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Jonathan Roumie plays the role of Jesus in the hit series The Chosen. The table is set. The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But – instead of confronting Rome – he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last. The Chosen: Last Supper has connected with audiences in the lead-up to Easter, finishing its opening day at No.4 in the box office in Australia and No. 2 in New Zealand.   A drama series based on the life of Jesus, the latest episode (Season 5, Part One) opened at its Sydney premiere earlier this month with significant pre-sales and an increasing buzz among fans, exhibitors and media.   The American release on 28 March spent some time at #1.   “I’m not shocked we’ve done so well in Australia and New Zealand because viewers there have been passionate about the show for years,” said Dallas Jenkins, creator and executive producer. “I’m thrilled they’re getting to see our biggest season yet on the big screen.” SEE MORE: To view previous episodes and for more on The Chosen , click here The Chosen , starring Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, retells the gospel story against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel.   The Chosen: Last Suppe r held the #4 (Australia) and #2 (NZ) positions, with 13 new films released in the past week. It was up against holiday favourites A Minecraft Movie, Disney film Snow White and action favourite The Amateur.   The Chosen began as a crowd-funded project and is now on pace to be the most translated series in history, with over 280 million viewers and more than 17 million social media followers.   The Chosen: Last Supper will be released in over 50 global territories, including South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa. The season will make its streaming debut on Prime Video in late 2025 as part of a new wide-ranging deal between series producer 5&2 Studios and Amazon MGM Studios.

Oasis Ball Sleepout participants before bunking down in the WA Divisional Headquarters carpark. National Youth Week in Australia in 2025 is being held from 9-17 April with the theme ‘We are the future, and the future is now!’ BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Western Australia Divisional Headquarters recently hosted the inaugural Oasis Ball Sleepout in its Perth carpark, raising more than $60,000 to support The Salvation Army’s Youth Services in WA.   About 50 participants from media and advertising businesses gathered for the sleepout event on Friday, March 28. The event provided an experience of homelessness and an understanding of its human impact.   “Nearly 40,000 children and young people have nowhere to live across Australia ... around 9500 are aged between 15-17,” says Guy Rees, Social Mission State Manager from The Salvation Army.  Oasis Ball Sleepout participants were tasked with raising $500 each to support The Salvation Army’s services aimed at assisting homeless youth across Australia.   The Salvation Army Oasis Project, supported by the funds raised, provides crisis support, transitional housing, and pathways into community housing and private rental for young people.   “Over 30 per cent of the children and young people (experiencing homelessness) identify as First Nations,” Guy said. “These 40,000 children and young people have presented at homelessness services across the country with over 44 per cent accessing homelessness services are still homeless after initial support.” The Salvation Army mobile catering vehicle provided refreshments for participants during the sleepout. Participants at the sleepout heard from a person with lived experience of homelessness. They were then led on a tour of the hotspots within the CBD, concluding with a visit to The Beacon.   The Beacon is The Salvation Army’s largest residential homelessness facility in Australia, a 116-bed accommodation facility for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Participants also got to experience the services provided by the Salvos Outreach Service Team.   “WA youth service provides invaluable holistic support to children and young people experiencing these challenges,” Guy explained.   “We provide crisis support, transitional housing and pathways into community housing and private rental, education and training. Our model of care 'journey to independence' enables us to walk alongside young people, meeting them where they are and journeying together to a safe and brighter future.”   The Salvos appreciated a visit from Hon John Carey MLA and Crown Resorts Foundation, which made a further donation for each participant.   The original goal was $30,000, but nearly $61,000 has been raised. Those wanting to support the campaign can contribute online .

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Each week throughout 2025 year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week ( 14-20 April ) we are praying for Holy Week. Prayers for Holy Week Welcome to Holy Week. This week, we take a pause from a normal rhythm of prayer as we journey towards the cross. Join with Salvationists around the world as we remember Christ’s sacrifice, embrace his grace and walk in the hope of his resurrection. You may want to use these written prayers: ·   Monday: Lord, as we begin this Holy Week, help us to walk in humility and obedience, just as you did. When challenges arise, give us the strength to trust in your plan and the grace to follow wherever you lead. ·   Tuesday:  Jesus, in a world full of distractions and temptations, open our hearts to your truth. Help us to recognise what is right, stand firm in faith, and boldly live as your disciples, even when it is difficult. ·   Wednesday:  Lord, cleanse our hearts of anything that betrays your love. Free us from selfishness, doubt, and fear so that we may remain faithful to you in all circumstances. ·   Maundy Thursday:  Jesus, as you knelt to wash the feet of your disciples, you showed us that love is found in humility and service. Teach us to love as you love, to serve as you serve, and to give of ourselves generously to others. ·   Good Friday:  Lord, today we stand at the foot of your cross, overwhelmed by the depth of your sacrifice. Thank you for your boundless mercy and love – may our lives be a reflection of the grace you poured out for us. ·   Holy Saturday:  In the stillness of this day, when the world waited in silence, teach us to trust in you even when we cannot see the way forward. Fill us with patient hope as we await the joy of resurrection. ·   Easter Sunday:  Jesus, you are risen! Death is defeated and love has triumphed! Fill our hearts with the joy of your resurrection and the power of your Spirit, that through our words and our actions, we may share the Good News with the world. Worldwide Prayer Meeting This Holy Week, we invite you to pray for our movement: ·  Thank God for the incredible sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his glorious resurrection. Pray that our people will truly grasp the depth of Christ’s love for them and the power of his victory over sin and death. Pray that this Easter will lead us to greater gratitude, sincere worship and deeper commitment to following Jesus in all areas of life. ·  Pray for The Salvation Army to stay centred on Christ, so that all we do flows from his love. Ask God to help us reflect his heart to the world. ·  Pray for our faith to be strengthened so we can stand firm and serve boldly. Ask God to help us trust him no matter what we face. ·  Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our movement, that our people will experience deep spiritual renewal and be filled with fresh passion for mission. ·  Pray for courage and boldness to share the message of Christ’s love and resurrection, especially during this Easter season. Ask God to open hearts and prepare the way for people to receive the gospel. May we be empowered to witness fearlessly and compassionately, reaching those who need to hear the hope of salvation through Jesus with our words and actions. ·  Pray for Easter campaigns, worship gatherings and outreach events that will take place all over the world this week. Pray for lasting fruit from these ministries as many are led to faith and renewed in their walk with God. May his presence be evident in every gathering and may the love of Jesus be shared with those in need of hope. ·  Pray for The Salvation Army to be a light in dark places. Ask Jesus to use us to bring the message of hope, justice, and salvation to all. ·       Pray for people living in places of war and conflict, that they may know God’s peace and love for them. Ask God to bring healing, justice, and an end to violence. For the Holy Week and Easter reflections, Raise!, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Singer-songwriter Ronan Keating and his band performed for The Salvation Army to promote the upcoming Red Shield Appeal. BY LAUREN MARTIN Irish singer/songwriter Ronan Keating performed an intimate concert for a small group of Salvation Army workers, volunteers and community members in Sydney recently as part of his support for the Army’s upcoming Red Shield Appeal.   The concert, which was filmed, included a question-answer session in which Ronan spoke about his judging spot on Australia’s The Voice , the importance of kindness, and why he’s passionate about the work of The Salvation Army.   “Many people in this room have suffered and struggled, and I hope people have been there for them. I know The Salvation Army is that for so many people. Which is why it’s such a recognisable brand ... why it’s a brand people lean on and need,” he said. NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black thanks Ronan Keating for his performance for the Salvos. He spoke about the recent death of his brother, which impacted him greatly, saying that through it, he discovered the importance of being weak. “You shouldn’t be strong in those moments; you need to be weak. Because if you don’t learn from what you’re going through and if you don’t deal with your grief, you’re never going to be able to deal with the weight and the sadness.”   He said the Salvos assist people in many ways and that the organisation is needed “more now than ever.”   The Salvation Army filmed the concert and will air clips from it and Ronan’s interview on its national social media pages. The event also generated positive news coverage for the Salvos. Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the concert.

To watch the General’s Easter Devotional, see the video below the text. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the empty tomb, Easter represents the most profound moment in human history – the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we contemplate this holy season, we witness divine love conquering death itself, offering humanity the greatest gift imaginable: eternal salvation through our risen Lord.   “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This familiar verse takes on renewed meaning as we journey through the events of Holy Week, understanding the depth of sacrifice that God’s love required.   The path to Easter begins in the shadow of betrayal. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect submission to the Father’s will, even as his soul was ‘overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death’ (Mark 14:34). Despite Christ knowing the suffering that awaited him, his prayer reflects unwavering obedience: “Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). This moment of supreme surrender teaches us that true faith means trusting God’s plan even in our darkest hours.   The events that followed – the mock trial, the cruel scourging and the journey to Golgotha – reveal the depths of human sin and the heights of divine love. As Isaiah prophesied centuries earlier: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5). Every lash, every thorn, every nail bore witness to the price of our redemption. “The beauty of Easter lies not just in the historical events we commemorate but in their continuing power to transform lives today.”   At Calvary, we witness both the horror of sin and the wonder of grace. The Cross stands as the ultimate symbol of sacrificial love, where the sinless Son of God bore the weight of all of humanity’s transgressions. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). As Jesus declared, “It is finished’” (John 19:30), he fulfilled every prophecy, satisfied divine justice, and bridged the chasm between God and man.   But the Cross is not the end of the story. If Christ’s death were the final chapter, our faith would be in vain. As Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). The Resurrection transforms everything. When Mary Magdalene and the other women approached the tomb early on Sunday morning, they discovered the greatest miracle in history – the stone rolled away and death defeated.   The angel’s proclamation rings through the ages: ‘“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6). These words changed the course of human history and continue to transform lives today. The Resurrection validates every claim that Jesus made about his identity and mission. It proves he is indeed the Son of God, with power over death itself. As Romans 1:4 declares, he “was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead”.   The implications of the Resurrection are profound and personal. Because Christ lives, we, too, shall live. His victory becomes our victory, his life our life. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The Resurrection guarantees that death has lost its sting and the grave has been defeated. We serve a living Saviour who promises, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).   Easter morning ushers in a new creation. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that transforms believers’ lives today. As Paul explains: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Resurrection isn’t merely a historical event to commemorate – it’s a present reality that offers hope, purpose and new life to all who believe.   This Easter victory extends beyond personal salvation to cosmic significance. Christ’s resurrection initiates the restoration of all creation, as God begins to make all things new. The empty tomb declares that sin, death and Satan are defeated foes. Though we still battle against evil in this present age, the war has been decisively won. As Paul triumphantly proclaims: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).   The Resurrection also empowers believers for Christian service. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in believers, enabling us to live victoriously and serve effectively. As Paul prayed, we can know “his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead” (Ephesians 1:19-20).   The living Christ commissions us to share this good news with a world in desperate need of hope. The women at the tomb received the first evangelical mandate: “Go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead’” (Matthew 28:7). That commission extends to all believers today. We are witnesses of his resurrection, called to proclaim the message of Easter to every corner of the earth.   This Easter season, let us rejoice in our risen Lord who has conquered death and secured our eternal salvation. Let us embrace the power of his resurrection in our daily lives, allowing his victory to transform our defeats into triumphs. As we celebrate the empty tomb, may we echo the words of the ancient Christian greeting: “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”   The beauty of Easter lies not just in the historical events we commemorate but in their continuing power to transform lives today. Because he lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate us from his love. As Paul declared, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).   May this Easter fill our hearts with renewed joy in our risen Saviour, deeper gratitude for his sacrifice and fresh commitment to his service. The tomb is empty, death is defeated, and Christ reigns victorious. This is the glory of Easter – not just a past event but a present reality that offers hope, purpose and eternal life to all who believe in the risen Lord.   “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).   Lyndon Buckingham General To watch the General’s Easter Devotional, click on the video below.

All Salvation Army officers are occasionally called on to do something that is way, way, way outside their position description. We do it as part of our service to God and to others, and then we sit back and think, “What on Earth was I thinking?”   At one corps, I received a phone call one afternoon from an elderly single lady at our corps – let’s call her Kate – who lived just a minute’s drive away from the hall. Kate was quite frantic and said that there was a snake in her backyard. Could I come and kill it? She was worried that her dog would go outside and be bitten by the snake. Apparently, Kate wasn’t too worried that her corps officer might be bitten by a snake, just the dog.   I told her I’d be there in a moment and grabbed our youth worker, Jim, on the way out, telling him to come with me. On the drive, he asked what we were doing, and I told him we were going to confront a low-down, filthy, dangerous snake. Jim said, ”Anyone I know?”   We arrived at Kate’s house and went in. She showed us through to the backyard and pointed out where she’d last seen the snake. She said that she occasionally had one come up from the river behind her house. She said it only looked small, maybe two feet long (sorry, young folks, 60cm), and she couldn’t identify what sort of snake it was.   Jim and I approached cautiously and could just glimpse the snake behind a piece of wood resting against the fence. I took charge quickly … because I wanted to be at the opposite end of any potential snake action (sorry, Jim).   “Alright, Jim. We leave the wood there because it means he can only exit front or back. I’ll thump the ground with my shovel at this end to shut off the exit, and then he’ll have to leave out your end. When he does, whack your shovel straight down on him.”   Jim: “Doesn’t it say in the Bible that in faith we can pick up serpents in our hands?” Mal: “Do you want to hug it or whack it with a shovel?” Jim: “You’re my spiritual leader; let’s swap ends and you can pick it up. I believe in you.” Mal: “The Bible also says we have authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, so feel free to jump on it if you want to.” Jim: “I’ll stick with the shovel.”   We readied ourselves; I did a silent ‘1,2,3’ count and slammed my shovel down. In a blur, the snake bolted straight down the fence line and was gone. Leaving Jim whacking his shovel down all over the place to try and get him.   We looked around a bit but assumed the snake had headed back to the river – that was the direction he went in – and that Kate and the dog were all safe. After chatting with Kate, we departed, and no further reports of the snake were made. Clearly, our efforts to intimidate the snake had succeeded.   On the way back to the hall, Jim asked if we were allowed to kill a snake anyway. I said that we weren’t and that God had protected us from facing potential legal action by allowing the snake to escape our cunning plan. Jim said, “But what if I had killed the snake with my shovel?”, and I replied that I was just doing some gardening for Kate with a shovel and couldn’t be implicated in his deadly and illegal actions. Jim told me I was craftier than a snake. I said while that may be so, he was so slow with a shovel that I had nothing to fear.   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

The Salvation Army is helping to meet the needs of earthquake-impacted families in Myanmar. Measuring 7.7 on the Richter Scale, the Myanmar earthquake was the largest in the country for more than 100 years. The death toll has passed 3600 and is still climbing. A situation report issued late on Monday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that more than 17.2 million people were living in affected areas, and urgently needed food, drinking water, health care, cash assistance and emergency shelter. From Yangon to Mandalay, Salvation Army teams have been assessing the situation and are committed to ensuring life-saving assistance reaches those in desperate need. They are delivering essentials including food, clean water, shelter and hygiene items. The team and leaders in Myanmar ask Salvationists around the world to continue to pray for those affected by the earthquake and the response teams. “Let’s unite in support of the people of Myanmar during these challenging times,” they say. For more photos, view the slideshow below by clicking on the arrow.

Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett officially opens the new Salvos housing project, Tandarook House.  (Photo courtesy of WD News Publications) BY LERISSE SMITH Exciting new transformative housing projects have emerged in Victoria, with Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) at the forefront of these innovative ventures. A former 10-bedroom aged care facility, known as ‘Tandarook House,’ has been transformed into six social housing units in south-western Melbourne. Meanwhile, a youth housing project is underway in the western metro region of the city and is due to open mid-year. The refurbished aged care units in Cobden, south-west Melbourne, provide safe and secure housing for people over the age of 55. Homes Victoria funded this $1.7 million redevelopment as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build initiative to grow social housing and support local economies. “Safe, secure and affordable housing is one of the most basic human needs,” says Chris Karagiannis, CEO of Salvation Army Housing. “Yet we see too many Victorians facing daily challenges accessing long-term housing in regional areas. We believe this project will help support vulnerable people in the region and provide them the opportunity to transform their lives and give them a place to call home.”  Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merritt (left), State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing Irena Baric, and Mission Engagement Officer Major Mark Kop, cut the ribbon at the official opening of Tandarook House. (Photo courtesy of WD News Publications) The Salvation Army is the largest provider of homelessness services in Australia. SAHV is a community housing organisation that provides homes for families and individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, on low incomes, or with specific support needs. Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett recently officially opened Tandarook House. “We welcome this much-needed project,” Kelvin said. “And the support of the Victorian Government to help address some of the daily difficulties our regional clients face in securing safe and affordable housing. Housing and support have always been central to The Salvation Army’s fight against hardship and injustice across Australia.” The SAHV acquired the aged care facility located in the Shire of Corangamite six years ago as part of an agreement with the Shire through a land swap with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to redevelop it for long-term social housing. The funding for the development was secured in 2022 and completed at the end of December last year. It was tenanted within six weeks.  (From left) Project Coordinator Connie Osborne, State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing Irena Baric, Housing Worker Rebecca Hughes, Warrnambool and Hamilton Corps Officer Major Brett Allchin, Salvos Housing Chief Executive Chris Karagiannis, Wimmera South West Manager Homelessness Lindsay Stow, and Salvos Housing General Manager Property Infrastructure Glen Plummer, at the Cobden property. Victorian Government Shadow Minister Richard Riordan visited the facility, expressing enthusiasm for the much-needed community initiative. The new facility provides a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and features a 7-star energy rating and a 5-star green rating. It aligns with accessibility standards in Sliver Level Liveable Housing Standards and NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Improved Liveability Standard. Additionally, the properties situated at the north-east end of the Tandarook Botanic Gardens also feature outdoor courtyards, encouraging tenants to immediately feel part of the heart of the rural township. Chris said finding affordable rental housing was even more challenging for aged pensioners who were single, with only 0.1 per cent of listings considered affordable, and thanked Colonel Kelvin Merrett and Mission Engagement Officer Mark Kop for their passionate support in making the project a reality and transforming lives. Furthermore, he thanked Program Delivery Manager Tuyet-Anh Le and Housing Worker Connie Osborne for their dedication to bringing the project to life and Salvation Army Emergency Services for catering at the official launch. Youth housing project underway Salvation Army Housing CEO Chris Karagiannis (right) and a group of delegates take a look at the exciting new youth housing facilities nearing completion in western Melbourne. The other exciting new SAHV venture, a two-townhouse youth-specific housing project, is due for completion soon and will provide stable housing for local young people. The properties in Melbourne’s MetroWest will cater for five residents in each home. A tenancy life program has also been implemented for young people to build extended life skills. The aim is for the young people to be self-sufficient and independent, said Irena Baric, State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing. She said SAHV always worked closely with The Salvation Army’s social mission stream and was excited the community could benefit from its new housing projects. “There’s never enough housing,” Irena remarked. “What Salvation Army housing does is social and affordable housing. It is only 25-30 per cent of someone’s total income that is charged towards rent. All of this highlights the power of community and the power of succeeding in partnership with The Salvation Army’s homelessness service and youth, and through external stakeholders. “It is only then that we can really bring our mission to life because we focus on social housing and people most in need. It is through the public community we are able to transform lives.” Walking through the incredible youth space, Chris said the Salvos housing team could already imagine the transformations that would take place, with young people finding stability, support, and a future full of possibilities. “These homes are more than just bricks and mortar,” he said. “They are a launchpad for brighter futures!” The youth housing project is nearing completion in Melbourne’s MetroWest..

Mayor Jerry Clune (left) and Corps Officer Captain Tim Size with the new cooking facilities at the Geraldton Salvos’ Emergency Accommodation Units. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The City of Greater Geraldton has funded new cooking facilities in The Salvation Army’s Emergency Accommodation Units in Western Australia.   Jerry Clune, Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton, offered the gift of a new stove to better support those needing a safe place to stay and a new start.   “We have crisis accommodation on site here, and we were doing up the kitchen in one of our units,” says Tim Size, Corps Officer of Geraldton Salvos. “I asked the mayor if he would be able to help us buy a stove, and he said he would be happy to help.”   The cooking facilities were funded through a discretionary fund, the request following a past site visit with the mayor.   The housing crisis has seen homelessness increase across the country. The need for accommodation is on the rise not only in the metro Perth area but also in the regional areas. Geraldton Salvos have worked for over a year to build relationships with the local council and city leaders in this time of need.   “The mayor saw the value of our crisis units and the way we can help people into more stable living,” Tim says.   “This type of intervention has a great value to the community. It is training people to be more valued members of the community with our support.”   READ MORE: Meet the Officer: Captain Tim Size The Salvation Army offers various services and housing for individuals facing homelessness in three regions of Western Australia: Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, and Geraldton. Geraldton Salvos and Christine Offer, Team Leader with the Emergency Accommodation Referral and Support Service, have welcomed this generous support.   “The mayor also expressed an interest in helping us again in the future,” says Tim. “A quote I used with him is that ‘communities are better working together’.”

1.What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it?  My current appointment is Corps Officer at the Noarlunga Salvos, in the outer southern suburbs of Adelaide. There are many things I love about my corps. Firstly, it was the corps where I came to faith almost 23 years ago, and, as such, it has always held a very special place in my heart. I love the people within our faith community; they are so loving and embrace everyone, making them feel so valued and welcome. I love the community that surrounds us because they are messy and real! What a beautiful opportunity God gives us daily to show the love of Jesus to them all.    One of my greatest passions is the Christ-centred 12-step program that we run every Wednesday night. It is one of the most authentic places that I have ever had the privilege of serving in. This is an amazing space where the most vulnerable and broken can come and find acceptance, love, and, most importantly, healing as they journey through the 12 steps.   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   I have a large family that includes four married children and 13 grandchildren. I love to connect with them all! On a quieter note, however, I find much joy and peace in taking my two dogs, a mini Schnauzer (Jasper) and a Schnoodle (Pebbles), on long walks, usually to the beach, where I find solace and peace.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   I have many favourite songs, including the ‘Goodness of God’. This was released around the time I was suffering from excruciating chronic back pain. The mornings were the hardest for me as I tried to manoeuvre myself out of bed and take the weight of my body onto my feet. I would open up Spotify and play the song. The lyrics gave me such hope ... All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God. I chose to worship and believe that God would bring healing to me and continued to put my faith and hope in His goodness and faithfulness. Every time I hear this song, I think of that difficult season and praise Him for the physical healing he has brought to me.   4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?   This is a difficult question because I find great inspiration in so many of the Biblical characters. They were an ordinary bunch of people who put their hope in an extraordinary God. I guess Jeremiah would be a key one for me. Known as the weeping prophet, I, too, connected with His heart and have always felt a burden for the wayward children of God. Many years ago, God spoke to me through Jeremiah chapter one: “ I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations .” Then Jeremiah cried out to the Lord, “ I can’t speak, I am too young!” But the Lord’s reply is what I have held on to over and over again: “Look, I have put words in your mouth.” I connect very much with Jeremiah’s feeling of inadequacy. I am sure if we got together, we would have an awesome conversation about trusting the Lord to work through us and our journey to that place of complete trust and faith in the Lord.   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I believe that if you are called to officership, then it is a calling that you can never shake, and you won’t settle until you answer the call of God on your life. I love it!! With a passion! It’s hard, tiring, but always rewarding. It brings diversity, it stretches you, challenges you, but there is absolutely no other place I would rather be than serving the Lord through The Salvation Army and fulfilling His purposes and plans for my life. It is rewarding and life-giving!! I feel honoured and blessed that He called me to serve Him in this way!

MORE Conference  is an annual event hosted by The Salvation Army, dedicated to strengthening and advancing our ministry to young people. This gathering equips attendees with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to effectively engage with emerging generations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners and speakers who will address key issues facing youth and those serving in youth ministry.  Beyond training and development, MORE Conference  is a powerful opportunity to connect with other leaders from across the country, engage with new ideas, and be encouraged in your ministry. Attendees will also experience meaningful times of prayer and worship, creating space for spiritual refreshment and a renewed sense of purpose. We invite all individuals involved in youth ministry within The Salvation Army to join us for this transformative and inspiring event.  For 2025, we have invited special guests to speak on the topics of  MORE Leaders, MORE Ministries, MORE Young People , and  MORE Jesus .  We’re thrilled to be hearing from:  Danielle Strickland  Shelley Johnson  Pastor Nathan Bean  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas   Revolution Worship will lead us in worship throughout the conference, and various workshops are also part of the schedule.  DETAILS:   Begins: Wednesday 23rd July at 4pm  Concludes: Saturday 26th July at 1pm  Location: Presence Church, Gold Coast  COST:   Conference registration fee: $75 (transport and accommodation to be arranged by attendee).  REGISTRATION:   Registrations are open from now until 16th July  GUEST SPEAKERS:   Danielle Strickland   (awaiting bio and headshot)   Shelley Johnson Meet Shelley Johnson. Her mission: to build leaders they’ll want to follow and teams they’ll never want to leave. Shell is the founder at Boldside – the leadership & HR agency for bold businesses.   Shell has led large HR teams for over a decade, coaching executives to become stand-out leaders, and build a culture that has people talking — and applying.  She’s the host of This Is Work where she’s helped thousands of people lead teams and build a career they love. Her work as an HR professional has been featured in many major publications and news outlets across Australia and internationally.  Pastor Nathan Bean Pastor Nathan Bean is the Senior Pastor of Nexus Church. He and his wife Rebecca and their two sons, Cooper and Emerson, joined the Nexus Church family in June 2018.  Ps Nathan has a genuine love for God, His word and the local Church. He is an ordained minister and has been in ministry for over 16 years in thriving churches in both Australia and the US.   He communicates with passion and humour as he seeks to unpack the truth of the Bible and the power of the Gospel each time he preaches and in his everyday life.  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas My favourite roles have been being a corps planter, corps officer, and Chief Secretary in PNG. I love the people of the nations! I have also loved my time as a DYS, and Divisional and Territorial roles. The people that I have met along the journey have made it an amazing experience.  The rallying cry in these days will be … Jesus centred, Spirit led, Hope revealed. Believing big!! In a post covid, post Christian, postmodern world, I have watched God do some amazing things, in my last appointment. The days have changed. We must be the church. Jesus centred, Spirit led, Hope revealed will be key in these days. God is up to something very good. Let's join Him in that. As Catherine Booth said, "There is no improving the future, without disturbing the present". ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:   There are a few accommodation options for attending MORE Conference  Hotels & Airbnb - There are plenty of local hotels and Airbnb's within walking distance of Presence Church.