the salvation army australia eastern territory august 2010 ... · 6 pipeline 08/2010 7 in the...
TRANSCRIPT
The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory
August 2010 Volume 14 Issue 8
Coalface News | Diary Dates | Enrolments | Features | Mission Priorities Supplement | Opinion | Promoted to Glory | Reviews
Commissioner Linda Bond | Lieut-Colonel Doug Clarke | Captain Adam Couchman | Major Tracy Briggs | Major Alan Harley
ARTICLES BY
Breathing new life into soldiershipSoldiers’ Renewal Day Sunday 15 August
TAKING FLIGHT IN MT ISA NEW SALVOS CHOPPER SERVICE
REWRITING HISTORY THE ARMY IN QUEENSLAND
EMPLOYMENT PLUS+ MORE THAN JUST A JOB
2 pipeline 08/2010 3
BANDMASTER WANTED• DoyouwanttoleadavibrantSalvation
Armyband?• Doyouhaveexpertiseinbandtraining
withstrongleadershipqualities?• Doyouhaveapassionforinnovative
ministrythroughmusic?
Camberwell(Victoria)isaleadingAustraliancorpswithavaluedreputationforinnovativemissionsupportedbyexcellenceinmusic.Inourcentenaryyearweareseekinganewbandmastertofurtherdevelopthisexperiencedandaspirationalgroup.
Theopportunityalsoexistsforthenewbandmastertobeemployedpart-timeestablishingamusicacademytolinkyoungpeopletothecorpsthroughmusic.
FormoreinformationcontactIanLingard:[email protected]
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: James Gardner,Kem Pobjie
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
10-13 SALVOS TAKE FLIGHT IN MT ISAIn a world-first for The Salvation Army, a new helicopter has been purchased for the Flying Padre service. By Bill Simpson
14-17 DID BRISBANE FIRE THE FIRST SALVO?The Salvation Army celebrates its 125th anniversary in Queensland this year, but historian Garth Hentzschel says it’s been there a lot longer than that
18-20 THE BIBLE BRIEFINGLieutenant-Colonel Doug Clarke unpacks a passage of Scripture from the New Testament book of Matthew
23 CHILDREN NEED JESUS TOOMajor Tracy Briggs attended the recent Children Matter Now conference and was inspired by what she saw and heard
24-25 EMPLOYMENT PLUS+Finding work for people in Central Queensland is only part of the job for staff at the Army’s Employment Plus centres. By Julia Hosking
8-9 SOLDIERS’ RENEWAL DAYSalvationists in the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory will be given an opportunity later this month to renew their covenant. By Bill Simpson
3 EDITORIAL
5 TC@PIPELINE
19 BOOK REVIEW
26-40 FROM THE COALFACE
R E G U L A R S
F E A T U R E S
C O V E R S T O R Y
10
14
8
Contents
Editoria l Chosen to be a soldier
In 1885, The Salvation Army Founder General William Booth wrote an article for the War Cry which he called “The Model Salvation Soldier”.
In it he wrote: “Our model Warrior is the Lord Jesus. His life and teaching, taken together, constitute the only true model for us. We must follow him. Following means imitating. The children of Israel followed the pillar of cloud, that is, they moved after it. They went in the same direction in which it went. They stop when it stopped. We must follow Christ like that.
“... the true idea – the idea which was taught by his example and explained a thousand times over by his words – shows that following Christ means following him from heaven into a world of sin and sorrow and suffering, indeed doing just as he did.
“More particularly, following Christ must mean having the same purpose. How can the marksman hit the same target if he does not have the same aim? How can a man follow Christ if he is not moved by the same purpose? What was his purpose? The salvation of the world.
“My comrades, here is our pattern. What are you living for? What is that deep, secret purpose that controls and fashions your existence? Is it the salvation of souls, the overthrow of the kingdom of evil and the setting up of the Kingdom of God?”
As we approach Soldiers’ Renewal Day on Sunday, 15 August, it would be wise to reflect upon these words of General Booth as he sought to paint a picture of the “model”
Salvationist. It is this type of sacrificial, single-minded living that a soldier of The Salvation Army is called to. Can you truly say that of yourself?
A few years ago, I interviewed prominent English Salvationist Phil Wall for a Pipeline article. During the interview, Wall expressed disappointment at what he believed was the shift of the majority in The Salvation Army away from being “authentic Salvationists”. He spoke with sadness at how in his opinion, there are few within the Army world these days who still genuinely embrace those on the margins of society – the very people that Jesus ministered to – describing it as a “violation of our historic Salvationism”.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond builds on this theme in our cover story (see story pages 8-9) this month. “We must recapture what the earliest Salvationists understood,” she says. “They were not at the Army to be entertained or to entertain. They were the fighting force.”
Signing your soldier’s renewal pledge this month should be much more than a symbolic act. It’s a step that must not be taken lightly.
By stepping forward you will be signalling your commitment to the battlefield, publicly declaring your intention to, as Commissioner Bond puts it, “engage in the war against sin, no matter what the cost”.
Scott SimpsonManaging Editor
anything else in order to serve the Lord. For Edward, soldiership is a privilege. I have to ask myself, “Is that so for me?” Moved to respondJonah forces me to ask myself other questions. How generous am I as a Christian? Does the plight of others move me to action? In early July, I conducted meetings in the new Kenya West Territory. The Territorial Commander, Commissioner Bill Roberts, told me about his six-year-old grandson, Jonah. Not long ago, Jonah started to collect money to purchase goats for people in Africa. Whenever someone came to his house, Jonah asked them to contribute. When the Roberts’ returned to Kenya following Christmas holidays, they brought with them Jonah’s $50 to buy goats for needy people. Two families were recipients, one a widow with children and another, an elderly woman who lived by herself.
The Roberts’ later learned that the widow had earlier made a commitment of 200 Kenyan shillings (about $2.80) to her corps’ Self Denial Appeal effort but had no idea where the money would come from. Now that she owned a goat, she sold its milk to raise her Self Denial Appeal pledge.
Here is a six-year-old boy raising money to help someone in Africa whom he does not know, a woman who, although having very little (in fact nothing), had made a pledge to help others in the world whom she did not know.
I find both stories remarkable. Edward and Jonah teach us life lessons. They got it!
In response to the call of Christ, one signs up. In response to human need, one saves up. And both result in giving.
Commissioner Linda Bond is Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.
TworecentencountersonoppositesidesoftheworldhavecausedCommissioner LINDA BONDtoconsidertheprivilegeofbeingaSalvationArmysoldier,andthegenerouslifestyleitdemandsofus
Learning life’s lessons in unexpected places
Who are our teachers? Sometimes they are not the typically trained educators or even the influencers in our personal circle. Sometimes God surprises us.
Here are two people who have something to say to us; Edward, a Sierra Leone refugee, and Jonah, a six-year-old boy. One reminds us of privilege, the other of generosity.
Edward Conteh is a soldier of The Salvation Army and wants people to know it. I was introduced to him at the multicultural Red Shield opening, an event which attracts media for various ethnic communities. Here he was smartly dressed in his Army uniform. With a beaming smile, he announced to me that he was pleased to be a soldier. But here was a man who wanted more than just the Territorial Commander to know this. He wanted the media to know. He wanted everyone in attendance to know. When his corps officer interviewed him to tell his story, his soldiership was a major feature.
To be honest, I was surprised. Why? Because Edward is from Sierra Leone and, together with his wife and extended family, he experienced the devastation of civil war. Before war broke out, Edward was working in the printing industry while his wife was a teacher and social activist. She fought against female mutilation, a controversial practice in Sierra Leone. During the war, he witnessed the rape and torture of his wife. Surely for Edward, the word soldier would now carry too much baggage.
Some people ask, “Is The Salvation Army’s terminology insensitive in a day of horrific violence perpetrated by rebel soldiers?” Not for Edward. He found Jesus to be the hope of the world. He saw soldiers at the Army’s Auburn Corps in Sydney fighting a different war, for a different reason. Soldiership for him is a biblical command. Despite what he witnessed in his country, he wanted to be a soldier to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Edward became a Salvation Army soldier in May 2010 at Auburn with close to 20 others from six different countries: Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Edward works with the Kid’s Club program at the corps. He is an usher. He serves on the transport team. He is ready to do
pipeline 08/2010 5
BRISBANEFriday 10 December
7pm - 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 World Leader General
Shaw Clifton and his wife Commissioner
Helen Clifton to the Australia
Eastern Territory
in December
6 pipeline 08/2010 7
In the latest in a Pipeline series in which writers from around The Salvation Army world have been invited to submit an article on a subject of their choosing, Captain ADAM COUCHMAN looks at sin and its debilitating symptoms which have plagued mankind since Adam rebelled against God
Dealing with sin and its symptoms
Many readers will recall the famous line from the movie Apollo 13 – “Houston ... we have a problem”. In the
middle of its trip to the moon a major fault occurred in the spacecraft which demanded the immediate and undivided attention of everyone involved in the mission.
As Christians, the reality we face is that we have a problem too. It’s a major issue, but also a very elusive one, and one that demands attention.
The problem is “sin”.As Christians we are called to “Be
holy as I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16) and this problem is the obstacle in the way of realising what is both a gift and a command.
So, how we define sin, as well as how we understand how God in Jesus and through the Spirit deals with sin, is directly related to the life of holiness. I would like to suggest here an appropriate way of understanding this problem. The major difficulty is, however, that “sin” often eludes a “one size fits all” definition that suits all occurrences of the term in Scripture. So, to make the task a little more manageable and, therefore, easier to understand, we’ll name the “symptoms” of sin, rather than the problem itself.
Selfishness of sinThe first symptom is that of individualism. This is the selfishness of sin. I would like to suggest that this particular symptom of sin has so infected society that it has almost become normative. Most people don’t even notice its existence as a result.
Sadly, the Church has not noticed this subtle but destructive symptom. It has been there from the very first appearance of sin in Genesis 3. The serpent approaches Eve and plants the seed of doubt in her mind; “Did God really say…?” At this point Eve has a few options. She could have called out to Adam: “Hey, Adam, what did God say again about that tree?” She could have even called out to God the same question: “Hey, God, what did you say about that tree?” She had them both nearby. Why didn’t she do that? It would have been very simple to confirm God’s command, but her decision was to go it alone. She chose to live her own way, and interpreted God’s message for herself, rationalising it away, and coming to a tragic and incorrect conclusion.
We’re given a hint back in Genesis 2:18 that individualism was not the way God intended humanity to live: “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Clearly the results of an individualistic approach to life are disastrous.
Disobedience of sinThe second symptom is that of inaction. This is the disobedience of sin; doing what God tells us not to do, or similarly not doing what God tells us to do.
Classically these are known as sins of commission and omission.
At this point John Wesley’s definition of sin fits well: “a wilful transgression of a known law of God.” It may be helpful at this point (for clarity) to refer to “sin” in the plural when we speak of this symptom; that is, “sins”.
It doesn’t take long for us to think of sins that we struggle with in our own life. I’m sure we can all relate to the Psalmist who says “For I know my transgressions, and my [sins are] always before me” (Psalm 51:3).
What may seem strange, however, is the suggestion that “sins” are actually a symptom of “Sin”. The fact that we struggle so much with these sins suggests that something much bigger is at play beneath the surface. This brings us to the next symptom.
Power of sinThe third symptom is incarceration. Here we need to consider sin as a power at work in the cosmos. Again, it may be helpful to distinguish this symptom from the others
body and incorporating us together into himself. Remember, it is not good for humans to be alone.
Dealing with inactionSecondly, inaction. There is a lot of discussion in New Testament studies surrounding a phrase in the Greek pistis Christou. You’ll find this translated in Romans 3:22 as “faith in Christ” (NIV, and others).
However, it is equally valid to translate it as “the faithfulness of Christ” which places a whole new emphasis on the verse: “This righteousness from God comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
This also fits coherently with the greater message of Romans adding greater weight to this second translation. For example, Romans 5:19: “Just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
The suggestion here is that Jesus, by his faithful obedience to God the Father, deals with the “inactions”, that is the sins of all humanity.
Overcoming incarcerationThirdly, incarceration. This is a cosmic problem and so demands a cosmic solution.
by referring to it as Sin, with a capital “S”. Remaining in Genesis for the time being, this is the language that God uses when he warns Cain: “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7b).
Similarly, Paul speaks of Sin as a power in Romans 5 and 6. He suggests that “Sin entered the world through one man” (Romans 5:12) and he implores his readers to not let Sin be your master (Romans 6:14-18).
This is all suggesting that Sin is an active force within the cosmos and has imprisoned humanity within its grip. Sin forces humanity into a prison cell, makes it sit on death row and wait hopelessly for its deserved final punishment to be carried out – death.
Infection of sinThe fourth symptom is that of infection. We need to be cautious in describing this symptom because too many times a false causal link has been drawn between individual sins (inaction) and personal sickness.
This has been pastorally very damaging for many people. The causal link is really present between Sin and sickness. The presence of sickness in the world, in the broader sense of the term – ecological “sickness” (natural disasters, endangered and extinct species, etc), interpersonal relationship sickness (wars, divorce, family breakdown), and individual sickness – on some occasions is evidence of sins (e.g. infidelity causing marital breakdown) but on every occasion is evidence of Sin’s presence and domination in the cosmos. Sadly, this infection and the disease it causes is terminal; it will end in death.
This list of symptoms left as is
could be very depressing, however as Christians we believe by faith that Jesus has dealt decisively with sin and all of its symptoms. But how? Let’s consider each of these symptoms one by one.
Tackling individualismFirstly, individualism. The solution God employs here is the Church.
It is crucial to understand that the unity of the Church precedes our identity as Christians. What does this mean? I am a Cronulla Sharks fan (sad, I know, but sometimes you just are who you are!).
The Cronulla Sharks are a rugby league team and will remain a rugby league team whether or not I support them. That is to say, I take my identity as a Sharks fan from the team. The team doesn’t take its identity from me and the rest of the gathered supporters. It is not that the team is created when all the fans come together, but rather the team exists and as a result those who support them are known as “Sharks fans” because of their identification with the club.
It’s similar with the Church. The Church exists and those who take their identity from the Church (that is, Christ) are known as “Christians”. The order is important here. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:27, starts with the whole, “You are the body of Christ,” and then to the particular, “and each one of you is a part of it”.
It’s critical for the Christian faith that we understand that our identity (individually) is taken from the whole and not the other way around (which would in fact be “individualism” in disguise).
This is why I’ve said on many occasions “There is no such thing as an individual Christian”. The phrase is an oxymoron. Christ overcomes individualism by making the Church his
6
Growing SaintsIntegrity
continued on page 22 >>>
Captain Adam Couchman is the Director of the School for Christian Studies, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory.
8 pipeline 08/2010 98
or use pornography. Other promises are based on living by the truths of the Bible, being responsive to the Holy Spirit, maintaining Christian integrity, being a faithful steward and supporting the work and witness of the corps.
The promises are prefaced with the words: By God’s grace. Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”, is the biblical text for the renewal.
In one of the recorded testimonies, a young man identified as Arnold talks about his desire to become a soldier. Arnold explains that he grew up in Mt Isa being passed between relatives because his mother was an alcoholic and drug addict.
He hated his mother and was angry that she had given him up.
“I gave my heart to the Lord when I was 15. He let me know that he was
always there for me. The bitterness and hate for my mother began to fade away. One day, I had a dream about my mother. She was beautiful in my dreams. I saw her as God saw her.”
Arnold telephoned his mother. He told her that he forgave her. “I told her that I loved her. A couple of friends have now told me about soldiership. I would love to be a soldier,” he said.
Honouring a promiseSimeon’s story is very different. He was raised in The Salvation Army, attending all the usual practices for a young boy, and being part of Junior Soldiers, Corps Cadets and then senior soldiership.
He confesses to not giving soldiership much thought, at the time. He thinks he rushed soldiership and did not understand much about what it meant.
“A couple of months after becoming a soldier, I got caught up in the party
scene. I clearly remember driving home. I’d had a couple of beers with the guys and remember God saying to me: ‘You signed a promise and I have to keep you to it because I am a God who keeps his promises’.
“I still question what it means to be a soldier. I don’t think soldiership is for everyone.
“I think soldiership is for people who say it is what God has called them to. I don’t think [soldiership] makes you a better Christian.
“But I’ve made a promise [as a soldier]. God is faithful to me, so I’m going to be faithful to him [by keeping the promises].”
Bill Simpson is a senior writer for Pipeline and supplements.
“We need people to step up, sign up and show up to engage in the war against sin, no matter what the cost. It means not just believing in 11 doctrines, but letting those cardinal convictions shape and motivate our lives. It means living counter-culturally.
“Too much to ask? Not when we check out the gospels and hear the Lord’s call to radical discipleship. For Salvationists, obedience to that call looks like soldiership and officership. A senior soldiers’ day of renewal is timely.”
Sunday 15 August has been set as Soldiers’ Renewal Day, the first time for many years that such an event has been held.
The renewal will take place in all corps and will also be offered at Salvation Army centres, including nursing homes and other places where staff, volunteers and residents are soldiers.
It will coincide with Junior Soldiers’ Renewal, which has been held on an annual basis. “We are learning from our children,” Territorial Missions Director Major Neil Clanfield told Pipeline.
“Promoting soldiership is one of our Mission Priorities. So, Soldiers’ Renewal Day is a deliberate course of action to focus on renewal of our covenant; our promises, which we make with God.
“We hope that as part of this process, soldiers will also renew their faith in Christ. We think it is time to raise the bar on soldiership; to be radical. When I think of radical, I think of being passionate.
“This is a war that we [officers and soldiers] are involved in. We have been called to war against sin. There is a huge danger that we can become complacent in this war. I have to ask myself that question. Have I become complacent? Soldiers’ Renewal Day gives us the chance to think about that and, if necessary, do something about it.
“It’s a chance to reignite the spark; to get our passion back.”
Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond is a strong supporter of a Soldiers’ Renewal Day.
“We must recapture what the earliest Salvationists understood,” she said. “They were not at the Army to be entertained or to entertain. They were the fighting force.
“A Spirit-filled Army of the 21st century that moves forward into the world of the hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost needs soldiers; men, women and children who passionately love Jesus, want to live like him and want to touch people’s lives with his transforming message.
Salvationists in the Army’s Australia Eastern Territory will be given an opportunity later this month to renew their covenant. BILL SIMPSON takes a look at what it really means
“We need people to step
up, sign up and show up to engage in
the war against sin, no matter
what the cost.”
A package of resources has been prepared for corps and centres to promote the renewal. The resources will include a Soldiers’ Covenant Renewal card and a DVD of testimonies from several soldiers.
The renewal card was written by Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Peter Farthing. He has based the wording on the original soldier’s covenant, including the promise not to drink alcohol, take illegal drugs, gamble
Breathing new life into soldiership
Soldiers’ Renewal Day Sunday 15 August
Photo: Shairon Paterson
pipeline 08/2010 1110
SALvOSA new helicopter, a world-first for The Salvation Army, will greatly assist the Flying Padre service in caring for some of Australia’s most isolated people, writes BILL SIMPSON
The Salvation Army’s first helicopter anywhere in the world has gone into service in the Queensland outback.
A sparkling white four-seat Robinson 44, with the verse “Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14) painted on each side, the helicopter is based at Mt Isa among the ochre-red ranges of the world’s biggest copper, silver, lead and zinc mining operation, almost 2000km north-west of Brisbane.
Its role is to transport pastoral care, farming support and urgently needed supplies, including food, to remote properties, many of which are cut off from civilisation for months during flood.
The helicopter replaces a series of fixed-wing Salvation Army Outback Flying Service planes operated by the Australia Eastern Territory since 1965. The Australia Southern Territory has been operating a similar Flying Padre service using light planes since 1945, based at Darwin.
They are the only Flying Padre services in The Salvation Army world. Combined, they cover two million square kilometres of the Australian outback.
The Australia Eastern Territory’s helicopter was made possible by a bequest from late Queensland pastoralist Keith “Wild Horse” Dawson, who died several years ago. Mr Dawson was for many years a strong supporter of The Salvation
SALvOS TAkE fLIGHT IN MT ISA
Pilot Simon Steele and The Salvation Army’s first helicopter which is his vehicle to ministry in
Australia’s outback. All photos: Shairon Paterson
>>>
12
Army – especially its Outback Flying Service. He had seen fellow pastoralists – often deprived and depressed – benefit from the ministry.
Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley officially launched the helicopter at the Mt Isa base on 26 June. During the launch, Ms Wensley said, as Queensland Governor, she was passionate about taking new technology and ideas to remote areas of the state.
“But, there is no substitution to personal care, which the Flying Padre provides,” she said. “This is an exciting and historic day for The Salvation Amy and Queensland.”
Central and North Queensland Divisional Commander Major Rodney Walters said a huge advantage in having a helicopter was that The Salvation Army could continue its support services to farmers in flood.
“Flood is a big time of need in the outback. Unfortunately, our planes have had to remain in the hangar at the airport during floods because they had nowhere to land on affected properties.
“That is not a problem for a helicopter. It only needs a small piece of dry land. So the helicopter allows The Salvation Army to be part of the solution in meeting the needs of remote farmers in flood time.”
Helicopter pilot and Flying Padre Envoy Simon Steele told the official launch that the helicopter had already allowed him to visit a remote property where the owners had not seen anybody or received fresh food supplies for four months because their farm had been cut off by flooding.
He said the faster helicopter also meant he could visit up to 15 remote properties a week. Envoy Steele is supported in the ministry by his wife, Envoy Natalie. They have been Salvationists for just over two years.
The Outback Flying Service also assists Australia’s historic Royal Flying Doctor and School of the Air, which operate from Mt Isa.
By BILL SIMPSON
Father of four Simon Steele was skippering commercial ferries on Queensland’s sun-drenched Gold Coast when the call came.
Wife Natalie was working part-time as netball coordinator for The Salvation Army Tweed Heads Corps sports ministry.
It was just over two-and-a-half years ago. They had been Salvationists for only a few months. But they knew the call they were receiving was from God.
The call was an opportunity to become flying padres with The Salvation Army’s Outback Flying Service, based at Mt Isa – 2000km and, culturally, a world away. The service has been operating since 1965.
It had to be of God, the now Envoy Simon told Pipeline at the launch of the flying service’s new helicopter on 26 June. The first in The Salvation Army world, the helicopter replaces a fixed-wing aircraft.
Simon had had a pilot’s licence for many years, so taking on the flying padre role – certainly as far as flying was concerned – was not an issue. But Simon also had a helicopter licence. He had qualified years before The Salvation Army even thought about switching from light planes to helicopter; years before he joined The Salvation Army.
This call was more than coincidence. Not long before accepting the Outback Flying Service role, Simon had turned down an opportunity to fly with another Christian outback group. The job just didn’t seem right. At the time, Simon and Natalie were not aware that The Salvation Army
operated an outback flying service. When the Mt Isa opportunity came, both
Simon and Natalie knew they had been “kept” for The Salvation Army role.
“When our [then] corps officer Major Neil Clanfield mentioned the opportunity to me, I knew immediately that it would happen,” Natalie told Pipeline.
“When I told Simon, he just looked at me and said: ‘Are you kidding me?’ We both knew that it was no joke. And, so, here we are at Mt Isa.”
Simon does the flying and Natalie is the support and administrator of the service. Two of their children, Isabel (six) and Joel (four) are with them in Mt Isa. Natalie (20) and Halley (19) remained on the Gold Coast.
With a coverage area of 800,000 square miles of outback Queensland, Simon tries to visit 10 to 15 properties a week. His mission is to offer the hand of friendship and give practical and spiritual support.
He does this by calling at properties to deliver or check if supplies are needed, help mend fences and machinery, assist with aerial seeding or dropping feed to stranded cattle, and just having a chat.
Simon and Natalie also call in at remote schools to promote the service.
“I tell the kids that I wasn’t very good at school, but now I am a helicopter pilot,” he says.
“I tell them not to feel bad about themselves if they are struggling at schools or to let anybody put them down. I tell them that what is important is what God thinks of them. He has given me the best job in the world.”
STEELES ON HIGH AfTER LANDING DREAM OuTBACk jOB
Pilot Simon Steele takes Central and North Queensland Divisional Commander Major Rodney Walters for a spin.
Flying Padre Envoys Natalie and Simon Steele with their children Joel (4) and Isabel (6).
pipeline 08/2010 1514
Did Brisbane fire the first salvo?
The Salvation Army celebrates its 125th anniversary in Queensland this year, however historian and author GARTH HENTZSCHEL has unearthed new information shedding fresh light on the beginnings of the Army in Australia, with Brisbane the focus of his research
as the birth of The Salvation Army in Queensland. Technology, however, has allowed access to new data revealing an untold story that may force us to rethink the story of The Salvation Army’s conception in Australia.
First contactThe Salvation Army’s founder, William Booth, joined a religious movement in the East End of London in 1865 and soon held its leadership.
Under Booth’s authority the movement eventually changed its name to The East London Christian Mission. As the mission grew out of the geographical location its name was shortened to The Christian Mission.
The spiritual enthusiasm and personal change in the lives of its converts ensured that it was not long before this mission had impact on the Australian continent.
During 1871, a certain Mr Short, who was connected to William Booth’s mission, carried out evangelical campaigns in New Zealand and NSW. Mr Short settled in Sydney and was later joined by his sister, one of William Booth’s female evangelists. They were still in communication with The Christian Mission in 1873 when another mission worker, Mr Charles Owens, visited them.
Mr Owens was a prominent member of The Christian Mission, the Honorary Secretary, and held spiritual campaigns with Catherine Booth.
William Booth led Mr Owens’ farewell meeting when he was appointed to Queensland as a Maritime Welfare Officer by the British Government.
Throughout the journey Mr Owens
desired to see the new settlers to Queensland won to Christ and he led funerals and church services on board the boat. Mr Owens gave support to the crew of the ship when it later sank and he was asked to give evidence at the inquest. As the passengers landed in Rockhampton the influence of The Christian Mission increased in Queensland, yet so did the vice.
All was not well with the Brisbane churches of the day with parishioners rebelling against church authorities over such matters as financial disbursement and parish boundaries. The Methodist Church, after initial success, was also suffering from a decrease in membership and had no candidates for ministry.
To combat the moral degradation in the colony, a number of evangelical missions sprang up and it was into this hotbed of religious turmoil that a married couple, Charles and Hester Robinson, arrived in Brisbane in July 1872.
Let the battle beginOn the day of the Robinsons’ arrival they were made leaders of a special religious society founded by Daniel and Barbara
McNaught. The society also sported a newly built small hall.
This was the birth of The Christian Mission in Brisbane, which later became The Salvation Army. A month later, Charles Robinson started a school for children with hearing, speaking and visual impairment, while Hester Robinson took more responsibility for preaching in the society and also freelanced with the Primitive Methodist Church and other churches, conducted spiritual campaigns throughout south-east Queensland and preached to raise funds for church needs.
The original hall became too small and they moved to a church hall on Ann St in the city, and by April 1873 the society held its religious services in the School of Arts Hall with a special invitation for all classes.
For a more permanent home and alliance with their theology the meetings were moved in July 1874 to the Temperance Hall. Sadly, Charles Robinson died in 1874 and although the society continued, Hester Robinson’s name was removed from the advertising which announced the weekly gatherings.
In September 1875, a special
When the word history is read many people lose interest as they are reminded of boring lessons in school, filled with
names and dates of the past.Yet history is more like solving a
mystery. It is a jigsaw puzzle with many missing pieces, and a more concise picture can only be seen when more pieces are found. This revisionist history is not a retelling of old tales but an investigation into stories untold which refine the existing knowledge about historical events.
The beginning of The Salvation Army in Queensland has been one such mystery as much early historical data of our denomination’s formative years in colonial Queensland has been lost.
The story of the beginning relied entirely upon the testimony of a number of people who arrived in Brisbane during 1885. However, there is an earlier story that will be unpacked here.
The official story of how it all started in Australia is that officers were sent from England to the Southern Colonies to officially commence the work of The Salvation Army, and that two Salvationists conducted the first official meeting in Adelaide on 5 September, 1880.
In time, more officers arrived and assisted in the expansion of The Salvation Army to New Zealand and other areas of Australia.
It had been claimed that all attempts to found The Salvation Army in Queensland failed until a contingent of officers were sent from Melbourne to Brisbane in 1885 (pictured left), and this is the date which has been forged into the history books >>>
16 pipeline 08/2010 17
Garth Hentzschel B.Ed.(Prim.), M.Ed.(S.G.C.),
(QUT), B.Admin.Lead. (UNE), is a Brisbane Salvationist and has published three books on Salvation Army history. He is the Professional Experience Program Coordinator and lecturer at the Christian Heritage College. Garth is writing a book on the origins of The Salvation Army in Queensland and is keen to hear from anyone who may have information which will assist him. His postal address is: Garth Hentzschel, PO Box 998 Mt Gravatt, Qld 4122
meeting took place to celebrate the Primitive Methodists’ anniversary and Hester Robinson was asked to preach along with Daniel McNaught jnr, the son of the founders of the society.
The McNaught family held some clout in the early colonial days of Brisbane as they were represented in influential financial and philanthropic societies, were leaders in the construction of Queensland’s Parliament House and other government buildings and even married into prominent families of the colony, including John Petrie, first mayor of Brisbane.
Two new beginningsHester Robinson married Daniel McNaught jnr in 1876 and the religious society she was running received the name of The East Brisbane Gospel Mission.
For a female to hold the leadership of a mission was extraordinary as newspapers reported that the Colony of Queensland still showed a high level of ignorance, prejudice and superstition against women’s rights and place in society.
The East Brisbane Gospel Mission continued to hold its meetings in the Temperance Hall until, with the financial support of the McNaught extended family, they leased a galvanised iron building in Charlotte St. The McNaught family converted the shed into a Mission Hall and officially opened it on Sunday 27 August, 1876.
Strategically located, the hall was right in the heart of the worst area of Brisbane, referred to as Frog’s Hollow. Surrounding the very spot this group housed their Gospel Mission Hall were favourite “hunting grounds” of larrikins, dens of iniquity, organised crime run from the nearby hotels and extremely low levels of childhood education and adult literacy.
Due to the location of Frog’s Hollow, it was also notorious for harbouring illness in the city with its low-lying, swampy land which was frequently flooded.
It has not yet been found how The East Brisbane Gospel Mission learned about William Booth’s Christian Mission, however the parallels between the two groups clearly indicate that they hold a common history.
Both missions used female preachers (in Brisbane there was Hester McNaught), interchanged the name of their buildings (both Gospel Hall and Mission Hall were used), held open-air services and street
marches, used a similar motto, “to the glory of God and the salvation of the people”, received printed materials from William Booth and introduced militant Christian songs, for example Stand up for Jesus! Ye Soldiers Of The Cross and Rescue The Perishing, Care For The Dying.
The East Brisbane Gospel Mission also gave specific invitations to the lower classes of the city and aimed to assist with social welfare. This led to converts of Booth’s mission immigrating to Brisbane to join the McNaught family’s mission. The East Brisbane Gospel Mission even supported an evangelist, Reverend J J Westwood, to conduct spiritual campaigns at the beginning of 1877. He had a striking resemblance to William Booth in both look and demeanour.
The McNaught family was in regular communication with General William Booth and one of its letters appeared in the London War Cry on 4 October 1880, which requested training of officers.
As no reply from William Booth has yet been found it can only be assumed that Booth consented for the East Brisbane Gospel Mission to use the name “Salvation Army” as it began to advertise under this name by the end of October 1880.
The Religious Society, which began in 1872 and developed into The East Brisbane Gospel Mission in 1876, had now
become The Salvation Army. This makes it the longest-running group in the Southern Hemisphere to be associated with The Salvation Army.
There came The Salvation ArmyIt has been suggested that the first group of officers were sent to the southern colonies (including Adelaide) instead of Brisbane because the northern corps collapsed, however evidence shows otherwise!
Newspapers of 1881 and 1882 told how Brisbane Salvationists were “witnessing in the streets and in their barracks in Charlotte Street” and “Brisbane Salvationists were attacked in the open-air ring with home-made stink bombs, jeers, and stones”.
Although representatives from both sides ended up in court over allegations of assault the early Salvationists were described as “self-denying labours, who were doing good work among the poorer classes of the city”.
Queensland Salvationists may have felt a little snubbed when more officers were sent to southern colonies as The Salvation Army was still growing in the Colony of Queensland.
Adelaide could only boast three corps, even though they had a number of officers, yet Brisbane was about to open
its second corps in Sandgate and had saved many from drinking and gambling in Gayndah and Maryborough, central Queensland.
In January 1883, Captain and Lieutenant Cairns arrived in Brisbane to lead The Salvation Army in Queensland. Unlike the departure of officers to other areas, the Cairns’ received little publication in the London War Cry.
Secular newspapers show that the Cairns’ led the “Scottish contingent” of 15 persons to Queensland and were met by 100 Salvationists in Brisbane. The open-air and procession through the streets drew so much attention that the Brisbane Council debated the right of The Salvation Army to parade on the public streets and Salvationists won the day! The media identified, however, that there were some differences between the Brisbane soldiers and their new officer.
The schismsJust 11 days after the arrival of Captain Cairns, the McNaught family expelled his party. A number of problems could have led to this decision.
Although Cairns was commissioned and appointed by The Salvation Army he brought with him no official documentation from William Booth as it was the Divisional Commander of
Scotland who farewelled the group.The Salvation Army’s leadership also
had not informed the McNaught family about the proposed leadership change.
The Salvation Army had a lack of understanding of local situations as there was a strong independent feeling in Queensland, and the Brisbane Salvationists wanted to answer to William Booth, not to officers in southern colonies.
The McNaught family held power and influence in Brisbane and there was also local unrest about clergy power over state and church matters.
Captain Cairns tried to find a suitable building to continue his work but the McNaught family had many friends in Brisbane and sat on committees of many of the halls, which squeezed out Cairns and his followers.
Both parties believed they were representing William Booth’s Salvation Army in Queensland so while the McNaught family continued to run the Army in Brisbane, Captain Cairns looked for other opportunities and commenced the work in Ipswich.
Building on foundationsBy March 1883, The “Brisbane” Salvation Army was advertising its indoor and outdoor meetings and continued to flourish through the 1880s despite Hester
McNaught suffering from ill health and being unable to continue her work.
In 1885, a plan was put in place for Melbourne Headquarters to take command of The Salvation Army in Queensland. A contingent left Melbourne on 17 June 1885.
The team was lead by Staff-Captain and Mrs Wright, with supporting officer Captain Bowerman and Staff-Officer Edwards. These reinforcement officers had a wealth of experience, yet no recognisance on Queensland and its Salvation Army operations.
Brisbane Salvationists believed they were “stronger” Salvationists than those from Melbourne and Major Wright’s contingent faced many hurdles in being accepted.
The new contingent also had difficulty with the heat and spiritual and physical battles, but despite these problems growth did occur. By the end of 1885, Major Wright had established a headquarters in Petrie’s Bight and sent reinforcement officers to Ipswich and Maryborough.
The growth continued and by mid 1887 The Salvation Army had gained the support of the Premier of the Colony, swore in over 100 soldiers in Bundaberg, 300 at Gympie and opened more than 13 new corps, 17 outposts and a social institute for fallen women.
Captain Cairns Charles Robinson
18 pipeline 08/2010 19
Luke 6:48. “... like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation” Luke 6:49.
Unlike Matthew, Luke gives a vivid account of the man who dug out the foundations, and in so doing went down deep and then laid the foundation for his house. Luke stresses both the process of excavation and the laying of the foundation on rock, in sharp contrast to the man who carelessly and recklessly without any planning and hard labour, laid the foundation for his house on the sandy soil.
The difference was in the foundations, and foundations are not seen. However, only when a storm of great intensity and ferocity broke upon the two buildings, were the foundations revealed.
John Calvin noted that “true piety is not fully distinguished from its counterfeit till it comes to the time of testing”. Both Matthew and Luke record the storms as being a time of great crisis, of testing of the foundations of the houses.
We need to remember that this parable, which concludes the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount, is teaching given to Christian disciples.
In concluding his classic commentary on The Sermon on the Mount, John Stott comments: “we must respond [as Christian disciples] to Jesus’ teaching with deadly seriousness. For here is his picture of God’s alternative society. These are the standards, the values and the priorities of the kingdom of God.”
The storm in Jesus’ parable refers to the testing times within a disciple’s life. The testings of the foundations of one’s life may take place at any time during the course of one’s life. The storm also refers to those periods in human history when men’s loyalty to their professed faith for Christ, is tested in the storms that come to shake the very foundations of the individual and also society.
The storm furthermore, refers to the final Day of Judgment.
The Apostle Paul also makes reference to this coming Day of Judgment “... his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light” 1 Corinthians 3:13.
The parable concluding the Sermon on the Mount, stresses the importance of hearing and obeying Jesus’ teachings. Both Matthew and Luke advocate wisdom and diligence in building the house and make the same point, that it is as foolish to hear the sayings of Jesus without obeying, as it is to build a house without taking care as to how it is built.
The rock-built house stands for both hearing and doing Christ’s teachings. The teaching is heard and accepted and becomes a firm conviction issuing in action. The sand-built house
The parable of the two builders
Lieutenant-Colonel DOuG CLARkE, a noted Bible scholar of The Salvation Army, unpacks a passage of Scripture from the New Testament book of Matthew
laid bare” Ezekiel 13:13–14.This is the type of picture Jesus is using
at the conclusion of his Sermon on the Mount as he speaks of the coming day of God’s judgment.
Luke’s account of the parable of the two builders envisages the simpler but less Palestinian phenomenon of a river overflowing its banks in flood time and bursting upon a nearby house. It is Matthew’s imagery that provides more correctly the Palestinian climatic conditions of the torrential rains, winds and storms.
In Matthew’s account of the parable the central feature is the experience and impact of the storm. The storm’s impact upon the house built on rock. “... yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” Matthew 7:25. The storm’s impact upon the house built on sand, “and it fell with a great crash” Matthew 7:27.
In contrast to Matthew’s account of the parable with its emphasis upon the impact of the storms, Luke’s emphasis is upon the preparation of the foundations. “... like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock”
fIRST CENTuRY PALESTINIAN SETTING
This parable concludes Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as recorded in both
Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels of the two builders or two foundations. The appropriate title would be the two builders, for the parable has as its focus the contrast between the wise builder, who took care to build his house on rock deeply hidden below the surface and an unwise builder, who recklessly built his house on sandy soil.
The story Jesus told would be true of the climatic conditions and terrain in Palestine. In Matthew’s account of the parable, the imagery is that of the torrential autumn rains accompanied by a storm, which tested the building and its foundation.
In the Old Testament storms are often pictures of divine judgment. “In my wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hail stones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall ... so that its foundations will be
By BILL SIMPSON
The main article on these pages is from one of the most
helpful Bible study resources I have used. It’s from More Stories That Are Seen, a book that looks at 12 parables as told by Jesus. The book was written by Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Clarke, a retired officer of The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory. Lieut-Colonel Clarke has theological credentials and for some years served as Education Officer for the Officer Training College and territory.
His book is a gem. I strongly recommend it for personal and group Bible study consumption. I used it with one of my Bible study groups. Most of the members were new Salvationists of middle-age. Doug Clarke’s inspired explanations enlightened us enormously.
A younger colleague recently used one of the parables from the book for a weekend youth group camp. He emailed me: “By the way, the book was fantastic. We had no trouble filling 1.5 hours.”
For my Bible study group, we had no trouble devoting three one-hour sessions to each parable. So, More Stories That Are Seen is for young and older.
Each of the 12 parables is a separate chapter, among them the Sower, Mustard Seed, Great Feast, Rich Fool, Talents, Hidden Treasure, Good Samaritan, Sheep and Goats and the Two Builders.
Doug Clarke starts each study with an appropriate Bible reading, then explains the local environment at the time. The reader is then invited to look into a “mirror” to see how they can
apply the message to themselves in their environment, followed by a reflection on the best way of achieving the lesson learnt, concluding with a personal response and prayer.
That’s more of a challenge than you may think. Consider this comment from Doug Clarke’s preface to the book: “What a surprise it was to discover that in all our Lord’s 60 or more parables in the synoptic gospels, there are no ‘religious’ people except for [a] Pharisee and [a] priest … and in each case, their religion was of a mistaken kind.”
And this: “The impact of these parables has challenged the priorities of my life. Among them has been the need to live a simpler lifestyle, moderate my attitudes and behaviour towards others, especially those closest to me.”
If you’re looking for a study that throws up things you hadn’t thought of, this is the book.
More Stories That Are Seen is available from Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (www.salvosuppliessyd.com) for $9.95. Discounts are available for multiple purchases.
Gem of a Bible study resource
Book review
Matthew 7:24–27 (New International Version)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
>>>
TheBible briefing
20
stands for only hearing and not doing the teachings of Jesus. The teaching is heard but it is only one among many interests and motives. There is no solid core of conviction in the person’s life.
Obedience to Jesus’ teaching is the only safe and firm foundation for one’s life. In the recorded life and teachings of Jesus a significant emphasis is given to hearing the teachings of Jesus.
This emphasis upon hearing is to be found in Mark’s gospel, which begins with the call to hear. “Listen [hear] said Jesus” Mark 4:3. The Greek verb “akouete” (listen) is in the imperative mood, that is the mood expressing urgency and a command, and occurs no less than eight times in Mark’s recording of the parable of the sower and the seed.
Again, we find that each of the gospel writers repeats the exhortation, “he who has ears to hear let him hear”. Refer to Mark 4:9, 23; Matthew 11:15; 13:43; Luke 14:35; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9.
Hearing is of course important, but the central focus in the final section of the Sermon on the Mount is upon doing the will of the Father. It is of little use to hear if it does not alter our actions. The Greek verb “poiein” (to do) with its related forms, is found in the closing section of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. “... only he who does the will of my Father ...” Matthew 7:21 and “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice ...” Matthew 7:26.
James, who in his letter closely follows the teaching of Jesus, especially from the Sermon on the Mount, denounces any hearing of the Word that does not issue in doing. The real test of religion is obedience. Without it religion is vain and empty.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does” James 1:22–25.
John Stott comments that “Jesus in this parable, is not contrasting professing Christians with non-Christians who make no profession. On the contrary, what is common to both spiritual house builders is that they ‘hear these words of mine’. So both are members of the visible Christian community. Both read the Bible, go to church, listen to sermons and buy Christian literature. The reason you often cannot tell the difference between them is that the foundations of their lives are hidden from view.”
The real question is not whether they hear Christ’s teaching, but whether they do what they hear.
The man who will safely survive the Day of Judgment is the one who hears and actions what he hears and who professes and practices the truth. However, the foolish man who only hears and does not action what he hears will not survive the Day of Judgment.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” Hebrews 4:13.
THE PARABLE AS A MIRROR
Let us look into the mirror of this parable and learn to apply the lessons
our Lord is seeking to teach us. The parable of the two builders
appropriately concludes Jesus’ teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. It also is an appropriate parable to conclude the study of the parables in this book. With this parable Jesus strikes for a verdict for a clear and decisive call to authentic Christian living.
Reflect: Am I content merely to be a nominal Christian paying lip service to Jesus and his teachings or am I resolved to commit my whole life to Jesus and his mission?
Throughout the teachings of Jesus, there is a call to living as obedient, self-denying, cross-bearing disciples. Jesus’ claims are counter-cultural and as a result are totally unacceptable in today’s pluralistic society.
Note: Pluralism expresses a simple fact that there are many religions and that Christianity is but one religion among
many. Society says that for Christians to continue to claim Christian universality and the uniqueness of Jesus is to lapse into the old colonial imperialist mindset that expresses itself in arrogance and intolerance.
All his followers can echo Matthew’s remarkable concluding comments about the teaching of Jesus: “When Jesus had finished saying these things the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law” Matthew 7:28–29.
The Greek word for “amazed” is a strong word and probably the English word “dumbfounded” gives something of its original impact upon the crowds who heard the teachings of Jesus.
The extraordinary claims of Jesus cannot be ignored. CS Lewis comments: “You must make your choice. Either Jesus was and is the Son of God or else a madman or something worse, a demon. Jesus knows the absolute importance of his own teachings because he knows himself to be the One who decisively reveals the will of God.”
The Apostle Paul, after long reflection upon the life and teachings of Jesus, unequivocally states: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created ...” Colossians 1:15–20.
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:9–11.
Because of who he is we must listen and apply his teachings with purpose and determination. When the disciple and the Christian community live by Christ’s teachings then this pluralistic society will be attracted and challenged.
Lieutenant-Colonel Doug Clarke is a retired Salvation Army officer. This study is taken from his book More Stories That Are Seen.
22 pipeline 08/2010 23
What were your favourite things to do as a child? Or favourite things to eat? What were your favourite books
or magazines to read? And for those of us who had television when we were kids, what were your favourite shows?
Take a deep breath, close your eyes and let your favourite memories of childhood take you away for a moment.
Hopefully you now have a smile on your face and in your heart as you picture yourself with friends or family running around playing “tip, you’re in”, climbing trees or dressing up as your favourite superhero.
How grand it is to be young! And how grand it was for all of those
who are young at heart who attended the Children Matter Now conference at The Collaroy Centre in June.
Close to 300 people from around The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern Territory attended, including 30 junior leaders.
The weekend was jam-packed with soul-stirring teaching, great electives, fabulous networking, and fantastic ideas and took us on a journey of motivation, challenge and inspiration as we looked
to better disciple children through our ministries.
Major Kevin Unicomb, Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary, said he wanted to see kids who know God, are discipled to be followers of Jesus and live lives energised by his Spirit.
All the heads that I saw were nodding in agreement. We all agreed that children matter and that they matter now.
We all want our ministries, programs and activities to reflect that children are important and we want them to feel included and accepted in all areas of church life. If we only think of children in terms of being our future then we miss the opportunity to impact their lives today.
The world is changing, but not fast enough for our children. When I think about my own childhood and school days they seem like the dark ages compared to what my own children are doing these days in school.
Scripture Union’s Terry Williams, one of the guest speakers, suggested that we remember four words Jesus said: Follow Me, Make Disciples.
Terry then challenged us with the notion that if Jesus came to your corps, he would probably ask: “Show me my
disciples.” We can be creative, we can entertain, but are we making disciples? When we are not focused on “making disciples” we can run the risk of missing the “one”. Jesus focused on the “one” all of the time. Jesus took the child in his arms and said “these little ONES”. Discipleship happens “one” little “one” at a time.
The world has millions of “one” children in it. Children need to connect with some”one” to help them journey through life, to talk to them, to explain things to them, to show them things, to help them make sense of their world, of Scripture and of their faith.
So take a moment again to stop, breathe and think about who you had to take your hand and guide you through your life.
Now consider this. What child in your family/street/church/community is holding out their hand and asking you to hold it and walk through life with them?
Imagine what our lives would like if every adult, youth and child had someone’s hand to hold.
Amazing, I’m sure.
Major Tracy Briggs is Divisional Youth Secretary, Sydney East and Illawarra Division
As a matter of fact,children needJesus too
One of the most prevalent theories of the Atonement in the early Church is known as Christus Victor. This theory suggested that Jesus, by his incarnation, life, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension, has overcome the cosmic powers which imprisoned humanity, rendering them helpless and subjected to death.
The Church celebrates on Easter Sunday (and indeed every Sunday!) that Jesus arose victorious from the grave, and in doing so he defeated the powers that held humanity captive, including Sin.
The verse that perhaps best demonstrates this is Colossians 1:13-14: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus has overcome Sin. He is victorious!
Beating infectionFinally, infection. The first way that Jesus addresses this issue is by his incarnation.
Again, for Paul, Jesus comes in the
“likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3). It is important that we recognise that Jesus was the same kind of human that we are. He was not some kind of pseudo-human or ghost in disguise. He wasn’t pretending to be a male human being, or putting on flesh like a child puts on a costume.
He was “truly and properly” human. If we do not state this clearly then the danger is that there is some part of our infected humanity that remains “sick”. In the words of the 4th century theologian Gregory Nazianzus, “that which is unassumed remains unhealed”.
Furthermore, in the gospels we read of Jesus’ ministry and it regularly includes healing the sick.
He deals with sickness in a variety of ways for a variety of individuals, demonstrating that he by his ministry, dealt with this symptom.
Finally, the decisive means by which he deals with sin in this manifestation is by his death and resurrection. The marks of his crucifixion remain in his resurrected body, but the effects of the pain and suffering remain in the grave. His disciples are able to put their fingers into his hands
and side and he feels no pain. Suffering, pain, sickness, and ultimately death are all dealt with by the crucified and resurrected Jesus.
Jesus master physicianSo we can see that the symptoms of sin are multifaceted but Jesus’ atoning life and work is effective in dealing with them all. Joel Green describes this as a “kaleidoscopic” view of the Atonement.
I want to make clear, also, that it’s not like the common cold where we treat the symptoms and not the problem. Christ has actually dealt with sin itself by means of his incarnation, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. So, it is right that we declare that “Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).
The question remains, however, “how now shall we live?”
In theological terms the question is “what is the relationship between Jesus’ incarnation, atonement and holiness?”
It’s a critical question, particularly as we strive to be a territory marked by holiness, but one that deserves an article of its own.
Dealing with sin and its symptomsFrom page 7
Major TRACY BRIGGS attended the recent Children Matter Now conference and was inspired by what she saw and heard
24
Holistic mission drives the work of The Salvation Army Employment Plus program in Central Queensland. While the
staff members are all dedicated to finding jobs for the unemployed, they are also dedicated to providing for the job seekers’ spiritual, emotional, mental and other physical needs.
Nick* is one of the many individuals who has benefited from this holistic focus. From a life in a humpy to a home, Nick was placed into full-time employment, reconnected with his son after 15 years’ separation, received counselling to help with his mental issues and started attending church.
The holistic approach to clients is taken because, as the Capricornia Site Manager Terry Kelleher explains, he and his all-Christian staff want to evangelise through their everyday work.
“A wise person once said to me that if you’re going to make the effort to do something, evangelise that effort,” he says.
“We try to evangelise everything we do so that we’re looking after the whole person. We’re not just looking after employment, we’re looking after the emotional, the spiritual, and the physical side of people when we deal with them, and that is what ministry’s all about.”
Over the past seven years that Terry has been responsible for Employment
Plus sites in Rockhampton and Emerald – as well as outreaches in Yeppoon, Mount Morgan, Woorabinda, Blackwater, Clermont and Moranbah – he has witnessed God transform many people’s lives because of the team’s evangelising efforts.
Terry’s passion to share his faith started in his late teens.
“I was at a Youth for Christ weekend camp and it was at that point where I felt a call to full-time ministry, and to actually give my life over to Jesus,” he recalls.
“I wanted every thought under the captivity of Christ. And for that to happen would mean full surrender; and I gave everything over and said ‘right, Lord, this
Finding work for the unemployed in Central Queensland is only part of the job for staff at The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus sites who, as JULIA HOSKING discovered, are also passionately committed to telling people about God
Employment Plus+
is your life, you live it’. And ever since then, that’s the sort of life I’ve been living.”
By being open to the Lord’s leading, Terry’s faith has grown tremendously.
“Whether I’ve been working in a ministry role within the church, or externally working for an organisation such as Employment Plus, wherever I am, I see that as my mission field. And that’s how faith grows. It grows in life experiences; it grows in the everyday things.”
And within his mission field, whether he is working with miners, prisoners, Indigenous people or other job seekers at the Employment Plus sites, Terry is intentional about sharing the love of Christ.
“Sometimes we become too hemmed in by the church in the sense of we believe that anything that has to do with ministry has to come from the church. But that’s wrong. Your home is a place of ministry, your workplace is a place of ministry, and we need to look at these avenues if we’re to grow people in faith.”
Lasting impact Employment Plus in the Capricornia Region is able to assist prisoners due to a Queensland State Government contract, and a program known as Advance to Work. The assistance begins while clients are still imprisoned, and continues by supporting them in their new-found employment upon release.
Terry and his staff receive a great sense of accomplishment through this, as the program significantly reduces recidivism and simultaneously supports the prisoner’s family.
Employment Plus is also making a considerable impact in the mining towns of Central Queensland by training local Indigenous people to work in the mine sites. The Readiness Program in civil construction and mining has seen people’s lives change, as well as the community as a whole, as money is being earned and spent in the local area.
One prominent example from the training program is the story of Patricia Rankin. The mother of six worked extremely hard in the program and eventually was nominated trainee of the year for Anglo-American’s Dawson Mine.
Terry notes the many positive impacts, including financial, that this has had on Patricia and her family. She has often shared her story, and encouraged others in the community in the process. Mostly, however, Terry says that Patricia is proud to show her children “that if you put your heart [behind your goal] … then the sky’s the limit and you can achieve anything”.
Putting a smile on people’s faces, changing children’s lives and transforming communities as a result of the work of
Employment Plus in the Capricorn Region is very encouraging and faith-building for Terry. Predominantly though, Terry is motivated to do what he does simply because of the love of Christ.
“The love of Christ constrains us, or the love of Christ compels, whichever version you want to read in the Bible [2 Corinthians 5:14], is what gets me up in the morning. I have a love for Jesus, and that love causes me to live,” he says.
“Everything we do is according to what the Spirit has led us to do; so obedience towards God is something that we have to learn. Often we have obedience to our faith, or to our taught doctrines, but sometimes I think we really have to look
at where is our obedience to the Spirit of God; and what is the Spirit of God saying to us today.”
*Name changed to protect identity.
For more information on Employment Plus and its services, go to: http://www.employmentplus.com.au/ or call 1800 733 826.
Julia Hosking is a staff writer for Pipeline and supplements.
Employment Plus staff in Central Queensland include (from left) Joday Delmoir (Consultant, Capricorn Region), Terry Kelleher (Capricornia Site Manager) and Robert Stewart (Senior Consultant, Capricorn Region). Photos: Shairon Paterson
24 pipeline 08/2010 25
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
(Captains Justin and Lindy Davies)
Wollongong Corps Band, Songsters
and Timbrels were the special guests as the Cootamundra Corps of The Salvation Army celebrated its 50th anniversary on the weekend of 10-11 July.
The corps, under the leadership of Ron and Margaret Robinson, is now part of the Young Cluster which is overseen by Captains Justin and Lindy Davies. ACT and South NSW Divisional Commander Major Rodney Ainsworth also attended the celebrations.
The band, songsters and timbrels from Wollongong helped kick-start events with a short open-air meeting on the main street of Cootamundra on the Saturday afternoon, before proceeding to a local park for a public concert which also featured face painting and balloon sculpting for the kids, and a sausage sizzle organised by the Cootamundra Emergency Services team.
This was followed by a formal anniversary dinner and concert, featuring the Wollongong Corps sections, on the Saturday evening.
A special church service led by the visitors from Wollongong was held on the Sunday morning. Wollongong Corps Officer Captain Ray Lotty, in his message, spoke of being compelled to be Christ-like, to draw others to know Jesus, and to show this by serving one another within the community.
The weekend concluded with an afternoon celebration service at Cootamundra Corps led by Captain Lindy Davies and which featured special guest speaker Dr Joy McIver. Dr McIver’s talk centred around praising God for all that has happened in the past in Cootamundra and claiming the promises from 1 Corinthians 1, that we have everything we need to be his holy people and to serve the community of Cootamundra both now and into the future.
Cootamundra Corps turns 50
Wollongong Salvation Army Band holds an open-air meeting in the main street of Cootamundra. Photos: Colin Walsh
ACT and South NSW Divisional Commander Major Rodney Ainsworth and Young Cluster Corps Officer Captain Lindy Davies cut the 50th anniversary cake flanked by Cootamundra Corps Leaders Ray and Margaret Robinson.
pipeline 08/2010 2726
A Salvation Army film has won Best Documentary at this year’s International Christian Visual Media (ICVM), Crown
Awards. The documentary Our People: The Story of William and
Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army was awarded the prestigious prize during the awards ceremony at this year’s ICVM conference in St Louis, United States, on 25 June.
The ICVM conference brings together leading Christian producers, directors, and distributors from around the world. The Crown Awards recognise excellence in films which take a Christian message into what is generally a secular arena. All nominations are judged by professionals, who take into account the quality of the production, story telling and Christian content.
Bill Curtis, General Manager of Vision Video, North American distributor of Our People outside The Salvation Army, accepted the award on behalf of the producers.
“This is a wonderful documentary. We are proud to have it in our catalogue,” Mr Curtis said.
The Australian-based producers were excited by the news. Producer/director Corey Baudinette said: “We felt honoured just to be nominated: to win is a real boost.”
Our People was produced by Carpenter Media of The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern Territory, and Radiant Films. Radiant is operated by Mr Baudinette, a Melbourne Salvationist. Major Peter Farthing, of the Australia Eastern Territory, researched, wrote and co-produced the 72-minute film. Five years in the making, Our People was launched by The Salvation Army’s then Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster, in the East End of London in August last year.
“Our dream has always been to make a quality documentary which would speak to all generations,” said Major Farthing.
“We want Our People to be a go-to resource for Salvationists around the world.”
At this stage the documentary is being translated into five languages. It is available on DVD through Salvationist Supplies in Sydney (www.salvosuppliessyd.com) and via www.ourpeoplefilm.org
Salvation Army documentary wins international award
Corey Baudinette (left) and Major Peter Farthing whose historical film about The Salvation Army has won international recognition.
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
NEWS FEATURE
Major boost for aged care services
The Salvation Army continues to make a difference in seniors’ lives by expanding its aged care services.
Assistance at home for seniors living independently will be just a phone call away after The Salvation Army expanded its Community Care services late last year, offering the Community Aged Care Packages Program in the Bankstown, Port Macquarie and Ipswich communities.
The initiative comes after the Army was successful in its application for additional services as part of the Department of Health and Ageing’s 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals Round.
“We are extremely excited with this result,” Sharon Callister, Chief Executive Officer of The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, said.
“The project will greatly benefit those seniors who need assistance in day-to-day living arrangements but prefer to remain at home living on their own, with their spouse or family.”
The project, which has been running successfully since November 2009, provides 50 seniors with assistance at home so that they can continue to live independently.
Although the program will be available to the community in general, seniors residing in retirement villages will receive priority in Bankstown and Port Macquarie. Eligible seniors who choose a Community Aged Care package will receive coordinated support at home in a full range of services including transport, meal preparation, laundry, housework, banking, personal hygiene, dressing and shopping. The Salvation Army’s chaplaincy services will also be available to access.
“This is great news for seniors in the local community who will no doubt feel the benefit of receiving the support they need at home,” Ms Callister said.
Another addition to The Salvation Aged Care Plus seniors living community has been the implementation of counselling and support services to carers in the West Moreton area of Brisbane.
The Counselling, Support and Information Service is funded through the Department of Communities’ Home and Community Care program, which is a joint Federal and State Government-funded initiative aimed at easing pressure on carers living in the local community.
“The program will greatly benefit many people living in the West Moreton area, as it will assist carers with understanding and managing situations, behaviours and relationships associated with the caring role,” Ms Callister said.
“After listening to the needs of seniors in the West Moreton area, The Salvation Army decided to apply for Home and Community Care funding for this new service and therefore be able to provide effective counselling and support for carers.”
Eileen Dielessen, Counselling, Information and Support Coordinator, said: “Many carers remain hidden in the community because they do not relate to the term ‘carer’. They often don’t take time to look after their own needs and become
exhausted. This new program provides carers with assistance to make decisions that will benefit everyone in the long term.”
Based at Moggill Ferry Rd (“Riverview Gardens”, Riverview), the Counselling, Support and Information Program allows users to receive counselling at home.
“This service is unique because we will visit you in your own home environment, or at a convenient location,” Ms Dielessen said.
The program extends the counselling, information and support services to frail older people and younger people with a disability living in the local community who otherwise would be at risk of residential care.
The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus is a leading provider of residential aged care services providing client-focused services to the community through accommodation and care, encompassed by Christian spiritual ministry. For more information go to: www.agedcare.salvos.org.au
Weeroona Village Chaplian Major Beatrice Kay with resident Isabella Hibbard at the aged care centre in Sydney.
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
By BILL SIMPSON
Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley officially opened a new Salvation Army emergency accommodation centre for
women and children at Mt Isa on 26 June.Four stand-alone units and separate work activity rooms
replace a 30-year-old single building which contained four bedrooms, a family room and kitchen.
Each family will now have its own self-contained unit. More than 4500 women and children have been assisted at the centre since it opened in 1978.
Commending staff at the centre, known as Serenity House, Ms Wensley said it took courage to work in the areas of homelessness and domestic violence. As a foreign diplomat for 40 years, Ms Wensley said she had pursued the issue of violence against women around the world and was pleased to see The Salvation Army’s approach was not only about providing shelter, but giving dignity to affected women.
“Serenity [as the centre is called] is not just about peace after the storm, but also in the storm. That’s what this place does,” she said.
Centre manager Major Genne Bryant said staff saw the centre as not just a roof in an emergency, but a place of peace and support as women rebuilt their lives.
They had opportunity to take part in courses including positive parenting, positive life skills, budgeting and basic computer skills.
As part of a property report, Territorial Consultant for Homelessness and Social Support Network Rhonda Gregory said work so far had cost $1.3 million and was supported by the Australian and Queensland governments.
There were a number of other dignitaries at the official opening including Member for Mt Isa in the Queensland Parliament Mrs Betty Kiernan, Mt Isa Mayor Councillor John Moloney and Central and North Queensland Divisional Commander Major Rodney Walters.
Governor opens centre for women and children
Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley unveils a plaque at the opening of Serenity House in Mt Isa.
One of the new self-contained units at the emergency accommodation centre.
The Salvation Army Recovery Services and the Illawarra Institute for Mental Health have received a major award
for their research into treatments for drug, alcohol and mental health issues.
The organisations were presented with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research Partnerships for the project entitled “Evaluation and Review of Substance Abuse Programs”.
The research project provided Recovery Services with critical and timely research, evaluation and advice on its broad range of alcohol and other drugs and mental health services.
It has also helped to develop a culture of reflective and evidence-based practice that has assisted Recovery Services
Top award for substance abuse research to improve service delivery practices. The Bridge Program Evaluation and Research Project, conducted over a three-year period, is evaluating the Bridge Program in terms of participant outcomes.
The project will identify the components of the Bridge Program that appear to facilitate the greatest treatment gains and those that are considered most helpful from the participant’s perspective.
The Research Project is now developing to consider broader cross-disciplinary aspects of service provision, with the aim of increasing the level of competence and confidence in the range of services provided by Recovery Services.
1–8 August: Hervey Bay Corps
2 August: Horton Village
8 August: Horton Village
8–15 August: Palm Beach/Elanora Corps; Warwick Corps
13 August: Brisbane Streetlevel
16–18 August: Inala Corps
16–22 August: Tweed Heads Corps
20 August: Brisbane Streetlevel
20–22 August: Forest Lake Corps
22–29 August: Bayside Corps; Toowoomba Corps
23–29 August: Maryborough Corps
25 August: Redcliffe Corps
28 August: Redcliffe Corps
Allocated time each dayCaptain Steve and Major Kay Nelson (7–8am)
Rural Chaplains (5–6am)
Prison Chaplains (4–4.30pm)
24-7 Prayer Roster
pipeline 08/2010 2928
(Captains Mark and Fran Mark Everitt and Majors Colin and Ann Lingard)
By MIRIAM ANGUS
It was with much anticipation that Tuggeranong Corps members and friends came to a special celebratory service of
music featuring the 20 most loved songs of the Church, as voted by Corps members, on a cold Canberra Sunday evening on 6 June 2010.
Corps members and friends, both young and old, had been asked to vote for their top 10 Christian hymns and songs, a list which was then collated into a top 20. More than 250 songs were nominated.
The Christian Church has been blessed with thousands of hymns and songs down through the years that express our praise, faith, theology and experiences of God.
The 20 to 1 evening was the concept of Corps Music and Creative Arts Coordinator Scott Lingard who researched, organised, and chaired the service which had attracted much interest, reflected in both the voting and the number of people attending the service.
The top 20 hymns included a range of styles, with the majority being much-loved church hymns including old-time favourites The Old Rugged Cross and Abide With Me, a number of Salvation Army songs including the O Boundless Salvation, several Geoff Bullock compositions including I Am Carried and Power Of Your Love and the more contemporary How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin.
The Tuggeranong Songsters (Rendry Del Rosario), accompanied by Corinne Lingard, commenced the evening with the singing of Here I am to Worship and returned later in the service to perform Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).
The timbrels (Roselynne Klee) played to the upbeat tune of Church On Fire, while the Tuggeranong Corps Band (Bruce Edwards) accompanied the congregational singing of numerous hymns both traditional and contemporary.
The worship group (Michael and Kerrie Anglin) led a number of praise songs including Power In The Blood and How Great Is Our God.
Also during the evening, there was a farewell for Cadets Peter and Rebecca Gott who are returning to The Salvation Army School For Officer Training in Sydney after their three-month placement at Tuggeranong Corps.
Tuggeranong counts down top 20 songs
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
The top 20 songs
20 Here I Am to Worship19 I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord18 Abide With Me17 Praise My Soul16 My Jesus, I love Thee15 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross14 Power in the Blood13 I Am Carried12 Church on Fire11 Shout to the Lord10 To God be the Glory9 How Great is Our God8 Worthy is the Lamb7 And Can It Be?6 The Power of Your Love5 The Old Rugged Cross4 O Boundless Salvation3 Above All2 Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)1 How Great Thou Art
Corps Officer Captain Fran Everitt introduced Rendry Del Rosario who spoke on behalf of the corps and Curtis Valtonen for the youth. Each speaker stressed the impact that Peter and Rebecca had on corps members during their time at Tuggeranong. Both Peter and Rebecca responded, encouraging members to be open to God’s calling in their lives.
The evening concluded with the top three songs as voted by corps members, with all participants singing with much feeling and sincerity the powerful words of Above All, Amazing Grace and the No 1 hymn, How Great Thou Art. This God-glorifying song is based on a Swedish poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg in 1885 which was translated into English by British missionary Stuart K Hine in 1899.
Maclean supporting those doing it tough(Steve and Lydia Spencer)
May and June of 2009 were a hard couple of months for the residents of the Lower Clarence area of Northern NSW
with the onset of floods.It is a general misconception that once the waters recede, the
“danger” has subsided and the effects of the flood are no longer a problem. This is far from the truth.
Many people in this area rely on the land to provide them with a living, but the floods washed away top soil and crops and left huge deposits of “flood mud”.
The prawning and fishing industry on the Clarence River has been hit especially hard.
The Maclean Salvation Army, alongside the North NSW Rural Ministries team, Majors Peter and Jean Ridley, and Pam Wilkes, Territorial Consultant, Rural Support Services, have been able to befriend a group numbering around 150 people to offer them support, friendship and welfare assistance.
“I was invited to attend a ‘Men’s Shed’ (a BBQ lunch on a Thursday at the fishing co-op) by Andrew Little, Rural Mental Health Consultant for the North Coast Area Health Service in February of this year and he mentioned to me that some of the blokes are doing it tough and asked if I could help at all,” said Steve Spencer, Ministry Coordinator at Maclean Corps.
“Moving through the blokes on that day I could sense that there was a lot of despair and that they were ‘hanging on’.
“I arranged for five of them to come and see me for welfare on the following Tuesday. By the Saturday, I had 15 interviews lined up.
“At the conclusion of this very emotionally taxing day, it was becoming evident that the problem was and is a lot worse than what they had mentioned to me at the BBQ.
“Since then, we have been able to work with these people
and befriend them as well as assist in any way we can.”
The financial assistance provided to the Lower Clarence community over the past 12 months has been in the vicinity of $170,000.
Also, in conjunction with supporting agencies in the area, the Maclean Corps agreed to host an expo day that would provide the fishing community with alternatives for employment and to assess what else is needed for them.
The Salvation Army was represented with a stand at the expo and gave out “show bags” with literature and information on support services.
“We also took the opportunity to provide each of the families with Bibles, a drink bottle with The Salvation Army logo and our contact details,” Steve said.
“An inadvertent focal point turned out to be our emergency services trailer. Our trailer needs some work on it to restock it and to get it up to scratch but it was good enough to get the hot plate working and provide adequate cooking tools.
“A lot of the fishermen made comments about the trailer and added their own mental variations on how to make this better, that better etc. It was a great way again to talk to these people.
“The conversation then turned back to fishing and a comment was made about how good fresh fish tasted on a BBQ, to which another fisherman made a suggestion that I bring the trailer to the boats when they pull up to shore and cook it fresh.
“What an excellent opportunity to be able to share the Word of Jesus this will be, meeting the fishermen on the banks of the shore just like Jesus did himself; taking church to the fishermen instead of waiting for them to walk into a church building.
“Our work amongst this community is far from finished and God has great things in store for the Lower Clarence. My wife and I are praying for a community that is saved.”
The new Salvation Army Worship and Lifestyle Centre at Batemans Bay; the interior of the main hall at the centre.
Batemans Bay celebrates new Worship and Lifestyle CentreBy RUTH BROOKS
A dream became reality for The Batemans Bay Cluster when the new Salvation Army Worship and Lifestyle Centre at
Batemans Bay was officially opened on Saturday, 17 April. The event kicked off a fun-filled weekend of celebration
and worship for the local community. The festivities were the culmination of a project that commenced in 2006, with construction work beginning in January 2009.
More than 370 guests and dignitaries attended the weekend events which began on Saturday morning with the official opening ceremony and dedication performed by The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond.
Guests also included Councillor Alan Morton (Batemans Bay Red Shield Appeal Chairman and Eurobodalla Shire Council), Mayor Fergus Thompson (Eurobodalla Shire Council), Peter Alward (Territorial Property Secretary) and Dr Mike Kelly AM (Federal Member for Eden-Monaro).
Following the formalities it was time to celebrate, with a Kids Extravaganza and Ministry Fair and Concert featuring face painting, jumping castle, hands-on exhibits, historical display and a 30-piece combined band.
To wind the night down, more than 50 members of the local community were treated to a special moonlight screening of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in the centre’s amphitheatre.
On Sunday, the centre’s first prayer meeting was held before a family friendly worship service and kids church. Soul sessions – topical discussion and worship – capped off the weekend.
The occasion was a particularly special time for two young women who accepted Jesus into their lives at the conclusion of Saturday’s events. The corps also enrolled seven new adherents who had spent a significant amount of time helping to set up the new centre, and really felt a sense of belonging to The Salvation Army.
For Corps Officer Captains Ben and Emma Johnson, the centre’s opening brought an emotional end to a journey full of hope, prayer and hard work. It was a journey they shared with the Batemans Bay Corps and wider community. The opening also brings spiritual refreshment and the sense of a new beginning.
Looking ahead, the vision for the new centre is to provide a place where people from the corps and wider community can experience wholeness and healing while also having their physical, emotional and spiritual needs met.
30 pipeline 08/2010 31
Fourteen staff from The Salvation Army Australian Eastern Territory Aged Care Plus head office team including the
Chief Executive Officer Sharon Callister, rolled up their sleeves for a day’s work at the Army’s William Booth House Recovery Services centre in Sydney on 30 June.
Part of the Aged Care Plus mission is that staff desire to assist others within the wider Army in service in a practical way and that they are committed to sharing resources and assisting in whatever way possible. A further objective of the day was to promote the work of other Salvation Army services, as many of the employees at Aged Care Plus are unfamiliar with other expressions of Army ministry.
A key component of the day was that it had to provide a benefit to the residents and staff of William Booth House as well as to Aged Care Plus staff who received the blessing of assisting others in ministry.
The tasks undertaken were things staff from William Booth House had long been wanting to do but for a variety of reasons, had never had the chance to. The team from Aged Care Plus head office assisted in a number of areas including cleaning the chapel, assisting in the kitchen, and sorting the stationery and linen rooms.
The team also had the opportunity to share conversation over lunch with some of the residents of William Booth House. These stories impacted on the team and provided momentum to
Aged Care Plus community day
undertake further community days within The Salvation Army. “It was wonderful that they were willing to come and so
willing to contribute in a very practical way something of real benefit to WBH - both the participants and staff,” said Major Julie Radburn, Associate Manager at William Booth House.
“It was also really wonderful that they took the time to get to know some of the clients and where they had come from.
“The tasks that they undertook were things we had been meaning to do for ages, but had never had the time to get around to. The work done in the chapel was so great as it enabled things to be ready for Bible study and chapel that night.”
Everyone who attended – both participants and staff – found the experience very rewarding and a lot of fun. Aged Care Plus head office staff are looking at other opportunities of ministry and to enhance One Army, One Mission.
Feeling pretty good about diplomaCorps Officer Captain Peter McGuigan presents Captain Bronwyn Pretty with her Diploma of Theology during a recent Sunday service at Capricorn Region Corps. Captain Pretty, who is the Chaplain, Director of Mission and Administration Officer at The Salvation Army’s Bethesda Residential Aged Care centre in Rockhampton, received the diploma from the Sydney College of Divinity (through Booth College).
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c eLOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
ENROLMENTS
32 pipeline 08/2010 33
Nine young people were enrolled as Junior Soldiers during a recent Sunday morning church service at the Burwood
Corps of The Salvation Army. Sydney East and Illawarra Divisional Youth Secretaries
Majors Stephen and Tracy Briggs led the service, which brought the corps’ three congregations – English, Mandarin and Cantonese – together in shared worship, and also conducted the enrolment ceremony.
In the picture below, the new Junior Soldiers are shown with their prayer pals.
Alex and Angel Christian were recently enrolled as Senior Soldiers at the Capricorn Region Corps of The Salvation
Army in Rockhampton.The couple were only introduced to the Army earlier this
year by a friend who is a Salvationist. Alex and Angel, pictured below being enrolled by Corps
Officer Captain Peter McGuigan, had moved to Melbourne from India several years ago. Both had been raised in Christian homes, but while in Melbourne had drifted from their faith.
It was after moving to Rockhampton and being taken to the Army that both of them decided to recommit their lives to Christ.
“We both felt that we were going on the wrong path and had a great feeling that God was telling us that you are my child, come to me and I will give you eternal life. So we found The Salvation Army as our spiritual home and decided to step up,” said Angel.
Burwood Corps
Capricorn Region Corps
Brisbane City Temple CorpsOn Sunday 6 June, Major Earle Ivers
spoke on the topic of “Bridge to Blessing” at Brisbane City Temple Corps to correspond with the Senior Soldier enrolment of Peter Scales.
Born and raised in a Christian family, Peter slowly drifted away from church and God. After many years of running, and a series of unfortunate events, Peter spent some time homeless, living under the bridge of Riverside Expressway.
After a visit from the Brisbane City Temple Street Ministry Team, Peter felt compelled to go inside the corps building. On that Sunday morning, while Major Ivers was preaching, Peter asked the Lord into his life.
At his enrolment, Peter, pictured below, flanked by Recruitment Sergeant Ron MacDonald and Colour Sergeant Cheryl MacDonald, testified: “As I stand here before God and my friends being enrolled today, I wear this uniform with pride, knowing I am blessed. I believe that this is where God wants me to be and what he wants me to do; I want to make a difference in someone else’s life so their life can be changed like mine. They need to know God loves them too.”
Pipeline relies heavily on corps and centres to send us stories and photos of what’s happening in your area for the news section of the magazine. Stories should be no longer than 300 words while photos should be at least 500kb in size. They can be sent to: [email protected]
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c eLOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
(Majors Bruce and Margaret Dobbie)
God was glorified throughout the 125th anniversary celebrations at the Ipswich Corps of The Salvation Army
from 15-18 July, from the Home League’s organisation of a morning tea and women’s rally to the Sunday evening Salvation Meeting.
The theme for the celebrations was “Looking Forward, Looking Back”, which suited guest speaker Colonel Jan Condon as she revelled in the playing of her favourite country song by Slim Dusty.
Indeed many had their toes tapping wishing they were much younger and still able to square dance. Four women rededicated their lives to the Lord at the altar call during the women’s rally and another has since testified to experiencing the presence of God in her life for the first time.
Colonels James (Chief Secretary) and Jan (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) Condon and The Sydney Staff Songsters were the special guests for the weekend and added significantly to the occasion.
South Queensland Divisional Commander Major Wayne Maxwell brought an inspiring message during the anniversary dinner held at Banjo’s Restaurant on the Friday evening, where more than 200 people enjoyed a three-course meal and listened to presentations from Andrew Antoniolle, representing Ipswich City Council, and Shayne Neumann, MP for the seat of Blair who spoke of his grandparents being Salvationists
The newly formed Ipswich Corps singers and Timbrel Brigade and the Canaan Staff Band added to the evening’s entertainment between courses.
On Saturday afternoon, Brad Strong, Manager of the Army’s Canaan School for Training and Development, and the Canaan Staff Band joined Ipswich Corps Officers Majors Bruce and Margaret Dobbie and Colonels Condon to dedicate a new outdoor chapel at nearby Purga, previously a Salvation Army-managed Indigenous mission.
Colonel James Condon shared his experience of December
2002, when he joined the elders and community of Purga and other corps representatives in a ceremony of reconciliation.
Mr Strong then spoke about the new plans for Purga Mission. A nursery will be set up where local Indigenous people will be given employment and training in running a nursery business.
Steven Davidson, representing the elders of Purga, presented an Aboriginal flag to the Dobbies which they agreed to fly with pride, symbolising the ongoing relationship with the mission.
The Sydney Staff Songsters presented an evening of music and song on the Saturday, a programme acclaimed as one of the best attended in the city of Ipswich for many years.
The vibrancy and spiritual experience of the group was prominent as God’s name was uplifted throughout the entire performance.
Bundamba Corps Band and Timbrel Brigade assisted significantly during the Sunday services which began with Colonels Condon leading the “Celebrate Through Worship” meeting in the morning where the congregation was challenged “to learn from the past, to focus our attention on Jesus, to expect great things and to make a difference” for God’s Kingdom in the Ipswich region.
In the afternoon, Bundamba Corps Band and Timbrel Brigade combined with the Staff Songsters for a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon concert, again thrilling the congregation and lifting spirits in praise and worship.
The Ipswich Corps hasn’t held an open-air meeting for many years yet on the Sunday afternoon at Darcy Doyle Place, the spot where the very first Salvation Army service in the city was held 125 years ago, Major Bruce Dobbie led as many people gathered to enjoy the outreach, followed by an inspirational “march of witness” back to the citadel for the evening meeting.
And what a Salvation Meeting was had as both Ipswich and Bundamba folk and many visitors shared in worship together.
Major Margaret Dobbie challenged the congregation about moving forward together as a united force of Salvationists within the region, seeking to work more closely together.
125th anniversary celebrations at Ipswich
A march of witness through the city centre presented
an invitation to the Ipswich community to attend the
Sunday evening service.
The hall at Ipswich Corps was packed as more than 400 people attended the 125th anniversary services on the Sunday.
Kids clubs and football schools in The Salvation Army’s Southern Africa Territory – set up to take advantage of the
excitement and interest generated by South Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup – have proved hugely popular, with numbers in many places exceeding expectations.
Among those involved in these World Cup missions was a team of more than 20 Salvationists from the Australia Eastern Territory, led by Major Trevor Nicol, Major Stuart Reid, Lincoln Hawkins and Mark Soper.
The outreach activities also extended to South Africa’s neighbour, Namibia, which is part of the Southern Africa Territory. The Salvation Army has only been active in Namibia for two years and is still in the early stages of its development, but this did not stop Salvationists there from joining in the fun. A football and fun day was attended by 250 children.
Children at the various events were given information on how to be safe from human trafficking. The anti-trafficking message was also promoted to children and adults in their communities, at stadiums and at FIFA Fanfest venues where fans gathered to watch the matches on giant screens.
Donor funding also made it possible to distribute educational and sports equipment – including goalposts – to a number of Salvation Army corps across the territory. This equipment will continue to be used beyond the World Cup.
Along with education and safe fun, many corps offered a meal to the children attending the special World Cup events. One place where this happened is at eMangweni Corps in
General meets former president during Texas visitBy PATRICK PATEY
General Shaw Clifton and his wife Commissioner Helen Clifton met former United States President George W Bush
and his wife Laura Bush in Dallas, Texas, during a recent visit to The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory.
The meeting took place in the library of the home of Charles and Dee Wyly before a black-tie dinner attended by 62 guests. Charles Wyly is a member of The Salvation Army’s Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Advisory Board. The General and Commissioner Clifton sat with the former president and his wife at dinner.
The international leaders’ visit began with a soldiers rally at Dallas Temple Corps. The General encouraged soldiers and officers to examine how their corps and The Salvation Army are acting as a Christ-like example.
“Be a letter written by your Heavenly Father which communicates the love of Jesus Christ and the effectiveness of Calvary’s cross to all around you,” he said.
The next day, after attending an advisory board meeting, the Cliftons travelled west to Fort Worth for the 20th anniversary celebration of The Salvation Army Mabee Social Services Centre. The facility includes a men’s shelter, women’s shelter, three transitional programmes and a food pantry. It also provides emergency financial assistance and free daily meals.
Delivering the keynote address, the General said: “This
(From right) Former US president George W Bush, Laura Bush, General Shaw Clifton, Commissioner Helen Clifton, Dee Wyly and Charles Wyly.
facility shines as a beacon in this community. A beacon for Christ; a beacon for compassion; a beacon for reaching out without discrimination to all who need a helping hand and who can be restored to a life of total dignity for the sake of the gospel.”
World leaders inspire Canadian congress
“God is not yet finished with The Salvation Army,” affirmed Lieutenant-Colonel Alf Richardson (Divisional
Commander, Newfoundland and Labrador Division) as he welcomed Salvationists including the Army’s world leaders General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton to the Atlantic Congress and Commissioning weekend in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.
“He is calling us to embrace our destiny.”Destiny was the theme of the congress, held in St John’s,
Newfoundland, and organised by the Newfoundland and Labrador, Maritime, and Bermuda Divisions. The international leaders were supported by territorial leaders Commissioners William W and Marilyn D Francis.
Children and youth were the focus of the Friday night welcome meeting. In his challenge to young and older Salvationists, the General addressed the need for holy courage. He shared how through the influence of courageous Salvationists the Army keeps expanding into new areas around the world.
“How do you get holy courage?” he asked. “On your knees in prayer.”
On the Saturday evening, 19 cadets from the Prayer Warriors session were ordained and commissioned as officers by General Clifton. As he commissioned each cadet individually, the General read a Scripture verse specifically chosen for them by staff from the college for officer training. After the newly commissioned lieutenants sang I’m In His Hands Commissioner Clifton offered a prayer of dedication.
At the Sunday morning holiness meeting, General Clifton challenged congress delegates to question what a holy life looked like and to seek it with all their heart.
“Love one another as Jesus has loved you,” he encouraged. “We are sanctified by his blood and filled with his love.”
The General also celebrated the distinctiveness of the Army. He stressed the importance of the holiness meeting, the Army uniform and the mercy seat. “God raised us up to be like this,” he said.
A young Salvationist tries on General Shaw Clifton’s tunic to the delight of the congregation at the congress in Newfoundland, Canada.
At the salvation meeting in the evening, representatives from each of the three Atlantic divisions shared their testimonies. Following their moving stories, General Clifton urged corps officers in attendance to dedicate time in their future meetings for testimonies.
“Let the people speak,” he said. “This is how God raised us up. There is nothing like a powerful personal testimony.”
In his closing words the General urged Salvationists to secure their eternal destiny.
“Will you give your all?” he asked. Then, as hundreds of Salvationists moved to the mercy seat, the General was joined by other senior leaders as he prayed over those kneeling before God.
As the Atlantic Congress and Commissioning weekend came to a close, General Clifton proudly waved The Salvation Army flag as the congregation sang the Founder’s Song, O Boundless Salvation.
General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton led nearly 4000 Salvationists in a holiness congress in the USA
Central Territory. Throughout the weekend delegates were challenged to increase their vision, enlarge their hearts and step out in faith individually and corporately.
During the first meeting the General spoke about unlikely heroes in the Bible and told delegates: “Very ordinary folk and very imperfect folk – like you and me – can rise to terrific heights when we give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Along with the main plenary sessions the congress included a modern adaptation of the Gowans and Larsson musical Spirit, a coffee house gathering for young adults – attended by the international leaders who responded to questions about the Army – and a hall which hosted a mini-concert featuring
Cliftons lead special weekend in US Central territorythe Chicago Staff Band, a book-signing by the General, a historical display and an interactive global village showcasing international programmes. USA national leaders Commissioner Israel L and Eva D Gaither also participated during the weekend.
On the Sunday morning of the congress, the General took part in the ordination and commissioning of the 23 cadets of the Prayer Warriors session.
Emphasising the theme of the weekend, the General spoke on the wonderful blessing of holiness and its attainability through God’s Spirit.
His message resonated in the hearts of those Salvationists who responded readily during a time of commitment and dedication.
Mpumalanga where up to 190 children attending the kids club received a meal every day.
“Young people in the corps took on the awesome responsibility of providing a programme for the children every day, which included games, songs and a Bible story,” said Captain Patti Niemand of Southern Africa Territorial Headquarters.
Overwhelming response to World Cup mission
A football clinic in Soweto which was led by the Australian mission team.
pipeline 08/2010 35
INTERNATIONAL NEWSINTERNATIONAL NEWS
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
pROMOTED TO GLORY
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
Defender of faith
Major Brian Holley was promoted to glory on
22 May, aged 66.Overflow seating
was required at the thanksgiving service for his life conducted by Commissioner Earle
Maxwell at Carina-Mt Gravatt Corps on 31 May.
Major David Terracini, Corps Officer, welcomed the congregation, urging them to honour Brian’s life by honouring our Lord Jesus Christ. In the corps tribute, Major Terracini described Brian as a servant leader, someone who would “do whatever it took to serve people and honour Jesus Christ”.
A message from the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Linda Bond, was read by Lieutenant-Colonel John Hodge, who also gave a tribute on behalf of Salvation Army officers, saying, “Brian was a man who would make you hunger for holiness and make you believe it is possible”.
Selected verses from Colossians 3, aptly headed “Rules for holy living”, were read by family friend Lenore Clanfield.
In recognition of Brian’s love of music and his talent as a producer of Salvation Army musicals, choruses from Glory and Man Mark II were sung.
A colourful and humorous insight into Brian’s early life was presented by his brother, Major Robert Holley, as he shared stories of sibling “rivalry”.
Following a photographic presentation depicting highlights of Brian’s life, his sons Paul and Gary Holley shared a second family tribute. They reflected on lessons they had learnt as children, honouring their father as a “people person” who was always willing to change his plans to help others.
Centring his Bible message on the words of Jesus in John 14:2, (“In my Father’s house are many rooms ... I am going there to prepare a place for you”), Commissioner Maxwell challenged Brian’s family and friends to “make sure your love for God is fervent and faithful”.
Brian’s grandchildren led a moving family vocal rendition of the benediction, May The Road Rise to Meet You.
Other songs sung in the service, Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven; Thou Art the Way, None Other Dare I Follow and I Stand Amazed in the Presence, were fitting choices to honour one of the Lord’s “good and faithful” servants.
Brian George Holley was born on 20 November, 1943, in Lithgow, where his parents, Albert and Mavis, were corps officers. He was the second of six children.
Brian’s creativity was also expressed through floral arranging and his bonsai collection. In retirement, he was planning to extend his creative skills with wood-turning and painting.
Although his work commitments sometimes saw Brian distanced from his family, he loved nothing more than sharing experiences together with them.
Brian leaves behind his wife, Glenys, their three married children (Paul, Gary, Ngaire), five grand-daughters and two grandsons who all live in Brisbane.
Devoted, loyal and loving
Eunice Adlington was promoted to glory aged
85, on 23 May from her home in Earlwood after a brief illness.
Eunice Edna Russell was born in Melbourne on 12 December 1924 to Allan
and Emily Russell. With her parents and two sisters, Marjorie and Betty, the family attended the Melbourne City Temple Corps.
In 1942, Eunice met Jens Raymond Adlington during his training with the RAAF. They were married on 19 April 1947, and made their family home in Sydney where Eunice became part of the Sydney Congress Hall Corps.
A committal service was held at Woronora Crematorium on Thursday 27 May followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at Sydney Congress Hall where Eunice had soldiered with her husband Jens since their marriage in 1947. These services were led sensitively and with challenging messages by Major Terry Grey and Captain Lyn Edge.
Family tributes were presented by her daughters Carolyn Lang and Margaret Windmill as well as her three grandchildren, Jonathan Lang, and Emily and Hannah Windmill. Each echoed the sentiments that their mother and grandmother had a good sense of humour, was very generous and loving and they had all been the beneficiary of her sewing skills and excellent cooking.
The Scripture readings were brought by Major Winston Kardell, who has been a good friend and pastoral carer particularly in recent months during the ailing health of Eunice’s husband, Jens. The large congregation sang confidently, I’m in His Hands, It is Well with My Soul, and My Jesus I Love Thee.
Pam Unicomb and Varley Turner represented the corps in tribute. A common theme in each tribute was reference to the fact that she was a great encourager and helper behind the scenes, and that nothing was ever a trouble to
After finishing school, he worked in the bank and at Philips Industries. During this time he commenced his accounting studies, but before completing the course he entered the Officer Training College in Sydney in 1965 as part of the Defenders of Faith.
In later years he was able to continue his business studies and in 2000 completed his Bachelor of Administrative Leadership degree at the University of New England.
Following commissioning as a lieutenant in 1967, Brian was appointed to Cooma Corps/Snowy Mountains Field Unit.
In January 1968 he married Lieutenant Glenys Kingston. Following marriage, they were appointed to Bega.
A further 11 years were spent in corps work at Deniliquin, Paddington (NSW), Cairns, Gympie and Mount Gravatt.
In January 1980, Captain Holley commenced his first divisional headquarters appointment as Divisional Youth Secretary in Newcastle. This was followed by divisional positions in Rockhampton (Divisional Secretary; Chancellor and Youth Work) and Brisbane (Divisional Secretary).
In 1988, Major Brian Holley was privileged to attend the 120th session of the International College for Officers in London.
Returning to corps work in 1992, Majors Brian and Glenys Holley commanded Chatswood Corps and then Dulwich Hill Corps. These appointments were followed by a second two-year term at Newcastle headquarters as Divisional General Secretary.
In 1999, Brian was appointed as Property Secretary at Territorial Headquarters. Shortly afterwards he was transferred to the Central and North Queensland Division as the Divisional Commander. In January 2006, Brian returned to Sydney as the Assistant Chief Secretary.
Delaying retirement, in 2009, Brian and Glenys were appointed to Mount Gravatt Corps to assist with the amalgamation process with Carina Corps.
In February this year, Brian and Glenys retired as Salvation Army officers, however he was still very active – collecting at South Brisbane train station and the pubs on Fridays; making the women’s ministries bus run and conducting pastoral visitations.
Apart from his calling as an officer, Brian was passionate about his music and his garden. Brian made many contributions as a musician to Army life. As a largely self-taught pianist, he blessed many with his thoughtful arrangements of hymns and sympathetic accompaniment.
pROMOTED TO GLORY
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
her retirement certificate. From there she moved to a nursing home at Herston, and then – when that closed down – to Boronia Heights.
Christine’s condition took her away from the family and a great amount of grieving had already been done over the years of her illness.
Christine was determined to live life despite her illness, and she was a quiet, lovely and elegant person. The relentless power of her illness overcame her strength of resolve and she finally passed away peacefully on Monday, 24 May at 9.45pm.
The family is confident that God has taken her to be with him, and that – as promised in Scripture – she is now living with Jesus a life that is free from the affliction of disease, sin and pain.
Heart of family
Major Olive Inglis was promoted to
glory from the Epworth Eastern Hospital in Box Hill, Victoria, on 31 May, aged 85.
A Thanksgiving Service was held on
Thursday 3 June, at Camberwell Citadel. Commissioner Brian Morgan was the officiating officer.
Captain Kaye Barber (daughter), Barry Inglis (son) and Major Gordon Inglis (husband) brought a family tribute. They said Olive was the heart of the family, and a devoted mother and grandmother. Grandson Luke Inglis composed and sang a tribute.
Major Mavis Everett brought an officer tribute and Commissioner Beth Clinch read from Psalm 90. General Eva Burrows (R) prayed, and pronounced the benediction.
Esther Olive Cecilia Hofmeyer (known as Olive) was born on 11 September 1924, in Prahran, Victoria, to Carl and Myrtle Hofmeyer. She entered the training college from the Preston Corps in 1946 as a member of the Challenger II session.
Following her commissioning on 13 January, 1947, Olive served as an assistant at the Pingelly Corps, and as Corps Officer at Bunbury, Western Australia.
Olive married Lieutenant Gordon Coulson Inglis on 15 January 1949, and in the next few years they were delighted to welcome daughter Kaye and son Barry into their family.
Along with her husband, Olive served in a number of corps appointments including Busselton, Northam and Mt Hawthorn in Western Australia; Port Pirie in South Australia and then in Warrnambool, Wangaratta and Mildura in Victoria.
her. Eunice taught in the Sunday school for many years and was a member of the Ladies’ Evening Fellowship.
Mention was made that she served faithfully as part of the Tape Ministry Team, bringing blessings to people across the world. She also conducted a quiet ministry whereby she would regularly send appropriate greeting cards to people for their encouragement.
Close friend Lois Staines prayed and Captain Lyn Edge presented a tribute from long-time friend, Clare Duncombe.
Eunice’s real joy was her family – 63 years of marriage to a devoted husband, her two daughters, Carolyn and Margaret, and their husbands, and her grandchildren, Jonathan, Emily and Hannah.
Even though Eunice lived in Sydney, her Melbourne family were very much part of her life and she sought every opportunity to get together with them. Eunice will be remembered as very much a “behind the scenes” person with a great sense of commitment to her tasks. She loved her Lord and her family, and was a loyal friend.
Gentle witness for Jesus
Captain Christine Davey was promoted to glory
on 24 May, aged 48.A funeral service was
held on 28 May in Mount Gravatt, at the Metropolitan Funeral Home Chapel.
Major Lyndsay Smith conducted the service and gave a message titled, “Not the end; just the beginning”.
Tributes were shared by Allan Willis (father) and Major Cathy Rogerson, Major Peter Davey read the eulogy, and an audio-visual tribute was viewed. Scripture passages read at the service came from Isaiah 40:28-31 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 5:1.
Christine Barbara Willis was born on 3 September 1961 in Sydney, the only daughter of Allan and Irene Willis and the eldest of four siblings. She was raised in the west of Sydney and attended school at Oxley Park, Blacktown Public and Rooty Hill High.
In the 1970s, the family were all involved at Toongabbie Salvation Army, and in the late 1970s Christine became a soldier.
Christine was called upon to help with raising the family and she gave herself to supporting her mother Irene as she slowly became too ill to look after her family.
In early 1989, Christine left Earlwood Corps – where she was a corps cadet counsellor – and entered the Witnesses for Jesus session at the Training College at
Bexley North. One of her fellow cadets, Major Allison Wiseman, has said this about Christine: “Christine was a very special and valued member of our session; full of gentleness and kindness ... I am privileged to have known her, and call her friend and session mate – a true witness for Jesus.”
During her training, Christine did her field placement at Ipswich Corps with Majors Stan and Jean Evans and it was there that she met Peter on a day outing to Toowoomba. One group of her session later had campaigns at Nambour in the South Queensland Division and this gave her and Peter further time to develop their relationship.
Christine’s first appointment was to Glen Haven, when it was situated at New Farm in Brisbane. Major Beth Gittins and Christine moved the service from New Farm to Chermside. During this first year out of college, on 26 October 1991 Christine and Peter were married at the Brisbane City Temple by Major Graham Durston.
In March 1992, after much prayer and consultation, the newlyweds set out for Port Moresby to undertake appointments at the headquarters in Boroko, Papua New Guinea. Christine worked in the finance department while Peter did work in property.
Just two years into their marriage and PNG appointments, son Michael came along. Two years later, Catherine was born.
In 1995, the four-year appointment in PNG ended and the Daveys returned to Australia to take up an appointment at Cessnock in the Hunter Valley.
Christine revelled in motherhood and was very proud of both Michael and Catherine. The corps was progressing well but in 1996, Christine discovered she had a hereditary disease. It was a huge discovery, but one which she was determined to overcome by prayer and faith.
Another appointment came in the middle of 1998 and the family journeyed to Gladstone in Central Queensland. The appointment commenced with promise but then Christine became affected by her illness. It soon became impossible for the family to continue in ministry together. Specialist care was needed for Christine and the family moved to Mansfield in Brisbane. Christine was found to be unable to fulfil the role given to her and she was relieved of official duties.
In 2000, it became necessary for Christine to find alternate accommodation; first it was to a secure boarding house at Booval for several years. Here Captain Davey was officially retired from Salvation Army service (2002) and she was given
36 pipeline 08/2010 37
pROMOTED TO GLORY
LOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c eLOCA L AND I NTER NAT IONA L NEWS
From t he c oa l f a c e
about people
AppointmentEffective 7 June: Envoy Penny Williams, Armidale Corps Officer (pro tem), North NSW Division.Effective 16 July: Majors Don and Eva Hill, Emerald Corps Officers, Central and North Queensland Division.Effective 16 September: Major Ken Harvey, Centre Manager Central West Aged Care Services, Aged Care Plus; Major Joy Harvey, Assistant Care Manager Central West Aged Care Services, Aged Care Plus; Captain Jo Chant, Mission Director/Chaplain, Woodport Retirement Village, Aged Care Plus.
International AppointmentsEffective 1 October: Major William Mockabee, Chief Secretary, Sri Lanka Territory, promoted to lieutenant-colonel; Major Debra Mockabee, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Sri Lanka Territory, promoted to lieutenant-colonel.Effective 1 November: Commissioners William Roberts, National Commander, United States of America; Commissioner Nancy Roberts, National President of Women’s Ministries, United States of America; Lieutenant-Colonel Joash Malabi, Territorial Commander, Kenya West Territory, promoted to commissioner; Lieutenant-Colonel Florence Malabi, Territorial Leader of Women’s Ministries, Kenya West Territory, promoted to commissioner; Lieutenant-Colonel William Langa, Chief Secretary, Southern Africa Territory; Lieutenant-Colonel Thalitha Langa, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Southern Africa Territory.Effective 1 January 2011: Major Samuel Oklah, Chief Secretary, Ghana Territory, promoted to lieutenant-colonel; Major Philomina Oklah, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Ghana Territory, promoted to lieutenant-colonel.
BereavementEnvoy Bill Sweeting of his mother-in-law and Gillian Sweeting of her mother, Beryl Claire Stiff on 25 June; Cadet Peter Gott of his grandmother, Jean Gott on 7 July.
Paul Harris Fellow recognitionThe following people have been made Paul Harris Fellows by the Rotary Club: Major Lorraine Mack, Pennant Hills; Captains Dennis and Sue McGuigan, NorWest; Captain Chris Millard, Inverell; Major Alan Peterson, Pine Rivers.
ResignationEffective 1 June: Captains Craig and Noeleen Smith; Captain Michelle Kingston-Kerr.
International RetirementCommissioners Israel and Eva Gaither, United States, effective 1 November.
SAGALA AwardsThe following people have received the Commissioner’s Challenge Award: Aisha Charnock, Amy Lange, Tuggeranong Corps. The following people have received the General’s Award: Jessica Pratt, Katie Wall, Carina Mount Gravatt Corps.
Study SuccessCaptain Kate Young has completed a Certificate 3 in Business Administration.
time to pray
1-7 AugustNorthside Women’s Services, Oasis Youth Centre Wyong, Oasis Youth Support Network Surry Hills, Orana Women’s and Children’s Services, all NSW; Officer Recruitment Team, Officer Well-Being Team, both THQ; Sydney East and Illawarra Division Youth Rally (1); Officers Brengle, Geelong (3-12); Captivated day conference, Parramatta (7).
8-14 AugustKenya Territory; Orange Corps, Panania Corps, both NSW; Outback
Flying Service, Palm Beach Elanora Corps, both Qld; Overseas Service Personnel Office, THQ; Decision Week (8-15); 20 year review (9-12); Sydney East and Illawarra Division mission conference (9-11).
15-21 AugustRwanda Command; Parramatta Corps, Penrith Corps, Petersham Corps, all NSW; Pindari Men’s Hostel, Qld; Personnel Administration, THQ; Junior Soldier Day of Renewal (15); Territorial Planting Conference (19-20); The Greater West Division review (19); Sydney East and Illawarra Division chaplains forum (19); North NSW Division Refresh women’s camp (20-22); I’ll Fight conference, Sydney (20-22); Tri-territorial Planned Giving Conference, Collaroy (21-27); NCD forum, Sydney (21).
22-28 AugustLieut-Colonels David and Christine Rees, International Headquarters; Pindari Women’s Accommodation, Pine Rivers Corps, both Qld; Port Macquarie Corps, Port Stephens Corps, both NSW; Programme Administration, THQ; Sydney East and Illawarra community welfare centres forum (23); ACT and South NSW Division review (25-26).
29 August – 4 SeptemberGhana Territory; Property Department, Recovery Services Department, Red Shield Defence Services, THQ; Queanbeyan Corps, Raymond Terrace Corps, both NSW; Tri-territorial Court and Prison Chaplains Conference (29 Aug-1 Sept); Newcastle and Central NSW Divisional forum (30 Aug-1 Sept); Sydney East and Illawarra Division women’s retreat (30 Aug-2 Sept); third-year officers retreat (30 Aug-3 Sept); Booth College review (2); I’ll Fight conference – divisions (3-4).
5-11 SeptemberLatin America North Territory; Redcliffe City Corps, Riverview Gardens / Warrina Village Aged Care Services, Roma Corps, all Qld; Rockdale Corps, NSW; Father’s Day (5); ACT and South NSW Division officers forum (6-8); Newcastle and Central NSW Division review (9); Sydney East and Illawarra Division officers development day (9).
engagement calendar
Commissioner Linda Bond (Territorial Commander)Carina/Mt Gravatt: Sun 1 Aug – corps visitGeelong: Tue 3 Aug – Inter-territorial Leaders ConferenceGeelong: Tue 3 Aug evening – National BrengleParramatta: Sat 7 Aug – Captivated day conferenceTuggerah Lakes: Sun 8 Aug – corps visitGosford: Sat 14-Sun 15 Aug – corps visitSydney: Mon 16 Aug – Tri-territorial Courts and Prison ConferenceCollaroy: Sat 21 Aug – Tri-territorial Planned Giving ConferenceSydney: Fri 27 Aug – I’ll Fight conferenceBrisbane: Sat 28 Aug – Delve conferenceSouth Burnett Region: Sun 29 Aug – corps visitBexley North: Mon 30 Aug – third year officers residential trainingBexley North: Wed 1 Sept – lecture at School for Officer TrainingParramatta: Sun 5 Sept – retirement service for Commissioners Barry and Raemor Pobjie
Colonel James (Chief Secretary) and Jan Condon #Collaroy: Sun 1 Aug – Just Men ConferenceGeelong: Tue 3 Aug – Inter-territorial Leaders ConferenceGeelong: Tue 3 Aug – National Brengle*Parramatta: Sat 7 Aug – Captivated day conferenceKingsgrove: Mon 9 Aug – Sydney East and Illawarra Div strategy daySingapore: Sun 15 Aug-Wed 18 Aug – Right at the Heart ConferenceMaryborough: Sat 21 Aug-Sun 22 Aug – 125th corps anniversarySydney: Fri 27 Aug-Sat 28 Aug – I’ll Fight conferenceBexley North: Thur 2 Sept – Booth College review#Parramatta: Sun 5 Sept – retirement service for Commissioners Barry and Raemor Pobjie
* Colonel Jan Condon only# Colonel James Condon only
In 1963, she was appointed as the Divisional League of Mercy Secretary serving in this position in the Western Victoria and then Northern Victorian divisions. In 1966, Olive and Gordon then returned to corps ministry at Ringwood (Victoria), followed by ministry in the Finance Department at Territorial Headquarters. Her final appointment before retirement was as the Assistant Territorial League of Mercy Secretary at Territorial Headquarters.
Following retirement in October 1988, Olive and Gordon lived in Melbourne where their joint contribution to the corps at Camberwell has long been appreciated and acknowledged.
Olive had a bright and welcoming nature quickly endearing her to young and old alike. Olive’s ministry and personality perfectly complemented that of her husband Gordon. Her strength of character, wisdom and faith allowed her a unique caring ministry of her own, not seen in the public arena but still powerfully at work in her relational ministry.
Compassionate and selfless
Mrs Lieutenant-Colonel Elinore Higgins was
promoted to glory on 3 June, aged 95.
A committal service was held on 11 June at Walters and Son in Dulwich Hill. This was
followed by a Thanksgiving Service in the Macquarie Lodge Chapel. Both were led by Commissioner Earle Maxwell.
Major Del Higgins (daughter) read from the Scriptures at both services, Darrell Higgins (son) shared a family tribute at the Committal Service, and
Wayne Higgins (son) spoke at the Thanksgiving Service.
Also at the Thanksgiving Service, Major Joanne Slater prayed, Kathleen Higgins (eldest grandchild) presented a vocal solo Amazing Grace, and Commissioner Les Strong read the retired officers tribute.
In his tribute, Wayne shared some words from his brother Bryan who was at the time in the United Kingdom: “Thank you for having me, thank you for nurturing me, thank you for looking after me when I was sick, and thank you for my music.”
Wayne also said: “Elinore was a thoughtful, compassionate and selfless person who always put her needs last. She loved her God, she loved her ministry, she loved her husband, she loved her children and she loved and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her circle of friends and family is immense. Her legacy and her memory have given us values, they give us faith, and they give us hope. Elinore gave us light, she gave us love and she gave us laughter. Please take that light, love and laughter with you today as we celebrate her life.”
Elinore Marie Shaw was born in Ballina, NSW, on 29 September, 1914.
In 1930, at the age of 15, Elinore became a senior soldier at the Nundah Corps in Brisbane.
Five years later, Elinore entered the Training College on 1 March, 1935, as a member of the Challenger session.
She was commissioned in January 1936 and appointed to Walker Street Corps.
Following that appointment, she served at Mascot, Condoblin and Bega. It was in Bega that she met Captain Terence
Higgins and on 2 June, 1939, Captain Shaw married Captain Higgins.
Together they shared appointments in Temora, Ballina, Hillside (Rockhampton), Bundaberg, Lismore, Ipswich and Albion before transferring to New Zealand in 1951.
Appointments in that territory included Wellington City, Territorial Headquarters and Napier Corps. In 1956, Major and Mrs Higgins returned to Australia, and were appointed to Dulwich Hill Temple Corps.
A change of work took place in 1958 with the appointment as Divisional Youth Secretary in the Goulburn, South Queensland and Sydney Central Divisions.
After a term of five years spent at Territorial Headquarters, where Elinore developed the Postal Sunday School, Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs Higgins were appointed as Divisional Commanders for the Central and North Queensland Division.
Another divisional command followed in Northern NSW before they returned to Sydney, again to Territorial Headquarters.
Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs Higgins retired from Salvation Army officership service in 1977; Terence Higgins was promoted to glory on 10 August 1994.
Throughout her distinguished career, Elinore supported Terence in all of their postings as well as providing significant contributions to the home league.
Music camps, home league camps and youth camps were also blessed with the catering and maternal support provided by Mrs Lieutenant-Colonel Elinore Higgins.
Following her June promotion to glory, one of Elinore’s grandchildren lovingly remarked: “Grandma and Grandpa, together again.”
38
pipeline 08/2010 40