with the two youngest Pevensie children, Edmund and Lucy, wondering when they will find their way back into the land of Narnia. Halfway through an argument with their annoying cousin Eustace the three children find their everyday world merged with a painting of the high seas, and the next moment they are being rescued by the crew of Prince Caspian’s flagship.

Prepare yourself for more fantastic vistas, formidable creatures and fast-paced storytelling. Of course there have been the

predictable trade-offs that were bound to occur when Christian fable met Hollywood franchise. The producers have boosted the film’s international and teen appeal by roping in Idol favourites Carrie Underwood and Sreeram Chandra for alternate English and Hindi theme songs. And Ben Barnes’ Prince Caspian has undergone a significant transformation from brooding Spaniard to more Pirates of the Caribbean.

The storyline has also had a little of the Lewis polished off, with Caspian being given a magical sword and told by his star guide Lilliandil that, “The fate of Narnia depends on you!” Possibly the more saddening inclusion, though, is the second resurrection of the White Witch. Her repeated return leaves you wondering whether the lion Aslan really had much

of a victory at the stone table. This sort of dualistic dual between good and evil has no place in Lewis’ Narnia.

But am I disappointed with Dawn Treader? Not one bit. The third film has managed to preserve what has always been the book’s most important message for me: an understanding of who we are.

On a lonely island the irritable Eustace is transformed into a dragon in part because of his greed for ill-gotten treasure. Magical mechanics aside, it’s clearly a case of the external flesh giving way to the internal character and Eustace bitterly regrets his prickly personality, now so apparent in his spiky hide.

However, his attempts to shed his scaly skin only serve to show him how much he needs the help of the God-like Aslan. When CS Lewis first penned the scene, he put these words into the restored boy’s mouth: “The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off.” (CS Lewis, “How the Adventure Ended”, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Geoffrey Bles, 1955.)

Eustace finds himself not just smoother but smaller after the experience. His coming to terms with his dragon-hide has made him aware of how many layers there can be to our beastly characters. There is no room for his former arrogance or self-justification. And that is just the way any encounter with Aslan – read, watched, or lived – should be.

What would Jesus view?

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Stop and think for a moment! Who are the people that you know, that are marked by prayer and holiness – the people who really know how to pray? The people who

really love like Jesus? Some people come to mind straight away for

me. How about for you? These people are my heroes. People that I look up to, people that I admire and want to be like and live like.

Now, stop and think again. Which corps or churches do you know that are marked by prayer and holiness – where the whole corps is known for their prayer and the whole corps is known because people live like Jesus. Now I’m having a lot more trouble thinking of and identifying those!

We would want to be a territory marked by prayer and holiness.

A few years back I met a guy who looked to me like an Argentinean soccer player. He was being translated and I was hearing his story.

When his church was at 200, he knew that there was something more. He sought God on this and God said, “All that I want you to do is pray.” So they prayed and they prayed and they prayed … and God moved.

They literally ended up with a 24/7 church, with phenomenal numbers, simply because they were people of prayer.

Another amazing thing happened. People noticed that God was up to something! When major decisions were being made in that country, the government asked the church/pastor to pray and speak into decisions, because they knew that these people heard from God.

I think we would all say that really it’s a “no brainer.” The people of God pray and they live like Him. But do we?

Do we really take time to connect, daily, hourly, in a love relationship with Jesus, bringing everything before Him?

Do we really believe that God answers prayers?Do we really believe that God speaks to us and through us?Do we live in the presence of Jesus?Do we depend on Him?

Do we live like Him?We live in a world that needs Jesus. We

live in a world where the people who belong to Jesus need to live like Him, if the world is to see Him.

We live in a world where the people who belong to Jesus need Him absolutely if we’re to see the world come to Him.

In Matthew 5:13-15 The Message says:

13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

We want to live in such a way that people say, “I want what they’ve got” and find out that what we’ve got is Jesus!

A people marked by prayer and holiness.Mark me Jesus.Mark us Jesus.

Marked by prayer and holiness

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

Mission Priorities Supplement 27

We want to live in such a way that people say, “I want what they’ve got”

MISSION PRIORITY 1 – PRAYER

Mission Priorities Supplement 29

You bow your head. Hear the music slip into a slow, soothing spiritual melody. Hear a man’s voice, and he is talking to God. He is quoting the Bible. Naming God. Then he prays for the woman with cancer. And

suddenly you realise you are really praying.How did you quieten your noisy mind and connect with God?

Lots of Sundays it never happens. You think, ‘This is what I come to church for.’

“When I hear public prayer that stirs my heart, I take note,” says Jude Gotrich, Prayer Coordinator with The Salvation Army in USA South. “Public prayer can be the most stimulating experience and possibly the one thing that most effectively ministers to my soul during worship. These prayers pull on the electricity of heavenly realms, sending light into my soul and releasing the unarticulated thought buried deep within me.”

The prayer time can be the best times in a meeting.Or not.General Frederick Coutts lamented in his day, “There is no

feature of our public worship which leaves us so frequently dissatisfied as the prayer.” Sometimes in our day, it still dissatisfies.

This is a vital issue for any who lead prayer. Worship leaders, soldiers asked to lead the prayer time, and officers.

In 2009 I attended a gathering of Salvationists from various territories. Every one of them has some responsibility for prayer.

Lieut-Colonel Janet Munn had called us together, in her role as International Secretary for Spiritual Life Development. Later, we emailed each other about prayer in meetings. Some good thinking emerged.

Prepare“The challenge,” said Lieut-Colonel Cheryl Maynor, Prayer Coordinator for the Eastern USA Territory, “is to put the same effort into the prayer time as the other parts of worship. There are corps where it has become a ‘slot’ in the meeting, with little we come into the presence of the King of Kings.”

A rich time of prayer will seem to come easily. But in fact it takes time and work. And prayer.

Commissioner Lennie Feener is known for her public prayers. She told Jude Gotrich, “I pray before I pray.” Jude went on to say, “She asks God to fill her mind with the kind of prayer that would not only communicate to him, but would communicate in the room.”

I knew a corps officer who would get alone most weeks, to think through the worship and prayer time. She might go to the hall, or to a park. She would pray. And she would go to the meeting with a definite plan as to how she would lead people into God’s presence.

Major (Dr) Terry Grey is Corps Officer at Sydney Congress


Hall. Among others, Congress Hall attracts long-term Salvationists, fresh Chinese Salvationists, and men from William Booth House, Recovery Services.

Terry’s morning meetings follow a liturgical pattern, with songs, Bible readings and prayers. He crafts new prayers for each meeting. They are beautiful. And they have great scope.

Because Terry plans ahead, he ranges wider than “bless our meeting”, touching world issues, sick friends, broken marriages, the struggles people with addictions face.

Give direction“For me, one of the reasons prayer times are dull is because they are directionless.” This was from the United Kingdom and Ireland’s prayer leader, Lyndall Bywater. She continued, “The floor is ‘left open’, and most people go into an immediate panic as to what to pray for, how to word it. Is it worth mentioning it? Will they think I’m odd? All that kind of thing. If we set out by saying, “Now we”re going to pray for Haiti,”for instance, then immediately people know what they’re praying for, and are more likely to join in.”

So, give direction. For example, suggest everyone concentrate on the faithfulness of God. Or do a meditation: paint a verbal picture of Jesus calming the storm. Have some children come to the front, then ask for prayers for them and other children in the corps and the neighbourhood. It’s not complicated.

Good directions can ensure many people take part. One Sunday, Daniel Henderson focused on a verse about God our Father. Then he suggested people pray, finishing the sentence, “Dear God, I thank you that you are a Father who ...” Seasoned Christians participated freely with short prayers. Then one young woman, a brand-new Christian, said, “Dear God, I thank you that you are a Father who always says to me, ‘I’m so glad you asked.’” You seldom get that kind of involvement unless you give direction.

Be creativeHenderson wrote a fabulous book called Prayzing! It is packed with innovative ideas for public prayer. He tells about the Sunday he invited people to finish the sentence, “Lord, I thank you that you love me even (or even when) ...”

People prayed: “Lord, I thank you that you love me even when I am a disappointment to other people.”; “Lord, I thank you that you love me even when my disobedience breaks your heart.”

Be creative like that. “The ‘prayer time’ in meetings is all too often the least creative and least inspiring bit,” said Lyndall Bywater.

She continued, “One of the things we need to learn as Salvationists is how to pray in other ways than words. She tells about meetings where everyone was given a paper cup. “People were invited to hold their cup upside-down, and to imagine they were pouring out before God all the things they wanted to ask forgiveness for. Then the leader asked people to turn their cups the right way up and hold them out in front of them, as a sign of asking God to fill them with his Holy Spirit for the week ahead.”

Be relationalWe must all have witnessed this. A woman comes forward, her friends gather around, maybe place hands on her shoulders, and

they pray for her. Or small huddles form all over the hall, and for a brief time people pray for each other. This kind of highly relational praying scares some of us. But when we do it, doesn’t it feel like we are being the people of God? Doesn’t it feel like, well, love? We don’t have to mimic that every week. But the take-home lesson is to make our prayer times relational.

For instance, by using names. Why pray for ‘the sick’ when we know Suresh and Sarah are ill? The huge trap for churches like the Army is to let our ‘free prayers’ become vague prayers. There’s a place for general prayers. But sometimes we don’t get down to naming that mission worker who got held up at gunpoint last week, or the couple whose niece committed suicide, or that city

that just had an earthquake, or the preacher for today. When we name names we become a more intimate community.

Be biblicalFinally, be biblical. Janet Munn is strong on getting people to pray the Bible. She will take a passage and get people to read it as a prayer. Another time I heard her ask everyone to look at the Psalms, choose a verse which spoke on the greatness of God, then pray it out loud.

Here’s another good idea. Ask the congregation to pray out verses from the Bible they have memorised. For example, they could be promises from God.

Commissioner Lennie Feener loves to pray the Psalms. She says, “I don’t think there is an aspect of the inner life, the real me, that there isn’t a Psalm to fit that particular moment – victory, defeat, joy, sorrow, trust, doubt – I can find a Psalm to put into words the way I am

at that point. You can just start reading and soon you will find, “Wow, that’s how I feel!” and then read on and see the outcome of the Psalmist’s prayer.”

“So, just read those words and let it apply to you and God will come through for you. God puts the words of the Psalms in my mind to say at the moment of my prayer and He uses the honesty of the Psalmist to make the connection.”

When I was growing up in Sydney’s Parramatta Corps, certain elderly saints would stand during prayer times and call out, “O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!” Then they might go on to remember the cross. “Thy dear Son lifted up on Mount Calvary.” I realise now they were praying God’s story. The Word of God – especially the great acts of God in history – provided the words for their prayer.

Bishop NT Wright says, “Christian worship is all about the church celebrating God’s mighty acts.” So our prayers can get in on that.

So there are ways to make the prayer time one of the best times.

It is a fantastic privilege to lead people into the presence of God in prayer.

How to lead

Prayer is supposed to be the life breath of the church but it can often end up being a dry and barren part of the service. Major PETER FARTHING outlines several principles to a better prayer time in the place you worship

Major Peter Farthing is Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, Australia Eastern Territory

a great prayer time

“It is a fantastic privilege to lead people into the presence of God in prayer.”

30 pipeline 12/2010 31S4


Thank you Lord, for your providential careFor your blessings as answers to our prayer.It is on your strong name that we believeFor we know from you we all will receive.

It is by your merciful love and graceThat we can stand upright here in this place.And as we share in godly ministryWe’re harmonising in God’s symphony.

We know it is Jesus, who guides each hourHe shows this to us by his mighty pow’r.We have heard his yes, no and wait awhileWe have heard him weep and we’ve seen him smile.

Oh Lord, we are trusting in you each dayTo lead us each one in the come what may.Help us to live more and more like you LordTransform us help us sing in one accord.

We lift our hearts in joy to you our KingOur praise rises high on its eagle wing.Accept this, our thankfulness Lord we prayAnd lead us as we walk your holy way.

Empower us by your own Spirit’s peaceFalling like the dew on Gideon’s Fleece.And as we each go forth, may we be bold,And in your refining become pure gold.

Poem by Christine Mayes, Corps Officer at Murgon, Central Queensland

"Gideon thanks God for the miracle of the dew", painting by Maarten van Heemskerck (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg)

GIDEON’S FLEECE(Christine M. Mayes)

An ideal gift for Christmas, now available at Salvationist Supplies for $19.50

Our private atmosphere is our personal environment of mind and heart.Let these devotional readings bring you into a real awareness of the presence of Jesus in your daily living.

When the world feels like it is squeezing the life out of us, we

need to find our own space. These are the times when we benefit

by reading something that refreshes and renews us.Margaret Martin helps us do just that in Private Atmosphere.

With beautiful stories and observations, appropriate Scripture

readings and prayers, and spaces for private journalling, Private

Atmosphere takes us up where we belong, next to the heart of

a loving God.Find that cup of coffee, a Bible and a pen, and let this book help

you find your private atmosphere.

Fold

Fold

Private Atmosphere

About the authorMargaret Martin graduated as a Salvation Army officer from the Sydney (Australia) training college in 1957.In 1960 she married Captain James Martin, and together they served in various appointments in NSW, ACT and Queensland.Jim and Margaret had three children – and now two

grandsons.Margaret lives in retirement in Scarborough, Queensland.

Margaret MartinMargaret M

artin

Private Atmosphere

Private Atmosphere.indb 1

8/02/10 2:11 PM

10-13 January 2011 • The King’s School Sydney Australia www.KingdomCome.com.au

Kingdom comesydney 2011

30


Thank you Lord, for your providential careFor your blessings as answers to our prayer.It is on your strong name that we believeFor we know from you we all will receive.

It is by your merciful love and graceThat we can stand upright here in this place.And as we share in godly ministryWe’re harmonising in God’s symphony.

We know it is Jesus, who guides each hourHe shows this to us by his mighty pow’r.We have heard his yes, no and wait awhileWe have heard him weep and we’ve seen him smile.

Oh Lord, we are trusting in you each dayTo lead us each one in the come what may.Help us to live more and more like you LordTransform us help us sing in one accord.

We lift our hearts in joy to you our KingOur praise rises high on its eagle wing.Accept this, our thankfulness Lord we prayAnd lead us as we walk your holy way.

Empower us by your own Spirit’s peaceFalling like the dew on Gideon’s Fleece.And as we each go forth, may we be bold,And in your refining become pure gold.

Poem by Major Christine Mayes, Corps Officer at Murgon, Central Queensland

"Gideon thanks God for the miracle of the dew", painting by Maarten van Heemskerck (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg)

GIDEON’S FLEECE

32 pipeline 12/2010 33

Maxwells and Campbells installed as new leadersBy SIMONE WORTHING

“Even though these appointments may be a challenge, they are of God,” said The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda

Bond, at the historic welcome and installation for Colonels Wayne and Robyn Maxwell and Majors Mark and Julie Campbell last month in Brisbane.

“And the God who has called you into the body of Jesus Christ, to Salvation Army officership, and who has blessed and sustained you through your earlier appointments is the one who will empower you to do what may seem to be impossible.’’

During the service at the Army’s Lifeworks Centre, the first time such an event has been held outside Sydney, Colonel Wayne Maxwell was installed as Chief Secretary of the Australia Eastern Territory; Colonel Robyn Maxwell as Territorial Secretary of Women’s Ministries; Major Mark Campbell as Divisional Commander, South Queensland Division; and Major Julie Campbell as Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, South Queensland Division.

As the two couples stood under The Salvation Army flag, Commissioner Bond asked whether they do, and will, rely on the Lord to enable them to fulfil these appointments. They responded with a resounding “yes”.

Commissioner Bond charged them to preach and teach the Bible and Salvation Army doctrines, to make the mercy seat the focus of their ministry, and to accept the spiritual wellbeing of their people as integral to their responsibilities.

“I ask you to stand for truth and righteousness, to raise up soldiers and officer candidates, provide pastoral care for officers and spiritual leaders, and to encourage a spirit of self-denial and sacrifice,” she said.

“We can support you, but you can only do this by the grace given by Jesus Christ. I believe you’re ready for it.”

Major Stuart Reid, Corps Officer at Bayside Community Church, welcomed Majors Campbell on behalf of the South Queensland Division’s officers and quoted from Nehemiah 4:19, 20. “You bring enormous experience and skills to the division,” he said. “We appreciate you and are excited about the future.”

Major Julie responded, thanking everyone for their trust and encouragement. “We love the Lord with all our hearts and are committed to serving him all over south Queensland.”

Quoting the leadership principles outlined in Philippians 1:1-5, Major Mark spoke of their desire to see communities transformed and the kingdom advanced.

“We’re not perfect and we’ll make mistakes, but let’s build our relationships together,” he said.

Majors David and Bev McMurray, Stafford Corps Officers, farewelled the Maxwells from the division and welcomed them to the territory, speaking personal words of encouragement and appreciation to each one.

Quoting from 1 Timothy 4:11, Major David encouraged the Maxwells to set an example of life, love, faith and purity. On behalf of the South Queensland Division, the McMurrays presented Colonels Maxwell with a didgeridoo, in recognition of their role in Indigenous ministry in Queensland.

Colonel Robyn responded, thanking the Lord for placing her where he wants her, and for his encouragement to “do what you do well, and I will take care of the rest.”

Thanking Commissioner Bond for her confidence in them, Colonel Wayne then emphasised their need to rely daily on God.

Colonels Wayne and

Robyn Maxwell (above)

test the didgeridoo

presented to them at

their installation service

in Brisbane last month.

(Right) Majors Mark

and Julie Campbell

are installed as new

divisional leaders in

South Queensland.

Photos: Shairon

Paterson

Preaching from Mark 10:46-52, he discussed Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” and the importance of responding without regret.

“My request, my prayer, is to live a holy life,” he said. “My people’s greatest need is my personal holiness.

“I want to see a holy Army, with Salvationists vibrant in their faith and visible in what they do. I need to apply this personally to myself and draw closer to the master every day.”

He encouraged people to respond to Jesus’ question and not to let their lives be ruled by regrets and ‘‘if only”.

LOcA L AND I NTeR NAT IONA L NewS

From t he c oa l f a c e

Where there’s a will there’s a wayThe Salvation Army on the NSW Central Coast experienced a

phenomenal response to its Wills Day at Mingara Recreation Club last month.

A team including Rodney Dibley, Maree Fletcher, Michelle Knaus, Jasmine Shuttleworth and Captain Vanessa Garven coordinated the day and with the valuable assistance of 27 solicitors who volunteered their services. The team was involved in preparing 405 wills.

The exceptional public response to the Wills Day smashes the previous record in the Australia Eastern Territory of 309 wills

Champions program celebrates first graduatesBy ESTHER PINN

The inaugural graduates of the Champions program, a joint venture of The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support

Network and Virgin Unite, were honoured during a special service last month.

The ceremony celebrated the 15 graduates of the 2010 Champions program at the Sydney Oasis Outreach Youth Support Network Centre.

The program was introduced at the beginning of 2010 as a direct result of a partnership between Virgin Unite, the charity arm of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, and Oasis. As part of its desire to create awareness about youth homelessness in Australia, Virgin Unite is providing Oasis with financial assistance.

“We are here for one reason – to raise our voice so we can make youth homelessness a non-issue in Australia,” said Anton Brown, Australian Virgin Unite Director.

The Champions program is a leadership development course that equips former homeless youth from Oasis with the skills and confidence to advocate for youth homelessness. This year, Champions graduates have used these skills in various speaking forums to tell their story at schools, corporate groups and on television.

The evening kicked off with performances by the “Champions”, including songs written by the graduates themselves.

After a meal was shared with guests, the formal part of the evening began and involved three graduates speaking about their journeys of growth and transformation through the program.

“I have learnt that my personal experience matters to get the issues of youth homelessness out there,” said Tegan, one of the graduates.

Four Virgin Unite employees volunteered to be mentors to the Champions throughout the program, meeting one day each week. One of these Virgin employees, Ally, shared her mentoring experiences at the graduation.

“I came to the program with preconceived ideas and those changed within five minutes of hearing their

[Champions] stories. Homelessness shouldn’t be put in the too hard basket,” she said.

The graduates will now become the leaders and facilitators for the 2011 Champions program.

For more information about the program go to: www.virginunite.com/oasischampions

Sir Richard Branson with some of the young people from Oasis at the launch of the Champions program earlier this year. Photo: Shairon Paterson

prepared, which was set at Gosford Corps last year. More than $16,000 was raised on the day, with the money to

go to the Army’s Central Coast Recovery Services Centre (Selah).The team also reported that a number of sizeable bequests

were made to the Army.Lieutenant Darren Kingston, Corps Officer at Long Jetty,

spent some of the day talking to people who had taken the opportunity to have their will prepared.

Lieut Kingston said as a result of that contact, two people gave their lives to the Lord.



NewS FeATuRe

pipeline 12/2010 3534


From t he c oa l f a c eLOcA L AND I NTeR NAT IONA L NewS


BIG celebration at Cap Region(Captain Peter and Lieut Tara McGuigan)

In a powerful weekend of praise, thanksgiving and community outreach, Capricorn Region Corps celebrated

five years of ministry through its worship and mission centre in Rockhampton.

On 15 October, 2005, then Territorial Commander Commissioner Les Strong opened the new centre in its prime highway location. Special guests for this year’s celebrations were Central and North Queensland divisional leaders Majors Rodney and Wendy Walters and The Salvation Army’s Agents of T.R.U.T.H.

On the afternoon of Saturday, 16 October, the corps held an open-day event, with people from the community having an

opportunity to “check out” the complex and get glimpses of Cap Region’s many mission and ministry groups in action. This included Mainly Music displays from both the Rockhampton and Kabra Outpost groups; Home League; Kid’s Church; entertainment from the band, worship ensemble, and dance troop; CREW games (youth group); SAGALA action; and much more.

Market stalls, a photo booth, craft, face painting, a jumping castle, the corps’ Heavenly Aromas cafe, a Red Shield Family Stores pre-loved clothing stall, a giant hamburger and sausage sizzle provided by the Cap Region emergency services team, and a “Flavours of India” (The Curry Night) tasting opportunity were also popular attractions on the day. Several community groups added their talents to the afternoon, including the Glenmore High School Concert Band and the Rockhampton Batten-Twirling Troop.

The open day was followed by a celebration and worship event in the main auditorium. Advertising had billed it as a BIG celebration and that’s exactly how it turned out. The church came alive with vibrant praise as people celebrated “all that has gone before, all that is now, and all that is yet to come”.

The corps band, worship ensemble, timbrel and dance groups, and the children from Kids’ Church excelled as they led 90 minutes of powerful and fast-moving celebration. A spirit of thanksgiving seemed to take over, but the excitement moved to another level again with the entry of the Agents of T.R.U.T.H.

The spirit of praise and thanksgiving overflowed into Sunday’s special worship meeting. The Agents were back for Kids’ Church and Major Rodney Walters preached a powerful message about the future for Capricorn Region Corps. The future depends upon you, he said. How it looks will depend on how you look – the state of your soul, and your life, and your vision for being the people of God, in this community.

The meeting began with Church on Fire and Michelle Kay-Browning’s Salvation Song. It concluded with a roof-lifting version of Let Us Sing Of His Love Once Again. In between, God did something special and, following Major Walter’s message, many came forward seeking renewal of their life with God.Kids from Capricorn Region’s Kids’ Church choir sing Crazy Praise.

Young people make a difference(Lieut Bronwyn Williams)

Woden Valley Salvation Army recently held a special weekend to celebrate the fact that about 30 per cent of the

corps is made up of children and young people. On the Saturday morning, a large group shared a barbecue

on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The children played and explored while the adults enjoyed a coffee at the nearby kiosk.

Young people joined in the worship group during the Sunday meeting, with brightly coloured balloons decorating the hall. Children’s ministry The Agents of T.R.U.T.H. entertained both young and old, even impressing one of the oldest members of the congregation who is aged 90. The young people continued to participate in the meeting; showing a presentation on the life and contribution of Catherine Booth, wife of the Founder of The Salvation Army General William Booth, and playing music during the offering. Each child was given a book to help them in their growth as disciples of Jesus.

Worship at Woden Valley during a special weekend to celebrate youth was led by (from left) Ayly Girling, Cathy Le Mesurier, 11-year-old Ashleigh Le Mesurier and 10-year-old Jayne Craig.

The Salvation Army held its first Inter-Territory Finance Conference in Sydney last month.The conference, from 8-10 November, drew around 60

delegates from the Army’s Australia Eastern, and New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga territories. Keynote addresses were given by Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond, Roger Corbett and Captain Paul Moulds. Other sessions had speakers from a variety of financial organisations.

There was also opportunity for delegates to break into groups and discuss major issues affecting both territories, including simplifying of processes, money-saving initiatives, government funding, fraud, banking and knowledge sharing.

“There was an overwhelming feeling that this conference was a step in the right direction,” said Ian Minnett, the Australia Eastern Territory’s Chief Financial Officer.

“The opportunity for staff to meet their counterparts and discuss issues and ideas was something that a lot had not been able to do previously and found enormously beneficial.”

The delegates to the first Inter-Territory Finance Conference.

New artwork to adorn Booth CollegeA painting which was specially commissioned by the team

which produced the award-winning Salvation Army historical documentary Our People will be officially unveiled in Sydney this month.

The artwork has been brought to Australia by Major Peter Farthing, one of the co-producers of Our People, and will now hang at Booth College, The Salvation Army’s training centre at Bexley North.

Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond will officially unveil the painting on Wednesday, 8 December.

“During the making of Our People, I found we had no suitable image for what was one of the most emotional moments in the story,” said Major Farthing.

“I prayed about this, and because we had already used some artists to paint scenes for us, I told our British narrator and he said he would place an ad on a website for creative British Christians. An artist name Karen Edwards offered to paint a picture for us.

“She spent six months on it and the end result is a magnificent painting which she called Grace.”

The painting captures a key moment of grace in the very earliest days of Salvation Army social work.

Major Kerrie Farthing (left) and artist Karen Edwards with the painting “Grace”.

Finance conference a first

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

In the November issue of Pipeline, in a story about the Tri-Territorial Leaders Conference, Commissioner Garth McKenzie is referred to as the Territorial Commander of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. The Territorial Commander is actually Commissioner Donald Bell. The story also mentions the next Tri-Territorial Leaders Conference being held in 2011. It will actually be held in 2012. Pipeline apologises for these errors.

Correction

36 pipeline 12/2010 37

Retired officer takes up Redcliffe batonLieutenant-Colonel Brian Hood (ret.) was recently

commissioned as the Redcliffe Corps bandmaster, taking over from Major Stan Wilson who gave more than six years of service to the band.

As a third-generation Salvationist, Lieut-Colonel Hood brings a rich history and experience to the band. He learned to play the euphonium when he was eight years old, in Kilbirnie, Scotland, where he went on to join the corps band.

After the family moved to Wangaratta in Victoria, Brian played first baritone in the corps band and sat next to his father who played euphonium. He returned to playing euphonium when his father became bandmaster.

The family later moved to Bundaberg where Brian again played the euphonium and became the songster leader.

During his officer training in 1972-1974, Brian played in the cadet band and in other small bands in his early appointments.

After international service in Papua New Guinea, he played the tenor horn in the Earlwood Corps band, as well as the “occasional blow” for bands at Wollongong, Carina and Dulwich Hill corps’.

Divisional leadership appointments and travelling left Brian little time for music, however in his final two years of active service he played trombone in Redcliffe City Corps Band before now taking up the baton.

“Our goal is to be an effective support for corps worship and to play to the best of our ability,” Lieut-Colonel Hood said.

“Our band also ministers occasionally in nursing homes.”Also at Redcliffe, soldiers and friends of the corps recently

donated $2000 to high school chaplaincy.The donation followed a presentation, given during a special

thanksgiving service by high school chaplain Nancy Jones.Nancy highlighted the opportunities and needs of chaplains

within high schools.

Lieutenant-Colonel Brian Hood (left) is commissioned as Redcliffe bandmaster by Corps Officer Major William Hutley.

Indian officer breaks down cultural barriers in SydneyBy ESTHER PINN

Living by the motto of The Salvation Army’s founder William Booth, “Heart to God, Hand to man”, Colonel

Prema Rajan, a cross-cultural communicator and evangelist, has devoted her life to helping those who have not yet found Jesus.

Captain Nesan Kistan invited Colonel Rajan, a retired officer from India, to assist with a cultural outreach ministry at Auburn Corps in western Sydney, from 26 October to 8 November.

Speaking six Indian dialects – Hindi, Tamil, Malayam, Marathi, Telugu and Gujarati – Colonel Rajan’s visit was designed to help the Army communicate with various Indians living in Australia. During one training session at Auburn Corps, Colonel Rajan found herself regularly switching between three different dialects.

Colonel Rajan found that a large part of her role during the visit was to break down communication barriers between Australians and Indians.

“Language plays a big part and we need to let them know we are available and that we love them,” said Colonel Rajan.

Colonel Rajan also identified and explored the difficulties of ministering to Indian nationalities.

“Some of them are so strong in their own beliefs. Some think they can get to heaven by good works and if they don’t live a good life, they get into reincarnation,” she said.

“So we need to tell them not to worry because the Lord Jesus Christ has taken all of that on the cross.”

Colonel Rajan brings a simple but practical message when talking to Indians. “Show them the love of Jesus and treat them with love and care – it’s not the material they need but people being available for them,” she said.

During her visit to Australia, she also attended Parramasala, the Australian Festival of South Asian Arts, on 5 November, taking the opportunity to speak the gospel to Indians on the streets of Parramatta.

As an officer, Colonel Rajan worked for many years as a nurse in India before being appointed to The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London. She has also served as chief secretary in two territories.

For the past four years, Colonel Rajan has been living in Singapore teaching at the School for Officer Training and commanding at Changi Corps.

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Mobile Mission Team, as part of its tour of the ACT and South NSW

Division, visited Goulburn Corps last month.The mission team held a concert at the Goulburn Citadel on

the evening of Saturday, 6 November, led a worship meeting there the next day, then gave another concert in Goulburn’s Belmore Park on the Sunday afternoon.

Goulburn Corps had advertised the Saturday evening concert extensively in the local paper, the Goulburn Post, and also placed posters in many local shops.

It invited the community to a “free Sally concert”, with the promise of a brass band, singers and comedy skits. Not advertised, but greatly enjoyed just the same, were the timbrel displays that the mission team also expertly executed.

The comedy skits, one featuring someone trying to make sense of Handel’s Messiah, and another with two golfers hitting practice balls into the crowd, reduced many in the audience to uncontrollable laughter. The singers, meantime, showcased both their considerable talents and some excellent spiritual songs, with some pieces backed by the band and others by a pianist.

It was the band, however, that most people came to hear. Its renditions of both secular and spiritual pieces were appreciated by Salvationists and community folk alike, with an expertly played New York, New York being very well received.

On the Sunday, the mission team played a musical prelude before leading worship. The challenge from the preaching, supported by thought-provoking songs and band pieces, saw God-honouring responses at the mercy seat.

In the afternoon, the group moved to the rotunda in Goulburn’s Belmore Park, where again the community benefited from expert banding, singing and timbrel skills. Members of the team also spoke with locals, with some also handing out keepsakes to the children who gathered.

Following its visit to Goulburn, the Territorial Mobile Mission team was in Canberra from 8-12 November, before heading to Albury Corps to take part in its 125th anniversary celebrations over the weekend of 13-14 November.

Mobile mission brings blessing at Goulburn(Majors Peter and Kaye Townsend)

The Territorial Mobile Mission Team band performs in Belmore Park, Goulburn, during its recent tour of ACT and South NSW Division.

Lismore team on show

The Lismore Salvation Army Emergency Services team was called out to attend the Lismore Show on 21-23

October, providing refreshments for police, ambulance and fire-fighting units.

The team’s assistance at the show was part of a demonstration honouring those attached to emergency service organisations in the local community.

While the fire units attended a mock blaze and burning vehicle, and police and ambulance units rushed to the aid of road victims, the Lismore SAES team put its training to the test by serving biscuits and hot beverages to the “rescuers and injured” from its emergency services trailer.

Ready for action at the Lismore Show are members of the Lismore SAES team (from left) Renae Parker, Mary Fraser, Betty Barnett, Ray Preston and Bill Woods.

War heroes remembered(Captains Tony and Yan DeTommaso)

The St Marys Corps of The Salvation Army held a special remembrance service on Sunday 7 November, in memory of

those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country in war.National Servicemen from Penrith took part in a church

parade, while a newly formed St Marys Corps Choir (pictured below) led the congregation in singing O God, Our Help and Abide With Me.

The choir also sang Eternal Father as a special performance.The Christmas season promises to be a busy time for the

new choir as it shares the message of Jesus in the St Marys community.

Captain Yan DeTommaso conducts the choir which was specially formed for a remembrance service at St Marys.




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Salvos offer alternative at festivalThe Salvation Army was once again a presence at the

MindBodySpirit Festival at Darling Harbour in Sydney last month, slotting in among 200 exhibitors including astrologers, fortune tellers, psychics, reiki practitioners, aura cleansers, Buddhists and scientologists.

More than 750,000 people walked through the festival’s doors in search of healing, well-being, spirituality and personal growth during the four-day exhibition from 4-7 November.

The Salvation Army set up a booth for the first event back in May and, encouraged by the response, were there again to provide answers about spirituality through discussion and to ultimately share the message of Jesus.

“We are not here to tell them they’re wrong, but to give them an alternative,” Salvation Army booth volunteer Christian White said.

Many people came to the festival in search of a new spiritual experience and Christine found this openness to be an advantage when starting conversations.

“Half of the job is already done for us as they come here already searching,” she said.

Christine said she and her fellow volunteers spoke to thousands of people, many involving deep discussion and on numerous occasions shared a prayer.

Volunteer Kate Flynn said many people returned to The Salvation Army booth after an initial look and some broke into tears as they related their life story.

Volunteers discuss the work of The Salvation Army with a visitor to their booth at the MindBodySpirit Festival at Darling Harbour in November.

The Salvation Army’s international Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry Swanson, accompanied by his wife,

Commissioner Sue Swanson, will officially open the Cairns Aged Care Centre in Brisbane this month.

Built at a cost of $39 million, the Army’s new 126-bed centre, at Chapel Hill, has taken five years, from planning to construction, to complete.

Chief of the Staff to open new aged care centre

The Salvation Army were provided with many resources to use as ministering tools. These included tracts, candles with “You are the Light of the World” inscriptions, wristbands and New Testament Bibles that were generously donated by The Bible Society.

The centre is built on the site of the Army’s former Alkira complex. It will be managed by Major Steven O’Neill.

The Swansons, as part of their tour of the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory, are the special guests, along with Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond, for the opening which will take place on Thursday, 9 December. The first residents will move into the new centre early next year.

“Your corps is an outpost of heaven,” said Commissioner Ross Kendrew (ret.), challenging the crowd of

Salvationists gathered for the Mid Coast Celebration at Taree on 8-10 October.

Commissioner Kendrew, who along with his wife Commissioner June Kendrew, were the special guests for the weekend, and spoke about the compassionate Jesus and the compassionate Salvationist, a highlight of the weekend for those who came from the six Salvation Army corps and two outposts on the mid and north coasts of NSW.

Pulse Youth Church led by the Australia Eastern Territorial More team, opened the weekend on Friday night with a message from Territorial Youth Consultant Claire Hill.

The Salvo Expo took place the next day at Fotheringham Park. Major Karan Ross, Territorial Coordinator for SAID (Salvation Army International Development office), spoke about the work of SAID, and Major Ken Sanz from the Army’s Heritage Centre captured the audience with stories of the early Army on the Mid North Coast.

The Mid Coast Celebration drew a good-sized congregation to the Sunday meeting (above left) which included a performance by Port Macquarie Songster Brigade (left).The Salvo Country Band (above) also took part over the weekend with a gig at the Salvo Expo.




Corps unite in coast celebrationThe Red Shield Family Stores put on a fashion parade, the

Salvo Country Band delighted the growing audience with their gospel songs, and welfare specialists and representatives from the Army’s Moneycare service highlighted resources available for those in need. Displays from Aged Care Plus, SAID, food from the Salvation Army Emergency Services trailer and fun activities for kids added to the enthusiasm of day. A recital by the Celebration Band concluded the Expo.

Cameron Marshall, breakfast show announcer and manager of the Port Macquarie ABC rural radio station, compered the Celebrate Music program on Saturday night.

Captains Brett Gallagher, Port Macquarie Corps Officer, and Envoy Randall Brown, Hannam Vale Corps Officer, led the Sunday meetings which featured strong testimonies, a variety of musical styles and messages by Commissioners Ross and June Kendrew.

During the holiness meeting, the children enjoyed Kidzone Sunday School led by the territory’s children’s and family ministries leaders Majors Kevin and Heather Unicomb.

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orange Corps

Orange Corps recently welcomed five new Junior Soldiers into the corps family. Enrolled on Sunday, 19 September were

(pictured from left) Brittany Grant (prayer pal Delia Davis was absent for photo), Isobel Burton (prayer pal Olive Griffin), Isaac Saunders (prayer pal Naomi Dean), Joel Meli (prayer pal Ian Barnes), and Dylan Offner (prayer pal Anne Meli).

penrith Corps

Five Junior Soldiers were recently enrolled at Penrith Corps on the same day that another four renewed

their Junior Soldier covenant. Pictured with their prayer pals during the

enrolment and renewal ceremony are Junior Soldiers (left to right) Breanna Gillis, Jimmy Borg, Keegan Morris, Tahlea Willoughby-Green, Ricky Parsonage, Brooke Morris, Chloe Willoughby-Green, Ethan Cook and Olivia Morris.

north ipswich outpost

Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond enrolled six new Senior Soldiers at the North

Ipswich Indigenous Ministries centre on Sunday, 17 October. The enrolments raise the soldiership at the outpost to 10.

Major Wayne Maxwell, then South Queensland Divisional Commander, prayed for the new soldiers and also thanked Envoy Judith McAvoy for her work as Corps Officer in nurturing the new soldiers.

Pictured below (left to right) are Simeon Hoffmann, Dr Chris Wong, *Daniel Wellard, *Grace Wong, *Leusila Vaotu’ua, Dr Matthew Turnour (Advisory Board Chairman), *Ashika Vaotu’ua, Commissioner Linda Bond, *Arnold Fewquandie, *Ernest McAvoy, Envoy Judith McAvoy, Major Rick Hoffmann, Major Robyn Maxwell, Madelyn Maxwell, Major Wayne Maxwell and Joel Maxwell (*indicates new soldier).

newcastle worship and Community Centre Corps

Corps Officers Captain Scott and Sharon Allen enrolled seven Junior Soldiers and two Senior Soldiers at Newcastle on 24

October. During their enrolment, the children stood on the platform

with their prayer pals and kid’s club leaders, before kneeling to sign their promise cards.

Each child was also presented with a Bible.Captain Scott Allen then enrolled Kelby Gosling and Kate

Holland as Senior Soldiers, the girls in turn sharing their spiritual journey with the congregation.

Pictured below (back row, left to right) are Hayley Sullivan, Kelby Gosling (new Senior Soldier), Captain Sharon Allen, Daijahn Pike, Annie Kimber, Junior Soldier Sergeant Emily Spindler and Captain Scott Allen, (front row, left to right) Kate Holland (new Senior Soldier), Christine Kimber, Kaewa Pike, Samantha Young and Abbey Hicks.

Tamworth Corps

Tamworth Corps celebrated the enrolment of a Senior Soldier and a Junior Soldier on Sunday, 24 October.

Mother and daughter Jane and Emma Alcocj have loved coming to The Salvation Army since 2009 and believe that enrolment is the next stage in their journey of faith. Jane testified to the Lord’s guidance and direction in her and her family’s life.

Pictured are (from left) Junior Soldier Sergeant Envoy Brenda Lodge, Corps Officer Lieutenant Paula Glover, Jane Alcock, Emma Alcock, Emma’s prayer pal Deb Suttor, Corps Officer Lieutenant Stuart Glover and Colour Sergeant Envoy David Lodge.



eNROLMeNTS

Cessnock Corps

Major Kerry Haggar, Divisional Commander for the Newcastle and

Central NSW Division, enrolled Yvonne Mills as a Senior Soldier and Glenis Ward as an Adherent on during a memorable service on Sunday, 24 October.

Yvonne’s great-granddaughter, Charlotte Yvonne Upson, was also dedicated on the day, making it a special occasion for the family.

Yvonne (pictured speaking) and Glenis (left) both testified to the saving power of Jesus and the privilege of serving him through Community Care, a ministry they are both involved in.

Maclean Corps

Lenette Rolph and Peter Avison, pictured with Maclean Corps

Community Ministry Co-ordinators Steve and Lydia Spencer, were enrolled as Senior Soldiers on 14 November.

Lenette and Peter both testified that when they accepted Jesus into the lives they found everything they were looking for, except a church family. This desire was met when they were introduced to the Maclean Corps, which both of them described as a close-knit family.

Chatswood Corps

On Sunday, 29 August, Chatswood Corps celebrated the enrolment of June Dunlop as a Senior Soldier. June (pictured

with Cadet Jacoba Czoban and Major Graeme Ross) had taken soldiership classes since the start of the year, led by Major Graeme Ross. She was excited about making this covenant with God, sharing her testimony before family and friends.

eNROLMeNTS



42

Mackay Corps

Five more Adherents were enrolled at Mackay on Sunday

24 October. Pictured (from left to right)

are Corps Officer Lieutenant Terri Goodwin with the new Adherents Ken O’Donnel, Shirley O’Donnel, Kerri Young, Scotty Clifford and Tegan Voois. Mackay has been building strong links with the community, including Sunday afternoon “Church in the Pub”.

St Marys Corps

Sunday, 14 November, was a memorable morning for the corps with 11 Adherents

being enrolled during a special service.Pictured (front row, left to right) Betty

Butcher, June Rogers, Natalie Sullivan, Maureen Goodall, Elizabeth Smith and Marilyn Hamilton; and (back row, left to right) Captain Tony DeTommaso, Lisa Elborough, Laurie Hodge (flag bearer), Darren Small, Bruce Falconer, Ted Birkett, and Vicki Birkett.

eNROLMeNTS



Christmas is empty when you can’t afford to buy your family presents. Or even lunch. Please give to the Salvos, so they can give to those who can’t afford a Christmas.

For credit card donations go tosalvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.

CHRISTMAS IS EMPTY WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING

SLN0107_297x210_COL.indd 1 16/9/10 4:17:08 PM

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Salvation Army represented at Lausanne Congress

Emergency teams respond to Indonesia earthquake

By Lieut-Colonel RICHARD MUNN

The Salvation Army had a strong representation at the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation held recently in

Cape Town, South Africa.Eighteen delegates from nine Salvation Army territories and

International Headquarters were at the event, continuing the strong bonds between the Lausanne movement and the Army. Among them were Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Major Gavin Watts and Major David Godkin from the Australia Eastern Territory.

Commissioner Christine MacMillan, Director, International Social Justice Commission, conducted a congress workshop on sex trafficking and was a featured speaker during a plenary session.

Doug Birdsall, executive chairman of the congress, described the congress as “the most diverse gathering ever in the history of the Church and the most united expression of the Church the world has ever seen”.

The 4200 delegates were drawn from 197 countries.Originating in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1974, through

the vision of Billy Graham and scholarship of John Stott, the Lausanne Covenant stands as an evangelism standard bearer for evangelical Christianity.

The Second Congress in Manila, The Philippines, in 1989, expanded the original call for evangelistic clarity with corresponding social action. It is thus a natural setting in which The Salvation Army is strongly represented.

The Cape Town congress was marked by a clear emphasis on biblical exposition and active delegate participation. Each day started with an in-depth textual study of Ephesians, and each delegate sat at a table group to allow constant dialogue and interaction.

The congress reached out to young, ethnically diverse, influential evangelical leaders. Issues of pluralism, world faiths and globalisation were addressed.

Workshop presenter Becky Pippert said it is hoped the gathering will mark a shift in the empowerment of a lay evangelism movement. “Evangelism has become too event-centred and too professional,” she said.

For more information about the Lausanne movement, go to www.lausanne.org

Salvation Army teams in Indonesia continue to provide assistance to people affected by the eruption of Mount Merapi

on the island of Java.At least 138 people are now known to have been killed in

the disaster and more than 200,000 have been evacuated in the aftermath of the eruption.

A team from The Salvation Army’s William Booth Hospital in the city of Semarang were in the disaster area within days of the first eruption on 26 October. When the most violent eruption occurred on 3 November the emergency team was working just 8km from Mount Merapi. Along with other non-governmental organisation (NGO) workers and local people the team members were evacuated immediately for their own safety – with no time to recover tents, medical supplies and other resources.

The Salvation Army base is now at a safe distance of 36km from the mountain at Tlogoadi Village Elementary School, where the team is assisting hundreds of displaced people.

In addition to providing makeshift shelter, the Army is also helping these people with medical care, nutrition such as noodles, sardines and eggs, milk for adults, children and babies and a local porridge high in nutrients.

The Salvation Army emergency team will continue working in the area until the volatile mountain settles and people are allowed to return to their homes.

An ongoing assessment of the situation will determine if a long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation response is needed.

Salvation Army delegates to the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation, including Lieut-Colonel Miriam Gluyas (front row, third from right), Major Gavin Watts (back row, second from right) and Major David Godkin (back row, sixth from right) from the Australia Eastern Territory.

Chief joins Hong Kong celebrations

Eighty years of Salvation Army ministry in Hong Kong was celebrated recently with a visit by the Chief of the Staff,

Commissioner Barry Swanson, and the World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Sue Swanson.

The then South Pacific and East Asia Zonal Leaders Commissioners Robert and Janet Street also took part in the celebrations.

A highlight of the anniversary was the public opening ceremony held in the Baptist University academic hall. Local Salvationists were joined by visitors from Australia, the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, England and New Zealand.

Eighty flag-bearers carried their corps or unit flags into the hall, taking the Salvation Army salute from the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Sue Swanson.

A specially produced documentary was shown, highlighting significant events of Hong Kong throughout decades. The second part of the film introduced the current work of the Army in Hong Kong.

Displaced families take shelter in a school in Tlogoadi village where The Salvation Army is providing assistance.

INTeRNATIONAL NewSINTeRNATIONAL NewS



Commissioner Israel Gaither, the first African-American to rise to

Chief of the Staff, the second-highest position in The Salvation Army world, and his wife, Commissioner Eva Gaither, have retired from active officership.

The Gaithers, who have most recently held the positions of The Salvation Army USA National Commander and National President of Women’s Ministries, respectively, received their retirement certificates from General John Larsson (ret.) and Commissioner Freda Larsson during a public presentation at the Army’s Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City.

The retirement service was on the same platform where the Gaithers had first been commissioned. They each served more than 47 years as Salvation Army officers, which included service at International Headquarters in London where Commissioner Israel Gaither was the Chief of the Staff under General Larsson and Commissioner Eva Gaither was the World Secretary for Women’s Ministries. The Gaithers have also served as the territorial leaders for both Southern Africa and USA Eastern.

General Larsson noted during the retirement service that Commissioner Israel Gaither had been nominated for the position of General on three occasions. He said that his first act as General was to invite Commissioner Gaither to serve as his Chief of the Staff. In accepting the invitation, he became the first African–American to hold the position.

Described as an efficient administrator and gifted speaker, the Commissioner is a much sought after preacher, having addressed thousands of Salvationists and Christians worldwide. Commissioner Eva Gaither has served as guest presenter and speaker for a variety of women’s programs.

Among his varied leadership accomplishments, Commissioner Gaither, as an African–American, in addition to serving as the Chief of the Staff, has obtained many “firsts” in Salvation Army history. He was the first to be conferred with the rank of commissioner and the first to be appointed as a divisional commander.

The Gaithers’ marriage in 1967, during the turbulence of the African–American civil rights era, marked the first racially integrated marriage of Salvation Army officers in the United States.

In addition to the Larssons, other participants in the retirement service included The Salvation Army’s New York Staff Band, the Greater New York Youth Chorus and

Gaithers retire after history-making officership

Delegates to the International Theology and Ethics Symposium gather for an official photo at Sunbury Court. Photo: Michael Owen

internationally renowned vocal soloist, Wintley Phipps.The Gaithers’ son and daughter, Mark and Michelle, shared

with the audience of more than 1500 that they had learned many lessons from their parents, but three in particular stood out for them: 1. Life requires courage; 2. Be confident in what you believe; 3. Once you are armed with courage and confidence, live with love and laughter.

Commissioner Eva Gaither, in her remarks, said: “I thank God that we always loved each other and we also loved all of our appointments.”

Commissioner Israel Gaither’s message from Romans 5 reflected the theme that had been set for the evening – “Amazing Grace”.

“The heart of the gospel is grace. Grace overflows, it increases, it reigns,” he said, before adding that when grace is applied, healing begins.

The meeting ended with an invitation to accept the grace that Jesus so freely offers. The mercy seat was lined with seekers to the glory of God.

The Gaithers were succeeded as USA national leaders on 1 November by Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts.

The Salvation Army’s USA Eastern Territory commissioned the writing of the biography of Commissioner Israel Gaither. Man With a Mission is written by the extensively published Salvation Army author, the late Colonel Henry Gariepy, and was published in 2006.

Commissioners Israel and Eva Gaither (centre) receive their retirement certificates from General John Larsson and Commissioner Freda Larsson during a service to mark their almost half a century of service.

INTeRNATIONAL NewS



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of corps appointments followed – Forbes, Hay, Portland, Molong, Gulgong, Broken Hill North, Redfern, Wilston and back to Portland.

In 1954, Leah was appointed to Jamaica as the Territorial Youth Officer. This was followed by two years in Haiti and then two years in Costa Rica.

She returned to Haiti in 1960 and served there for a further 15 years in various appointments, including her role as divisional commander.

Despite the enormous challenge of working in one of the world’s poorest countries, Leah maintained her positive outlook, enthusiasm and sense of humour.

While she was Corps Officer at Font des Negres, she established a band, school, clinic and children’s home. Leah was tremendously proud of the men and women who became Salvation Army officers after being under her care at the children’s home. Many still call her “Mum” and she would have been delighted to know that Major Serge LaLanne was seconded to Haiti earlier this year after the country’s catastrophic earthquake.

Leah’s final years of active service were spent in divisional and territorial headquarters appointments in Australia, including a term as Territorial Home League Secretary.

She retired in 1985, but moved to London in 1988, to be a support officer to General Eva Burrows. Three years at International Headquarters in London were followed by almost 20 years of retirement, enjoying interests such as travel, gardening, happy times with family and friends, and leadership of the very successful “50-Plus” group at Dee Why Corps.

Leah’s many friends all over the world thank God for her dedicated life and service.

Great motivator

Ray Patteson was promoted to glory on 25 January, aged 70.

Major Mark Campbell conducted a Thanksgiving service at Parramatta Citadel on 4 February, after the committal service at Castlebrook Memorial Park.

Ray’s sister, Gwen Turner and brother, Ken Patteson both read two of Ray’s favourite passages of Scripture, John 14:1-6 and Psalm 23.

Colonel James Condon then paid tribute on behalf of territorial leadership of The Salvation Army. This was followed by a tribute from Ray’s good friend, former prime minister John Howard.

Murray Mayday performed the song, You Raise Me Up and then an insightful family tribute was given by Ray’s son,

David. Major Julie Campbell read from 2 Timothy and Major Mark Campbell used this passage as the basis for his message about Ray. Major Campbell focused on Ray’s qualities of perseverance, confidence and his assurance of God’s plan for his life in his message.

Ray Patteson was born on 21 October, 1940 to Captains Kenneth and Isabel Patteson in Sydney. In 1971, Ray married Merilee Snitch and they had three sons Jason, David and Simon.

Ray was a qualified accountant, chartered secretary and an experienced company director. He played an important role in creating the global organisation of the TNT group and worked in this company for 25 years.

Ray also worked for 10 years as the cost accountant and assistant company secretary at Taubmans Paints and spent five years initiating a business support service to 35 franchises and company owned bottling companies for Coca-Cola.

After retiring from full-time work in 1995, Ray managed a livestock property near Bathurst.

Ray had a long affiliation with the Rotary Club of Sydney being the president of the club in 1997-1998 and more recently District Governor of 9750. Merilee and Ray also worked tirelessly for Gideons International.

Ray had a lifelong involvement with The Salvation Army, serving on many advisory and fundraising committees, including the redevelopment of The Collaroy Centre and Booth College at Bexley North. Ray was also a key player in establishing The Red Shield Appeal on Sydney’s North Shore.

As a soldier of the Parramatta Corps, Ray was a valued member of the mission team. He was also a foundation member of Parramatta Easy English Congregation (PEEC). In recent years, Ray had the responsibility of leading worship every Sunday morning with this group.

Ray was a person who lived life to the full, was a great motivator and a true example for us all.

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pROMOTeD TO GLORY



pROMOTeD TO GLORY



A lifetime of service

Jens Adlington was promoted to glory on 2

September, aged 85.A committal service

was held at Woronora Crematorium on Thursday, 9 September, conducted by

Major Terry Grey and Captain Lyn Edge. Prayer was offered by niece, Elizabeth Henkel, and the Scripture was read by sister-in-law Betty McCorriston. A family tribute was read by son-in-law Stephen Windmill.

A tribute was brought by the chaplain of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), outlining Jens’ service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II. The Last Post was played and red poppies were placed on the casket.

This was followed by a thanksgiving service at Sydney Congress Hall. Songs that were meaningful in Jens’ life, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah and May Jesus Christ Be Praised were sung, accompanied by a combined band conducted by bandmaster John McComb. The Scripture was read by nephew Andrew Shanks and prayer was offered by Envoy Alan Staines, who was a faithful visitor.

A lifelong tribute was presented by Kathie and Ian Martin on behalf of Doreen and Joe Vos who had a long association with Jens. This was a wonderful tribute encapsulating Jens’ entire life. Ian followed with a tribute detailing Jens’ life in the corps.

A family tribute was given by his grandchildren and then followed by his two daughters. Each echoed the sentiments that their Pa and Dad was a very generous, loving man who went to great lengths to assist them in every endeavour. They all stated he was a practical and compassionate man who used these attributes to assist many people throughout his life. A photographic tribute depicting highlights of Jens’ life was accompanied by his nephew Ian Shanks on the piano.

Jens Raymond Adlington was born on 15 October, 1924, to Ruby and Ray Adlington. Jens was dedicated to God at Sydney Congress Hall and soldiered there all his life.

Whilst training with the RAAF in Melbourne, he met his lifelong companion Eunice, who was promoted to glory last May. Jens has two daughters, Carolyn and Margaret, and three grandchildren, Jonathan, Emily and Hannah. He was a “110 per cent” husband, dad and pa.

Jens commenced his love for brass banding at a very young age and enjoyed playing in the Sydney Congress Hall

away, Ruth still continued to serve as a widowed woman. She was known as a valued volunteer for The Gosford Salvation Army Community Welfare Centre. Taking a special interest in the children of clients at the community centre, Ruth would regularly visit these children in hospital, write to them, keep in touch by phone and take them to McDonald’s for a treat.

Ruth touched the lives of so many people and is deeply missed by family and friends – particularly the children who visited her in hospital a week before she passed away.

‘Quintessential missionary’

Lieutenant Colonel Leah Davids was promoted

to glory on 30 September, aged 85.

A committal service was held at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium and conducted by Major Bruce

Carpenter (Dee Why Corps Officer). This was followed by a thanksgiving service at Dee Why Corps, led by Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore.

Commissioner Ian Cutmore commenced the thanksgiving service by reminding the congregation of Leah’s unique personality and her devotion to the people of Haiti where she spent many of her years in ministry.

The service continued with a family tribute presented by Leah’s nephew, Geoffrey Davids. Major Dorothy Hyde then shared photos of Leah’s time in Haiti as she presented a tribute on behalf of Leah’s fellow officers and friends.

Letters received from Commissioner Linda Bond (Territorial Commander), General Eva Burrows and Colonel Onal Castor (Territorial Commander, Caribbean Territory) were read. Each letter referred to Leah’s love of Haiti and the Haitian people. General Burrows wrote, “Leah was the quintessential missionary!”

Commissioner Nancy Cutmore read selected verses from the Bible, Major Cheryl Carpenter prayed, Errol Duck-Chong presented a musical tribute on the piano and Carolynn Everett sang.

In his message, Commissioner Ian Cutmore spoke of Leah’s sense of humour, her obedience to God’s call and her dedication to The Salvation Army.

Leah Florence Davids was born in Moss Vale on 8 June, 1925, to Louis and Florence Davids and was the sixth of seven children.

She committed her life to Christ on 17 May, 1942, and entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1945 as a member of the Fearless session. A series

band for many years. He was a founding member of the Sydney Veterans Band, enjoying their ministry and fellowship. Jens served as bandsman, band sergeant, YPSM, led soldiership classes and assisted in organisation of the function centre on Sundays.

Jens was a man for detail and concerned with “getting things right” and his love for the Lord was most evident in every facet of his life.

Lives touched by presence

Captain Ruth Ward was promoted to glory on 8 June, aged 75.

A committal service was conducted by Majors David and Lea Palmer on Wednesday, 16 June, at the Mackay Family Funeral’s chapel. After singing What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Major Stan Evans brought a tribute about Ruth, which was followed by words of comfort by Major David Palmer.

A thanksgiving service was then held at The Gosford Army Training College. The service began with the song, When the Roll is Called up Yonder and was followed by a tribute from Susan Felsch. Tamar Felsch then performed two musical items, Yesterday and Here Comes the Sun.

A slideshow of Ruth’s life was shown while the song of This is My Father’s World was played in the background and then a tribute was given by Shirley Moore. Playing the saxophone, Grace Felsch lead the congregation in Amazing Grace and then a Scripture passage from 1 John 3:1-3 was read. Singing one last song, When We All Get To Heaven, the service then concluded with a benediction from the Bible passage, Psalm 23.

Ruth Slough was born on 11 May, 1935.She became involved with The

Salvation Army at a young age and in 1957 entered Training College.

After completing her training, Ruth was appointed to various places as an officer including the Bexley Boys Home, St Peters Industrial Home, Sydney Peoples Palace, Salvation Army Trade Department, Katoomba and South Brisbane Headquarters. Ruth faithfully served 12 years and one month as a single officer with some broken service due to ill health.

In 1975, while appointed at Enfield, Ruth met Peter Slough and on 1 May, 1976, they were married.

Supporting her husband as an Envoy, Ruth served by Peter for eight years and one month, including their transfer to England for three years from 1984 to 1986.

After her husband was promoted to glory in October 1990, Ruth moved to Cardiff and then relocated on 27 June, 2000, to Woodport Retirement Village.

Although her husband had passed

A fulfilling life

Harriette Beatrice Fulton was promoted to glory on 31 October, 2010, aged 73.

Her funeral service was held at the Pampoolah Crematorium on 6 November and was conducted by the Taree Corps Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Green.

A pictorial tribute to the her life was prepared by the family – husband Bryan, daughter Carol, son-in-law Mark and grandchildren Nathan and Melanie.

Harriette was born in India on 21 August, 1937. She was crowned Miss Calcutta for two years in a row when she

was 18 and19. She was a school teacher by profession and also worked for the Loreto Nuns. She came for a holiday to Australia in 1975, stayed on and was eventually naturalised. She met and married Bryan in 1979 and they joined The Salvation Army in 1978 at Dandenong in Victoria. They moved around frequently but one of the places they loved most was Sale, where Harriette enjoyed working in the Salvos Family Store.

She was very proud of daughter Carol who was in the Air Force. She enjoyed reading, was very artistic and loved music.

When they moved to Taree, Harriette was a volunteer at the Taree Family Store.

One of life’s battlers

Mervyn Harold Cause was promoted to

glory on 3 November, aged 91, after a long illness.

The funeral service was conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Lynette Green (Corps Officer) at the Taree

Citadel on Monday, 8 November. Tributes were brought by Carmel Lambert and Ron Clark. As Mervyn was an ex-serviceman there was also an RSL ceremony. The corps band provided accompaniment to songs.

Mervyn Harold Cause was born to Walter and Evelyn Cause in Taree on 22 December 1918.

Sadly, when Mervyn was only six months his mother passed away and his father, who was a fisherman and boat builder, was working away from home. His uncle and aunt, Bandmaster Herb and Amy Armitage, cared for him and raised him as a son along with the three Armitage children, Doreen, Bram and Daphne. Merv had an older brother, Maurice, and a sister, Mavis (Adams), both deceased.

He grew up in a Salvation Army household and was involved in all the junior activities of the corps including playing in the corps band.

He attended Taree Primary before he began his working life in various delivery services including a paper run, a milk run and an ice run. He then went into painting and decorating.

Mervyn and Audrey Tisdell were married in Taree on 4 March, 1939.

War service for three and a half years included various activities including a period where Merv was the head waiter in the officers’ mess. After the war he returned to his profession as a painter.

Merv and Audrey had five children – Margaret (Clewett), Allan (deceased), Donald, Roslyn (Fliakas) and Glenda (Draper). There are more than 30 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.



12-18 DecemberWayne and Janine Robins, Papua New Guinea Territory; Waterloo Community Ministries, Weeroona Village, Wellington Corps, West Wyalong Corps, Westlakes Corps, William Booth Recovery Services Centre, all NSW; Commissioning (12); Carols in the Domain (18).

19-25 DecemberWoden Valley Corps, ACT; Wollongong Corps, Woodport Retirement Village, Woonona Corps, all NSW; Women’s Ministries, Workplace Relations Department, both ACT; Christmas Day (25); Boxing Day (26); Interstate Cricket Competition(28).

26 December – 1 JanuaryWynnum Corps, Wynnum/Capalaba Community Centre, Yeppoon Mission, Youth Outreach Service, all Qld; Young Cluster (Incorporating Young, Grenfell and Cootamundra Corps), Youthlink, both NSW; New Year’s Day (1).

engagement calendar

Commissioner Linda Bond (Territorial Commander)Canberra: Tues 7 Dec - Visit of Chief of the StaffBexley North: Wed 8 Dec – Covenant Day, Principal’s Reception and Silver StarBrisbane: Thu 9 Dec – opening of Chapel HillBrisbane: Fri 10 Dec – Officers Councils and 125th anniversary celebration of The Salvation Army in QueenslandSydney: Sat 11 Dec – Night of 1000 StoriesSydney: Sun 12 Dec – CommissioningSydney: Mon 13 Dec – Officers CouncilsSydney: Sat 18 Dec - Carols in the DomainDulwich Hill: Sun 19 Dec – Christmas at the HillMontrose: Mon 20 Dec – Chapel

Colonels Wayne (Chief Secretary) and Robyn Maxwell*Sydney: Mon 6 Dec – Sydney Advisory BoardACT: Mon 6 - Tues 7 Dec – visit of Chief of the StaffBexley North: Wed 8 Dec – Covenant Day, Principal’s Reception and Silver StarBrisbane: Thu 9 – opening of Chapel HillBrisbane: Fri 10 Dec – Officers Councils and 125th anniversary celebration of The Salvation Army in QueenslandSydney: Sat 11 Dec – Night of 1000 StoriesSydney: Sun 12 Dec – CommissioningSydney: Mon 13 Dec – Officers CouncilsSydney: Sat 18 Dec – Carols in the Domain

* Colonel Wayne Maxwell only

about people

Additional appointmentEnvoy Ged Oldfield, Divisional Business Manager, North NSW Division, effective 13 January 2011.

AppointmentsEffective 13 January 2011: Majors Graham and Heather Drew, Assistant Managers of Pindari Men’s Hostel, South Queensland Division; Captains Scott and Jacqui Warrington, Managers, Canberra Recovery Services Centre, ACT and South NSW Division; Lieutenant Narelle Unicomb, Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Candidates Secretary, North NSW Division; Captain Lee Han-Sang and Captain Heo Seong-eun, Corps Officers, Belmore Corps, Sydney East and Illawarra Division; Envoy Angela Czoban, Corps Officer, Belconnen Corps, ACT and South NSW Division; Envoy Roz Edwards, Assistant Corps Officer, Belconnen Corps, ACT and South NSW Division; Envoy Penny Williams, Corps Officer, Armidale Corps, North NSW Division; Envoy Kay Henderson, Corps Officer, Maclean Corps, North NSW Division; Envoy Joy Wilson, Coordinator, Hopedale House Gunnedah, North NSW Division; Envoys Alan and Amy Wu, Associate Leaders, Campsie Corps, Sydney East and Illawarra Division.

BereavedMajor Stella Green of her sister Olive.

BirthsTo Captains Glenn and Julia Price a boy Matvei Glenn on 16 October.

RetirementCaptain Robyn Collins, effective 31 December; Majors Allan and Francina Flemming, effective 31 January 2011.

SAGALA AwardsThe following people have received the Commissioner’s Challenge Award: Miranda Scott, Lockyer Valley Corp.

time to pray

28 November – 4 DecemberToowoomba Crisis Accommodation, Townsville Recovery Services Centre, Townsville Riverway Corps, all Qld; Tuggerah Lakes Corps, NSW; Tuggeranong Corps, ACT; Advent begins (28).

5-11 DecemberTweed Heads Corps, Umina Beach Corps, Upper Blue Mountains Corps, Wagga Wagga Corps, Warringah Place Retirement Village, Warrick Corps, all NSW; Volunteer Day (5); Covenant Day (9); General’s Visit (11-12).

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